Our current government is staffed with a level of incompetence which reflects a thinking process that is only "half" here. A man was murdered recently and our President ordered all flags to be flown at half staff. This individual was special to Trump but to most of us he was just a radical right wing religious Republican, not unlike so many others. One disillusioned member of a MAGA family took it upon himself to end the life of Charlie Kirk, a life that shouldn't have been taken, was lost. A single bullet ended so much for so many. If our flag is to be found in the middle of the pole for the death of one, where will Trump have it positioned after tens of thousands have perished because of the healthcare cuts imposed by a bastard bill that should never have been written in the first place. The kid who killed Mr. Kirk did it with a single bullet, the untold thousands Trump intends to sacrifice will leave us via a single swipe of an auto pen, and he'll feel great while playing another round of Gulf.
Keith, while I was reading Donald's comment, I couldn't help but think of those people who were killed at a church in Grand Blanc, Michigan right after Kirk was killed. No flags at half-staff for them. The orange man didn't waste any words on them; however, he had so much to say about a radical right wing religious republican. All of maga blamed democrats for his killing. The orange man has targeted democrats calling us vermin, scum and enemies of the people. He attacks blue leaning cities and states and would love to see us "disappeared" if he could. Maga madness won't stop until the orange man is no longer in the White House.
Peggy Freeman, There was also a horrible shooting at a high school in Evergreen, CO (a small community between Denver and Boulder) on the same day as the Kirk killing. It got little to no coverage. Traumatized high school kids, teachers, and community, two teens severely wounded, and the 16-year-old shooter dead from a self-inflicted bullet. My friend was there, comforting one of the boys, who was shot through the mouth and throat, exiting his chest. All innocents, affected by violence! But, oh, ho hum, just another school shooting, no need to fly flags at half-staff, or pass reasonable gun control laws.
You are right, Shelley, there was no news about that shooting or it was a miniscule piece that I may have not seen. School shootings are happening again and again and it seems that our government has accepted them as "normal". According to Kirk, a few deaths a year is worth it to keep the 2nd Amendment? Reasonable gun control laws are so very much needed in this country. If the so-called leader of our country treats school shootings as nothing but goes out of his way to honor a very divisive young man, it says a lot about how far our country has fallen.
Peggy, We are no longer a democracy. This is authoritarianism, pure and simple. And I will say that when innocent little children were murdered in 2010 at Sandy Hook, Obama was President, and spoke eloquently about this horrible event. I believe this is where he sang the incredibly moving Amazing Grace. There was a great swelling of support for gun control right after that. And......nothing happened!! Or has happened, countless shootings later. So, yes, school shootings are now seen as normal, and the onus is on the teachers to have shooter drills (I know, I'm a retired school librarian, and even the drills are terrifying!) In the case of Evergreen, the kids were at lunch, so they weren't sure what to do. Many were shot, with minor injuries. My friend is still traumatized---but at least he was there---at the rec center next door, where the kids burst in, terrified---to comfort the boy, who is in critical condition. You are one of many, including most of my friends, who knew nothing about this shooting. All the attention was on Kirk.
This is so sad, Shelley. I remember President Obama singing Amazing Grace and I remember the tears flowing freely as I tried to make sense of that senseless act! President Obama was eloquent and spoke like a true leader. You would never see the orange man doing anything like that. Oh how I wish we had a leader like President Obama or President Biden in the White House today!
Shelley, we certainly have gotten our priorities mixed up. This morning in Heather Cox Richardson's article, I read that an apartment complex in Chicago was attacked by ICE, FBI, and others dragging the residents onto the street, forcing some, even naked to stand for hours with their hands zip-tied behind them while their apartments were trashed, and kids zip-tied together. When asked why one of the ICE guys was doing that, he said something like "f**k the kids." That is how law enforcement feels about our kids, irrelevant, well, particularly if they are of color, probably most of them at that complex, American citizens, and the victims of the school shootings practically ignored while kids are traumatized with shooter drills. I want to ask the MAGAs if they are OK with our kids being treated so badly. Would it be OK if it were their own kids.
President Obama sang Amazing Grace at the funeral for Clementa Pinckney, murdered by Dylan Roof, 10 years ago. David Remnick has a wonderful comment in this weeks' New Yorker, referencing that event and comparing Obama's response to Trump's at Kirk's funeral. Hint: opposite.
Shelley - On behalf of myself (and probably a lot of others here) please extend a thank you to your friend who was in the right place at the right time to be a voice of comfort to the child and the children who ran and found him. Thoughts and prayers are no longer enough but at least your friend was there for all of us during the tragedy. It shouldn’t keep happening and the stories shouldn’t be disappearing so quickly from our minds.
Maybe I missed something, but I don't recall any lowering of flags, or even any offering of thoughts and prayers when a member of the Minnesota State Senate and her husband were gunned down. Yet an anti-Semitic, misogynistic, anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant loudmouth got treated like he was some big martyr.
Mary, you didn't miss anything. The orange man hates Democrats and would never mention their murders unless it was to say he was glad they were gone. I'm sorry, I know that sounds awful but the arrogance, hate, vengeful POS makes me think such awful things about him!
Mainstream media has forsaken its calling by normalizing Trump's atrocities, and normalizing or ignoring things like school shootings. As a retired reporter, I am more than disappointed. Of course, I realize plutocrat Jeff Bezos forces the Washington Post to knuckle under him. That's why so many good journalists have quit, or been fired by WaPo. I was horrified by the sanitizing of Charlie Kirk by the New York Times, and many others. I abhor violence, but Kirk did not. He advocated it, and didn't hide his bigotry. If flags are flown at half mast, perhaps we should say it's for the Death of Democracy.
Peggy, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen to that!!! I just received my order of three sweatshirts and a T-shirt from Everytown, and I will wear them proudly. The back of the Tee says three things, one of which is:
"I vote".
I hope nobody shoots me for wearing my heart about guns on my clothing!
Kare K, I proudly wear my 'Gulf of Mexico' T-shirt. Everytown is also a great organization, who persist, even in the wake of more and more and more gun violence, now celebrated by this regime.
I was in CO right after the Columbine shooting and people all over the country were shocked and in mourning. That was 1999. How could we forget so quickly??
Nancy, we must never forget Columbine, Sandy Hook, Santana, Uvalde and so many others. These children did not deserve this. Their lives were cut short by people who had no regard for human life. We absolutely must continue to push for stronger gun laws.
They forget because there are school shootings on a continual basis, no one can keep track anymore, and nothing is ever done, except ridiculous proposals to arm teachers and have terrifying shooter drills.
Peggy, you and Shelley and commentators above are so right. I need to report on a film I recently took my 12 year old granddaughter to. "Prime Minister". The career of Jacinda Ardern on screen in this docudrama. Jacinda, the Prime Minister who stopped gun culture in it's tracks in New Zealand. Her little girl, her husband, the three dreadful tragedies she navigated our country through during her time in office. She wept with the survivors of the Mosque killings, investigated the aftermath of the White Island Volcanic explosion that killed many tourists, comforted the wives of 29 miners killed in an explosion at Pike River, and along with Dr Ashley Bloomfield, prevented thousands of deaths from COVID by acting fast and early, closing the borders and ordering lock-downs when necessary. She encouraged a mantra of kindness and oversaw a gun amnesty that took most dangerous guns out of circulation and compensated their owners. She left a legacy that will be part of our history. However, just like in the USA, we have those who would find ways to hate. Jacinda Ardern was forced to end her career as Prime Minister early. Caused by a large group of Vaccine Deniers (and others with grievances who took the opportunity to make a scene) who camped outside Parliament for weeks, harassing the PM and her Ministers and ended up leaving a filthy mess and burning the newly placed Children's Playground. Their presence menaced our Prime Minister and threatened the life of her child, causing this mother to step down. Most of us revere her, and my grand daughter said: "Granny, I have learned so much from this film". But even I have erstwhile friends who, even now, would kill Our Jacinda. We are living in distorted times. And you are not alone in dealing with unhinged people who do, or try to, take over.
Your Prime Minister sounds like an amazing woman. I understand the courage it took for her end her career in order to prevent harm to her child, most mothers understand the sacrifice. I am glad your granddaughter is learning about the remarkable women and men who strive to keep our world from succumbing to the evil that is always and ever present. I am sure Jacinda Ardern will be remembered throughout your history as a hero who worked tirelessly to make life better in New Zealand. Thank you for sharing about her.
Shelley, I am so sorry for everyone there, who died, suffered, or continues to carry the nightmare of such a horrific situation. I am sorry your friend had to be there but could try to help. You are so right about each and every life that is and has been taken. Flags could be at half staff most of the time these because everybody matters to somebody, and many of the deaths are caused by human aggressions. Preferential national honors are extremely revealing, as is the selectively forced suffering and the list of hatreds as parts of a particular agenda. Why can everyone not see that and stand up for people?
Actually, all flags should be flown upside down, the military distress signal. At the last No Kings protest, military people were carrying upside down flags, so this action is entirely appropriate. This country is indeed in a dire state of distress.
Anne Sutherland, When my 42 year old son found out that Evergreen, CO, where his dad lives, was the site of the shooting, he told me, "Dad is OK, Mom. It was just another school shooting." My son was 4 years old when Laurie Dann killed a first grader in a neighboring suburb, Winnetka, IL., and wounded many others. He grew up with school shootings and drills. I thought his comment was one of the saddest statements I've ever heard. (And I know he wasn't as "ho hum" as his comment implied.)
Many of our early colonists were Christian refugees fleeing from fellow Christians. The Christian nationalism promoted by Trumpists negates everything this country stands for, and it is self-destructive.
Shelley......My question is when the Democrats had control of the government why didn't they reform gun controls? If they win the midterms in 2026 besides reversing the damage trump and regime have done they should do gun reform, it is way beyond time it is done! The Democrats should also impeach trump and his regime and the 6 in the Supreme Court!!!
That was Gavrilo Princip who shot the Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914. This led to the Great War. That's the problem with political violence, it can lead to unseen consequences.
Princip was influenced by Serb Ultra-Nationalists seeking to unite Serbs in a pan-Slavic movement that would end Austro-Hungarian rule over the Balkan region. The spark that set off the 'Balkan Powder-keg' and led to WWI and the clash of imperial powers was an extreme form of ethno-nationalism; a somewhat similar race-based 'Blood and Soil' ideology that infects many individuals in and outside of the Trump administration.
R., you are right about the problems with nationalism. I had heard that Europe was amping up their war machine before that assassination and used that as the spark to light the fuse that exploded into insanity, and for what! Everyone lost, maybe not immediately, but within a couple of decades. Well, maybe not everyone. Those who supplied weapons and other war material sure won.
Colin, thank you for correcting my erroneous assertion that it was an Austrian. I very much appreciate learning more about this event. I erased my comment. --- Klare K.
Yep, Klare, it takes only one bullet to change history. There's so often someone out there ready with the gun or knife to take a life, often because they think their cause is just so important, or just because their mental illness is too overwhelming. A problem here is Republicans are pretending the young man who killed Kirk was a left-wing radical or the one who attacked the church in Michigan and the one in Minneapolis, and on and on; they were not! Lying though, does seem to work for Republicans and they all seem to do it regularly now and with no qualms. So much for the "ten commandments" which say that lying is wrong. Ah well, hypocrisy is strong with these MAGAs.
What held the Ten Commandments together for centuries was the fear of God. Then Moses, according to Deuteronomy, added love of God and the commandment to love each other. Jesus made it the center of his mission. Trumpists, contrary to their avowals , love neither God nor Jesus. They love themselves above all else. Their selfishness, xenophobia, and resentments make them easy prey for predators like Trump.
Maureen, there were some news reports about Jane Goodall; however, not as much as I would have hoped. The problem is that the news today focusing only on the orange man and nothing else. I guess for them he is the only newsworthy person that draws in readers and viewers. That is a sad commentary on where we are today. Oh how I wish I could go to the news and find out relevant and important happenings in our world today. Jane Goodall was loved around the world. She was an amazing woman, but news outlets did not feel her death was worthy of much mentioning. It is the orange man 24/7! God help us, I would love to not ever have to see that orange face ever again!
Ten years ago the thought occurred that it would be nice if all of the news media would refuse to publish that particular dominating person’s image and more about him. Now, it is challenging to find news unrelated to the overdone on some news sites.
