The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the nation’s highest-ranking military officer and the principal military advisor to the president, secretary of defense, and national security council. The current chairman, Army General Mark Milley, has served in the military for 44 years, deploying in Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Panama, Haiti, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Colombia, Somalia, and the Republic of Korea. He holds a degree in political science from Princeton University, a master’s degree in international relations from Columbia University, and a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval War College in national security and strategic studies.
I am still waiting for that amazing albeit controversial day when the Southern Poverty Law Center names the Republican Party as a Hate Group. The party’s silence makes it so.
You mean the judicial system that is stacked with deeply unethical and bigoted trump appointees and headed by a corrupt and bought Supreme Court. Nah. That ain’t going to hold. The only chance we have is community by community get out the vote campaigns.
Here in central Florida we are building up the Democratic base block by block. We have the list of all Democrats from the Supervisor of Elections with their addresses and contact information. We secure a leader on a block and then work with them to have a get-together of all the other Democrats on their block, and most do not know that the others are Democrats. We then enlist them to get more involved. And, life is so much better when one knows what others are also Democrats. We have cases where couples knew each other for more than ten years and didn't know that the others were Democrats, too. We can do this across the entire U.S.
I have knocked on doors, petitioning for candidates, and it is the toughest work party members undertake. But what most people don’t understand is that it works. In-person contact breaks the full stare of social media, and it is the best way to recruit new foot soldiers. I wish you safety and Godspeed.
Jane, it is tough work but it works best when we only knock on the doors of Democrats. And, even among them: some will, some won't, so what, next. It is a process of sorting. We keep sorting and sorting and sorting. Thank you for engaging in that essential work. Our purpose in introducing Democratic neighbors to their other Democratic neighbors is two fold: 1) they get more involved, and 2) life is better when one knows that one is not alone.
There are those of us who claim independent of either party. Some are Republicans who find themselves without a sane party but have to hold their nose to vote D party. These are important voters that can help turn the tide.
Carole: we are reaching out to NPAs locally. It is too problematical trying to "convert" Republicans. We have a fairly simple approach in many cases explaining what Democrats stand for, and we use the political philosophy of Frances Perkins, who is the woman who gave us Social Security, Workers' Compensation, and more:
"The people are what matter to government, and a government should aim to provide all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life."
Democrats strive to install a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
For what exactly? Open Borders? Government Censorship? Crushing Inflation spending? The racial bomb throwing? Outsourcing our energy to Venezuela/OPEC? Spending
Hundreds of billions of dollars on pointless wars, and an unelected proxy government standing in for a senile president?
Remember the Trumps years? 3.5 GDP? No Wars? 4% unemployment? Energy Independence? Straight talk?
Look at the polling. Trump leads Biden in virtually every category.
Biden's approval is 39%.
Why is Trump more popular than ever after 2 impeachments, 4 indictments, and the wrath the FBI/CIA/ Elite Media on behalf of the democratic party?
Using the system, I searched your name on the system and left you a voice mail. That is how effective the system is. I will also be in touch with the leadership there in your area to see if they are doing what we're doing here in Polk County.
Please remind your voters that Scott was the CEO of the healthcare company that received the largest fine for Medicare fraud ever given as well as his plans to sunset social security and Medicare.
Yes, for sure we will tell Scott's story. It is almost beyond comprehension that such a character totally devoid of principle can get elected. The takeaway from Scott and Trump is the fact that the MAGA/KKK are voting for the politicans who will, on the one hand, punish and persecute their foes (immigrants, women, Muslims, Blacks, gays, etc.) while on the other hand driving them further into financial desperation. It is a combination of stupid and prejudice.
I think that it is important to get as many Democrats and left-leaning NPAs to the polls as possible. There are 70 million MAGA Republicans who would still vote for Trump at this time. Trying to persuade them to a different point of view would be an exercise in futility. This point was made by Profs. David Norman Smith and Eric Hanley in their study published in Feb. 2018, "The Anger Games: Who Voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 Election, and Why?" That's been my experience as well. MAGA/KKK Republicans will not change their minds any more than a Muslim, a Jew or a Christian will changes his/her mind when confronted with unasailable facts that all life on earth has a common origin 3.5 billion years ago and that all life - plants, animals, insects - share the same DNA. Some beliefs are beyond rational discourse.
No, that's not what I mean. There are a slew of trump appointed judges that threw out over 60 of trump's baseless lawsuits. Judge Aileen Cannon ruled favorably for trump but the conservative 11th circuit court overturned the ruling and publicly rebuked her. And the Texas republican packed legislature voted to impeach trump crony AG Ken Paxton. Yes, there are corrupt judges and there are bought justices of a Supreme Court without guardrails. what I'm talking about a judicial system that works--that has brought 91 criminal indictments against trump. Im talking about fearless people that make decisions according to the laws despite threats to their lives, such as prosecutor Jack Smith and my girls, AGs Fani Willis and Letitia James. And those are the famous ones....
Sound hopeful, but indictments don't always work-nor does impeachments. Paxton was let off by the Senate and trump 2x by the Senate for impeachment. I am hop that with 91 charges that something will stick, preferably not a federal one so he can not pardon himself if he gets elected. That would really put him beyond the law.
Sadly, I think we should all be asking that same question. We keep wondering what it would take to apply for political asylum. These evil, power hungry and greedy people have made a real mess of our country!
WOW! I would guess that 99-100% of people who read and comment on this site vote in EVERY election...that is unless they have been prevented from doing so. But this is just a guess. Where are your facts?
I truly do understand your dilemma. You have a 2 party system BOTH obligated to money?
IF everyone had kept their heads and voted Bernie Sanders who did not have big corporations who financed his run we would not be here today. He was the US Saviour but ...........
Will molasses win this one, my prayer with every breath. Sadly, my money for donations will dry up when my government retirement check becomes a casualty of the self-righteous destroyers.
Now hear this. Hear this. Contrary to some beliefs, the sky is not falling. This is not America's first rodeo with a want to be dictator. DC Stephenson and his KKK bros, the Civil War before that. United, we stand , and stand we shall. Evil doesn't die, but rather, hides until the next opening comes along. America is a living, breathing organism, and, as such, is subject to the ebb and flow to the frailties of existence. Voting is vital. Voting them out is our best revenge.
True, SS said I would get $641 dollars a month if they could give me anything. But they can’t because I get a pissy check from Tex teacher retirement. Texas retired teachers (or counselors) get way less than it takes to survive. But Texas politicians rake in the dough
Canada certainly doesn't want us, but we have a secret plan to infiltrate via friends. I also have a dual-citizenship Greek passport so we can go anywhere in the EU. Though I don't think we have anything to really worry about, it doesn't hurt to have your ducks in a row....
Here is a quote from the Atlantic article, attributed to Trump:
"Trump has already threatened officials he sees as disloyal with imprisonment, and there is little reason to imagine that he would not attempt to carry out his threats."
My scenario isn't too far off, and I would bet the idea of executions has crossed Trump's mind.
EDIT: the next article in the Atlantic said this:
"Late Friday night, the former president of the United States—and a leading candidate to be the next president—insinuated that America’s top general deserves to be put to death."
And there it is - I can't even go as outrageous as I can imagine and beat Trump to it. He is already there.
No - before I cause a false news report myself - I made this up as a plausible threat he might make, and was trying to say that perhaps one day, news outlets will respond to these like they do the rantings of other insane people.
Interesting how (like the Onion) totally outrageous things are now in the realm of believable possibilities
I used to think of Montana as a rugged frontier of strong ,honest people. When I look at who gets elected in Montana I see a huge amount of corruption to rival that of much larger states, what happened?
We have Ryan Busse running an uphill fight for Gov. He wrote the book GUN FIGHT. He was a R but is running on the D ticket. He consults with one of the Gun safety groups. He is an example of what MT was before the onslaught of Yellowstone want to be.
Will he up hold the democratic ideology or will he just revert back to what republicans want ? The Governor of Virginia, Youngkin, lied to get elected, saying he was for the people then went extreme right wing when he got in. I hear he may consider a run for prez.
So many have moved from other states. What is expressed is the states are too blue. MT has a very very strong 2A. Traditional hunting guns have been supplanted by2A militia
Those rugged, strong, honest Montanas are white, 90% of them. Like most white people, they vote for candidates who promise to do everything they can to preserve systemic advantages for white Americans. It’s as simple as that. No other factor even rises above the noise level. White Idahoans are even worse.
Lynell, the day that HCR and the media stop calling him the “frontrunner” is the day the country begins to awaken from its stupor. The polls of only hundreds of potential voters do not make him a frontrunner. Those in the Boston area remember traffic reporter Joe Green and the “curiosity factor” that caused traffic jams. We are still fascinated by horrific novelty. A candidate who won’t debate, who attacked his own government, who doesn’t pay taxes, who seems to control thugs and bullies belongs in the comics or sports news. The Constitution says he is not fit to run for office. Dr Richardson and others need to stop calling him the frontrunner. It’s the usual tfg smoke and mirrors. 🤡🎃💩🤑💰
The standards observed in the comics and the sports news are higher than those of the defeated and indicted former president. They would be demeaned by his presence there. He is not the frontrunner. Check out Simon Rosenberg on this particular misconception.
For those of us who have a life beyond their keyboards, there's just a limited amount of time that we can spend on the internet. HCR's daily postings always share part of that time, but when she takes a day off, giving us a photograph by Buddy or by Ralston instead, I sometimes use 'her time' to see what's doing on Rosenberg's 'Hopium Chronicles.'
Thank you Barb. He's new to me and I watched a long Washington Journal interview but your Lawrence O'Donnell interview link was really on point about the polls. The video wasn't complete but I will look for it on YouTube and check out Rosenberg's Hopium Chronicles on Substack. It makes total sense to look at all the recent election results that were wins for Democrats rather than polls of hypothetical votes.
All he does is name call. I didn't know that there were so many insulting derogatory words that could be strung together. I heard part of a speech of his. He just ripped into Biden.
Thank goodness there are people who are like Milley. A comforting thought is that it takes three people to push the button. BUT if they are all trump minions, are we safe? This would be another first for trump-the first president to cause the destruction of the world. The only problem is that there would be no one to read about it.
The radio silence from Republicans on occasions like these, particularly those Repubs who still seem to possess a moral compass, is just not normal. Surely they're not stupid enough to think that a future with tRUMP driving the bus again will be anything but catastrophic? Catastrophe in fact on a whole new level. I can only wonder whether their silence is due to being scared for their lives and/or for the lives of loved ones, if they dare speak up. Given the family history of 'mobsterism', being warned to 'put up and shut up or look forward to a watery grave in cement boots', would not surprise me. If you haven't read it, check out Greg Olear's highly entertaining and informative substack on Trump's mobster ties. It's fabulous. https://gregolear.substack.com/p/tinker-tailor-mobster-trump
Let’s not forget that Mitt Romney, one of the few Republicans willing to speak up against this menace, is purportedly paying $5,000 a day for security for himself and his family. I think this says something - a lot - about Republican silence. Frightening, appalling.
Read Catherine Belton’s expose book Putin’s People about how the Russian mafia corrupted America and DJT. Putin is the worlds biggest mob boss. The Russian mob and oligarchs looted the USSR and corrupted the world. We should have helped the USSR achieve a soft landing. Not the idiot Jeffrey Sacks shock therapy approach which impoverished millions of Soviet citizens and contributors metastasized mafia
‘ We should have helped USSR..soft landing!’ Tragically, the only thing that was soft were the US legislators who voted to ease banking rules which enabled US banks to launder plundered Soviet assets of the infamous oligarchs!
Jeffrey Sachs is quite the Putin apologist these days. Dozens of academics signed an Open Letter to him. (Berkeley.edu)
“In summary, we welcome your interest in Ukraine. However, if your objective is to be helpful and to generate constructive proposals on how to end the war, we believe that this objective is not achieved. Your interventions present a distorted picture of the origins and intentions of the Russian invasion, mix facts and subjective interpretations, and propagate the Kremlins narratives. Ukraine is not a geopolitical pawn or a divided nation, Ukraine has the right to determine its own future, Ukraine has not attacked any country since gaining its independence in 1991. There is no justification for the Russian war of aggression. A clear moral compass, respect of international law, and a firm understanding of Ukraines history should be the defining principles for any discussions towards a just peace.”
I think it’s naïve to assume most Russians oppose Putin. Hell, we have upwards of 74 million Americans who support Putin, and the Russian population is even whiter and probably even more racist than we are.
Older Russians get their news from Putin TV. Younger Russians have known no other leader.( I was amused by an ad for apartments for rent in Moscow, 2007. “No Caucasians” meant no one from the Caucasus, e.g. Georgia. Real Russians only.)
It is about money. If Republicans speak out against Trump and GOP undemocratic values, they would stop receiving “donation$“ and they would be primaried out by an even-stupider cult member who wants to become a millionaire.
