Today, Representative Ryan Zinke (R-MT), who was former president Trump’s Interior Secretary until he left under accusations of misconduct, introduced a bill to ban Palestinians from the United States and to revoke any visas issued to Palestinians since October 1 of this year.
Today's letter is stark and unembellished, because it contains such a long list of authoritarian actions. One can choose to take this all as an overwhelmingly dire threat and become exhausted. Or, we could be seeing a desperate attempt by far right nationalists to hold back the tide of resistance to Trumpism. I know this is a binary assessment. A true reading of these events would show many skirmishes, some favoring extremists, others favoring the survival of our partial democracy. At least Trump and some of his accomplices are on trial. At least some of us have awakened to the threats we face.
I believe that Professor Richardson has shown us through her writings that we collectively suffer from a deeper rot of oligarchic and moral corruption that extends back to the days of Black slavery and the genocide against first nations. Let's pick those areas where we can make a difference and fight the good fight without exhausting ourselves in what will be a prolonged upheaval.
I cannot thank you enough for your positive words. I tend to feel overwhelmed and helpless in all of this. Then, I read a different perspective and I can think again. Yes, keep fighting the good fight where we can. And, vote, vote, vote Blue.
“ In Virginia, where Republicans are hoping to take control of the state legislature to pass new abortion restrictions as well as the rest of Republican governor Glenn Youngkin’s agenda, a study by the Democratic Party of Virginia shows that officials are flagging the mail-in ballots of non-white voters for rejection much more frequently than those of white voters. As of today, 4.82% of ballots cast by Black voters have gotten flagged, while only 2.79% of the ballots of white voters have been flagged.”
Va needs help curing these ballots ! You can help by phonebanking.📞 You’ll be calling those who have already voted and want their vote to count !! It’s easy and fun and great assistance provided throughout the phonebank.
Thanks for bringing this up Kathy. VA will need all the help we can give them to cure ballots. It is rewarding, joyful work as voters are so grateful for your help, and you know you’re helping to ensure that every vote is counted! Do it - you’ll love it!
Kathy, this sounds like something I could do. But can I do this with a landline? My cell phone just died and I won't be able to replace it before the election. Thanks! David
David,You should be ok as long as you have a phone and a computer.There are session leaders who will answer any questions at the beginning and during training.
How do these states know the race of the voters? They must start with a list. A computer program? Can’t imagine checking individual mail in ballots. At any rate, a huge and expensive operation. Who pays??
Sandra, I just know that if it is a state list of any kind, our taxes funded it. I wasn't worried about the kind of list Gigi was talking about, just helpfully explaining that we pay for the states to operate. Sales tax, property tax, income tax, etc.
But speaking of racial identification, it would not surprise me that they know, without having to ask us about it. I believe state governments have access to at least the demographic data in the last census, with respect to their own residents. If not, there are other ways.
I hope that answers your worries, 'cuz we're all in this together.
Nor do I see the end. Common sense is not selling and children are dying. Hatred grows deeper with each death. Gut feelings of guilt and anger swell. New weapons are used. Nukes are threatened.
Civilization hits the wall, we go to war. Civilization was never civil. When war breaks out, lies spread and war grows, war crimes like hostage taking are used by the enemy, and few speak out if it’s not Israel. All expect Hamas outrageous outrages. We hold Israel to the highest standard. Jews are asked to behave.
In today’s mess, WW III threatens. Iran doesn’t seem to care. Russia is Putin. He’s a very bad man. The big three know these things.. Two of the three have nothing much to brag about. Little to lose.
We have lots to lose. No secret. And the State Israel is a one man one vote democracy.
The good Arab I know lives in Israel and likes it. Loves it. Doesn’t want to live among his people. No surprise. His people will mistreat him for his beliefs. Arabs do that.
A free press only exists where democracy exists. In China, Russia, Hungary, Egypt, SA, Turkey, and Iran the honest reporter is at risk. Imprisoned.
Antisemitic stuff in Gaza, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, and Russia is toxic.
Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinians - are a mess.
After avoiding the book for years I recently read “Killers of the Flower Moon,” that verified my worst expectations of the episode of wide human depravity.
As I read the best part of the book, the afterword, Gann deliberates his conclusions with the descendants of many of the victims.
I realize the narrative is not about money, oil or even murder. The book narrates the Osage tribal members as non-persons.
An entire society and Government first de-humanized the tribal members opening the door for marauding criminals to kill dozens upon dozens of human beings and until an ambitious Bureaucrat J Edgar recognized the possibilities and halted the process.
But by closing the case Hoover joined the Criminal Cover-up.
Yes. The FBI’s J. Edgar Hoover was truly awful. The slaughter of the most wealthy Indians of Oklahoma was among our greatest sins as a white supremacist culture.
J. Edgar was a perfect shit. He owned presidents. Hid his own personal life. Two faced and sick. The culture is still influenced. And they know it. I met with two for an hour. Our conversation left them furious. For months. They looked up 15,000 on my contact information. Desperately trying to get dirt. I humbled and humiliated the two. It’s a story.
I am trying to better understand the social pressures Muslims have endured for so long. Then I look at the ultra orthodox Jews and our own homegrown christo-fascist fanatics. Cult Studies 101: to instill the fear and shame of speaking ill of the cult or it's members along with stripping individuals of their self worth. A toxic mix.
They are one and the same. The ultra Orthodox are as fascist as the white nationalists in our country. They will deny it, of course, but their hatred shows it. Now they want more settlements in the West Bank so they are fighting with long-term Palestinians now. It’s INSANITY!
SB Lewis, you express the views of thousands of Jews, a minority of Christians, and no Muslims. Jews are in the minority and they are losing the propaganda war. Democracy is threatened by the forces of evil. We can't be fooled by rethuglican dogma. Their white supremacists and Christian Fundamentalists like Mike Johnson and MTG would throw Israel under the bus the first opportunity that presented itself. If this country loses our democratic form of gov't., Israel will be the only hope of all Jews. Eventually, the blacks, the LTBG population, the gypsies the others will find they are next.
Same here… after reading this morning and watching everything going on, I’ve been feeling a little sad and depressed about it all.. but pick a battle and fight the good fight! I have a gay, non-binary college student and I’m most worried about our future for the kids. It’s most distressing that GOP Sec of States are purging voter rolls, esp. Black citizens.
I don't understand people. Especially self-righteous, fake Christians who think everyone in the country should kowtow to what they believe. How profoundly arrogant. I worry. But, I can only control myself, as it should be. I can't believe how many really awful people reside amongst us, and apparently have for decades.
It seems to me that anything that I would recognize as "spirituality" begins with questions and is modest in proposing answers. I think those who feel entitled to force their preferences on others are narcissists. Yes, we define boundaries to behavior to prevent imposed harm and preserve preponderantly agreed upon rights, in a nation of democratically negotiated laws, not the dictum of some despotic elite. It seems that every major religion I am aware of is construed by some as an excuse for demagoguery and sometimes vicious violence, while others preach compassion. What has been recorded about what Jesus is thought to have believed, he seems a like a caring teacher than a violent despot.
Violent and repressive acts, especially bullying, assault, torture, genocide, slavery perpetrated by "religious fanatics", is evil cloaked in a pretext of lies, told to others and themselves in a state of malignant narcissism.
Agreed. It often feels overwhelming how deeply imbedded the "rot" is.
I have to believe that a majority of Americans really do see the danger we face, and absolutely will get out and vote and do everything in their power to make sure their vote is counted.
Cheating is the only way Repugs win. That has to stop!
Rot always accompanies life, but I think this pernicious strain of rot has been accumulating for about 40 years. I think that perhaps the "pardon" of Nixon was both an embrace of insulating goverment from public control, and of combing of the law as a full-time strategy for "security holes" by which law could be twisted to frustrate justice. Once again, that's not new and the history of the Democratic party has it's ugly chapters; but the the degree to which dishonesty and treachery became "GOP" standard operating procedure with the election of Reagan helped corruption to approach sepsis of the sort manifested in the MAGA's (so far) attempted coup d'etat. Democracy cannot be run on lies.
Totally agree, BC. The outpouring of despair is suffocating until I realize that Gary S has nearly as many likes as there are responses today. I'm hoping that others will be able to find strength in his words.
"a deeper rot of oligarchic and moral corruption that extends back to the days of Black slavery and the genocide against first nations."
Correct.
The Southern Baptist Church, a key participant in today's push for authoritarian rule, through its widespread support for Trump, first split off from the "Northern" Baptist Church because, after all, slavery was not only OK but supported by God, because, "slavery is in the Bible". Nobody believes me but I actually heard one of these nutty sermons in Slocum, TX in 1971 before my Mom, who always made us go to church and there were no Methodist churches nearby, moved us over to Elkhart Baptist (immediately following that "slavery is OK" sermon).
The entire Southern Baptist Culture was ably captured by Charles M. Blow at the below NY Times gift link.
Blow grew up not far from me. I can fully validate his perspective and experience. The powerful men (always men), will smile at you and take your land when you cannot pay one payment on the loan. That is just one of the many things they can do.
But, the most obvious and well known corruption was the Sunday whipping of blacks for fun and entertainment AND legalizing the rape of black women by white men throughout the south. Yep, laws on the books legalizing white man rape on black women. Why?
Lighter skinned slaves sold for more money. Yep.
Trump is tapping in to Amurca's black heart. Because his dark (weak) heartbeat and Amurca's heartbeat are in sync.
Thank you for that link, Mike S. Unfortunately, "MAGA Mike" strikes me not so much as the "happy, Christian warrior" but the smarmily smiling snake-in-the-grass. He looks like a harmless garter snake but his venom is potent and deadly.
Maga Mike was chosen because his demeanor is smooth and cordial. I heard some Democratic House members refer to him as willing to compromise. We're only beginning to realize his true nature, and it's frightening. Beware the smile -- venomous snake that he is.
Maybe those 'Democratic' House members are part of the new caucus of "The Tax Cheat Twelve"....
"The Democratic leadership in the House aggressively condemned Republicans for “playing politics with aid to Israel.”
But the Tax Cheat Twelve stuck to their principles.
UPDATE: Just this morning, Rep. Haley Stevens said in a tweet that “Emergency funding in a time of crisis should not have to be offset. It’s bad policy, hamstrings our ability to meet the moment, and hurts our global leadership.”
She then voted for the bill.
Rep. Greg Landsman also stated that Speaker Johnson should “pull this bill & apologize. He’s putting politics over national security & pitting Israel’s security against ensuring billionaires pay all their taxes.”
I know it's difficult for some people to risk being voted out, but if the Republicans are threatening each other as well as others, the risk in being a Democrat at all is still there. So, I don't understand the rationale in voting for this discriminatory and destructive bill. A government must have taxes to conduct the peoples' business, and separating aid to Israel and Ukraine when they're targeted by the same petro-oligarchs means they're willing to sacrifice one group for another.
The issue at stake isn't 'simply' land. The people are being deliberately and systematically killed. We should be doing more with all our strength.
While fear of evil is natural, it is ineffective. Submitting to despair is suicidal. Fear's negative energy must evolve into perseverance to preserve our rights, our lives.
Right you are, Grover, but there hasn't been a Republican-sponsored shutdown yet that has been advantageous for the right wing. Their hubris is so great that they are unable to admit their mistakes, let alone learn from them. This could be a boon for us next November.
From the NY Times article link that Mike S provided: “He (Mike Johnson) is from a part of the country where your nemesis will smile at you and promise to pray for you, where people will quickly submit that they “love the sinner but hate the sin,” where one hand can hold a Bible while the other holds a shackle. He is from a place where people use religion to brand their hatred as love so that they act on it cheerfully and without guilt.
He is what many have feared: an example of second-wave Trumpism — politicians rising in Trump’s wake who come with the same policy priorities and ideological proclivities, but in a far more congenial and urbane package, propelled by something more than personal grievance. Trumpism is a religion developed to serve a man. What happens when it evolves into a pillar of an established creed and is viewed as a way to serve God?”
Hi Anna-Louise! Thanks for your reply. I was just kidding, but if I moved it would be alone; I'm a widower now, just beginning the 4th year. And I wouldn't bring a woman anyway, not just yet. The ayatollah thing, you know.
I knew several Iranians in college, and they are indeed beautiful and pleasant friends.
Mike S thank you for the gifted article. I hope people read it! Having lived my life above the Mason Dixon line - it is a deep culture that people like me can’t read enough about to try to understand the “ Jekyll and Hyde” between words and actions. “it’s the Christian way, the proper Southern way. And it is the ultimate deception.”
In the SBC: The key is-> Deceiving others into believing that "you" are part of "God's Chosen" is important in the south, however, having become part of the "in" group means you can then do whatever you want to whomever you want no matter what it is, as long as you are in Church on Sunday with all of the Elders.
The SBC is a "religion" is built on hypocrisy as Mr. Blow notes.
Because, "God is with you, who can be against you".
I get this response a lot from the CINO in MT. "I will pray for you" along with u are going to hell. I am very discouraged with what is happening in politics & the world & the only hope is that it is the darkest before the dawn.
Long, long ago I just go used to the idea that I am "going to hell". As a grad student, at UT Austin, with access to all of the libraries in the world, I undertook, in my free time, to prove that the resurrection of Jesus occurred. After 6 months of toiling work reading, ordering books from all over and aggravating the head UT Librarian who thought I was nuts.........
I could not prove that Jesus was resurrected. However, I could prove that Mary Magdalene was so keen on keeping Jesus message alive that, upon arrival at the tomb, two angels came to her and showed her how. Although, the disciples did not initialize recognize the Jesus she presented to them. When Jesus admonished them for not being able to recognize him they got with Magdalene post haste and off they went. Still going. :-)
And, honestly, Jesus messages are worth keeping alive. They have made my life more filled with gratitude, tempered my somewhat combative East Texas nature, helped me understand where I can improve and, generally, kept me at peace.
Thank Mary Magdalene for keeping those messages alive. Leave it to a woman to find a way when a way needs found.
Thanks, Mike... I was not raised with any religious education, although over the years I have attended a wide variety of religious services. I have often wondered how believers and followers of Christ can hold so much hate in their hearts. I honestly think some of the world's worst atrocities throughout history have been done in the name of religion. I try to live my life with love understanding and compassion. I try to help people who need help. I don't seem to need religion to do these things.
