Every day that goes by, I become more convinced that we are simply a nation of prostitutes. From the greenwashing and formerly LGBTQ supporting businesses to the politicians who claim to care about equality and the working class while insisting they should be able to trade stocks and become rich while in office, the last several years have revealed that America's harshest critics may have been going easy on us.
Sure, there are many wonderful people fighting the good fight, but at the end of the day, we have to reckon with just how many Americans, both people and institutions, are selfish, lazy, greedy, or filled with fear. America's greatest contribution to the world may be demonstrating that you don't really stand for anything if you'll lie down for anyone if the price is right.
I am definitely not accepting things as they are, but to overcome a challenge, we have to properly identify it. I believe there are millions of well-meaning and left-leaning people who have, from W through Agent Orange, had the time, energy and other resources to be more active in this fight for democracy, but continue to stay on the sidelines doing little more than complaining. I think we have to light a fire under those who have remained comfortable enough to sit back and watch this dumpster fire of a corporate coup happen, and to me, that starts with calling them out for their passivity. Thanks for whatever you can do from the inside!
Ian- I'm 77 years old & I can hardly walk. I'm also living on SS & am just 'getting by'. I grew up in NJ & we got the News about TFG everyday. We knew who & what he was but Nothing seemed to stop him. I've voted against him twice now. I've written Opinions & Comments about him & have a 'following'. I donate to the Dems. I'm very depressed about how the 'cards' seem to have been stacked against us for a Long Time. And even the Media is kow towing!
Well, one thing you can do is avoid what the forces against us are hoping for...to become silent. I mean hey, you posted here, and now I'll be checking your substack and would love to hear what you have to say. More than anything, I think we must support independent media and become the media ourselves. I truly believe that we have to improve our standing in the information war in order to have any hope of winning every other war. And while many think the answer is some grand liberal versions of Joe Rogan or Fox News, I don't think left-leaning people will ever have the money or the organizational skills to make those things happen.
I think the only realistic way to fight back is thousands of decentralized groups that ensure the truth makes it to citizens while corporate powers and corrupt politicians try to drown their minds with lies. So for what it's worth, it sounds like you're already on the right track and I would just encourage you to keep putting your voice out in your papers, your community, and any online forums where people are looking to connect and fight back.
Ian, I am a person who: a) believed what i wanted to believe or b) did not confirm my info with at least one other source or c) thought my source was too integritous to not be trustworthy or d) relied on faulty memory. In doing so I have from time to time, (usually when I'm really pissed off and in a hurry to spread my truth) disseminated faulty and/or inaccurate info. If we are to become media ourselves, I at least really need to take the time and energy to get it right, to authenticate from multiple sources with multiple viewpoints. I often believe myself or my thinking which can get me in trouble.
But I still think the election was stolen by the oligarchs who are paying respects (or demanding their pound of flesh?) to/from dumpster.
I think our election loss is due to the misinformation campaign which dominates the news in swing states. Social media is loaded with horrible caricatures of reality and especially about the Democrat party and lies about the Biden administration. No way 3 months of excellent Harris campaigning could overcome nearly 10 years of trump propaganda.
I think you may be right because they say 20 million democrats didn’t vote. I find that extremely unlikely. It doesn’t make any sense at all. The Republicans for decades now have cheated, they’ve become pretty good at it, as we all know Trump is a cheater par excellence! He would do anything to win because he can’t stand to lose and still in his pathetic narcissistic brain thinks he should have won in 2020. He can’t ever accept that he didn’t win and now we have another narcissist Elon Musk, sticking his unwanted nose into everything. He too wants Social Security to go to the wealthy?? What on earth do the wealthy need it for while millions of elderly and disabled die?
I agree! We need to check the votes. Check out Vote.org. According to their statistics, we had 1 m+ new voter registrants, and yet, fewer people voted in this election than the last. Something smells about this last election.
I am just a 77 y.o. female living on SS, a small state pension [which basically pays for my supplemental HC insurance], and working as an artist to supplement my income. I am thankful that there is Social Security and Medicare that I paid into during my working years. I am still paying into SS and Medicare through my PT teaching job. Now we have wealthy sh*theads who want to rob SS and Medicare and tell us that it is causing the deficit. How dumb are we to believe this outrageous lie?