Republicans are fond of the "orange face," because he attacks everything Jane Goodall defended: love of all life. She had a keen sense of what ecology is all about, and the importance of biodiversity. Ironically, Trump's ignorance of ecology is undermining and even endangering his agenda. The US economy is part of the world economy, which has all the characteristics of an ecology. Trump is wreaking it.
Completely agree, Victor! If a person is good and kind and spends their life teaching the importance of environmental conservation and the interconnectedness of all living beings, the orange man hates them. He insults, ridicules and tries to intimidate them. He simply cannot believe that the whole world is not as vile and corrupt as he is.
You're right, Klare. NPR and PBS are great at covering the lives and history of really good people. I love PBS documentaries and spotlights on people whose lives have made such a huge impact on our world.
Maureen - You mean the woman who was actually deserving of the Medal of Freedom that she received? She is right up there with Mother Teresa. She was a champion in her own class and field. David Attenborough is the other one who is a champion in his field and class. Why would T care about people who lived for science and conservation when he is so actively trying to destroy it?
Anon, I "like" your comment because I applaud its truthfulness! Trump’s whole purpose for being is to promote the DESTRUCTION of everything . . . EVERYTHING!
Only a few years ago when I had the opportunity to attend a presentation of a Holocaust survivor, one point he made was to beware of anyone who would stoop to calling any human being the name of an undesirable animal. Some examples he gave are used by the person who seems impervious to the suffering and deaths his attitudes and actions continue to cause, whether by the stroke of a pen, mental or verbal suggestions, orders, or creating or supporting cruel bills or shutdowns which he blames on other people.
That particular survivow was extremely young when he and his family were taken. He spoke at a church. I have heard other survivors speak through the years in various places. The message of the younger one mainly left me with his explanation of the name calling form of hatred and the negative emotional contagion that form of dehumanizing causes. The effect of the vocabulary is intentional, as we are well aware. It continues to be used in the particular situation as another form of brainwashing.
I wish somebody could reach the minds of the followers, possibly by using that fact. I believe that once they realize what they are saying and how they are seeing anyone, with as much right to a decent life as they have since everybody deserves a decent life, their attitudes might start to chsnge. Let us hope so! How could we get the idea across to the parts of our population who need to understand?
I call his office quite often and refer to him as the dickless wonder, the lying, so-called "Christian" reprobate, the Trump-supporting weakling . . . and anything else denigrating I can think of!
Victor, I understand the difference full well because of that person’s actions. Thank you for pointing that out. As I think about the messsge of that survivor, I believe he was referring to anybody trying to spread hatred of large groups people, and to promote the idea of one perfect race or appearance, while trying to wipe out their existence of people only because of those differences. That is not to say that there could not be a large group of people who are sneaky and hateful, more like the person you mentioned in ways of behavior, but you are not trying to extinguish a group by lying about them and spreading hatred. Possibly there is a better way to phrase the thought than I have found, but the ways which were used to turn people in Germany against the Jewish people through lies, and names to create undue hatreds are the the examples he used.
MAGA has been brainwashed! They only listen to distorted news and they have become judgmental, racist, uncaring, and in denial. I see it in my family. T. Brings out the worst in people. They don’t seem Open to discussing anything or in Thinking differently. And these are “religious” people. Jesus said “love one another.” What happened to that? Unfortunately it will have to play out and it could get really bad before people will realize the devastation! Some don’t even pay attention! I pray for our country 🙏 💕
A few years back Bill O'Reilly published The Killing of Jesus. The book became a bestseller even though it just repeated what the Gospels tell us. It seems that people are simply too lazy to read the Bible, the Gospels included. Incidentally, O'Reilly, then in Fox News employ, turned Jesus into a law and order guy, not a rebel.
Very true! Trump is not acting in any normal way. We have never had a "president" do the things he is doing, AND they are against our own citizens! He wants to send the National Guard and/or the military but only to "blue" cities! Do the red cities not see this or do they just think they are safe because they are designated a "red" city? Trump has divided us into red and blue. He hates the "blue" people, employees or elected officials. Not for any valid reason but just because they don't believe in him or bend their knee for him! We have to get him out of our White House. I hope there is planning going on to make that happen. If not, we may see then end of America, sooner or later!
How much longer will the megalomanic orange man be in the White House? The sooner he's kicked out of it along with his acolytes and sycophants the better for us all. His dementia is increasingly on display. What will it take to get him out?
Keith, if I had an answer for that important question, I could share it and put everyone's mind at ease. We all ask that at least once or twice a day I am sure! There is no magic cure. It is just going to take all of us to stand together and keep fighting as hard as we know how. Please make sure to tell your friends and family about October 18. Make your signs and get out there to protest against this horrific regime! I'll see you in the streets!
Unfortunately, they won't disappear and there are others waiting in the wings, like the despicable Vance and Musk. Thiel and Joe Lonsdale are throwing money into the goal of dismantling our democracy so they'll back MAGA types. They backed Ttrump & pushed Vance on him
We, the people will demand that they do their jobs! Congress, and the COURT. The ones who run the businesses too. When Corporate cannot get a flight to where they need to safely go, it will matter, like Robert Reich has said.
Since Trump came came to power, you've already planes landing upside down and falling off aircraft carriers, a number of near misses at airports and doors and other things dropping off planes. It's almost a metaphor for the administration.
I lost a very good friend due to a mid air collision. The aviation system is breaking down. We have young air traffic controllers controlling airplanes, young pilots flying airlines, and young mechanics fixing airplanes. These are people without a lot of experience.
Training is a bad word with the administration yet it is through training that people learn what to do and what not to do and how to recognize signs of a problem. It takes more than air traffic controllers to make the aviation system safe. Without inspections on airplanes, accidents happen. Think of the problems with Boeing. Without comprehensive training of pilots, accidents happen because of the lack of knowledge, Think of the accident of an airplane crashing into a river when taking off from National Airport. Without controller training airplanes crash into each other. Think of the recent mid air collision in Washington, D.C.
People should not be stressing because of a threat they are going to loose their jobs. People should be focusing on doing their jobs without the noise in the background. The political insertions into federal employees jobs is offensive and points to children running the United States. Can we please get the adults back?
Enough of us decisively rejecting patent misfeasance and malfeasance in the performance of ostensibly "our" government. Democracy entails for each a share of choice, as well as a share of responsibility, to all, for societal outcomes. Of late we've been had.
Sooner or later, even those dopes are going to realise that things are getting worse under Trump. Inflation is rising as the tariffs kick in; the unemployment rate is rising (one real boon from the shutdown for the administration is that the jobs figures won't be published); and growth is flatlining.
The other inescapable consequence of a Trump administration (and more so this time round than in his first term) will be the effects of the sheer incompetence of his government. These will eventually become impossible even for MAGA to ignore. Incidentally, William Davies has penned a lengthy disquisition (somewhat abbreviated in the Guardian) on Trumpian stupidity that's worth a read if you have an hour or so to spare.
And let's not forget the gross incompetence of Congressional republicans who all seem to suffer from the same "vision" problems. They have failed spectacularly to see (or even acknowledge) the dire consequences of their decisions or lack thereof. Their duty to their constituents and their oath the uphold the Constitution - be damned - they don't "see" it. Instead, they've become hapless servants of a madman, waiting to be told what to "think" and how to act. Zombie politicians, whose brain capacity has squeezed out any room for the truth or independent reasoning required by "thinking individuals. Case book examples of "stupidity" - those who lack an imagination, the failure to reflect upon the consequences of their actions.
Keith, that is an excellent question because it appears MAGA has no clue what life is like anywhere past a short distance from where they live. They love their Baby Donnie because they want to be bullies as they think he is. They don't see the harm and if they themselves are harmed which they will be, they can easily blame it on Democrats or Black people or women or immigrants or or or. There is always someone they can blame instead of the people who are actually causing their struggle: the very rich, corporations with greed as their bottom line, politicians who are more interested in winning and power than caring about the people who elected them, people who claim to be christian while they are not that, and it is unclear what they actually are beyond evil! So, I am hoping the air traffic controllers in large cities will be the ones to bring an end to this Trumpian insanity soon, and that Democrats will demand even more of any agreement, like insuring that any money approved by Congress and signed off on by the President is paid no matter what a president of the opposing party does. I think there are already such laws, but they need to be reiterated for the whiny Trump who has dementia, so has to be reminded of what he can't do, and by Republicans who do know, but do nothing in the face of Vought, Miller and the rest of the toddler pool.
Ruth, isn’t it incredible how Trump, instead of, as he calls it, “draining the swamp”, he has filled his administration of incompetent deplorables and the Republicans in Congress are perfectly fine with it. I’m sure our military brass were not at all impressed with Trump or his secretary of war.
I am surprised no one is expressing outrage over Trump's humiliating treatment of our generals and admirals. Having Hegseth, a junior officer, summon them was humiliating enough. Then the Fox News martinet gave them an insolent lecture and hinted that they should resign. Then came Trump and let them know that they might be commanded to fight their fellow Americans in our cities. If any of them protests they will be charged with insubordination. Our military need our help. Don't expect them to come to our defense.
Victor if you watched this ridiculous, fascism laden, speech by two white supremacy leaders. Our military brass were not receptive to their authoritarian tactics. I believe that the majority, if not all of them, have no respect for what the president or his “secretary of defense” are proposing. Our military brass have taken an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
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They never will stop this madness. Dementia Donnie is their god, and they worship him as their lord and savior. They will continue to worship him even after he's dead and gone. That's how cults operate.
Ah, but they don't see him as making their lives miserable. They see him as making everyone else's, especially people who live in blue states, lives miserable. The only thing that will stop their worship of their cult leader is deprogramming. And that will not be an easy task.
And let’s not forget the thousands or perhaps hundreds of thousands of people in Africa dying because of the lack of food and medical care and medications as a result of Trump cutting off foreign aid. Shut up.
and,with the shrinking of usaid,many woldwide have/will likely die-as to what it will take...-the truth,which they won't accept,therefor they on't change,no matter whaat
He also awarded the odious Kirk a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom. Another recipient was conservative shock-jock, Rush Limbaugh, Kirk's mentor.
I’m distracted by the shooting death of 28 yo USMC vet Jake Hieu Quoc Nguyen, who died the same day. His body had been dumped by the side of a Texas road like a piece of trash. Where are the presidential tributes and promises of posthumous medals? Has JDV been to see his devastated family? Are immigrants being warned not to make light of Nguyen’s death like they are Kirk’s? Texas has more than 4K fatalities from firearms each year. That’s 10% of the horrific national tally. Why hasn’t the Texas national guard been activated to restore law and order? Should the surviving family members of a USMC vet have to resort to gofundme? https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-hieu-quoc-nguyen If this administration wants to reduce violence, start with Texas.
I hadn't read about this case until you mentioned it but doesn't his death just become a statistic in your violent country? Alex Jones is still defaming the Sandy Hook parents and refusing to pay them damages, appealing to the Supreme Court. Trump nominee Ed Martin Jnr, who leads the 'Weaponisation Working Group' had actually begun an investigation into the retired FBI agent who was helping the families to get justice but thankfully was ordered to drop it. It shows the extent to which the federal law institutions are being suborned to pursue revenge for Trump. One more death means nothing to them.
You’re absolutely right. The death of USMC vet Jake Hieu Quoc Nguyen is just another statistic. I wonder what the generals thought of the disparity compared with Kirk when they convened last week. Gun-related injuries are the #1 cause of death of children ages 1-19 in the US and Texas is responsible for 10% of them. If 47 wants the military to train in US cities, start with Texas, whose residents are aware of the problem. What does that say? https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/10/texas-gun-fatalities-laws/
I imagine that what many of those generals and admirals were thinking was along the lines of 'have I been dragged halfway across the world just to listen to this shit?'
I don't know how you can ever reach a consensus about gun control when your country is polarised on the issue, even in Texas (or perhaps especially in Texas which has some of the most permissive gun laws in the US).
Sadly, I think you’re absolutely right. Sandy Hook proved it. The world watched in horror and disbelief as the US chose the second amendment over common sense reform. The slaughter of our children mattered, of course, but gun rights mattered more. If Ken Paxton disarms Texas, there will be an immediate 10% reduction in firearms deaths. That’s more than 4000 people whose family members would otherwise be just as devastated as Kirk’s. Texas lawmakers have approved more than 100 bills that loosened gun restrictions since 2000. Where is the national guard?
