With the demand that IRS funding be cut to finance aid to Israel, the government of the United States is officially being held hostage by the MAGA GOP. I’m old enough to remember that we have a principle in America… that We Do Not Negotiate With Terrorists.
I hope President Biden makes this clear in his response to this demand … with Lead…
With the demand that IRS funding be cut to finance aid to Israel, the government of the United States is officially being held hostage by the MAGA GOP. I’m old enough to remember that we have a principle in America… that We Do Not Negotiate With Terrorists.
I hope President Biden makes this clear in his response to this demand … with Leader Schumer saying the same. And I hope ABC, CBS, NBC News et al accurately report this fact! The GOP must be made to pay a price for becoming a domestic terrorist organization!
Of course, do away with any thing that might hurt the GOP rich. You can't give the rich another big tax break, but you can sneak one by not allowing the IRS to do their job.
I think they will clearly do both. Utter lack of conscience or shame is their superpower. It should also be their biggest liability, should Democrats play it well.
I don't think Trump is going to be the lead boss much longer, if he ever was. The real bosses are the real billionaires like Charles Koch with his Americans for Prosperity Network and the Heritage Foundation, authors of Project 2025 sand their donor network. Koch hates Trump and has been waiting patiently for him to self-destruct because Trump is incapable of implementing Koch's vision of government. Koch's network, which has been graced by Clarence Thomas' presence at fund raising events, has also gotten cases on the new SCOTUS docket that lay the groundwork for Project 2025 by challenging the ability of Federal agencies to regulate business. Regardless of who wins in 2025 Koch is not waiting to start implementing the plan. Even if Clarence Thomas recuses it will still potentially be 5 to 3.
True, Georgia, Koch and the billionaires have manipulated the Christians for quite some time with wedge issues (abortion, gay rights, etc.) [Thomas Frank, "What's the Matter with Kansas?" 2004] Trump has been Koch's "useful idiot," a bigot leading the bigoted masses. ["The Anger Games: Who Voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 Election, and Why?"] Who would have ever thought that Christianity would be the lead cause for the demise of our democracy, if that happens? And at this point, we're teetering close to the edge of the abyss.
In too many ways, religion is just a very successful method of crowd control -- especially women. It is way to maintain power, either with or against the government. It's a way to raise money. The promise of either heaven or hell is just beginning to lose its power of persuasion.
Never forget the crusades. Fascinating and as sad as any wars. But humans, particularly our president at this moment, are beginning to grapple with the futility of war. Maybe this time....speaker Johnson is being seen for who he is: full of sound and fury and signifying nothing. (Do I have to put quotation marks around that? It’s just for him.)
Religions and political parties have much in common, don't they? In fact, partisanship seems to have become the present official religion of the U. S. wherein disciples must subscribe to doctrines of infallibility. Try holding an elected member of the party accountable on a partisan stooge website and experience virtual stoning first-hand by the party's rabid true believers.
for sure, who wouldve thought, but Christian fundamentalism with its nationalist/social aspirations, have been barnstorming in myriads of congregations for a few generations, and finally been rewarded, and wanting more.... with the big caveat mind you, that demographically they are in DECLINE, and have been for half that time.
And racism is at the core of the demographic change - whites are no longer the majority and this trend will continue year after year. They see that. Though I am a white male, I never felt a vested interest in either since I had nothing to do with either. Early on my mom made it clear that race is an artificial construct and that females should have equal rights with males. Not surprising, my mom was absolutely right. Thank you, Mom.
For sure as far as evangelicals are concerned, this is a continuation of white dominance traditions, though decline is more pronounced in white liberal, and not so liberal Catholic demographics. My Mom was not unlike yours, she never did agree to being baptised in our folksy intolerant Baptist congregation, and even put on a comparative religion show for our missionary society, back in the 1950s mind you!
Right there with you Richard. It's been a long haul, but we are lucky to have Heather provide a forum the gives us at least some comfort in knowing we are not alone. There are many of us actually. Our numbers show there is a great strength to stand up against that which threatens us all.
Case in point:
Last Friday on Steve Schmidt's "The Warning", out of the blue, after manipulating us with his railing against New Labels as a front to foster a Trump win, he tells his subscribers that he is going to work on Dean Phillips' primary campaign to run Biden into the ground to have a younger generation candidate that will beat Trump. He exhorted all of us to follow his lead and back Phillips. This is crap. He needs the money and is working to assure a Trump win. Damn near all of us commenting were in a blue rage, many unsubscibing. What stood out though, is that many of us resolved to stay connected because we respected each other and valued each other's input.
We certainly will not have an issue like that with our dear Professor, but we are a large, educated and articulate group that , in itself, has the potential of being a powerful and unified voice.
Richard, I would put "Christianity" in quotes because these haters are not followers of what Jesus taught. Once again fundamentalism shows how destructive it is and we can look world wide for examples. I note below that you mention racism which is a potent divider of people. Poorer whites have always been played by the elite. Dylan's Only a Pawn in Their Game.
I understand how hard it is to be a member of a community/cadre with a name (in this case, Christian) and have a part of that community/cadre act in a manner that is antithetical to your understanding of the beliefs and actions of that community. I went to the Oxford Dictionary and found this:
"Chris·tian/ˈkrisCHən/
adjective
relating to or professing Christianity or its teachings.
"the Christian Church"
noun
a person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Christianity.
"a born-again Christian" "
They profess themselves and they are almost always believers in Christianity.
Additionally, so many people have been killed in the name of the Christian religion, and in today's word, bludgeoned with the "beliefs" in the Christian faith as they are denied civil rights and subjected to assault and homicide for their "differences" that the teachings of Christ and engaging in behaviors that reflect what you believe are the "true" Christianity are lost in the atrocity.
My position and experience are in the argument that "not all cops are bad" is hard to address when we (the good cops) allow that mindset and those actions to continue.