It seems perhaps, contrary to popular belief, that there is a streak of idealism in those who choose a life of military service: Vindman also expressed confidence in the American system when he said, "Dad, do not worry, I will be fine for telling the truth." He is fine, having retained his integrity, but he and his brother suffered the loss of their careers. I hope Milley is right, too, that the American people will choose The Constitution over demagoguery. And that he will be recognized for the importance of his integrity.
Trump has been saying some very scary stuff other than this. Like Putin, he wants to control one network by revoking the license of all of the networks except the ONE that will bend the knee to trump almighty.
He has also said he wants to rewrite the Constitution after he becomes President in 2024.
And people still support him over Biden who has done Yeoman's work digging us out of the myriad Trump dumps.
Will they be safe in Jan 2025, will any of us. Revenge is the one area of expertise for the cretin. His enemies list is already a tome, making Nixon’s an unfunny joke.
Would that have made all the difference? I think it's complicated, but it was a stunning use of the law to sabotage due process of law. It was if nothing else, a terrible president that certainly emboldened modern "GOP" hyper-lawlessness, and may have just been the pivotal turning point. (??)
Hard to see where Milley gets his confidence in the American people. They elected a nitwit twice and a few years later elected a wannabe mob boss. Even worse, upwards of 74 million Americans want to elect the wannabe mob boss again and look to be within a coin toss of doing so. How these facts inspre confidence in anyone is beyond me.
I think we all better start acting like it is the emergency it is. Talk to family friends acquaintances and strangers in line about the danger we face and the importance of keeping our democracy and going back to a tome of decency.
I read the article in the Atlantic about General Milley. I am happy to know that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs acted exactly as I hoped -- and expected -- regarding keeping our military from getting mixed up in politics. It was clear what the president was trying to do. I think most of us who served in the military understand that our military serves the civilian government, while avoiding becoming part of the government. Everyone who serves in the military swears an oath to defend the Constitution. General Milley clearly understands what it means to defend the Constitution. The former president clearly does not.
When I went to Vietnam in 1969, General Milley was 11 years old. I am very proud of him!
David, thank you for your input here as "one who knows". My oath was a civilian one (that whole gay thing kept me from enlisting in the Navy, so I became a Deputy Sheriff), but meant just as much to me.
Ally, thank you. I always like to read your comments here. I appreciate your service to your community. I appreciate anyone who spends time in public service.
(We spent 12 days in Oregon at the beginning of this month. We visited the "kids" in Portland, watched gray whales from our balcony in Depoe Bay, stayed several nights at Steamboat [with no cell service] and visited Crater Lake NP on a very clear day. Great vacation.)
Sounds like an amazing visit. Depot Bay and Steamboat are two of my favorite places. Had a lovely motorcycle ride once and had lunch at the old Inn there. It was amazing.
Depot Bay and Steamboat are now two of our favorite places as well. We stayed 3 nights at the Inn. The food at the restaurant is great. We enjoyed the sound of the river flowing nearby. On two of the days we hiked up to two very high waterfalls. One day was devoted to Crater Lake. I only regret not searching for a clear spot near the Steamboat Inn to try to see the stars -- the dark sky maps online show that area as having world-class darkness, far from city lights. Another highlight was a "tour" of Ranger Chocolate in Portland. We each made four dark chocolate bars with various ingredients of our own choosing. We learned a lot about dark chocolate. For example, pure dark chocolate never goes bad, never spoils. Some commercial manufacturers add emulsifiers, such as lecithin, which can degrade over time, leading to "off" flavors and texture. But pure dark chocolate that has escaped attention for months, or years, can be melted, and after it cools it will be restored to its original flavor and texture. We wish we could live part-time in Oregon.
I am so glad you had a good time. I want to take the ebikes to Crater Lake the next time they do a vehicle closure for the rim road. I've never seen it at night, but I've got a friend whose taken some amazing photos of the sky at night.
I hope to take my sister to Steamboat Inn for our "sisters weekend" this year.
You have given me a vision, of working to get good at capturing images of the very dark sky at Crater Lake, with the stars reflected on the surface of the lake.
I think I would enjoy the e-bike experience. It always looks like fun.
Time spent at Steamboat Inn will be time well spent. And not to put a damper on, but we could see charred tree trunks on the ridge on the other side of the river. And driving to Crater Lake, we saw large areas that had burned relatively recently.
Thank you for sharing General Milley’s commitment to the preservation of this Democracy in spite of Trump, protecting us during his episodes of egregious and dangerous behavior. I hope he is correct in believing freedom loving American patriots will continue to preserve our great nation. ❤️🇺🇸🌎
I have a question about when the secret service can ignore the President's orders. I am glad they ignored Trump's order to take him to the Capitol on January 6th where I believe he intended to lead a rebellion, but do they have the authority to ignore an order when it may put the president in harm's way? How does that work?
Their oath swears to defend against enemies "foreign and domestic" and does not bear fealty to a person, but to the Constitution of the United States. Lest you think I really know this, I was curious myself, and dove into it. It is not dissimilar to the oath that I took for local law enforcement.
They take the oath that Military officers take upon commission. It is called the "Uniform Services Oath of Office"
"I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."
It is different from the Oath of Enlistment that the enlisted military personnel takes in that the Oath of Enlistment includes additional language: "I, (state name of enlistee), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. (So help me God)." The National Guard includes language including the Governor of the State in the chain of command.
It's very tricky business, but I have gathered that the standard applied to Nazis, that even obeying an order is insufficient justification for war crimes. can apply here. And Yes, "a government of laws, not of men". There is of course, no law that can't be bent, but the welfare of the Republic and it's people and liberty and justice for ALL seems to me like a useful intuitive standard for legitimacy Thanks for you clarifications.
Our agency had a means for addressing “unlawful orders”. You swear that you will defend the constitution, not obey all orders. The “ “out” for enlisted personnel is in the language “according to regulations and the UCMJ”.
In a way, it would have been good if TFG had gone to the Capitol with the mob. There would certainly have been no question then about whether he was guilty or not.
I think he has been building a pretty strong case against himself, but perhaps he'd have been charged sooner. The downside is that his presence might have embolden the level of violence.
“There’s a lot of discourse around whether it’s a tough Army or a woke Army,” he said, referring to commentary on right-wing news channels. “Here’s my answer: First of all, it’s all bullshit. Second, these accusations are coming from people who don’t know what they’re talking about. They’re doing it for political purposes. Our military wasn’t woke 24 months ago, and now it’s woke?”
He continued, “You want woke? I’ll give you woke. Here’s what your military’s doing: There are 5,000 sorties a day, including combat patrols protecting the U.S.A. and our interests around the world. At least 60 to 100 Navy warships are patrolling the seven seas, keeping the world free for ocean transport. We have 250,000 troops overseas, in 140 countries, defending the rules-based international order. We’ve got kids training constantly. This military is trained, well equipped, well led, and focused on readiness. Our readiness statuses are at the highest levels they’ve been in 20 years. So this idea of a woke military is total, utter, made-up bullshit. They are taking two or three incidents, single anecdotes, a drag show that is against DOD policy. I don’t think these shows should be on bases, and neither does the secretary of defense or the chain of command.”
Thanks for reminding us of Gen Milley's statement of facts about the US military in The Atlantic article. The truth of who our uniformed services are and what they do everyday should not need to be stated, but we would do well to also appreciate that only about 1% of our nation defends our Constitution from "...all enemies, foreign or domestic..." on a daily basis. We get a lot more than our money's worth from their service.
So sad to think that some in our military support the cretin. Yes, I know some. When the draft-dodging cretin came on the scene with his crap about McCain, and military service in general, I thought he’s lost them. Yet, so many are Fox watchers. Tucker is gone, but they are still Propaganda 101
Military and religion are two groups that I thought his history and comments would offend. But they seemed to eat it up. Following Goebbels all the way. I believe it is so true that chump read Mein Kampf and had it on his nightstand. He sure knows it’s contents
Jeri, I think the combination has to do with being comfortable with being told what to do by a person with authority, be it a preacher, a Sergeant, or a Colonel.
Ok, if those are not crooks, Machiavellian manipulators, Pharisees, or power-hungry idiots like the teen that used to trip kids going down the stairs at school. The latter wanted to be a cop. Too bad magats aren't a little more discerning.
I think that authority is a matter of who is responsible for what and for whom. An "authority" on bypass surgery is legitimate by virtue of proven knowledge and skill. A police officer directing traffic around an accident is responsible for the safety of all concerned. Both are natural in a democratic society.
"Authority" as in "authoritarianism" is imposed by violence, physical violence or otherwise. I consider Trumps treatment of Alexander VIndman a violent act, a predatory misuse of power; even though Vindman remained safe in his person. Power comes in different forms, including money, position, and physical violence, and they can all be misused.
I strongly suspect that kids who grew up in especially punitive households are much easier targets for manipulation by sociopathic demagogues.
Zinke was a SEAL officer but ended his career under a cloud and was not respected. He fits perfectly with Trump, a posturing braggart of low character.
Your comment, William, is much appreciated by one whose link to the military is so far removed. Yet my gratitude for your service (as others') is boundless.
Thanks for your comment, Lynell. You and others might appreciate some of my Substack posts as well, either as free or paid subscribers. Not much news in them, but a pretty good smattering of remembrances from a farm boy who was fortunate to have enjoyed an interesting life of military service:
The military is tasked with defending the Constitution in a particular way, that is unique and especially dedicated. Any legitimate part of government should share that burden, as should we.
We need more good guys like Gen Mark Milley to speak up. The military may want to rethink drag shows though. Bob Hope, the best entertainer ever, was king of drag for the USO. Nobody took offense. In fact, there is quite a history about drag in the military. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/drag-entertainment-world-war-ii
Trump was keen on a big show-of-force military parade. It seemed that the military we not so keen on obliging. There is often a military element in public events, such as veterans or the Blue Angels, but I think the message behind Trumps parade creeped people out.
Thank you Heather. As always, you bring it to us straight. I would though, bring up the treasonous efforts of Gosar and others, who violate their oaths, to do the bidding of Putin, to lay waste to our Constitution and democracy itself. Liz Cheny had it right. The GOP is the party of Putin. That is the perspective that keeps all their activities in focus.
Polls be damned. To claim that T💩p is the front runner in the opinion of what must amount to a few thousand Americans, in some cases chosen from the demographic who support Republicans in general, and the Golden Turd®️in particular, is abhorrent. That so many believe these polls represent actual fact is horrifying.
Yes... but in a country that actually elected this Coney Island freakshow specimen, one needs to be constantly skeptical and on guard.
Have we not seen time and again in the past century and more, right down to this day, the indescribable horrors that can arise when the delusions of a psychopathic leader tap the lower depths of collective psychosis?
Friendly reminder: Trump was not actually elected. Mrs. Clinton beat him by >2.3 million votes. Fewer than 80,000 votes --many with the fingerprints of Putin on their ballots -- were what gave Trump the Electoral College. In 2020 President Biden beat Trump by ~7 million.
Perhaps I should have been clearer on this count, but I am even clearer about the existence of an important, well planned and well financed movement, backed by Putin and autocrats everywhere, out to exploit American democracy's remarkable potential for cheating.
But we still suffered through his horror, and we don’t have Ike to make all look at the horror of his years in office. We have Rupert and clones crowning his pile of Schitt with a crown of thorns. The martyr for the brain-washed zombies. And our “free press” raking in the dough.
But sadly MistBlu 10 million more people voted for trump in 2020 than 2016. They watched him for 4 yrs and said yep I like that. I want more of that. While the rest of us were horrified.
I'm more afraid of the quiet ones. All the trump supporters I know (who know I know) have yet to express any regret.
It took a couple, few years into his reign before she realized her error. Thankfully she admitted it and it was only a one time vote. Interestingly she resides in FL.
When I discussed with her why she voted for tfg she said she hated Hilary. When I asked her why she hated Hilary she replied Benghazi. I asked my sister what about Benghazi and Hilary did she hate? She answered with a standard fox talking point.
I learned a lot from that exchange with my sister.
MK, they do seem to be "doubling down". I think that is either easier than the cognitive dissonance they might be experiencing than to admit that they made a colossal error.
Their votes weren’t by accident. They know what they want: preservation of systemic advantages for white people. They voted for and will continue to vote for candidates who promise to do all they can to preserve those advantages.
MK - actually, Trump got 11 million more votes in 2020. BUT there were >26 million more votes than in 2016. Biden got 58% of those; Trump got 42%. Yes, it's sad that watching him for four years didn't shock more people into voting for Biden, but one can never overlook several factors including the power of incumbency, voter suppression efforts directed at Democrats, especially Democrats of color, and the fact that Biden ran a pretty low-key campaign because of COVID precautions. I have a lot of faith in the young people who grew up doing active shooter drills, watched as their peer group were slaughtered at school and know that they have fewer rights to self-determination than their older siblings and parents.