I SO HATE DONALD TRUMP AND HIS LUDICROUS, INANE, INSANE IDEA OF "HEROES"!!! WHAT A MISERABLE ASSHOLE OF A SO-CALLED "PRESIDENT"!!
DID THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE EVER SUE HIM FOR MALFEASANCE WHEN HE TOOK OUT THE "NEW YORK TIMES" CENTERFOLD HUGE LIE AD AGAINST THEM INSISTING THEY WERE GUILTY OF THAT RAPE AND MURDER EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE NOT??? IF THEY DIDN'T, THEY SHOULD! (Statute of limitations or not!) They should SUE HIM for everything he's worth or ever been worth!!!
Donald Trump is a CAPITAL LIAR!!!!! He should spend the rest of his days in solitary confinement having to listen to tapes, newsfeeds, videos, etc. of every lie he's ever told BEING PLAYED BACK TO HIM!!!!!
For some I fear that undoing democracy is the 'big plan '. Christian Nationalism is all too real and present and one psycho down unlikely to send them all home. Vance is (apparently) all on board there, though his menu of beliefs looks very changeable.
Peggy, I have lost the place where you suggested that I check out “Lesving MAGA”, but I thank you! I found the site and will receive the free book. I’ll read it and am glad to know someone has left it and is trying to help. I hope I have you a heart, but I have not relocated the message to be able to tell.
You are more than welcome, JP4M! I hope his book will provide answers to the questions you have. We are in this together, JP4M, so anytime I can help you or you can help me, we use that to stand together. Keep fighting, JP4M! NEVER GIVE UP and NEVER SURRENDER!
Your every word is spot-on. The White House resident will NEVER assume any culpability for resulting inconveniences, heartache, deaths, disasters. He will blame EVERYONE, and will enact retribution for whomever he feels is "disloyal". It's who he is and I shudder to think where all this is going.
How about leveraging the power of air traffic controllers and adding to the list of demands before ending the shutdown? Start with releasing unredacted Epstein files to the public, defunding ICE, common sense gun reform, and limiting military “training” to Texas. The US has more than 40K firearms deaths each year. Firearm injuries are the leading cause of death in children 1-19. Texas is responsible for 10% of them. They’re aware. What does that say? https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/10/texas-gun-fatalities-laws/
Or maybe that young man wasn't the murderer. Kirk would have been a perfect sarcrifice on the MAGA/P2025 altar to help kick off the next stage of the plan?
So many strings attached to the death and life too of Charlie. Wifey poo was a beauty contest winner in one of Rumps own modeling agencies. Hmm. Was he about to flip on his stance on Israel??? Hmm
Tyler Robinson has been arrested and charged with seven counts, I believe. It is a capital murder case. He will be convicted. His own parents drove him to the sheriff's office, I think.
You think (?) That is fair. No one should not say he will convicted without qualification. Like me l really doubt if you are in full possession of all the facts and it is wrong to prejudge a trial. That is a big element of what is wrong these days.
according to Al Jazeera, Hegseth's humiliation of our military was capped with a Christian prayer. Make no mistake, Trump, Hegseth, Project 205 are more than about greed. They have an ideology, of which Charles Kirk was an eloquent exponent. It's white Christian nationalism.
Trump is a dangerous psychopath and malignant narcissist—the last person who should ever lead a nation. We should never have allowed this to happen, yet it did. Unless we fully understand why it happened and take action to fix it, America cannot recover. The danger extends far beyond our borders: the entire world itself is at risk, and closer to catastrophe than most people are willing to acknowledge.
Klare, because it’s capitalized I read it as alluding to the childish behavior of renaming geographical features at whim, as if our democracy were a toy box and our Constitution a bag of marbles...”playing Gulf.”
Let’s no forget the expected millions that will die because of USAID cuts and cuts to UN programs. Fishermen from Venezuela or the allies he plans to invade?
I predict something even worse. A horrible crash or other catastrophe because of all the incompetence in this administration. Unfortunately, that’s what it will take for this game of chicken to end. I certainly am not planning to travel anywhere soon.
Same, It hurts,. I have a brother whom I want to visit, but I do not feel safe flying. A sister, too. My daughter and her daughter wanted to go visit as well. As long as it is plainly unsafe, it will not happen.
And, Laurie, I suspect you -like me - have reached an age (with its various conditions) when we should pay attention to levels of active infectious diseases where we’re going. Unfortunately, while many of the states’ health agencies are keeping track of the numbers (when they can) within their state, the national numbers are not being kept, so there’s no way to track trends. Talk about “flying blind” !
I have traveled by car to the Midwest, but sm getting too old to drive through Canada and down over the Peace bridge to Michigan. My husband can't sit in a car for long periods. Harder to do that, and deal with unfamiliar roads and heavy traffic.
the reclining seats on tourist buses are much more comfortable than those in cars and airplanes. Some tourist buses also have cots. They do make prologued stops (about 1 hr) for cleaning every few hours, especially inconvenient at night.
I already decided over the summer not to travel until something changes in the demeanor of the country. Now it’s even worse and the near miss crashes due to understaffing sealed the deal for me too.
I have a dear friend of 40-plus years who lives thousands of miles away from me. She and I meet up once or twice a year in places like Paris or London and spend a week together exploring and talking. I told her recently that I'm not going to leave the country while MAGA's in office because I write a lot of bad stuff about Dumpy, and I don't want trouble when I come back through US Customs. I'm a gray-haired little old White lady whose family has been in this country for hundreds of years, but I'm worried about vengeance for my "radical left-wing lunatic" views.
I am going to keep a close eye on the airlines for the next one week, then decide if I want to fly. Even before this shutdown airlines were struggling. Too many flight cancellations, unplanned landing, near misses on ground as well as in air. Now with even fewer workers in the control towers the risk is even higher. If there is an unfortunate disaster during the shutdown, Trump will find a scapegoat.
Trump and the billionaires backing him and Project 2025 are narrow minded, greedy, and amoral. They also know how to manipulate religious fundamentalists and ethnic resentments. They are now in control of our government..
What victory will an end to the shutdown deliver? We'll just be in for more of the same unless Congress takes serious action to impeach Trump. On the Chris Hedges Show September 30, Ralph Nader explained the urgency of removing Trump from office as well as the countless charges that could be brought against him. One needn't look far: Trump commits impeachable offenses on a daily basis. Early Tuesday morning on the strength of Trump's authority alone, ICE agents rappelled from Black Hawk helicopters to literally descend on a Chicago apartment building where it was "believed" there were bad people (they didn't know who lived in that building), knocked down the doors of the residents' apartments, zip-tied those residents, dragged them out of their homes, some of them naked, and trashed their apartments to boot. Anyone want to hear Trump's inane excuse for having to do that? Anyone want to wait one more day to see what Trump does next? Let's dispense with the milquetoast rhetoric of the still hesitant congresspeople and move to impeach the man.
A big problem is we need to get several people out of office - I cannot imagine life under Hegseth - so the legal question of who comes next is a big one. This goes several people deep. I don’t know any way around that. Edit: I actually meant to say I couldn’t imagine life under Vance - but Hegseth is just as bad.
Seriously?? I heard nothing about that. And I'm a little surprised that ICE agents have enough training to jump out of helicopters, given that they are desperate for warm bodies to join their Secret Police and seem to have filled their ranks with thugs from J6 and other white supremacists groups.
Of course I agree, Laurie, but why aren't their attack ads making that point vehemently and less patronisingly. We've seen this sort of absurd timidity before.
The Democrats showed some guts in refusing to vote for the Republican CR but when oh when are the gloves going to come off with these guys? This is utterly pathetic. Is it any wonder their approval ratings are in the dumps?
Russell John Netto, I completely disagree. My own Democratic governor, JB Pritzker, is speaking out forcefully, along with Newsome and many other Democratic governors. Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth (who lost her legs in Viet Nam and is in a wheelchair, but it doesn't slow her down a bit!) just sent a detailed reply to my email about the lunatic RFK Jr., and told me of all of the ways she is fighting RFK Jr. and this fascist regime, working with other Dems to do so. Jeffries and Schumer are finally standing up. Democrats are winning special elections all over the country now---and more wins are, I hope, coming soon, led by energetic young Dem leaders, whether electeds or in the campaigns, like Spanberger's. Let's save our vitriol for the Criminal-in-Chief and his junk drawer cabinet, please!
Shelley Riskin, you are absolutely right about the wisdom and great efforts of these fine Democrats. Thank you for speaking out for them. Illinois has two fine senators and a fine governor. There are other fine Democrats who are senators as well.
Much of legacy media has decided that no one likes Democrats---NYTimes, WaPo, etc; all have numerous articles about this---when all of the ACTUAL evidence (voting in Dems in current and recent elections across the country) points to the opposite. Also, don't forget the very successful town halls held by Dems, while MAGA is too scared to do them. And of course the rallies, filled with Dem electeds, and young people who clearly see that many Dems, including Harris/Walz, tried to warn us, and are now gearing up to defeat this fascist regime--by voting Democratic! I think we'll also see a massive number of people at the October 18 rallies across the nation, more than the last one, which was huge!
Okay, Shelley but don't go complaining if they lose again. Vitriol is I am sure what many Democrat voters want to see more of but that term could hardly be applied to describe that wretched advert that I was posting about. They could have asked Gavin Newsom to suggest ideas for attack videos. He seems to know how to get under Trump's skin.
I agree with what you say about leaders like Newsom and Pritzker, but how many Democrats in Congress are still shying away from endorsing Mamdani, by far the most popular candidate they have? How many support the Sanders/AOC campaign for higher taxes on the uber-wealthy? If they continue to search for a rapidly disappearing centre when the last time your country was so polarised was during the Civil War; and they still can't choose a side even when Trump is tearing up your democracy, who could then blame progressive voters for being disillusioned? Look at their approval ratings.
The Trump administration is failing. Inflation is rising and growth is flatlining. It's policies are unpopular and it's implementation of policy is at best chaotic and at worst deeply disturbing. But it's risky trying to win an election based mainly on the failings of the incumbents. The Democrats need someone to articulate a positive, hopeful message to the country that is both a viable alternative to Trumpism and a denunciation of Trump. You clearly have the guys to do this, but they need to get out front ahead of Schumer and Jeffries who really don't have the cajones.
Events are moving very, very quickly. More people are being affected. I don't want to get into an endless debate about who is doing what, so let's see, and let's continue to advocate for the most urgent resistance, and a clear Dem vision. I DO feel very fortunate to live in Illinois, and I've written myriad thank you emails (or calls) to the electeds, including the many attorneys general and organizations like Citizens United or the ACLU, who are fighting hard. Plus of course, they're all in need of donations as well as activism.
The big money dominates the conversations. I remember when Bernie Sanders was relegated to the back pages of the newspapers, if he was mentioned at all. Bernie had the stones to appear on Fox "news", and got some coverage for that, and maybe even some supporters. You are right, they should get out of the box, but it is easier said than done. I wonder how you think they should improve ratings, The Democrats?
Yes, but the Democrats also benefit from big money. That advert was embarrassing. Besides, you don't need big money to come up with something better than that. They could have posted this exchange between Democratic Representative Madeleine Dean and House Speaker Mike Johnson on Trump's crazy speech to the top brass. " I didn't see it"?!!!
Russell John Netto, true, but I was referencing wayy way back in ancient history when Bernie was running for President. He was very scary to the big money and Wall street, (as he most likely would still be today if he had the huuuuge crowds at his rallies), but wait, he still does, but he is safely not running for president. The republican party has been pretty much the biggest recipient of money, at least in recent memory.
Professor Reich: the incompetence of this government regime shutdown is astounding. that lives WILL BE LOST as a result is also astounding. but there are people out there who won't care, even then. people who are so consumed with hate and racism that even the loss of their family members is viewed as the price that must be paid to harm black and brown people for daring to live in this country, for daring to try to achieve what the rest of us cannot accomplish.
Sadly, you’re absolutely right. Hatred, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, violence, etc. are all acceptable, and even celebrated by Trump and in turn, by his MAGA cult followers. Science, culture, education, and empathy are pushed aside, not "manly”. Congress and SCOTUS are part of the cult and protests have been ineffective. Will it take a massive disaster to bring about the end of this madness?!?
i'm still trying to work out WHO/WHAT is the true leader of this death cult? trump is the spokesman, or prophet, or whatever these dolts are known as to the cult members, but who is pulling the strings? i keep thinking it's peter thiel, or perhaps the heritage foundation?