I am not a member of any Christian community exactly for this reason, but I still consider myself a follower of Jesus Christ and his teachings. He is my personal savior. Please don't think that I consider myself a disciple either. My faith is much too shallow and I fear the lions.
I wonder how many wars would have never transpired without first invoking a religion as the reason for it? But the real reason has always been money in all its many forms. She who obtains great power without having money as the reason, will be killed.
I just wonder what these trumpers will think, when they can't protest. Imagine Jan 6th in China or Russia? Death, Siberia for life. You steal a poster and you are imprisoned for years. I do believe the young man was released due to a severe illness from which he died. Workers will not be allowed to strike to get better wages. Just saying. Moms of Suppression-oops I mean Liberty,- will be happy when all reading material will be censored.
I agree that the funders are able to do a lot, but the Koch Family could not get elected into the White House, and they need Trump as their puppet. It is for him that people are threatening judges, and people involved in the cases against him, not the Koch Family or the other members of the Billionaire's club (BC). So, I still see him as the mob boss. Though as he loses his faculties he is less useful to the BC. The real bosses can be the population if we vote in an informed manner. Each billionaire is entitled to one vote in this democracy, even if they are successful in gaming the system a large turnout against their initiatives has proven powerful too.
Linda, this is why one of my nicknames for him is mafia don. I am glad that you note his increasing senility. Apparently, yesterday was the first time that the MSM made note of this on MSNBC.
I watched The Godfather the other day. The Don never said kill him or torture the person. All that was said was" Take care of it." Everyone knew what he meant. trump is playing that same role especially for Jan 6th. I didn't say anything but his followers drove cross country because they thought they knew what he meant. The same goes with the threats to the judges and jurors. He isn't doing it but his rhetoric is inspiring his minions.
What I find amusing is that Republicans are threatening themselves!
People of means do have large amounts of influence. They come in many stripes not just Republicans ie George Soros and Mark Zuckerberg who have both spent hundreds of millions on political influence in elections.
it seems that bread and butter items like fuel and food that have inflated are the real cause of the pressures on all citizens but especially the middle and lower class folks who feel it worse....another tax. We need to open up all forms of energy exploration to insure our survival in life as we know it.. Our obsession with reduction in carbon based fuels has only enriched Iran who is funding terrorists who want to destroy Israel and us...we need to stop enriching our enemies.
The suppression of women, is ancient ( and continues!) . The quiet fact: most women taught ( teachers/wives) men how to read back in 1700’s and then up , our dismal representation in all positions , and the dereliction of all male control over all female advancement says unequivocally they know women can , DO , run things better and so best to keep them “ in their place” ...our time sisters, right? To make perfectly clear , WE appreciate good management, carry through of law/oaths/representation by anyone. Today’s dilemmas however emphasize anyone is capable of being misled and radicalized...no names need mentioned.....
Just remember, in regard to the religions being discussed, men made God in THEIR own image and not the other way around, obviosly to get control over the "other" that was more capeble. The textile and diestufs industry is one of the larget and oldest. Who started spinning and weaving?
Mankind has indeed manipulated the message(s) forever To Be Sure. Many say Back around Reagan it began…waaaay before that truly.
Critical thinking is lost it seems, and I feel many of the old ways held nostalgically even more . Progress is evident, more left out of conversations than acknowledged, but together we could make it quadrupled.
Religion is such a hot topic and so little practiced.
Critical thinking is difficult. Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., co-chair of the Human Genome Project, understands DNA as well as anyone else on earth. All DNA comes from LUCA, the grandmother of all life on earth (plants, insects, animals), the single cell origin of life on earth going back 3.5 billion years. All life on earth has the same DNA., yet Francis Collins, a fundamentalist Christian, chooses to believe that which has no verifiable data to prove its claim - religion. Carl Sagan was right: "The human brain is the most complicated thing in the known universe." So, we have some for whom skin color is a defining, differentiating element. We humans will be the architects and cause of our own doom.
LOL! Can you imagine the learning curve! There’s a definite skill-set in being a public servant . Broad picture thinking..are they/yourself capable, understand the duties? At this point in time! There’s a hoard of questionable incumbent or candidates! And some surprising younguns coming up the ranks! Hoping😉
Hartmann's article helps identify differences in oligarchs better than my old separation of them into egalitarian and predatory. Now I can look forward to various degrees of differences, such as those between David Koch and his twin brother William.
Are all readers here aware that Koch Industries continues to operate in Russia regardless of sanctions, that their father worked for both Hitler and Stalin in the 1939’s and their fortune is part of climate change? Their work to destroy public universities May yet prove their most important legacy as liberal arts curricula die and small colleges close for lack of funding
Yes. As to 1939, you must have seen Rachel Madows "Ultra" podcast, no? If not, it is required. Those U.S, Congressmen and Senators were indicted for Sedition (Treason)and their progeny are right up there with the Kochs today.
Exactly. Sadly, we may need to negotiate with the terrorists in Congress until November 5, 2024. After that, if we do our jobs right, they’ll mostly be in the rear view mirror.
I have always reffered to them as the Taliban since 1994, when they gained the congressional majority and slashed Federal science funding because there was no mention of science in their BOOK. Some seven hundred of us at USGS lost our jobs for lack of $$ to pay us. The most accurate bumper sticker back then was
According to Open Secrets, in the 2022 election cycle, 2 of the top 5 contributors to Mike Johnson's campaign and Leadership PAC were the American Israel Public Affairs Committee $25K (AIPAC which is itself a PAC) and Koch Industries $20K. AIPAC is bipartisan.
Note that Johnson won in the primary stage of the 2022 election cycle with 60% of the vote. In LA if you get a majority in the open primary you are won and done. Interesting that his first Bill out as Speaker helps both. Just sayin'
'WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report) - Two days after suspending his campaign for the Republican Presidential nomination, former Vice-President Mike Pence has returned four dollars to his donors.'
'Speaking to reporters, Pence said that he took pride in the fact that his campaign has been funded exclusively by small contributions.'
