Trump’s comments to right-wing media figure Tucker Carlson last night at an event in Glendale, Arizona, about former representative Liz Cheney (R-WY), coming as they have after the extraordinary racism and sexism of Trump’s Sunday event at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, have have highlighted the centrality of the campaign's attack on women.
Saw that clip of frump doing frat boy things to his microphone. While I’m happy for people to have differing views from me, I have to say that if I met anyone who is still going to vote for 45 after that nationally embarrassing piece of trash theatre, I would readily assume they are indeed living in a gutter.
Think of it: the world saw that. The damage this person has visited upon the USA is inestimable.
The ex-president of the US miming a blow job at a rally and on TV. I bet he enjoyed that as much as he enjoyed his fantasy about soldiers shooting Liz Cheney in the face. Monstrous and demented.
And wasn't it last week he was admiring a golfer's supposed large penis? Perhaps his life long abuse of women is just hiding his true orientation - not that the gay community wants anything to do with this abomination.
I have previously posted here my account of being employed by a vociferous homophobe who was subsequently arrested and convicted of soliciting sex from underage young men. He was the first of many examples that support my belief that the loudest critics of gay and bi men are closet cases.
Donald's philandering is his way of convincing himself and everyone else that he is heterosexual.
One reason so many men are so homophobic, is that they can't imagine anyone treating them as they treat women. But, I agree that homophobia also reflects many men's shame about and disavowal of their own sexual desires for other men, perhaps even wanting to be the "submissive" one.
I think one must be careful about stating conjecture as though it were fact. I cannot think of a homophobe I've known who was abusive or disrespectful toward women. Also, I don't think it's useful to guess what role a homophobe might want to play in a scenario he loathes.
I agree with experts who suggest that homophobia is created by external pressures, not internal. As with most prejudices, boys and men are taught by their social superiors to disapprove of homosexuality from an early age. This disapproval originates with The Church.
Same-sex relationships were not uncommon in ancient cultures and continued until the rise to power of the Roman Catholic Church. Feeling threatened by the spread of Islam, the Vatican believed that Catholicism could overwhelm Muslims by outnumbering them. They broke with Judaic and Orthodox tradition and condemned practices that would limit the number of births among Catholics, including homosexuality and abortion. They did so by misinterpreting and misusing scripture to support their condemnation.
It wasn't conjecture and I did use the phrase "one reason" in offering an explanation for why some men are homophobic. The church has been very successful in generating shame in men (and women) for having some natural desires, or just curiosity or inclinations toward same sex intimacy. So it's not just being taught, but it's being shamed. Then it's an internal process which drives some men to act on their homophobia. And as some men do mistreat women, their homophobia is also shaped by their fear of being treated in that same way. The mistreatment can include viewing women as inferior, and objectifying them. I suspect that many men don't like being objectified any more than women do.
The appearance of the oh-so-handsome Johnny McEntee in Trump's entourage - as his "body man" no less - caused this gay man's gaydar to start clanging to beat the band.
Well, I guess handsomeness is in the eye of the beholder. But then, Trump’s various and sundry women weren’t/aren’t nearly as gorgeous as some seem to think. The current iteration (not Laura Loomer) looks hard as nails and without pounds of makeup, would have no eyes at all.
Terry, I agree with you about “orientation” and abomination is the right description. Simulating oral sex on the stage is beyond sick. What came to my mind are his small fingers which some have compared to the size of his penis. Another point – but now he says he wants to protect women if they like it or not. Substitute the word protect with control. I am saddened about HCR’s discussion of MAGA men controlling how their wives vote – or perhaps preventing them from voting? Already the SCOTUS has ruled or over-ruled in favor of purging a large number of voters in Viginia. I fear the SCOTUS will declare the 19th Amendment is unconstitutional and take us back 100 years.
The 19th Amendment can't be found unconstitutional, because it is part of the Constitution. It would have to be repealed through the same process that it was passed originally and that it highly unlikely to happen.
Though we should remember that recently the Supreme Court seemed to ignore the plain meaning of the 14th Amendment with regard to a prohibition against people who had raised a rebelliion against the United States running for office.
Anyone else an opera buff? Ever since he talked about "protecting" women, I've been reminded of one of the laugh lines in "Don Giovanni". When Don G is caught making a pass, he says "Esibisco la mia protezione". His servant Leporello follows suit, and quickly says that he too is exhibiting his ...protection. Well, in the opera it's funny.
It's actually quite common, that men demand their wives vote like they do, and it's also common that some of these women will act more independently once in the voting booth. It's amazing how many men are terrified of women's independence and power.
One thing to keep clear is that it is difficult for SCOTUS to declare a constitutional amendment "unconstitutional". Being part of the constitution is the very essence of something being constitutional. They may not like it but the only way to strike down something that is part on the constitution is to repeal it. I don't think the courts have ever done what you suggest they could. It just doesn't make any sense. I'm not saying they couldn't try but I think it would quickly escalate into a REAL constitutional crisis.
Yeah I thought about that in conjunction with his oral assault on the mic.
I was wondering if he was thinking of Palmer's "putter" at the time.
I mean, this is a guy who breaks into a dance on stage for 30 minutes during a rally. Who knows what goes on in what remains of his mind at this point?
What should he have done during that 30 minutes while two medical emergencies were happening in the audience? Should he have kept speaking, or gone full out break dancing? What is wring with you toy callous jerk? Don’t like his politics, fine, but his behavior during this situation is probably the best thing he could have done.
The people who fainted had been taken care of, but Cheetolini just got tired of answering “questions” (softballs from cult members), so he stopped. Lazy and senile. Great combination.
Hmm. Well, maybe he should have said he was going to stop speaking and then quietly left the stage until he knew the people were being taken care of? Maybe have expressed some concern? Tossed a few rolls of paper towels?
"His behavior during this situation is probably the best thing he could have done." Sadly, you are probably right. That was the Stable Genius at his best.
See, this is what Putin has over The Don. He knows that he’s bisexual and probably has film and pics to prove it. Vlad probably has the same over Ms. Lindsey Graham too.
Putin made an off-the-cuff remark which got picked up on the news. Then later (I think the next day) his handlers disavowed this and said his support for Harris was just a joke. I'm sure at least one or two people were surprised.
I once had an idea for a sculpture. Trump enters a gender neutral bathroom and exits as a porn star. The image was too grizzly to cast into permanence.
Let's hope no one is buying bullets out of petty cash ... so 3 states so far won't "let" federal authorities provide additional protection at voting locations? Interesting bit of stand -off.
Frank, I no longer feel any sense of security that such a thing could not happen. In fact, I assume it can and will. I would be even more despairing if I didn’t live in Blue Minnesota.
There seems to be a difference of opinion on who has jurisdiction - feds or local authorities. I'm not a lawyer, have no clue what the legal reality is, but my instinct says fed beats local on matters of public safety. We could look it up if we knew which three states and the wording of their refusals.
maybe it got discussed on msnbc half of them are lawyers and they have lawyer guess galore esp over trump, anyway, more in the news maybe, maybe the states just tell feds what they will do for security and everyone take a break
It could be worse: could be the Republican Candidate for the next Presidency of the US. Think of that! I think he's lost it. Needs tranquillising. Or something.
Trump’s “concepts of a plan” would crash the economy of the US and make the pandemic look like child’s play. We have made investments over decades for our retirement. Trump’s stupid ideas could crash the stock market taking our retirement with it. Try the big Cheetos for his treason and throw him in jail. He has never been held accountable for anything until very recently. Enough already!
JennSH, this is why I am amazed that so many Rs still support him. Ordinary people will be in a world of hurt as they say goodbye to Social Security, Medicare, and the ACA. Not only would the US suffer, but the world economy as well.
Well, he can, Gayle, but he must not. I think the gurlz are on it. So are the Latinos, now. I expect LeBron James will bring some male sports fans on board. And Ahnold will haul in some Haley voters.
I know a sweet man who is voting Dem for his first time in his 50 years. Mostly because his team is anti-science now, but we had a long talk about what it means to be a democracy. What will he go back to? Can they morph back from a cult in two years?
so some businesses or more are already making contingency supply plans, including of course, passing prices along to consumers. Then imagine a mass deportation of employed undocumented immigrants getting underway after inauguration, then thousands of federal employee layoffs as depts gets axed etc.
I still like Michelle's "they go low, we go high". We win with votes. If America loses Tuesday I blame the voters as much as the despot and his sycophant. He can go the Mars but his types are still here.
He probably has a form of dementia, but won’t admit it, and too many people are willing to ignore his pathological statements and intentions. I take Trump at his word in the evil things he wants to do, but not in his promises that they will improve the country. They will make us worse off, and Musk’s promises of temporary economic hardship are lies. They will mean the permanent impoverishment of most people for the benefit of billionaires like Musk, as nothing is ever enough to sate their greed.
As an ex-pat New Yorker, I subscribed to NY-based publications for a long time. The Trump family appeared in the press frequently. Mary Trump has filled in gaps in press coverage. No doubt, Donald is in the throes of dementia now, but it is only exacerbating his lifelong deficiencies. He was recognized by his family as "the dumb one," and they used their wealth to shield him from being exposed.
Fred Trump bought Donald's enrollment into exclusive schools . His grades were fabricated. Later, he paid others to take his tests when he could. This is why his school records are kept under wraps.
Fred Trump was a sleazy slumlord, son of a brothel owner, based in Queens, not an enclave for aristocrats. Mary Anne Trump was a Scottish immigrant who made a living as a house cleaner until she married Fred. By cutting corners and cheating his tenants, Fred amassed some wealth, but he and his wife never acquired any refinement, and Donald is a product of that low-class mentality.
Fred expected Donald to break the glass ceiling that blocked the Trumps from joining Manhattan aristocracy. Despite Fred's investment of millions in that mission, his crude, crass son failed. Most of Donald's perpetual anger and grievance stems from that rejection. He has turned his vengeance on society in general.
As his deteriorating mind loses its grasp of reality, social restraints are breaking and he is reacting to his life's situation as a cornered, rabid dog.
Recently I saw an interview by Al Jazeera with Mary L Trump [niece of Donald Trump] who is a Psychologist. It is so revealing of the Trump Family...and captures so much of your conversation above and more.
Below is most revealing also...
10 Signs of a Malignant Narcissist
Malignant narcissists often experience severe dysfunctions in their personal relationships, work, and ability to function in other areas of life. Their reckless behavior, disregard for others, and inability to form healthy relationships can make them easier to spot than people with fewer traits or more mild or ‘covert’ forms of narcissism.
Below are 10 common signs of a malignant narcissist:
1. They Use, Abuse, & Discard People
One of the main signs of a malignant narcissist is their long history of using, abusing, and discarding people who are no longer useful to them. Those closest to them will often see a pattern of broken relationships and friendships, as well as family members and significant others who have become useless or irrelevant to them. A malignant narcissist may very quickly drop someone after they’ve used this person to fulfill their narcissistic supply.
2. They Are Obsessed With Power
Malignant narcissists are often hungry for power and obsessed with ways to get more of it. They often vie for jobs that afford them this power or form relationships with people who are vulnerable to their control. Because they lack the ability to find worth within themselves, they have an extreme need for positions of superiority to make them feel successful.
3. Everything Is Personal for Them
To a malignant narcissist, everything is personal. If a person makes a joke about them, forgets to call them back, or if they are passed over for a promotion at work, they will be deeply offended and angry, triggering a narcissistic collapse. In the narcissist’s world, there is no such thing as an explanation for why someone does not treat them in the way they expect (and in their mind, deserve) to be treated.
4. They Hold Grudges & Take Revenge
A malignant narcissist is easily offended and when they are, their revenge can be brutal. People with this personality disorder tend to hold long grudges against anyone who has wronged or slighted them in any way. Even disagreeing with them, providing feedback, or questioning something said can result in swift, anger-filled revenge. A malignant narcissist may punish others by lashing out, ignoring them, or even cutting them off altogether.
5. They Take Pleasure From the Suffering of Others
Malignant narcissists can be cruel and even display traits similar to those with sadistic personality disorder, seeming to take a sick pleasure or satisfaction in the suffering of others. They may laugh or mock, intentionally humiliate, or use personal knowledge against someone. Unfortunately, this also means that they can be predators who will manipulate, abuse, and exploit people, either for personal gain or just for fun.
6. Nothing Is Ever Their Fault
Narcissists (and especially malignant narcissists) usually do not take the blame for any of their words or actions, even when they’re clearly in the wrong. Instead, they tend to lash out, get defensive, and find ways to blame other people, even when they have to bend and distort the truth to do so.
7. They Are Ruthless in Their Pursuit of What They Want
Malignant narcissists will often be ruthless in their pursuit of power, wealth, success, or recognition. When they want something, there may not be any line they’re unwilling to cross to get it, even at the direct expense of others who they say they care about. They may lie, manipulate, use, or even discredit people in order to get what they want.
8. They Don’t Have a Conscience
A lack of empathy or regard for the feelings of others is a symptom of both APD and NPD, and is common in malignant narcissists. People with this personality type will often have no remorse or regret for things they’ve done that have caused harm. Sometimes, it may be necessary to fake remorse in order to get what they want. However, typically they will admit no wrongdoing at all and genuinely don’t feel bad for their behavior.
9. They Have Many Enemies
It should come as no surprise that a malignant narcissist will have a long list of enemies, usually one that includes former friends, lovers, and members of their own family. They tend to make enemies easily as even the slightest offense can cause them to discard anyone. Because relationships are only a means to an end for them, it’s fairly easy for a malignant narcissist to break off a tie, even with those close to them.