Look no farther than Project 2025, authored by The Heritage Foundation, and Stephen Miller, chief advisor to the President. By one report, over 50% of Project 2025 objectives have already been achieved.
In my opinion the one with the most power is to blame, that is Chief Justice John Glover Roberts, Junior. Profit driven media has been and continues to be derelict in their journalism concerning French Fry Roberts. He has always been an extreme right-wing White identity fascist. JohnBoy and his fashee bo bashee wifee participated in international human trafficking to procure their children before he were nominated by a bona fide war criminal, Bush the Lessor. Even the criminals of the Bush administration thought Roberts were a racist weirdo who exposed the White identity fascist tendencies of the GOP in government records, eg his one-sided quixotic crusade against Michael Jackson during the Reagan administration. Michael liked Reagan and mistakenly believed Republican propaganda. Learning that a White identity idiot wrote multiple letters, with multiple factual errors, and successfully argued against Michael receiving a simple letter of commendation, for his charity work, probably rocked his world. Roberts has been known as a very bad actor amongst the woke anti-fascist communities for over four decades.
Fugu Roberts has essentially been the most powerful man on Earth for two decades. With Citizens United he solidified capital supremacy which, in the American Empire, always favours White identity. Often wrong John ruined the Affordable Care Act. The amended acts, that Roberts claimed were made to comport with the US Constitution, forced changes to programs that helped marginalised folk like myself. It has cost my elderly parents thousands of dollars just to keep me alive, since the passage of the ACA. Universal healthcare is an essential component of a functioning society. But Republican propaganda made folk believe that minorities got these entitlements and that White folk were denied. That is simply false.
Roberts, Thomas, and Kavanaugh need to recuse themselves whilst the adults sort out their mess. Impeaching Trump now gives Vance the keys to the kingdom. If Trump were more clever, he would take all of the evidence that he stole and offer it in exchange for a reduced prison sentence for his long list of crimes. We need to be prepared for members of the Democratic party to be charged. However, there are exponentially more criminals in the GOP. If only Republicans are punished then it makes our stance on justice and human rights easily propagandized and the cycle of lies will continue. Bernie Sanders is calling for accountability. Both Mr Obama and Biden failed domestically and internationally in holding previous criminals and their own crimes accountable. That's one of the main grievances of folk who went from Mr Obama to Trump. Both lied about accountability and upheld fascism.
We need to organise and counter the lies. I believe that we can do it. If not, our world will continue to deteriorate. 🤔🧐✊
You cannot sustain a population this large and complicated without a massive back-office managing a vast array of services; police, fire, sewage, public health, etc., much of which it just too essential to a safe and secure society to leave to the whims of private providers. I'm all for private enterprise, but it does some things very well, and others poorly. Government of, by and for the people remains a good idea and some governmental powers and duties are too dangerous and/or vital to not be under public supervision and control. Air Traffic Control is arguably one of them. Human lives depend on it.
You speak a deep truth. Stockholders are not good decision makers - I certainly would not trust any of them with my life. And ultimately that is who every corporation is beholden to. It’s all they care about.
Oh I hope you are correct. However, Trump still had remnants of sanity left in 2018. I am not sure he does anymore. Nor do his people. Miller cares for no one. Vought cares only for the implementation of project 2025, which will kill - it is already, just in foreign lands. Vance cares only for himself. ICE is doing incomprehensible, fascist damage in cities. Do they care? If speaker Mike Johnson had a shred of constitutional sense left, along with a spine, he would have impeached Trump already for open corruption and constitutional violations. Will the government shutdown end soon? Do Republicans even care? Who knows.
What is that Vought all about ? They say he’s a deeply religious man but he is in favor of killing millions by removing healthcare provisions to keep them alive? What are the plans by Republicans for healthcare if there are no subsidies making it affordable for lower income families?
Vought is not a Christian in the sense of being a follower of Jesus. He is a white Christian nationalist, which is code for a government, conservative evangelical, and corporate alliance to run the state as religious autocracy. More simply, it is a modestly adapted form of fascism rooted in the antebellum south. They don't care about people, just power (and mint juleps served by people of color). People and the environment (functioning ecosystems of the planet) are irrelevant. Empathy is despised as weakness.
I live in Georgia and have read a great deal about white Christian nationalism and its roots. Some of it IS rooted in the Klan.
Their aim is to use the power of state to "mark" who is and who is not American, Constitution be damned. If you oppose them, they will mark you as a terrorist and strip you of your citizenship. That's an easier way to think of it.
The MAGA traitors in the House are either fully on board, or along for the ride.
William Davies in the Guardian has penned a long disquisition of Trumpian stupidity applying to it I think a good deal more erudite analysis than it deserves.
Even so, I liked the article. That Trump is stupid, and his team sycophants, is an easy call to make. I have admired Hannah Arendt for years, and her analysis of our present dilemma, long before Trump emerged from his failed casinos, holds up very well. Thanks for the connection.
The air traffic controllers deserve our highest respect. I can’t even come close to imagining how they handle the pressure. They’re a gift and we should treat them as such. Of course so are the scientists and other tireless government workers who are treated as chattel.
I regret to hammer home the point once again, but the Pope himself just did it!!! Those who constantly claim to be followers of God, even with tattoos of Christ on their chests, and who inflict suffering on their fellow human beings are IMPOSTORS.
One cannot constantly cite God, pray to God, and be for the death penalty, whether it be the death penalty pronounced by a judge or that inflicted by weapons of war. When in the same sentence the Pope talks about abortion and the death penalty, it's clear! You don't have to be a theologian to understand! The Pope doesn't name names because that's not his role, but it's easy to read between the lines.
Let's put an end to this hypocrisy of many right-wing American politicians, but there are some on the other side too.
Millions of people are dying of hunger, thirst, heat, cold, under bombs or missiles, in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and all over the world. Each of these lives has the same value as that of Trump, Vance, Hegseth, Rubio, you, or me.
A child who suffers is a child, white or Black, poor or rich, from a Christian family, a Muslim family, or from any religion, or no religion at all! We must stop beating around the bush and attack these scoundrels on the issue that will make them react: religion and God, not just the economy.
Thank you for providing a ray of hope as we descend into a fascist country - the reason the Republicans want to keep the government shut down is avoid a vote to release the Epstein files
Where is the $17 trillion that the president is always bragging about? If there was that much money coming in from his disastrous tariffs, we wouldn’t have this shut down.
"A government shutdown falls on the president's lack of leadership. I mean, problems start from the top and they have to get solved from the top. A shutdown means the president is weak." -- DJ Trump on the 2013 government shutdown.
He twists everything around depending on the situation at the time--it has worked very well for him. It makes me question the peoples' ability to retain mental clarity.
I’m pretty sure at least half of his supporters are quite deficient in metal clarity. There’s a high percentage of Americans who cannot read above a sixth grade level. And that is a fact.
Yes, very problematic Jerry. Let's continue to resist for the sake of humanity. The poor influence of the administration can do damage on a global scale. Thanks for the data! Joan
That was before Project 2025. This shut down, like the previous one, is meant to advance the Republican agenda. Elon Musk missed the point when he denounced the Abominable Bill for being full of pork. The "pork" is there to give Trump discretionary funds during the shutdown. This is why Republicans went along with it. The shut down provides the pretext and opportunity to complete the demolition of the "deep state." This is a revolution they believe worth of sacrifices.
A snap poll in the Washington Post a couple days ago revealed that a whopping 71% of Americans blame Trump and MAGA for the shutdown. In other words, MAGA attempts to pin the blame on Dems have been an EPIC FAIL. The ads for the 2026 mid-terms are writing themselves now.
Bob, fully agreed. I followed the crasch in the Potomac and saw the disgusting reaction of the President. When you are not very competent and responsible, you never become ATC.
Maybe it was you who said: this incompetent bunch does not inderstand that a lot of governing costs money, but produces unpolitical services that society and the economy need.
And yes, will the FAA report a lack of ATC's or lacking skills of replacement, when a terrible accident occurs? Maybe the ATC's should strike?
Perhaps a slowdown rather than a strike. A slowdown for all private and corporate jets. Make them circle far from the airport. It would relieve some congestion. Let the billionaires build their own airports.
Our current government is staffed with a level of incompetence which reflects a thinking process that is only "half" here. A man was murdered recently and our President ordered all flags to be flown at half staff. This individual was special to Trump but to most of us he was just a radical right wing religious Republican, not unlike so many others. One disillusioned member of a MAGA family took it upon himself to end the life of Charlie Kirk, a life that shouldn't have been taken, was lost. A single bullet ended so much for so many. If our flag is to be found in the middle of the pole for the death of one, where will Trump have it positioned after tens of thousands have perished because of the healthcare cuts imposed by a bastard bill that should never have been written in the first place. The kid who killed Mr. Kirk did it with a single bullet, the untold thousands Trump intends to sacrifice will leave us via a single swipe of an auto pen, and he'll feel great while playing another round of Gulf.
Trump has already been responsible for the deaths of many with the way he handled the pandemic. What will it take to get MAGA to stop this madness?
Keith, while I was reading Donald's comment, I couldn't help but think of those people who were killed at a church in Grand Blanc, Michigan right after Kirk was killed. No flags at half-staff for them. The orange man didn't waste any words on them; however, he had so much to say about a radical right wing religious republican. All of maga blamed democrats for his killing. The orange man has targeted democrats calling us vermin, scum and enemies of the people. He attacks blue leaning cities and states and would love to see us "disappeared" if he could. Maga madness won't stop until the orange man is no longer in the White House.
Peggy Freeman, There was also a horrible shooting at a high school in Evergreen, CO (a small community between Denver and Boulder) on the same day as the Kirk killing. It got little to no coverage. Traumatized high school kids, teachers, and community, two teens severely wounded, and the 16-year-old shooter dead from a self-inflicted bullet. My friend was there, comforting one of the boys, who was shot through the mouth and throat, exiting his chest. All innocents, affected by violence! But, oh, ho hum, just another school shooting, no need to fly flags at half-staff, or pass reasonable gun control laws.
You are right, Shelley, there was no news about that shooting or it was a miniscule piece that I may have not seen. School shootings are happening again and again and it seems that our government has accepted them as "normal". According to Kirk, a few deaths a year is worth it to keep the 2nd Amendment? Reasonable gun control laws are so very much needed in this country. If the so-called leader of our country treats school shootings as nothing but goes out of his way to honor a very divisive young man, it says a lot about how far our country has fallen.
Peggy, We are no longer a democracy. This is authoritarianism, pure and simple. And I will say that when innocent little children were murdered in 2010 at Sandy Hook, Obama was President, and spoke eloquently about this horrible event. I believe this is where he sang the incredibly moving Amazing Grace. There was a great swelling of support for gun control right after that. And......nothing happened!! Or has happened, countless shootings later. So, yes, school shootings are now seen as normal, and the onus is on the teachers to have shooter drills (I know, I'm a retired school librarian, and even the drills are terrifying!) In the case of Evergreen, the kids were at lunch, so they weren't sure what to do. Many were shot, with minor injuries. My friend is still traumatized---but at least he was there---at the rec center next door, where the kids burst in, terrified---to comfort the boy, who is in critical condition. You are one of many, including most of my friends, who knew nothing about this shooting. All the attention was on Kirk.
This is so sad, Shelley. I remember President Obama singing Amazing Grace and I remember the tears flowing freely as I tried to make sense of that senseless act! President Obama was eloquent and spoke like a true leader. You would never see the orange man doing anything like that. Oh how I wish we had a leader like President Obama or President Biden in the White House today!
Shelley, we certainly have gotten our priorities mixed up. This morning in Heather Cox Richardson's article, I read that an apartment complex in Chicago was attacked by ICE, FBI, and others dragging the residents onto the street, forcing some, even naked to stand for hours with their hands zip-tied behind them while their apartments were trashed, and kids zip-tied together. When asked why one of the ICE guys was doing that, he said something like "f**k the kids." That is how law enforcement feels about our kids, irrelevant, well, particularly if they are of color, probably most of them at that complex, American citizens, and the victims of the school shootings practically ignored while kids are traumatized with shooter drills. I want to ask the MAGAs if they are OK with our kids being treated so badly. Would it be OK if it were their own kids.