Great comment, Peter. The ''Coney Island freakshow specimen'' is a very accurate description of TUMP and all of the demented cretins in our Fascist GQP Congress, or should i say,'' Congress critters?''
I got my calculator out the other night and did some calculations about these bogus and biased polls and by just taking a poll of a few thousand does not represent the number of voters in presidential elections of the entire United States. By the vote totals approximately 156 million voters going by the election in 2020. A vote of a few thousand voters only represents 0.003% of the voters in the United States. So a poll of a few thousand is a very tiny sample of voters in a presidential election. These figures are are not completely accurate, but fairly close just to show that these polls are nothing but propaganda to garner clicks and viewership biased toward the Fascist GQP. I just can't believe TUMP and Biden are neck and neck for one minute. I could be wrong, but i think Biden is actually ahead if a poll was taken from several millions of voters. I instantly delete emails that discuss polls. Even that Nate Sliver 538 thing.
My unscientific "poll"---I read various articles on Yahoo and look at the comments. There are overwhelmingly negative on Trump now. They used to be quite favorable. I think he burned a lot of bridges. There ARE a number of anti-Biden ones, but as it has been speculated, it's quite possible that disenfranchised traditional GOP will just sit out the election. Anyhow, when I have the stomach and time for it, I respond to the negative Biden comments.
Polling these days must be interesting. How do pollsters conduct polls? Do they call people’s landlines? If that’s how they do polling, I’m not at all surprised that polls would skew right. Young people don’t even have landlines. We don’t either, and we’re in our 60s, and we don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. So how could we ever get polled? It’s even more pronounced for younger people. Since polling is all about extrapolation, it only works if your sample size is both large enough and reflective enough of the population whose behavior it tries to predict.
Polling science is not what it used to be. They were wrong in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022. They will likely be wrong in 2024. Perhaps observing what actual voters are doing in actual elections is a more likely indicator. Recent Republican candidates and ballot measures all lost by significant margins all across the US, in blue, purple, and red states alike. In purple NH, (the only race I am familiar with, since it took place in a district near my home), the state rep seat was won by 12% points by a Democrat in a town that has voted Republican since Eisenhower.
Good advice, after all Texas does have a Dictator they call governor, the one and only racist pig Gregg Abbott. I wonder if has removed that booby trap in the Rio Grande river yet? He should be indicted for murder for the deaths that thing has caused. Him and Donald TUMP are two of a kind.
I agree, I lived here for 25 years before Rove foisted Bush on us and the state was great, mostly. The fact that the current crowd is so popular is a tribute to the cheating, big money, and stupendous lies swirling around me every day.
I totally agree. I am sick of those people. They act like they are patriots and love America, but in reality, they hate our nation and want to destroy it. I am appalled at the insanity that is going on here.
I have been heartsick for about half of my long life. I first noticed the miasma when the words of Lee Atwater and Rush Limbaugh jolted me, and I watched friends and family become strangers. Thankfully, many are still fighting, some risking so much. It is a job for all of us, and no one is safe at this point. Revenge is in the air.
I agree. Polls are very manipulative. I think of them as lazy journalism. And we are never informed as to their source, or how many are polled, or for that matter, the political bent of the polling company itself. I will never forget the predictions in 2016 that Hillary was a shoo-in.
Do we know? does the FBI know? does DHS know the truth about the real numbers of those who are daily threatening members of Congress, members of the legal profession, governors, etc? That is my question. Will the military and the police protect everyone equally from this madness?
Remember, members of congress itself are stoking the fire. 147 of them. Let us hope that the gag orger is forthcoming and the protection is there. They have to stuff a potato in the fat boy's mouth, so to speak.
Gag orders for Gosar et al. also. PLEASE! It’s despicable that government representatives can send out letters such as Gosar’s. I used to live in a red district (ugh) & my rep (an R) used to send these “nice” letters which were all lies - how the R’s were being responsible good people & those D’s were all big spending socialists. Thank heaven I was able to move away. But millions receive these lies and watch lying tv …
To answer that question, look at the law enforcement response to the insurrection as the Capitol Building was breeched. I understand your skepticism, but having stood in that line, I believe that honor is still an integral part of most cops, as is duty and keeping an oath.
And ALLY, we ("the deep state") count on you and all the law enforcement officers and soldiers and healthcare workers and first responders of every stripe! Your honor and devotion to principles of duty have kept our increasingly complex and fragmented nation functioning, even if it sometimes feels just barely.
I see how quickly cops shoot black people. There used to be shooting guns out of hands, or incapacitating by wounding. Now big overweight cops regularly shoot to kill. If you want to say that’s only news, I say it’s racism, fear, and murder.
I do not disagree. I can tell you the arc that deadly force has taken in this country and the case law behind it, and how the training embracing the “warrior mindset” has escalated that.
As a “big overweight” deputy sheriff, I understand what you’re saying. The “racism, fear, and murder” you identify go back to the very roots of the establishment of police in this country: fugitive slave patrols and the protection of factories from disgruntled workers.
Obviously police are essential to curtail those whose actions seriously threaten the rights of others. Corruption, the deliberate abuse of official public powers, is, like infectious disease, never totally absent; but if we focus, it can be reduced and kept in check.
Please lose the weight and stay with US. You’ll lengthen all our lives. I believe the Capitol Police are special. Never having expected what they got on January 6th, they fought for all Americans as do the military. Am I the only one who remembers B-westerns? The “bad” hero would get sentenced to two years in jail and come back to his girlfriend and the community as a whole. Can we revive that spirit as we tackle climate change and depopulating by design? Is that asking too much of US?
I believe that, but somehow those who speak for them in the loudest voices are not so reassuring. I have read some chilling comments from police unions. I recall one such union defending the actions of an officer who had been "filmed" planting a gun on someone who he had just shot and killed.
A functioning democratic society absolutely requires a well informed electorate. If I remember correctly, at one point I read a poll that showed most Americans believed we were bombing Iraq because that country was thought to be responsible for the 9/11 attack; sanity being largely drown out by demagoguery.
People are scared and don’t want to believe the basic truth that everything is turned upside down by climate change and overpopulation. Guns will not protect from the big crisis any more than wealth and fear (except perhaps as a motivator to accept the reversals in thinking necessary for a “soft landing,” I.e., how to reduce population by taking care of orphans instead of adding to world population; by recognizing that “be fruitful and multiply” was reasonable 5000 or so years ago, but that we humans have overdone it and ruined air and water, two essentials for our continuation on the planet). Repeating for those who want (need) no food or gasoline inflation: ask for rationing and price controls on both as in WWII. Look back to the 1940’s for how to live with less. If we go with science, get vaccinations against the plagues we have brought on BUT HAVE THE SCIENCE TO COMBAT, grow gardens and take care in multiple ways of ourselves and each other, fight active evil like Putin instead of those fleeing starvation and gangs, then the news media can have the courage to tell US the real truth: there is no exceptionalism.
Repeating as promised: A group of billionaires is having a lunch of greenbacks. One asks: Why no catsup?💙
I remember that cartoon. I believe that there is going to have to be a 1940's response to the challenge we are facing today. Use less, want less, work together for the common good.
Yes, the survival of civilization requires a war-footing response to global warming. Unfortunately, at least 74 million Americans oppose any positive response at all, let alone action at the required level. The rest of us will have to shellac them in the 2024 election to have any hope of doing what must be done.
Virginia, as I look at your list of depradations our population as well as our planet are suffering, I am vividly reminded of stuff I read in the 1960's and 70's about unbridled population growth in virtually all species studied revealed that as populations get increasingly dense, the rate of deviance, both genetic and behavioral goes up dramatically. It is hard to not see pictures of hordes of lemmings plunging off cliffs when their populations got too dense...but we still have some lemmings remaining!
It was a UN warning and hearing Paul Ehrlich (“Zero Population Growth” now “The Population Connection”) at Tulane University that alerted me to the problem. Then I married a musician who had voted for Barry Commoner and eventually lived on a boat in France and bought “climate change lettuce” (my name for it, but not the fragile spring lettuce of my youth or earlier years in France), thick, more like kale than spinach from a lockkeeper’s garden. Bill Kibben’s books, Congress’s treatment of James Hansen in 1988,
Al Gore, farmer, book in 1980, which I read as he was running for president and was amazed that he preceded Hansen. But I didn’t know then about how oil companies already knew, nor could I have envisioned the dark web and what it would do to destroy understanding of science and truths about the universe. Too many of US have stepped back into the Dark Ages, run by superstition, ignoring the Enlightenment on which our country was founded.
Yes, M Tree. I wish my long reply had been on the page before your short one. Next time maybe I can do better. The education system that was the envy of the world was destroyed well before DeVos. She and Paul Vallas (and I’m forgetting public universities and Koch Kill) (with lots of help) are trying to finish it off so they can end democracy which requires an educated electorate. That’s how we have survived as long as we have.
Sorry about the parentheses, but hurrying to get out GOTV postcards to Ohio asap. They’re to encourage applying for mail-in ballots.
Virginia Witmer, you did a great job of listing examples of nonsense! And yes I agree, education rooted in truth is seen by rascals and despots as a huge threat to their power.
I’m with you. I have yet to hear one pundit explain why these polls are valid and why we should believe them. I think it is all manufactured by the parties and the media to give the appearance that they want. I’m sick of hearing “the polls say…” PROVE IT.
Derek you raise a serious and nagging doubt I have had about the repeated "news" we get even and especially from leading and presumably reputable news sources (NBC, CBS, PBS, CNN, the NY Times, etc) about various "opinion poles" showing Biden way down, tfg way ahead in various poles. Who is it exactly that they poll and how do they accomplish any simulacram of "the public" or "likely voters" or "Republican voters" or "Democratic voters." In publishing scientific research one must disclose methods and statistics.
There seem to me just too many sources of information for the voting public (as well as the non-voting public) to ever think one has canvassed a representative sample, especially considering how many of us just want to be left alone and don't respond to phone calls or texts or tweets or emails from anyone we don't know.
It remains remarkable to me that those elected officials who continue to aid and abet Trump while inciting violence -notably, but not limited to Gosar, are not suspended from their public office, indicted, and at very least, expelled from office and then, if convicted, barred from ever holding public office again.
Just when is enough, enough?
The threat from the inside of government, whether Federal, State, or Local is a very clear and present danger to the American system.
I totally agree with you.Gosar and the others in Congress that aided and abetted TFG in his insurrection are still representing constituents and being paid a taxpayer salary.How can this be when they hold no loyalty to the Constitution and to the legitimate POTUS Biden?
That plus gerrymandering, I suspect. I am one of Gym Jordans unfortunate constituents and gerrymandering plus an uninformed and in some cases maligned electorate are big reasons why he is still in Congress. This must be stopped. These Putin Republicans are in the minority. Theirs is a dereliction of epic proportions to the duty to honest taxpayers.
I’ve found that confounding. Gosar has shown contempt for our country over and over. His siblings have distanced themselves from their mentally disturbed brother. Unlike the MAGA of today, he probably wasn’t raised to hate democrats.
His constituents, victims of Republican ideals, they know nothing of government. They’ve been raised to hate democrats and they have no idea why. Sure they’ll answer if you ask with some ambiguity. Cause my mama and daddy say so. With republicans attack on public education going on 24 years now, they’ve produced “hate the libs” voting bots.
Republicans wish to end their party by burning our government to the ground with silent support. They have their marching orders and they will do what their huge donors want.
We we warned by our framers over and over about the dangers of treachery from within. Democracy will always face those with treasonous intentions. Republicans have done their best to strip away those guardrails, to normalize their hate speak and legalize power grabs. That’s who they are, that’s what they do, and evidently voters want them gone. Will that be enough? To vote them all out? Yes, for now. Lesson learned, we stay forever vigilant.
I agree, but who will take on the nonstop vitriol that chump spews. “They want to kill their political opponents.” When they work for Putin, I surely do.
In my view, the egregious attack on Milley combined with the deafening GOP silence are further confirmation that Democrats must not only sharpen their messaging relative to accomplishments and aspirations but also must disqualify the opposition by beating back the lies, the falsehoods, the hatred, and the divisiveness within which it traffics.
Waiting, the media, social and otherwise, is practically on board with evil. Where is the Dem megaphone. What can outblast the lies. Guess we wait for the repubs to self-destruct, with a little help from the courts (not the supremes). Not dismissing all the groups who are organizing, enlisting voters, etc. I pray they get attention and results. Enough to offset the ubiquitous voter suppression efforts.
Jeri, Scroll down this thread to the conversation between Donna and M Tree. It’s a reminder that we can’t afford just to watch and wait. Because in a democracy it’s us that have to become engaged.
Thank you, I have a list of groups that I will donate to if I have a dime after the likely shutdown. My UU church is involved in orgs also. It will take a Herculean effort.