10. No One Will See Their Insecurities
Deep down, narcissists are extremely insecure. However, a malignant narcissist will never let these insecurities show to others. Instead, they will become defensive, lash out, shut down, or even destroy relationships when they feel threatened. They will often mask their low self-esteem behind a façade of arrogance or grandiosity.
Lovely pocket history, Dale. It's possible for new money to climb into aristocratic society, but not by open displays of vulgarity. If he had managed to get into that enclave, we'd all be saying how eccentric he is, not how demented. At least we can name him for what he is since he's still a commoner. And there's no one commoner than that suckling pig on the podium.
Timothy Snyder to Molly Jong-Fast (paraphrasing): International oligarchs have more in common with each other than with their countrymen. And oligarchic control results in the impoverishment of their countries (see: Russia, Hungary, Venezuela).
Kathy, t & co are a gang of sociopaths & psychopaths who want to belong to putting kim ill and errorbegone.
I so wish it was only dementia. But I agree with you he must have it in one form or another. Here, even in MA I’m bracing myself for violence even as
I’ve been basically an optimist up to this juncture. It’s amazing these goons feel so safe they can easily to talk about shooting, rounding up their ‘enemies’. Of course, that language incites the uneducated followers even here.
Lies and truth mixed in to fool the fools. HE will improve for his rich bastards from what he takes from enemies (most of us). Hitler used Jewish treasure for his war chest. You are so right. Muskrat is as narcissistic as chump
Well, I simply don’t understand about the modern-day liberal is they seem to be negative in advance…. and fatalists which is really kind of sad when they live in America. Why don’t you wait and see as you might remember he was already our president and things were pretty damn good other than Covid, which was a global pandemic a once a century problem Elon musk was a lifelong Democrat, but I guess you forget that now that he has an R in front of his name. Elon Musk should be elected the leader of the FreeWorld for his ingenuity, his wrist, taking his inventions which exceed anything our government has ever been able to do you realize that. I kind of feel sorry for you that you’re so negative about tomorrow, but hopefully you’ll be open minded enough to watch and see. Why don’t you Google Trump administration accomplishments so you see both sides of the coin dismiss what you’d like but they’re there for you to see
Alexander, Of course, he enjoyed it because he has long been a total sleaze. I do smile at the attempts of Rs to walk back items like the Cheney firing squad and little Johnson saying he didn't hear the question accurately.
What if Liz Cheney were to challenge Trump to meet her at noon on Sunday (or any time, any day) on 5th Avenue. Pistols at 20 paces, or whatever the traditional rules call for. I bet that she's a better shot than he is... And I know that she's not a coward.
Diana, his mask is crumbling. Look at his fantasy about Liz Cheney: says it all, doesn’t it? If a woman says ‘no’ to Donny, the b*tch might as well deserve to die in his eyes. How _can_ she refuse him, the big, strong , sexy man? Heaven forbid the woman is intelligent enough to think for herself, too! Better shoot her, then.
I’m appelled at the blatant misogyny the Convicted Orange Felon is displaying, as well as his cult followers, but on the other hand it’s a good thing: as said, the masks are crumbling and these so-called “Christians” and “patriots” are showing their true, women-hating colours. Although one could argue if it’s really hate: I think, deep down, they are afraid of women.
One of my favorite Trump anecdotes: While he was a "student" at Penn, he noticed a cute coed named Candice Bergen had been elected homecoming queen or some such honor. According to what I read, he considered her "hot" and invited her on a date in his (as I remember...) burgundy Cadillac convertible. Her answer? "ABSOLUTELY NOT!"
Yes, they are afraid of women and the inborn power that we have to direct, coordinate, manage, and succeed in anything we do. Not to mention that we are the ones who bring life into the world. How else do you explain the early church rhetoric that put women in a subordinate position in the first place? A group of small-minded, insecure, men with damaged thinking blamed women for being "tempting" to them and had to do something to make themselves feel powerful.
When I was a young woman, Richard Quine directed a black comedy called, " Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feelin' So Sad." It was an early (1960s) attempt of the present-day "women's movement" to throw off the latest round of paternalism that began when the "monotheistic" religions overthrew the earlier matriarchies... Kamala Harris said yesterday in a Milwaukee interview that her faith informs her opinion that the leader of the free world should be (paraphrasing) the one who will do good works to bring people together and lift them up. Enough said.
Oh my. you must be talking about the emperor Constantine and the appropriation of the church by the western Roman aristocracy! Convenient that. the first 200 years of the church was. could have been, should have been written by women. they got shit done then and they get shit done now. That darned Constantine fella.....
Mrs Trump’s Cadillac had the license plate Mrs T. She had a black driver and would drive around the neighborhood going to the apartment buildings they owned collecting the quarters from the washing machines. How sweet, mommy lent Young Donald the family car so he could go out on a date. Yep, there is a sprinkle of snarky with my coffee this morning.
Nope. To be honest: it is quite the opposite. I find it totally attractive when a woman is intelligent. This "playing-dumb" bimbo-ish stuff really puts me off...
Exactly! Small, scared men failing to meet the 21st century pining for the 19th century when men were men...and women and Black people were kept in their place by them, no right to vote, own property or question their behavior.
I was denied a bank card in 1973, some bullshit about my work history not being long enough. Got married and husband got a card no problem, even tho he had no job at the time, was fulltime student
In early 1971, a single woman, I received an unsolicited Mastercard (the actual card) in the mail. I remember within a few months because I lived in the location for only a few months before moving from a converted 3-car garage to small 1-bedroom apartment a few blocks down the beach.
Oddly enough, re Barbara (NJ)'s comment, I had been working only a month or so after at least 5 months not employed. No application requested. I believe sending unsolicited credit cards was soon made illegal, OR credit card companies realized it was pretty stupid to send cards to unvetted clients. I don't recall which.
they are indeed. Ever hear Magas take men to task for insistent sex et al. Men do the raping "by and large", so while i somewhat understand male sexual frustration in modern society thanks to biology , dominance and woman blaming is another kettle of fish, sadly deeply written into the historical record. Women have put with more than a lot these many many centuries.
All of this is true. Not a few women have gotten the better of Trump, and he is only capable of viewing women in sexual terms, not as intelligent humans capable of many things. The way he’s publicly discussed his daughter Ivanka in ways no reputable father would do, is typical of Trump.
Hehehehhh... yuppr David. Up heahh, it's more-correctly pronounced C*cksuckahh. And, you know what David.., I havce the distinct impression that Bill Barr and #45 just blew each other awayyyy along with all the Proud Boyz. Now there's some "family values" for ya. Huh.
Just like the use of words that end in uck. So unnecessary in a civilized society, much less in public office or the government of this nation. We need to haul this back a notch. I guess it's just a reflection of the level of frustration we are feeling. Please don't blame the "media".., to me the media just conveys the illiteracy expressed by public figures, such as those within our dis-functional Congress, the kow-towing senators, phoney-news bloviators, some judges, etc. And, need I say it.. those who would lie to our face or deny saying something they were recorded saying. Quite simply, we're just at a loss for words. It's nutty.
He’s a gift that keeps on giving Mike, every time he opens his yap something monstrous comes out, that any sane person wants nothing to do with. That said there is the risk that a majority of our fellow Americans might like what he says, which says a lot about their intelligence. Given how entrenched the repugnantkins are in our culture, they totally blew it by nominating him to be their standard bearer, if a younger more sane repugnantkin was their nominee, we might have a much tougher fight on our hands. Think about how smoothly what’s his name Vance lies, the repugnantkin threat is not going away, they will learn from their mistakes and become more dangerous to our democracy. I could be wrong and it’s possible that they might learn their lesson and start to focus on the betterment of all Americans, like Ike’s republicans did, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on that happening. The repugnantkin threat is deeply ingrained in the maggot base and there will be no end of people who will want to use them for their own ends. If we keep defeating them in the mid-terms and generals they will eventually fade into irrelevance, which is where they belong in the first place, since they offer nothing for the benefit of all Americans only the very wealthiest among us who need their help the least.
Dutch, I think it is much deeper…. They are , as someone already mentioned, afraid of who they aren’t! Healthy humans aren’t needing to demean anyone else in order to feel power. Poor lot of them…. If they could just go home and leave the rest of us alone.
Well, if I was a convicted felon and abuser, I’d be afraid of both Kamala Harris and Liz Cheney for good reason. Do you think the orange squash will melt before our very eyes?
Professor Lawrence Tribe posted to his 1.5 Million followers that Trump's act " ... is a criminal threat to kill LIZ CHENEY" . Prosecute the Perp.
Per the North Carolina State Board of Elections, "more than 4 Million in NC have cast their Ballots" as of 2 pm Friday. That is 4,009,149 Ballots to be exact "more than 51.2% of NC's Registered Voters." Reject the Wreck.
As Heather reported this week, the white Christian Nationalist preachers are ordering the women attending their churches to vote for Trump.
And, as my niece witnessed several Trump since inside a Catholic Church in Omaha while attending a wedding.
Wouldn't the Catholic Church have a fit if they lost their 501c3 status and had to pay property taxes on all of their lavish real estate holdings across the US?
Gary, they continue to lose some of those holdings -- didn't I just read a few days ago the San Francisco diocese was ordered to pay nearly a billion in compensation?
Well Doug.., good spot. The "San Francisco diocese".., now there's definitely a load of C*suckahhs in-bedded there. They've been allowed to protect their own for ages, hiding in plain sight.. ostensibly, under the grace-of-god. Will they continue to do so? Money talks. Kind of like some hypo-critic oath chiseled in stone somewhere in the cellars of Rome.
It is. Our newspaper in Bay City Mi has not reported on this. And now I'm wondering if this is a relative of my late husband. How cruel to do this to him.
Well.., since the Church is the keeper of the keys, the perverts are just moved from one location to another. And, the people who absolutely know what is going on are guilty as well. At the same time though, this stuff illustrates how such behavior exists throughout societies or cultures or religions everywhere. Every one of them now exposed by the internet. Very difficult to make some sense of it all.
The funniest moments are when you tell a Christian Trumper how Jesus was Jewish - not Christian. This stumps many of the young folks who are self-described Christians and have no clue about religion.
Christianity lost its way a very long time ago, when it became a patriarchy taking orders from the Vatican. I wonder what Jesus would have thought of the pomp and ceremony and ornate churches and the weird and ridiculous costumes. Just give money, and redemption is yours.
Yes Gary, specially those pious protestant men that are possible sleeping better by knowing that trump, found liable for sexual assault, will protect their wives, sisters and mothers...😵💫
It’s just another version of “I could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and not lose a single supporter,” isn’t it? He’s somewhere between a perpetually horny adolescent bragging among his peers and a toddler continually testing the limits of his parents to see if they care enough about him to discipline his behavior. His personality disorder is on full display, but his inhibitions are failing him, a typical sign of dementia.
You nailed it, Maureen. Far from normal and nowhere near presidential. JD Vance is probably practicing his presidential address, which is very scary. 🤮🤢 vote them all away!!
There are many ways that dementia manifests. Could be late stage syphilis as far as we know. Also, he may not drink but he reportedly abuses adderall like it’s his job!
Yep and I studied them in grad school. Then I met one head on. Always so glad I didn’t meet the others. Chump is damaged but damage and evil are not mutually exclusive.
Not likely the people you might want to hear or read will take it in. But Snyder has seen the gruesome outcomes in spades, try his Borderlands, the biggest thing though when he talks about the strongman fantasy is that there are all too many willing to be organized to do the killing. Given that record, the strongman fantasy is more than just that.
Brief excerpt from Timothy Snyder link provided by Michael Corthell:
“At least, the fantasy goes, the strongman will get things done. But dictatorial power today is not about achieving anything positive. It is about preventing anyone else from achieving anything. The strongman is really the weak man: his secret is that he makes everyone else weaker. “
As a lot of people are, I'm embarrassed for my country. The world looks at us with amazement and fear at our stupidity for having someone on the ballot of this caliber. If we get past this, there needs to be some guidelines going forward for candidates to the highest office in the nation.
And by the way, as I read it, I said OMG out loud. My husband, reading it a few minute later, made a disgusted noise, so I knew he hit the same spot in the letter.
I looked through all of the cites in Dr. Richardson's Letter for today and couldn't find anything resembling Trump simulating oral sex with his microphone. While it's in many ways a trashy, unnecessary aside compared to all the other, better documented misbehaviours, I'd appreciate it if you could post a link to the clip.
It is just as easy to write (and it would be true) that the world thinks tremendously of the United States of America. Why? Our economy is the best in the world and is a master class in how to rebound from the economic devastation of a pandemic. We elected an honored and experienced world leader in the person of Joe Biden in 2020. We have a candidate who embodies what the United States stands for in the person of Kamala Harris.
The world sees our leadership in Ukraine, our strengthening of NATO, our fight against the dominance of China economically, our establishment of the Japan, Australia, India USA Alliance, Our capable representative in Secretary Blinken, etc.
The World Leaders are smart people and see the big picture. As for the people enjoying their weekends in France, Italy, and all over the world I doubt they care a whit about this election.
Unfortunately there are too many of those living in a gutter. Hopefully a coalition of Women, Puerto Ricans, Muslims and many other decent American overwhelming defeat this "genius " whose main ability is cheating, being dishonest and offensive. Let's see if he alone can fix this.
And to think how aghast the R's were that Bill Clinton got a little blow job in his office. As if it weren't a normal part of sex. Oh, but Clinton LIED about it! Really, MAGA? You give a tinker's damn about lies?