President Obama sang Amazing Grace at the funeral for Clementa Pinckney, murdered by Dylan Roof, 10 years ago. David Remnick has a wonderful comment in this weeks' New Yorker, referencing that event and comparing Obama's response to Trump's at Kirk's funeral. Hint: opposite.
Shelley - On behalf of myself (and probably a lot of others here) please extend a thank you to your friend who was in the right place at the right time to be a voice of comfort to the child and the children who ran and found him. Thoughts and prayers are no longer enough but at least your friend was there for all of us during the tragedy. It shouldn’t keep happening and the stories shouldn’t be disappearing so quickly from our minds.
No average citizen: Kirk was a missionary.
Maybe I missed something, but I don't recall any lowering of flags, or even any offering of thoughts and prayers when a member of the Minnesota State Senate and her husband were gunned down. Yet an anti-Semitic, misogynistic, anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant loudmouth got treated like he was some big martyr.
Mary, you didn't miss anything. The orange man hates Democrats and would never mention their murders unless it was to say he was glad they were gone. I'm sorry, I know that sounds awful but the arrogance, hate, vengeful POS makes me think such awful things about him!
Mainstream media has forsaken its calling by normalizing Trump's atrocities, and normalizing or ignoring things like school shootings. As a retired reporter, I am more than disappointed. Of course, I realize plutocrat Jeff Bezos forces the Washington Post to knuckle under him. That's why so many good journalists have quit, or been fired by WaPo. I was horrified by the sanitizing of Charlie Kirk by the New York Times, and many others. I abhor violence, but Kirk did not. He advocated it, and didn't hide his bigotry. If flags are flown at half mast, perhaps we should say it's for the Death of Democracy.
hear hear
Well said, Steve!
Peggy, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen to that!!! I just received my order of three sweatshirts and a T-shirt from Everytown, and I will wear them proudly. The back of the Tee says three things, one of which is:
"I vote".
I hope nobody shoots me for wearing my heart about guns on my clothing!
Kare K, I proudly wear my 'Gulf of Mexico' T-shirt. Everytown is also a great organization, who persist, even in the wake of more and more and more gun violence, now celebrated by this regime.
That shooting was on the news, Peggy. I heard it several times on NPR.
Yes it was but only a minuscule amount…no political fan fare, circus, trump rally fanaticism etc.
For the record, I am happy that it wasn’t turned into some rally, but it was shameful coverage all the same. 💔
Yes, I had even had thought one half staff flag I saw was for the people at the school until I learned of the reasoning he used.
That’s where I heard it
I was in CO right after the Columbine shooting and people all over the country were shocked and in mourning. That was 1999. How could we forget so quickly??
Nancy, we must never forget Columbine, Sandy Hook, Santana, Uvalde and so many others. These children did not deserve this. Their lives were cut short by people who had no regard for human life. We absolutely must continue to push for stronger gun laws.
They forget because there are school shootings on a continual basis, no one can keep track anymore, and nothing is ever done, except ridiculous proposals to arm teachers and have terrifying shooter drills.
Peggy, you and Shelley and commentators above are so right. I need to report on a film I recently took my 12 year old granddaughter to. "Prime Minister". The career of Jacinda Ardern on screen in this docudrama. Jacinda, the Prime Minister who stopped gun culture in it's tracks in New Zealand. Her little girl, her husband, the three dreadful tragedies she navigated our country through during her time in office. She wept with the survivors of the Mosque killings, investigated the aftermath of the White Island Volcanic explosion that killed many tourists, comforted the wives of 29 miners killed in an explosion at Pike River, and along with Dr Ashley Bloomfield, prevented thousands of deaths from COVID by acting fast and early, closing the borders and ordering lock-downs when necessary. She encouraged a mantra of kindness and oversaw a gun amnesty that took most dangerous guns out of circulation and compensated their owners. She left a legacy that will be part of our history. However, just like in the USA, we have those who would find ways to hate. Jacinda Ardern was forced to end her career as Prime Minister early. Caused by a large group of Vaccine Deniers (and others with grievances who took the opportunity to make a scene) who camped outside Parliament for weeks, harassing the PM and her Ministers and ended up leaving a filthy mess and burning the newly placed Children's Playground. Their presence menaced our Prime Minister and threatened the life of her child, causing this mother to step down. Most of us revere her, and my grand daughter said: "Granny, I have learned so much from this film". But even I have erstwhile friends who, even now, would kill Our Jacinda. We are living in distorted times. And you are not alone in dealing with unhinged people who do, or try to, take over.
Your Prime Minister sounds like an amazing woman. I understand the courage it took for her end her career in order to prevent harm to her child, most mothers understand the sacrifice. I am glad your granddaughter is learning about the remarkable women and men who strive to keep our world from succumbing to the evil that is always and ever present. I am sure Jacinda Ardern will be remembered throughout your history as a hero who worked tirelessly to make life better in New Zealand. Thank you for sharing about her.
Shelley, I am so sorry for everyone there, who died, suffered, or continues to carry the nightmare of such a horrific situation. I am sorry your friend had to be there but could try to help. You are so right about each and every life that is and has been taken. Flags could be at half staff most of the time these because everybody matters to somebody, and many of the deaths are caused by human aggressions. Preferential national honors are extremely revealing, as is the selectively forced suffering and the list of hatreds as parts of a particular agenda. Why can everyone not see that and stand up for people?
Actually, all flags should be flown upside down, the military distress signal. At the last No Kings protest, military people were carrying upside down flags, so this action is entirely appropriate. This country is indeed in a dire state of distress.
Shootings also reignite all the trauma for the many, many, many victims of past shootings.
JD has told us to get used to school shootings. I don't know what warped Christian nationalist belief he uses to justify it.
Anne Sutherland, When my 42 year old son found out that Evergreen, CO, where his dad lives, was the site of the shooting, he told me, "Dad is OK, Mom. It was just another school shooting." My son was 4 years old when Laurie Dann killed a first grader in a neighboring suburb, Winnetka, IL., and wounded many others. He grew up with school shootings and drills. I thought his comment was one of the saddest statements I've ever heard. (And I know he wasn't as "ho hum" as his comment implied.)
Many of our early colonists were Christian refugees fleeing from fellow Christians. The Christian nationalism promoted by Trumpists negates everything this country stands for, and it is self-destructive.
He's obviously a super asshole, Anne, with a seriously warped mind!
Shelley......My question is when the Democrats had control of the government why didn't they reform gun controls? If they win the midterms in 2026 besides reversing the damage trump and regime have done they should do gun reform, it is way beyond time it is done! The Democrats should also impeach trump and his regime and the 6 in the Supreme Court!!!
But lets honor the radical right who call for violence on those who are not part of the trump MAGAs. Such a sad time in America. I hope it ends soon!
Wasn’t it also a single assassins bullet that started the war to end all wars?
That was Gavrilo Princip who shot the Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914. This led to the Great War. That's the problem with political violence, it can lead to unseen consequences.
Princip was influenced by Serb Ultra-Nationalists seeking to unite Serbs in a pan-Slavic movement that would end Austro-Hungarian rule over the Balkan region. The spark that set off the 'Balkan Powder-keg' and led to WWI and the clash of imperial powers was an extreme form of ethno-nationalism; a somewhat similar race-based 'Blood and Soil' ideology that infects many individuals in and outside of the Trump administration.
R., you are right about the problems with nationalism. I had heard that Europe was amping up their war machine before that assassination and used that as the spark to light the fuse that exploded into insanity, and for what! Everyone lost, maybe not immediately, but within a couple of decades. Well, maybe not everyone. Those who supplied weapons and other war material sure won.
perfectly stated !
Yes, Colin, and we are still living with those consequences, none of them good.
Colin, thank you for correcting my erroneous assertion that it was an Austrian. I very much appreciate learning more about this event. I erased my comment. --- Klare K.
You’re welcome.
Serbian
Yep, Klare, it takes only one bullet to change history. There's so often someone out there ready with the gun or knife to take a life, often because they think their cause is just so important, or just because their mental illness is too overwhelming. A problem here is Republicans are pretending the young man who killed Kirk was a left-wing radical or the one who attacked the church in Michigan and the one in Minneapolis, and on and on; they were not! Lying though, does seem to work for Republicans and they all seem to do it regularly now and with no qualms. So much for the "ten commandments" which say that lying is wrong. Ah well, hypocrisy is strong with these MAGAs.
What held the Ten Commandments together for centuries was the fear of God. Then Moses, according to Deuteronomy, added love of God and the commandment to love each other. Jesus made it the center of his mission. Trumpists, contrary to their avowals , love neither God nor Jesus. They love themselves above all else. Their selfishness, xenophobia, and resentments make them easy prey for predators like Trump.
He was Serbian.
And any tribute to Jane Goodall?
Maureen, there were some news reports about Jane Goodall; however, not as much as I would have hoped. The problem is that the news today focusing only on the orange man and nothing else. I guess for them he is the only newsworthy person that draws in readers and viewers. That is a sad commentary on where we are today. Oh how I wish I could go to the news and find out relevant and important happenings in our world today. Jane Goodall was loved around the world. She was an amazing woman, but news outlets did not feel her death was worthy of much mentioning. It is the orange man 24/7! God help us, I would love to not ever have to see that orange face ever again!
Ten years ago the thought occurred that it would be nice if all of the news media would refuse to publish that particular dominating person’s image and more about him. Now, it is challenging to find news unrelated to the overdone on some news sites.
I watch a BBC world report everyday to see what is going on in the world.
I was asking if the White House would make a tribute to Jane Goodall. Ha!
Republicans are fond of the "orange face," because he attacks everything Jane Goodall defended: love of all life. She had a keen sense of what ecology is all about, and the importance of biodiversity. Ironically, Trump's ignorance of ecology is undermining and even endangering his agenda. The US economy is part of the world economy, which has all the characteristics of an ecology. Trump is wreaking it.
Completely agree, Victor! If a person is good and kind and spends their life teaching the importance of environmental conservation and the interconnectedness of all living beings, the orange man hates them. He insults, ridicules and tries to intimidate them. He simply cannot believe that the whole world is not as vile and corrupt as he is.
The media place I saw the most tributes to Jane Goodall was on YouTube and FaceBook. Jane was one of my all time "Hero/Heroine's ! ! !
Mine, too, Dale! She was an amazing woman!
Only known to a small group of friends. No controversy.
Sad, but true, Philip!
Peggy, I thought NPR covered her nicely. They did several reports on her history and what led her to her life's work.
You're right, Klare. NPR and PBS are great at covering the lives and history of really good people. I love PBS documentaries and spotlights on people whose lives have made such a huge impact on our world.
Maureen - You mean the woman who was actually deserving of the Medal of Freedom that she received? She is right up there with Mother Teresa. She was a champion in her own class and field. David Attenborough is the other one who is a champion in his field and class. Why would T care about people who lived for science and conservation when he is so actively trying to destroy it?
Anon, I "like" your comment because I applaud its truthfulness! Trump’s whole purpose for being is to promote the DESTRUCTION of everything . . . EVERYTHING!
Only a few years ago when I had the opportunity to attend a presentation of a Holocaust survivor, one point he made was to beware of anyone who would stoop to calling any human being the name of an undesirable animal. Some examples he gave are used by the person who seems impervious to the suffering and deaths his attitudes and actions continue to cause, whether by the stroke of a pen, mental or verbal suggestions, orders, or creating or supporting cruel bills or shutdowns which he blames on other people.
That particular survivow was extremely young when he and his family were taken. He spoke at a church. I have heard other survivors speak through the years in various places. The message of the younger one mainly left me with his explanation of the name calling form of hatred and the negative emotional contagion that form of dehumanizing causes. The effect of the vocabulary is intentional, as we are well aware. It continues to be used in the particular situation as another form of brainwashing.
I wish somebody could reach the minds of the followers, possibly by using that fact. I believe that once they realize what they are saying and how they are seeing anyone, with as much right to a decent life as they have since everybody deserves a decent life, their attitudes might start to chsnge. Let us hope so! How could we get the idea across to the parts of our population who need to understand?
JP4M, check out 'Leaving Maga'. Mr. Logis is working hard to do what you are suggesting in order to help those wanting to leave the cult.
