Thanks as always for your words of wisdom today Heather (if I may!)
[An earlier version of this post began: "I see today that Stephen King was banned from X for referring to Musk as 'the first lady'." It has been pointed out to me that this is incorrect and I apologize for the mistaken information. It does not alter that Musk has excess p…
Thanks as always for your words of wisdom today Heather (if I may!)
[An earlier version of this post began: "I see today that Stephen King was banned from X for referring to Musk as 'the first lady'." It has been pointed out to me that this is incorrect and I apologize for the mistaken information. It does not alter that Musk has excess power in the administration and I stand by the rest of the comment. Sincere apologies for the error. There, I just did something Trump has never done, never could do, and never will do. Now to resume with our regular programming . . . ] So, a modest proposal. Going forward Musk will be known as First Lady Elon Musk, or FLEM for short. Yes, that is supposed to be a reference to phlegm, because he, his bromance Trump, and his lackeys think he’s sane and smart, but he's not.
Sorry to go low. Anything to keep me sane right now.
I had to laugh out loud on this one. It proves that the Scrambled Egg is truly one with scrambled brains and Putin must be laughing his head off imagining any future conflict. This definitely proves dementia and stupidity rolled into one person. The new president elect is ready for the white jacket with extra long sleeves that tie up.
Except unlike the asylum where the inmates are locked up, here the inmates are running loose. As Dr. Frankenfurter once said, "Quake with fear, you tiny fools!"
Carol, not only is Putin laughing about Trump’s “leadership”, but the Russian-government -owned news is making fun of the future First Lady, showing her nude modeling pictures on television.
Heather wrote, "the real winners of the chaos he (Trump) is ushering into the government will be Russia, China, and the other autocratic states eager to dismantle American democracy." Yes indeed, Trump is trying to replace the Republican Party with his own party, the MRGA ("Make Russia Great Again") Party, with him as a military dictator. We will see if the Senate has enough real Republicans left to stop him.
The Senate republicans have zero courage and even less than zero morals. The USA I knew for 62 years is gone. I can only hope the suffering and death can happen quickly; I cannot bear the agony of this anymore.
I think Musk has always been the favorite son, literally a man after DT's greedy little heart.
Vance was picked because they wanted someone "normal-ish" to appeal to a wider audience and pacify backers. He's just a shiny bauble now to be put on a shelf until Trump is too unstable to govern.
Musk and Sachs both born South African. Peter Theil in Germany to German parents. Just pointing out three of the biggest donors have fascist parents and countries of origin. Crazy.
Yes. I am wondering if Vance and all the evangelicals who voted for Trump will now be thrown under the bus. Trump has never been a Christian, and I don't get the impression that Musk is either.
Dear Maureen - you're comment on Elon Musk being the favorite is dead on accurate. It galls me no end that Musk is running Trump's incoming administration. However, I would remind Mr. Musk there may come an American version of the Night of the Long Knives if Trump begins to view him as a threat to his administration. He may fall out of sixth story window "accidently" as many of Putins adversaries do.
Of all of these horrible choices, this one is the worst. A guy who made it all the way to Lt. and Trump wants to give him the keys to the single largest military organization and budget on the planet. yeah....that's thoughtful and deep thinking.
Mike, not a Lt (pronounced: lootenant), but a Major in the Minnesota Army Nat'l Guard. Not much difference to you and I. Pretty-much a ball of putty to work with it would certainly appear. And a penultimate-insult to every person serving in uniform. This isn't going to stand.
Mad. I certainly hope that it does not stand. I have not much hope about the Senate, but we will see. I see many who are having voter's remorse and I imagine that number will grow. I have read about some really convoluted thinking that led some to vote for death star. Often it was a calculation that they would be immune to what is going to happen.....delusional.
Among the many fires, I am focused on HCR's comment: that were " ... about to find out if the [Framers] were right" meaning whether that Senate could be a fire break against dictatorship.
Specifically, I am focused on the Portland [Maine] Press news that Senator SUSAN COLLINS is in line to head the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Collins will a political target from any 'secretly' elected new Senate Majority Leader.
I am well aware that Senator Collins has made a career staking out property rights to the "moderate" position. In 2025 that 'moderate' position seems impossible as a matter of political power realties.
I am also aware that Senator Collins has some 'Parkinsons' symptoms & has even offered 2 new laws to deal with that neurological condition. Of course, I want to hear from 4th Generation Mainer, Heather Cox Richardson.
Is there any chance Senator Collins could step down after a Senate Committee bruising political fight to the MAGA gang? Do you know of any capable, savy, history proficient candidate that could be appointed to fill a vacated Senator Collins seat ... say a brilliant Professor?
I have always admired the "run for something" movement.
She'd be great but I don't know if Mills would appoint her. I would love to see Collins change parties. The GOP is no place for her at all. That would immediately give Democrats back one of the seats we lost. If Collins could bring Murkowski along with her, and Casey actually wins in PA (still a possibility) the Senate would be a tie. With Vance as VP still not ideal but better than nothing.
So far the media and majority of R’s have been and will be complicit. And there is the ruling from SCOTUS regarding immunity that is blatantly against the constitution. I admit that I have no hope.