Our problem is a lack of organization. I see that Trump won 77 million votes to Harris 66 million votes. I see an endless stream of complaints, blames, ideas, etc about what has happened, how people feel, what people think.
But, all this angst is immediately drowned in the din of more of the same. We need a way to sort all this stuff out, decide what in relevant and what is not, decide what the priorities are, get everyone to agree on a path to take, and take the path.
I was recently exposed to a 2000 piece picture puzzle. It took many people a long time to solve it. But, there were tricks to make the process faster. Those tricks involved sorting the pieces out by shape, by color, and by orientation. Then when working, instead of searching through all of the remaining pieces, all you had to do is search through one, or two smaller group of pieces. The same trick should apply to our political problem of getting organized.
We don't know how to characterize the 'pieces' of the puzzel yet. We figure that out by trial and error. We don't know what is relevant yet. We have to make a list and discuss the various items. We don't know what is important yet. Same goes for each step of the process.
We don't have a table upon which to lay out our puzzel pieces, and our assembled result. We have to find or make such a forum. That is the first step!
So, I can't even ask without having a place to see replys. I'm a dummy at this. All I know a bit about is Facebook, making comments here, and email. If anyone wants to make suggestions, I'm all eyes!
But this is the only place I can look for a reply at this time.
Ted, where are you getting your Harris numbers? I think you are wrong. It's much, much tighter than that. Democrats lost by a hair (a Russian hair?): Trump has, according to the Associated Press, 49.97% to Vice President Harris' 48.36%, or 76.9 million votes to 74.4 million.
kim, if they put the covid vax in your food the hydrochloric acid in your stomach would degrade the mrna and render it useless. however, you should be aware that the microbots that elon puts in those vaxxines are impermeable to acids or bases, so they will still migrate to and install in the synapses in your brain. that is the real danger, especially for those with high IQ as the more synapses, the more bots are installed to manipulate our thinking. please beware, you are especially at risk
I've lived in NJ since 1973 (Canadian transplant). There were many people in the area where I live who were affected by Trump when he didn't pay his contractors while building his casinos. Many of them are gone now. People either have forgotten, are ignorant as to what he did, or just don't care! His diehard supporters will make excuses for him and blow it off. Many are happy that he hates the same things they do! They all seem to think he's "one of them" because they like the way he talks (trash)! They don't realize that he considers them "basement dwellers"!
There are many Catholics who voted for him because they're convinced he will stop abortion! I know some nuns, though, who would never ever vote for him!
I agree, it is so frustrating! How does anybody counter the lies?
I am one Catholic who has never voted for the Republican candidate, and I definitely never voted for Trump. It’s a complete mystery to me why people can’t see he’s a sociopath and malignant narcissist. Perhaps they are too marinated in propaganda outlets to see it. The problem is that the MSM are adopting the tactics and distortions of Fox News and similar outfits. Democrats need to invest in counter propaganda media outlets, instead of making expensive ad buys.
Yes Kathy I think you're right about MSMs. Problem is the people who Own them can manipulate what we see & hear Anyway They Want! Especially in the case of MSMs there should be some Regulations or Standards that keep them from spreading misinformation. The Right to Free Speech has been violated & used for these wealthy owners only to further enrich themselves!
And also I have never felt that Drump & Associates are Accepted Members of 'the Elite'. The Elite only Use Don's ego to manipulate him!
Yes, it is a mystery how gullible people are! Trumpers usually seem to rely on Fox for their information and also social media. I agree that too many MSM commentators normalized Trump as a candidate no matter how bizarre or hateful his statements were!
Marinated is a great description! A journalist recently wrote that he experimented visiting the propaganda outlets for several weeks and it had a big impact on his thinking and emotions...
Kathy, you are wrong. Trump is not a sociopath. That is too mild for him. He is a certified psychopath. Psychologists have diagnosed him. One of many sites about that:
Chris Jansen on msnbc today was talking about trump walking back his campaign promise of lowering the price of groceries. A GOP congressman was arguing loudly that trump was just preparing people that it would be very hard to fix the horrible things that resulted from the "bad policies" of the Biden/Harris administration. She didn't back down but he was so belligerent and condescending to her! They have no shame and will lie to the ends of the earth for him!
Just keep showing how inhumane he is. Don’t they care if the elderly people in their cities start dying from starvation and lack of housing because Trump took away their Social Security and gave it to his wealthy supporters? I can’t imagine anything so evil. Trump is really cruel and disgusting.