“The four dollars I received came from nine donors, for an average of forty-four cents a donation,” he said. “No other candidate can say that.”
'Pence spent the weekend calling to thank his donors, adding,' “Although all of my calls went straight to voice mail, I left my number and I do expect to hear from them when they get a chance.”
'Pence’s exit from the race drew a mixed reaction in a new poll, with a majority of Americans unaware that he had been running.' (Satire, NEWYORKER)
If AIPAC was attempting to influence Johnson to be more pro-Israel, it was money wasted. I don’t see evidence that his true colors were shoing at the time. Actually,I don’t believe her has much color or conviction. that is why he was electable to be the House Majority Speaker. He functions as a parrot.
As an evangelical Christian it is very likely that Johnson is very pro-Israel. I think it is way more interesting that he put the IRS legislation into the bill, something very favorable to Koch.
Yep, and Apocalypse is great drama for a drama loving species, been a boon to the movie industry and mega churches as well. I think it's akin to a drug intoxicant myself, a long-term bane in human societies. Many a pope eg lived in expectation of stuff like this. Of course, it's built into the NT
The only thing that Republicans will hear is whatever Fox News tells them, which, since Fox News will benefit from not having to pay taxes, will be something like:
"A heroic effort by new speaker Mike Johnson to keep the Communist Democrat IRS from stealing your money is underway in America! Mike Johnson is working for YOU, the little guy.
THAT message is what Fox News will send out and that is what people will believe.
No, the many MAGAts who ONLY hear Faux Noise; my recently deceased father-in-law was one of them and my cohort of former cops who augment Fox with OAN and Prager U "information". Pay attention when you're in a waiting room for various things (my most recent was an oil change) what's on the TV. That is who the "little guys" are.
Which is why Murdoch got Presidential expidited citizenship. The foreigner could now own major media that affects the public and went right to work with Ronnie Raygun's Roger Ailes to set up the propoganda machine, Fox News. Gotta protect the big money's money and give them ours too.
I have to agree with you. There is little difference of Russia today and the old USSR, except for the addition of Western Money. Greed corrupts and when combined with power, absolutely corrupts.
Japan "imports" younger people from southeast Asia because they need them to help take care of Japan's aging population. Germany has the same problem. Here we are lucky because those coming to the U.S. essentially share our cultural norms.
That last sentence brings to mind Putin's shirtless stunt on the horse--pure theater and our spineless GOP/MAGA wonders lapped it all up, right off Putin's spoon.
I believe that calling the Republican party "terrorist" will never be taken seriously. I believe the faction of that party that wields power is manipulated by Trump, who in turn is manipulated by Putin.
And I don't think that is being taken seriously enough.
And I believe the GOP deeply admire the Putin regime for ideological reasons.
I understand this upsets you, but ranting troll, troll, is not constructive.
Christopher, I hope that you will understand that you have been misconstrued. Some folks are literal in their thinking. You have a flare for satire and, perhaps, a quickness/sharpness that may be threatening to a few. Some Americans who are paying attention may be both scared to death and literal-minded. I'm not alone in appreciating your perspective and use of language.
I hope that you'll stay. This audience is generous, intelligent and caring. Please give us another chance. Salud!
Christopher, above you write: " I believe the faction of that party that wields power is manipulated by Trump, who in turn is manipulated by Putin." I think that this is absolutely true. I am not alone in believing that Trump has been blackmailed by Putin all along, probably with Moscow hotel room photos.
He was writing letters to Putin because Putin was blackmailing him. That they may share an ideological bent for pure dictatorship is an irrelevant coincidence.
Perhaps not writing like a troll would help us in not perceiving you as one. As Fern says, this forum is filled with generous, caring folks, most of whom have had very negative experiences with trolls and their ilk. A disclaimer tacked on before using phrases like "white kick-ass nation" would help. Salaam. shalom, peace to you.
Christopher, I took your first post literally, as did others. There was no hint that it was intended as satire. Please do us all a favor -- including yourself -- and indicate that it's meant as a satirical piece, or risk being taken as a crazed right winger.
Well Christopher, they are surely fostering domestic terrorism. It is well documented and many are in jail for the acts they performed. That is being taken seriously. All your points about their admiration of Putin are correct. but you have look at your definition of terrorism. It isn't just something that just happens overseas.
I do not take things literally. I twist words around for effect also and it hopefully opens some eyes. Humor and irony illuminate the truth. Just hone your words a bit.
I don't know what a "butt hurt bernie boy" is. Sounds like homophobic trolling to me.
Perhaps my words have been misconstrued.
The GOP white Christian Nationalist extremists really admire the fact that Russia is the last kick-ass pure white race misogynist homophobic.... strong... country in the world.
If you don't see that, you have a problem.
Anyway, I didn't pay a subscription to argue with people who have problems reading and use homophobic insults.
I paid to support the great historical perspective on current affairs by HCR.
I do think that your rather aggressive language has been misconstrued, and challenged, and it is easy to see why, Christopher. You could use the discriminatory insults differently to make your points. However, you do clarify your position when challenged. I would say to you, stay. Find a better way to make the point you are trying to make. You sound pretty angry...any way to use your anger to get the vote out?
Christopher, I think you are on to something when you suggest that the maga GOP is inspired by Russia , and I suppose that Russians may be racists, misogynist and homophobic to some degree that is probably pretty hard to determine. Just like Americans if we are painting with a broad brush. Certainly Putin himself seems to embody these characteristics. But the term "kick-ass" is so often used in a positive way in other contexts that readers here have been put off by it.
One can imagine Trump himself describing Russia as a kickass pure white nation. I'm assuming you are against pure white misogynist homophobic things.
"are you one of those butt hurt bernie boys" I don't know about Christopher but me a women is/'was all in for Bernie. He tirelessly work for "we the people". Beth maybe you should learn to hold your tongue of hate?