I plead guilty, JP4M. Just the other day I called Mike Johnson a "snake," I think he deserves it. You be the judge.
I call his office quite often and refer to him as the dickless wonder, the lying, so-called "Christian" reprobate, the Trump-supporting weakling . . . and anything else denigrating I can think of!
Victor, I understand the difference full well because of that person’s actions. Thank you for pointing that out. As I think about the messsge of that survivor, I believe he was referring to anybody trying to spread hatred of large groups people, and to promote the idea of one perfect race or appearance, while trying to wipe out their existence of people only because of those differences. That is not to say that there could not be a large group of people who are sneaky and hateful, more like the person you mentioned in ways of behavior, but you are not trying to extinguish a group by lying about them and spreading hatred. Possibly there is a better way to phrase the thought than I have found, but the ways which were used to turn people in Germany against the Jewish people through lies, and names to create undue hatreds are the the examples he used.
MAGA has been brainwashed! They only listen to distorted news and they have become judgmental, racist, uncaring, and in denial. I see it in my family. T. Brings out the worst in people. They don’t seem Open to discussing anything or in Thinking differently. And these are “religious” people. Jesus said “love one another.” What happened to that? Unfortunately it will have to play out and it could get really bad before people will realize the devastation! Some don’t even pay attention! I pray for our country 🙏 💕
A few years back Bill O'Reilly published The Killing of Jesus. The book became a bestseller even though it just repeated what the Gospels tell us. It seems that people are simply too lazy to read the Bible, the Gospels included. Incidentally, O'Reilly, then in Fox News employ, turned Jesus into a law and order guy, not a rebel.
He may not have long to go. The swelling he has is being managed with IV diuretics. That's not a good sign.
Very true, Peggy.
Peggy, welcome back!
Thank you, JP4M! Glad to be back!
Amen Peggy - amen
Very true! Trump is not acting in any normal way. We have never had a "president" do the things he is doing, AND they are against our own citizens! He wants to send the National Guard and/or the military but only to "blue" cities! Do the red cities not see this or do they just think they are safe because they are designated a "red" city? Trump has divided us into red and blue. He hates the "blue" people, employees or elected officials. Not for any valid reason but just because they don't believe in him or bend their knee for him! We have to get him out of our White House. I hope there is planning going on to make that happen. If not, we may see then end of America, sooner or later!
Scary thought, Jan!
Thank you, Peggy. I totally agree.
How much longer will the megalomanic orange man be in the White House? The sooner he's kicked out of it along with his acolytes and sycophants the better for us all. His dementia is increasingly on display. What will it take to get him out?
Keith, if I had an answer for that important question, I could share it and put everyone's mind at ease. We all ask that at least once or twice a day I am sure! There is no magic cure. It is just going to take all of us to stand together and keep fighting as hard as we know how. Please make sure to tell your friends and family about October 18. Make your signs and get out there to protest against this horrific regime! I'll see you in the streets!
Unfortunately, they won't disappear and there are others waiting in the wings, like the despicable Vance and Musk. Thiel and Joe Lonsdale are throwing money into the goal of dismantling our democracy so they'll back MAGA types. They backed Ttrump & pushed Vance on him
We, the people will demand that they do their jobs! Congress, and the COURT. The ones who run the businesses too. When Corporate cannot get a flight to where they need to safely go, it will matter, like Robert Reich has said.
A serious mid air collision in the coming weeks?
Since Trump came came to power, you've already planes landing upside down and falling off aircraft carriers, a number of near misses at airports and doors and other things dropping off planes. It's almost a metaphor for the administration.
I lost a very good friend due to a mid air collision. The aviation system is breaking down. We have young air traffic controllers controlling airplanes, young pilots flying airlines, and young mechanics fixing airplanes. These are people without a lot of experience.
Training is a bad word with the administration yet it is through training that people learn what to do and what not to do and how to recognize signs of a problem. It takes more than air traffic controllers to make the aviation system safe. Without inspections on airplanes, accidents happen. Think of the problems with Boeing. Without comprehensive training of pilots, accidents happen because of the lack of knowledge, Think of the accident of an airplane crashing into a river when taking off from National Airport. Without controller training airplanes crash into each other. Think of the recent mid air collision in Washington, D.C.
People should not be stressing because of a threat they are going to loose their jobs. People should be focusing on doing their jobs without the noise in the background. The political insertions into federal employees jobs is offensive and points to children running the United States. Can we please get the adults back?
four feet , Sorry for your loss.
WE NEED TO SACRIFICE ONE MENTALLY ILL, QUITE POSSIBLY SEVERELY RETARDED ADULT, DONALD TRUMP. THE SOONER THE BETTER!
Four feet, I am so sorry for your loss of your friend and for any other losses. People care.
It is a great concern now when anybody flies. There are so many great concerns at this time, which there never should need to be.
four feet - I’m sorry for your loss. My spouse took a much needed vacation and is flying back home tonight and I can say that I am very scared.
Oh, I hope not. Ground the planes instead.
I agree, if safety does not come first, it is only right to ground the planes.
No.Don't even think that. Why contemplate such a tragedy as a possible political benefit?
Enough of us decisively rejecting patent misfeasance and malfeasance in the performance of ostensibly "our" government. Democracy entails for each a share of choice, as well as a share of responsibility, to all, for societal outcomes. Of late we've been had.
Sooner or later, even those dopes are going to realise that things are getting worse under Trump. Inflation is rising as the tariffs kick in; the unemployment rate is rising (one real boon from the shutdown for the administration is that the jobs figures won't be published); and growth is flatlining.
The other inescapable consequence of a Trump administration (and more so this time round than in his first term) will be the effects of the sheer incompetence of his government. These will eventually become impossible even for MAGA to ignore. Incidentally, William Davies has penned a lengthy disquisition (somewhat abbreviated in the Guardian) on Trumpian stupidity that's worth a read if you have an hour or so to spare.
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/oct/02/critique-pure-stupidity-understanding-donald-trump-2
And let's not forget the gross incompetence of Congressional republicans who all seem to suffer from the same "vision" problems. They have failed spectacularly to see (or even acknowledge) the dire consequences of their decisions or lack thereof. Their duty to their constituents and their oath the uphold the Constitution - be damned - they don't "see" it. Instead, they've become hapless servants of a madman, waiting to be told what to "think" and how to act. Zombie politicians, whose brain capacity has squeezed out any room for the truth or independent reasoning required by "thinking individuals. Case book examples of "stupidity" - those who lack an imagination, the failure to reflect upon the consequences of their actions.
I keep hearing from Michael aumgartner
I'm surprised he's not hiding out somewhere.
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=michael+baumgartner+congressman&mid=BD50DA7647B46B97BCF3BD50DA7647B46B97BCF3&mcid=DA4E20564FE843E29A6FA36CBC6558BC&FORM=VIRE
I agree Judith. They really are a feckless bunch.
Keith, that is an excellent question because it appears MAGA has no clue what life is like anywhere past a short distance from where they live. They love their Baby Donnie because they want to be bullies as they think he is. They don't see the harm and if they themselves are harmed which they will be, they can easily blame it on Democrats or Black people or women or immigrants or or or. There is always someone they can blame instead of the people who are actually causing their struggle: the very rich, corporations with greed as their bottom line, politicians who are more interested in winning and power than caring about the people who elected them, people who claim to be christian while they are not that, and it is unclear what they actually are beyond evil! So, I am hoping the air traffic controllers in large cities will be the ones to bring an end to this Trumpian insanity soon, and that Democrats will demand even more of any agreement, like insuring that any money approved by Congress and signed off on by the President is paid no matter what a president of the opposing party does. I think there are already such laws, but they need to be reiterated for the whiny Trump who has dementia, so has to be reminded of what he can't do, and by Republicans who do know, but do nothing in the face of Vought, Miller and the rest of the toddler pool.
Ruth, isn’t it incredible how Trump, instead of, as he calls it, “draining the swamp”, he has filled his administration of incompetent deplorables and the Republicans in Congress are perfectly fine with it. I’m sure our military brass were not at all impressed with Trump or his secretary of war.
I am surprised no one is expressing outrage over Trump's humiliating treatment of our generals and admirals. Having Hegseth, a junior officer, summon them was humiliating enough. Then the Fox News martinet gave them an insolent lecture and hinted that they should resign. Then came Trump and let them know that they might be commanded to fight their fellow Americans in our cities. If any of them protests they will be charged with insubordination. Our military need our help. Don't expect them to come to our defense.
Victor if you watched this ridiculous, fascism laden, speech by two white supremacy leaders. Our military brass were not receptive to their authoritarian tactics. I believe that the majority, if not all of them, have no respect for what the president or his “secretary of defense” are proposing. Our military brass have taken an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
The October 18, 2025 protest is drawing nigh. I made a batch of 126 protest signs for you and your group. Please share, restack, copy and paste the link. Have a printing company do these for you! Subscribe for updates. Here they are:
http://bit.ly/483Qrd4
A defeat at the polls, Keith.
They never will stop this madness. Dementia Donnie is their god, and they worship him as their lord and savior. They will continue to worship him even after he's dead and gone. That's how cults operate.
I hope you are mistaken Mary. It’s hard to believe they would continue to support someone who is making their lives miserable.
Ah, but they don't see him as making their lives miserable. They see him as making everyone else's, especially people who live in blue states, lives miserable. The only thing that will stop their worship of their cult leader is deprogramming. And that will not be an easy task.
Dear Mary,
It will be easy, but as we know, if there is a will, there is a way. Trump’s cognitive decline will help his cult followers come back to reality.
I sincerely hope so, but I do not plan to stand on one leg waiting for the Great Awakening to occur.
they will scapegoat, blame others for their misery.
And let’s not forget the thousands or perhaps hundreds of thousands of people in Africa dying because of the lack of food and medical care and medications as a result of Trump cutting off foreign aid. Shut up.
Lots and lots of the KoolAid.
They can't. They are completely insane.
and,with the shrinking of usaid,many woldwide have/will likely die-as to what it will take...-the truth,which they won't accept,therefor they on't change,no matter whaat
He also awarded the odious Kirk a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom. Another recipient was conservative shock-jock, Rush Limbaugh, Kirk's mentor.
I’m distracted by the shooting death of 28 yo USMC vet Jake Hieu Quoc Nguyen, who died the same day. His body had been dumped by the side of a Texas road like a piece of trash. Where are the presidential tributes and promises of posthumous medals? Has JDV been to see his devastated family? Are immigrants being warned not to make light of Nguyen’s death like they are Kirk’s? Texas has more than 4K fatalities from firearms each year. That’s 10% of the horrific national tally. Why hasn’t the Texas national guard been activated to restore law and order? Should the surviving family members of a USMC vet have to resort to gofundme? https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-hieu-quoc-nguyen If this administration wants to reduce violence, start with Texas.
I hadn't read about this case until you mentioned it but doesn't his death just become a statistic in your violent country? Alex Jones is still defaming the Sandy Hook parents and refusing to pay them damages, appealing to the Supreme Court. Trump nominee Ed Martin Jnr, who leads the 'Weaponisation Working Group' had actually begun an investigation into the retired FBI agent who was helping the families to get justice but thankfully was ordered to drop it. It shows the extent to which the federal law institutions are being suborned to pursue revenge for Trump. One more death means nothing to them.
You’re absolutely right. The death of USMC vet Jake Hieu Quoc Nguyen is just another statistic. I wonder what the generals thought of the disparity compared with Kirk when they convened last week. Gun-related injuries are the #1 cause of death of children ages 1-19 in the US and Texas is responsible for 10% of them. If 47 wants the military to train in US cities, start with Texas, whose residents are aware of the problem. What does that say? https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/10/texas-gun-fatalities-laws/
I imagine that what many of those generals and admirals were thinking was along the lines of 'have I been dragged halfway across the world just to listen to this shit?'
I don't know how you can ever reach a consensus about gun control when your country is polarised on the issue, even in Texas (or perhaps especially in Texas which has some of the most permissive gun laws in the US).
Sadly, I think you’re absolutely right. Sandy Hook proved it. The world watched in horror and disbelief as the US chose the second amendment over common sense reform. The slaughter of our children mattered, of course, but gun rights mattered more. If Ken Paxton disarms Texas, there will be an immediate 10% reduction in firearms deaths. That’s more than 4000 people whose family members would otherwise be just as devastated as Kirk’s. Texas lawmakers have approved more than 100 bills that loosened gun restrictions since 2000. Where is the national guard?