I decided decades ago that those who go to church do so because they know they need help, but are afraid to admit it to a psychiatrist who might also charge more.
Thanks, Mike. I've long thought that people who don't believe in God could still be followers of Jesus, if only they were willing to accept all those messages. Amazing--well, ok, not really--that of late there are stories of Evangelicals congregants rejecting their pastors sermons, saying that the Bible is too liberal.
We Olympians (Wa.) were taught "no body contact" and had to stand so our fingers couldn't touch the shoulders of the person in front of us while waiting in line. Proper little wasps we were.
Carole how many times have we heard “I will pray for you” after the mass killings related to gun violence. The politicians who say this and then vote for not doing a darn concerning gun laws are wolves in sheepskins…
Carole, I never want these people to pray for me...it would be like being cursed and it is hubris. I don't need someone praying that I go along with their hatred and bias. Also if they are going to heaven (ha) then I don't want to be there.
All these people who pray for us (because we are going to hell) are going to be very surprised if their Rapture actually does happen, because THEY are the ones who would be left behind. 😊👹
As a southerner who's lived in the north for decades, I understand your observation but offer the following first hand experiences:
I was born in Virginia, grew up there, attended church and Sunday School, was a Boy Scout, eventually graduated from Virginia Tech, lived in Charlotte, NC, Northampton, MA, and in Virginia three more times before moving my family to Maine 40 years ago. My parents taught me respect for black people. My university enrolled the first black Cadet while I was there. As a proud Southerner, I can say I'm shocked and horrified by ANY "so-called" Christian who takes the position many Republicans are taking on this matter. That is not Christianity. They are not Christians.
Hi Steve. I lived in the South for the first 50 years of my life, and moved away in 2000. My stints were in Alabama first, and then Virginia. I still have many family and friends in the South whom I visit every 1-2 years. But I would never describe myself as a "proud southerner". I learned many good behaviors and terrible attitudes there. I'm curious what you find worthy of being proud of. Its history is appalling to me.
Maybe this is more a matter of you not wanting to "reject" the South, or blame it for an inordinate amount of America's troubles. Even that is a stretch for me, though. Having lived in Birmingham in the 1950s and 60s, I saw the horrific things that whites were willing to say about and do to their black neighbors, even after 300+ years of terrible mistreatment.
For you living in Maine, in me in New Mexico, we have now seen worlds where prejudices are much less toxic. Here, Native, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures live side-by-side in much greater harmony than I could've imagined decades ago.
On target comment. Although I must say, the SB were bad, they were not the only "Christians" that practiced their faux religion. How many of these denominations that looked around and thought theirs was the "godly right" one and all others were hell bound?
Rickey, Good question: "How many of these denominations that looked around and thought theirs was the "godly right" one and all others were hell bound?"
tough question but I checked the answer key and found: "All of them".
Well, maybe not so much Methodists, at least in my experience.
All of them. That's what I found when, in my sophomore year of high school, doing a paper on religions of the world for the Jesuit priest who taught the religion class. All religions have that one fatal flaw: they are based on the concept of 'the other' which, by definition, means those not in the religion are not equal. Doesn't matter the denomination or nationality, that flaw is universal. That was my last year in parochial school - the next fall the mother superior would not allow me to change my schedule to take an engineering class and I was off to public school.
SOME big city, urban Methodists have evolved, others out in "Les Styx" not so much. I grew up hearing "Methodists are merely Baptists who can read" and in the rural and small-town Methodist churches I grew up around that was more or less true. (As a point of reference, I grew up Methodist!) Now, at least here in north Georgia, the Methodist church is being wrenched apart over LGBTQ+ issues and many are leaving the national "United" church, which has come out in support of gay clergy and same-sex marriage. (Also another point of reference: 50 years ago in college, I left the Methodist church and became Anglican/Episcopalian, and never looked back!)
Growing up in the South, I was around and dealt with smiling, glib Southern Baptists most of my life . . . you know the kind, the ones who'd smilingly look you right in the eye and tell you you were "going to hell and suffer eternal damnation because _________" (pick your poison). For $$ I sang in a Baptist church choir for a couple years in college (which then precipitated my aforementioned re-location to the Godless Episcopalians), so I got to see it from the rotten inside. Mike Johnson is that same greasy, slimy brand of polyester Protestantism that I had/have to exist around and cannot abide. I don't know how long he'll last as Speaker, I just hope it's measured in months and not much longer.
My move to the Presbyterian denomination was due to marriage, but also due to being able to hear messages that were not about damnation and hell. Lessons on living the faith and being living examples of faith.
My father's mother was Primitive Baptist. Just church service, no Sunday school Bible study, etc. No musical instruments to accompany singing in worship (which was awful because the song leader couldn't carry a tune in a bucket), no open Communion. They did not even get along amongst themselves. My grandmother's church was not "in association" with the closest other Primitive Baptist church. I always found them to be judgmental and not willing to help others.
This attitude can be found throughout history, pretty much beginning with the NT. Lately, though, there has been a bit of a pullback, often just dissembling. Needless to say, the "I am right" thing extends far beyond religion, though religion is handy or at the top of the pyramid.
They were great examples of loot based conquest in the name of getting back the Holy Land, though Edessa was hardly that. The previous Muslim empire had militarily collapsed, took less than a century to get it back into working order once the Kurd based Saladin managed to outmatch fellow Muslim warlords. Complicated history since the Crusades also included Spain, eastern Europe and I'm not sure what else. Muslims ran jihad for centuries before eventually bringing down the Byzantine empire, also loot based, after the Ottomans beat out fellow Muslim warlords. Christian mercenaries were hired to help in the final fall of Constantinople. Ottomans built up their famous janissary troops from kidnapped Christian Baltan kids. Might is right apart from Right is right kind of issue.
I was attacked and bitten by a dog that was chained to a car, parked near a children's playground, with a bumper sticker that read "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven". I've always felt that was some people's ultimate credo: do what you want in this life, with no consequences in the next because you've spoken the magic words and performed the correct rituals.
For some, religion is a structure for living a moral life. For others, it's a way of hiding behind an imaginary being with the power to absolve them from their worst actions. For these people, ambition is not a sin and any dishonest action required to gain power is permitted - nay, encouraged - because it enhances the power of the deity along with the individual. It is this submission to dark internal urges that allows these people to present a facade of charity and godliness while pursuing the basest and most hateful of goals.
I fear we will soon be ruled by these people, who will literally stop at nothing to achieve what they see as their divinely inspired destiny.
Thanks for the truly scary article. The central theme and common thread of these catastrophists appears to be fear of, and opposition to, the power of individuals to exercise free will. From what the article describes, they have constructed a justification for why everyone else should live in the way they believe is right. This seems like a logical consequence of being raised in a culture with an expectation of unconditional submission to a dogma given by a higher power.
In that context, everything in the theories shown here is classic projection. These groups have cast "liberal democracy" as the theocratic bogeyman of the other side. The "Flight 93" analogy carries special irony, since the real event that inspires it is about a small group of religious warriors hijacking the means to destroy the seat of liberal democracy - an excellent example of exactly what they are doing.
Looked at in this light, it is very hard to see how we resolve this peacefully. By deifing democracy, the catastrophists are turning this from a political argument to a religious one. Political arguments can be settled through compromise; religious ones throughout history have mostly required separation of the combatants or annihilation of the opponent. The continued existence of the other side always leaves open the possibility of defeat and annihilation in the future.
And let’s not forget that there are external political forces giving support and pouring gasoline on the fire, inflaming the Thanks for the truly scary article. The central theme and common thread of these catastrophists appears to be fear of, and opposition to, the power of individuals to exercise free will. From what the article describes, they have constructed a justification for why everyone else should live in the way they describe. This seems like a logical consequence of being raised in a culture with an expectation of submission to a dogma given by a higher power.
In that context, everything in the theories shown here is classic projection. These groups have cast "liberal democracy" as the theocratic bogeyman of the other side. The "Flight 93" analogy carries special irony, since the real event that inspires it is about a small group of religious warriors hijacking the means to destroy the seat of liberal democracy - an excellent example of exactly what they are doing.partisans so compromise becomes impossible.
There is a fine line to be walked to settle our differences. If both sides buy into the “clash of religions” frame, there seems to be no way out that allows both sides to coexist, and authoritarianism of some stripe seems inevitable.
You might have wanted to say something more but have pasted the early part of your post into the middle. I think, BTW, that there's more than "classic projection" here. (I've been a student of propaganda and make some of the following distinctions to help me and others model what we're seeing.) There's also allegiance to a belief structure uncritically received within a social/cultural echo chamber. The context for such beliefs may be the uncritical acceptance of dogma, and the co-opting and misrepresentation of another's label. Repetition of falsehoods, memes and redefined ideas is a standard propaganda technique. The perpetrators are apparently purposely doing this. And then, on a personal level, we may see displacement, where a disliked characteristic is assigned to another. In the end, political liars may believe their BS and have then constructed a knee-jerk, paranoid response.
How do we resolve this peacefully? Vote them out repeatedly so they see that they've taken a losing path. Hold people accountable to the rule of law.
I fully agree that voting is the best path to a peaceful resolution. However, in order for that strategy to work, free and fair elections must be permitted and respected. Republicans have already moved past that (see tonight's stories about Steve Scalise refusing to answer George Stephanopoulos' five-times-asked question - in November 2023 - about whether the 2020 election was stolen).
The 2020 election was amateur hour. The people who truly intend to end American democracy learned from watching the clowns and will be ready to ensure that the next election they can either win or steal will be the last one they have to worry about.
Yes, and we've been warned about the link between fundamental Christian Evangelists and authoritarianism by Bob Altemeyer's research cited in The Authoritarians. He offers his book for free here.
Like you, I agree that Jesus's teachings are very fine and there are many Christians who live according to those teachings. If you read the Bible as a historical compilation of many writers and not as a fundamentalist, you don't need to use its contradictory edicts as your only guide to living.
Gary, unfortunately, in Baptist churches another message is given to their congregation. Jews killed Jesus is pounded into the heads of their cult like adherents. Jew hatred has ben baked into their DNA. Unfortunately, for centuries Christians preached the same dogma.
Hopefully not all or most Baptist churches. Where they do teach such poison they are contradicting what Jesus said. Too many fearful followers don’t read the Bible or think about whether their pastor is leading them astray. Hate mongering is tragically universal.
Other mon-Christian religions have admirable ethics too... all seem to present a method of getting along together, but it is also true that in all of them, the women walk behind the men. The Christian church offers women a day of rest, put their children in a safe place while they socialize, and share moral support and resources.
So true from my experience. I grew up in a NE TX, small town and attended a Southern Baptist church. I had never met and only rarely seen a black person. One Sunday I noticed that among the deacons (all white men) greeting attendees at the church doors, was a black deacon. I thought about how interesting it was and nothing more. After a few weeks he was gone. I asked my mother what had happened and was told he had been asked to leave. I thought about that for some time, then never went back to that church again. When I got married my husband, who had lived in many different places, declared he could not remain in TX for several reasons. When I mentioned how much I would miss the friendly people there, he replied that those smiles hid the truth. That polite demeanor was hiding what they really thought and believed. He was right.
The last paragraph in that article: "Where he and I are from, even would-be oppressors can be affable. It’s not just good manners; it’s the Christian way, the proper Southern way. And it is the ultimate deception."
Quoting Charles Blow, “He (Johnson) is from a place where people use religion to brand their hatred as love so that they act on it cheerfully and without guilt.”
Mike, thanks for this link. I have forwarded it to several of my friends. Just think of conservatives who are turned off by TFG'S ignorance and criminality, but will jump on board with Johnson. Scary!
One must recognize that “not finding” someone’s position on an issue (any issue) important to you, does not indicate some failure on that person’s character, or mission as it relates to the overall context. Christ had a lot to say about how we should treat one another; interpolate, extrapolate
Also we cannot apply 21st century standards to 1st century Roman Palestine. Slavery was ubiquitous in the ancient world usually the result of conquest. Fast forward a few centuries and we find the Ottoman Empire running a very large slave trade and most slaves came from eastern Europe while in western Europe we are much more familiar with what happened.
Such a valid point. Society evolves like the snail chasing its next meal. Enlightenment occurs quicker in some folks than others. The march toward a more perfect union is hindered by the differential
Drag the laggers kicking and screaming. We’re all somewhere along the road
Jesus didn't say anything about slavery by that word. His central messages were to welcome those different from you, and treat others as you wish to be treated.
I don’t recall Jesus talking about crime. He was down on hypocrites, though. When the criminal—the woman caught in adultery—was about to be executed by stoning, Jesus suggested, “You who is without sin cast the first stone.”
I agree! This is a war against authoritarianism and fascism and we simply cannot lose. With everything that is going on in this world, we need to pick our battles very carefully.
That’s what I am trying to do myself. I have picked an area I can help and try to make at least a small difference. I am too old to march so I am a member of the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County WI. We are all volunteers. I try to help behind the scenes so my more able-bodied friends in the League can help people register to vote. I am on the Vote411 Team. Vote411 is an on-line Voter Guide. We ask questions of the candidates running for local offices and school boards and post their answers in Vote411. The state and national Leagues do this for the state and federal candidates. The local Leagues take on the local elections. Once a person is registered, the Vote411 Voter Guide is available to help voters decide their choices. Vote411 is a nationwide system but it takes volunteers at the local level to design questions and solicit the candidates. It’s something I can do. It is a small but at least I am trying to help in some way and it helps keep my anxiety about the many terrible things happening at bay. Local Leagues all over the country could use more help with this endeavor. If you have a computer and the time, check it out. Might help you keep some anxiety at bay too. Voting is our liberty manifest!
Thank you for the info and your involvement; have contributed to LOWV's but wasn't aware of Vote411 as a resource. Also live in WI, and the outlook can be pretty bleak at times.
OMG! Yes, WI! Talk about anxiety! Now Vos is supporting the (is impeachment? or firing?) of Meghan Wolff, for what?! Doing her job during a difficult time (the pandemic)?! And the legislature stripping our City of Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission of its power to set policy?? Just to name two of many blows. Getting away with all their s__t because of extreme gerrymandering! Locking people in their cells in some of our 38 (!) prisons because there aren’t enough guards. Their solution is NOT to think, “Maybe we have too many people in prison.” “Maybe we have too many prisons in WI.” I am worried if DJT regains office my WI will turn full blown authoritarian. All I can do at this point is support voting. Feels good to get some of this off my chest!