John, we must be careful about who we call out as a troll verses a person who expresses an opinion that is contrary to the flow of discussion. I do not agree with Christopher’s views or his way of expressing himself, but I do not believe he is a “troll.”
In these challenging times we should listen to divergent views and not be threatened by them.
Sarcasm, irony, and sometimes poorly constructed simple jokes can all be misconstrued. Ask for clarification and assume good will until you and the other person are both satisfied you understood what the other one meant.
That Cristopher guy made a racist, anti-democratic comment, and you are defending him??? What else would you call him??? His comment was inappropriate to the extreme, If that smart ass did that on the DAILY KOS site, he would be removed immediately and never be allowed back on their site. I get sick and tired of people defending people like that Christopher guy and getting angry for saying things about our opponents like MTG and Donald TUMP.
You don't have to worry about me any longer as i will not be making anymore comments. Every time i join a sight like this, someone seems to be offended by something i say and complain and gripe about it. I try to fight like hell for Democrats, and someone gets mad about what i have to say. I am giving up on everything political. I no longer care what happens in elections.
Just to be clear, is this a serious comment or facetious (hopefully)? Because the Taliban is one of the worst terrorist organizations in the world. They were at least partially responsible for 9/11.
In the context of it being a response to the statement it followed, I think you should have caught the obvious. The comments are coming so fast that what one follows is long gone by the time you hit post.
Sometimes people read cursorily. I got the wrong end of the stick a few times by missing the word “not.” I advise avoiding “you should have” messages. “I thought it would be obvious” would not cause offense.
Hmmm . I don't think Jon was offended. It went by so fast the context was no longer there. In that regard, I understand his question. Of course it was facitious and this group is sharp enough to have seen it that way, if what it was referring to was still there.
"you should have' and "I thought it would be obvious" were not in what I wrote that he was questioning.
Write and call your own Congressperson early and often, and let them know you expect them to vote for the good of the people of their constituents, not a fringe cult. Every single Representative, even ones in deep Red districts needs to be put on alert that all Johnson’s plan to weaken American in the eyes of the world does is lets China extend it influence and control. The voters of America don’t want that.
Steven, thank you for your comment. Yes, accountability and consequences. And you do not negotiate with terrorists and I will add: children, sociopaths and cultists and crazies. Or to be specific , Republicans ,at least until they rediscover their soul and brains.
However, we still have a major problem with the news media because their restricted by these conservative ceo's who own and control to what they can say. This is why I am greatful that we have independent journalists, writers, and others who have podcasts that are working around the clock to get the real truth out to the American people.
I do not want one penny for "aid" to Israel, the worst apartheid country, which has welcomed a good excuse to destroy (again!) the infrastructure and the population in that "open air prison": Gaza.
With the demand that IRS funding be cut to finance aid to Israel, the government of the United States is officially being held hostage by the MAGA GOP. I’m old enough to remember that we have a principle in America… that We Do Not Negotiate With Terrorists.
I hope President Biden makes this clear in his response to this demand … with Leader Schumer saying the same. And I hope ABC, CBS, NBC News et al accurately report this fact! The GOP must be made to pay a price for becoming a domestic terrorist organization!
Just say "no" to thugs.
Of course, do away with any thing that might hurt the GOP rich. You can't give the rich another big tax break, but you can sneak one by not allowing the IRS to do their job.
I think they will clearly do both. Utter lack of conscience or shame is their superpower. It should also be their biggest liability, should Democrats play it well.
I agree. I have been saying that the Republican Party is our own terrorist organization with Trump as the lead boss.
I don't think Trump is going to be the lead boss much longer, if he ever was. The real bosses are the real billionaires like Charles Koch with his Americans for Prosperity Network and the Heritage Foundation, authors of Project 2025 sand their donor network. Koch hates Trump and has been waiting patiently for him to self-destruct because Trump is incapable of implementing Koch's vision of government. Koch's network, which has been graced by Clarence Thomas' presence at fund raising events, has also gotten cases on the new SCOTUS docket that lay the groundwork for Project 2025 by challenging the ability of Federal agencies to regulate business. Regardless of who wins in 2025 Koch is not waiting to start implementing the plan. Even if Clarence Thomas recuses it will still potentially be 5 to 3.
https://georgiafisanick.substack.com/p/trumpism-without-trump
True, Georgia, Koch and the billionaires have manipulated the Christians for quite some time with wedge issues (abortion, gay rights, etc.) [Thomas Frank, "What's the Matter with Kansas?" 2004] Trump has been Koch's "useful idiot," a bigot leading the bigoted masses. ["The Anger Games: Who Voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 Election, and Why?"] Who would have ever thought that Christianity would be the lead cause for the demise of our democracy, if that happens? And at this point, we're teetering close to the edge of the abyss.
Religion has caused more destruction and war over the ages than anything else.
In too many ways, religion is just a very successful method of crowd control -- especially women. It is way to maintain power, either with or against the government. It's a way to raise money. The promise of either heaven or hell is just beginning to lose its power of persuasion.
Just wait till those Jihadists and Taliban types get to "heaven" and find out the virgins they were counting are all Catholic nuns with rulers.
Never forget the crusades. Fascinating and as sad as any wars. But humans, particularly our president at this moment, are beginning to grapple with the futility of war. Maybe this time....speaker Johnson is being seen for who he is: full of sound and fury and signifying nothing. (Do I have to put quotation marks around that? It’s just for him.)
I hear you, and the echo saying how life is a tale told by an idiot.
LOL Love it.
Religions and political parties have much in common, don't they? In fact, partisanship seems to have become the present official religion of the U. S. wherein disciples must subscribe to doctrines of infallibility. Try holding an elected member of the party accountable on a partisan stooge website and experience virtual stoning first-hand by the party's rabid true believers.
for sure, who wouldve thought, but Christian fundamentalism with its nationalist/social aspirations, have been barnstorming in myriads of congregations for a few generations, and finally been rewarded, and wanting more.... with the big caveat mind you, that demographically they are in DECLINE, and have been for half that time.