We have to keep calling him out on his lunatic stuntery and turning our backs on him. America will survive the shame if we clearly shun him, better yet jail his sorry ass. Really he belongs in an institution for the criminally insane, but I can live with prison.
This letter should be preserved for the ages and used in future classes of history and civics to clearly define the process of diminished statesmen who want to burn the country down because of their lack of ethics and commitment to the good of the citizens of the United States. Thanks Heather!
No, it's rather a phalange of evils; 1) a deeply corrupted, multiply-perjured Clarence court, six of the nine of them serving medieval mendacity and totally modern U.S. billionaire oligarchy; 2) an entire political party in sucking service to the many U.S. nihilist billionaires and the Rapture-mad evangelist, patriarchy demented; and 3) all those billionaires who pushed their group-think, abstracted-categorical-packaged, and neutered but linear simpleton standardized testing to strangle all U.S. ed.
I was enjoying your rant until the last sentence. But it's your thing, Phil, so whatever! Just remember that pretty well everyone here has been the beneficiary of standardized testing, both pro and con.
As a beneficiary of standardized testing who served eleven years as a high school teacher, I say standardized testing stinks. It measures how well you can take tests, with some cultural bias thrown in. It excludes creative thinking. It mischaracterizes students who know the material but don’t test well. Among those who have the expected culture and test well, it can sort to some extent, but that’s not nearly as useful as the tests claim to be. In other words, they are at best a massive waste of time and money.
This election is proving that our education system has failed many students. They have no critical thinking skills. They somehow think that a narcissist, sociopath, misogynist "man" is a good choice for President despite what he says and does. He is a vile disgusting piece of 💩
They were inveighing against public education when i was a kid in the 50s. I remember reading a book So Little for the Mind complaining about rote education. As a fledgeling teacher I once was attempting to get a 12 year to think through a math problem. Just show me the steps, please, was her answer. I wouldnt totally take it out of "our education system". The LEAST popular part of math classes was problem solving. We're an "algorithm loving species", Judy, creatures of habit, among other things, mind you. There's a reason only relatively few sign up for scientific, mathematical, engineering careers and so on. It's "hard". As for the politics stuff, that's emotional indoctrination. I also remember a commentator remark on how difficult it is to "teach" critical thinking skills. That's at every level. Of course, you can have a genius car mechanic, a brilliant oil man, no mean feat, be a Trump fanatic, no sweat.
I was an Independent voter until Trump appeared on the scene. I changed my affiliation to Democrat. Voters need to think about the person they are voting for, not the party they are affiliated with, especially when referring to Trump.
Urge you, Frank, to read Diane Ravitch, "The Language Police."
Standardized testing has changed -- big-time. It stresses neutered language, going directly against, at odds with, anything human, individual, or personal. Homogenized instead, in service to the faceless corporate, the abstracted categorical, the group-fit, the unit-by-unit chronological linear.
Please read, too, the dozens of pages of appendices in the Diane Ravitch specifying how the actual tests level off, package what used to be human into what now generates group cultists, repetitive slogans, catch-words fit to demagoguery.
Standardized testing, Frank, has oozed its way into the wider public which is so poisoned now, intolerant, mass-angry, empty of the generous, patient human and instead massively full of hatred.
Phil, I suspect standardized testing in Canada is pretty much the same as American, likely mostly imported from the states, and what of UK, for example. Yet neither country have remotely the degree of homicides, prison incarcerations, the degree of political incendiary, though certainly at times heated. So, what gives, Phil? I"ll google Diane Ravitch. I have heard similar complaints eg about gender neutral language as a token to acceptance of TSLGPTQ+ but that is political correctness. It used to be negro was accepted language, now it's forbidden. I have trouble trying to make sense of "faceless corporate, the abstracted categorical" etc here. I doubt that's got anything to do with why a couple of teens walked into Columbine with guns blazing, or Waco, or the Watts Riots. I'll mainly stick to my point for the time being but check around.
Thanks Phil, yes I could have used stronger language but it would imply that everybody who votes for this side is evil which many of the advocates on Substack are working the phones, postcards, door to door connection with these voter to educate and embrace on the right side of history. Diminish is perhaps more applicable to my writing skills at 2:52 AM after being at a great costume party and finding a little bit of Joy (quoting Kamala) is this nauseating and traumatic time.
Leni Riefebstahl’s documentary TRIUMPH OF THE WILL celebrated the new Fuhrer in 1934 and his message of racial purity.
We have the opportunity of learning from history and preventing a documentary, TRIUMPH OF THE SCHLEMIEL, which would celebrate white racial purity in America.
I lived through the final twelve years if Hitler’s life. I was exposed to his ‘1,000 year Reich,’ Goebbels, Himmler, and the Holocaust.
For those who say that it couldn’t happen here, I could quote prominent Germans who had the same misconception, as Hitler wormed his way into the Reichstag.
At 91 I have never seen my country in such peril. I am astonished that we may be a whisker away from being a democracy or an authoritarian country without a functioning Constitution or federal justice.
America has been preserved with HAIL MARYS in the past, starting with George Washington and his remarkable Battle of Trenton.
Lincoln had a HAIL MARY, when he refused to surrender the Northern garrison at Fort Sumter, The South, by attacking the fort, started the Civil War. If they had not taken Lincoln’s bait, most likely the Southern states could not have been prevented from physical secession and the splintering of the United States of America.
FDR was the HAIL MARY who, through providing hope and bold initiatives, brought a democratic America through the Great Depression.
We desperately require another HAIL MARY on November 5th to preserve the America that I fervently want my five grandchildren to inherit.
I do not think this election is as close as polls suggest. After doing some research on how polls are weighted and interpreted, I see that polls from trusted sources are given more weight than those from other sources. The problem seems to be that those other sources include a great many right-wing you-tubers, many of whom make up their data from whole cloth. While these polls are not counted as heavily as say a PBS poll, they are counted, and there are a lot of them. Any meta-analysis using such methods will fail to be predictive. Still, the election will be close (this fact simply astounds me). It is my fervent hope that your grandchildren inherit a strong, vibrant, if messy, democracy.
I am skeptical as well. If so many Repubs are going with Harris and theoretically half of Independents are, as well as more women who are more likely to vote than men, how can it be so close? NPR talks about young single non-college men gravitating toward the macho man idea. It might be a backlash against more educated young women who spurn them as well as Trump? I'm just conjecturing here.
I like the way you think. My fingers are getting tired but I'm hanging onto my reasonably well-informed optimism with every scrap of will and strength I can muster.
And let’s not forget that the right wing billionaire media owners are tipping the scales and reporting in his favor… for the election but also because he is manipulating his stock to launder dark money.
I too agree. It seems as if the news/ pollsters are talking about every niche group of voters- Latinos, young men, black men, rural voters- except for women. And women are registering in record numbers, vote overwhelming democratic, have boosted early voter turnout, and are furious about the Dobbs decision. And abortion rights have won in every election in the last 2 years, even in Kansas. Not sure why female voters aren’t getting more attention as the news splices every demographic.
I've never given any weight to any poll, they are too easily skewed to show what the client wants them to show. Somebody is paying for that poll and they want their monies worth.
Simon Goldberg and others try to tease the polls into neutral, vs biased, usually towards Maga. On his account there is something like 3 plus points difference. All remain within the "margin of error". Then again, there is some expert analysis that says sample sizes are too small and not sufficiently random to be very accurate. Whatever ensues, this will hardly be the first time polls have missed big elections. I think Truman was widely predicted to be electorally slaughtered. Didn't happen. Ill put my hopes on your thoughts and Simon's.
Keith, I think that we will have that Hail Mary delivered on November 5th, in stunning numbers. Nonetheless, it's what ensues after that I am troubled about -- the likely rejection of those numbers by MAGAs with power.
It is going to be messy. And the angry disillusioned MAGA Nazis may create some disruption. But let's remember who is in the White House and has all the resources that a Commander in Chief needs to quell violence.
Let's remember who will be announcing the results of the Electoral College Vote. And I am confident that THIS TIME the Capitol will be protected and secure.
Agree with Gina, thanks Doug. The article lays out the scenario in a 12th Amendment 'secret' plan and the Democrats are preparing their response should this fraught situation arise.
The recent fraying of t's mind and KH's clear momentum may make the 'secret's' execution a mute point, as we see the Blue Wave swoosh this election into the history books. Thanks again.
MC, the collective anxiety of a couple hundred million Americans (as well as folks around the world) is heavy. Let's hope that is quickly relieved by turning that energy into Blue votes that is able to moot any anti-democratic shenanigans.
You likely have something to worry about, of course, let's get Kamala and Tim et al past the goal posts first, then deal with the fallout. Dems and electoral institutions which mostly know better are preparing their own counter to what might likely occur.
Thank you for mentioning the Hail Marys which have saved out country. My family prayed Hail Marys that Dad would survive the fighting in WWII Europe. He did and now I am praying The Rosary daily (53 Hail Marys) that Kamala Harris will be elected and sworn in as President of the USA and serve her full 4 year term in good health, peace and prosperity.
Elizabeth We said our Protestant ‘Hail Marys’ during WW II for my Dad, who flew over Hamm during daylight with the Eighth Air Force, my cousin who landed with the 1st Marines on Guadalcanal, my uncle who fought Rommel at el Alemain, my cousin who was exec officer on a sub sunk soon after Pearl Harbor, and other family members. They all returned safely, though two were POWs in Japan and Germany.
Hear you Keith, America has not gone through the prolonged torments and conflicts of Germany leading up to Hitler, then the descent into militaristic nihilism. And to think, they might even have "won"... so i'm skeptical how much Americans need to worry, but not entirely. On the side, i took in the movie Civil War. It's a walk through America where culture war has torn society apart, the military is split in two, and a major coalition is taking down a right wing dictatorship. A small troupe of very interesting reporters trek through the country to arrive in Washington with the President besieged in the White House, refusing to capitulate after his own generals have surrendered. Trying not to provide too many spoilers.
Don't know what will happen Nov. 5, but for nine years already the convicted criminal, orange felon, adjudicated rapist, twice-impeached has been totally exercising tyranny. Not only over the MAGA cultists, but also the sane-washing NY Times, the suck-up-to-our-billionaire-Bezos Washington Post, and all the other mainstream media hyperventilating both-sider-ism.
Christopher, I imagine Cheney is well-aware that MAGAts aren’t tuned into anything she has to say. Instead, I sense her appeals more so to logic than to emotion are intended to reach increasingly more establishment Republicans and right-leaning Independents.
I saw that interview with Maher. I couldn't believe that she or any sensible woman would approve of the things she espoused. She looked as ludicrous as she sounded. Maybe it was the lighting but her eyes looked to me like she was high on speed.
Christopher, it seems impossible for any woman to back Trump. Yet I know neighborhood moms who are giddy to vote for him. And you are exactly right, they don’t see the Liz Cheney story if they are watching Megyn Kelly or Fox News.
Decoding Fox News condenses a week of Fox into 45 minutes. It is astonishing to hear what they hear… Listen to one episode and it’s no longer astonishing that women back Trump. Https://decodingfoxnews.substack.com?r=4j5a4
After all, Cheney got royally outcast, from being the third from the top in Congress to almost instant pariah among Maga, and a majority of her own electoral constituency. This is a huge story in its own right, highlighting the power of Maga in spades within the ranks. Tribal with a vengeance. And it didn't just begin with Maga.
Sadly there remain in this nation women who continue to support Con Don despite the evidence that they should be running away from any association with that little crazy hypocrite. The fact that a young woman lost her life because doctors have been put in the position of having to prioritize the fetus over the life of the mother who is miscarrying her baby is a double blow to the family if that young woman. That hospital facility and the physicians that waited till she was so ill that she required intensive care treatment TOO LATE TO SAVE HER LIFE, should be prosecuted for negligent homicide and the blame place squarely in the hands of those SUPREME COURT JUSTICES that RIPPED her from her family just as surely as other women have and will die as a result of their KOWTOWING to CON DON. As a former health care provider, it is unconscionable to me to allow a patient to become so ill intentionally because of fear of the poor decisions by lawmakers who have no business taking the right of women away from them to make decisions regarding their health care. Nor should they be encouraging men to dominate their wives to vote for CON DON or “talk turkey.”
Nailed it for me, too, Panamakelley. As a former maternal/child health nurse I can't find the words. I want those Supreme Court judges tried for these deaths.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Chris Mayes —a first-term Democrat & Arizona’s top prosecutor — is investigating Trump’s comments about Cheney as a possible death threat. And this is why it is SO CRITICAL to vote blue all the way down the ballot.
"It is becoming increasingly clear that Trump’s reelection is in trouble in part because white women are abandoning him. The early hints that this is happening, like the huge gender gap showing up in early voting, have sparked a right-wing frenzy of attempts to restore the power of white men over the women in their lives."
May this frenzy be the death-bleats of MAGAts as they lie sprawled at the feet of the women they failed to dominate. You go, girls! (Errrr, women!)
I used to be married to a man who was furious that I didn't vote for the same candidate (Republican) as he did. He told me it was my duty to vote as he did! That was 25 years ago, and today he's a rabid Trump supporter. No surprise here.
Yes, I used to get a bit annoyed with that, but the older I get, I certainly have mellowed out about it. Ha! If I think about being a carefree girl, the weight of these years seems lighter in my mind!
Kathy (and Anne-Louise), I was in high school when Women's Lib was becoming a thing, and learned then that the word "girl" was derogatory when applied to a woman, and I've never used it (though it's still vestigially around today.) I was surprised, when we met my future daughter-in-law over 25 years ago, to hear her and her friends use the expression.