Bit off topic, but had a neighbor's son commit suicide last year (not condoning in any way the reason why) ; he chose to die rather than show up for incarceration in one of our local prisons. Psych personnel relay some real horror stories.
I've been wondering--can men volunteer with the LOWV? Not join, obviously, but volunteer? I don't even know if we have one close by me in GA, but with the internet that might not be a problem. Sorry for my ignorance....
Gary, I deeply appreciate your thoughtful statement, and merely would note the importance, in my view, of pressing for the decisive leadership this moment demands from Joe Biden and fellow Democrats. As I have stated elsewhere, approaching 24, our elected representatives must go where the trouble is in this country and grapple first-hand with the hatred, the division, the upheaval, the despair Trump / Trumpism persists in stoking. Then, without a script, and from the heart, they need to speak with everyday people who doubt that Democrats care about their legitimate issues and grievances. In a word, our leaders must speak for justice and for equity, for safety and for reform, for the crying need to bring this country together. If they say and do these things half as well as some of our most memorable figures, we might not have to live with four more years of Trump and MAGA extremists up and down the ballot.
Gary, In my view, it’s not either-or; it’s both. Just as I expect far more from elected leadership, I also expect all of us to train ourselves and to acquire the knowledge and strength to engage in ways that contribute to creating an increasingly democratic nation, wherein would-be fascists are rendered increasingly irrelevant.
Yes, it is both. And we can try and influence our leaders. I meet with and try to help political candidates and electeds who have integrity and are anti-MAGA. I read somewhere the Spain was able to defeat and hold off fascism. May we also succeed.
Carole, While you could be right, I’m not prepared to abandon my conviction that Trump and MAGA sycophants represent a minority (albeit loud and dangerous) in a country that would use whatever means it could to resist minority rule over the will of the majority.
Carole, I maintain my stance because I know of no better way of remaining resilient, if circumstances warrant. That doesn’t mean I won’t work every lever over the next year to vote in a government that affords each person a dignified voice amid the decision-making that guides and regulates our lives.
Fine and noble sentiments to a concerning post from Professor Richardson but "prolonged upheaval". I hope not. Sensibility, fingers crossed, will be awakened earlier than later.
Climate change is accelerating. Collectively, how did we do with Covid? Vacslav Smil, an apolitical scientist, writes convincingly in his book, How the World Really Works, that we're already committed to 2.3° C global warming so that the 1.5° target is a political one.
The far right grabbed the power they now have in part because of disciplined, effective propaganda and the cohesion of blind belief. Generative AI will be used in political advertising. Oligarchs own much of the media that too many depend on for the "news." Monopolies own our commerce. We have enormous income inequality. Citizens United made corporations people too.
Some people will learn and adapt. They'll find new solutions. Maybe we can recapture and hold Democratic trifectas. But corruption prevents common-sense solutions like universal healthcare, including among Dems.
Why am I not more in dumps? Meditation helped me break through to have experiences showing me that we and all of life are connected and the connection is self-aware, but we're individually responsible. Research supports that interconnection (The Conscious Universe by Dean Radin, for instance). Meditation also helps me relax worry mind. Loving friends and family and fine minds like most of those here, give me comfort. We have some financial security -- we're fortunate but far too many aren't.
Gary,I am glad you mention meditation as it joins us with the universe. I too have decided to try to concentrate on that which gives me comfort and not focus on those things that I can either do nothing about or very little about. We too have some financial security for which i have gratitude and sorrow for those who do not. I have been raked over the coals for being married (yes, I know a lot of people are not and are single parents) and having a garden because not everyone can. I know this too and it really fries me that people live in food deserts and cannot get decent food or often enough food. But hey, the new Speaker wants to cut SNAP and let's destroy the environment even more, so that we will not be able to sustain ourselves. I have to say that if there were a hell, I would love to design a special place for people like him.
Please, let’s do soon. First, how do we counter his brand of fascist agenda now? Do you believe he is waiting for election 2024? Why? The “PLAYBOOK 2025” is already available on Google or so I’ve heard. That speaks to readiness and “in your face” tactics. Are we brave enough to research or join Truth Social to see what they are saying to one another? Now? Could be very enlightening and terrifying. But the alternative is being beaten because we are polite and play by the rules? Six million Jews died because they were good people who did as they were told. Do we ever want to see such a travesty again?
We have a friend who tunes into what she calls "enemy radio" and other things. I don't think my blood pressure would take actually listening to that dreck. Indeed they have a plan and we all need to vote, get out the vote, donate where it will do the most good, and do what we can.
Gary, "The far right grabbed the power by a discipline effective propaganda war." You are so astute. Propaganda wars touch every aspect of our lives today. From climate change to Citizen's United owning our commerce to oligarchs owning our media, to the Federalist Society owning the Supreme Court and lastly to Hamas winning the Propaganda war with Israel, which threatens many Jews in this country. I've tried deep breathing exercises, however, they don't seem to work.
You can place me in the "exhausted" category. I couldn't even finish reading today's Letter. Your words may be reassuring, but honestly, right now, I just...can't.
Maybe tomorrow I'll be more optimistic, but I'm taking today as a personal day.
Last night, my wife and I watched the first two episodes of the four-part TV adaptation of a book for the ages, "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doer. The setting is France and Germany during World War II.
As I watched the brutality of the Nazis unleashed on innocent good people, I kept thinking about the dire threats swirling here now. In the actors I kept seeing the faces of authoritarian right-wingers tearing down our country. I kept realizing these people are cut from the same cloth — the rage and hatred they exude and how much worse lurks just beneath the surface.
Could it happen here? We know it can, and the seeds of the horror have rooted and are flourishing. While "All the Light We Cannot See" brims with goodness and hope amid destruction and despair, it's extraordinary bravery and sacrifice that defeat the darkness.
I concur. Democracy in the US will fall -- eventually. It might be within our lifetimes. I think we have fair odds of surviving this one. But a lot still depends on calling Donald John Trump and his co-conspirators to account for their attempted insurrection. If we let that slide, the US is finished.
Fearful energy is dominating our speech and our acts, especially with older generations. And out of ignorance, fear thrives and grows. I don't see this energy appearing as strongly in the younger generations. Gen Z and Millennials. They demonstrate and embody a whole new mind set. Millennials and Gen Z in 34 nations are standing up against fossil fuels. They publicly announced to the press that they WILL BE VOTING. When it comes to politics, Gen Zers are an activist generation. They turn out to vote at higher rates than millennials did when they were the same age. They are also more inclined to take direct action and advocate for their beliefs. Some of the key issues that are top of mind for the generation include gun violence, climate change, mental health, student debt and the cost of health care and housing.
Sam, I agree to a point. They also are being fed by their professors a lot of nonsense, bordering on outright lies, regarding the current Israeli/Palestinian conflict at our most prestigious universities. At Harvard, Students for Justice exemplifies such teaching.
This comment just out of Israeli leadership. Israel’s Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu was suspended indefinitely after he said in an interview that dropping a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip was “one of the possibilities,” the government announced on Sunday.
The two predictors of civil war, out of a long list of possible predictors, are anocracy, and identity politics. Anocracy is a formal democracy, where people vote, but where the winning party can do whatever it wants. The US was downgraded to an anocracy in 2020.
The people who start civil wars are those who are losing power. In the US, this is white men, and this is driven largely by immigration, particularly from global-southern nations as climate change drives people out of their traditional latitudes.
She offers one interesting short-term fix, which is tightly regulating social media, NOT for people's comments (e.g. FB Jail), but rather the algorithms that amplify the outrageous and titillating.
Good points, and we can still do something about it. I'd love to watch that video, but the link you posted is broken. Can you suggest another way to find that Ted Talk?
I am a retired activist and want my comments to be considered on their merit -- and I'm not well-known in any measure of being truly famous. I don't have a 'stack because that would require publishing regularly and having my posts largely unseen. It takes a lot to gain a following like Heather Cox Richardson or Robert Hubbell. I like to comment on blogs like theirs to express my appreciation and support and to expand on some subjects they have touched. My writing is more visible there.
Some places where I write and am identified are distinctly non-political or non-partisan. In those writings I also try to contribute to the common good, to help people wake up, teach them about something, reflect on what they've taught me.
Excellent post, Gary. Thank you. I read this letter and it's early here and I wanted to feel despair, but I also want to do what we can to fight the good fight. I posted this to Facebook which the title why people should not vote for Rs.
Trump and his Republicans show a horrible vision of America’s future. People must hear these contrasts before they decide how to vote next year. Thanks HCR for continuing to present the facts and keeping us engaged.
Yes vote, but how do we prepare for the next step--when we vote and we win (and I believe we can and will) but those others have so thoroughly plowed the “stolen election” lies ground that they can carry out the vicious revolution they only played at on January 6? Are we prepared to defend the will of the People?
We make sure to push the truth. Remember, like Republican’s other lies, the Trump following is smaller than they want you to think. Don’t be shy about supporting Biden, democrats, or any of the other candidates you support. We must wear our big D badge with honor.
Heather’s letter today screams dystopia. And moderate Republicans signed on when the made Johnson Speaker.
Trump proposes to give MAGA adherents a college degree and government jobs with a pension. He’s not abolishing the administrative state, he’s proposing to take it over by presidential dictate. It is a carrot to his followers and a stick to everyone else.
The lack of even a modicum of courage by elected representatives that put keeping their political office above standing up to extremism that threatens democracy is shocking.
They (Republican party pols; the word MAGA is not just a redundancy, it pretends there's some other aspect of Reppols being MAGA); they do nothing but act (performance politics I think I've heard it called.) But it isn't a perfect metaphor, because stage and screen actors are not simply lying, but Reppols are simply lying. Nothing Reppols say is ever worthy of a sliver of credence. Beyond that, there's never a deeper meaning to their messaging. Yawn.
didn't he try establishing a University before? ended badly as I recall. How could any literate person trust him in another attempt! oh yeah, cult. I see this as more proof he's not mentally competent but was he ever sane?
True, they know that they cannot win a fair election, therefore the gerrymandering and cheating. In other words, they do not subscribe to the democratic formula: one person, one vote, majority rule. These folks are the enemies of our constitutional, democratic, republican form of government. On another note, I have family and friends who are very good Democrats who oppose allowing Muslims to immigrate to this country. It's complicated.
What is complicated? Are there some people that the American government feels entitled to treat as non-people? Do we want border-crossing questionaires asking about a person's religion? Else, how do we justify involving our government in the private thoughts of another?
What is complicated with new people coming in? Assimilation is complicated and difficult. The Ainu have been in Japan for centuries and are still not assimilated. In China, the Hakka (guests) have been in central China for about eight centuries and are still referred to as Hakka. The U.S. culture is principally Christian (though more and more are becoming non believers.) The Muslim culture is different and not to the liking of main stream Americans. The problem could just as well be that the minorities don't want to assimilate. It is complicated.
When you're right you're right, and I apologize if my statements sounded accusatory, which on re-reading I see they might. But, I appreciate your answer, bringing up aspects I hadn't considered and probably would never have, without your input. Thank you.
Les, I was a litigation attorney for several decades. In that role one develops some pretty thick skin. Your countering my claim that it is complicated simply meant that I needed to explain it more. Thick skin is a nice thing to have.
What is "equal protection under law" if the right to vote is impeded or denied by negligent error or political corruption. What is the damage to the rights of affected individuals? What is the damage to the integrity of the government?
The most important thing to watch for now is the emergence of a "third Party". We cannot allow anything to split the Democratic vote. I'd like to know how that effort is progressing. Hubble wrote about it this morning in his Blog. Someone yesterday suggested we read him also, and I did.
We need to reassure Muslims as well as Jews that Democrats stand for justice for all. We can condemn terrorism while at the same time try to understand why it’s happening and work to address the underlying problem. We can suffer for Palestinians AND Israelis at the same time and look for understanding first and solutions rather than killing innocent civilians. Both constituencies are needed under the Dem’s “big tent” - otherwise fascism wins. (& let’s all be clear that a vote for No Labels is a vote for tRump)
This behavior reinforces the idea of hate. Are people so gullible they can’t see the end is near? Correct me if I am wrong, but no nation has survived more than 250 years. During TFG’s first term people believed his lies that Mexico was sending rapists and murderers to the U.S. and we needed a border wall. That Mexico was going to build it…Does someone out there recall any current statistics about the wall?
“No nation has survived more than 250 years”?!? Have you been to England? Europe? Sweden? Those nations are much more than 250 years old. And just because some are trying to do away with Democracy does not mean it’s dead or not worth fighting for. The Magna Carta was signed over 800 years ago, and much of what it says is still true today. We cannot give in to fascism. Our country fought them in 1940’s and we can still uphold their valor today.
Hultic, be aware that the latest spin on Kamala Harris’ words stating that the Biden Administration is speaking against all violence against those of any religions is to have words taken out of context to “prove” the lie that they are only sticking up for Muslims (and Pompeo supported that lie).
Repubs are excellent at spinning any word or phrase to their benefit/detriment of Dems. They’ll foment disorder & say Dems are against law & order. We have to keep educating ourselves & as many others as possible. Remember in general that the Main Street Media is on the side of corporate business not the people.
Thank you for the Hubble link. I especially appreciate this information. (So grateful Pelosi is willing to stay in office to defend our democracy. )
PELOSI TAKES ON NO LABELS
" “No Labels” is a stalking horse for Donald Trump. It seeks to run a hopeless third-party bid that will siphon votes from Joe Biden, forcing a “contingent election” in the House that will elect Donald Trump. No Labels is not a political party and, therefore, is not required by law to disclose donors—like all other political parties. But what little is known about its backers is that it is sponsored by Republican megadonors. See Mother Jones, No Labels Exposed: Here’s a List of Donors Funding Its Effort To Disrupt the 2024 Race.
DO NOT FALL FOR the No Labels lies about wanting a “unity ticket.” It seeks to elect Donald Trump. Period. Full stop.