Yes! With voting, getting involved with voter education and registration and maybe creating a march for Democracy. On July 4. Constitution believers across our great nation. A peaceful show of support for a democratic nation. To heck with the fake polls!
Do You Hear the People Sing? From Les Miserables. See it on YouTube. 🙋🏻♀️ Trump tried to use this to rally his Putin “patriots.” He needs to understand what true AMERICAN patriots stand for! July 4! Be there. Will be heart warming. 💗
Donna, you have sparked excitement in me. I can see it. (Not a mob of angry, violent, almost exclusively white people breaking into the capitol directed by enemies of self-rule) I see a beautiful sea of, every shade of skin, height, age, gender or expression, ethnicity, ancestry, etc., one gorgeous group of inspiring people who embody the ideals of Democracy and believe in its promise. What a show. ---- of the power for good we all hold, when we hold hands for peace, fairness, equal rights and equitable policies--- otherwise known as Democracy.
So how to make it happen… write to David Hogg, all members of the January 6th Committee, ask Heather to write about it, and maybe Thom Hartmann? Other ideas? Stay off of Facebook and Instagram that are overrun by trolls. Get young people on TikTok?
Donna, I just read through the exchange between you and M Tree, and I must say the two of you have ignited a brilliant idea. A question: Are either of you part of Heather’s Herd? If not, I believe I have the email address and gladly would contact this sizable group of LFAA subscribers. I mention this because this initial contact could be a good way to get started.
Donna, yes HOW? Your brainstorming is great!!! Perhaps, we need professional political strategists (including those who are very disenchanted with or who have left the R party, like Stuart Stevens), and professional organizers, marketers and fundraisers to be involved. I will think on it some more and share the idea. You're awesome, Donna!
I agree, but while I am not at all fond of "tweeting" it has been pointed out to me that the WH seems to have hired some young and/or savvy person who has done some great "reply" tweets to the junk the GOP puts out. Dark Brandon at his best!
Miselle, Thank you for writing. When you get a chance, scroll up this thread to the exchange between Donna and M Tree. I believe they have hatched a brilliant idea.
How is this not a punishable offense? How much is Judge Chutkan going to allow him to attack and intimidate Americans before she issues a complete gag order? I am shocked he has not only been allowed to continue spewing hateful, lying rhetoric, he’s got people echoing him and nothing happens??
Your incredulity resonates with me. Since when can ordinary American citizens make such threats and get away with it claiming it's their 1st Amendment right? But let me remind everyone that at least four trump trials have not yet begun, Judge Chutkan is no pushover, and that Jack Smith has all of his ducks in row....
Gen. Milley should immediately sue trump for libel and/or slander depending upon the mode of defamation! It is beyond exhausting and frustrating that the deranged trump and the equally crazed members of the sick cult that supports him continues to get coverage and spew vitriol. We have laws; let's use them and stop the hand wringing, pandering, and delays!
I noted in my letter of resignation (16 years ago) from a volunteer (elected) political position in a small town (where politics is a full contact sport) small groups of people could derail any board in town based on nothing more than their own self-serving interests and the spreading of lies in the local newspaper which I said was an effective tool used to silence and prevent people from volunteering their time to serve on boards. A real wake up call to the ugly side of politics and witness to a poor excuse for "journalism". I often commented that if it was this nasty on the local level where the stakes are pretty low, imagine what transpires at the national level - we have known for a long time, but now we really know!
Interestingly enough, Town Counsel advised me, based on then recent case law, that I had probable cause to sue some of the individuals and the paper for libel and, more importantly, could win. For me, the reality of the financial and emotional cost was too high and not worth the stress, time, or money.
You give a good overview of the downside of human nature...sorry you had to go through this. Unfortunately, nutcases bank on people not suing for the reasons you gave....
Trump desperately needs "termination... with extreme prejudice..." Whether that's the coming massive fatal myocardial infarction (preferably in front of the MAGAts mid-rant at one of his hatealongs), the fatal hamberder, choking on a red or pink Starburst, an errant golf ball to the head, the mid-air explosion of Trump Force One with him aboard, or whatever. Sooner better than later. Make America Truly Great Again!
Exactly. With so much conspiracy theorizing happening on the extreme right fringes, no matter what happens, it will be blamed on "the Left". (Hat tip to Peter Burnett for the editorial suggestion to enclose "the Left" in quotes.)
I'm old enough to remember that half a century ago there was such a thing as "The Left". These days, not so much. We have the Progressive movement, with Bernie and AOC leading the way. Some progressive legislation was passed into law, which is a good thing. If not for Manchin and Sinema, it might have been even better. I'd like to see a new New Left arise to advocate for remedies for job displacement caused by AI and automation in general. We would benefit from shorter work weeks without a loss of pay; subsidized childcare; subsidized housing; subsidized medical care. Investments in the common wealth would pay dividends for many years into the future. We should be arguing about Leftist policies and politics, but instead we tend to hear about the crazies in the "freedom" caucus.
I hope the new "New Left" will never resort to violence. We need to work for Justice, and Peace.
Peter, right you are, and thank you. I edited my post to include the clarifying quote marks. And I expanded my comment, to advocate for the rise of a new "New Left".
Wouldn’t matter. He would still be dead. That might help but not much: 74 million magats would find another vicious authoritarian to vote for. The 74 million must be the focus of our concern. The whole world would be much better off without them, but there is no way to rid ourselves of them. Our only hope is to outvote them by a wide margin. It’s a slim hope but the only hope, anyway.
My thoughts, EXACTLY TCinLA. I may add one to your list, Tell MUSK and TUMP to go ride on one of MUSK's exploding rockets, about half of the ones he sends up, blow up shortly after blast off.
HCR runs from the word fascist. Racism and prejudice are fascist qualities. Fascists are racists, deeply prejudiced Black and Jew haters. Trump is a classic fascist. Trump fascism has corrupted the Republican party. It’s contagious. Silence on fascism enables fascism, prejudice and racism. Yale historian professor Timothy Snyder makes this clear. Michael Moore makes this clear.
Thank you, Sandy, but Fascism has been the topic of discussion several times here on LFAA. I remember because I keep saying I live in Florida, a State already turned fascist thanks to the presidential ambitions of a Governor who is fueled by the impulsive inanities of an increasingly twisted judgement. You can read all you want about fascism but here we are beginning to live it.
In 2016, just after the catastrophic Brexit vote in the UK (also with proven Russian interference) I noticed a sense of comforting schadenfreude with the election of Trump in tbe US. The continental Europeans were calling it "Trump 'n Brexit" at the time.
- "Aaah - We are not the only ones do unimaginable self harm to our country with the ballot box, the US have taken it a step further", they said... (making plenty of use of that trusty old Anglo Saxon phrasal verb... to fuck up)
I replied at the time that I thought... to the contrary, this would have the effect of waking up the Americans, the good people would wake up, rise up and mobilise.
There will be a post-Trump. I said.
Brexit, on the other hand, is irreversible damage, a terminal fuck up.
The optimism expressed at the end of this letter is what I was saying seven years ago.
My faith in humanity was decimated after the election of Trump 2016 and narrow defeat in 2020. Did those Trump voters not learn after 4 years? Human intellect and psychology are so weak as to make me wonder about the continuation of the species. I just hope that when humans go out, they don't take the beautiful ecosystem and animals with them.
Thank you Heather. We trust your book tour is going swell.
“But, for all that, Trump is the current frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination.”
Unlike our former blowhard-in-chief and his echo choir, President Biden and General Milley each publicly express optimism in our system and in We the People. I’m endeavoring to be a good and patriotic citizen of the nation I love - and I’m eagerly anticipating an orange onesie, crappy cuisine and a spartan prison cell in tfg’s near future.
I think that his conduct whilst in custody will earn him some tasty nutraloaf.* With no ketchup.
*Nutraloaf: a single baked item containing the requisite caloric content for a nutritional meal that is served to inmates who have lost the privilege of eating "normal" meals by either using said meals as projectiles, or defecating in ones' soup bowl and creating munitions.
I am still waiting for that amazing albeit controversial day when the Southern Poverty Law Center names the Republican Party as a Hate Group. The party’s silence makes it so.
So too, Andrew, I am waiting for the day when the country ceases to pause over the rantings of one very flawed individual.
Another newsletter that invokes that where-do-we-escape-to-if-he-wins-again feeling. However, Lynell, I am banking here on our judicial system....
You mean the judicial system that is stacked with deeply unethical and bigoted trump appointees and headed by a corrupt and bought Supreme Court. Nah. That ain’t going to hold. The only chance we have is community by community get out the vote campaigns.
Here in central Florida we are building up the Democratic base block by block. We have the list of all Democrats from the Supervisor of Elections with their addresses and contact information. We secure a leader on a block and then work with them to have a get-together of all the other Democrats on their block, and most do not know that the others are Democrats. We then enlist them to get more involved. And, life is so much better when one knows what others are also Democrats. We have cases where couples knew each other for more than ten years and didn't know that the others were Democrats, too. We can do this across the entire U.S.
I have knocked on doors, petitioning for candidates, and it is the toughest work party members undertake. But what most people don’t understand is that it works. In-person contact breaks the full stare of social media, and it is the best way to recruit new foot soldiers. I wish you safety and Godspeed.
Jane, it is tough work but it works best when we only knock on the doors of Democrats. And, even among them: some will, some won't, so what, next. It is a process of sorting. We keep sorting and sorting and sorting. Thank you for engaging in that essential work. Our purpose in introducing Democratic neighbors to their other Democratic neighbors is two fold: 1) they get more involved, and 2) life is better when one knows that one is not alone.
There are those of us who claim independent of either party. Some are Republicans who find themselves without a sane party but have to hold their nose to vote D party. These are important voters that can help turn the tide.
Carole: we are reaching out to NPAs locally. It is too problematical trying to "convert" Republicans. We have a fairly simple approach in many cases explaining what Democrats stand for, and we use the political philosophy of Frances Perkins, who is the woman who gave us Social Security, Workers' Compensation, and more:
"The people are what matter to government, and a government should aim to provide all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life."
Democrats strive to install a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
Hold your nose?
For what exactly? Open Borders? Government Censorship? Crushing Inflation spending? The racial bomb throwing? Outsourcing our energy to Venezuela/OPEC? Spending
Hundreds of billions of dollars on pointless wars, and an unelected proxy government standing in for a senile president?
Remember the Trumps years? 3.5 GDP? No Wars? 4% unemployment? Energy Independence? Straight talk?
Look at the polling. Trump leads Biden in virtually every category.
Biden's approval is 39%.
Why is Trump more popular than ever after 2 impeachments, 4 indictments, and the wrath the FBI/CIA/ Elite Media on behalf of the democratic party?
Because people can see bullshit.
This is positive. Thank you.
I am in Palm Beach. May I help?
Lavinia, you may go here to get involved: https://www.pbcdemocraticparty.org/party-organization
Using the system, I searched your name on the system and left you a voice mail. That is how effective the system is. I will also be in touch with the leadership there in your area to see if they are doing what we're doing here in Polk County.
Then it must be done across the country. Know your enemy, but know your friend is even more important in this situation. Great work, Richard!
Please remind your voters that Scott was the CEO of the healthcare company that received the largest fine for Medicare fraud ever given as well as his plans to sunset social security and Medicare.
Yes, for sure we will tell Scott's story. It is almost beyond comprehension that such a character totally devoid of principle can get elected. The takeaway from Scott and Trump is the fact that the MAGA/KKK are voting for the politicans who will, on the one hand, punish and persecute their foes (immigrants, women, Muslims, Blacks, gays, etc.) while on the other hand driving them further into financial desperation. It is a combination of stupid and prejudice.
Bravo Richard!
This is a good way to start.
I lived in the US for 23yrs and was aghast at how little the people knew about Politics.
Here in France when we go out we 'talk' about Politics all the time..yes it can become boring but at least we know 'who is who' and 'what is what.'
We have some nasty arguments but this can be good.
Talk to everyone. Check out Braver Angels for how to do so as close to amicably as possible
I think that it is important to get as many Democrats and left-leaning NPAs to the polls as possible. There are 70 million MAGA Republicans who would still vote for Trump at this time. Trying to persuade them to a different point of view would be an exercise in futility. This point was made by Profs. David Norman Smith and Eric Hanley in their study published in Feb. 2018, "The Anger Games: Who Voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 Election, and Why?" That's been my experience as well. MAGA/KKK Republicans will not change their minds any more than a Muslim, a Jew or a Christian will changes his/her mind when confronted with unasailable facts that all life on earth has a common origin 3.5 billion years ago and that all life - plants, animals, insects - share the same DNA. Some beliefs are beyond rational discourse.