For me, Women's Lib was too much of a thing. Can't we do anything without labels to reassure ourselves? I was quite libbed because I wished it so. A word to the wise is often enough, though. I was eight when I said to my father, "Ooh Daddy, come and look at the little nigger boys diving for pennies over the side of the ship!" (I'd already learnt that we were on a ship, not a boat). And he took me to a quiet corner, and told me why that word was inappropriate. I never ever used it again. Pity, because after all it was just a contraction of the Spanish word for "black", and entirely appropriate, as I figured out for myself in later years.
Hah...nail on the head! Exactly what I was thinking the other morning; that I wouldn't want to be a young woman just out of college in these times, no way.
These right-wing influencers are getting so emotional and testerical!
Like when Charlie Kirk and John McEntee openly insisted that wives should vote as their husbands do … or that women should lose the ability to vote altogether. Whoa whoa WHOA Charlie. Do you need to talk your big feelings out?
Or when Faux News host Jesse Watters went on the air and started shouting that if his wife voted for Kamala Harris, it would “like D-Day” and “the same thing as having an affair.” He got so angry, red in the face and almost cried.
Geez. If I didn’t know better, I’d say these guys have way too many unregulated feelings to handle their big boy leadership roles!
In my long life, my experience has been-- When it comes to your health, your wealth, or staying out of jail you'll get more bang for your buck (no pun intended) being represented by a woman.
I'm certain the media is still so busy covering Biden's comment that there will be little news of Trump's dangerous and pathetic Cheney fantasy.
I was invited to participate with a small group on Hudson River Radio's "The Many Shades of Green" called the "Rocky Horror Election Show" on Halloween. It was an eclectic and interesting program. One of the guests was author Mark Sutton who expressed concern about the Democratic Platform. Specifically its lack of advocacy for men's issues. At about the 44 minute mark of the program (https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-rocky-horror-election-show-w-george-mark-charlotte--62576250) I offered that men's rights are not being eviscerated, men are not forced to give birth, that women earn 75 cents on the dollar relative to their male peers (and it's worse for BIPOC women), and more.
I worked in women-serving non-profits for nearly forty years. I can't tell you how many times I heard comments like, "why don't you help men," or "why isn't there a men's center on campus?" I answered, "Because the whole world is the men's center."
Brilliant, thank you Professor Richardson! I am eternally grateful for your Letters. Even the ones that plunged me into despair. I am out of the country due to a family emergency and thus unable to follow everything, but I depend greatly every day on your "Letter", and also Joyce Vance's "Civil Discourse" and Dan Rather's "Steady". Of course Bill McKibben on Third Act and his climate newsletter. That's really all I need. The rest Is noise...
Huh....... I guess i have never thought about how to describe or warn about the economic injustice of the last 40 years in a positive light. I dunno.......
Let us all thank T**** for working harder to elect Kamala Harris than just about any other Republican: to wit, being the absolute worst example of his generation to run for the office. He is an embarrassment to us all.
Sooo glad to see that! Talking to kids +18yo, amazing how they know sooo little. For example, Trump's Access Hollywood tape about grabbing women in the crotch etc. is making the rounds on TikTok and kids are amazed. Yeah they were +10yo, missed that news cycle! I mentioned 'Voter Suppression' to a first time voting 28yo tonight, he was nonplussed and asked 'what's that mean, I never heard of that'. (I sent him an Atlantic article about how GOP was under court supervision for dirty tricks). Maybe candidates need to have a website that brings new voters up to date on the history of issues and the history of GOP misdeeds, as opposed to pushing the the hot issue dejure?
My colleagues, friends, and family that are voting for Trump are simply not getting this news. One cites the economy. A second cites Harris’ lack of economic policy (!!!!). A 3rd cited Harris’ endorsement by Beyoncé and that disqualifies her because of Beyoncé’s ties to P. Diddy (!!?). A fourth says Trump will fix the Middle East and protect Israel. The fifth and sixth buy into the culture war b.s. Their realities are different. Sigh. These are good people, lost.
Jerry, I cannot fathom how the good people I worked with, trained/was trained by, faced danger with and trusted with my life (as they trusted me with theirs) can support that evil man.
Ally, I can't quite understand it either when I look at the issue in general, but get clues on individual's choices when I listen. On the other hand, I can still trust most of them to join their fellow humans to achieve a goal/ accomplish a mission without regard to others' political opinions. Most.
celeste, as much as I believe that it's best that everybody who is legally eligible should vote in every cycle, perhaps those folks should sit this one out and find an online civics class.
Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat says Trump has no way to go but more extreme. That is the playbook of fascists. Everyone that accepts this as normal behavior is suffering from being brainwashed. It is not normal, and we have to complain when the press tries to normalize it. I complained to the AP about their article header about the Cheney facing a firing squad affair. I no longer even get WaPo or NYT because of their normalization of the abnormal like in 1984.
I still get the British and US versions of the Guardian, and when they were starting to sound like the US press I had stopped subscribing to, I wrote them about each article that was offensive, and how mainstream and not independent seeming they were, and that I was donating to them but would not if they could not find more balance and start reporting on Project 2025 and not treating it as if we did not have a fascist running for president. I believe other people must have as well, and unlike the WP and NYT, I did see a change. I appreciate them and Substack writers like you who are staying on track and not becoming part of the fascist propaganda.
However, I expect each day Trump will escalate. By doing things like he just did, the news covers that instead of the Puerto Rico insults from his Nazi gathering in the Garden. That is his point. Deflection. Puerto Rico would be out of the news cycle already if people like Jennifer Lopez did not keep it alive by appearing with Kamala in Nevada.
A friend told me she called a woman who said that she had already voted for Trump, but now that he has disparaged Puerto Ricans she wishes she could take her vote back and vote for Harris. Unfortunately she cannot take it back. Let us still count on a Blue Wave and hope for a BLUE TSUNAMI.
Saw that clip of frump doing frat boy things to his microphone. While I’m happy for people to have differing views from me, I have to say that if I met anyone who is still going to vote for 45 after that nationally embarrassing piece of trash theatre, I would readily assume they are indeed living in a gutter.
Think of it: the world saw that. The damage this person has visited upon the USA is inestimable.
The ex-president of the US miming a blow job at a rally and on TV. I bet he enjoyed that as much as he enjoyed his fantasy about soldiers shooting Liz Cheney in the face. Monstrous and demented.
And wasn't it last week he was admiring a golfer's supposed large penis? Perhaps his life long abuse of women is just hiding his true orientation - not that the gay community wants anything to do with this abomination.
I have previously posted here my account of being employed by a vociferous homophobe who was subsequently arrested and convicted of soliciting sex from underage young men. He was the first of many examples that support my belief that the loudest critics of gay and bi men are closet cases.
Donald's philandering is his way of convincing himself and everyone else that he is heterosexual.
One reason so many men are so homophobic, is that they can't imagine anyone treating them as they treat women. But, I agree that homophobia also reflects many men's shame about and disavowal of their own sexual desires for other men, perhaps even wanting to be the "submissive" one.
I think one must be careful about stating conjecture as though it were fact. I cannot think of a homophobe I've known who was abusive or disrespectful toward women. Also, I don't think it's useful to guess what role a homophobe might want to play in a scenario he loathes.
I agree with experts who suggest that homophobia is created by external pressures, not internal. As with most prejudices, boys and men are taught by their social superiors to disapprove of homosexuality from an early age. This disapproval originates with The Church.
Same-sex relationships were not uncommon in ancient cultures and continued until the rise to power of the Roman Catholic Church. Feeling threatened by the spread of Islam, the Vatican believed that Catholicism could overwhelm Muslims by outnumbering them. They broke with Judaic and Orthodox tradition and condemned practices that would limit the number of births among Catholics, including homosexuality and abortion. They did so by misinterpreting and misusing scripture to support their condemnation.
I think I might have misunderstood your comment. You are actually stating that you cannot think of a person who was both homophobic and a misogynist?
It wasn't conjecture and I did use the phrase "one reason" in offering an explanation for why some men are homophobic. The church has been very successful in generating shame in men (and women) for having some natural desires, or just curiosity or inclinations toward same sex intimacy. So it's not just being taught, but it's being shamed. Then it's an internal process which drives some men to act on their homophobia. And as some men do mistreat women, their homophobia is also shaped by their fear of being treated in that same way. The mistreatment can include viewing women as inferior, and objectifying them. I suspect that many men don't like being objectified any more than women do.
The appearance of the oh-so-handsome Johnny McEntee in Trump's entourage - as his "body man" no less - caused this gay man's gaydar to start clanging to beat the band.
Well, I guess handsomeness is in the eye of the beholder. But then, Trump’s various and sundry women weren’t/aren’t nearly as gorgeous as some seem to think. The current iteration (not Laura Loomer) looks hard as nails and without pounds of makeup, would have no eyes at all.
Interesting! I’ve never thought nor read of that supposition… but clearly makes sense.
Terry, I agree with you about “orientation” and abomination is the right description. Simulating oral sex on the stage is beyond sick. What came to my mind are his small fingers which some have compared to the size of his penis. Another point – but now he says he wants to protect women if they like it or not. Substitute the word protect with control. I am saddened about HCR’s discussion of MAGA men controlling how their wives vote – or perhaps preventing them from voting? Already the SCOTUS has ruled or over-ruled in favor of purging a large number of voters in Viginia. I fear the SCOTUS will declare the 19th Amendment is unconstitutional and take us back 100 years.
Well if the criminals on the supreme court tries this BS I hope women declare a national strike and shut down the country.
And also follow Lysistrata’s example
Or Lorena Bobbitt…
I had to look Lysistrata up to verify that it was who I thought it was LOL!
I was.
But men would just rape them...don't know if you remember the 1978 case of Oregon v. Rideout..but the guy got off (pun INTENDED) anyway.
Well they will then need to make room for men like me.
The 19th Amendment can't be found unconstitutional, because it is part of the Constitution. It would have to be repealed through the same process that it was passed originally and that it highly unlikely to happen.
Though we should remember that recently the Supreme Court seemed to ignore the plain meaning of the 14th Amendment with regard to a prohibition against people who had raised a rebelliion against the United States running for office.
I want to know one thing? Protect us from what???
Himself and other men of course.
The “hard work” of thinking for ourselves, it seems.
Anyone else an opera buff? Ever since he talked about "protecting" women, I've been reminded of one of the laugh lines in "Don Giovanni". When Don G is caught making a pass, he says "Esibisco la mia protezione". His servant Leporello follows suit, and quickly says that he too is exhibiting his ...protection. Well, in the opera it's funny.
I knew a woman years ago who was controlled by husband re voting, kids also. Been around for eons
It's actually quite common, that men demand their wives vote like they do, and it's also common that some of these women will act more independently once in the voting booth. It's amazing how many men are terrified of women's independence and power.
I had never seen anything like the demands he made, abuse is powerful, even on smart women. He was just jealous that she was smarter.
Courts can't declare constitutional amendments unconstitutional. By definition, the fact they became an official amendment makes them constitutional.
One thing to keep clear is that it is difficult for SCOTUS to declare a constitutional amendment "unconstitutional". Being part of the constitution is the very essence of something being constitutional. They may not like it but the only way to strike down something that is part on the constitution is to repeal it. I don't think the courts have ever done what you suggest they could. It just doesn't make any sense. I'm not saying they couldn't try but I think it would quickly escalate into a REAL constitutional crisis.
Yeah I thought about that in conjunction with his oral assault on the mic.
I was wondering if he was thinking of Palmer's "putter" at the time.
I mean, this is a guy who breaks into a dance on stage for 30 minutes during a rally. Who knows what goes on in what remains of his mind at this point?
“Dance” is being very generous. Jeff Tiedrich described it as “swaying like an animatronic dildo”, which seemed pretty accurate.
Yep, he was doing a “music” during his awkward DJ break. I guess this last one was a “warm up”. Hope he doesn’t do a “ love”.
What should he have done during that 30 minutes while two medical emergencies were happening in the audience? Should he have kept speaking, or gone full out break dancing? What is wring with you toy callous jerk? Don’t like his politics, fine, but his behavior during this situation is probably the best thing he could have done.
The people who fainted had been taken care of, but Cheetolini just got tired of answering “questions” (softballs from cult members), so he stopped. Lazy and senile. Great combination.
Hmm. Well, maybe he should have said he was going to stop speaking and then quietly left the stage until he knew the people were being taken care of? Maybe have expressed some concern? Tossed a few rolls of paper towels?
"His behavior during this situation is probably the best thing he could have done." Sadly, you are probably right. That was the Stable Genius at his best.
It was hardly a dance.
More like swaying in the common room of the memory care unit while waiting for supper.
Yeah! I like those visuals better.
Change the scene to a prison yard and I think you've got it nailed!
See, this is what Putin has over The Don. He knows that he’s bisexual and probably has film and pics to prove it. Vlad probably has the same over Ms. Lindsey Graham too.
lol Ms. Graham
Putin endorsed Kamala why do you think he did that?
Putin endorsed Kamala?? In what universe do you live? :)
The Troll-iverse.
Putin made an off-the-cuff remark which got picked up on the news. Then later (I think the next day) his handlers disavowed this and said his support for Harris was just a joke. I'm sure at least one or two people were surprised.
Evidence please, with links
My thoughts exactly!
My thoughts exactly! The orange blight is definitely compensating for something rotten at his core.