How will we fight this? For 45 years they have creeped, law broke. They ignore rationality. The only thing that will stop them are boycotts, flooding the streets peacefully knowing some will possibly be injured or shot and finally the violence will beget violence to protect ourselves. Hitler/ Putin had/ have to be stopped. Now trumpty.
I am 77 also and have done all that you have in order to maintain my country. I will continue my fight because I do not want to die in a country that is run by idiots.
I wish I knew what to say that could help but I am in a similar situation! I keep telling myself this can’t be happening! How is this dreadful person allowed to do all these truly cruel things to the American people people? Because by doing what he wants to do, the basic cruelty, viciousness on purpose is going to kill millions of Americans and nobody seems very concerned! Certainly nobody in the Republican party seems to care, they ‚re all delighted by their “victory “ ! Yea we won we can give this money to the wealthy! How sick is that?
Mo Kling, on YouTube I go to Cheri Jacobus, Vic Meyers "old white guy" and Rational Boomer for inspiration. Vic and Cheri advocate sending e-mails, letters or phone calls to government representatives to voice how you feel. Vic Meyers opinions are insightful, and you will not feel depressed after listening to his videos. Rational Boomer is direct and very much a straight talker. I stopped watching NBC, CBS and ABC national news. For sources of news, I go to Pro Publica and others on their substacks.
So important, glenad, to shun NBC, CBS, ABC and all other normal media. they are just Trump regurgitators. We have to get our news elsewhere now. The Guardian, YouTube as you mention, Substack, Bluesky. The Philadelphia Inquirer is owned by a non-profit foundation devoted to keeping them free to report the news as is, not affected by some billionaire's ego and profit motive. Subscribe.
The settlement by ABC made me want to vomit! Everybody's afraid of the orange degenerate because he will sue at the drop of a hat! Individuals can be wiped out financially defending themselves! That's how this ignoramus has operated his whole life! It is how he was able to get away with stiffing so many contractors when he built his casinos! They couldn't afford to fight him in court because he dragged everything out! He's a despicable waste of human skin!
All we are doing is kvetching about the known. All the CEO's, all the Billionaires, and politicians who care about political and personal survival are and will fold into the Mar a Lago landscape. Jimminy Crickets we know what awaits us, it is not as if it is a secret, that we haven't been told, the CEO"s, the Bilionaires, the politicians who are and will be folding, suffer no illusions.
Project 2025 has laid it all out, nothing should surprise us, and all we have left it seems is gossip,
What we need to be doing is planning and organizing a resistance and our personal survival.
I fully expect chaos,following chaos, hair on fire news, followed by earth shattering news about what Trump is doing and saying and what he plans to do.
rrankly I am not interested in gossip, as I can do nothing about it,and neither can any of us. We need to spend our time, game planning how to survive the theocratic autocracy that awaits.
I co-founded an Indivisible chapter in 2017 during Trump 1.0, so I'm somewhat amenable to Indivisible 2.0. I've skimmed the first chapter of this new guide, though, and they don't even mention racism as a cause for our defeat. Why not? This is very off-putting for me. We absolutely must consider racism and misogyny as factors in these horrible election results.
hi Deb Pierce - One thing I admire about Indivisible's approach to defending democracy is their focus on what can be done to resist Trump. Like everyone, they tried to assess why Trump won, and like everyone, realized there are a jillion factors, from racism and misogyny to low-information and misinformation-voters, plus the 89 million people who didn't care enough to vote.
You and I could write pages and pages about causes, but I think it's more helpful at this point to do everything we can to prevent Trump and his allies from inflicting the damage they're threatening to do. Later on, there will be time, more information, and perspective to figure out why people elected Trump twice. In the meantime, my local Indivisible group meets tomorrow to see what Indivisible suggestions we want to use in 2025. Onward!
I so agree, we are falling backwards on both issues , back to the 1950’s. We cannot let evil racists like HIM set us back. He seems to appeal to a certain segment of the population that never moved on from that era. There is a difference , he can never change, but many others can. Trump is in my mind basically evil. He’s always been that way even as a two year old, he’s not ever been a good person and now he’s got dementia which only makes it worse.
Luigi did more to wake up the wealthy than anyone or anything so far. It's interesting that the only thing all sides have agreed on in the last decade is the assassination of a CEO.