I SO HATE DONALD TRUMP AND HIS LUDICROUS, INANE, INSANE IDEA OF "HEROES"!!! WHAT A MISERABLE ASSHOLE OF A SO-CALLED "PRESIDENT"!!
DID THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE EVER SUE HIM FOR MALFEASANCE WHEN HE TOOK OUT THE "NEW YORK TIMES" CENTERFOLD HUGE LIE AD AGAINST THEM INSISTING THEY WERE GUILTY OF THAT RAPE AND MURDER EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE NOT??? IF THEY DIDN'T, THEY SHOULD! (Statute of limitations or not!) They should SUE HIM for everything he's worth or ever been worth!!!
Donald Trump is a CAPITAL LIAR!!!!! He should spend the rest of his days in solitary confinement having to listen to tapes, newsfeeds, videos, etc. of every lie he's ever told BEING PLAYED BACK TO HIM!!!!!
Hanging for TREASON should be reinstated
I'll second and third that, Susan!!! Hang him high!!!
With ya on that Klare!
They did sue Trump last year, Klare. I am not what the current position is in relation to this lawsuit.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/central-park-five-trump-lawsuit/story?id=114994231#:~:text=Attorneys%20representing%20the%20five%20men%20--%20Yusef%20Salaam%2C,caused%20them%20%22severe%20emotional%20distress%20and%20reputational%20damage.%22
Surely you know that their Jesus is a Nordic-type white guy, who delivered them of their sins. .
While they merrily pile up some new sins for him to absolve later.
What I fail to understand is how republican legislators can continue to support this malevolent sociopath in his quest to undo democracy.
I don’t understand Congress either! But there one thing I know. They need to be voted out!
For some I fear that undoing democracy is the 'big plan '. Christian Nationalism is all too real and present and one psycho down unlikely to send them all home. Vance is (apparently) all on board there, though his menu of beliefs looks very changeable.
It is. Check out Project 2025.
Well aware of that abomination! It's just part of the deranged plans circulating in this weird cabal too.
Exactly!
Peggy, I have lost the place where you suggested that I check out “Lesving MAGA”, but I thank you! I found the site and will receive the free book. I’ll read it and am glad to know someone has left it and is trying to help. I hope I have you a heart, but I have not relocated the message to be able to tell.
You are more than welcome, JP4M! I hope his book will provide answers to the questions you have. We are in this together, JP4M, so anytime I can help you or you can help me, we use that to stand together. Keep fighting, JP4M! NEVER GIVE UP and NEVER SURRENDER!
He is a monster. I think he enjoys seeing people miserable.
Your every word is spot-on. The White House resident will NEVER assume any culpability for resulting inconveniences, heartache, deaths, disasters. He will blame EVERYONE, and will enact retribution for whomever he feels is "disloyal". It's who he is and I shudder to think where all this is going.
How about leveraging the power of air traffic controllers and adding to the list of demands before ending the shutdown? Start with releasing unredacted Epstein files to the public, defunding ICE, common sense gun reform, and limiting military “training” to Texas. The US has more than 40K firearms deaths each year. Firearm injuries are the leading cause of death in children 1-19. Texas is responsible for 10% of them. They’re aware. What does that say? https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/10/texas-gun-fatalities-laws/
No one has been convicted of Kirk's murder
That is because powerful "people" put the killer up to it.
Or maybe that young man wasn't the murderer. Kirk would have been a perfect sarcrifice on the MAGA/P2025 altar to help kick off the next stage of the plan?
So many strings attached to the death and life too of Charlie. Wifey poo was a beauty contest winner in one of Rumps own modeling agencies. Hmm. Was he about to flip on his stance on Israel??? Hmm
Tyler Robinson has been arrested and charged with seven counts, I believe. It is a capital murder case. He will be convicted. His own parents drove him to the sheriff's office, I think.
You think (?) That is fair. No one should not say he will convicted without qualification. Like me l really doubt if you are in full possession of all the facts and it is wrong to prejudge a trial. That is a big element of what is wrong these days.
If only they'd lower the flag for Jane Goodall!
according to Al Jazeera, Hegseth's humiliation of our military was capped with a Christian prayer. Make no mistake, Trump, Hegseth, Project 205 are more than about greed. They have an ideology, of which Charles Kirk was an eloquent exponent. It's white Christian nationalism.
Trump is a dangerous psychopath and malignant narcissist—the last person who should ever lead a nation. We should never have allowed this to happen, yet it did. Unless we fully understand why it happened and take action to fix it, America cannot recover. The danger extends far beyond our borders: the entire world itself is at risk, and closer to catastrophe than most people are willing to acknowledge.
Donald, "golf," in this case. Please correct.
Both work!
Klare, because it’s capitalized I read it as alluding to the childish behavior of renaming geographical features at whim, as if our democracy were a toy box and our Constitution a bag of marbles...”playing Gulf.”
Let’s no forget the expected millions that will die because of USAID cuts and cuts to UN programs. Fishermen from Venezuela or the allies he plans to invade?
They are saying now there is an explosive lapel mike. Which any close guy or student could have put in. Nuts or reality???? truth can be strange.
Very true, Donald! I said it at the time and I agree with what you are saying.
I'd raise a glass in celebration if he was one of those!
I predict something even worse. A horrible crash or other catastrophe because of all the incompetence in this administration. Unfortunately, that’s what it will take for this game of chicken to end. I certainly am not planning to travel anywhere soon.
Same, It hurts,. I have a brother whom I want to visit, but I do not feel safe flying. A sister, too. My daughter and her daughter wanted to go visit as well. As long as it is plainly unsafe, it will not happen.
And, Laurie, I suspect you -like me - have reached an age (with its various conditions) when we should pay attention to levels of active infectious diseases where we’re going. Unfortunately, while many of the states’ health agencies are keeping track of the numbers (when they can) within their state, the national numbers are not being kept, so there’s no way to track trends. Talk about “flying blind” !
Another good point, Mary.
What comes down and where it lands is also a great concern when flights take place during less than optimum air traffic control.
I crossed the entire country by bus a couple of times, and I enjoyed it, but that was a long time ago.....
I have traveled by car to the Midwest, but sm getting too old to drive through Canada and down over the Peace bridge to Michigan. My husband can't sit in a car for long periods. Harder to do that, and deal with unfamiliar roads and heavy traffic.
the reclining seats on tourist buses are much more comfortable than those in cars and airplanes. Some tourist buses also have cots. They do make prologued stops (about 1 hr) for cleaning every few hours, especially inconvenient at night.
Right. I don't see _my_ ancient fanny surviving those long 'tours' by bus.
I already decided over the summer not to travel until something changes in the demeanor of the country. Now it’s even worse and the near miss crashes due to understaffing sealed the deal for me too.
I have a dear friend of 40-plus years who lives thousands of miles away from me. She and I meet up once or twice a year in places like Paris or London and spend a week together exploring and talking. I told her recently that I'm not going to leave the country while MAGA's in office because I write a lot of bad stuff about Dumpy, and I don't want trouble when I come back through US Customs. I'm a gray-haired little old White lady whose family has been in this country for hundreds of years, but I'm worried about vengeance for my "radical left-wing lunatic" views.
Understandable, Betsy.
I too am concerned about this. I have a trip planned in less than three weeks. Now is a bad time to fly.
I totally agree with you, Betty. I sure hope we’re wrong.
Oh, but the catastrophe won't be their fault. Somehow they'll manage to drag radical left-wing lunatics into it.
🤣Always!
They are all idiots!
And remember what he’s done to FEMA
It will never be safe until those cosplaying idiots that Trump appointed are long gone and sanity is restored.
I am going to keep a close eye on the airlines for the next one week, then decide if I want to fly. Even before this shutdown airlines were struggling. Too many flight cancellations, unplanned landing, near misses on ground as well as in air. Now with even fewer workers in the control towers the risk is even higher. If there is an unfortunate disaster during the shutdown, Trump will find a scapegoat.
Not flying anyway!!!
The USA, the richest country in the world in financial terms, and seemingly the poorest in terms of common sense and decency.
That is an excellent description of our country right now, Brian!
Seemingly?
Trump and the billionaires backing him and Project 2025 are narrow minded, greedy, and amoral. They also know how to manipulate religious fundamentalists and ethnic resentments. They are now in control of our government..
What victory will an end to the shutdown deliver? We'll just be in for more of the same unless Congress takes serious action to impeach Trump. On the Chris Hedges Show September 30, Ralph Nader explained the urgency of removing Trump from office as well as the countless charges that could be brought against him. One needn't look far: Trump commits impeachable offenses on a daily basis. Early Tuesday morning on the strength of Trump's authority alone, ICE agents rappelled from Black Hawk helicopters to literally descend on a Chicago apartment building where it was "believed" there were bad people (they didn't know who lived in that building), knocked down the doors of the residents' apartments, zip-tied those residents, dragged them out of their homes, some of them naked, and trashed their apartments to boot. Anyone want to hear Trump's inane excuse for having to do that? Anyone want to wait one more day to see what Trump does next? Let's dispense with the milquetoast rhetoric of the still hesitant congresspeople and move to impeach the man.
A big problem is we need to get several people out of office - I cannot imagine life under Hegseth - so the legal question of who comes next is a big one. This goes several people deep. I don’t know any way around that. Edit: I actually meant to say I couldn’t imagine life under Vance - but Hegseth is just as bad.
Under this Congress it will never happen.
Seriously?? I heard nothing about that. And I'm a little surprised that ICE agents have enough training to jump out of helicopters, given that they are desperate for warm bodies to join their Secret Police and seem to have filled their ranks with thugs from J6 and other white supremacists groups.
I agree, Constance. My goodness, if this is the best the Democrats can come up with Heaven help all of you
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3QzIiFI91kg
Trump gave this dispiriting effort the reponse it frankly deserved.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DoyQCSF_c54
What on earth are the Democrats doing?
Whatever they are doing, it is not as awful as what the "Republicans" are doing.
Of course I agree, Laurie, but why aren't their attack ads making that point vehemently and less patronisingly. We've seen this sort of absurd timidity before.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eTeolgi-rGA
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_d0OL7_GXCw
The Democrats showed some guts in refusing to vote for the Republican CR but when oh when are the gloves going to come off with these guys? This is utterly pathetic. Is it any wonder their approval ratings are in the dumps?
Russell John Netto, I completely disagree. My own Democratic governor, JB Pritzker, is speaking out forcefully, along with Newsome and many other Democratic governors. Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth (who lost her legs in Viet Nam and is in a wheelchair, but it doesn't slow her down a bit!) just sent a detailed reply to my email about the lunatic RFK Jr., and told me of all of the ways she is fighting RFK Jr. and this fascist regime, working with other Dems to do so. Jeffries and Schumer are finally standing up. Democrats are winning special elections all over the country now---and more wins are, I hope, coming soon, led by energetic young Dem leaders, whether electeds or in the campaigns, like Spanberger's. Let's save our vitriol for the Criminal-in-Chief and his junk drawer cabinet, please!
Shelley Riskin, you are absolutely right about the wisdom and great efforts of these fine Democrats. Thank you for speaking out for them. Illinois has two fine senators and a fine governor. There are other fine Democrats who are senators as well.
Much of legacy media has decided that no one likes Democrats---NYTimes, WaPo, etc; all have numerous articles about this---when all of the ACTUAL evidence (voting in Dems in current and recent elections across the country) points to the opposite. Also, don't forget the very successful town halls held by Dems, while MAGA is too scared to do them. And of course the rallies, filled with Dem electeds, and young people who clearly see that many Dems, including Harris/Walz, tried to warn us, and are now gearing up to defeat this fascist regime--by voting Democratic! I think we'll also see a massive number of people at the October 18 rallies across the nation, more than the last one, which was huge!
Okay, Shelley but don't go complaining if they lose again. Vitriol is I am sure what many Democrat voters want to see more of but that term could hardly be applied to describe that wretched advert that I was posting about. They could have asked Gavin Newsom to suggest ideas for attack videos. He seems to know how to get under Trump's skin.