Now does anyone understand why I called for a temporary a military takeover by suspending the constitution in order to rid ourselves of this disaster waiting in the wings. I would take my chances with brass who ironically honor the constitution by suspending it until another leader is…. Hum. My logic is illogical but no more so than the monster about to assume office.
I don't favor the military taking over anything, but I do hope the top military brass (Chiefs is Staff and whoever else has command) put whatever pressure they can on Congress to resist Trump's appointments, etc.
You realize that any such attempt is a complete violation of our Constitution and would subject such military leaders to execution as treasonous? Please do NOT support or argue for extra constitutional processes to try to correct something that has not yet happened. I am NOT saying that it might not come to that but we are nowhere near that point yet. Under our current laws anyone suggesting such a thing and acting on it is by definition acting outside the law and is subject to being declared an insurrectionist JUST LIKE THE THOUSAND OR SO WHO WERE ARRESTED AND JAILED FOR JAN 6TH.
Kazz, Pete is just another member of the clown car that death star is assembling. He knows nothing about running the military and now death star wants to purge generals. Hope all the Arabs in Michigan like Huckabee as Israeli ambassador because he will only make what the Israelis are doing worse. And the Gnome as head of Homeland Security....it will get her out of South Dakota where she doesn't like to be and she can get her dental work done anywhere in the country. And death star did not win in a landslide.
Kazz, I agree, with the exception of your characterization of anything Fox being B-grade. Since Fox has perennially attempted to destroy our democracy and has lionized Trump and his criminals, as well as being a source of disinformation, a B-grade must denote "Bastards", correct?
In fact more soldiers died of flu in WW1 than any other form of death. And the war waged for years prior to the epidemic of 1918. The flu deaths were the reason that both sides sought the peace.
Doesn’t the Sec of Defense oversee Fort Dietrich where all bio weapon research is conducted? Hmmm. We could offer an intimate tour there for the new Sec Def?
Apparently there is a growing number of high ranking military officers who belong to a Christian nationalist group who are very powerful. I forgot its name but surely they would support Trumps actions, whether in deportation or suppression of demonstrations of all kinds. Not so certain that the military would hold to the constitution
The military obeying the Commander in Chief is in fact "holding to the Constitution" unless the orders are clearly illegal. Certainly deporting illegal immigrants is NOT illegal (in fact it could be argued that NOT deporting them is violating the Constitution. (Not that I agree with Trump's proposed deportation plans but I do contend that his plans are probably the most LEGAL thing he has proposed. )
That is NOT a Constitutional restriction, it is a policy that has been enforces coupled with some laws which could be changed or repealed. And the president can also declare martial law which would permit the use of armed forces on our soil. It's a radical move but it has been done before so there is precedent.
Remember that most of the children that will be deported with their parents are US citizens. They’re being deported without due process. We must fight for the 14th Amendement.
I expect (although we will have to see) that parents bring deported will have the option to take their children with them or have them remain here. Having US citizen children is NOT under any immigration law in and of itself a bar to deportation of the parent. It is a terrible thing of course but the legal assumption is that this is a choice the parent made. If they are then arrested and subject to deportation they have the right to leave the children but it doesn't extend to them in most cases any right to remain in the US themselves. Heartbreaking and awful but that is the law.
Which is why I advocate for elimination of alien status and unrestricted opening of the borders. No matter what you do, deportation leads to heartache and awful decisions that should never have to be made. We also benefit greatly as a country from most immigrants, legal or not.
In would restrict deportation to people who are wanted in their own countries for criminal acts (with allowance for people who might be political criminals not dangerous ones).
You think that’s bad, you should see how crazed my 7 cats get waiting to be fed right about now, 6-7 AM. It’s a political world as the cats begging pawing at each other as I intervene, “Stop it,” I yell while warming the homemade chicken under hot water. Ringo is the only cat that is permitted to wait and eat on the kitchen table. He is served first. Then Babe gets his plate second and immediately, Jezebel and Wild Man converge on Babe. “Get away get away” I yell. But Wild Man challenges me every feeding. For him, I continue screaming until the remaining plates are placed on the floor. Wild Man finally runs to his plate especially after sometimes giving him a nudge. Not to be outdone, Babe eats fast then runs to Wild Man’s plate to seek revenge.
Ringo is the only cat in the house that didn’t need to be shanghaied to come in. All homeless once upon a time, I just opened my front door one day and invited Ringo to come in. And he slowly placed an unsure paw in front of another as he made his way to my enclosed front porch as I held the door open. He was probably given up because of his strong bite and his sharp claws. But I have calmed him down over the years. I can’t do pictures here but if you subscribe to my blog, I’ll include a pic with my next entry. I frequently use my posts here as incubators for future blog stories so one is coming soon on topic. With a picture of the cats at feeding time with Ringo at his throne on the table. Thanks for asking. It will be done.
I used to say that I hate politics. Even office politics. But you're right Bill. We can't get away from it. Wise man. It's everywhere. We used to have a dog named Ringo. He was mostly black and had a large ring of white around his neck.