It is not that we like our HC. We are grateful that we have HC. Those of us who live in the Blue States are grateful for what we have while hoping for better in the future.
I mentioned in an earlier post - I am 77 y.o. and rely on my SS, Medicare, and small State pension that covers my HC supplemental. I worked for the State for 10 years before I retired. It was the best decision and I am glad I did. However, I am concerned about those who will never be able to afford a supplemental to their Medicare.
Now with the incoming Trump Administration, the plan is to scrap SS and Medicare. That is going to hurt a lot of people. I am wondering how they're going to explain how we all still need to contribute to FICA while they raid the Trust Fund account.
If he routinely denies people the treatment they deserve, hounds them into bankruptcy and homelessness it is. Fascism must be opposed by any means necessary.
Very interesting Comment! Although I can't condone the actions of someone who Wasn't Even Insured by United Healthcare I understand Why there is such an outpouring of Angst- especially at this Time! There used to be a 'saying' awhile ago- something like 'I've had Enough & I'm Not Going to Take It Anymore!'
The resistance already exists and is organized. Join with any existing group, don’t waste your good energy reinventing the wheel. We get more done when we act in numbers.
"Hair on fire news"? I don't think so. What I fully expect is a bunch of very serious print and broadcast journos to go on as they have been, reporting on trump and his doings as if nothing is really out of the ordinary
I think the person who commented on "hair on fire" was referring to the wasteful outrage alternative media commentators are spending: "Can you believe Trump is doing what he said he would do?" That's a total waste of energy. Hair on fire indeed. What the person suggested is that we all take proactive steps to move forward, even if it's "only" getting involved in an active manner at the local level. That none of us spend time on gossiping about how outrageous what Trump said he'd do and is dong, actually is.
At this point it appears that some of TFG's efforts could be backfiring. Some of his supporters are now aware of the way tariffs really work and are not happy at all. Even yesterday, TFG was stating that he didn't think he could bring food prices down like he thought. The project 2025 ring leaders ARE moving very quickly, but it's allowing regular citizens to see much faster what that's going to mean for them. We all know it's useless to attempt even friendly discussions with orange supporters. Maybe we don't have to. Maybe some of our strategy is to sit back and let certain "implosions" happen on their own. (mcconnell used to use this tactic.... and that scoundrel got alot of garbage done without lifting a finger of his own..) We just have to avoid the "I told you so-isms" and the "We TOLD you this would happen--YOU voted for him; hope you're happy" accusations.
Ido hope you are right MM. But I look to the past for guidance and examples. I have predicted that the orange cult members will become disenchanted, or at least some, but a day late and a dollar short.
By the time the Germans who voted for Adolph in the plebiscite realized that they had screwed the goose. It was too late.
As regards the "I told you so=isms" no chance of that, for many on the right, their hatred of liberals (meaning anyone to the left of Hitler) is so profound that they are more than glad to suffer any inconvenience, any indignity, any pain so long as they cab "own the libs"
Do people learn from their mistakes? I think not, my experience on my 85 trips around the sun is that they rationalize them, or find excuses.
Such as it is the fault of the Jews, or insert any minority here.
Many of those who voted for Trump will be hurt by his policies. When they realise that they have been hoodwinked their anger will be considerable. Best it is channelled into legal action and political ambition. This can include exposing corruption by the republicans Shouldn't be hard, there is so much of it.
William, genius to say "What we need to be doing is planning and organizing a resistance and our personal survival." That's what we can do, and all we should do. All this gossip--"Can you believe Trump is doing what he said he'd do?" is insane. A useless waste of energy.
Correct Christina I wade right through the gossip, whether it is on TV, Email . substack of the interwebs. It serves no purpose, We know that any Trump picks is a threat, incompetent and will deconstruct the agency . We know that those in charge of national security will be a threat to national security and we know that there are Generals who will kow tow to Trump. Idon't waste my time on them. As you said, as I said, it is gossip and goes nowhere., except to keep some people employed kvetching and reporting gossip.
I;m getting newsletters from people who are claiming to have got rid of Gaetz. (I don't think so I'm predicting he will be sworn in to the 119th Congress, and be the speaker of the house, ordained by Trump.
Sonething that I learned in the 1980's when researching a paper for my Masters is that "hings are not as they appear".
The surface is an illusion. Updated we are distracted by holograms.