No, that's not what I mean. There are a slew of trump appointed judges that threw out over 60 of trump's baseless lawsuits. Judge Aileen Cannon ruled favorably for trump but the conservative 11th circuit court overturned the ruling and publicly rebuked her. And the Texas republican packed legislature voted to impeach trump crony AG Ken Paxton. Yes, there are corrupt judges and there are bought justices of a Supreme Court without guardrails. what I'm talking about a judicial system that works--that has brought 91 criminal indictments against trump. Im talking about fearless people that make decisions according to the laws despite threats to their lives, such as prosecutor Jack Smith and my girls, AGs Fani Willis and Letitia James. And those are the famous ones....
Sound hopeful, but indictments don't always work-nor does impeachments. Paxton was let off by the Senate and trump 2x by the Senate for impeachment. I am hop that with 91 charges that something will stick, preferably not a federal one so he can not pardon himself if he gets elected. That would really put him beyond the law.
While I am not quite so jaded on the court system, the solution is correct. Vote.
You bet. It’s the only way. It may fail in states where they have gerrymandered against Democrats illegally and unfairly.
Sadly, I think we should all be asking that same question. We keep wondering what it would take to apply for political asylum. These evil, power hungry and greedy people have made a real mess of our country!
NO. It's YOU the people who have made a mess by not voting when you thought you were the greatest country on earth.
NOT many of you realised that you are a 'capitalist' society and everything hinged on your buying! Your greed made you what you are today.
WOW! I would guess that 99-100% of people who read and comment on this site vote in EVERY election...that is unless they have been prevented from doing so. But this is just a guess. Where are your facts?
I was NOT talking about this site...I was talking about the USA.
Anyone who comes on substack usually is quite smart and looking for different points of view.
You can go on any site you want. Google voting tables since Ronald Reagan.
Right, but we can’t give up. Know your friends, get out the vote. Vote.
We won't even though sometimes we feel like this endless litany of lies is SO exhausting.
I truly do understand your dilemma. You have a 2 party system BOTH obligated to money?
IF everyone had kept their heads and voted Bernie Sanders who did not have big corporations who financed his run we would not be here today. He was the US Saviour but ...........
Will molasses win this one, my prayer with every breath. Sadly, my money for donations will dry up when my government retirement check becomes a casualty of the self-righteous destroyers.
SS checks will continue
Jeri is speaking of Federal Pension checks. They may stop, along with Veteran pension checks, which so many rely upon.
Now hear this. Hear this. Contrary to some beliefs, the sky is not falling. This is not America's first rodeo with a want to be dictator. DC Stephenson and his KKK bros, the Civil War before that. United, we stand , and stand we shall. Evil doesn't die, but rather, hides until the next opening comes along. America is a living, breathing organism, and, as such, is subject to the ebb and flow to the frailties of existence. Voting is vital. Voting them out is our best revenge.
True, SS said I would get $641 dollars a month if they could give me anything. But they can’t because I get a pissy check from Tex teacher retirement. Texas retired teachers (or counselors) get way less than it takes to survive. But Texas politicians rake in the dough
Not SS, I got conflicting opinions from Google. One for getting it, two not.
Why do you even HAVE to pay money for Politicians to work for you?
Is this Democracy?
Upside down world
Me, too, Sophia!
No sane country would let us in.
Canada certainly doesn't want us, but we have a secret plan to infiltrate via friends. I also have a dual-citizenship Greek passport so we can go anywhere in the EU. Though I don't think we have anything to really worry about, it doesn't hurt to have your ducks in a row....
Apply for your visa now. Takes years. You don’t have to use it.
Visa for what?
Immigrate elsewhere.
Future headline
"two days ago, Donald Trump threatened to have 30 opponents executed when he becomes president, saying he could invoke executive privelege to do this.
However, no news outlets reported this"
That would be a good day, when news outlets recognize the rantings of a deranged man are to be expected, and are not, therefore, news
I think WAPO or NYT should turn his rants into a daily comic strip. What could it be named?🤔
Bizarro World
If I hadn’t read down to the other replies, I would’ve thought your statement was true and would’ve asked you for a source.
It was very disturbing. If you’re going to post something like that state upfront that it is a “what if”
Here is a quote from the Atlantic article, attributed to Trump:
"Trump has already threatened officials he sees as disloyal with imprisonment, and there is little reason to imagine that he would not attempt to carry out his threats."
My scenario isn't too far off, and I would bet the idea of executions has crossed Trump's mind.
EDIT: the next article in the Atlantic said this:
"Late Friday night, the former president of the United States—and a leading candidate to be the next president—insinuated that America’s top general deserves to be put to death."
And there it is - I can't even go as outrageous as I can imagine and beat Trump to it. He is already there.
Did Faux news report it? MT is awash in faux news statements repeated by Daines & Rosendale
No - before I cause a false news report myself - I made this up as a plausible threat he might make, and was trying to say that perhaps one day, news outlets will respond to these like they do the rantings of other insane people.
Interesting how (like the Onion) totally outrageous things are now in the realm of believable possibilities
Wish this note had been @ the end of your original post.
It is frightening that it sounded credible that he said that.
didn't think of it till later
I used to think of Montana as a rugged frontier of strong ,honest people. When I look at who gets elected in Montana I see a huge amount of corruption to rival that of much larger states, what happened?
We have Ryan Busse running an uphill fight for Gov. He wrote the book GUN FIGHT. He was a R but is running on the D ticket. He consults with one of the Gun safety groups. He is an example of what MT was before the onslaught of Yellowstone want to be.
Will he up hold the democratic ideology or will he just revert back to what republicans want ? The Governor of Virginia, Youngkin, lied to get elected, saying he was for the people then went extreme right wing when he got in. I hear he may consider a run for prez.
Montana is the home of the fine Dem Senator John Tester, who is by trade an organic farmer! And Montana recently had a wonderful Dem governor.
In fact, within the past decade, even Wyoming had a Democratic governor!
Montana and Idaho are huge gun-support states.
So many have moved from other states. What is expressed is the states are too blue. MT has a very very strong 2A. Traditional hunting guns have been supplanted by2A militia
People should realize that there are other issues which are important and shouldn't not vote for someone who disagrees with you on one issue.
Those rugged, strong, honest Montanas are white, 90% of them. Like most white people, they vote for candidates who promise to do everything they can to preserve systemic advantages for white Americans. It’s as simple as that. No other factor even rises above the noise level. White Idahoans are even worse.
Americans not voting happened coupled with the fact you never realised that Colonialism eventually dies.
Yellow journalism now has a second meaning....cowardly journalism!
"One very flawed individual"... and the yapping and growling of his scared dogs pulling on their tethers.
Well said Peter
Lynell, the day that HCR and the media stop calling him the “frontrunner” is the day the country begins to awaken from its stupor. The polls of only hundreds of potential voters do not make him a frontrunner. Those in the Boston area remember traffic reporter Joe Green and the “curiosity factor” that caused traffic jams. We are still fascinated by horrific novelty. A candidate who won’t debate, who attacked his own government, who doesn’t pay taxes, who seems to control thugs and bullies belongs in the comics or sports news. The Constitution says he is not fit to run for office. Dr Richardson and others need to stop calling him the frontrunner. It’s the usual tfg smoke and mirrors. 🤡🎃💩🤑💰
The standards observed in the comics and the sports news are higher than those of the defeated and indicted former president. They would be demeaned by his presence there. He is not the frontrunner. Check out Simon Rosenberg on this particular misconception.
I had to look it up, thanks for the reference about Simon Rosenberg, it is encouraging...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O26f-g_w10
For those of us who have a life beyond their keyboards, there's just a limited amount of time that we can spend on the internet. HCR's daily postings always share part of that time, but when she takes a day off, giving us a photograph by Buddy or by Ralston instead, I sometimes use 'her time' to see what's doing on Rosenberg's 'Hopium Chronicles.'
Thank you Barb. He's new to me and I watched a long Washington Journal interview but your Lawrence O'Donnell interview link was really on point about the polls. The video wasn't complete but I will look for it on YouTube and check out Rosenberg's Hopium Chronicles on Substack. It makes total sense to look at all the recent election results that were wins for Democrats rather than polls of hypothetical votes.
Lynell, that will be the day they run out of gaslighting fuel
All he does is name call. I didn't know that there were so many insulting derogatory words that could be strung together. I heard part of a speech of his. He just ripped into Biden.
Thank goodness there are people who are like Milley. A comforting thought is that it takes three people to push the button. BUT if they are all trump minions, are we safe? This would be another first for trump-the first president to cause the destruction of the world. The only problem is that there would be no one to read about it.
If only it were just one individual. The danger is much greater.
They are silent when decency and and duty demands they speak, and when they do speak, they sink even deeper.
The radio silence from Republicans on occasions like these, particularly those Repubs who still seem to possess a moral compass, is just not normal. Surely they're not stupid enough to think that a future with tRUMP driving the bus again will be anything but catastrophic? Catastrophe in fact on a whole new level. I can only wonder whether their silence is due to being scared for their lives and/or for the lives of loved ones, if they dare speak up. Given the family history of 'mobsterism', being warned to 'put up and shut up or look forward to a watery grave in cement boots', would not surprise me. If you haven't read it, check out Greg Olear's highly entertaining and informative substack on Trump's mobster ties. It's fabulous. https://gregolear.substack.com/p/tinker-tailor-mobster-trump
Let’s not forget that Mitt Romney, one of the few Republicans willing to speak up against this menace, is purportedly paying $5,000 a day for security for himself and his family. I think this says something - a lot - about Republican silence. Frightening, appalling.
This also says a lot about the financial inequities in this country.
And not only the threat of being put on some hitman’s list but also the hordes of brainwashed MAGA devotees coming at you with pitchforks.
Pitchforks with 25 round magazines and the ability to fire those 25 rounds in less than 10 seconds.
Exactly
I just don't believe the "I was afraid" schtick, it is as always about Power and Money at any cost. They are moral cowards.
WOW! It is a frightening read!!
Read Catherine Belton’s expose book Putin’s People about how the Russian mafia corrupted America and DJT. Putin is the worlds biggest mob boss. The Russian mob and oligarchs looted the USSR and corrupted the world. We should have helped the USSR achieve a soft landing. Not the idiot Jeffrey Sacks shock therapy approach which impoverished millions of Soviet citizens and contributors metastasized mafia
‘ We should have helped USSR..soft landing!’ Tragically, the only thing that was soft were the US legislators who voted to ease banking rules which enabled US banks to launder plundered Soviet assets of the infamous oligarchs!
Jeffrey Sachs is quite the Putin apologist these days. Dozens of academics signed an Open Letter to him. (Berkeley.edu)
“In summary, we welcome your interest in Ukraine. However, if your objective is to be helpful and to generate constructive proposals on how to end the war, we believe that this objective is not achieved. Your interventions present a distorted picture of the origins and intentions of the Russian invasion, mix facts and subjective interpretations, and propagate the Kremlins narratives. Ukraine is not a geopolitical pawn or a divided nation, Ukraine has the right to determine its own future, Ukraine has not attacked any country since gaining its independence in 1991. There is no justification for the Russian war of aggression. A clear moral compass, respect of international law, and a firm understanding of Ukraines history should be the defining principles for any discussions towards a just peace.”
I think it’s naïve to assume most Russians oppose Putin. Hell, we have upwards of 74 million Americans who support Putin, and the Russian population is even whiter and probably even more racist than we are.
Older Russians get their news from Putin TV. Younger Russians have known no other leader.( I was amused by an ad for apartments for rent in Moscow, 2007. “No Caucasians” meant no one from the Caucasus, e.g. Georgia. Real Russians only.)
It is about money. If Republicans speak out against Trump and GOP undemocratic values, they would stop receiving “donation$“ and they would be primaried out by an even-stupider cult member who wants to become a millionaire.
I still have that tabbed in my "favorites" bookmarks.
Kazz McKnight, thanks for sharing this link. Unbelievable. Except not.
Thank you for the link Kazz McKnight. Most interesting!
I guess we’ll never hear this on FNC.
Thank you for posting this link. “Entertaining” and “informative” is putting it mildly!
It’s down right terrifying that we are this close. If Trump gets back in it will be the end to voting.
At the core, I think
The Republican party is a terrorist organization.
The Republican party is a terrorist organization.
Andrew, we donate to the Southern Poverty Law Center. I am sure that they know how hateful the R party is....as I call them, the party of death.
So true. Thank you for pointing this out.
Good point
It seems perhaps, contrary to popular belief, that there is a streak of idealism in those who choose a life of military service: Vindman also expressed confidence in the American system when he said, "Dad, do not worry, I will be fine for telling the truth." He is fine, having retained his integrity, but he and his brother suffered the loss of their careers. I hope Milley is right, too, that the American people will choose The Constitution over demagoguery. And that he will be recognized for the importance of his integrity.
Trump has been saying some very scary stuff other than this. Like Putin, he wants to control one network by revoking the license of all of the networks except the ONE that will bend the knee to trump almighty.