I have an 8 room house. There are two litter boxes next to each other in the kitchen and one upstairs. People have remarked that my house doesn’t smell of cats. I clean the liter boxes whenever I walk pass it’s second nature for me now. And I also make about 25 pounds of chicken thighs turned into food and freeze in bell jars. (Easy go to cat nutrition .org and check it out.) I’m committed so any woman friend that wants in needs to like cats because they now come first, lol.
Buckle up! The word here in DC is that the plan is to create as much chaos as possible so that when it comes time for the next prez election, the chaos will be so all-consuming that changes will be made to keep Trump in office. Remember how he said we’d never have to vote again? Apparently that’s on the Promises Made, Promises Kept platter.
Yes, that is what Trump said to his follows: Vote for me this time and you won't need to vote again. In other words, he does not plan to have a more presidential elections. He will appoint his own successor. That's what who we have now.
First, initial changes create chaos. Second, in the same ways he won the election - which also was a change: by creating chaos in the forms of disinformation, massive division and villainization (immigrants, the trans community, etc).
In the M.A.G.A. mind-set a two percentage point victory is a mandate. Why? Because they outlasted a rigged election. They confuse Russia vacant-bots, which exist, with alleged Democratic vacant-votes, which do not.
I would love President Trump simply to vanish; he will not. Perhaps that proves to be the preferable path in a perilous polity. Were President Trump to disappear, that would mean Vice President Vance would be President; he strikes me as more dangerous.
The Democratic Party may have lost this election, not a week ago, but eight years ago. There is not hard evidence, of course, but there is a popular impression that the Democratic Party tipped the nomination scale against Senator Sanders.
That lost the trust of working class Americans in the party of their twentieth century forebears. Sadly, in 2016, the wrong set of Elders intervened. Had President Biden run in 2016, he would likely be finishing his second term about now.
Ned I was never a Hillary fan...and not because she is a woman. We would have encounters with her and her people at events we were working in DC....and those are other stories. When she lost to Obama, I was working an event of mostly women that was supposed to be a victory party for her. The crew were some of the few men in the room...and we felt like we were at Custers Last Stand and we were Custer. Madeleine Albright had to come in and calm them down....because many were saying they would not support Obama...she pointed out the problem with that. I was also supporting Bernie at the time you describe...your backwards looking crystal ball just might be accurate.
I am conservative by temperament, so Mrs Clinton's politics did not bother me. Senator / Secretary Clinton was, perhaps, the most scrutinized candidate in history . . . until President Trump. One passed and one failed.
Secretary / Senator Clinton for me, however, was like calf's liver; hold my breath and swallow quickly small bit by small bit. When she spoke, I could hear the cogs turning away in her head; that was off-putting.
As a Republican, I did not follow the Democratic primaries much in 2018. Senator Obama, later President, and Representative Kucinich were my preferences since they impressed me as the most sincere.
What I do remember about 2008 was Senator Clinton's attack advert. against Senator Obama photo-shopping the latter as an Islamicist; ugh. I voted for Senator McCain, knowing that the country would be in good hands either way.
I met and interviewed Kucinich back when they were trying to establish a Dept of Peace. They were doing an event with Walter Cronkite and Marianne Williamson in DC. She had an absolutely electric vibration coming off of her. I need to find that tape if I still have it. They were all very impressive human beings in ways that I never saw in Hillary...and Trump is so far away from that....
Steve, Forget Musk. The Department of Government Efficiency is a joke. It is not a Department and never will be a Department. Despite the fawning praise, in reality, it's a slap in the face. I'm tempted to start a pool on how many days it will take Musk to jump ship.
Justin, there can only be one Alpha Monster in Trump World. Elon got played, campaign money for access to sniff Trump’s shirt collar. Trump no longer needs Elonia. Its a pattern
It seems like many are seeing Trump as the one being out with JDV taking over. Read Prof Timothy Snyders' version of a former 60s Sit com called Oligarchs' Island. https://snyder.substack.com/p/oligarchs-island
Won't the tariffs on goods needed to maintain Starlink and other Tesla auto manufacture tell Musk that they are a bad idea for business? He may not be an engineer but he's not foolish enough to pay more. I think he is trolling the Scrambled Egg.
Carol, as depressed as today's column has made me, your comment and others are giving me hope that a circular firing squad is forming within the MAGA world.
Carol, I'm not an economist. Please see my response above to Frank Loomer. Musk is obviously very complicated. I was only referring to his relationship to Robber Baron elect.
Susan, isn't he supposed to be under investigation for that? The thing that is WAY too easy to forget is that Biden is still in the White House, so stuff could happen.
Susan, The subject was freedom of speech, but you are right to point out what had to be a major crime. I heard that using his new toy Xtwitter, Musk accused Democrats of voter fraud in Pennsylvania on Election Day. I don't know what the Courts are going to do about that. Being blatant is certainly something that Musk and you know coup have in common. For the record I HATE that Billionaires and corporations and politicians and even Supreme Court Justicies get away with murder. I try to keep it positive but I know that these are very dark times. In a way it's been a self fulfilling prophecy.
Please be joking. I sincerely believe that the founders of Twitter were the extreme freedom of speech guys. Musk was the cannibal (Hannibal Lecter?) that ate them.
Fear not, I've done the same thing. I've decided Pootin is the Orange Nutjob's girlfriend. And I will continue to NEVER address him as president. This insanity and nightmare we will be living is threatening to send me into a tails pin.