Nancy Pelosi has recently come out against No Labels in a big way. See Politico, Pelosi launches an all-out attack against No Labels. Per Politico, Pelosi said,
No Labels is perilous to our democracy. I hesitate to [call them] “No Labels” because they do have labels. They’re called no taxes for the rich. No child tax credit for children. They’re called let’s undo the Affordable Care Act. When they jeopardize the reelection of Joe Biden as president of the United States, I can no longer remain silent."
The No Labels™️ front for MAGA inroads has already found ballot approval in Maine. I don't have the stomach to find where else they'll be bleeding votes away from President Biden and other Democrats.
Maine is lucky because voters there enacted Ranked Choice Voting thanks of another third-party egomaniac who wouldn't stand down when the proto-Trump Governor Paul LePage started to gain in the polls. LePage won twice with around 38 percent of the vote and Mr. Third Party turned out later to be a child pornography fan. LePage went on to all but crush Maine's economy and reputation.
“Trump has made no secret of his future plans for the United States of America.
Meanwhile, Republicans appear determined to push their agenda over the wishes of voters.”
This is so obviously treason. I simply cannot understand why these Fascists are continuously allowed to get away with this.
Aren’t there any laws that can be implemented immediately, without years of quibbling in court cases?
Are the law enforcement officers so brainwashed by the Trumpet Cult that we can’t depend on them to haul these terrorists off to prison?
Is a civil war the only way to deal with these transgressions?
In the “Republic”, Plato's Socrates raises a number of objections to democracy. He claims that democracy is a danger due to excessive freedom. He also argues that, in a system in which everyone has a right to rule, all sorts of selfish people who care nothing for the people but are only motivated by their own personal desires are able to attain power. He concludes that democracy risks bringing dictators, tyrants, and demagogues to power. He also claims that democracies have leaders without proper skills or morals and that it is quite unlikely that the best equipped to rule will come to power.
I agree with you, but our system isn’t set up to deal with these types of crimes.
Add to that the idea that almost anyone can become a lawyer, but there’s no guarantee these lawyers will find “gainfully employment” as well as the fact that many lawyers & judges are “conservatives” at heart…
Fay Reid had a good post regarding the subject of political justice/terrorism:
Spot on. Our system was set up on the basis that people (men) of virtue would seek to serve in government. Once it became a money machine or a profession of getting reelected than virtue went out the window.
Most people do not realize the problem is not with the bureaucrats of the government, but elected officials that go out and cater to wealthy donors who then set them up. Read David Peppers book Laboratories of Autocracy to see how even term limits mean nothing as long as money is involved.
I don't want to pretend there once a Golden Age, a Camelot, when our government was virtuous. Yes, it seems inarguable that the absence of virtue today among Reppols is off any timeline chart. But I see it that the hope of our U.S. constitution was to frankly admit that no politician should simply be trusted, but that checks and balances might avoid the worst excesses.
The combination of the death of shame, the daily 5 to 6 hours of fundraising required to fund reelection, and the fact that especially House members consider keeping their job their only job has led us to the current degradation of our democracy.
To remove the controlling influence of money in politics requires a Constitutional Amendment or a SCOTUS that does not see itself as the third and supreme legislative body.
I don't know that "almost anyone can become a lawyer." One has to get through law school and pass the bar exam. That does require a degree of intelligence and the ability to think critically about some issues. That having been said, not all of those who become lawyers care about maintaining a fair system for selecting our government leaders.
"House extremists continue to back Trump even as he is openly calling for an authoritarian second term."
He is not calling for a second term.
He is calling for the overthrow of the Republic and his enthronement as Dictator. President-for-Life, like Papa Doc. If not Emperor. Like Bokassa.
And authoritarian is -- excuse me -- a stupid word to use in an electoral conflict. Only the educated and educable will understand it.
Whatever term we use, it has to be made clear that here we are dealing with a crime boss, and a raving mad one at that. A geriatric Caligula. By comparison, Al Capone seems "a stable genius".
As for his minions, his would-be courtiers... how do you collect together such a freak show?
They make a mockery of America, a mockery of mankind.
Worse than an infestation -- Satan's roaring with laughter at his own joke.
Sandy, I have sometimes stopped arguments cold when I mention "do you know who the largest group of antifa ever was? And that they were sanctioned by the US government!!"
I then tell them it was the WW2 GIs. Amazing how many people do not realize that "antifa" is short for Anti-Fascist. I am not joking. I guess that fact supports Trump's love of the "poorly educated" as otherwise, many of them really love to wave the flag.
A question I have is who specifically gives Trump these ideas ? He has very dangerous advisors. He must never get into the presidency again. The 2024 election is pivotal for human life on earth. If Trump and these advisors get into positions of power and execute these ideas the repercussions will ultimately be devastating for so many aspects of human life. He is truly an existential threat to humankind. We see in Israel what a leader who only cares about his personal interests has managed to unleash. Trump is ignorant and incompetent but there are many very smart and competent crazies lining up for jobs in a second Trump presidency. And they have so much opportunity to cause so much damage. Irreparable damage.
I have said this before, it is not just 45, but the entire corrupt conservative/libertarian loud squeaky wheels of the GOP. ANY republican that wins is going down this illiberal authoritarian road. ALL OF THEM ARE THREATS TO THE CONSTITUTION. ALL OF THEM.
I subscribe to the NYTimes and also get its daily email report. As you may know, I'm trying hard to focus on the good that President Biden continues to accomplish and instead of all the bullshit news we get about trump. Here's what I sent to the NYT yesterday: "Yesterday Biden gave a major speech in MN about farm policy and I can't find anything about it in "The Morning." Instead, the article continues to report on Trump. I for one am exhausted with the endless attention devoted to that man when Biden's policies go uncovered. I recommend you reconsider your focus."
No response from the paper yet, but I'll keep at it.
All big for-profit so-called news' financial bottom line is run by outrage-feeding algorithms, according to NBC's Jacob Ward's book "The Loop." (Link below. I listened to the audiobook via my library's Libby app.)
While I subscribe to profit-making newspapers, too, I don't really expect actual news from them anymore. My news comes from more measured, human-run operations like ProPublica, "The New Yorker," and their ilk, including HCR. Even NPR has lost the plot recently.
I share with your dissatisfaction with the news we receive from most public sources now. And I see no remedy given the erosion of critical thinking in the public that now occurs at the same it digests lies as facts from news sources. Audiences now choose lies from sources like Fox, Steve Bannon, or Alex Jones and thereby become even more harmful to society. Do we defend free speech so that mass media can lie and thereby destroy the government that gave it free speech?
While I share your frustration, it's not an all or nothing question. Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation have worked for sensible social media guardrails and data protections for decades. Just because others seem not to have any interest in protecting our discourse doesn't mean we have to throw up our hands. I recommend reading Cory Doctorow's Pluralistic.net for perspective on how behind the US. It helps to know that other countries have wrangled the cyber-beast a little better. Wired Magazine also can help with that sense of powerlessness. Lastly, the Internet Archive is fighting for its life. Maybe join and use it, too. There are many more super smart people working really hard to make the internet better for all of us.
I will quibble with your term "public sources," too. The publicly funded news sources, i.e. NPR, Deutsche Welle, the BBC, for all their problems – and yes, they are still driven by social media algorithms – have a much better chance of producing news in the public interest than profiteering privately owned cable channels, and – heaven forbid, YouTube channels. While not for profit news modeled after ProPublica has consistently demonstrated its superiority, not enough people have seen fit to cut their cable ties and put their money where the most skilled investigative reporters are. Yet.
Yes, it's hard to fight Putin's troll farms, local and international oligarchs' disinformation, and data scraping. Giving up is not an option, though.
Also, we're currently writing on a non-public source, though HCR makes it free for the reading (not commenting). HCR reportedly has 1.2 million subscribers. At $50 a pop, her profit rivals cable outlets; her overhead is the same as it was when she was a Boston College professor.
While I'm not a fan of the fact that my dollar has more weight than my vote, I am compelled, even on the mostly fixed income of a public school teacher, to vote with my wallet as well as my ballot. While I know it seems hopeless, the only way to help people understand is to be as informed as you possibly can be and stay in the conversation.
Today's letter is stark and unembellished, because it contains such a long list of authoritarian actions. One can choose to take this all as an overwhelmingly dire threat and become exhausted. Or, we could be seeing a desperate attempt by far right nationalists to hold back the tide of resistance to Trumpism. I know this is a binary assessment. A true reading of these events would show many skirmishes, some favoring extremists, others favoring the survival of our partial democracy. At least Trump and some of his accomplices are on trial. At least some of us have awakened to the threats we face.
I believe that Professor Richardson has shown us through her writings that we collectively suffer from a deeper rot of oligarchic and moral corruption that extends back to the days of Black slavery and the genocide against first nations. Let's pick those areas where we can make a difference and fight the good fight without exhausting ourselves in what will be a prolonged upheaval.
I cannot thank you enough for your positive words. I tend to feel overwhelmed and helpless in all of this. Then, I read a different perspective and I can think again. Yes, keep fighting the good fight where we can. And, vote, vote, vote Blue.
And double check to make sure you are still registered and your name didn't get "accidently" purged from the registration rolls!
“ In Virginia, where Republicans are hoping to take control of the state legislature to pass new abortion restrictions as well as the rest of Republican governor Glenn Youngkin’s agenda, a study by the Democratic Party of Virginia shows that officials are flagging the mail-in ballots of non-white voters for rejection much more frequently than those of white voters. As of today, 4.82% of ballots cast by Black voters have gotten flagged, while only 2.79% of the ballots of white voters have been flagged.”
Va needs help curing these ballots ! You can help by phonebanking.📞 You’ll be calling those who have already voted and want their vote to count !! It’s easy and fun and great assistance provided throughout the phonebank.
💙
https://www.mobilize.us/virginiavoterprotection/event/580389/
Thanks for bringing this up Kathy. VA will need all the help we can give them to cure ballots. It is rewarding, joyful work as voters are so grateful for your help, and you know you’re helping to ensure that every vote is counted! Do it - you’ll love it!
Kathy, this sounds like something I could do. But can I do this with a landline? My cell phone just died and I won't be able to replace it before the election. Thanks! David
David,You should be ok as long as you have a phone and a computer.There are session leaders who will answer any questions at the beginning and during training.
Thank you Kathy!
How do these states know the race of the voters? They must start with a list. A computer program? Can’t imagine checking individual mail in ballots. At any rate, a huge and expensive operation. Who pays??
Excellent questions Gigi!
Gigi, if it is a state list, we pay. You know, taxes and such....
Taxes show race, Gus? I don't remember putting that on my taxes, but that doesn't mean they didn't ask that question!
Sandra, I just know that if it is a state list of any kind, our taxes funded it. I wasn't worried about the kind of list Gigi was talking about, just helpfully explaining that we pay for the states to operate. Sales tax, property tax, income tax, etc.
But speaking of racial identification, it would not surprise me that they know, without having to ask us about it. I believe state governments have access to at least the demographic data in the last census, with respect to their own residents. If not, there are other ways.
I hope that answers your worries, 'cuz we're all in this together.
Be well!
Blood types on hospital or insurance records.
I just posted this advice on my FB page as I do around every election.
I misspelled 'accidentally'--oops. Typing too fast.
No worries, we read with the gestalt.
DON'T waste time on misspelling there are bigger issues to tackle.
Never even noticed.
it's
okay
to Edit
[ain't it?].
Yup. Those 3 dots are your friend.
Hi Ally.
Mine dots don't work. I get share, hide, or report--no choice to edit! What?
You mean innit?
No worries. I used at instead of in in my second sentence. 😊
For want of a comma...
Indeed! 😊
...the nail was lost...
Probably spellcheck kindly corrected it for you. I find the strangest things I didn't type that way.
Indeed! I imagine that the accident was rectified, as soon as it was noticed and reported...
Done.
All are overwhelmed today. All. No secret.
Nor do I see the end. Common sense is not selling and children are dying. Hatred grows deeper with each death. Gut feelings of guilt and anger swell. New weapons are used. Nukes are threatened.
Civilization hits the wall, we go to war. Civilization was never civil. When war breaks out, lies spread and war grows, war crimes like hostage taking are used by the enemy, and few speak out if it’s not Israel. All expect Hamas outrageous outrages. We hold Israel to the highest standard. Jews are asked to behave.
In today’s mess, WW III threatens. Iran doesn’t seem to care. Russia is Putin. He’s a very bad man. The big three know these things.. Two of the three have nothing much to brag about. Little to lose.
We have lots to lose. No secret. And the State Israel is a one man one vote democracy.
The good Arab I know lives in Israel and likes it. Loves it. Doesn’t want to live among his people. No surprise. His people will mistreat him for his beliefs. Arabs do that.
A free press only exists where democracy exists. In China, Russia, Hungary, Egypt, SA, Turkey, and Iran the honest reporter is at risk. Imprisoned.
Antisemitic stuff in Gaza, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, and Russia is toxic.
Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinians - are a mess.
Israeli ultranationalists are awful.
The human race has a long way to go.
Tolerance must prevail. Start there.
After avoiding the book for years I recently read “Killers of the Flower Moon,” that verified my worst expectations of the episode of wide human depravity.
As I read the best part of the book, the afterword, Gann deliberates his conclusions with the descendants of many of the victims.
I realize the narrative is not about money, oil or even murder. The book narrates the Osage tribal members as non-persons.
An entire society and Government first de-humanized the tribal members opening the door for marauding criminals to kill dozens upon dozens of human beings and until an ambitious Bureaucrat J Edgar recognized the possibilities and halted the process.
But by closing the case Hoover joined the Criminal Cover-up.
Yes. The FBI’s J. Edgar Hoover was truly awful. The slaughter of the most wealthy Indians of Oklahoma was among our greatest sins as a white supremacist culture.
J. Edgar was a perfect shit. He owned presidents. Hid his own personal life. Two faced and sick. The culture is still influenced. And they know it. I met with two for an hour. Our conversation left them furious. For months. They looked up 15,000 on my contact information. Desperately trying to get dirt. I humbled and humiliated the two. It’s a story.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/03/opinion/isaac-herzog-israel-hamas-gaza.html?unlocked_article_code=1.70w.6gvn.kL-fhbK5bgb4&smid=url-share&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
I am trying to better understand the social pressures Muslims have endured for so long. Then I look at the ultra orthodox Jews and our own homegrown christo-fascist fanatics. Cult Studies 101: to instill the fear and shame of speaking ill of the cult or it's members along with stripping individuals of their self worth. A toxic mix.