And racism is at the core of the demographic change - whites are no longer the majority and this trend will continue year after year. They see that. Though I am a white male, I never felt a vested interest in either since I had nothing to do with either. Early on my mom made it clear that race is an artificial construct and that females should have equal rights with males. Not surprising, my mom was absolutely right. Thank you, Mom.
For sure as far as evangelicals are concerned, this is a continuation of white dominance traditions, though decline is more pronounced in white liberal, and not so liberal Catholic demographics. My Mom was not unlike yours, she never did agree to being baptised in our folksy intolerant Baptist congregation, and even put on a comparative religion show for our missionary society, back in the 1950s mind you!
" Life doesn't come with manuals. They come with mothers." (BeHappy.me)
Right there with you Richard. It's been a long haul, but we are lucky to have Heather provide a forum the gives us at least some comfort in knowing we are not alone. There are many of us actually. Our numbers show there is a great strength to stand up against that which threatens us all.
Case in point:
Last Friday on Steve Schmidt's "The Warning", out of the blue, after manipulating us with his railing against New Labels as a front to foster a Trump win, he tells his subscribers that he is going to work on Dean Phillips' primary campaign to run Biden into the ground to have a younger generation candidate that will beat Trump. He exhorted all of us to follow his lead and back Phillips. This is crap. He needs the money and is working to assure a Trump win. Damn near all of us commenting were in a blue rage, many unsubscibing. What stood out though, is that many of us resolved to stay connected because we respected each other and valued each other's input.
We certainly will not have an issue like that with our dear Professor, but we are a large, educated and articulate group that , in itself, has the potential of being a powerful and unified voice.
And yet Leonard Leo dumped 1.2 billion into one organization simply to canvass the Latino vote. Many Latinos are republican.
And thank-you to Richard's mom for bringing him up right.
Your mom was a wise woman.
Richard, I would put "Christianity" in quotes because these haters are not followers of what Jesus taught. Once again fundamentalism shows how destructive it is and we can look world wide for examples. I note below that you mention racism which is a potent divider of people. Poorer whites have always been played by the elite. Dylan's Only a Pawn in Their Game.
They are NOT christians, not followers of Jesus the Christ. They follow the demons!
I understand how hard it is to be a member of a community/cadre with a name (in this case, Christian) and have a part of that community/cadre act in a manner that is antithetical to your understanding of the beliefs and actions of that community. I went to the Oxford Dictionary and found this:
"Chris·tian/ˈkrisCHən/
adjective
relating to or professing Christianity or its teachings.
"the Christian Church"
noun
a person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Christianity.
"a born-again Christian" "
They profess themselves and they are almost always believers in Christianity.
Additionally, so many people have been killed in the name of the Christian religion, and in today's word, bludgeoned with the "beliefs" in the Christian faith as they are denied civil rights and subjected to assault and homicide for their "differences" that the teachings of Christ and engaging in behaviors that reflect what you believe are the "true" Christianity are lost in the atrocity.
My position and experience are in the argument that "not all cops are bad" is hard to address when we (the good cops) allow that mindset and those actions to continue.
Good morning Ally. I think you were one of the good cops.
I am not a member of any Christian community exactly for this reason, but I still consider myself a follower of Jesus Christ and his teachings. He is my personal savior. Please don't think that I consider myself a disciple either. My faith is much too shallow and I fear the lions.
I wonder how many wars would have never transpired without first invoking a religion as the reason for it? But the real reason has always been money in all its many forms. She who obtains great power without having money as the reason, will be killed.
Ally, thank you again for your perspective.
Remember, Fascism will come to America wrapped in the flag and holding a cross.
That is now happening.
I just wonder what these trumpers will think, when they can't protest. Imagine Jan 6th in China or Russia? Death, Siberia for life. You steal a poster and you are imprisoned for years. I do believe the young man was released due to a severe illness from which he died. Workers will not be allowed to strike to get better wages. Just saying. Moms of Suppression-oops I mean Liberty,- will be happy when all reading material will be censored.
Not sure it's a cause so much as a cover and excuse. Bigotry, hate, resentment are the causes.
I agree that the funders are able to do a lot, but the Koch Family could not get elected into the White House, and they need Trump as their puppet. It is for him that people are threatening judges, and people involved in the cases against him, not the Koch Family or the other members of the Billionaire's club (BC). So, I still see him as the mob boss. Though as he loses his faculties he is less useful to the BC. The real bosses can be the population if we vote in an informed manner. Each billionaire is entitled to one vote in this democracy, even if they are successful in gaming the system a large turnout against their initiatives has proven powerful too.
Linda, this is why one of my nicknames for him is mafia don. I am glad that you note his increasing senility. Apparently, yesterday was the first time that the MSM made note of this on MSNBC.
I watched The Godfather the other day. The Don never said kill him or torture the person. All that was said was" Take care of it." Everyone knew what he meant. trump is playing that same role especially for Jan 6th. I didn't say anything but his followers drove cross country because they thought they knew what he meant. The same goes with the threats to the judges and jurors. He isn't doing it but his rhetoric is inspiring his minions.
What I find amusing is that Republicans are threatening themselves!
Linda, brother, David Koch, died in 2019.
I took it as what the brothers have done historically. Nothing has changed since David died.
Point taken.👍
At his death, because he had “bought” American Ballet Theater, my daughter commented on the deadening effect artistically of his “ownership.”
I guess she meant the surviving brother...
Yep, Charles is a plural in many ways
Thanks for the reminder.
Salud, Linda!
People of means do have large amounts of influence. They come in many stripes not just Republicans ie George Soros and Mark Zuckerberg who have both spent hundreds of millions on political influence in elections.