I once had an idea for a sculpture. Trump enters a gender neutral bathroom and exits as a porn star. The image was too grizzly to cast into permanence.
Hilarious!
Let's hope no one is buying bullets out of petty cash ... so 3 states so far won't "let" federal authorities provide additional protection at voting locations? Interesting bit of stand -off.
Frank, you could almost think they want election interference…..
Well, duh
yeah, I'm afraid so.... i've been wondering how far ballot sabotage might actually do... imagine a nasty pyro explosive detonated in a voting centre.
Frank, I no longer feel any sense of security that such a thing could not happen. In fact, I assume it can and will. I would be even more despairing if I didn’t live in Blue Minnesota.
My money's on the feds. Go get 'em Elliot Ness.
I can't see the feds not going in if they don't have jurisdiction, so what's the story?
There seems to be a difference of opinion on who has jurisdiction - feds or local authorities. I'm not a lawyer, have no clue what the legal reality is, but my instinct says fed beats local on matters of public safety. We could look it up if we knew which three states and the wording of their refusals.
maybe it got discussed on msnbc half of them are lawyers and they have lawyer guess galore esp over trump, anyway, more in the news maybe, maybe the states just tell feds what they will do for security and everyone take a break
It could be worse: could be the Republican Candidate for the next Presidency of the US. Think of that! I think he's lost it. Needs tranquillising. Or something.
Trump’s “concepts of a plan” would crash the economy of the US and make the pandemic look like child’s play. We have made investments over decades for our retirement. Trump’s stupid ideas could crash the stock market taking our retirement with it. Try the big Cheetos for his treason and throw him in jail. He has never been held accountable for anything until very recently. Enough already!
JennSH, this is why I am amazed that so many Rs still support him. Ordinary people will be in a world of hurt as they say goodbye to Social Security, Medicare, and the ACA. Not only would the US suffer, but the world economy as well.
I'm choosing to think of all the Republicans who are voting for a Democrat for the first time in their lives!!! He Can Not Win!!!
Well, he can, Gayle, but he must not. I think the gurlz are on it. So are the Latinos, now. I expect LeBron James will bring some male sports fans on board. And Ahnold will haul in some Haley voters.
I know a sweet man who is voting Dem for his first time in his 50 years. Mostly because his team is anti-science now, but we had a long talk about what it means to be a democracy. What will he go back to? Can they morph back from a cult in two years?
We moved a significant portion to cash positions a while back
I suspect the markets will be significantly lower by January if Trump gets elected.
so some businesses or more are already making contingency supply plans, including of course, passing prices along to consumers. Then imagine a mass deportation of employed undocumented immigrants getting underway after inauguration, then thousands of federal employee layoffs as depts gets axed etc.
I am waiting for the election outcomes but I ready to do the same -
What he needs is to be GONE from our lives.
Maybe if we smuggle him inside one of his no return rockets 🤔
Strap he and Elon to one of the Space X rockets and send them off together. You know how badly Mars wants to be inhabited by white oligarchs.
I still like Michelle's "they go low, we go high". We win with votes. If America loses Tuesday I blame the voters as much as the despot and his sycophant. He can go the Mars but his types are still here.
Maybe if Biden takes his presidential immunity for a test drive. He can wear his aviator shades.
😂
That’s a disgusting comment. What kind of person must you be?
Bill, no martyrs.
And muzzled in a soundproof room with no internet access and no visitors allowed.
Actually Biden’s dog just got muzzled from too many problems and after Joe bit babies at the WH last weekend he’s been muzzled too.
Yes Harvey, Please Lord, hear our prayers!
It is worse
He probably has a form of dementia, but won’t admit it, and too many people are willing to ignore his pathological statements and intentions. I take Trump at his word in the evil things he wants to do, but not in his promises that they will improve the country. They will make us worse off, and Musk’s promises of temporary economic hardship are lies. They will mean the permanent impoverishment of most people for the benefit of billionaires like Musk, as nothing is ever enough to sate their greed.
I think you are square on with this one. Musk??? he hasn't the political nuance god gave an alligator.
As an ex-pat New Yorker, I subscribed to NY-based publications for a long time. The Trump family appeared in the press frequently. Mary Trump has filled in gaps in press coverage. No doubt, Donald is in the throes of dementia now, but it is only exacerbating his lifelong deficiencies. He was recognized by his family as "the dumb one," and they used their wealth to shield him from being exposed.
Fred Trump bought Donald's enrollment into exclusive schools . His grades were fabricated. Later, he paid others to take his tests when he could. This is why his school records are kept under wraps.
Fred Trump was a sleazy slumlord, son of a brothel owner, based in Queens, not an enclave for aristocrats. Mary Anne Trump was a Scottish immigrant who made a living as a house cleaner until she married Fred. By cutting corners and cheating his tenants, Fred amassed some wealth, but he and his wife never acquired any refinement, and Donald is a product of that low-class mentality.
Fred expected Donald to break the glass ceiling that blocked the Trumps from joining Manhattan aristocracy. Despite Fred's investment of millions in that mission, his crude, crass son failed. Most of Donald's perpetual anger and grievance stems from that rejection. He has turned his vengeance on society in general.
As his deteriorating mind loses its grasp of reality, social restraints are breaking and he is reacting to his life's situation as a cornered, rabid dog.
Recently I saw an interview by Al Jazeera with Mary L Trump [niece of Donald Trump] who is a Psychologist. It is so revealing of the Trump Family...and captures so much of your conversation above and more.
Below is most revealing also...
10 Signs of a Malignant Narcissist
Malignant narcissists often experience severe dysfunctions in their personal relationships, work, and ability to function in other areas of life. Their reckless behavior, disregard for others, and inability to form healthy relationships can make them easier to spot than people with fewer traits or more mild or ‘covert’ forms of narcissism.
Below are 10 common signs of a malignant narcissist:
1. They Use, Abuse, & Discard People
One of the main signs of a malignant narcissist is their long history of using, abusing, and discarding people who are no longer useful to them. Those closest to them will often see a pattern of broken relationships and friendships, as well as family members and significant others who have become useless or irrelevant to them. A malignant narcissist may very quickly drop someone after they’ve used this person to fulfill their narcissistic supply.
2. They Are Obsessed With Power
Malignant narcissists are often hungry for power and obsessed with ways to get more of it. They often vie for jobs that afford them this power or form relationships with people who are vulnerable to their control. Because they lack the ability to find worth within themselves, they have an extreme need for positions of superiority to make them feel successful.
3. Everything Is Personal for Them
To a malignant narcissist, everything is personal. If a person makes a joke about them, forgets to call them back, or if they are passed over for a promotion at work, they will be deeply offended and angry, triggering a narcissistic collapse. In the narcissist’s world, there is no such thing as an explanation for why someone does not treat them in the way they expect (and in their mind, deserve) to be treated.
4. They Hold Grudges & Take Revenge
A malignant narcissist is easily offended and when they are, their revenge can be brutal. People with this personality disorder tend to hold long grudges against anyone who has wronged or slighted them in any way. Even disagreeing with them, providing feedback, or questioning something said can result in swift, anger-filled revenge. A malignant narcissist may punish others by lashing out, ignoring them, or even cutting them off altogether.
5. They Take Pleasure From the Suffering of Others
Malignant narcissists can be cruel and even display traits similar to those with sadistic personality disorder, seeming to take a sick pleasure or satisfaction in the suffering of others. They may laugh or mock, intentionally humiliate, or use personal knowledge against someone. Unfortunately, this also means that they can be predators who will manipulate, abuse, and exploit people, either for personal gain or just for fun.
6. Nothing Is Ever Their Fault
Narcissists (and especially malignant narcissists) usually do not take the blame for any of their words or actions, even when they’re clearly in the wrong. Instead, they tend to lash out, get defensive, and find ways to blame other people, even when they have to bend and distort the truth to do so.
7. They Are Ruthless in Their Pursuit of What They Want
Malignant narcissists will often be ruthless in their pursuit of power, wealth, success, or recognition. When they want something, there may not be any line they’re unwilling to cross to get it, even at the direct expense of others who they say they care about. They may lie, manipulate, use, or even discredit people in order to get what they want.
8. They Don’t Have a Conscience
A lack of empathy or regard for the feelings of others is a symptom of both APD and NPD, and is common in malignant narcissists. People with this personality type will often have no remorse or regret for things they’ve done that have caused harm. Sometimes, it may be necessary to fake remorse in order to get what they want. However, typically they will admit no wrongdoing at all and genuinely don’t feel bad for their behavior.
9. They Have Many Enemies
It should come as no surprise that a malignant narcissist will have a long list of enemies, usually one that includes former friends, lovers, and members of their own family. They tend to make enemies easily as even the slightest offense can cause them to discard anyone. Because relationships are only a means to an end for them, it’s fairly easy for a malignant narcissist to break off a tie, even with those close to them.
10. No One Will See Their Insecurities
Deep down, narcissists are extremely insecure. However, a malignant narcissist will never let these insecurities show to others. Instead, they will become defensive, lash out, shut down, or even destroy relationships when they feel threatened. They will often mask their low self-esteem behind a façade of arrogance or grandiosity.
Nailed it, Dale!
Lovely pocket history, Dale. It's possible for new money to climb into aristocratic society, but not by open displays of vulgarity. If he had managed to get into that enclave, we'd all be saying how eccentric he is, not how demented. At least we can name him for what he is since he's still a commoner. And there's no one commoner than that suckling pig on the podium.
Dale, excellent post.
Timothy Snyder to Molly Jong-Fast (paraphrasing): International oligarchs have more in common with each other than with their countrymen. And oligarchic control results in the impoverishment of their countries (see: Russia, Hungary, Venezuela).
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0W5V1EXzG9Rf4drC976IYK?si=OgWSvBUAS_GoDo0V5ne0xA
Best Snyder interview I have listened to. There is just something wrong with the desire to be a rich man in a poor country.
Kathy, t & co are a gang of sociopaths & psychopaths who want to belong to putting kim ill and errorbegone.
I so wish it was only dementia. But I agree with you he must have it in one form or another. Here, even in MA I’m bracing myself for violence even as
I’ve been basically an optimist up to this juncture. It’s amazing these goons feel so safe they can easily to talk about shooting, rounding up their ‘enemies’. Of course, that language incites the uneducated followers even here.
He's so lost in delusion, samani, that there will be blood, no matter the outcome of the election.
Lies and truth mixed in to fool the fools. HE will improve for his rich bastards from what he takes from enemies (most of us). Hitler used Jewish treasure for his war chest. You are so right. Muskrat is as narcissistic as chump
Let's hope Muskrat goes broke trying to protect his wealth and chump ends up at the puzzle factory.
It could mean a President JD Vance…even worse?
Absolutely worse, Lonni. We have to keep these monkey paws away from the levers of power, and I think we are. Vote, vote, vote.
Kathy, you have it in one. Excellent to the point post.
Well, I simply don’t understand about the modern-day liberal is they seem to be negative in advance…. and fatalists which is really kind of sad when they live in America. Why don’t you wait and see as you might remember he was already our president and things were pretty damn good other than Covid, which was a global pandemic a once a century problem Elon musk was a lifelong Democrat, but I guess you forget that now that he has an R in front of his name. Elon Musk should be elected the leader of the FreeWorld for his ingenuity, his wrist, taking his inventions which exceed anything our government has ever been able to do you realize that. I kind of feel sorry for you that you’re so negative about tomorrow, but hopefully you’ll be open minded enough to watch and see. Why don’t you Google Trump administration accomplishments so you see both sides of the coin dismiss what you’d like but they’re there for you to see
And people, mostly men, want to vote for THAT?
You're too sane, Harvey!
People are strange, Harve. Ask Jim Morrison. We're all due for a trip overseas, why not visit Père LaChaise?
Harvey I looked at that crowd behind him there are some young women and young men. Clueless
Guys, if this is your hero, I’d think again.
Alexandra Sokoloff -- I am fully expecting Trump's public behavior and displays to *increase* in obscenity and vulgarity.
Judith and Marge - I agree. Desperation and dementia.
It’s another common symptom of dementia.
Alexander, Of course, he enjoyed it because he has long been a total sleaze. I do smile at the attempts of Rs to walk back items like the Cheney firing squad and little Johnson saying he didn't hear the question accurately.
Such wussies, Michele. Maybe TFG will grab them in one of his fugues.
Uninhibited sexualized speech can be a sign of dementia.
It’s like he has practice
Forgive me, but I have my fantasy, too:
What if Liz Cheney were to challenge Trump to meet her at noon on Sunday (or any time, any day) on 5th Avenue. Pistols at 20 paces, or whatever the traditional rules call for. I bet that she's a better shot than he is... And I know that she's not a coward.
Hate to hit like cause your right but there is nothing to like about it.
Solo surrounded by drooling sycophants.🤮
Diana, his mask is crumbling. Look at his fantasy about Liz Cheney: says it all, doesn’t it? If a woman says ‘no’ to Donny, the b*tch might as well deserve to die in his eyes. How _can_ she refuse him, the big, strong , sexy man? Heaven forbid the woman is intelligent enough to think for herself, too! Better shoot her, then.
I’m appelled at the blatant misogyny the Convicted Orange Felon is displaying, as well as his cult followers, but on the other hand it’s a good thing: as said, the masks are crumbling and these so-called “Christians” and “patriots” are showing their true, women-hating colours. Although one could argue if it’s really hate: I think, deep down, they are afraid of women.