It appears that the claim that King was kicked off is truly false, but others have claimed being banned for criticizing Musk (which may or may not be true). One thing for sure is that Musk is easily triggered, and seriously lacks emotional maturity. That's problematical when combined with power.
From Threads: No, Stephen King has NOT being banned from Twitter by Elon Musk. It takes seconds to verify but it's proven to be extremely good engagement bait so people have leaned into it (clocking up tens of thousands of likes along the way).1 day ago
But everyone in this thread is missing the essential disease of the algorithms of “social” media. Musk doesn’t need to ban King, just tweak the algorithm so King’s posts are seen less often than, say, some crazed, ignorant, right wing extremist intent on disseminating disinformation.
Have you seen this yet? I didn't get the First Lady reference when I watched it. Now I do. After all, who was it who showed up with T for the "Family Foto" after the steal? oops, I mean the election? (First 1:40 minutes of it) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEH5FNrl_0s
Flem? Flem? Really? Back in the previous century, a local writer, William Faulkner, wrote about Flem … Flem Mize. Faulkner traced his bloodline back to … well … a long time ago. Flem has walked amongst Americans a long long time. We’re in for a long and rough ride.
How long before the bromance between FLEM and the other guy goes down in flames? And why was Stephen King still on X in the first place? Perhaps the first lady comment was his forced exit strategy.
Thanks as always for your words of wisdom today Heather (if I may!)
[An earlier version of this post began: "I see today that Stephen King was banned from X for referring to Musk as 'the first lady'." It has been pointed out to me that this is incorrect and I apologize for the mistaken information. It does not alter that Musk has excess power in the administration and I stand by the rest of the comment. Sincere apologies for the error. There, I just did something Trump has never done, never could do, and never will do. Now to resume with our regular programming . . . ] So, a modest proposal. Going forward Musk will be known as First Lady Elon Musk, or FLEM for short. Yes, that is supposed to be a reference to phlegm, because he, his bromance Trump, and his lackeys think he’s sane and smart, but he's not.
Sorry to go low. Anything to keep me sane right now.
This gets more bizarre by the second
Let's see how the mainstream media normalise this one: B-grade Fox News Channel show-host Pete Hegseth to be made head of the military.
I had to laugh out loud on this one. It proves that the Scrambled Egg is truly one with scrambled brains and Putin must be laughing his head off imagining any future conflict. This definitely proves dementia and stupidity rolled into one person. The new president elect is ready for the white jacket with extra long sleeves that tie up.
Talk about the inmates running the asylum.
Except unlike the asylum where the inmates are locked up, here the inmates are running loose. As Dr. Frankenfurter once said, "Quake with fear, you tiny fools!"
Carol, not only is Putin laughing about Trump’s “leadership”, but the Russian-government -owned news is making fun of the future First Lady, showing her nude modeling pictures on television.
https://greekreporter.com/2024/11/12/melania-trump-nude-pics-russian-state-tv/
Heather wrote, "the real winners of the chaos he (Trump) is ushering into the government will be Russia, China, and the other autocratic states eager to dismantle American democracy." Yes indeed, Trump is trying to replace the Republican Party with his own party, the MRGA ("Make Russia Great Again") Party, with him as a military dictator. We will see if the Senate has enough real Republicans left to stop him.
The Senate republicans have zero courage and even less than zero morals. The USA I knew for 62 years is gone. I can only hope the suffering and death can happen quickly; I cannot bear the agony of this anymore.
I saw that yesterday. Never fear Trump will just laugh along with them and do whatever they want.
Why do you think? I’ve been wondering about this to shame him or something else???? HELP!!!🤔
Carol, this is no laughing matter, we should be crying.
George, I agree, and I am.
your are not alone, by any stretch, Nancy
"Those with a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord."
Proverbs 11:20
(Moses Mike would have no time reading the Bible....to busy trading porn with his son)
I am. I guess the American experiment failed.
Men...march with your woman.....protect her from the Maggots before they come for her
https://act.womensmarch.com/survey/TrumpWin_JanPledge/?t=3&akid=21838%2E2931636%2Earh-8D
And I have to ask…. where is JD Vance in all this? I think Elon is now the favorite son.
I think Musk has always been the favorite son, literally a man after DT's greedy little heart.
Vance was picked because they wanted someone "normal-ish" to appeal to a wider audience and pacify backers. He's just a shiny bauble now to be put on a shelf until Trump is too unstable to govern.
Musk and Sachs both born South African. Peter Theil in Germany to German parents. Just pointing out three of the biggest donors have fascist parents and countries of origin. Crazy.
Yes. I am wondering if Vance and all the evangelicals who voted for Trump will now be thrown under the bus. Trump has never been a Christian, and I don't get the impression that Musk is either.
JD is USA Born, Elon Musk is not... The USA is Elon Musk's 3rd Country...
He’s to unstable now. But you’re right.
Dear Maureen - you're comment on Elon Musk being the favorite is dead on accurate. It galls me no end that Musk is running Trump's incoming administration. However, I would remind Mr. Musk there may come an American version of the Night of the Long Knives if Trump begins to view him as a threat to his administration. He may fall out of sixth story window "accidently" as many of Putins adversaries do.