They are one and the same. The ultra Orthodox are as fascist as the white nationalists in our country. They will deny it, of course, but their hatred shows it. Now they want more settlements in the West Bank so they are fighting with long-term Palestinians now. It’s INSANITY!
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/03/opinion/isaac-herzog-israel-hamas-gaza.html?unlocked_article_code=1.70w.6gvn.kL-fhbK5bgb4&smid=url-share&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/03/opinion/isaac-herzog-israel-hamas-gaza.html?unlocked_article_code=1.70w.6gvn.kL-fhbK5bgb4&smid=url-share&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
SB Lewis, you express the views of thousands of Jews, a minority of Christians, and no Muslims. Jews are in the minority and they are losing the propaganda war. Democracy is threatened by the forces of evil. We can't be fooled by rethuglican dogma. Their white supremacists and Christian Fundamentalists like Mike Johnson and MTG would throw Israel under the bus the first opportunity that presented itself. If this country loses our democratic form of gov't., Israel will be the only hope of all Jews. Eventually, the blacks, the LTBG population, the gypsies the others will find they are next.
Welcome home, Sandy.
Do any of us have a home?
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/03/opinion/isaac-herzog-israel-hamas-gaza.html?unlocked_article_code=1.70w.6gvn.kL-fhbK5bgb4&smid=url-share&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Same here… after reading this morning and watching everything going on, I’ve been feeling a little sad and depressed about it all.. but pick a battle and fight the good fight! I have a gay, non-binary college student and I’m most worried about our future for the kids. It’s most distressing that GOP Sec of States are purging voter rolls, esp. Black citizens.
I don't understand people. Especially self-righteous, fake Christians who think everyone in the country should kowtow to what they believe. How profoundly arrogant. I worry. But, I can only control myself, as it should be. I can't believe how many really awful people reside amongst us, and apparently have for decades.
It seems to me that anything that I would recognize as "spirituality" begins with questions and is modest in proposing answers. I think those who feel entitled to force their preferences on others are narcissists. Yes, we define boundaries to behavior to prevent imposed harm and preserve preponderantly agreed upon rights, in a nation of democratically negotiated laws, not the dictum of some despotic elite. It seems that every major religion I am aware of is construed by some as an excuse for demagoguery and sometimes vicious violence, while others preach compassion. What has been recorded about what Jesus is thought to have believed, he seems a like a caring teacher than a violent despot.
Violent and repressive acts, especially bullying, assault, torture, genocide, slavery perpetrated by "religious fanatics", is evil cloaked in a pretext of lies, told to others and themselves in a state of malignant narcissism.
J L, I agree with everything you said, and I like the way you wrote it....
BC, Didn’t you know? They're really the Chosen! Their KJV tells them so.
The rest of us are irredeemable reprobates, and must be eliminated like the bugs we are.
I'm hiding from the roach spray in a tastefully appointed thermos jar....
KJV? the King James Version? I doubt any of them have read it. I have read it, had college courses on it, as "literature".
Quite right too - helps to read Shakespeare.
Indeed it is.
Agreed. It often feels overwhelming how deeply imbedded the "rot" is.
I have to believe that a majority of Americans really do see the danger we face, and absolutely will get out and vote and do everything in their power to make sure their vote is counted.
Cheating is the only way Repugs win. That has to stop!
Rot always accompanies life, but I think this pernicious strain of rot has been accumulating for about 40 years. I think that perhaps the "pardon" of Nixon was both an embrace of insulating goverment from public control, and of combing of the law as a full-time strategy for "security holes" by which law could be twisted to frustrate justice. Once again, that's not new and the history of the Democratic party has it's ugly chapters; but the the degree to which dishonesty and treachery became "GOP" standard operating procedure with the election of Reagan helped corruption to approach sepsis of the sort manifested in the MAGA's (so far) attempted coup d'etat. Democracy cannot be run on lies.
Agreed.
Totally agree, BC. The outpouring of despair is suffocating until I realize that Gary S has nearly as many likes as there are responses today. I'm hoping that others will be able to find strength in his words.
"a deeper rot of oligarchic and moral corruption that extends back to the days of Black slavery and the genocide against first nations."
Correct.
The Southern Baptist Church, a key participant in today's push for authoritarian rule, through its widespread support for Trump, first split off from the "Northern" Baptist Church because, after all, slavery was not only OK but supported by God, because, "slavery is in the Bible". Nobody believes me but I actually heard one of these nutty sermons in Slocum, TX in 1971 before my Mom, who always made us go to church and there were no Methodist churches nearby, moved us over to Elkhart Baptist (immediately following that "slavery is OK" sermon).
The entire Southern Baptist Culture was ably captured by Charles M. Blow at the below NY Times gift link.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/01/opinion/speaker-mike-johnson-louisiana.html?unlocked_article_code=1.70w.r2CB.3sCLNn-yM5L0&smid=url-share
Blow grew up not far from me. I can fully validate his perspective and experience. The powerful men (always men), will smile at you and take your land when you cannot pay one payment on the loan. That is just one of the many things they can do.
But, the most obvious and well known corruption was the Sunday whipping of blacks for fun and entertainment AND legalizing the rape of black women by white men throughout the south. Yep, laws on the books legalizing white man rape on black women. Why?
Lighter skinned slaves sold for more money. Yep.
Trump is tapping in to Amurca's black heart. Because his dark (weak) heartbeat and Amurca's heartbeat are in sync.
Thank you for that link, Mike S. Unfortunately, "MAGA Mike" strikes me not so much as the "happy, Christian warrior" but the smarmily smiling snake-in-the-grass. He looks like a harmless garter snake but his venom is potent and deadly.
Maga Mike was chosen because his demeanor is smooth and cordial. I heard some Democratic House members refer to him as willing to compromise. We're only beginning to realize his true nature, and it's frightening. Beware the smile -- venomous snake that he is.
Maybe those 'Democratic' House members are part of the new caucus of "The Tax Cheat Twelve"....
"The Democratic leadership in the House aggressively condemned Republicans for “playing politics with aid to Israel.”
But the Tax Cheat Twelve stuck to their principles.
UPDATE: Just this morning, Rep. Haley Stevens said in a tweet that “Emergency funding in a time of crisis should not have to be offset. It’s bad policy, hamstrings our ability to meet the moment, and hurts our global leadership.”
She then voted for the bill.
Rep. Greg Landsman also stated that Speaker Johnson should “pull this bill & apologize. He’s putting politics over national security & pitting Israel’s security against ensuring billionaires pay all their taxes.”
Landsman then voted for the bill."
https://prospect.org/world/11-02-2023-israel-palestine-democrats-irs-funding/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Tax+Cheat+Twelve++Votes+to+Cut+IRS+Funding+in+Israel+Bill+%7C+Prospect+Weekend+Reads&utm_campaign=Weekend+Prospect+Reads+11042023&vgo_ee=0ZB0hY%2FPyYHeoKkQ%2FkV4UuhuL5JyimDHYjxdFO1p8O43LHKvz4o%3D%3AqztybPkRCBYOfUWzv7uUqs%2BkldzcuOHr
The Republicans aren't the only unprincipled members of congress, and the Tax Cheat Twelve have no principles at all.
I know it's difficult for some people to risk being voted out, but if the Republicans are threatening each other as well as others, the risk in being a Democrat at all is still there. So, I don't understand the rationale in voting for this discriminatory and destructive bill. A government must have taxes to conduct the peoples' business, and separating aid to Israel and Ukraine when they're targeted by the same petro-oligarchs means they're willing to sacrifice one group for another.
The issue at stake isn't 'simply' land. The people are being deliberately and systematically killed. We should be doing more with all our strength.
While fear of evil is natural, it is ineffective. Submitting to despair is suicidal. Fear's negative energy must evolve into perseverance to preserve our rights, our lives.
😨🤦🏽♀️
MAGA Mike is a Trojan Horse. Look at what he is doing with legislation. The rad right is up and running. Prepare for a shutdown.
Right you are, Grover, but there hasn't been a Republican-sponsored shutdown yet that has been advantageous for the right wing. Their hubris is so great that they are unable to admit their mistakes, let alone learn from them. This could be a boon for us next November.
Grover, you know it.
Shutdown ahead, what a waste. Only the US can inflict global pain by our stupid MAGAt politics....
Trump’s speech is venom.
Yes. Agree.
From the NY Times article link that Mike S provided: “He (Mike Johnson) is from a part of the country where your nemesis will smile at you and promise to pray for you, where people will quickly submit that they “love the sinner but hate the sin,” where one hand can hold a Bible while the other holds a shackle. He is from a place where people use religion to brand their hatred as love so that they act on it cheerfully and without guilt.
He is what many have feared: an example of second-wave Trumpism — politicians rising in Trump’s wake who come with the same policy priorities and ideological proclivities, but in a far more congenial and urbane package, propelled by something more than personal grievance. Trumpism is a religion developed to serve a man. What happens when it evolves into a pillar of an established creed and is viewed as a way to serve God?”
Roxanna, if that happens, I'm moving to Iran.
Should be less repressive there....
Beautiful people, intelligent, huge culture. Just make sure your womenfolk are wearing a headscarf.
Hi Anna-Louise! Thanks for your reply. I was just kidding, but if I moved it would be alone; I'm a widower now, just beginning the 4th year. And I wouldn't bring a woman anyway, not just yet. The ayatollah thing, you know.
I knew several Iranians in college, and they are indeed beautiful and pleasant friends.
Please be well! We all need each other....
T L, Maga Mike is an evil Muppet--with a missionary agenda....
SMUG! Fits the description!
Mike Johnson is more the “Fer-de-Lance” then!
I'll second that.
Mike S thank you for the gifted article. I hope people read it! Having lived my life above the Mason Dixon line - it is a deep culture that people like me can’t read enough about to try to understand the “ Jekyll and Hyde” between words and actions. “it’s the Christian way, the proper Southern way. And it is the ultimate deception.”
Laurie,
In the SBC: The key is-> Deceiving others into believing that "you" are part of "God's Chosen" is important in the south, however, having become part of the "in" group means you can then do whatever you want to whomever you want no matter what it is, as long as you are in Church on Sunday with all of the Elders.
The SBC is a "religion" is built on hypocrisy as Mr. Blow notes.
Because, "God is with you, who can be against you".
I get this response a lot from the CINO in MT. "I will pray for you" along with u are going to hell. I am very discouraged with what is happening in politics & the world & the only hope is that it is the darkest before the dawn.
Carole,
Long, long ago I just go used to the idea that I am "going to hell". As a grad student, at UT Austin, with access to all of the libraries in the world, I undertook, in my free time, to prove that the resurrection of Jesus occurred. After 6 months of toiling work reading, ordering books from all over and aggravating the head UT Librarian who thought I was nuts.........
I could not prove that Jesus was resurrected. However, I could prove that Mary Magdalene was so keen on keeping Jesus message alive that, upon arrival at the tomb, two angels came to her and showed her how. Although, the disciples did not initialize recognize the Jesus she presented to them. When Jesus admonished them for not being able to recognize him they got with Magdalene post haste and off they went. Still going. :-)
And, honestly, Jesus messages are worth keeping alive. They have made my life more filled with gratitude, tempered my somewhat combative East Texas nature, helped me understand where I can improve and, generally, kept me at peace.
Thank Mary Magdalene for keeping those messages alive. Leave it to a woman to find a way when a way needs found.
Thanks, Mike... I was not raised with any religious education, although over the years I have attended a wide variety of religious services. I have often wondered how believers and followers of Christ can hold so much hate in their hearts. I honestly think some of the world's worst atrocities throughout history have been done in the name of religion. I try to live my life with love understanding and compassion. I try to help people who need help. I don't seem to need religion to do these things.
I decided decades ago that those who go to church do so because they know they need help, but are afraid to admit it to a psychiatrist who might also charge more.
Thanks, Mike. I've long thought that people who don't believe in God could still be followers of Jesus, if only they were willing to accept all those messages. Amazing--well, ok, not really--that of late there are stories of Evangelicals congregants rejecting their pastors sermons, saying that the Bible is too liberal.
Thanks for your comment "...my somewhat combative East Texas nature..."
It describes my dear friend from Nacogdoches to a "T".
We Olympians (Wa.) were taught "no body contact" and had to stand so our fingers couldn't touch the shoulders of the person in front of us while waiting in line. Proper little wasps we were.
Ally. Fist fighting at my school was encouraged by teachers as a conflict resolution method. No joke.
Carole how many times have we heard “I will pray for you” after the mass killings related to gun violence. The politicians who say this and then vote for not doing a darn concerning gun laws are wolves in sheepskins…
Carole, I never want these people to pray for me...it would be like being cursed and it is hubris. I don't need someone praying that I go along with their hatred and bias. Also if they are going to heaven (ha) then I don't want to be there.
All these people who pray for us (because we are going to hell) are going to be very surprised if their Rapture actually does happen, because THEY are the ones who would be left behind. 😊👹
Well said!
Dear Laurie K,
As a southerner who's lived in the north for decades, I understand your observation but offer the following first hand experiences:
I was born in Virginia, grew up there, attended church and Sunday School, was a Boy Scout, eventually graduated from Virginia Tech, lived in Charlotte, NC, Northampton, MA, and in Virginia three more times before moving my family to Maine 40 years ago. My parents taught me respect for black people. My university enrolled the first black Cadet while I was there. As a proud Southerner, I can say I'm shocked and horrified by ANY "so-called" Christian who takes the position many Republicans are taking on this matter. That is not Christianity. They are not Christians.
Hi Steve. I lived in the South for the first 50 years of my life, and moved away in 2000. My stints were in Alabama first, and then Virginia. I still have many family and friends in the South whom I visit every 1-2 years. But I would never describe myself as a "proud southerner". I learned many good behaviors and terrible attitudes there. I'm curious what you find worthy of being proud of. Its history is appalling to me.
Maybe this is more a matter of you not wanting to "reject" the South, or blame it for an inordinate amount of America's troubles. Even that is a stretch for me, though. Having lived in Birmingham in the 1950s and 60s, I saw the horrific things that whites were willing to say about and do to their black neighbors, even after 300+ years of terrible mistreatment.