Now that big Republican donors have managed to shred the middle class, it’s good that Democrats have a couple of millionaire donors
it seems that bread and butter items like fuel and food that have inflated are the real cause of the pressures on all citizens but especially the middle and lower class folks who feel it worse....another tax. We need to open up all forms of energy exploration to insure our survival in life as we know it.. Our obsession with reduction in carbon based fuels has only enriched Iran who is funding terrorists who want to destroy Israel and us...we need to stop enriching our enemies.
At least “most” democrats seem to work for the betterment of people, tho.
In regard to the big money interests, it appears that Harlan Crow, CT's "long-time friend", is backing Dean Phillips.
The suppression of women, is ancient ( and continues!) . The quiet fact: most women taught ( teachers/wives) men how to read back in 1700’s and then up , our dismal representation in all positions , and the dereliction of all male control over all female advancement says unequivocally they know women can , DO , run things better and so best to keep them “ in their place” ...our time sisters, right? To make perfectly clear , WE appreciate good management, carry through of law/oaths/representation by anyone. Today’s dilemmas however emphasize anyone is capable of being misled and radicalized...no names need mentioned.....
Vote ladies 😉💙
Just remember, in regard to the religions being discussed, men made God in THEIR own image and not the other way around, obviosly to get control over the "other" that was more capeble. The textile and diestufs industry is one of the larget and oldest. Who started spinning and weaving?
Mankind has indeed manipulated the message(s) forever To Be Sure. Many say Back around Reagan it began…waaaay before that truly.
Critical thinking is lost it seems, and I feel many of the old ways held nostalgically even more . Progress is evident, more left out of conversations than acknowledged, but together we could make it quadrupled.
Religion is such a hot topic and so little practiced.
It’s
radicalization that makes this convenience evil.
How’s that for a spin…😉
Yup. That is why we NEED Heather, beyond appreciating her.
Critical thinking is difficult. Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., co-chair of the Human Genome Project, understands DNA as well as anyone else on earth. All DNA comes from LUCA, the grandmother of all life on earth (plants, insects, animals), the single cell origin of life on earth going back 3.5 billion years. All life on earth has the same DNA., yet Francis Collins, a fundamentalist Christian, chooses to believe that which has no verifiable data to prove its claim - religion. Carl Sagan was right: "The human brain is the most complicated thing in the known universe." So, we have some for whom skin color is a defining, differentiating element. We humans will be the architects and cause of our own doom.
LOL! Can you imagine the learning curve! There’s a definite skill-set in being a public servant . Broad picture thinking..are they/yourself capable, understand the duties? At this point in time! There’s a hoard of questionable incumbent or candidates! And some surprising younguns coming up the ranks! Hoping😉
Whew🧐!
https://hartmannreport.com/p/will-american-democracy-survive-the-17e
Thom Hartmann had a great article on the American oligarchs yesterday. Definitely a MUST READ!
Hartmann's article helps identify differences in oligarchs better than my old separation of them into egalitarian and predatory. Now I can look forward to various degrees of differences, such as those between David Koch and his twin brother William.
See https://aspenjournalism.org/the-price-of-privacy/
and
https://www.aspendailynews.com/public-in-paonia-say-privacy-doesn-t-justify-bear-ranch-land-swap/article_a1d9a8f8-aa49-5749-93c5-dd556f552f9d.html
Are all readers here aware that Koch Industries continues to operate in Russia regardless of sanctions, that their father worked for both Hitler and Stalin in the 1939’s and their fortune is part of climate change? Their work to destroy public universities May yet prove their most important legacy as liberal arts curricula die and small colleges close for lack of funding
I wasn't aware of that! Do you have citations? Apparently Charles son Chase is going to take over running the empire.
Nancy MacLean: “Democracy Dies in Darkness,” for starters. The bibliography should give you all the sources you can handle.
Yes. As to 1939, you must have seen Rachel Madows "Ultra" podcast, no? If not, it is required. Those U.S, Congressmen and Senators were indicted for Sedition (Treason)and their progeny are right up there with the Kochs today.
Public universities: Film, “Starving the Beast.” James Carville “stars.” My university was one attacked by Koch “methods.
Exactly. Sadly, we may need to negotiate with the terrorists in Congress until November 5, 2024. After that, if we do our jobs right, they’ll mostly be in the rear view mirror.
Hopefully so.
The Republican Taliban
I have always reffered to them as the Taliban since 1994, when they gained the congressional majority and slashed Federal science funding because there was no mention of science in their BOOK. Some seven hundred of us at USGS lost our jobs for lack of $$ to pay us. The most accurate bumper sticker back then was
"The Moral Majority is NEITHER!"
Well said
According to Open Secrets, in the 2022 election cycle, 2 of the top 5 contributors to Mike Johnson's campaign and Leadership PAC were the American Israel Public Affairs Committee $25K (AIPAC which is itself a PAC) and Koch Industries $20K. AIPAC is bipartisan.
Note that Johnson won in the primary stage of the 2022 election cycle with 60% of the vote. In LA if you get a majority in the open primary you are won and done. Interesting that his first Bill out as Speaker helps both. Just sayin'
https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/mike-johnson/summary?cid=N00039106&cycle=2022&type=C
'Mike Pence Returns Four Dollars to Donors'
'WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report) - Two days after suspending his campaign for the Republican Presidential nomination, former Vice-President Mike Pence has returned four dollars to his donors.'
'Speaking to reporters, Pence said that he took pride in the fact that his campaign has been funded exclusively by small contributions.'
“The four dollars I received came from nine donors, for an average of forty-four cents a donation,” he said. “No other candidate can say that.”
'Pence spent the weekend calling to thank his donors, adding,' “Although all of my calls went straight to voice mail, I left my number and I do expect to hear from them when they get a chance.”
'Pence’s exit from the race drew a mixed reaction in a new poll, with a majority of Americans unaware that he had been running.' (Satire, NEWYORKER)
FERN MCBRIDE (NYC)
Another I liked is: "𝘔𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦."
Ron Boyd, I laughed, right away. Laughs and hugs mean more than ever these days. Thank you! Borowitz, watch out for Boyd!