Sounds vaguely Old Testament to me.
Prodigal son and all that.
Digression: “scrambled egg”? Assume that’s tfg? How did he get this new nickname?
He earned it.
As he plays naked Melania pix on their propaganda TVs.
Orange Jesus truly is Putins fucking bitch.........still have no sympathy for Melania..........never.
Of all of these horrible choices, this one is the worst. A guy who made it all the way to Lt. and Trump wants to give him the keys to the single largest military organization and budget on the planet. yeah....that's thoughtful and deep thinking.
Thoughtful
Deep
2 words NEVER associated with trump….EVER
At least if (when) he makes a mistake, he won't say, "I wash my hands of it."
MaryB, LOL
😏
Hahahahahaha!!!!
Mike, not a Lt (pronounced: lootenant), but a Major in the Minnesota Army Nat'l Guard. Not much difference to you and I. Pretty-much a ball of putty to work with it would certainly appear. And a penultimate-insult to every person serving in uniform. This isn't going to stand.
Mad. I certainly hope that it does not stand. I have not much hope about the Senate, but we will see. I see many who are having voter's remorse and I imagine that number will grow. I have read about some really convoluted thinking that led some to vote for death star. Often it was a calculation that they would be immune to what is going to happen.....delusional.
They misspelled ignorant
That is beyond believable, yet, "here we are"! Now you see why Trump wants "session" appointments.
Thank you Frank.
Among the many fires, I am focused on HCR's comment: that were " ... about to find out if the [Framers] were right" meaning whether that Senate could be a fire break against dictatorship.
Specifically, I am focused on the Portland [Maine] Press news that Senator SUSAN COLLINS is in line to head the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Collins will a political target from any 'secretly' elected new Senate Majority Leader.
I am well aware that Senator Collins has made a career staking out property rights to the "moderate" position. In 2025 that 'moderate' position seems impossible as a matter of political power realties.
I am also aware that Senator Collins has some 'Parkinsons' symptoms & has even offered 2 new laws to deal with that neurological condition. Of course, I want to hear from 4th Generation Mainer, Heather Cox Richardson.
Is there any chance Senator Collins could step down after a Senate Committee bruising political fight to the MAGA gang? Do you know of any capable, savy, history proficient candidate that could be appointed to fill a vacated Senator Collins seat ... say a brilliant Professor?
I have always admired the "run for something" movement.
“Recess?”
Exactly Susan.
More to my point above, any thoughts on a Senator Heather Cox Richardson?
She'd be great but I don't know if Mills would appoint her. I would love to see Collins change parties. The GOP is no place for her at all. That would immediately give Democrats back one of the seats we lost. If Collins could bring Murkowski along with her, and Casey actually wins in PA (still a possibility) the Senate would be a tie. With Vance as VP still not ideal but better than nothing.
So far the media and majority of R’s have been and will be complicit. And there is the ruling from SCOTUS regarding immunity that is blatantly against the constitution. I admit that I have no hope.
Of all of them, this seems to be the stupidest and most terrifying. I see many online talking about his white nationalist tattoos.
Now does anyone understand why I called for a temporary a military takeover by suspending the constitution in order to rid ourselves of this disaster waiting in the wings. I would take my chances with brass who ironically honor the constitution by suspending it until another leader is…. Hum. My logic is illogical but no more so than the monster about to assume office.
I don't favor the military taking over anything, but I do hope the top military brass (Chiefs is Staff and whoever else has command) put whatever pressure they can on Congress to resist Trump's appointments, etc.
The Senate is under control of the GOP. Unless some brave Senators from the GOP step up and object to GOP nominations, that will never happen.
Your proposal is well taken. It's like a reset button. I think we all had enough already even before it started..
You realize that any such attempt is a complete violation of our Constitution and would subject such military leaders to execution as treasonous? Please do NOT support or argue for extra constitutional processes to try to correct something that has not yet happened. I am NOT saying that it might not come to that but we are nowhere near that point yet. Under our current laws anyone suggesting such a thing and acting on it is by definition acting outside the law and is subject to being declared an insurrectionist JUST LIKE THE THOUSAND OR SO WHO WERE ARRESTED AND JAILED FOR JAN 6TH.
Having your coup take over before their coup. “The end justifies the means” has no negative connotation as long as you get what you want, huh?
Expediency abounds
Valkyrie. Consider Rommel’s attempted patriotism.
Serbs certainly had them ... typically on a bicep.
Soon, I'm sad to say. We won't get choices in our news channels
That's the normal in regimes trump admires!!!!
Kazz, Pete is just another member of the clown car that death star is assembling. He knows nothing about running the military and now death star wants to purge generals. Hope all the Arabs in Michigan like Huckabee as Israeli ambassador because he will only make what the Israelis are doing worse. And the Gnome as head of Homeland Security....it will get her out of South Dakota where she doesn't like to be and she can get her dental work done anywhere in the country. And death star did not win in a landslide.
But outside of South Dakota she won't have her killing pit. What in the world will she do with her unwanted pets?
I heard tell of some hungry illegal immigrants somewhere.
Clown Car Death Star seems appropriate.