One of my favorite Trump anecdotes: While he was a "student" at Penn, he noticed a cute coed named Candice Bergen had been elected homecoming queen or some such honor. According to what I read, he considered her "hot" and invited her on a date in his (as I remember...) burgundy Cadillac convertible. Her answer? "ABSOLUTELY NOT!"
Yes, they are afraid of women and the inborn power that we have to direct, coordinate, manage, and succeed in anything we do. Not to mention that we are the ones who bring life into the world. How else do you explain the early church rhetoric that put women in a subordinate position in the first place? A group of small-minded, insecure, men with damaged thinking blamed women for being "tempting" to them and had to do something to make themselves feel powerful.
When I was a young woman, Richard Quine directed a black comedy called, " Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feelin' So Sad." It was an early (1960s) attempt of the present-day "women's movement" to throw off the latest round of paternalism that began when the "monotheistic" religions overthrew the earlier matriarchies... Kamala Harris said yesterday in a Milwaukee interview that her faith informs her opinion that the leader of the free world should be (paraphrasing) the one who will do good works to bring people together and lift them up. Enough said.
Oh my. you must be talking about the emperor Constantine and the appropriation of the church by the western Roman aristocracy! Convenient that. the first 200 years of the church was. could have been, should have been written by women. they got shit done then and they get shit done now. That darned Constantine fella.....
Seeee!!! There are still smart people in America!!👍
Mrs Trump’s Cadillac had the license plate Mrs T. She had a black driver and would drive around the neighborhood going to the apartment buildings they owned collecting the quarters from the washing machines. How sweet, mommy lent Young Donald the family car so he could go out on a date. Yep, there is a sprinkle of snarky with my coffee this morning.
Ew, gross
An intelligent, assertive women easily threaten men's fragile egos.
A man of quality is not threatened by a woman of equality.
Nope. To be honest: it is quite the opposite. I find it totally attractive when a woman is intelligent. This "playing-dumb" bimbo-ish stuff really puts me off...
C'mon Harv.., so many "intelligent" beings prefer to defer to what's printed in that good book. Yeah... the DT copy printed in China. That book.
That’s sad.
Scared as hell. The mother. Women are mother to all
Exactly! Small, scared men failing to meet the 21st century pining for the 19th century when men were men...and women and Black people were kept in their place by them, no right to vote, own property or question their behavior.
It’s only been 50 years since we finally were allowed to have credit cards. I was 22.
I was denied a bank card in 1973, some bullshit about my work history not being long enough. Got married and husband got a card no problem, even tho he had no job at the time, was fulltime student
In early 1971, a single woman, I received an unsolicited Mastercard (the actual card) in the mail. I remember within a few months because I lived in the location for only a few months before moving from a converted 3-car garage to small 1-bedroom apartment a few blocks down the beach.
Oddly enough, re Barbara (NJ)'s comment, I had been working only a month or so after at least 5 months not employed. No application requested. I believe sending unsolicited credit cards was soon made illegal, OR credit card companies realized it was pretty stupid to send cards to unvetted clients. I don't recall which.
How long is it since you were allowed to vote?
How long it it since you were allowed to become doctors?
Both of them not much more than a century ago; that's a damn small part of human history...
they are indeed. Ever hear Magas take men to task for insistent sex et al. Men do the raping "by and large", so while i somewhat understand male sexual frustration in modern society thanks to biology , dominance and woman blaming is another kettle of fish, sadly deeply written into the historical record. Women have put with more than a lot these many many centuries.
And we’re fed up - not going back!
the only way out is up
And they are mostly damaged goods, just like that c*cksucker Trump.
"Damaged goods". That's putting it quite eloquently. I'm stealing that one, by the way ;)
All of this is true. Not a few women have gotten the better of Trump, and he is only capable of viewing women in sexual terms, not as intelligent humans capable of many things. The way he’s publicly discussed his daughter Ivanka in ways no reputable father would do, is typical of Trump.
lol, it's a good old rhetorical standby.
David- do you mean microphone-sucker?
I think we have a new term for him ... "micsucker." The moderators won't flag that, even though it's truly repulsive.
As someone named Mike, I object. No, I cast a veto.
Hehehehhh... yuppr David. Up heahh, it's more-correctly pronounced C*cksuckahh. And, you know what David.., I havce the distinct impression that Bill Barr and #45 just blew each other awayyyy along with all the Proud Boyz. Now there's some "family values" for ya. Huh.
I can't unsee that visual--where's the eye bleach?????
Just like the use of words that end in uck. So unnecessary in a civilized society, much less in public office or the government of this nation. We need to haul this back a notch. I guess it's just a reflection of the level of frustration we are feeling. Please don't blame the "media".., to me the media just conveys the illiteracy expressed by public figures, such as those within our dis-functional Congress, the kow-towing senators, phoney-news bloviators, some judges, etc. And, need I say it.. those who would lie to our face or deny saying something they were recorded saying. Quite simply, we're just at a loss for words. It's nutty.
I wonder if trump,who is ready to protect women whether they like it or not, would include Liz Cheney
fear and hate are tangled emotions all too often.
Dutch, I always smile when my wife sees me about to do something stupid and she suggests an alternative approach. “But of course, thank you Dear”
He’s a gift that keeps on giving Mike, every time he opens his yap something monstrous comes out, that any sane person wants nothing to do with. That said there is the risk that a majority of our fellow Americans might like what he says, which says a lot about their intelligence. Given how entrenched the repugnantkins are in our culture, they totally blew it by nominating him to be their standard bearer, if a younger more sane repugnantkin was their nominee, we might have a much tougher fight on our hands. Think about how smoothly what’s his name Vance lies, the repugnantkin threat is not going away, they will learn from their mistakes and become more dangerous to our democracy. I could be wrong and it’s possible that they might learn their lesson and start to focus on the betterment of all Americans, like Ike’s republicans did, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on that happening. The repugnantkin threat is deeply ingrained in the maggot base and there will be no end of people who will want to use them for their own ends. If we keep defeating them in the mid-terms and generals they will eventually fade into irrelevance, which is where they belong in the first place, since they offer nothing for the benefit of all Americans only the very wealthiest among us who need their help the least.
Dutch, I think it is much deeper…. They are , as someone already mentioned, afraid of who they aren’t! Healthy humans aren’t needing to demean anyone else in order to feel power. Poor lot of them…. If they could just go home and leave the rest of us alone.
It seems to mimic the recent actions of the taliban. Nice. /sarcasm/
Well, if I was a convicted felon and abuser, I’d be afraid of both Kamala Harris and Liz Cheney for good reason. Do you think the orange squash will melt before our very eyes?
I'm still hoping for spontaneous combustion.
Professor Lawrence Tribe posted to his 1.5 Million followers that Trump's act " ... is a criminal threat to kill LIZ CHENEY" . Prosecute the Perp.
Per the North Carolina State Board of Elections, "more than 4 Million in NC have cast their Ballots" as of 2 pm Friday. That is 4,009,149 Ballots to be exact "more than 51.2% of NC's Registered Voters." Reject the Wreck.
'Reject the Wreck'! - another good bumper sticker!
So hope there is Maga dissolving acid in that early vote!
Well ... it's a very good start to dissolving the maga vinegar.
Saturday Morn Update: Per ABC News 8 hours ago -- more than 70,000,000 have voted so far!
Flush hard!
I suggest using Morton's Salt to rid our nation of this MAGA slugfest.
Outrageous that any person would do that on stage much less a candidate for the Presidency.
But we all know that Trump could pull a Jim Morrison on stage and his MAGAs and white Christian Nationalist followers would still back him.
Christianity ain’t what it purported to be when I was a pup. Even when I became an old dog
As Heather reported this week, the white Christian Nationalist preachers are ordering the women attending their churches to vote for Trump.
And, as my niece witnessed several Trump since inside a Catholic Church in Omaha while attending a wedding.
Wouldn't the Catholic Church have a fit if they lost their 501c3 status and had to pay property taxes on all of their lavish real estate holdings across the US?
Gary, they continue to lose some of those holdings -- didn't I just read a few days ago the San Francisco diocese was ordered to pay nearly a billion in compensation?
Yeah. For the sexual abuse of CHILDREN.
They should have been closed down a long time ago...
Tax exempt is okay. But, violation of our laws isn't part of the deal. What's wrong here?
Well Doug.., good spot. The "San Francisco diocese".., now there's definitely a load of C*suckahhs in-bedded there. They've been allowed to protect their own for ages, hiding in plain sight.. ostensibly, under the grace-of-god. Will they continue to do so? Money talks. Kind of like some hypo-critic oath chiseled in stone somewhere in the cellars of Rome.
Sure would like to see some penalties for oiur local Catholic Church:
https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/longtime-music-director-michigan-church-fired-sex-marriage-rcna178193
That is heartbreaking.
It is. Our newspaper in Bay City Mi has not reported on this. And now I'm wondering if this is a relative of my late husband. How cruel to do this to him.
Well.., since the Church is the keeper of the keys, the perverts are just moved from one location to another. And, the people who absolutely know what is going on are guilty as well. At the same time though, this stuff illustrates how such behavior exists throughout societies or cultures or religions everywhere. Every one of them now exposed by the internet. Very difficult to make some sense of it all.
It’s the scam of the century. With vulnerable people lined up to pay for a pat on the head and a PROMISE of redemption.
As a non-religous Jew I am more Christian than any of them.
The funniest moments are when you tell a Christian Trumper how Jesus was Jewish - not Christian. This stumps many of the young folks who are self-described Christians and have no clue about religion.
I 100% believe that. As an ex, I Am as well.
This is the Corporate America version of Christianity. It has nothing to do with the Jesus who threw the money lenders out of the Temple.
Wish some MAGAts that I used to respect felt that way…
Christianity lost its way a very long time ago, when it became a patriarchy taking orders from the Vatican. I wonder what Jesus would have thought of the pomp and ceremony and ornate churches and the weird and ridiculous costumes. Just give money, and redemption is yours.
I think the Jesus that was presented to me would clean out the temple (or the den of iniquity)
Except he wouldn't be pulling a Jim Morrison", at least according to Stormy. 🤣
Plus he'd have to untape the diaper first -- very embarrassing when done in public.
Yes Gary, specially those pious protestant men that are possible sleeping better by knowing that trump, found liable for sexual assault, will protect their wives, sisters and mothers...😵💫
I would vote for Jim Morrison's steaming heap before I would vote for Trump.
Gary, and he still might. Sexual acting out is not uncommon in dementia.
It’s just another version of “I could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and not lose a single supporter,” isn’t it? He’s somewhere between a perpetually horny adolescent bragging among his peers and a toddler continually testing the limits of his parents to see if they care enough about him to discipline his behavior. His personality disorder is on full display, but his inhibitions are failing him, a typical sign of dementia.
You nailed it, Maureen. Far from normal and nowhere near presidential. JD Vance is probably practicing his presidential address, which is very scary. 🤮🤢 vote them all away!!
hmmm good chance, given his age and health, he has erectile dysfunction.
But he can still sexually harass and abuse with his inability to cease the spewing of his innards
No, mental wreckage but not the Alz that my husband had. At least his character was his core and not cheap veneer
There are many ways that dementia manifests. Could be late stage syphilis as far as we know. Also, he may not drink but he reportedly abuses adderall like it’s his job!
Yep and I studied them in grad school. Then I met one head on. Always so glad I didn’t meet the others. Chump is damaged but damage and evil are not mutually exclusive.
Diana, I hadn't heard of that until just reading it now. I'll bet his audience laughed and cheered at this perversion of a man seeking the presidency.
In my mind and in common language trump is a first class pig! What an embarrassment for our country.
NOW IS THE TIME
Now is the time to think of what life under a Donald Trump/Vance dictatorship would be like. People need to face reality so they can be motivated; Professor Timothy Snyder does just that here: https://snyder.substack.com/p/the-strongman-fantasy-text-and-audio
Make sure you share it.
Not likely the people you might want to hear or read will take it in. But Snyder has seen the gruesome outcomes in spades, try his Borderlands, the biggest thing though when he talks about the strongman fantasy is that there are all too many willing to be organized to do the killing. Given that record, the strongman fantasy is more than just that.
Brief excerpt from Timothy Snyder link provided by Michael Corthell:
“At least, the fantasy goes, the strongman will get things done. But dictatorial power today is not about achieving anything positive. It is about preventing anyone else from achieving anything. The strongman is really the weak man: his secret is that he makes everyone else weaker. “
HOW can ANY self-respecting woman vote for the felon/rapist?!? My state rep here in Bristol CT saunters around in MAGA/Trump dresses?!? Just sick!!
Good Lord
As a lot of people are, I'm embarrassed for my country. The world looks at us with amazement and fear at our stupidity for having someone on the ballot of this caliber. If we get past this, there needs to be some guidelines going forward for candidates to the highest office in the nation.
Okay, I TRUST HCR, but I had to search for a clip to see if this is really real.
https://x.com/LouWhompus/status/1852637529981276392
This is the first clip I saw and there is ABSOLUTELY NO MISTAKING THIS.
I absolutely always kid myself by thinking Trump can go no lower--and he does.
And by the way, as I read it, I said OMG out loud. My husband, reading it a few minute later, made a disgusted noise, so I knew he hit the same spot in the letter.
I cannot believe the world we are living in.
I looked through all of the cites in Dr. Richardson's Letter for today and couldn't find anything resembling Trump simulating oral sex with his microphone. While it's in many ways a trashy, unnecessary aside compared to all the other, better documented misbehaviours, I'd appreciate it if you could post a link to the clip.
https://www.nairaland.com/8256065/trump-simulates-sexual-act-mic
did you notice the crowd was wowing him on? What's that say!