A very true statement. However, I am pissed as hell at all those stupid, ignorant, not wealthy people who are delusional and voted for this sociopathic monster. I'm looking forward to all of them waking up to hell because many of them will, and they'll have no one else to blame. I plan to take your advice in the meantime, and continue to work hard as mental health practitioner. I have no plans on retiring. I feel like talking with all of you helps.
Here is how I assess the situation Janice. The primal motivation for humans is survival, that entails safety and access to food and the means to obtain shelter and clothing., unless one lives in the tropics, then clothing is optional.
Once the basic needs are fulfilled.other needs kick in like the sex drive,probably the strongest drive among humans, other than food and water.
One drive, one need persists, regardless of status, and that is safety, security. The more you have, the more you have to lose, the higher you climb the further you can fall. Insecurity is the one thing that haunts all humans, from food insecurity to social/hierarchical insecurity.
Back to sex. There are only two animals in the world that are actively seeking and seemingly preoccupied with sex: humans and bonobo chimps.
Surely you are familiar with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the problem is humans never really get to self actualization. The epitome of which the Buddhist call Nirvana
Once you climb the ladder and achieve your social primacy and wealth, insecurity sets in, there is the persistent worry and pressure to impress your peers, and ensure that you protect your wealth and status by any means, by hook or crook, by acquiring more, by elminating competition
There is a reason the TV show is called Shark Tank, because these billionaires become like sharks, they have to keep swimming or they suffocate and die (Sharks don't breathe,movement pushes water through their gills, if they don't move they suffocate.
Real estate developers, con men, salesmen are of the same ilk.
That takes us back to sex., Sex is an important biological drive and because it is horomonal it affects humans mentally as well, not just humans, 4 legged beasts that lose out in the mating rut, become chemically castrated till the next mating season when their hormones kick in. This applies mostly to pack animals, not herd animals, like dogs, wolves, coyotes, meerkats and humans. The latter produce bachelors who roam the periphery, looking for an opportunity to sneak in and snag a female in estrus, or kidnap one from a neighboring pack.
For the alpha (male or female) power is the greatest aphrodisiac, it stimulates the gonads to produce testosterone. a liitle is also produced in the adrenals
In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, fat cells, and skin cells. The ovaries produce the majority of testosterone, with the adrenal glands producing the rest.
Power stimulates the adrenals, loss of power results in a plummet of testosterone.
A study was done of football hooliganism in Europe, soccer riots are common place. Soccer is not a competitive contact sport, but it creates more excitement and emotion than American football.
European men find their identity in "their" football team, and when their team wins, they get a boost in testosterone and feel 'manly", empowered, masculine, and when their team loses, they are chemically castrated, and the way they regain their manhood is by violence, rioting.
I've seen this in the military as well, probably commonplace in the corporate world and politics.
I watched a General dress down, effeminate, a Colonel, and watched te colonel do the same to a Major, and rebuild his own testerone level, then the major did it to a Lt and the Lt had to eat it, because no Senior SGt was going to take crap from a 2d Lt.
I was a drill instructor, when enlisted, and heard recruits murmur that they were putting salpeter in the food, because they couldn't even masturbate,or get sexually aroused.
The cooks were not doing any such thing, the problem is that the drill instructor me, and the routine of rush, rush, rush, run, run, run, march, march, march and jump,jump,jump had, for a time, had suppressed their sex drive by suppressing testosterone levels.
What I am getting at is that power is primarily a sex drive thing, that is why you see Old ugly Rupert and fat smelling Donald with women who would not give them the time of day,otherwise. Why these fat, ugly old, balding men have young things hanging on their arm, mistresses and expensive call girls. Powerful women too, corporate executives and board of directors., producers and directors are just as guilty of sexual harassment as men., but it is rare that a man would come forward and file charges or sue.
They will realise their mistake when they realise they are going to get more of the same only more so. Bigger gaps between rich and poor, less help for those who are unfortunate. Trump is too stupid to see that dictators exist not because they imprison those who oppose them, but also invest in social programmes too. Saddam survived for 30 years, and Hitler would have done so too, through his programme of public works, reduced unemployment. This is his weakness and it should be played upon.
Colin, I don't think "they" will realize their mistake(s). I think they will blame it on Biden. Please don't underestimate the rigidity and immutability of Trump people's belief structure; mere facts won't affect it. They will just deny the facts and mis-attribute causation elsewhere.