Borowitz is "pure gold."
That is why I subscribe to the New Yorker.
I adore, reading the New Yorker - all parts of it :-)
My Mom would cut out and mail me articles(always long) and cartoons too when I was away at college and for decades later.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
😂😂😂😂 funniest one ever!
Currently reading Borowitz's brilliant book, "Profiles in Ignorance." Highly recommend.
😂😂😂😂
If AIPAC was attempting to influence Johnson to be more pro-Israel, it was money wasted. I don’t see evidence that his true colors were shoing at the time. Actually,I don’t believe her has much color or conviction. that is why he was electable to be the House Majority Speaker. He functions as a parrot.
As an evangelical Christian it is very likely that Johnson is very pro-Israel. I think it is way more interesting that he put the IRS legislation into the bill, something very favorable to Koch.
isnt the pro Israel thing to help bring about Armageddon End of World kind of stuff?
Yep, guess that’s what they are rooting for. The Rapture. Be careful what you pray for…
Yep, and Apocalypse is great drama for a drama loving species, been a boon to the movie industry and mega churches as well. I think it's akin to a drug intoxicant myself, a long-term bane in human societies. Many a pope eg lived in expectation of stuff like this. Of course, it's built into the NT
The Greek definition certainly fits today’s world.🙏
“Final Five Voting” movement addresses the primary stage as the biggest problem with our elections. They have a point.
YEP.
Steven,
The only thing that Republicans will hear is whatever Fox News tells them, which, since Fox News will benefit from not having to pay taxes, will be something like:
"A heroic effort by new speaker Mike Johnson to keep the Communist Democrat IRS from stealing your money is underway in America! Mike Johnson is working for YOU, the little guy.
THAT message is what Fox News will send out and that is what people will believe.
What little guys are you talking about, Mike? Short millionaires/billionaires?
No, the many MAGAts who ONLY hear Faux Noise; my recently deceased father-in-law was one of them and my cohort of former cops who augment Fox with OAN and Prager U "information". Pay attention when you're in a waiting room for various things (my most recent was an oil change) what's on the TV. That is who the "little guys" are.
Well said Ally. The messaging keeps working and the democrats have none that is memorable for the little guys---alas
Right on point Ally.
Which is why Murdoch got Presidential expidited citizenship. The foreigner could now own major media that affects the public and went right to work with Ronnie Raygun's Roger Ailes to set up the propoganda machine, Fox News. Gotta protect the big money's money and give them ours too.
I definitely agree.
Are you asking them to classify Putin as a terrorist, Steven?
I think they actually admire him.
But I see you are calling the Republican party a terrorist organisation. I don't think that will be taken seriously either.
You have the American Taliban wielding power. The Taliban won in their country.
Noam Chomsky labels the GOP for decades now as the most dangerous organization in the world.
Russia is the last great pure white country where they kill faggots.
They don't pussy around with namby pamby BS like democratic elections and most definitely not freedom of expression.
Look at Japan, they don't let foreigners in either - pure race.
Then look at Sweden - learn your lessons from Sweden - too many immigrants, disaster.
Russia - the last kick-ass white race on the planet.
Please, be our guest, and go live in Russia.
I agree. Trolls love Russia.
Not a troll actually.
I'm afraid that really is the reason the GOP are supporting Putin.
It really is.
That is what they think.
I am not a troll
I hope you're being sarcastic. Because if you aren't, you're an idiot.
No, that is really what they think. It really is.
You have Chritian Nationalist white supremacists, and that is their ideology.
Why else would they support Russia?
Not an idiot.
I have to agree with you. There is little difference of Russia today and the old USSR, except for the addition of Western Money. Greed corrupts and when combined with power, absolutely corrupts.
Japan "imports" younger people from southeast Asia because they need them to help take care of Japan's aging population. Germany has the same problem. Here we are lucky because those coming to the U.S. essentially share our cultural norms.
And work in our senior care facilities.
That last sentence brings to mind Putin's shirtless stunt on the horse--pure theater and our spineless GOP/MAGA wonders lapped it all up, right off Putin's spoon.
Your satire needs some honing to be sharper and more effective. Your language comes off being laudatory instead of derisive.
Not trying to be funny, Derek - that is deadly serious.
Serious and horrifying.
That is the ideology of the Christian Nationalist white supremacist members of your government.
Why else would they not support Russia?
What other reason? Saving money???
I'm not trying to be derisive.
More of a perspective jolt.
Christopher I think you’ve been misunderstood. I understand completely what you are saying.
Easy to misunderstand, and call a troll.
Exactly. I have been working on a responsw to Christopher and all I can think of is "Words matter. Be careful how you phrase it."
Good to see you here today, Jeri. Ally too.
Yes. the Fascist GQP is a terrorist organization. It will be taken seriously too. Go TROLL elsewhere, TROLL..
Why do you call me a troll, John?
I thought we were having a serious conversation.
I believe that calling the Republican party "terrorist" will never be taken seriously. I believe the faction of that party that wields power is manipulated by Trump, who in turn is manipulated by Putin.
And I don't think that is being taken seriously enough.
And I believe the GOP deeply admire the Putin regime for ideological reasons.
I understand this upsets you, but ranting troll, troll, is not constructive.
These things need to be faced.
I am no troll.
Christopher, I hope that you will understand that you have been misconstrued. Some folks are literal in their thinking. You have a flare for satire and, perhaps, a quickness/sharpness that may be threatening to a few. Some Americans who are paying attention may be both scared to death and literal-minded. I'm not alone in appreciating your perspective and use of language.
I hope that you'll stay. This audience is generous, intelligent and caring. Please give us another chance. Salud!
Christopher, above you write: " I believe the faction of that party that wields power is manipulated by Trump, who in turn is manipulated by Putin." I think that this is absolutely true. I am not alone in believing that Trump has been blackmailed by Putin all along, probably with Moscow hotel room photos.
No, it's not blackmail.
he worships him ideologically and wishes to emulate him.