That they are freaking gonzo.
Thanks, Mary Pat. It’s unbelievable even when we see it!
there are plenty of clips of it if you google it. I'm embarrassed to say I did!
So did I. I am astounded it isn't the top feed on Yahoo.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-microphone-issues-milwaukee-knock-the-hell-out_n_67259f00e4b00acf55d9dd74
Thanks, Derek.
Anyone going here might just skip to the 3:02 -- 3:05 mark.
https://youtu.be/1AebaA1AF9w?si=POnIEVOhuB82Nh0s
It is just as easy to write (and it would be true) that the world thinks tremendously of the United States of America. Why? Our economy is the best in the world and is a master class in how to rebound from the economic devastation of a pandemic. We elected an honored and experienced world leader in the person of Joe Biden in 2020. We have a candidate who embodies what the United States stands for in the person of Kamala Harris.
The world sees our leadership in Ukraine, our strengthening of NATO, our fight against the dominance of China economically, our establishment of the Japan, Australia, India USA Alliance, Our capable representative in Secretary Blinken, etc.
The World Leaders are smart people and see the big picture. As for the people enjoying their weekends in France, Italy, and all over the world I doubt they care a whit about this election.
Unfortunately there are too many of those living in a gutter. Hopefully a coalition of Women, Puerto Ricans, Muslims and many other decent American overwhelming defeat this "genius " whose main ability is cheating, being dishonest and offensive. Let's see if he alone can fix this.
Thing being, it's on Repeat, repeat, amplify!
And to think how aghast the R's were that Bill Clinton got a little blow job in his office. As if it weren't a normal part of sex. Oh, but Clinton LIED about it! Really, MAGA? You give a tinker's damn about lies?
We have to keep calling him out on his lunatic stuntery and turning our backs on him. America will survive the shame if we clearly shun him, better yet jail his sorry ass. Really he belongs in an institution for the criminally insane, but I can live with prison.
This letter should be preserved for the ages and used in future classes of history and civics to clearly define the process of diminished statesmen who want to burn the country down because of their lack of ethics and commitment to the good of the citizens of the United States. Thanks Heather!
". . . diminished statesmen," Christopher?
No, it's rather a phalange of evils; 1) a deeply corrupted, multiply-perjured Clarence court, six of the nine of them serving medieval mendacity and totally modern U.S. billionaire oligarchy; 2) an entire political party in sucking service to the many U.S. nihilist billionaires and the Rapture-mad evangelist, patriarchy demented; and 3) all those billionaires who pushed their group-think, abstracted-categorical-packaged, and neutered but linear simpleton standardized testing to strangle all U.S. ed.
I was enjoying your rant until the last sentence. But it's your thing, Phil, so whatever! Just remember that pretty well everyone here has been the beneficiary of standardized testing, both pro and con.
As a beneficiary of standardized testing who served eleven years as a high school teacher, I say standardized testing stinks. It measures how well you can take tests, with some cultural bias thrown in. It excludes creative thinking. It mischaracterizes students who know the material but don’t test well. Among those who have the expected culture and test well, it can sort to some extent, but that’s not nearly as useful as the tests claim to be. In other words, they are at best a massive waste of time and money.
This election is proving that our education system has failed many students. They have no critical thinking skills. They somehow think that a narcissist, sociopath, misogynist "man" is a good choice for President despite what he says and does. He is a vile disgusting piece of 💩
They were inveighing against public education when i was a kid in the 50s. I remember reading a book So Little for the Mind complaining about rote education. As a fledgeling teacher I once was attempting to get a 12 year to think through a math problem. Just show me the steps, please, was her answer. I wouldnt totally take it out of "our education system". The LEAST popular part of math classes was problem solving. We're an "algorithm loving species", Judy, creatures of habit, among other things, mind you. There's a reason only relatively few sign up for scientific, mathematical, engineering careers and so on. It's "hard". As for the politics stuff, that's emotional indoctrination. I also remember a commentator remark on how difficult it is to "teach" critical thinking skills. That's at every level. Of course, you can have a genius car mechanic, a brilliant oil man, no mean feat, be a Trump fanatic, no sweat.
“Word Problems.” How many buses should be hired to transport 75 kids if each bus can take 30 kids? Easy! Two-and-a-half buses!
Now kiddies, draw a picture of the one-half of a bus. Or explain how the bus company would charge less if a third bus was half-empty.
Many educated people vote straight Republican tickets.
I was an Independent voter until Trump appeared on the scene. I changed my affiliation to Democrat. Voters need to think about the person they are voting for, not the party they are affiliated with, especially when referring to Trump.
My dad used to say that ten years’ experience was not the same as having one year’s experience ten times.
Urge you, Frank, to read Diane Ravitch, "The Language Police."
Standardized testing has changed -- big-time. It stresses neutered language, going directly against, at odds with, anything human, individual, or personal. Homogenized instead, in service to the faceless corporate, the abstracted categorical, the group-fit, the unit-by-unit chronological linear.
Please read, too, the dozens of pages of appendices in the Diane Ravitch specifying how the actual tests level off, package what used to be human into what now generates group cultists, repetitive slogans, catch-words fit to demagoguery.
Standardized testing, Frank, has oozed its way into the wider public which is so poisoned now, intolerant, mass-angry, empty of the generous, patient human and instead massively full of hatred.
Phil, I suspect standardized testing in Canada is pretty much the same as American, likely mostly imported from the states, and what of UK, for example. Yet neither country have remotely the degree of homicides, prison incarcerations, the degree of political incendiary, though certainly at times heated. So, what gives, Phil? I"ll google Diane Ravitch. I have heard similar complaints eg about gender neutral language as a token to acceptance of TSLGPTQ+ but that is political correctness. It used to be negro was accepted language, now it's forbidden. I have trouble trying to make sense of "faceless corporate, the abstracted categorical" etc here. I doubt that's got anything to do with why a couple of teens walked into Columbine with guns blazing, or Waco, or the Watts Riots. I'll mainly stick to my point for the time being but check around.
Thanks Phil, yes I could have used stronger language but it would imply that everybody who votes for this side is evil which many of the advocates on Substack are working the phones, postcards, door to door connection with these voter to educate and embrace on the right side of history. Diminish is perhaps more applicable to my writing skills at 2:52 AM after being at a great costume party and finding a little bit of Joy (quoting Kamala) is this nauseating and traumatic time.
Right you are Phil!
Maybe our progeny will be more inclined to hear the truth.
Christopher, I wholeheartedly agree with you.
Letter from an American should be required reading in all civic and history classes.
I suspect it is already being used by many teachers.
HITLER/TRUMP: ‘IT COULDN’T HAPPEN HERE.’ PSHAW!
Leni Riefebstahl’s documentary TRIUMPH OF THE WILL celebrated the new Fuhrer in 1934 and his message of racial purity.
We have the opportunity of learning from history and preventing a documentary, TRIUMPH OF THE SCHLEMIEL, which would celebrate white racial purity in America.
I lived through the final twelve years if Hitler’s life. I was exposed to his ‘1,000 year Reich,’ Goebbels, Himmler, and the Holocaust.
For those who say that it couldn’t happen here, I could quote prominent Germans who had the same misconception, as Hitler wormed his way into the Reichstag.
At 91 I have never seen my country in such peril. I am astonished that we may be a whisker away from being a democracy or an authoritarian country without a functioning Constitution or federal justice.
America has been preserved with HAIL MARYS in the past, starting with George Washington and his remarkable Battle of Trenton.
Lincoln had a HAIL MARY, when he refused to surrender the Northern garrison at Fort Sumter, The South, by attacking the fort, started the Civil War. If they had not taken Lincoln’s bait, most likely the Southern states could not have been prevented from physical secession and the splintering of the United States of America.
FDR was the HAIL MARY who, through providing hope and bold initiatives, brought a democratic America through the Great Depression.
We desperately require another HAIL MARY on November 5th to preserve the America that I fervently want my five grandchildren to inherit.
I'd like to know that President Carter not only voted but also got the best of news as he starts his second century.
I do not think this election is as close as polls suggest. After doing some research on how polls are weighted and interpreted, I see that polls from trusted sources are given more weight than those from other sources. The problem seems to be that those other sources include a great many right-wing you-tubers, many of whom make up their data from whole cloth. While these polls are not counted as heavily as say a PBS poll, they are counted, and there are a lot of them. Any meta-analysis using such methods will fail to be predictive. Still, the election will be close (this fact simply astounds me). It is my fervent hope that your grandchildren inherit a strong, vibrant, if messy, democracy.
I am skeptical as well. If so many Repubs are going with Harris and theoretically half of Independents are, as well as more women who are more likely to vote than men, how can it be so close? NPR talks about young single non-college men gravitating toward the macho man idea. It might be a backlash against more educated young women who spurn them as well as Trump? I'm just conjecturing here.
It may not be close. Wait and see.
If it's close, we watch for even more poll results.
These folks lie about everything. Better to spend your precious time doing something more useful like sorting your socks.
I like the way you think. My fingers are getting tired but I'm hanging onto my reasonably well-informed optimism with every scrap of will and strength I can muster.
TL Wear driving gloves. You’ll have a better grip until you open bubbly to toast President-Elect Harris.
And let’s not forget that the right wing billionaire media owners are tipping the scales and reporting in his favor… for the election but also because he is manipulating his stock to launder dark money.
I agree with you. Remember the 'red wave' in 2022?
I too agree. It seems as if the news/ pollsters are talking about every niche group of voters- Latinos, young men, black men, rural voters- except for women. And women are registering in record numbers, vote overwhelming democratic, have boosted early voter turnout, and are furious about the Dobbs decision. And abortion rights have won in every election in the last 2 years, even in Kansas. Not sure why female voters aren’t getting more attention as the news splices every demographic.
I've never given any weight to any poll, they are too easily skewed to show what the client wants them to show. Somebody is paying for that poll and they want their monies worth.
Simon Goldberg and others try to tease the polls into neutral, vs biased, usually towards Maga. On his account there is something like 3 plus points difference. All remain within the "margin of error". Then again, there is some expert analysis that says sample sizes are too small and not sufficiently random to be very accurate. Whatever ensues, this will hardly be the first time polls have missed big elections. I think Truman was widely predicted to be electorally slaughtered. Didn't happen. Ill put my hopes on your thoughts and Simon's.
My take - I never respond to polls. Do you?
Keith, I think that we will have that Hail Mary delivered on November 5th, in stunning numbers. Nonetheless, it's what ensues after that I am troubled about -- the likely rejection of those numbers by MAGAs with power.
It is going to be messy. And the angry disillusioned MAGA Nazis may create some disruption. But let's remember who is in the White House and has all the resources that a Commander in Chief needs to quell violence.
Let's remember who will be announcing the results of the Electoral College Vote. And I am confident that THIS TIME the Capitol will be protected and secure.
The adults are in charge this time.
Bill, I would agree, but read this piece by Elie Mystal that came out a few days ago. It changed my mood about things:
https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/little-secret-trump-johnson-election/
Doug-thanks for sharing this link. Cheaters cheat and we know without a doubt that DJT and his ilk are cheaters.
You're welcome Gina!
Agree with Gina, thanks Doug. The article lays out the scenario in a 12th Amendment 'secret' plan and the Democrats are preparing their response should this fraught situation arise.
The recent fraying of t's mind and KH's clear momentum may make the 'secret's' execution a mute point, as we see the Blue Wave swoosh this election into the history books. Thanks again.
MC, the collective anxiety of a couple hundred million Americans (as well as folks around the world) is heavy. Let's hope that is quickly relieved by turning that energy into Blue votes that is able to moot any anti-democratic shenanigans.
I agree. Trump is an ugly, pathetic old man. These dudes grow more perverted by the day. What gives?
You likely have something to worry about, of course, let's get Kamala and Tim et al past the goal posts first, then deal with the fallout. Dems and electoral institutions which mostly know better are preparing their own counter to what might likely occur.
Frank, I, as well as a whole lot of other people, won't breathe easy or sleep well until Jan 6 and Jan 20, 2025.
A SCHLEMIEL with power is a dangerous thing.
I like your Hail Mary examples! Thank you.
Thank you for mentioning the Hail Marys which have saved out country. My family prayed Hail Marys that Dad would survive the fighting in WWII Europe. He did and now I am praying The Rosary daily (53 Hail Marys) that Kamala Harris will be elected and sworn in as President of the USA and serve her full 4 year term in good health, peace and prosperity.
Elizabeth We said our Protestant ‘Hail Marys’ during WW II for my Dad, who flew over Hamm during daylight with the Eighth Air Force, my cousin who landed with the 1st Marines on Guadalcanal, my uncle who fought Rommel at el Alemain, my cousin who was exec officer on a sub sunk soon after Pearl Harbor, and other family members. They all returned safely, though two were POWs in Japan and Germany.
This us the BEST comment!!! Thank you!
Hear you Keith, America has not gone through the prolonged torments and conflicts of Germany leading up to Hitler, then the descent into militaristic nihilism. And to think, they might even have "won"... so i'm skeptical how much Americans need to worry, but not entirely. On the side, i took in the movie Civil War. It's a walk through America where culture war has torn society apart, the military is split in two, and a major coalition is taking down a right wing dictatorship. A small troupe of very interesting reporters trek through the country to arrive in Washington with the President besieged in the White House, refusing to capitulate after his own generals have surrendered. Trying not to provide too many spoilers.
Thank you.
Cheney’s characterizations of Trump were carefully chosen— a petty, vindictive, cruel, unstable man who wants to be a tyrant.”