Kazz, I agree, with the exception of your characterization of anything Fox being B-grade. Since Fox has perennially attempted to destroy our democracy and has lionized Trump and his criminals, as well as being a source of disinformation, a B-grade must denote "Bastards", correct?
“Germs aren’t real”- Pete Hegseth
In fact more soldiers died of flu in WW1 than any other form of death. And the war waged for years prior to the epidemic of 1918. The flu deaths were the reason that both sides sought the peace.
Doesn’t the Sec of Defense oversee Fort Dietrich where all bio weapon research is conducted? Hmmm. We could offer an intimate tour there for the new Sec Def?
Hegseth's not even prime time.
Apparently there is a growing number of high ranking military officers who belong to a Christian nationalist group who are very powerful. I forgot its name but surely they would support Trumps actions, whether in deportation or suppression of demonstrations of all kinds. Not so certain that the military would hold to the constitution
Maybe New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR?
The military obeying the Commander in Chief is in fact "holding to the Constitution" unless the orders are clearly illegal. Certainly deporting illegal immigrants is NOT illegal (in fact it could be argued that NOT deporting them is violating the Constitution. (Not that I agree with Trump's proposed deportation plans but I do contend that his plans are probably the most LEGAL thing he has proposed. )
I think the military is not supposed to be used on domestic soil for law enforcement purposes.
That is NOT a Constitutional restriction, it is a policy that has been enforces coupled with some laws which could be changed or repealed. And the president can also declare martial law which would permit the use of armed forces on our soil. It's a radical move but it has been done before so there is precedent.
Remember that most of the children that will be deported with their parents are US citizens. They’re being deported without due process. We must fight for the 14th Amendement.
I expect (although we will have to see) that parents bring deported will have the option to take their children with them or have them remain here. Having US citizen children is NOT under any immigration law in and of itself a bar to deportation of the parent. It is a terrible thing of course but the legal assumption is that this is a choice the parent made. If they are then arrested and subject to deportation they have the right to leave the children but it doesn't extend to them in most cases any right to remain in the US themselves. Heartbreaking and awful but that is the law.
Which is why I advocate for elimination of alien status and unrestricted opening of the borders. No matter what you do, deportation leads to heartache and awful decisions that should never have to be made. We also benefit greatly as a country from most immigrants, legal or not.
In would restrict deportation to people who are wanted in their own countries for criminal acts (with allowance for people who might be political criminals not dangerous ones).
Terrifying
Kneel and pray, pilgrims.
Kazz, it's already happened. I read something in the early hours that totally normalized Hegseth.
Unbelievable, the man has no military background.
And will only get "bizzarrer"!
I don't bet money on much...but I'd bet on that.
Yep, Love the new word.
Hey, Lady, say that 10 times rapidly.
I'd rather say that than "Fly thrifty fried flags!"
You think that’s bad, you should see how crazed my 7 cats get waiting to be fed right about now, 6-7 AM. It’s a political world as the cats begging pawing at each other as I intervene, “Stop it,” I yell while warming the homemade chicken under hot water. Ringo is the only cat that is permitted to wait and eat on the kitchen table. He is served first. Then Babe gets his plate second and immediately, Jezebel and Wild Man converge on Babe. “Get away get away” I yell. But Wild Man challenges me every feeding. For him, I continue screaming until the remaining plates are placed on the floor. Wild Man finally runs to his plate especially after sometimes giving him a nudge. Not to be outdone, Babe eats fast then runs to Wild Man’s plate to seek revenge.
Just like in politics.
Stay out of Ohio.
Dayton, right?
I want to see a picture of this. Ringo...I love it. I owned a Ludwig Ringo kit for 50 years.
Ringo is the only cat in the house that didn’t need to be shanghaied to come in. All homeless once upon a time, I just opened my front door one day and invited Ringo to come in. And he slowly placed an unsure paw in front of another as he made his way to my enclosed front porch as I held the door open. He was probably given up because of his strong bite and his sharp claws. But I have calmed him down over the years. I can’t do pictures here but if you subscribe to my blog, I’ll include a pic with my next entry. I frequently use my posts here as incubators for future blog stories so one is coming soon on topic. With a picture of the cats at feeding time with Ringo at his throne on the table. Thanks for asking. It will be done.
You and Joyce Vance with her chickens! Love it. Something to smile about in these dark and scary times.
I frequently get into trouble here because my comments don’t alwasys match the status quo. So it’s safer to discuss the feline world.
I used to say that I hate politics. Even office politics. But you're right Bill. We can't get away from it. Wise man. It's everywhere. We used to have a dog named Ringo. He was mostly black and had a large ring of white around his neck.
Also like politics: a never ending supply of 💩 to clean up. How do you deal with that?? We have one cat and that’s enough for me.
I have an 8 room house. There are two litter boxes next to each other in the kitchen and one upstairs. People have remarked that my house doesn’t smell of cats. I clean the liter boxes whenever I walk pass it’s second nature for me now. And I also make about 25 pounds of chicken thighs turned into food and freeze in bell jars. (Easy go to cat nutrition .org and check it out.) I’m committed so any woman friend that wants in needs to like cats because they now come first, lol.
Ha ha! You must mean Ball jars. Get it right this time.