For you living in Maine, in me in New Mexico, we have now seen worlds where prejudices are much less toxic. Here, Native, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures live side-by-side in much greater harmony than I could've imagined decades ago.
Thanks Steve - I appreciate your background and upbringing - unfortunately we are not seeing many Congressmen embracing your openness…
On target comment. Although I must say, the SB were bad, they were not the only "Christians" that practiced their faux religion. How many of these denominations that looked around and thought theirs was the "godly right" one and all others were hell bound?
Rickey, Good question: "How many of these denominations that looked around and thought theirs was the "godly right" one and all others were hell bound?"
tough question but I checked the answer key and found: "All of them".
Well, maybe not so much Methodists, at least in my experience.
:-)
All of them. That's what I found when, in my sophomore year of high school, doing a paper on religions of the world for the Jesuit priest who taught the religion class. All religions have that one fatal flaw: they are based on the concept of 'the other' which, by definition, means those not in the religion are not equal. Doesn't matter the denomination or nationality, that flaw is universal. That was my last year in parochial school - the next fall the mother superior would not allow me to change my schedule to take an engineering class and I was off to public school.
And much more so in cults.
You think that's true of Buddhism as well?
Very true at one time. How one can tell is whether or not communion is available to anyone that is present.
SOME big city, urban Methodists have evolved, others out in "Les Styx" not so much. I grew up hearing "Methodists are merely Baptists who can read" and in the rural and small-town Methodist churches I grew up around that was more or less true. (As a point of reference, I grew up Methodist!) Now, at least here in north Georgia, the Methodist church is being wrenched apart over LGBTQ+ issues and many are leaving the national "United" church, which has come out in support of gay clergy and same-sex marriage. (Also another point of reference: 50 years ago in college, I left the Methodist church and became Anglican/Episcopalian, and never looked back!)
Growing up in the South, I was around and dealt with smiling, glib Southern Baptists most of my life . . . you know the kind, the ones who'd smilingly look you right in the eye and tell you you were "going to hell and suffer eternal damnation because _________" (pick your poison). For $$ I sang in a Baptist church choir for a couple years in college (which then precipitated my aforementioned re-location to the Godless Episcopalians), so I got to see it from the rotten inside. Mike Johnson is that same greasy, slimy brand of polyester Protestantism that I had/have to exist around and cannot abide. I don't know how long he'll last as Speaker, I just hope it's measured in months and not much longer.
My move to the Presbyterian denomination was due to marriage, but also due to being able to hear messages that were not about damnation and hell. Lessons on living the faith and being living examples of faith.
My father's mother was Primitive Baptist. Just church service, no Sunday school Bible study, etc. No musical instruments to accompany singing in worship (which was awful because the song leader couldn't carry a tune in a bucket), no open Communion. They did not even get along amongst themselves. My grandmother's church was not "in association" with the closest other Primitive Baptist church. I always found them to be judgmental and not willing to help others.
This attitude can be found throughout history, pretty much beginning with the NT. Lately, though, there has been a bit of a pullback, often just dissembling. Needless to say, the "I am right" thing extends far beyond religion, though religion is handy or at the top of the pyramid.
Never forget the crusades! Having been to the area where several started, can never forget what Muslims have never forgotten.
They were great examples of loot based conquest in the name of getting back the Holy Land, though Edessa was hardly that. The previous Muslim empire had militarily collapsed, took less than a century to get it back into working order once the Kurd based Saladin managed to outmatch fellow Muslim warlords. Complicated history since the Crusades also included Spain, eastern Europe and I'm not sure what else. Muslims ran jihad for centuries before eventually bringing down the Byzantine empire, also loot based, after the Ottomans beat out fellow Muslim warlords. Christian mercenaries were hired to help in the final fall of Constantinople. Ottomans built up their famous janissary troops from kidnapped Christian Baltan kids. Might is right apart from Right is right kind of issue.
I was attacked and bitten by a dog that was chained to a car, parked near a children's playground, with a bumper sticker that read "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven". I've always felt that was some people's ultimate credo: do what you want in this life, with no consequences in the next because you've spoken the magic words and performed the correct rituals.
For some, religion is a structure for living a moral life. For others, it's a way of hiding behind an imaginary being with the power to absolve them from their worst actions. For these people, ambition is not a sin and any dishonest action required to gain power is permitted - nay, encouraged - because it enhances the power of the deity along with the individual. It is this submission to dark internal urges that allows these people to present a facade of charity and godliness while pursuing the basest and most hateful of goals.
I fear we will soon be ruled by these people, who will literally stop at nothing to achieve what they see as their divinely inspired destiny.
Here's a gift link to an article about conservative intellectuals who espouse such ruthlessness, some of them Christian nationalists, all of them catastophists. They see liberalism and democracy as such a dire threat that they justify dictatorship. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/04/opinion/conservative-intellectuals-republicans.html?unlocked_article_code=1.70w.SJs4.whyn4ri1noUv&smid=url-share
Thanks for the truly scary article. The central theme and common thread of these catastrophists appears to be fear of, and opposition to, the power of individuals to exercise free will. From what the article describes, they have constructed a justification for why everyone else should live in the way they believe is right. This seems like a logical consequence of being raised in a culture with an expectation of unconditional submission to a dogma given by a higher power.
In that context, everything in the theories shown here is classic projection. These groups have cast "liberal democracy" as the theocratic bogeyman of the other side. The "Flight 93" analogy carries special irony, since the real event that inspires it is about a small group of religious warriors hijacking the means to destroy the seat of liberal democracy - an excellent example of exactly what they are doing.
Looked at in this light, it is very hard to see how we resolve this peacefully. By deifing democracy, the catastrophists are turning this from a political argument to a religious one. Political arguments can be settled through compromise; religious ones throughout history have mostly required separation of the combatants or annihilation of the opponent. The continued existence of the other side always leaves open the possibility of defeat and annihilation in the future.
And let’s not forget that there are external political forces giving support and pouring gasoline on the fire, inflaming the Thanks for the truly scary article. The central theme and common thread of these catastrophists appears to be fear of, and opposition to, the power of individuals to exercise free will. From what the article describes, they have constructed a justification for why everyone else should live in the way they describe. This seems like a logical consequence of being raised in a culture with an expectation of submission to a dogma given by a higher power.
In that context, everything in the theories shown here is classic projection. These groups have cast "liberal democracy" as the theocratic bogeyman of the other side. The "Flight 93" analogy carries special irony, since the real event that inspires it is about a small group of religious warriors hijacking the means to destroy the seat of liberal democracy - an excellent example of exactly what they are doing.partisans so compromise becomes impossible.
There is a fine line to be walked to settle our differences. If both sides buy into the “clash of religions” frame, there seems to be no way out that allows both sides to coexist, and authoritarianism of some stripe seems inevitable.
Disturbing times.
You might have wanted to say something more but have pasted the early part of your post into the middle. I think, BTW, that there's more than "classic projection" here. (I've been a student of propaganda and make some of the following distinctions to help me and others model what we're seeing.) There's also allegiance to a belief structure uncritically received within a social/cultural echo chamber. The context for such beliefs may be the uncritical acceptance of dogma, and the co-opting and misrepresentation of another's label. Repetition of falsehoods, memes and redefined ideas is a standard propaganda technique. The perpetrators are apparently purposely doing this. And then, on a personal level, we may see displacement, where a disliked characteristic is assigned to another. In the end, political liars may believe their BS and have then constructed a knee-jerk, paranoid response.
How do we resolve this peacefully? Vote them out repeatedly so they see that they've taken a losing path. Hold people accountable to the rule of law.
I fully agree that voting is the best path to a peaceful resolution. However, in order for that strategy to work, free and fair elections must be permitted and respected. Republicans have already moved past that (see tonight's stories about Steve Scalise refusing to answer George Stephanopoulos' five-times-asked question - in November 2023 - about whether the 2020 election was stolen).
The 2020 election was amateur hour. The people who truly intend to end American democracy learned from watching the clowns and will be ready to ensure that the next election they can either win or steal will be the last one they have to worry about.
And if you refused to be ruled by them?
Yes, and we've been warned about the link between fundamental Christian Evangelists and authoritarianism by Bob Altemeyer's research cited in The Authoritarians. He offers his book for free here.
https://theauthoritarians.org/options-for-getting-the-book/
Sometimes he has coauthored with John Dean.
Like you, I agree that Jesus's teachings are very fine and there are many Christians who live according to those teachings. If you read the Bible as a historical compilation of many writers and not as a fundamentalist, you don't need to use its contradictory edicts as your only guide to living.
"Jesus was all right I guess, but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It's them twisting everything that ruins it for me."--John Lennon
Gary, unfortunately, in Baptist churches another message is given to their congregation. Jews killed Jesus is pounded into the heads of their cult like adherents. Jew hatred has ben baked into their DNA. Unfortunately, for centuries Christians preached the same dogma.
Hopefully not all or most Baptist churches. Where they do teach such poison they are contradicting what Jesus said. Too many fearful followers don’t read the Bible or think about whether their pastor is leading them astray. Hate mongering is tragically universal.
Other mon-Christian religions have admirable ethics too... all seem to present a method of getting along together, but it is also true that in all of them, the women walk behind the men. The Christian church offers women a day of rest, put their children in a safe place while they socialize, and share moral support and resources.
Most if not all major religions teach some version of the Golden Rule. Do unto others what you would want done to you.
Precursors of early childhood daycare...
Tax all churches that spout politics from the pulpit. On second thought, TAX all churches; that ought to cover it!!!
YES !
So true from my experience. I grew up in a NE TX, small town and attended a Southern Baptist church. I had never met and only rarely seen a black person. One Sunday I noticed that among the deacons (all white men) greeting attendees at the church doors, was a black deacon. I thought about how interesting it was and nothing more. After a few weeks he was gone. I asked my mother what had happened and was told he had been asked to leave. I thought about that for some time, then never went back to that church again. When I got married my husband, who had lived in many different places, declared he could not remain in TX for several reasons. When I mentioned how much I would miss the friendly people there, he replied that those smiles hid the truth. That polite demeanor was hiding what they really thought and believed. He was right.
The last paragraph in that article: "Where he and I are from, even would-be oppressors can be affable. It’s not just good manners; it’s the Christian way, the proper Southern way. And it is the ultimate deception."
Sends it home.
Quoting Charles Blow, “He (Johnson) is from a place where people use religion to brand their hatred as love so that they act on it cheerfully and without guilt.”
Mike, thanks for this link. I have forwarded it to several of my friends. Just think of conservatives who are turned off by TFG'S ignorance and criminality, but will jump on board with Johnson. Scary!
In “the Prairy Years,” Carl Sandburg cites many instances of Southern Views that also cite the Constitution as the legal basis for slavery.
By 1858 the South had justified slavery as a necessary economic tool, proof of the will of God and a demonstration of the servile nature of Africans.
Has anybody been able to find a passage in the Bible where Jesus preached against slavery?
Seems he was more occupied by money lending than by the crime that comes in (for me) somewhere between murder and rape.
One must recognize that “not finding” someone’s position on an issue (any issue) important to you, does not indicate some failure on that person’s character, or mission as it relates to the overall context. Christ had a lot to say about how we should treat one another; interpolate, extrapolate
Also we cannot apply 21st century standards to 1st century Roman Palestine. Slavery was ubiquitous in the ancient world usually the result of conquest. Fast forward a few centuries and we find the Ottoman Empire running a very large slave trade and most slaves came from eastern Europe while in western Europe we are much more familiar with what happened.
Such a valid point. Society evolves like the snail chasing its next meal. Enlightenment occurs quicker in some folks than others. The march toward a more perfect union is hindered by the differential
Drag the laggers kicking and screaming. We’re all somewhere along the road
Absence of evidence does not mean evidence of absence.....or something like that....eh?
You are much more concise than I. Bravo
Jesus didn't say anything about slavery by that word. His central messages were to welcome those different from you, and treat others as you wish to be treated.
Kind of rules out slavery.
I think he also left out murder and rape... Anyway, we have science now.
I don’t recall Jesus talking about crime. He was down on hypocrites, though. When the criminal—the woman caught in adultery—was about to be executed by stoning, Jesus suggested, “You who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Also -
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/religion/article/southern-baptist-convention-sex-abuse-report-17192138.php
I agree! This is a war against authoritarianism and fascism and we simply cannot lose. With everything that is going on in this world, we need to pick our battles very carefully.
That’s what I am trying to do myself. I have picked an area I can help and try to make at least a small difference. I am too old to march so I am a member of the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County WI. We are all volunteers. I try to help behind the scenes so my more able-bodied friends in the League can help people register to vote. I am on the Vote411 Team. Vote411 is an on-line Voter Guide. We ask questions of the candidates running for local offices and school boards and post their answers in Vote411. The state and national Leagues do this for the state and federal candidates. The local Leagues take on the local elections. Once a person is registered, the Vote411 Voter Guide is available to help voters decide their choices. Vote411 is a nationwide system but it takes volunteers at the local level to design questions and solicit the candidates. It’s something I can do. It is a small but at least I am trying to help in some way and it helps keep my anxiety about the many terrible things happening at bay. Local Leagues all over the country could use more help with this endeavor. If you have a computer and the time, check it out. Might help you keep some anxiety at bay too. Voting is our liberty manifest!
Thank you for the info and your involvement; have contributed to LOWV's but wasn't aware of Vote411 as a resource. Also live in WI, and the outlook can be pretty bleak at times.
OMG! Yes, WI! Talk about anxiety! Now Vos is supporting the (is impeachment? or firing?) of Meghan Wolff, for what?! Doing her job during a difficult time (the pandemic)?! And the legislature stripping our City of Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission of its power to set policy?? Just to name two of many blows. Getting away with all their s__t because of extreme gerrymandering! Locking people in their cells in some of our 38 (!) prisons because there aren’t enough guards. Their solution is NOT to think, “Maybe we have too many people in prison.” “Maybe we have too many prisons in WI.” I am worried if DJT regains office my WI will turn full blown authoritarian. All I can do at this point is support voting. Feels good to get some of this off my chest!
Bit off topic, but had a neighbor's son commit suicide last year (not condoning in any way the reason why) ; he chose to die rather than show up for incarceration in one of our local prisons. Psych personnel relay some real horror stories.