He has also said he wants to rewrite the Constitution after he becomes President in 2024.
And people still support him over Biden who has done Yeoman's work digging us out of the myriad Trump dumps.
If Trump had his druthers, the Vindmans would have been jailed or shot.
Will they be safe in Jan 2025, will any of us. Revenge is the one area of expertise for the cretin. His enemies list is already a tome, making Nixon’s an unfunny joke.
I keep wondering where we would be as a society, if Ford hadn’t pardoned Nixon and he’d had to suffer the consequences of his crimes.
maybe consequences would have prevented other crooks. Instead, they see no negative that they can't buy their way out of
Would that have made all the difference? I think it's complicated, but it was a stunning use of the law to sabotage due process of law. It was if nothing else, a terrible president that certainly emboldened modern "GOP" hyper-lawlessness, and may have just been the pivotal turning point. (??)
Opps, Freud strikes again, I meant to type "precedent" not president", but it works both ways.
Exactly.
You are sadly right.
https://www.amazon.com/Here-Right-Matters-American-Story/dp/0063079429
Bought this when it came out and highly recommend it.
Good author to support!!
Hard to see where Milley gets his confidence in the American people. They elected a nitwit twice and a few years later elected a wannabe mob boss. Even worse, upwards of 74 million Americans want to elect the wannabe mob boss again and look to be within a coin toss of doing so. How these facts inspre confidence in anyone is beyond me.
I think we all better start acting like it is the emergency it is. Talk to family friends acquaintances and strangers in line about the danger we face and the importance of keeping our democracy and going back to a tome of decency.
I read the article in the Atlantic about General Milley. I am happy to know that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs acted exactly as I hoped -- and expected -- regarding keeping our military from getting mixed up in politics. It was clear what the president was trying to do. I think most of us who served in the military understand that our military serves the civilian government, while avoiding becoming part of the government. Everyone who serves in the military swears an oath to defend the Constitution. General Milley clearly understands what it means to defend the Constitution. The former president clearly does not.
When I went to Vietnam in 1969, General Milley was 11 years old. I am very proud of him!
Thank you, David, for your service. 🇺🇸
David, thank you for your input here as "one who knows". My oath was a civilian one (that whole gay thing kept me from enlisting in the Navy, so I became a Deputy Sheriff), but meant just as much to me.
Ally, thank you. I always like to read your comments here. I appreciate your service to your community. I appreciate anyone who spends time in public service.
(We spent 12 days in Oregon at the beginning of this month. We visited the "kids" in Portland, watched gray whales from our balcony in Depoe Bay, stayed several nights at Steamboat [with no cell service] and visited Crater Lake NP on a very clear day. Great vacation.)
Sounds like an amazing visit. Depot Bay and Steamboat are two of my favorite places. Had a lovely motorcycle ride once and had lunch at the old Inn there. It was amazing.
Depot Bay and Steamboat are now two of our favorite places as well. We stayed 3 nights at the Inn. The food at the restaurant is great. We enjoyed the sound of the river flowing nearby. On two of the days we hiked up to two very high waterfalls. One day was devoted to Crater Lake. I only regret not searching for a clear spot near the Steamboat Inn to try to see the stars -- the dark sky maps online show that area as having world-class darkness, far from city lights. Another highlight was a "tour" of Ranger Chocolate in Portland. We each made four dark chocolate bars with various ingredients of our own choosing. We learned a lot about dark chocolate. For example, pure dark chocolate never goes bad, never spoils. Some commercial manufacturers add emulsifiers, such as lecithin, which can degrade over time, leading to "off" flavors and texture. But pure dark chocolate that has escaped attention for months, or years, can be melted, and after it cools it will be restored to its original flavor and texture. We wish we could live part-time in Oregon.
I am so glad you had a good time. I want to take the ebikes to Crater Lake the next time they do a vehicle closure for the rim road. I've never seen it at night, but I've got a friend whose taken some amazing photos of the sky at night.
I hope to take my sister to Steamboat Inn for our "sisters weekend" this year.
You have given me a vision, of working to get good at capturing images of the very dark sky at Crater Lake, with the stars reflected on the surface of the lake.
I think I would enjoy the e-bike experience. It always looks like fun.
Time spent at Steamboat Inn will be time well spent. And not to put a damper on, but we could see charred tree trunks on the ridge on the other side of the river. And driving to Crater Lake, we saw large areas that had burned relatively recently.
Thank you for sharing General Milley’s commitment to the preservation of this Democracy in spite of Trump, protecting us during his episodes of egregious and dangerous behavior. I hope he is correct in believing freedom loving American patriots will continue to preserve our great nation. ❤️🇺🇸🌎
I have a question about when the secret service can ignore the President's orders. I am glad they ignored Trump's order to take him to the Capitol on January 6th where I believe he intended to lead a rebellion, but do they have the authority to ignore an order when it may put the president in harm's way? How does that work?
Their oath swears to defend against enemies "foreign and domestic" and does not bear fealty to a person, but to the Constitution of the United States. Lest you think I really know this, I was curious myself, and dove into it. It is not dissimilar to the oath that I took for local law enforcement.
They take the oath that Military officers take upon commission. It is called the "Uniform Services Oath of Office"
"I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."
It is different from the Oath of Enlistment that the enlisted military personnel takes in that the Oath of Enlistment includes additional language: "I, (state name of enlistee), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. (So help me God)." The National Guard includes language including the Governor of the State in the chain of command.
great, pertinent information
Thank you, Ally.
It's very tricky business, but I have gathered that the standard applied to Nazis, that even obeying an order is insufficient justification for war crimes. can apply here. And Yes, "a government of laws, not of men". There is of course, no law that can't be bent, but the welfare of the Republic and it's people and liberty and justice for ALL seems to me like a useful intuitive standard for legitimacy Thanks for you clarifications.
Our agency had a means for addressing “unlawful orders”. You swear that you will defend the constitution, not obey all orders. The “ “out” for enlisted personnel is in the language “according to regulations and the UCMJ”.
In a way, it would have been good if TFG had gone to the Capitol with the mob. There would certainly have been no question then about whether he was guilty or not.
I think he has been building a pretty strong case against himself, but perhaps he'd have been charged sooner. The downside is that his presence might have embolden the level of violence.
Does the SS know about Tinker, Tailor, Mobster, Trump the CI?
Judith, Mark Milley and Alexander Vindman are correct about us.
We ARE the "DEEP STATE" of which tfg, and apparently many R's, are so afraid
...and WE VOTE!
It has really always been democracy in the crosshairs of the "GOP" since Reagan, and their actions prove it.
Mark Milley per the Atlantic:
“There’s a lot of discourse around whether it’s a tough Army or a woke Army,” he said, referring to commentary on right-wing news channels. “Here’s my answer: First of all, it’s all bullshit. Second, these accusations are coming from people who don’t know what they’re talking about. They’re doing it for political purposes. Our military wasn’t woke 24 months ago, and now it’s woke?”
He continued, “You want woke? I’ll give you woke. Here’s what your military’s doing: There are 5,000 sorties a day, including combat patrols protecting the U.S.A. and our interests around the world. At least 60 to 100 Navy warships are patrolling the seven seas, keeping the world free for ocean transport. We have 250,000 troops overseas, in 140 countries, defending the rules-based international order. We’ve got kids training constantly. This military is trained, well equipped, well led, and focused on readiness. Our readiness statuses are at the highest levels they’ve been in 20 years. So this idea of a woke military is total, utter, made-up bullshit. They are taking two or three incidents, single anecdotes, a drag show that is against DOD policy. I don’t think these shows should be on bases, and neither does the secretary of defense or the chain of command.”
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/11/general-mark-milley-trump-coup/675375/
Thanks for reminding us of Gen Milley's statement of facts about the US military in The Atlantic article. The truth of who our uniformed services are and what they do everyday should not need to be stated, but we would do well to also appreciate that only about 1% of our nation defends our Constitution from "...all enemies, foreign or domestic..." on a daily basis. We get a lot more than our money's worth from their service.
So sad to think that some in our military support the cretin. Yes, I know some. When the draft-dodging cretin came on the scene with his crap about McCain, and military service in general, I thought he’s lost them. Yet, so many are Fox watchers. Tucker is gone, but they are still Propaganda 101
We have 2 in MT! Zinke & now Sheehy, both X military, both silent re theX but promoting the agenda
Military and religion are two groups that I thought his history and comments would offend. But they seemed to eat it up. Following Goebbels all the way. I believe it is so true that chump read Mein Kampf and had it on his nightstand. He sure knows it’s contents
Jeri, I think the combination has to do with being comfortable with being told what to do by a person with authority, be it a preacher, a Sergeant, or a Colonel.
Ok, if those are not crooks, Machiavellian manipulators, Pharisees, or power-hungry idiots like the teen that used to trip kids going down the stairs at school. The latter wanted to be a cop. Too bad magats aren't a little more discerning.
I think that authority is a matter of who is responsible for what and for whom. An "authority" on bypass surgery is legitimate by virtue of proven knowledge and skill. A police officer directing traffic around an accident is responsible for the safety of all concerned. Both are natural in a democratic society.
"Authority" as in "authoritarianism" is imposed by violence, physical violence or otherwise. I consider Trumps treatment of Alexander VIndman a violent act, a predatory misuse of power; even though Vindman remained safe in his person. Power comes in different forms, including money, position, and physical violence, and they can all be misused.
I strongly suspect that kids who grew up in especially punitive households are much easier targets for manipulation by sociopathic demagogues.
Zinke was a SEAL officer but ended his career under a cloud and was not respected. He fits perfectly with Trump, a posturing braggart of low character.
He exudes rot.
Your comment, William, is much appreciated by one whose link to the military is so far removed. Yet my gratitude for your service (as others') is boundless.
Thanks for your comment, Lynell. You and others might appreciate some of my Substack posts as well, either as free or paid subscribers. Not much news in them, but a pretty good smattering of remembrances from a farm boy who was fortunate to have enjoyed an interesting life of military service:
https://williamlarrygroves.substack.com/publish/posts
Thanks, William...I'll check you out!
The military is tasked with defending the Constitution in a particular way, that is unique and especially dedicated. Any legitimate part of government should share that burden, as should we.
This astute statement alone contrasted with trump's spurious rantings paint trump to look like a 400 pound mutant psycho-toddler....
Your horse must be holding it's ears very steady. Thanks for the reminder. I have not had time to read it yet.
It is a long read, Ransom!
Hmm, gotta take my neighbor's horse on a long slow outing.
Guaranteed to do you good, Ransom!
We need more good guys like Gen Mark Milley to speak up. The military may want to rethink drag shows though. Bob Hope, the best entertainer ever, was king of drag for the USO. Nobody took offense. In fact, there is quite a history about drag in the military. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/drag-entertainment-world-war-ii
Many thanks for the link, Eileen! Makes perfect sense if you think about women not being "welcome" to entertain the troops.
How would Trump, Tucker, et. al. know anything about the military?
Good question, Becky. Not sure they do know nor care that they don't.
Trump was keen on a big show-of-force military parade. It seemed that the military we not so keen on obliging. There is often a military element in public events, such as veterans or the Blue Angels, but I think the message behind Trumps parade creeped people out.
Sound like Reveille is woke.
Thank you Heather. As always, you bring it to us straight. I would though, bring up the treasonous efforts of Gosar and others, who violate their oaths, to do the bidding of Putin, to lay waste to our Constitution and democracy itself. Liz Cheny had it right. The GOP is the party of Putin. That is the perspective that keeps all their activities in focus.
Putin finds a thoroughly corrupted "Republican" party useful to his aggressive aims.
Polls be damned. To claim that T💩p is the front runner in the opinion of what must amount to a few thousand Americans, in some cases chosen from the demographic who support Republicans in general, and the Golden Turd®️in particular, is abhorrent. That so many believe these polls represent actual fact is horrifying.
Yes... but in a country that actually elected this Coney Island freakshow specimen, one needs to be constantly skeptical and on guard.
Have we not seen time and again in the past century and more, right down to this day, the indescribable horrors that can arise when the delusions of a psychopathic leader tap the lower depths of collective psychosis?
Friendly reminder: Trump was not actually elected. Mrs. Clinton beat him by >2.3 million votes. Fewer than 80,000 votes --many with the fingerprints of Putin on their ballots -- were what gave Trump the Electoral College. In 2020 President Biden beat Trump by ~7 million.
Perhaps I should have been clearer on this count, but I am even clearer about the existence of an important, well planned and well financed movement, backed by Putin and autocrats everywhere, out to exploit American democracy's remarkable potential for cheating.
But we still suffered through his horror, and we don’t have Ike to make all look at the horror of his years in office. We have Rupert and clones crowning his pile of Schitt with a crown of thorns. The martyr for the brain-washed zombies. And our “free press” raking in the dough.