I’m glad I don’t need to fix a three course meal everyday for them.
Comedian Jon Stewart was pretty funny on his take about “what went wrong” for the Democrats campaign…
https://youtu.be/TKBJoj4XyFc?si=_feIf-bILX2cabbp
Was good—but will he talk about the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025/Putin/Musk ?!
Susan: Surely he must have - or will?
This link will open: https://youtu.be/TKBJoj4XyFc?si=vGBhPEy8R3l6Sdv8
This link will open. https://youtu.be/TKBJoj4XyFc?si=vGBhPEy8R3l6Sdv8
Buckle up! The word here in DC is that the plan is to create as much chaos as possible so that when it comes time for the next prez election, the chaos will be so all-consuming that changes will be made to keep Trump in office. Remember how he said we’d never have to vote again? Apparently that’s on the Promises Made, Promises Kept platter.
Yes, that is what Trump said to his follows: Vote for me this time and you won't need to vote again. In other words, he does not plan to have a more presidential elections. He will appoint his own successor. That's what who we have now.
Stacey: but if it's that chaotic, how would he be able to enact any changes?
Martial Law…the enemy within
First, initial changes create chaos. Second, in the same ways he won the election - which also was a change: by creating chaos in the forms of disinformation, massive division and villainization (immigrants, the trans community, etc).
The March of the Nincompoops Continues Apace.
Sooooooo anxiety producing!!!!!
In the M.A.G.A. mind-set a two percentage point victory is a mandate. Why? Because they outlasted a rigged election. They confuse Russia vacant-bots, which exist, with alleged Democratic vacant-votes, which do not.
I would love President Trump simply to vanish; he will not. Perhaps that proves to be the preferable path in a perilous polity. Were President Trump to disappear, that would mean Vice President Vance would be President; he strikes me as more dangerous.
The Democratic Party may have lost this election, not a week ago, but eight years ago. There is not hard evidence, of course, but there is a popular impression that the Democratic Party tipped the nomination scale against Senator Sanders.
That lost the trust of working class Americans in the party of their twentieth century forebears. Sadly, in 2016, the wrong set of Elders intervened. Had President Biden run in 2016, he would likely be finishing his second term about now.
Ned I was never a Hillary fan...and not because she is a woman. We would have encounters with her and her people at events we were working in DC....and those are other stories. When she lost to Obama, I was working an event of mostly women that was supposed to be a victory party for her. The crew were some of the few men in the room...and we felt like we were at Custers Last Stand and we were Custer. Madeleine Albright had to come in and calm them down....because many were saying they would not support Obama...she pointed out the problem with that. I was also supporting Bernie at the time you describe...your backwards looking crystal ball just might be accurate.
I am conservative by temperament, so Mrs Clinton's politics did not bother me. Senator / Secretary Clinton was, perhaps, the most scrutinized candidate in history . . . until President Trump. One passed and one failed.
Secretary / Senator Clinton for me, however, was like calf's liver; hold my breath and swallow quickly small bit by small bit. When she spoke, I could hear the cogs turning away in her head; that was off-putting.
As a Republican, I did not follow the Democratic primaries much in 2018. Senator Obama, later President, and Representative Kucinich were my preferences since they impressed me as the most sincere.
What I do remember about 2008 was Senator Clinton's attack advert. against Senator Obama photo-shopping the latter as an Islamicist; ugh. I voted for Senator McCain, knowing that the country would be in good hands either way.
I met and interviewed Kucinich back when they were trying to establish a Dept of Peace. They were doing an event with Walter Cronkite and Marianne Williamson in DC. She had an absolutely electric vibration coming off of her. I need to find that tape if I still have it. They were all very impressive human beings in ways that I never saw in Hillary...and Trump is so far away from that....
WOWerful story there, Mike. What an interesting life you have led to date.
Mike, we should be ready for any and all occurrences. Pandora will have her way and there seems to be nothing we the people can do about that.
Pandora for real. Uncharted waters
More bizarre and terrifying
I also quite like “Elonia” for him. Not mine, heard it on Kara Swisher’s podcast, but I’m an early adopter of it. Be best, Elonia.
“ELONIA”!!!! So perfect
So THAT's where Jimmy Kimmel gets his jokes!
Steve, Forget Musk. The Department of Government Efficiency is a joke. It is not a Department and never will be a Department. Despite the fawning praise, in reality, it's a slap in the face. I'm tempted to start a pool on how many days it will take Musk to jump ship.
Justin, there can only be one Alpha Monster in Trump World. Elon got played, campaign money for access to sniff Trump’s shirt collar. Trump no longer needs Elonia. Its a pattern
“I don’t know the guy”
Dave,
You got that right. Comey had him down cold. Mobster mentality. Loyalty only goes one direction.
Don Corrleone is saying, “I coulda liked this guy, but he probably woulda tried to have me sleep with the fishes”
Trump is in competition with Putin for biggest bank accounts. Musk is a tool
It seems like many are seeing Trump as the one being out with JDV taking over. Read Prof Timothy Snyders' version of a former 60s Sit com called Oligarchs' Island. https://snyder.substack.com/p/oligarchs-island
Thank you, Linda. This was terrific.