Not really off topic. Thank you for sharing this. Until I joined the League I did not know what is going on in our state prisons.
DL: Very bleak. I live in rural Wisconsin. I know from experience.
Recent Madison news: an armed man reice entered the Capitol looking to meet our WI governor.
And he wasn't just looking to say HI.
Great comment Mary!
I've been wondering--can men volunteer with the LOWV? Not join, obviously, but volunteer? I don't even know if we have one close by me in GA, but with the internet that might not be a problem. Sorry for my ignorance....
Thank you Mary. Great comment and info.
Gary, I deeply appreciate your thoughtful statement, and merely would note the importance, in my view, of pressing for the decisive leadership this moment demands from Joe Biden and fellow Democrats. As I have stated elsewhere, approaching 24, our elected representatives must go where the trouble is in this country and grapple first-hand with the hatred, the division, the upheaval, the despair Trump / Trumpism persists in stoking. Then, without a script, and from the heart, they need to speak with everyday people who doubt that Democrats care about their legitimate issues and grievances. In a word, our leaders must speak for justice and for equity, for safety and for reform, for the crying need to bring this country together. If they say and do these things half as well as some of our most memorable figures, we might not have to live with four more years of Trump and MAGA extremists up and down the ballot.
We all are the leaders and need to get out the vote.
Gary, In my view, it’s not either-or; it’s both. Just as I expect far more from elected leadership, I also expect all of us to train ourselves and to acquire the knowledge and strength to engage in ways that contribute to creating an increasingly democratic nation, wherein would-be fascists are rendered increasingly irrelevant.
Yes, it is both. And we can try and influence our leaders. I meet with and try to help political candidates and electeds who have integrity and are anti-MAGA. I read somewhere the Spain was able to defeat and hold off fascism. May we also succeed.
Gary, Spain, and more recently Poland, defeated the far-right. If they can do it, so can we.
It will be more than 4 more years,s we will be like Orban & be a fascist nation
Carole, While you could be right, I’m not prepared to abandon my conviction that Trump and MAGA sycophants represent a minority (albeit loud and dangerous) in a country that would use whatever means it could to resist minority rule over the will of the majority.
I hope you are right. I am surrounded by a major of sycophants & they are loud. It is difficult to keep my head above water & relay on LFAA as my PFD.
Carole, I maintain my stance because I know of no better way of remaining resilient, if circumstances warrant. That doesn’t mean I won’t work every lever over the next year to vote in a government that affords each person a dignified voice amid the decision-making that guides and regulates our lives.
The System of Checks and Balances is shredded when all three branches of the Federal Gov't are owned by one man.
Bottom line, that's what will happen if Trump and his cronies- in- crime push their way into our lives and into our democracy.
Once there are no more checks and balances, we will become countries like Hungary and Russia. Now that is downright scary!!
...or Israel, Pam??
I certainly hope that Netanyahu and his cronies are on the way out. The catastrophes they helped create now make them deeply unpopular.
Presidential Impeachment, SCOTUS, Congress, etc, all designed to keep the Executive Branch in check.
LOL. How'd that work out for U.S.?
Fine and noble sentiments to a concerning post from Professor Richardson but "prolonged upheaval". I hope not. Sensibility, fingers crossed, will be awakened earlier than later.
Climate change is accelerating. Collectively, how did we do with Covid? Vacslav Smil, an apolitical scientist, writes convincingly in his book, How the World Really Works, that we're already committed to 2.3° C global warming so that the 1.5° target is a political one.
The far right grabbed the power they now have in part because of disciplined, effective propaganda and the cohesion of blind belief. Generative AI will be used in political advertising. Oligarchs own much of the media that too many depend on for the "news." Monopolies own our commerce. We have enormous income inequality. Citizens United made corporations people too.
Some people will learn and adapt. They'll find new solutions. Maybe we can recapture and hold Democratic trifectas. But corruption prevents common-sense solutions like universal healthcare, including among Dems.
Why am I not more in dumps? Meditation helped me break through to have experiences showing me that we and all of life are connected and the connection is self-aware, but we're individually responsible. Research supports that interconnection (The Conscious Universe by Dean Radin, for instance). Meditation also helps me relax worry mind. Loving friends and family and fine minds like most of those here, give me comfort. We have some financial security -- we're fortunate but far too many aren't.
Gary,I am glad you mention meditation as it joins us with the universe. I too have decided to try to concentrate on that which gives me comfort and not focus on those things that I can either do nothing about or very little about. We too have some financial security for which i have gratitude and sorrow for those who do not. I have been raked over the coals for being married (yes, I know a lot of people are not and are single parents) and having a garden because not everyone can. I know this too and it really fries me that people live in food deserts and cannot get decent food or often enough food. But hey, the new Speaker wants to cut SNAP and let's destroy the environment even more, so that we will not be able to sustain ourselves. I have to say that if there were a hell, I would love to design a special place for people like him.
Please, let’s do soon. First, how do we counter his brand of fascist agenda now? Do you believe he is waiting for election 2024? Why? The “PLAYBOOK 2025” is already available on Google or so I’ve heard. That speaks to readiness and “in your face” tactics. Are we brave enough to research or join Truth Social to see what they are saying to one another? Now? Could be very enlightening and terrifying. But the alternative is being beaten because we are polite and play by the rules? Six million Jews died because they were good people who did as they were told. Do we ever want to see such a travesty again?
We have a friend who tunes into what she calls "enemy radio" and other things. I don't think my blood pressure would take actually listening to that dreck. Indeed they have a plan and we all need to vote, get out the vote, donate where it will do the most good, and do what we can.
Gary, "The far right grabbed the power by a discipline effective propaganda war." You are so astute. Propaganda wars touch every aspect of our lives today. From climate change to Citizen's United owning our commerce to oligarchs owning our media, to the Federalist Society owning the Supreme Court and lastly to Hamas winning the Propaganda war with Israel, which threatens many Jews in this country. I've tried deep breathing exercises, however, they don't seem to work.
It’s pretty likely based on the facts of Smil’s calculations the human straits ahead are dangerous.
At very least catastrophic suffering by humanity is obvious. Extinction of life on earth is a realistic possibility.
In any case it seems to me that urging spiritual and moral acceptance will benefit people rather than shooting rockets to distant planets.
We humans are collectively capable of noble outcomes like the Great Cathedrals and Taj Mahals that mark our honor of the spirit after life on earth.
Organized humane acceptance well could signify our spark of life much more succinctly that back-packs of CD’s on Mars.
You can place me in the "exhausted" category. I couldn't even finish reading today's Letter. Your words may be reassuring, but honestly, right now, I just...can't.
Maybe tomorrow I'll be more optimistic, but I'm taking today as a personal day.
Last night, my wife and I watched the first two episodes of the four-part TV adaptation of a book for the ages, "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doer. The setting is France and Germany during World War II.
As I watched the brutality of the Nazis unleashed on innocent good people, I kept thinking about the dire threats swirling here now. In the actors I kept seeing the faces of authoritarian right-wingers tearing down our country. I kept realizing these people are cut from the same cloth — the rage and hatred they exude and how much worse lurks just beneath the surface.
Could it happen here? We know it can, and the seeds of the horror have rooted and are flourishing. While "All the Light We Cannot See" brims with goodness and hope amid destruction and despair, it's extraordinary bravery and sacrifice that defeat the darkness.
Michael, another great insight into today's climate in the US.
Thanks much, Eadie.
Before I read your perspective on this letter Gary S., I felt like our country is doomed. Thank you Gary, for giving a sliver of hope.
I concur. Democracy in the US will fall -- eventually. It might be within our lifetimes. I think we have fair odds of surviving this one. But a lot still depends on calling Donald John Trump and his co-conspirators to account for their attempted insurrection. If we let that slide, the US is finished.
Fearful energy is dominating our speech and our acts, especially with older generations. And out of ignorance, fear thrives and grows. I don't see this energy appearing as strongly in the younger generations. Gen Z and Millennials. They demonstrate and embody a whole new mind set. Millennials and Gen Z in 34 nations are standing up against fossil fuels. They publicly announced to the press that they WILL BE VOTING. When it comes to politics, Gen Zers are an activist generation. They turn out to vote at higher rates than millennials did when they were the same age. They are also more inclined to take direct action and advocate for their beliefs. Some of the key issues that are top of mind for the generation include gun violence, climate change, mental health, student debt and the cost of health care and housing.
Sam, I agree to a point. They also are being fed by their professors a lot of nonsense, bordering on outright lies, regarding the current Israeli/Palestinian conflict at our most prestigious universities. At Harvard, Students for Justice exemplifies such teaching.
This comment just out of Israeli leadership. Israel’s Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu was suspended indefinitely after he said in an interview that dropping a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip was “one of the possibilities,” the government announced on Sunday.
Fascinating TED Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi
It makes things really very clear.
The two predictors of civil war, out of a long list of possible predictors, are anocracy, and identity politics. Anocracy is a formal democracy, where people vote, but where the winning party can do whatever it wants. The US was downgraded to an anocracy in 2020.
The people who start civil wars are those who are losing power. In the US, this is white men, and this is driven largely by immigration, particularly from global-southern nations as climate change drives people out of their traditional latitudes.
She offers one interesting short-term fix, which is tightly regulating social media, NOT for people's comments (e.g. FB Jail), but rather the algorithms that amplify the outrageous and titillating.
Good points, and we can still do something about it. I'd love to watch that video, but the link you posted is broken. Can you suggest another way to find that Ted Talk?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yilgr2SJ3xQ&pp=ygUlYmFyYmFyYSBmIHdhbHRlciBob3cgY2l2aWwgd2FycyBzdGFydA%3D%3D
Also, search for TED Barbara F Walter Civil War.
Thank you. That link works!
Gary, brilliant comment! Who are you Citizen--and why don't you have your own 'stack?
Hi Gus,
I am a retired activist and want my comments to be considered on their merit -- and I'm not well-known in any measure of being truly famous. I don't have a 'stack because that would require publishing regularly and having my posts largely unseen. It takes a lot to gain a following like Heather Cox Richardson or Robert Hubbell. I like to comment on blogs like theirs to express my appreciation and support and to expand on some subjects they have touched. My writing is more visible there.
Some places where I write and am identified are distinctly non-political or non-partisan. In those writings I also try to contribute to the common good, to help people wake up, teach them about something, reflect on what they've taught me.
Thank you for the compliment, though.
A deeper rot, indeed. Well put.
Excellent post, Gary. Thank you. I read this letter and it's early here and I wanted to feel despair, but I also want to do what we can to fight the good fight. I posted this to Facebook which the title why people should not vote for Rs.
Trump and his Republicans show a horrible vision of America’s future. People must hear these contrasts before they decide how to vote next year. Thanks HCR for continuing to present the facts and keeping us engaged.
Everything seems written in red...Nazi, Nazi, Nazi. They will make this man President, unless. How can he be stopped?
VOTE - and tell your voting friends to vote!
These ARE threats *AND* acts of desperation
by Republican conservatives, requiring immediate responses by authorities, courts, and all of us.
THEY KNOW THEY CANT WIN WITHOUT CHEATING.
DISHONESTY IS THE MODUS OPERANDI OF REPUBLICANS.
Yes vote, but how do we prepare for the next step--when we vote and we win (and I believe we can and will) but those others have so thoroughly plowed the “stolen election” lies ground that they can carry out the vicious revolution they only played at on January 6? Are we prepared to defend the will of the People?
We are, we always have been.
We make sure to push the truth. Remember, like Republican’s other lies, the Trump following is smaller than they want you to think. Don’t be shy about supporting Biden, democrats, or any of the other candidates you support. We must wear our big D badge with honor.
A whole row of red hearts.
A silver bullet takes out warlocks (male witches)
Heather’s letter today screams dystopia. And moderate Republicans signed on when the made Johnson Speaker.
Trump proposes to give MAGA adherents a college degree and government jobs with a pension. He’s not abolishing the administrative state, he’s proposing to take it over by presidential dictate. It is a carrot to his followers and a stick to everyone else.
American democracy is in their crosshairs.
Moderate Republican is an Oxymoron.
Alas, that is increasingly becoming our reality.
The lack of even a modicum of courage by elected representatives that put keeping their political office above standing up to extremism that threatens democracy is shocking.
They act as if they are being blackmailed. Ghislaine Maxwell would probably be able to shed some light on the subject.
They (Republican party pols; the word MAGA is not just a redundancy, it pretends there's some other aspect of Reppols being MAGA); they do nothing but act (performance politics I think I've heard it called.) But it isn't a perfect metaphor, because stage and screen actors are not simply lying, but Reppols are simply lying. Nothing Reppols say is ever worthy of a sliver of credence. Beyond that, there's never a deeper meaning to their messaging. Yawn.
didn't he try establishing a University before? ended badly as I recall. How could any literate person trust him in another attempt! oh yeah, cult. I see this as more proof he's not mentally competent but was he ever sane?
My daughter’s exact response when I told her of his comments.
Yes. Trump University was fraudulent. Here’s a link: https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/judge-finalizes-25-million-settlement-victims-donald-trumps/story?id=54347237
Nepotism University, your path to favor, log in today; your oath of Fealty is the only cost
They know they can't win when the playing field is level so they cheat.
True, they know that they cannot win a fair election, therefore the gerrymandering and cheating. In other words, they do not subscribe to the democratic formula: one person, one vote, majority rule. These folks are the enemies of our constitutional, democratic, republican form of government. On another note, I have family and friends who are very good Democrats who oppose allowing Muslims to immigrate to this country. It's complicated.
What is complicated? Are there some people that the American government feels entitled to treat as non-people? Do we want border-crossing questionaires asking about a person's religion? Else, how do we justify involving our government in the private thoughts of another?
What is complicated with new people coming in? Assimilation is complicated and difficult. The Ainu have been in Japan for centuries and are still not assimilated. In China, the Hakka (guests) have been in central China for about eight centuries and are still referred to as Hakka. The U.S. culture is principally Christian (though more and more are becoming non believers.) The Muslim culture is different and not to the liking of main stream Americans. The problem could just as well be that the minorities don't want to assimilate. It is complicated.