But sadly MistBlu 10 million more people voted for trump in 2020 than 2016. They watched him for 4 yrs and said yep I like that. I want more of that. While the rest of us were horrified.
I'm more afraid of the quiet ones. All the trump supporters I know (who know I know) have yet to express any regret.
My sister and her husband voted for tfg in 2016.
It took a couple, few years into his reign before she realized her error. Thankfully she admitted it and it was only a one time vote. Interestingly she resides in FL.
When I discussed with her why she voted for tfg she said she hated Hilary. When I asked her why she hated Hilary she replied Benghazi. I asked my sister what about Benghazi and Hilary did she hate? She answered with a standard fox talking point.
I learned a lot from that exchange with my sister.
Sadly, this seems to be the norm..repeating the talking points, not recognizing their error! I’m glad she’s back on track
MK, they do seem to be "doubling down". I think that is either easier than the cognitive dissonance they might be experiencing than to admit that they made a colossal error.
Their votes weren’t by accident. They know what they want: preservation of systemic advantages for white people. They voted for and will continue to vote for candidates who promise to do all they can to preserve those advantages.
MK - actually, Trump got 11 million more votes in 2020. BUT there were >26 million more votes than in 2016. Biden got 58% of those; Trump got 42%. Yes, it's sad that watching him for four years didn't shock more people into voting for Biden, but one can never overlook several factors including the power of incumbency, voter suppression efforts directed at Democrats, especially Democrats of color, and the fact that Biden ran a pretty low-key campaign because of COVID precautions. I have a lot of faith in the young people who grew up doing active shooter drills, watched as their peer group were slaughtered at school and know that they have fewer rights to self-determination than their older siblings and parents.
Thank you for the numbers.
Great comment, Peter. The ''Coney Island freakshow specimen'' is a very accurate description of TUMP and all of the demented cretins in our Fascist GQP Congress, or should i say,'' Congress critters?''
Yes, but that brings hits, clicks and viewership that keeps the ad rates high. The "Free Press" is in it for the $$. (corporate, not independent).
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/leslie-moonves-donald-trump-may-871464/
I got my calculator out the other night and did some calculations about these bogus and biased polls and by just taking a poll of a few thousand does not represent the number of voters in presidential elections of the entire United States. By the vote totals approximately 156 million voters going by the election in 2020. A vote of a few thousand voters only represents 0.003% of the voters in the United States. So a poll of a few thousand is a very tiny sample of voters in a presidential election. These figures are are not completely accurate, but fairly close just to show that these polls are nothing but propaganda to garner clicks and viewership biased toward the Fascist GQP. I just can't believe TUMP and Biden are neck and neck for one minute. I could be wrong, but i think Biden is actually ahead if a poll was taken from several millions of voters. I instantly delete emails that discuss polls. Even that Nate Sliver 538 thing.
John. And to claim that the under-35’s are for TFG by over 20 points? Doesn’t match my small poll which shows 100% for Biden.
They're probably polling NASCAR fans.
My unscientific "poll"---I read various articles on Yahoo and look at the comments. There are overwhelmingly negative on Trump now. They used to be quite favorable. I think he burned a lot of bridges. There ARE a number of anti-Biden ones, but as it has been speculated, it's quite possible that disenfranchised traditional GOP will just sit out the election. Anyhow, when I have the stomach and time for it, I respond to the negative Biden comments.
Polling these days must be interesting. How do pollsters conduct polls? Do they call people’s landlines? If that’s how they do polling, I’m not at all surprised that polls would skew right. Young people don’t even have landlines. We don’t either, and we’re in our 60s, and we don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. So how could we ever get polled? It’s even more pronounced for younger people. Since polling is all about extrapolation, it only works if your sample size is both large enough and reflective enough of the population whose behavior it tries to predict.
Polling science is not what it used to be. They were wrong in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022. They will likely be wrong in 2024. Perhaps observing what actual voters are doing in actual elections is a more likely indicator. Recent Republican candidates and ballot measures all lost by significant margins all across the US, in blue, purple, and red states alike. In purple NH, (the only race I am familiar with, since it took place in a district near my home), the state rep seat was won by 12% points by a Democrat in a town that has voted Republican since Eisenhower.
Don’t take one in Texas
Good advice, after all Texas does have a Dictator they call governor, the one and only racist pig Gregg Abbott. I wonder if has removed that booby trap in the Rio Grande river yet? He should be indicted for murder for the deaths that thing has caused. Him and Donald TUMP are two of a kind.
I agree, I lived here for 25 years before Rove foisted Bush on us and the state was great, mostly. The fact that the current crowd is so popular is a tribute to the cheating, big money, and stupendous lies swirling around me every day.
I totally agree. I am sick of those people. They act like they are patriots and love America, but in reality, they hate our nation and want to destroy it. I am appalled at the insanity that is going on here.
I have been heartsick for about half of my long life. I first noticed the miasma when the words of Lee Atwater and Rush Limbaugh jolted me, and I watched friends and family become strangers. Thankfully, many are still fighting, some risking so much. It is a job for all of us, and no one is safe at this point. Revenge is in the air.
I agree. Polls are very manipulative. I think of them as lazy journalism. And we are never informed as to their source, or how many are polled, or for that matter, the political bent of the polling company itself. I will never forget the predictions in 2016 that Hillary was a shoo-in.
Do we know? does the FBI know? does DHS know the truth about the real numbers of those who are daily threatening members of Congress, members of the legal profession, governors, etc? That is my question. Will the military and the police protect everyone equally from this madness?
Remember, members of congress itself are stoking the fire. 147 of them. Let us hope that the gag orger is forthcoming and the protection is there. They have to stuff a potato in the fat boy's mouth, so to speak.
Gag orders for Gosar et al. also. PLEASE! It’s despicable that government representatives can send out letters such as Gosar’s. I used to live in a red district (ugh) & my rep (an R) used to send these “nice” letters which were all lies - how the R’s were being responsible good people & those D’s were all big spending socialists. Thank heaven I was able to move away. But millions receive these lies and watch lying tv …
Crossing my fingers big time.
A raw potato!!!
To answer that question, look at the law enforcement response to the insurrection as the Capitol Building was breeched. I understand your skepticism, but having stood in that line, I believe that honor is still an integral part of most cops, as is duty and keeping an oath.
And ALLY, we ("the deep state") count on you and all the law enforcement officers and soldiers and healthcare workers and first responders of every stripe! Your honor and devotion to principles of duty have kept our increasingly complex and fragmented nation functioning, even if it sometimes feels just barely.
Ally House (Oregon), thanks for your public service as a protector! I respect your opinion that many are honorable.
I see how quickly cops shoot black people. There used to be shooting guns out of hands, or incapacitating by wounding. Now big overweight cops regularly shoot to kill. If you want to say that’s only news, I say it’s racism, fear, and murder.
I do not disagree. I can tell you the arc that deadly force has taken in this country and the case law behind it, and how the training embracing the “warrior mindset” has escalated that.
As a “big overweight” deputy sheriff, I understand what you’re saying. The “racism, fear, and murder” you identify go back to the very roots of the establishment of police in this country: fugitive slave patrols and the protection of factories from disgruntled workers.
Obviously police are essential to curtail those whose actions seriously threaten the rights of others. Corruption, the deliberate abuse of official public powers, is, like infectious disease, never totally absent; but if we focus, it can be reduced and kept in check.
Please lose the weight and stay with US. You’ll lengthen all our lives. I believe the Capitol Police are special. Never having expected what they got on January 6th, they fought for all Americans as do the military. Am I the only one who remembers B-westerns? The “bad” hero would get sentenced to two years in jail and come back to his girlfriend and the community as a whole. Can we revive that spirit as we tackle climate change and depopulating by design? Is that asking too much of US?
I maintain a healthy lifestyle, and I appreciate your concern.
I believe that, but somehow those who speak for them in the loudest voices are not so reassuring. I have read some chilling comments from police unions. I recall one such union defending the actions of an officer who had been "filmed" planting a gun on someone who he had just shot and killed.
A functioning democratic society absolutely requires a well informed electorate. If I remember correctly, at one point I read a poll that showed most Americans believed we were bombing Iraq because that country was thought to be responsible for the 9/11 attack; sanity being largely drown out by demagoguery.
Virginia Witmer, good questions! In a righteous world, media would be flooding the zone with this info.
People are scared and don’t want to believe the basic truth that everything is turned upside down by climate change and overpopulation. Guns will not protect from the big crisis any more than wealth and fear (except perhaps as a motivator to accept the reversals in thinking necessary for a “soft landing,” I.e., how to reduce population by taking care of orphans instead of adding to world population; by recognizing that “be fruitful and multiply” was reasonable 5000 or so years ago, but that we humans have overdone it and ruined air and water, two essentials for our continuation on the planet). Repeating for those who want (need) no food or gasoline inflation: ask for rationing and price controls on both as in WWII. Look back to the 1940’s for how to live with less. If we go with science, get vaccinations against the plagues we have brought on BUT HAVE THE SCIENCE TO COMBAT, grow gardens and take care in multiple ways of ourselves and each other, fight active evil like Putin instead of those fleeing starvation and gangs, then the news media can have the courage to tell US the real truth: there is no exceptionalism.
Repeating as promised: A group of billionaires is having a lunch of greenbacks. One asks: Why no catsup?💙
I remember that cartoon. I believe that there is going to have to be a 1940's response to the challenge we are facing today. Use less, want less, work together for the common good.
Yes, the survival of civilization requires a war-footing response to global warming. Unfortunately, at least 74 million Americans oppose any positive response at all, let alone action at the required level. The rest of us will have to shellac them in the 2024 election to have any hope of doing what must be done.
Yes! Thank you, Ally House.
Virginia, as I look at your list of depradations our population as well as our planet are suffering, I am vividly reminded of stuff I read in the 1960's and 70's about unbridled population growth in virtually all species studied revealed that as populations get increasingly dense, the rate of deviance, both genetic and behavioral goes up dramatically. It is hard to not see pictures of hordes of lemmings plunging off cliffs when their populations got too dense...but we still have some lemmings remaining!
It was a UN warning and hearing Paul Ehrlich (“Zero Population Growth” now “The Population Connection”) at Tulane University that alerted me to the problem. Then I married a musician who had voted for Barry Commoner and eventually lived on a boat in France and bought “climate change lettuce” (my name for it, but not the fragile spring lettuce of my youth or earlier years in France), thick, more like kale than spinach from a lockkeeper’s garden. Bill Kibben’s books, Congress’s treatment of James Hansen in 1988,
Al Gore, farmer, book in 1980, which I read as he was running for president and was amazed that he preceded Hansen. But I didn’t know then about how oil companies already knew, nor could I have envisioned the dark web and what it would do to destroy understanding of science and truths about the universe. Too many of US have stepped back into the Dark Ages, run by superstition, ignoring the Enlightenment on which our country was founded.
Virginia Witmer, yes we humans have been fed a steady diet of nonsense! And we lapped it up, some more than others.
Yes, M Tree. I wish my long reply had been on the page before your short one. Next time maybe I can do better. The education system that was the envy of the world was destroyed well before DeVos. She and Paul Vallas (and I’m forgetting public universities and Koch Kill) (with lots of help) are trying to finish it off so they can end democracy which requires an educated electorate. That’s how we have survived as long as we have.
Sorry about the parentheses, but hurrying to get out GOTV postcards to Ohio asap. They’re to encourage applying for mail-in ballots.
Virginia Witmer, you did a great job of listing examples of nonsense! And yes I agree, education rooted in truth is seen by rascals and despots as a huge threat to their power.
I often wonder how much of these threats is true.
Enough attacks on public figures to make these threats a national disgrace.
I’m with you. I have yet to hear one pundit explain why these polls are valid and why we should believe them. I think it is all manufactured by the parties and the media to give the appearance that they want. I’m sick of hearing “the polls say…” PROVE IT.
Derek you raise a serious and nagging doubt I have had about the repeated "news" we get even and especially from leading and presumably reputable news sources (NBC, CBS, PBS, CNN, the NY Times, etc) about various "opinion poles" showing Biden way down, tfg way ahead in various poles. Who is it exactly that they poll and how do they accomplish any simulacram of "the public" or "likely voters" or "Republican voters" or "Democratic voters." In publishing scientific research one must disclose methods and statistics.
There seem to me just too many sources of information for the voting public (as well as the non-voting public) to ever think one has canvassed a representative sample, especially considering how many of us just want to be left alone and don't respond to phone calls or texts or tweets or emails from anyone we don't know.
As my wife turned on the TV to “Good Morning America” earlier a screen graphic showed Nikki Haley up 5 points over Uncle Joe. I had to leave the room.
Thank you Heather.
It remains remarkable to me that those elected officials who continue to aid and abet Trump while inciting violence -notably, but not limited to Gosar, are not suspended from their public office, indicted, and at very least, expelled from office and then, if convicted, barred from ever holding public office again.