Hope you're onto something, JS
I had a little help from Lawrence O'Donnell on Last Word (MSNBC) last night.
Won't the tariffs on goods needed to maintain Starlink and other Tesla auto manufacture tell Musk that they are a bad idea for business? He may not be an engineer but he's not foolish enough to pay more. I think he is trolling the Scrambled Egg.
Carol, as depressed as today's column has made me, your comment and others are giving me hope that a circular firing squad is forming within the MAGA world.
Carol, I'm not an economist. Please see my response above to Frank Loomer. Musk is obviously very complicated. I was only referring to his relationship to Robber Baron elect.
I wonder how many of those that will ask to stay home in the name of "efficiency " are MAGA voters.
No. Billionaires do not need or want a government.
Isn't Musk supposed the be the extreme freedom of speech guy?
Free speech for people as sexist, racist and juvenile as he is. It is like the forum for middle schoolers.
It’s utterly amazing how accurate your brief but spectacular writs are, Linda 🫶
Linda, I left before Musk showed up. It was very bad. Musk managed to make it horrible.
As in BLATANTLY buying the election?!
Susan, isn't he supposed to be under investigation for that? The thing that is WAY too easy to forget is that Biden is still in the White House, so stuff could happen.
Susan, The subject was freedom of speech, but you are right to point out what had to be a major crime. I heard that using his new toy Xtwitter, Musk accused Democrats of voter fraud in Pennsylvania on Election Day. I don't know what the Courts are going to do about that. Being blatant is certainly something that Musk and you know coup have in common. For the record I HATE that Billionaires and corporations and politicians and even Supreme Court Justicies get away with murder. I try to keep it positive but I know that these are very dark times. In a way it's been a self fulfilling prophecy.
J L,
Please be joking. I sincerely believe that the founders of Twitter were the extreme freedom of speech guys. Musk was the cannibal (Hannibal Lecter?) that ate them.
Musk talks about free speech, but in the MAGA tradition is very much one of dishing it out but not being able to take it.
He is absolutely being satirical. No one who reads Heather's column can possibly make a statement like that and be serious.
Thnx kd
Hannibal Lecter thanks America: https://youtu.be/oSw4mQNcEWQ?si=vBkzhlDL07gIVz9n
Thank you Hope. Very dark but somehow hilarious 😂
Free to speak MAGA. Free speech is speech Musk oks.
I first read it as "musk ox", vastly more pleasant to envision.
We prefer "musk rat," but "musk ox" is good too.
Oh, he IS… if it’s HIS speech!
Yes, you got it Connie! (I got lost in J L's satire)
like getting rid of Stephen King?
Free speech for the things that *he* wants to say, sure.
Except when Musk is the subject of said free speech.
“Flem” on!!!
Fear not, I've done the same thing. I've decided Pootin is the Orange Nutjob's girlfriend. And I will continue to NEVER address him as president. This insanity and nightmare we will be living is threatening to send me into a tails pin.
He is a traitor. And he is trying to turn the country into the "shithole" it never was, all so he can rule like a king.
Orange Sadist he is, and orange sadist he has been since 2016.
His entire life, we just saw it more once he was elected.
Yes, there's a lot of vertigo going around.
i think this is false - King is still on X (or was a few hours ago)
Hummm. I read elsewhere that Steven King was leaving Xitter, but in this climate there are just too many lies. It seemed credible.
It appears that the claim that King was kicked off is truly false, but others have claimed being banned for criticizing Musk (which may or may not be true). One thing for sure is that Musk is easily triggered, and seriously lacks emotional maturity. That's problematical when combined with power.
From Threads: No, Stephen King has NOT being banned from Twitter by Elon Musk. It takes seconds to verify but it's proven to be extremely good engagement bait so people have leaned into it (clocking up tens of thousands of likes along the way).1 day ago
But everyone in this thread is missing the essential disease of the algorithms of “social” media. Musk doesn’t need to ban King, just tweak the algorithm so King’s posts are seen less often than, say, some crazed, ignorant, right wing extremist intent on disseminating disinformation.
you mean i fell for misinformation?
From "Fiddle on the Roof": When you’re rich, they think you really know.”
FLEM. For sure! (phlegm)
Have you seen this yet? I didn't get the First Lady reference when I watched it. Now I do. After all, who was it who showed up with T for the "Family Foto" after the steal? oops, I mean the election? (First 1:40 minutes of it) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEH5FNrl_0s
Having two racists in charge is terrifying for everyone.
Flem? Flem? Really? Back in the previous century, a local writer, William Faulkner, wrote about Flem … Flem Mize. Faulkner traced his bloodline back to … well … a long time ago. Flem has walked amongst Americans a long long time. We’re in for a long and rough ride.
Yoo hoo!! Made me laugh Steve. I think that is a gift this morning.
No apology needed. Frankly, I think you're spot on.
How long before the bromance between FLEM and the other guy goes down in flames? And why was Stephen King still on X in the first place? Perhaps the first lady comment was his forced exit strategy.
I am so sorry, but this did not actually happen. I wish it had, but that statement apparently came from a satire account. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2024/nov/08/threads-posts/dont-fall-for-it-claim-that-stephen-king-was-banne/