He was writing letters to Putin even before he was President.
He was writing letters to Putin because Putin was blackmailing him. That they may share an ideological bent for pure dictatorship is an irrelevant coincidence.
Perhaps not writing like a troll would help us in not perceiving you as one. As Fern says, this forum is filled with generous, caring folks, most of whom have had very negative experiences with trolls and their ilk. A disclaimer tacked on before using phrases like "white kick-ass nation" would help. Salaam. shalom, peace to you.
Christopher, I took your first post literally, as did others. There was no hint that it was intended as satire. Please do us all a favor -- including yourself -- and indicate that it's meant as a satirical piece, or risk being taken as a crazed right winger.
How about enemies of the Constitution?
Well Christopher, they are surely fostering domestic terrorism. It is well documented and many are in jail for the acts they performed. That is being taken seriously. All your points about their admiration of Putin are correct. but you have look at your definition of terrorism. It isn't just something that just happens overseas.
I do not take things literally. I twist words around for effect also and it hopefully opens some eyes. Humor and irony illuminate the truth. Just hone your words a bit.
And I believe you will never be taken seriously.
As for being a troll, I do think you protest too much.
Are you one of those butt hurt bernie boys?
I don't know what a "butt hurt bernie boy" is. Sounds like homophobic trolling to me.
Perhaps my words have been misconstrued.
The GOP white Christian Nationalist extremists really admire the fact that Russia is the last kick-ass pure white race misogynist homophobic.... strong... country in the world.
If you don't see that, you have a problem.
Anyway, I didn't pay a subscription to argue with people who have problems reading and use homophobic insults.
I paid to support the great historical perspective on current affairs by HCR.
I'm out of here.
I do think that your rather aggressive language has been misconstrued, and challenged, and it is easy to see why, Christopher. You could use the discriminatory insults differently to make your points. However, you do clarify your position when challenged. I would say to you, stay. Find a better way to make the point you are trying to make. You sound pretty angry...any way to use your anger to get the vote out?
Christopher, I think you are on to something when you suggest that the maga GOP is inspired by Russia , and I suppose that Russians may be racists, misogynist and homophobic to some degree that is probably pretty hard to determine. Just like Americans if we are painting with a broad brush. Certainly Putin himself seems to embody these characteristics. But the term "kick-ass" is so often used in a positive way in other contexts that readers here have been put off by it.
One can imagine Trump himself describing Russia as a kickass pure white nation. I'm assuming you are against pure white misogynist homophobic things.
Am I right?
Grow up . You know who Bernie is.
"are you one of those butt hurt bernie boys" I don't know about Christopher but me a women is/'was all in for Bernie. He tirelessly work for "we the people". Beth maybe you should learn to hold your tongue of hate?
John, we must be careful about who we call out as a troll verses a person who expresses an opinion that is contrary to the flow of discussion. I do not agree with Christopher’s views or his way of expressing himself, but I do not believe he is a “troll.”
In these challenging times we should listen to divergent views and not be threatened by them.
Sarcasm, irony, and sometimes poorly constructed simple jokes can all be misconstrued. Ask for clarification and assume good will until you and the other person are both satisfied you understood what the other one meant.
The guy should have put a /s on his damn comment if he was being snarky.
That Cristopher guy made a racist, anti-democratic comment, and you are defending him??? What else would you call him??? His comment was inappropriate to the extreme, If that smart ass did that on the DAILY KOS site, he would be removed immediately and never be allowed back on their site. I get sick and tired of people defending people like that Christopher guy and getting angry for saying things about our opponents like MTG and Donald TUMP.
You don't have to worry about me any longer as i will not be making anymore comments. Every time i join a sight like this, someone seems to be offended by something i say and complain and gripe about it. I try to fight like hell for Democrats, and someone gets mad about what i have to say. I am giving up on everything political. I no longer care what happens in elections.
And the Taliban would never practice terrorism.
Just to be clear, is this a serious comment or facetious (hopefully)? Because the Taliban is one of the worst terrorist organizations in the world. They were at least partially responsible for 9/11.
In the context of it being a response to the statement it followed, I think you should have caught the obvious. The comments are coming so fast that what one follows is long gone by the time you hit post.
True.
Sometimes people read cursorily. I got the wrong end of the stick a few times by missing the word “not.” I advise avoiding “you should have” messages. “I thought it would be obvious” would not cause offense.
Hmmm . I don't think Jon was offended. It went by so fast the context was no longer there. In that regard, I understand his question. Of course it was facitious and this group is sharp enough to have seen it that way, if what it was referring to was still there.
"you should have' and "I thought it would be obvious" were not in what I wrote that he was questioning.
Write and call your own Congressperson early and often, and let them know you expect them to vote for the good of the people of their constituents, not a fringe cult. Every single Representative, even ones in deep Red districts needs to be put on alert that all Johnson’s plan to weaken American in the eyes of the world does is lets China extend it influence and control. The voters of America don’t want that.
Biden and Schumer, and maybe McConnell will, but there is no hope for the networks unless the sun rises in the West tomorrow.
Exactly, how to accurately, consistently and relentlessly portray the far right malarkey on the mainstream media?
Steven, thank you for your comment. Yes, accountability and consequences. And you do not negotiate with terrorists and I will add: children, sociopaths and cultists and crazies. Or to be specific , Republicans ,at least until they rediscover their soul and brains.
Well said and I definitely agree.
However, we still have a major problem with the news media because their restricted by these conservative ceo's who own and control to what they can say. This is why I am greatful that we have independent journalists, writers, and others who have podcasts that are working around the clock to get the real truth out to the American people.
The media is not going to report that
MSNBC had a total discussion with a variety of persons at 7:00CDT this morning. Well done!
Well said, Steven!
I do not want one penny for "aid" to Israel, the worst apartheid country, which has welcomed a good excuse to destroy (again!) the infrastructure and the population in that "open air prison": Gaza.