Already is, Craig.
Don't know what will happen Nov. 5, but for nine years already the convicted criminal, orange felon, adjudicated rapist, twice-impeached has been totally exercising tyranny. Not only over the MAGA cultists, but also the sane-washing NY Times, the suck-up-to-our-billionaire-Bezos Washington Post, and all the other mainstream media hyperventilating both-sider-ism.
Sadly, after tfg no longer has access to direct power, all the rest will remain. It won't be over.
The problem though, is that the other team don't listen to Cheney... they listen to Megyn Kelly.
Christopher, I imagine Cheney is well-aware that MAGAts aren’t tuned into anything she has to say. Instead, I sense her appeals more so to logic than to emotion are intended to reach increasingly more establishment Republicans and right-leaning Independents.
Agree, Barbara.
MaryPat, I appreciate you writing and noting we’re in agreement.
I saw that interview with Maher. I couldn't believe that she or any sensible woman would approve of the things she espoused. She looked as ludicrous as she sounded. Maybe it was the lighting but her eyes looked to me like she was high on speed.
Time to kill the Fox.
Maher gets more vile with age. Megyn has always been a Repub shill.
I was shocked at her appearance as well…she may as well be one of those trump women who surround him at Mar A Lago ((Kimberly Guilfoil lookalike!))
Christopher, it seems impossible for any woman to back Trump. Yet I know neighborhood moms who are giddy to vote for him. And you are exactly right, they don’t see the Liz Cheney story if they are watching Megyn Kelly or Fox News.
Decoding Fox News condenses a week of Fox into 45 minutes. It is astonishing to hear what they hear… Listen to one episode and it’s no longer astonishing that women back Trump. Https://decodingfoxnews.substack.com?r=4j5a4
I gave up with decoding, it was too much for me.
I can't tolerate 5 minutes. And I do try when visiting my 91y/o father who thinks of "The FIve" as his friends.
After all, Cheney got royally outcast, from being the third from the top in Congress to almost instant pariah among Maga, and a majority of her own electoral constituency. This is a huge story in its own right, highlighting the power of Maga in spades within the ranks. Tribal with a vengeance. And it didn't just begin with Maga.
Afraid Cheney is dead on. She's known for some time!
Sadly there remain in this nation women who continue to support Con Don despite the evidence that they should be running away from any association with that little crazy hypocrite. The fact that a young woman lost her life because doctors have been put in the position of having to prioritize the fetus over the life of the mother who is miscarrying her baby is a double blow to the family if that young woman. That hospital facility and the physicians that waited till she was so ill that she required intensive care treatment TOO LATE TO SAVE HER LIFE, should be prosecuted for negligent homicide and the blame place squarely in the hands of those SUPREME COURT JUSTICES that RIPPED her from her family just as surely as other women have and will die as a result of their KOWTOWING to CON DON. As a former health care provider, it is unconscionable to me to allow a patient to become so ill intentionally because of fear of the poor decisions by lawmakers who have no business taking the right of women away from them to make decisions regarding their health care. Nor should they be encouraging men to dominate their wives to vote for CON DON or “talk turkey.”
I appreciate the depth of your emotion in your comment. You nailed it for me!
Nailed it for me, too, Panamakelley. As a former maternal/child health nurse I can't find the words. I want those Supreme Court judges tried for these deaths.
I am inconsolable. Watching Ted Cruz on msnbc last night was torture. The Supremes are irredeemable, but a murder trial would be appropriate.
You capture clearly my incoherent sputtering anger at that situation.
Panamakelley: I think this is a perfect example of how quickly dictators (and their henchMEN can change society. And the dreadful impacts on citizens.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Chris Mayes —a first-term Democrat & Arizona’s top prosecutor — is investigating Trump’s comments about Cheney as a possible death threat. And this is why it is SO CRITICAL to vote blue all the way down the ballot.
Judge Merchan should have revoked the convicted felon's bail release by now. Throw his fat azz in jail until sentencing.
"It is becoming increasingly clear that Trump’s reelection is in trouble in part because white women are abandoning him. The early hints that this is happening, like the huge gender gap showing up in early voting, have sparked a right-wing frenzy of attempts to restore the power of white men over the women in their lives."
May this frenzy be the death-bleats of MAGAts as they lie sprawled at the feet of the women they failed to dominate. You go, girls! (Errrr, women!)
I used to be married to a man who was furious that I didn't vote for the same candidate (Republican) as he did. He told me it was my duty to vote as he did! That was 25 years ago, and today he's a rabid Trump supporter. No surprise here.
Never forget their plan B. Cheat, deny, sue, repeat as long as necessary and provoke as much as needed
You can call me "girl" - I like it, hasn't happened for a year or two...
Yes, I used to get a bit annoyed with that, but the older I get, I certainly have mellowed out about it. Ha! If I think about being a carefree girl, the weight of these years seems lighter in my mind!
Kathy (and Anne-Louise), I was in high school when Women's Lib was becoming a thing, and learned then that the word "girl" was derogatory when applied to a woman, and I've never used it (though it's still vestigially around today.) I was surprised, when we met my future daughter-in-law over 25 years ago, to hear her and her friends use the expression.
For me, Women's Lib was too much of a thing. Can't we do anything without labels to reassure ourselves? I was quite libbed because I wished it so. A word to the wise is often enough, though. I was eight when I said to my father, "Ooh Daddy, come and look at the little nigger boys diving for pennies over the side of the ship!" (I'd already learnt that we were on a ship, not a boat). And he took me to a quiet corner, and told me why that word was inappropriate. I never ever used it again. Pity, because after all it was just a contraction of the Spanish word for "black", and entirely appropriate, as I figured out for myself in later years.
🙄 Say what???
A word of understandable origin, yes. Entirely appropriate, no - because of the use made of it for a couple of hundred years.
I agree, John. Its origin doesn’t matter — its usage and meaning does. It even hurts me to hear Black people appropriate that term.
Hah...nail on the head! Exactly what I was thinking the other morning; that I wouldn't want to be a young woman just out of college in these times, no way.
LOL. Thanks 😊
I was wondering why Trump was wearing the Proud Boys colored hat but as you say, it’s all about “stand back and stand by” all over again.
Yep...that his version of the "dog whistle"...He wore black and gold at the MSG rally, as well.
But Mike, will that signalling work this time around, with many of the Proud Boys including its leadership incarcerated because of Jan 6?
These right-wing influencers are getting so emotional and testerical!
Like when Charlie Kirk and John McEntee openly insisted that wives should vote as their husbands do … or that women should lose the ability to vote altogether. Whoa whoa WHOA Charlie. Do you need to talk your big feelings out?
Or when Faux News host Jesse Watters went on the air and started shouting that if his wife voted for Kamala Harris, it would “like D-Day” and “the same thing as having an affair.” He got so angry, red in the face and almost cried.
Geez. If I didn’t know better, I’d say these guys have way too many unregulated feelings to handle their big boy leadership roles!
In my long life, my experience has been-- When it comes to your health, your wealth, or staying out of jail you'll get more bang for your buck (no pun intended) being represented by a woman.
I love it: “testerical”! You win the internet today!
They would never have crossed the threshold at my house.
Thank you Professor Richardson.
I'm certain the media is still so busy covering Biden's comment that there will be little news of Trump's dangerous and pathetic Cheney fantasy.
I was invited to participate with a small group on Hudson River Radio's "The Many Shades of Green" called the "Rocky Horror Election Show" on Halloween. It was an eclectic and interesting program. One of the guests was author Mark Sutton who expressed concern about the Democratic Platform. Specifically its lack of advocacy for men's issues. At about the 44 minute mark of the program (https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-rocky-horror-election-show-w-george-mark-charlotte--62576250) I offered that men's rights are not being eviscerated, men are not forced to give birth, that women earn 75 cents on the dollar relative to their male peers (and it's worse for BIPOC women), and more.
Oh, the poor men. Love them but stop the whining.
I know, right? It’s embarrassing. So many grievances, so little time.
The men in my life were never whiners. Even bros who turned into MAGAts. What a disappointment
So, so many grievances. Gag me.
I worked in women-serving non-profits for nearly forty years. I can't tell you how many times I heard comments like, "why don't you help men," or "why isn't there a men's center on campus?" I answered, "Because the whole world is the men's center."
It is remarkable to me that in the year 2024 equality in race and gender is not simply by default.
Brilliant, thank you Professor Richardson! I am eternally grateful for your Letters. Even the ones that plunged me into despair. I am out of the country due to a family emergency and thus unable to follow everything, but I depend greatly every day on your "Letter", and also Joyce Vance's "Civil Discourse" and Dan Rather's "Steady". Of course Bill McKibben on Third Act and his climate newsletter. That's really all I need. The rest Is noise...
Don’t forget Robert Reich’s Substack contributions as well.
I agree, but he tends to be very negative.
Huh....... I guess i have never thought about how to describe or warn about the economic injustice of the last 40 years in a positive light. I dunno.......
All the best with your family emergency.
Amen to the Bill McKibben cite! The climate is absent from the MAGA agenda, and it's the #1 issue facing all of us! (and !!!)
I hope things work out for the best in your family situation.
Hope vs despair. Justice vs injustice.. Love and patience vs Hate and anger.
Light vs Darkness
Now let me see....
Let us all thank T**** for working harder to elect Kamala Harris than just about any other Republican: to wit, being the absolute worst example of his generation to run for the office. He is an embarrassment to us all.
VP Harris is happy about people uniting.
The orange traitor is busy dividing people, and happy about nothing.
And there are still people out there "undecided"?
There are still people out there who are just starting to pay attention, but Politico reports this morning that they're breaking for Harris in double digits in PA: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/11/01/2024-elections-live-coverage-updates-analysis/plouffes-message-00186821
Sooo glad to see that! Talking to kids +18yo, amazing how they know sooo little. For example, Trump's Access Hollywood tape about grabbing women in the crotch etc. is making the rounds on TikTok and kids are amazed. Yeah they were +10yo, missed that news cycle! I mentioned 'Voter Suppression' to a first time voting 28yo tonight, he was nonplussed and asked 'what's that mean, I never heard of that'. (I sent him an Atlantic article about how GOP was under court supervision for dirty tricks). Maybe candidates need to have a website that brings new voters up to date on the history of issues and the history of GOP misdeeds, as opposed to pushing the the hot issue dejure?
Honestly I think TikTok is reaching a lot more voters than candidate websites, but it's always good to have a link to a hub.
Double-edged sword??
I prefer to think of it as a gateway drug. :)
Deep, even breaths.
Anne-Louise, yes. Amazing how many times a day I have to remind myself to breathe.
excellent news.
My colleagues, friends, and family that are voting for Trump are simply not getting this news. One cites the economy. A second cites Harris’ lack of economic policy (!!!!). A 3rd cited Harris’ endorsement by Beyoncé and that disqualifies her because of Beyoncé’s ties to P. Diddy (!!?). A fourth says Trump will fix the Middle East and protect Israel. The fifth and sixth buy into the culture war b.s. Their realities are different. Sigh. These are good people, lost.
We’re good people, lost people become threats, like my bros
Jerry, I cannot fathom how the good people I worked with, trained/was trained by, faced danger with and trusted with my life (as they trusted me with theirs) can support that evil man.
Ally, I can't quite understand it either when I look at the issue in general, but get clues on individual's choices when I listen. On the other hand, I can still trust most of them to join their fellow humans to achieve a goal/ accomplish a mission without regard to others' political opinions. Most.
Well, as the humorist Will Rogers once said :"Everyone is ignorant, only on different subjects."
That's the equivalent of fast food. Not good for your health.
Trump is happy when he is hurting people, or stealing something, and getting away with it. He just gets so pleased with himself.
Amazing isn’t it to hear people say they are undecided. Just reminds me that you can’t fix stupid.
celeste, as much as I believe that it's best that everybody who is legally eligible should vote in every cycle, perhaps those folks should sit this one out and find an online civics class.
Have you seen her Black Barbershop video? It's terrific. She is very good, no doubt about it.
Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat says Trump has no way to go but more extreme. That is the playbook of fascists. Everyone that accepts this as normal behavior is suffering from being brainwashed. It is not normal, and we have to complain when the press tries to normalize it. I complained to the AP about their article header about the Cheney facing a firing squad affair. I no longer even get WaPo or NYT because of their normalization of the abnormal like in 1984.
I still get the British and US versions of the Guardian, and when they were starting to sound like the US press I had stopped subscribing to, I wrote them about each article that was offensive, and how mainstream and not independent seeming they were, and that I was donating to them but would not if they could not find more balance and start reporting on Project 2025 and not treating it as if we did not have a fascist running for president. I believe other people must have as well, and unlike the WP and NYT, I did see a change. I appreciate them and Substack writers like you who are staying on track and not becoming part of the fascist propaganda.
However, I expect each day Trump will escalate. By doing things like he just did, the news covers that instead of the Puerto Rico insults from his Nazi gathering in the Garden. That is his point. Deflection. Puerto Rico would be out of the news cycle already if people like Jennifer Lopez did not keep it alive by appearing with Kamala in Nevada.
A friend told me she called a woman who said that she had already voted for Trump, but now that he has disparaged Puerto Ricans she wishes she could take her vote back and vote for Harris. Unfortunately she cannot take it back. Let us still count on a Blue Wave and hope for a BLUE TSUNAMI.
The sun’s rays are beginning to pierce the darkness. Time for women to take over, the men have screwed it up for long enough.
They can't do any worse than we men have managed over the last 300 years!