When you're right you're right, and I apologize if my statements sounded accusatory, which on re-reading I see they might. But, I appreciate your answer, bringing up aspects I hadn't considered and probably would never have, without your input. Thank you.
Les, I was a litigation attorney for several decades. In that role one develops some pretty thick skin. Your countering my claim that it is complicated simply meant that I needed to explain it more. Thick skin is a nice thing to have.
Cool. And I hoped that was how it would go.
It seems Speaker Johnson needs Shah to be his Minister of Propaganda as the GOP aims to replace democracy with #RepubloFascism.
Shah will provide buckets full of lipstick to apply to the pig that Johnson is trotting out as his agenda…
His middle name is Goebbels
I’m glad somebody took the opportunity to use the setup I provided. Bravo!
What is "equal protection under law" if the right to vote is impeded or denied by negligent error or political corruption. What is the damage to the rights of affected individuals? What is the damage to the integrity of the government?
If trump and his ilk get into power the concept of equal protection won’t exist. They will literally do away with the Constitution.
The crave absolute power and tell themselves they are entitled to it; supremacists.
The most important thing to watch for now is the emergence of a "third Party". We cannot allow anything to split the Democratic vote. I'd like to know how that effort is progressing. Hubble wrote about it this morning in his Blog. Someone yesterday suggested we read him also, and I did.
IMO Hubbell is another “must read”.
Here’s one from yesterday:
https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/biden-endorses-a-pause
We need to reassure Muslims as well as Jews that Democrats stand for justice for all. We can condemn terrorism while at the same time try to understand why it’s happening and work to address the underlying problem. We can suffer for Palestinians AND Israelis at the same time and look for understanding first and solutions rather than killing innocent civilians. Both constituencies are needed under the Dem’s “big tent” - otherwise fascism wins. (& let’s all be clear that a vote for No Labels is a vote for tRump)
This behavior reinforces the idea of hate. Are people so gullible they can’t see the end is near? Correct me if I am wrong, but no nation has survived more than 250 years. During TFG’s first term people believed his lies that Mexico was sending rapists and murderers to the U.S. and we needed a border wall. That Mexico was going to build it…Does someone out there recall any current statistics about the wall?
“No nation has survived more than 250 years”?!? Have you been to England? Europe? Sweden? Those nations are much more than 250 years old. And just because some are trying to do away with Democracy does not mean it’s dead or not worth fighting for. The Magna Carta was signed over 800 years ago, and much of what it says is still true today. We cannot give in to fascism. Our country fought them in 1940’s and we can still uphold their valor today.
Wall statistics: abomination scale infinity.
Hultic, be aware that the latest spin on Kamala Harris’ words stating that the Biden Administration is speaking against all violence against those of any religions is to have words taken out of context to “prove” the lie that they are only sticking up for Muslims (and Pompeo supported that lie).
Repubs are excellent at spinning any word or phrase to their benefit/detriment of Dems. They’ll foment disorder & say Dems are against law & order. We have to keep educating ourselves & as many others as possible. Remember in general that the Main Street Media is on the side of corporate business not the people.
Let's bring reason back to government. Join or start an Association for Secular Elected Officials.
More than 10 righteous people are redundant according to the Sodom and Gomorrah story.
https://youtu.be/YTyY6g23piE?si=UINfP-7UGO0nHv2e
Thank you for the Hubble link. I especially appreciate this information. (So grateful Pelosi is willing to stay in office to defend our democracy. )
PELOSI TAKES ON NO LABELS
" “No Labels” is a stalking horse for Donald Trump. It seeks to run a hopeless third-party bid that will siphon votes from Joe Biden, forcing a “contingent election” in the House that will elect Donald Trump. No Labels is not a political party and, therefore, is not required by law to disclose donors—like all other political parties. But what little is known about its backers is that it is sponsored by Republican megadonors. See Mother Jones, No Labels Exposed: Here’s a List of Donors Funding Its Effort To Disrupt the 2024 Race.
DO NOT FALL FOR the No Labels lies about wanting a “unity ticket.” It seeks to elect Donald Trump. Period. Full stop.
Nancy Pelosi has recently come out against No Labels in a big way. See Politico, Pelosi launches an all-out attack against No Labels. Per Politico, Pelosi said,
No Labels is perilous to our democracy. I hesitate to [call them] “No Labels” because they do have labels. They’re called no taxes for the rich. No child tax credit for children. They’re called let’s undo the Affordable Care Act. When they jeopardize the reelection of Joe Biden as president of the United States, I can no longer remain silent."
RFK jr.
Cornell West
Joe Manchin (No Labels)
Yep, but also the infighting in the house caucus may split the vote
The No Labels™️ front for MAGA inroads has already found ballot approval in Maine. I don't have the stomach to find where else they'll be bleeding votes away from President Biden and other Democrats.
Maine is lucky because voters there enacted Ranked Choice Voting thanks of another third-party egomaniac who wouldn't stand down when the proto-Trump Governor Paul LePage started to gain in the polls. LePage won twice with around 38 percent of the vote and Mr. Third Party turned out later to be a child pornography fan. LePage went on to all but crush Maine's economy and reputation.
Clinton's Labor Secretary Robert Reich recently made a short video to out the real objectives of the No Label scam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9b2Z_UCM4M
Nancy has taken them on, watch out NO LABELS!
“Trump has made no secret of his future plans for the United States of America.
Meanwhile, Republicans appear determined to push their agenda over the wishes of voters.”
This is so obviously treason. I simply cannot understand why these Fascists are continuously allowed to get away with this.
Aren’t there any laws that can be implemented immediately, without years of quibbling in court cases?
Are the law enforcement officers so brainwashed by the Trumpet Cult that we can’t depend on them to haul these terrorists off to prison?
Is a civil war the only way to deal with these transgressions?
In the “Republic”, Plato's Socrates raises a number of objections to democracy. He claims that democracy is a danger due to excessive freedom. He also argues that, in a system in which everyone has a right to rule, all sorts of selfish people who care nothing for the people but are only motivated by their own personal desires are able to attain power. He concludes that democracy risks bringing dictators, tyrants, and demagogues to power. He also claims that democracies have leaders without proper skills or morals and that it is quite unlikely that the best equipped to rule will come to power.
Plato's political philosophy - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato%27s_political_philosophy
It looks like he was spot on.....
Brian Klaas in his book, “Corruptible” puts forward a theory that those who seek power are the ones least fit to obtain it.
How are the wise golden souled members of the disgraced Roberts Court working out?
I agree with you, but our system isn’t set up to deal with these types of crimes.
Add to that the idea that almost anyone can become a lawyer, but there’s no guarantee these lawyers will find “gainfully employment” as well as the fact that many lawyers & judges are “conservatives” at heart…
Fay Reid had a good post regarding the subject of political justice/terrorism:
https://fayreid.substack.com/p/terrorists
Spot on. Our system was set up on the basis that people (men) of virtue would seek to serve in government. Once it became a money machine or a profession of getting reelected than virtue went out the window.
Most people do not realize the problem is not with the bureaucrats of the government, but elected officials that go out and cater to wealthy donors who then set them up. Read David Peppers book Laboratories of Autocracy to see how even term limits mean nothing as long as money is involved.
I don't want to pretend there once a Golden Age, a Camelot, when our government was virtuous. Yes, it seems inarguable that the absence of virtue today among Reppols is off any timeline chart. But I see it that the hope of our U.S. constitution was to frankly admit that no politician should simply be trusted, but that checks and balances might avoid the worst excesses.
There was never a Golden Age, but it was hoped that checks and balances would help move toward a more perfect union.
The combination of the death of shame, the daily 5 to 6 hours of fundraising required to fund reelection, and the fact that especially House members consider keeping their job their only job has led us to the current degradation of our democracy.
What will it take to get money out of politics? The question has been asked my whole life.
To remove the controlling influence of money in politics requires a Constitutional Amendment or a SCOTUS that does not see itself as the third and supreme legislative body.
I don't know that "almost anyone can become a lawyer." One has to get through law school and pass the bar exam. That does require a degree of intelligence and the ability to think critically about some issues. That having been said, not all of those who become lawyers care about maintaining a fair system for selecting our government leaders.
Read about Jenna Ellis’ history as a lawyer.
The Founders were well aware of his writings. The Constitution reflects that.
Socrates feared the mob.. or more properly, demos. He felt philosopher kings would rule wisely.
"House extremists continue to back Trump even as he is openly calling for an authoritarian second term."
He is not calling for a second term.
He is calling for the overthrow of the Republic and his enthronement as Dictator. President-for-Life, like Papa Doc. If not Emperor. Like Bokassa.
And authoritarian is -- excuse me -- a stupid word to use in an electoral conflict. Only the educated and educable will understand it.
Whatever term we use, it has to be made clear that here we are dealing with a crime boss, and a raving mad one at that. A geriatric Caligula. By comparison, Al Capone seems "a stable genius".
As for his minions, his would-be courtiers... how do you collect together such a freak show?
They make a mockery of America, a mockery of mankind.
Worse than an infestation -- Satan's roaring with laughter at his own joke.
I agree! Use the word “dictator “ or “king.” Maybe that might get through to these scary maga nuts.
Not sure of "Fuehrer", Christine, though it comes to mind. Too many magats might flock to such a one, with right arm raised -- default position.
Fascism is alive and well in the United States of America. But we cannot spell that term. We failed fifth grade spelling.
Sandy, I have sometimes stopped arguments cold when I mention "do you know who the largest group of antifa ever was? And that they were sanctioned by the US government!!"
I then tell them it was the WW2 GIs. Amazing how many people do not realize that "antifa" is short for Anti-Fascist. I am not joking. I guess that fact supports Trump's love of the "poorly educated" as otherwise, many of them really love to wave the flag.
Woody Guthrie's guitar: 'nuff said.
Anti-Fascist or ANTIFA, WW II GIs - sadly, today’s: pseudo-psychopaths on the so-called extreme, our most sick.
A question I have is who specifically gives Trump these ideas ? He has very dangerous advisors. He must never get into the presidency again. The 2024 election is pivotal for human life on earth. If Trump and these advisors get into positions of power and execute these ideas the repercussions will ultimately be devastating for so many aspects of human life. He is truly an existential threat to humankind. We see in Israel what a leader who only cares about his personal interests has managed to unleash. Trump is ignorant and incompetent but there are many very smart and competent crazies lining up for jobs in a second Trump presidency. And they have so much opportunity to cause so much damage. Irreparable damage.
He listens to anyone who says what he wants to hear. Read Michael Wolff’s book LANDSLIDE.
https://www.amazon.com/Landslide-Final-Days-Trump-Presidency/dp/B097F6CZP6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=159MKE6YF9FLO&keywords=landslide+michael+wolff&qid=1699079489&sprefix=landslide%2Caps%2C279&sr=8-1
Reading about Trump's plans for a second term, I can only hear the phrase "back like a vengeance" but with unimaginable levels of horror!
And so the rotten MAGA Mike games begin.
Heinous.
I have said this before, it is not just 45, but the entire corrupt conservative/libertarian loud squeaky wheels of the GOP. ANY republican that wins is going down this illiberal authoritarian road. ALL OF THEM ARE THREATS TO THE CONSTITUTION. ALL OF THEM.
Every. Last. One.
I subscribe to the NYTimes and also get its daily email report. As you may know, I'm trying hard to focus on the good that President Biden continues to accomplish and instead of all the bullshit news we get about trump. Here's what I sent to the NYT yesterday: "Yesterday Biden gave a major speech in MN about farm policy and I can't find anything about it in "The Morning." Instead, the article continues to report on Trump. I for one am exhausted with the endless attention devoted to that man when Biden's policies go uncovered. I recommend you reconsider your focus."
No response from the paper yet, but I'll keep at it.
All big for-profit so-called news' financial bottom line is run by outrage-feeding algorithms, according to NBC's Jacob Ward's book "The Loop." (Link below. I listened to the audiobook via my library's Libby app.)
While I subscribe to profit-making newspapers, too, I don't really expect actual news from them anymore. My news comes from more measured, human-run operations like ProPublica, "The New Yorker," and their ilk, including HCR. Even NPR has lost the plot recently.
https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-loop-how-technology-is-creating-a-world-without-choices-and-how-to-fight-back-jacob-ward/17426150?ean=9780316487207
I share with your dissatisfaction with the news we receive from most public sources now. And I see no remedy given the erosion of critical thinking in the public that now occurs at the same it digests lies as facts from news sources. Audiences now choose lies from sources like Fox, Steve Bannon, or Alex Jones and thereby become even more harmful to society. Do we defend free speech so that mass media can lie and thereby destroy the government that gave it free speech?
While I share your frustration, it's not an all or nothing question. Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation have worked for sensible social media guardrails and data protections for decades. Just because others seem not to have any interest in protecting our discourse doesn't mean we have to throw up our hands. I recommend reading Cory Doctorow's Pluralistic.net for perspective on how behind the US. It helps to know that other countries have wrangled the cyber-beast a little better. Wired Magazine also can help with that sense of powerlessness. Lastly, the Internet Archive is fighting for its life. Maybe join and use it, too. There are many more super smart people working really hard to make the internet better for all of us.
I will quibble with your term "public sources," too. The publicly funded news sources, i.e. NPR, Deutsche Welle, the BBC, for all their problems – and yes, they are still driven by social media algorithms – have a much better chance of producing news in the public interest than profiteering privately owned cable channels, and – heaven forbid, YouTube channels. While not for profit news modeled after ProPublica has consistently demonstrated its superiority, not enough people have seen fit to cut their cable ties and put their money where the most skilled investigative reporters are. Yet.
Yes, it's hard to fight Putin's troll farms, local and international oligarchs' disinformation, and data scraping. Giving up is not an option, though.
Also, we're currently writing on a non-public source, though HCR makes it free for the reading (not commenting). HCR reportedly has 1.2 million subscribers. At $50 a pop, her profit rivals cable outlets; her overhead is the same as it was when she was a Boston College professor.
While I'm not a fan of the fact that my dollar has more weight than my vote, I am compelled, even on the mostly fixed income of a public school teacher, to vote with my wallet as well as my ballot. While I know it seems hopeless, the only way to help people understand is to be as informed as you possibly can be and stay in the conversation.
thanks for your response. We're essentially in the same place. Please continue doing what you can to combat MAGA and to promote decency. Best.