Just when is enough, enough?
The threat from the inside of government, whether Federal, State, or Local is a very clear and present danger to the American system.
I totally agree with you.Gosar and the others in Congress that aided and abetted TFG in his insurrection are still representing constituents and being paid a taxpayer salary.How can this be when they hold no loyalty to the Constitution and to the legitimate POTUS Biden?
Why do Gosar’s constituents re-elect him? Even his siblings repudiate him.
I suspect ignorance-fueled hatred for their own narrow failed lives.
That plus gerrymandering, I suspect. I am one of Gym Jordans unfortunate constituents and gerrymandering plus an uninformed and in some cases maligned electorate are big reasons why he is still in Congress. This must be stopped. These Putin Republicans are in the minority. Theirs is a dereliction of epic proportions to the duty to honest taxpayers.
Victoria, Putin Republicans; PR’s. The new Mob soldiers
I’ve found that confounding. Gosar has shown contempt for our country over and over. His siblings have distanced themselves from their mentally disturbed brother. Unlike the MAGA of today, he probably wasn’t raised to hate democrats.
His constituents, victims of Republican ideals, they know nothing of government. They’ve been raised to hate democrats and they have no idea why. Sure they’ll answer if you ask with some ambiguity. Cause my mama and daddy say so. With republicans attack on public education going on 24 years now, they’ve produced “hate the libs” voting bots.
Republicans wish to end their party by burning our government to the ground with silent support. They have their marching orders and they will do what their huge donors want.
We we warned by our framers over and over about the dangers of treachery from within. Democracy will always face those with treasonous intentions. Republicans have done their best to strip away those guardrails, to normalize their hate speak and legalize power grabs. That’s who they are, that’s what they do, and evidently voters want them gone. Will that be enough? To vote them all out? Yes, for now. Lesson learned, we stay forever vigilant.
When is enough, enough? I ask that same question about common sense gun laws. We are up to 500 mass shootings in 2023. When is enough, enough?
I agree, but who will take on the nonstop vitriol that chump spews. “They want to kill their political opponents.” When they work for Putin, I surely do.
In my view, the egregious attack on Milley combined with the deafening GOP silence are further confirmation that Democrats must not only sharpen their messaging relative to accomplishments and aspirations but also must disqualify the opposition by beating back the lies, the falsehoods, the hatred, and the divisiveness within which it traffics.
Waiting, the media, social and otherwise, is practically on board with evil. Where is the Dem megaphone. What can outblast the lies. Guess we wait for the repubs to self-destruct, with a little help from the courts (not the supremes). Not dismissing all the groups who are organizing, enlisting voters, etc. I pray they get attention and results. Enough to offset the ubiquitous voter suppression efforts.
Jeri, Scroll down this thread to the conversation between Donna and M Tree. It’s a reminder that we can’t afford just to watch and wait. Because in a democracy it’s us that have to become engaged.
Thank you, I have a list of groups that I will donate to if I have a dime after the likely shutdown. My UU church is involved in orgs also. It will take a Herculean effort.
Jeri, You’re right about the “Herculean effort.”Admittedly, I do take heart knowing we’re together in the fight.
Hope you give til it hurts. Certainly you get your money's worth here....
Oh, it hurts
Yes! With voting, getting involved with voter education and registration and maybe creating a march for Democracy. On July 4. Constitution believers across our great nation. A peaceful show of support for a democratic nation. To heck with the fake polls!
Donna, brilliant idea. ----- July 4th March for Democracy!!!
Let’s do it!
Do You Hear the People Sing? From Les Miserables. See it on YouTube. 🙋🏻♀️ Trump tried to use this to rally his Putin “patriots.” He needs to understand what true AMERICAN patriots stand for! July 4! Be there. Will be heart warming. 💗
Donna, you have sparked excitement in me. I can see it. (Not a mob of angry, violent, almost exclusively white people breaking into the capitol directed by enemies of self-rule) I see a beautiful sea of, every shade of skin, height, age, gender or expression, ethnicity, ancestry, etc., one gorgeous group of inspiring people who embody the ideals of Democracy and believe in its promise. What a show. ---- of the power for good we all hold, when we hold hands for peace, fairness, equal rights and equitable policies--- otherwise known as Democracy.
So how to make it happen… write to David Hogg, all members of the January 6th Committee, ask Heather to write about it, and maybe Thom Hartmann? Other ideas? Stay off of Facebook and Instagram that are overrun by trolls. Get young people on TikTok?
Donna, I just read through the exchange between you and M Tree, and I must say the two of you have ignited a brilliant idea. A question: Are either of you part of Heather’s Herd? If not, I believe I have the email address and gladly would contact this sizable group of LFAA subscribers. I mention this because this initial contact could be a good way to get started.
Donna, yes HOW? Your brainstorming is great!!! Perhaps, we need professional political strategists (including those who are very disenchanted with or who have left the R party, like Stuart Stevens), and professional organizers, marketers and fundraisers to be involved. I will think on it some more and share the idea. You're awesome, Donna!
I’m in
Yes!!! Absolutely!!! Exactly!
The chamber ensemble I play in has taken to playing that song as part of every set list that we play when we perform.
I agree, but while I am not at all fond of "tweeting" it has been pointed out to me that the WH seems to have hired some young and/or savvy person who has done some great "reply" tweets to the junk the GOP puts out. Dark Brandon at his best!
Miselle, Thank you for writing. When you get a chance, scroll up this thread to the exchange between Donna and M Tree. I believe they have hatched a brilliant idea.
Well said!
How is this not a punishable offense? How much is Judge Chutkan going to allow him to attack and intimidate Americans before she issues a complete gag order? I am shocked he has not only been allowed to continue spewing hateful, lying rhetoric, he’s got people echoing him and nothing happens??
Your incredulity resonates with me. Since when can ordinary American citizens make such threats and get away with it claiming it's their 1st Amendment right? But let me remind everyone that at least four trump trials have not yet begun, Judge Chutkan is no pushover, and that Jack Smith has all of his ducks in row....
There are limits to the first amendment, maybe somebody should mention that.
How much more of his spew will it take for his bail to be revoked? Anyone else would have been remanded into custody.
Especially if Milley is a potential witness in the case!
KR - Yes!
The more he speaks the more he incriminates himself.
He isn't very bright
Nothing, at least that we know of.
Gen. Milley should immediately sue trump for libel and/or slander depending upon the mode of defamation! It is beyond exhausting and frustrating that the deranged trump and the equally crazed members of the sick cult that supports him continues to get coverage and spew vitriol. We have laws; let's use them and stop the hand wringing, pandering, and delays!
I noted in my letter of resignation (16 years ago) from a volunteer (elected) political position in a small town (where politics is a full contact sport) small groups of people could derail any board in town based on nothing more than their own self-serving interests and the spreading of lies in the local newspaper which I said was an effective tool used to silence and prevent people from volunteering their time to serve on boards. A real wake up call to the ugly side of politics and witness to a poor excuse for "journalism". I often commented that if it was this nasty on the local level where the stakes are pretty low, imagine what transpires at the national level - we have known for a long time, but now we really know!
Interestingly enough, Town Counsel advised me, based on then recent case law, that I had probable cause to sue some of the individuals and the paper for libel and, more importantly, could win. For me, the reality of the financial and emotional cost was too high and not worth the stress, time, or money.
You give a good overview of the downside of human nature...sorry you had to go through this. Unfortunately, nutcases bank on people not suing for the reasons you gave....
Big fish in a small pond are barracudas. Now we have a circus of them in a big pond. Who will Fight the fight. All of us.
Trump desperately needs "termination... with extreme prejudice..." Whether that's the coming massive fatal myocardial infarction (preferably in front of the MAGAts mid-rant at one of his hatealongs), the fatal hamberder, choking on a red or pink Starburst, an errant golf ball to the head, the mid-air explosion of Trump Force One with him aboard, or whatever. Sooner better than later. Make America Truly Great Again!
TFG is like a bad itch we can't scratch. Nobody can relieve the itch, nor heal it. It is extremely annoying.
And a festering sore!
And lethal
Careful with that. Magas would immediately claim that anything that happens to TFG, however obviously natural, is assassination by the left.
Exactly. With so much conspiracy theorizing happening on the extreme right fringes, no matter what happens, it will be blamed on "the Left". (Hat tip to Peter Burnett for the editorial suggestion to enclose "the Left" in quotes.)
I'm old enough to remember that half a century ago there was such a thing as "The Left". These days, not so much. We have the Progressive movement, with Bernie and AOC leading the way. Some progressive legislation was passed into law, which is a good thing. If not for Manchin and Sinema, it might have been even better. I'd like to see a new New Left arise to advocate for remedies for job displacement caused by AI and automation in general. We would benefit from shorter work weeks without a loss of pay; subsidized childcare; subsidized housing; subsidized medical care. Investments in the common wealth would pay dividends for many years into the future. We should be arguing about Leftist policies and politics, but instead we tend to hear about the crazies in the "freedom" caucus.
I hope the new "New Left" will never resort to violence. We need to work for Justice, and Peace.
David H., "the Left" in quotes please.
"The Left" here means quite simply all those who are not certifiably insane.
Peter, right you are, and thank you. I edited my post to include the clarifying quote marks. And I expanded my comment, to advocate for the rise of a new "New Left".
Wouldn’t matter. He would still be dead. That might help but not much: 74 million magats would find another vicious authoritarian to vote for. The 74 million must be the focus of our concern. The whole world would be much better off without them, but there is no way to rid ourselves of them. Our only hope is to outvote them by a wide margin. It’s a slim hope but the only hope, anyway.
Yes, if he dies--even if he chokes on a hamberder with the TV cameras running--they will claim he was assassinated and he will become a martyr.
My thoughts, EXACTLY TCinLA. I may add one to your list, Tell MUSK and TUMP to go ride on one of MUSK's exploding rockets, about half of the ones he sends up, blow up shortly after blast off.
TC, I have speculated (hoped?) that when the trials actually start, it might just be too much for his overloaded cardiac system.
ohpleaseOhpleaseOhplease
"Republican leaders remain silent."
I was going to quote Heather and write that exact comment MaryPat. This is insanity!
HCR runs from the word fascist. Racism and prejudice are fascist qualities. Fascists are racists, deeply prejudiced Black and Jew haters. Trump is a classic fascist. Trump fascism has corrupted the Republican party. It’s contagious. Silence on fascism enables fascism, prejudice and racism. Yale historian professor Timothy Snyder makes this clear. Michael Moore makes this clear.
FASCISM it is
Thank you, Sandy, but Fascism has been the topic of discussion several times here on LFAA. I remember because I keep saying I live in Florida, a State already turned fascist thanks to the presidential ambitions of a Governor who is fueled by the impulsive inanities of an increasingly twisted judgement. You can read all you want about fascism but here we are beginning to live it.
Indeed you are. We are.
Even Mark Milley referred to Trump's bunch as "the fascists."
In 2016, just after the catastrophic Brexit vote in the UK (also with proven Russian interference) I noticed a sense of comforting schadenfreude with the election of Trump in tbe US. The continental Europeans were calling it "Trump 'n Brexit" at the time.
- "Aaah - We are not the only ones do unimaginable self harm to our country with the ballot box, the US have taken it a step further", they said... (making plenty of use of that trusty old Anglo Saxon phrasal verb... to fuck up)
I replied at the time that I thought... to the contrary, this would have the effect of waking up the Americans, the good people would wake up, rise up and mobilise.
There will be a post-Trump. I said.
Brexit, on the other hand, is irreversible damage, a terminal fuck up.
The optimism expressed at the end of this letter is what I was saying seven years ago.
Prove me right America........ please
My faith in humanity was decimated after the election of Trump 2016 and narrow defeat in 2020. Did those Trump voters not learn after 4 years? Human intellect and psychology are so weak as to make me wonder about the continuation of the species. I just hope that when humans go out, they don't take the beautiful ecosystem and animals with them.
Thank you Heather. We trust your book tour is going swell.
“But, for all that, Trump is the current frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination.”
Unlike our former blowhard-in-chief and his echo choir, President Biden and General Milley each publicly express optimism in our system and in We the People. I’m endeavoring to be a good and patriotic citizen of the nation I love - and I’m eagerly anticipating an orange onesie, crappy cuisine and a spartan prison cell in tfg’s near future.
I think Trump actually prefers crappy cuisine, so I say let him eat crap.
Crap eats crap
I think that his conduct whilst in custody will earn him some tasty nutraloaf.* With no ketchup.
*Nutraloaf: a single baked item containing the requisite caloric content for a nutritional meal that is served to inmates who have lost the privilege of eating "normal" meals by either using said meals as projectiles, or defecating in ones' soup bowl and creating munitions.
Spool up on Steve Schmidt..
Your voice in God’s Ear...