I agree with what you say about leaders like Newsom and Pritzker, but how many Democrats in Congress are still shying away from endorsing Mamdani, by far the most popular candidate they have? How many support the Sanders/AOC campaign for higher taxes on the uber-wealthy? If they continue to search for a rapidly disappearing centre when the last time your country was so polarised was during the Civil War; and they still can't choose a side even when Trump is tearing up your democracy, who could then blame progressive voters for being disillusioned? Look at their approval ratings.
The Trump administration is failing. Inflation is rising and growth is flatlining. It's policies are unpopular and it's implementation of policy is at best chaotic and at worst deeply disturbing. But it's risky trying to win an election based mainly on the failings of the incumbents. The Democrats need someone to articulate a positive, hopeful message to the country that is both a viable alternative to Trumpism and a denunciation of Trump. You clearly have the guys to do this, but they need to get out front ahead of Schumer and Jeffries who really don't have the cajones.
Events are moving very, very quickly. More people are being affected. I don't want to get into an endless debate about who is doing what, so let's see, and let's continue to advocate for the most urgent resistance, and a clear Dem vision. I DO feel very fortunate to live in Illinois, and I've written myriad thank you emails (or calls) to the electeds, including the many attorneys general and organizations like Citizens United or the ACLU, who are fighting hard. Plus of course, they're all in need of donations as well as activism.
Jeffries and Schumer seem to be afraid to mention Project 2025, even as Trump is implementing it at warp speed..
The big money dominates the conversations. I remember when Bernie Sanders was relegated to the back pages of the newspapers, if he was mentioned at all. Bernie had the stones to appear on Fox "news", and got some coverage for that, and maybe even some supporters. You are right, they should get out of the box, but it is easier said than done. I wonder how you think they should improve ratings, The Democrats?
Yes, but the Democrats also benefit from big money. That advert was embarrassing. Besides, you don't need big money to come up with something better than that. They could have posted this exchange between Democratic Representative Madeleine Dean and House Speaker Mike Johnson on Trump's crazy speech to the top brass. " I didn't see it"?!!!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2JKaUQdPRww
Russell John Netto, true, but I was referencing wayy way back in ancient history when Bernie was running for President. He was very scary to the big money and Wall street, (as he most likely would still be today if he had the huuuuge crowds at his rallies), but wait, he still does, but he is safely not running for president. The republican party has been pretty much the biggest recipient of money, at least in recent memory.
Or this!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wjfk4dMtaac
Some senators express their stances and dedicated work in their newsletters, yet that does not reach the entire public.
Or this!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/w-9Xkfvs9Og
Professor Reich: the incompetence of this government regime shutdown is astounding. that lives WILL BE LOST as a result is also astounding. but there are people out there who won't care, even then. people who are so consumed with hate and racism that even the loss of their family members is viewed as the price that must be paid to harm black and brown people for daring to live in this country, for daring to try to achieve what the rest of us cannot accomplish.
Sadly, you’re absolutely right. Hatred, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, violence, etc. are all acceptable, and even celebrated by Trump and in turn, by his MAGA cult followers. Science, culture, education, and empathy are pushed aside, not "manly”. Congress and SCOTUS are part of the cult and protests have been ineffective. Will it take a massive disaster to bring about the end of this madness?!?
i'm still trying to work out WHO/WHAT is the true leader of this death cult? trump is the spokesman, or prophet, or whatever these dolts are known as to the cult members, but who is pulling the strings? i keep thinking it's peter thiel, or perhaps the heritage foundation?
Look no farther than Project 2025, authored by The Heritage Foundation, and Stephen Miller, chief advisor to the President. By one report, over 50% of Project 2025 objectives have already been achieved.
In my opinion the one with the most power is to blame, that is Chief Justice John Glover Roberts, Junior. Profit driven media has been and continues to be derelict in their journalism concerning French Fry Roberts. He has always been an extreme right-wing White identity fascist. JohnBoy and his fashee bo bashee wifee participated in international human trafficking to procure their children before he were nominated by a bona fide war criminal, Bush the Lessor. Even the criminals of the Bush administration thought Roberts were a racist weirdo who exposed the White identity fascist tendencies of the GOP in government records, eg his one-sided quixotic crusade against Michael Jackson during the Reagan administration. Michael liked Reagan and mistakenly believed Republican propaganda. Learning that a White identity idiot wrote multiple letters, with multiple factual errors, and successfully argued against Michael receiving a simple letter of commendation, for his charity work, probably rocked his world. Roberts has been known as a very bad actor amongst the woke anti-fascist communities for over four decades.
Fugu Roberts has essentially been the most powerful man on Earth for two decades. With Citizens United he solidified capital supremacy which, in the American Empire, always favours White identity. Often wrong John ruined the Affordable Care Act. The amended acts, that Roberts claimed were made to comport with the US Constitution, forced changes to programs that helped marginalised folk like myself. It has cost my elderly parents thousands of dollars just to keep me alive, since the passage of the ACA. Universal healthcare is an essential component of a functioning society. But Republican propaganda made folk believe that minorities got these entitlements and that White folk were denied. That is simply false.
Roberts, Thomas, and Kavanaugh need to recuse themselves whilst the adults sort out their mess. Impeaching Trump now gives Vance the keys to the kingdom. If Trump were more clever, he would take all of the evidence that he stole and offer it in exchange for a reduced prison sentence for his long list of crimes. We need to be prepared for members of the Democratic party to be charged. However, there are exponentially more criminals in the GOP. If only Republicans are punished then it makes our stance on justice and human rights easily propagandized and the cycle of lies will continue. Bernie Sanders is calling for accountability. Both Mr Obama and Biden failed domestically and internationally in holding previous criminals and their own crimes accountable. That's one of the main grievances of folk who went from Mr Obama to Trump. Both lied about accountability and upheld fascism.
We need to organise and counter the lies. I believe that we can do it. If not, our world will continue to deteriorate. 🤔🧐✊
🧕🐝🆓🌈🌈💟
reach out to others and organize.
We’re already in the midst of a massive disaster.
Well said, GrrlScientist!
You cannot sustain a population this large and complicated without a massive back-office managing a vast array of services; police, fire, sewage, public health, etc., much of which it just too essential to a safe and secure society to leave to the whims of private providers. I'm all for private enterprise, but it does some things very well, and others poorly. Government of, by and for the people remains a good idea and some governmental powers and duties are too dangerous and/or vital to not be under public supervision and control. Air Traffic Control is arguably one of them. Human lives depend on it.
You speak a deep truth. Stockholders are not good decision makers - I certainly would not trust any of them with my life. And ultimately that is who every corporation is beholden to. It’s all they care about.
Oh I hope you are correct. However, Trump still had remnants of sanity left in 2018. I am not sure he does anymore. Nor do his people. Miller cares for no one. Vought cares only for the implementation of project 2025, which will kill - it is already, just in foreign lands. Vance cares only for himself. ICE is doing incomprehensible, fascist damage in cities. Do they care? If speaker Mike Johnson had a shred of constitutional sense left, along with a spine, he would have impeached Trump already for open corruption and constitutional violations. Will the government shutdown end soon? Do Republicans even care? Who knows.
What is that Vought all about ? They say he’s a deeply religious man but he is in favor of killing millions by removing healthcare provisions to keep them alive? What are the plans by Republicans for healthcare if there are no subsidies making it affordable for lower income families?
Vought is not a Christian in the sense of being a follower of Jesus. He is a white Christian nationalist, which is code for a government, conservative evangelical, and corporate alliance to run the state as religious autocracy. More simply, it is a modestly adapted form of fascism rooted in the antebellum south. They don't care about people, just power (and mint juleps served by people of color). People and the environment (functioning ecosystems of the planet) are irrelevant. Empathy is despised as weakness.
I live in Georgia and have read a great deal about white Christian nationalism and its roots. Some of it IS rooted in the Klan.
Their aim is to use the power of state to "mark" who is and who is not American, Constitution be damned. If you oppose them, they will mark you as a terrorist and strip you of your citizenship. That's an easier way to think of it.
The MAGA traitors in the House are either fully on board, or along for the ride.
Yes- it smells like Klan
it seems that the Republicans in the Senate also support this agenda.
They don’t care.
William Davies in the Guardian has penned a long disquisition of Trumpian stupidity applying to it I think a good deal more erudite analysis than it deserves.
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/oct/02/critique-pure-stupidity-understanding-donald-trump-2
I like yours better!
Even so, I liked the article. That Trump is stupid, and his team sycophants, is an easy call to make. I have admired Hannah Arendt for years, and her analysis of our present dilemma, long before Trump emerged from his failed casinos, holds up very well. Thanks for the connection.
I liked it too, Wayne, but do we need essays on the subject?
The air traffic controllers deserve our highest respect. I can’t even come close to imagining how they handle the pressure. They’re a gift and we should treat them as such. Of course so are the scientists and other tireless government workers who are treated as chattel.
Dear Robert,
I regret to hammer home the point once again, but the Pope himself just did it!!! Those who constantly claim to be followers of God, even with tattoos of Christ on their chests, and who inflict suffering on their fellow human beings are IMPOSTORS.
One cannot constantly cite God, pray to God, and be for the death penalty, whether it be the death penalty pronounced by a judge or that inflicted by weapons of war. When in the same sentence the Pope talks about abortion and the death penalty, it's clear! You don't have to be a theologian to understand! The Pope doesn't name names because that's not his role, but it's easy to read between the lines.
Let's put an end to this hypocrisy of many right-wing American politicians, but there are some on the other side too.
Millions of people are dying of hunger, thirst, heat, cold, under bombs or missiles, in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and all over the world. Each of these lives has the same value as that of Trump, Vance, Hegseth, Rubio, you, or me.
A child who suffers is a child, white or Black, poor or rich, from a Christian family, a Muslim family, or from any religion, or no religion at all! We must stop beating around the bush and attack these scoundrels on the issue that will make them react: religion and God, not just the economy.
Thank you for providing a ray of hope as we descend into a fascist country - the reason the Republicans want to keep the government shut down is avoid a vote to release the Epstein files
Where is the $17 trillion that the president is always bragging about? If there was that much money coming in from his disastrous tariffs, we wouldn’t have this shut down.
Marianne : It is more than a possibility that it is hidden somewhere in the Caymans, or some other such place.
"A government shutdown falls on the president's lack of leadership. I mean, problems start from the top and they have to get solved from the top. A shutdown means the president is weak." -- DJ Trump on the 2013 government shutdown.
Isn't it fun when we get to use Trump’s own words against him?
He twists everything around depending on the situation at the time--it has worked very well for him. It makes me question the peoples' ability to retain mental clarity.
I’m pretty sure at least half of his supporters are quite deficient in metal clarity. There’s a high percentage of Americans who cannot read above a sixth grade level. And that is a fact.
Jerry,
That's a huge issue impacting our democracy. Thanks for mentioning it. I wonder what is the percentage of low-level readers these days? Joan
If I remember correctly, the figure I think I saw was about 46% and yes, that is disturbing. Even half that level is not good.
Yes, very problematic Jerry. Let's continue to resist for the sake of humanity. The poor influence of the administration can do damage on a global scale. Thanks for the data! Joan
That was before Project 2025. This shut down, like the previous one, is meant to advance the Republican agenda. Elon Musk missed the point when he denounced the Abominable Bill for being full of pork. The "pork" is there to give Trump discretionary funds during the shutdown. This is why Republicans went along with it. The shut down provides the pretext and opportunity to complete the demolition of the "deep state." This is a revolution they believe worth of sacrifices.
I don't think this prediction takes into account the level of sheer, chaotic crazy that lies beneath Trump's comb-over.
A snap poll in the Washington Post a couple days ago revealed that a whopping 71% of Americans blame Trump and MAGA for the shutdown. In other words, MAGA attempts to pin the blame on Dems have been an EPIC FAIL. The ads for the 2026 mid-terms are writing themselves now.
Seems a perfectly sound prediction.
Bob, fully agreed. I followed the crasch in the Potomac and saw the disgusting reaction of the President. When you are not very competent and responsible, you never become ATC.
Maybe it was you who said: this incompetent bunch does not inderstand that a lot of governing costs money, but produces unpolitical services that society and the economy need.
And yes, will the FAA report a lack of ATC's or lacking skills of replacement, when a terrible accident occurs? Maybe the ATC's should strike?
Perhaps a slowdown rather than a strike. A slowdown for all private and corporate jets. Make them circle far from the airport. It would relieve some congestion. Let the billionaires build their own airports.