Keep talking and don't spread false hope. The very worse thing that can happen is convincing yourself and others, that the "sun will come up tomorrow" That the ship of state will right itself..That it can't be that bad, that the people aren't stupid and will not put up with the deceit, theft and harm.
Find your own way to resist, without putting your head on the chopping block. And come to terms with the fact, that everything transmitted electronically is sniffed, cataloged and stored.
You are right we have to get fully organized and not sit on our duffs and bitch and moan. What Trump is doing is not in any way NORMAL or possibly even legal. When has legal ever been an issue with Trump? He has been allowed to get away with crime after crime when any other person would be cooling their heels in prison! The courts and justice (where has that been) have given him a blank sheet to do what ever he wants! WHY? There is nothing special about this guy, he’s a criminal, a liar, a cheat, a rapist, a racist, he’s had how many bankruptcies? Why are people falling at his feet? It makes no sense. Does he have something on all these people that makes them bow and scrap before him? I just don’t get it. He’s committed so many crimes that would prevent anyone else from ever being considered Presidential material so what is it that makes this ok? He’s like the son of Adolph.
Unfortunately, this is our new norm..Trump and MAGA have taken over..it scares me for all of us now, our children and grandchildren will inherit a planet with more pollution and all regulation absolved..water, air, insecticides, pesticides, etc..some countries will not import our food because of...it scares me..here Kamala had crowds of 75,000 and Trump was in a Gymnasium
.WHAT HAPPENED? Do we really think prices are going down? That is being delusional..tariffs will increase our prices..becoming an isolationist nation during these times is dangerous..pre WWII mentality..I am in despair but have to hope the midterms may give sensible people a chance to be elected..🙏
Suzy, legal is in jeopardy in our country today. And maybe it isn't actually the highest value. Maybe norms, or morals, is. When I was in graduate school, I studied the difference between nomos (Greek for law) and ethos (Greek for ethics; the Latin is mores, social norms). Law came about when civilizations got bigger, when law had to be written down and enforced because some people in bigger groups failed to learn "what is moral," or what norms keep the civilization safe and functioning. They had to be held to a lower standard--law--for civilization to keep going. I think what Trump has done is attack, maybe fatally, our American standard of morality and ethics. We have to fight back with morals, not law (because I think law may be gone, under Trump).
I hear what you are saying, and I'm right there with you about resistance, not acceptance. However, I also see what Ian is saying because all these people "bending the knee" to Trump is really pissing me off. It's truly unimaginable that this is happening. I think once Trump gets into office, and starts messing/fucking up, and pisses people off, things may change. I can only hope.
The only way those “bending the knee” would change is if/when their fortunes are threatened. They are all greedy and focused on wealth & more wealth at any cost. The cost is “us” .
The bus driver is whiskey drunk and we are just waiting til Jan 20 to be catapulted down the ravine in a ball of shredded steel and fire 🔥… but I will stand strong 💪!!!
1. I refuse to attend the annual Trump Adoration Rally *sponsored by Marlboro
2. As required by law, I must have the Trump portrait in my living room BUT I will only only hang it 2” above my Jesus painting instead of the 6” suggested in the Proud Christian Patriot Picture Pages Manual
Agree that resistance is the necessary key to topple Trump and his completely illegal and ruthless crony empire. Resistance must be large, strong, and relentless. Trump in reality has the legacy of a true mobster in the mold of the Genovese, Gotti, and Gambino crime syndicates. He made deals with Gambino and Genovese associates to favor his development projects in return for huge kickbacks. Who other than the wicked mob lawyer Roy Cohn would have substantiated these deals? When the feds indicted the reputed mobsters, Donald skated like he always has, by his bottomless well of treachery, playing the two sides to a stand-off. He has learned from the best of the long cons and sleazes how to profit from massive corruption, and with the complicity of the captains of capital, how to realize the mobster's greatest dream, to topple the U.S. Government. He just made it look so easy! Read Olear's incisive take from 2020.
How can "many people still fighting the good fight" win back their fair share of America . . . when the 2% millionaires/billionaires own 60% of America?
🧨🧨🧨🧨Don't give up in advance. I read some fascinating information about how the federal bureaucracy—the hated and feared Deep State—can help stop Trump's henchmen from getting anywhere fast. Give yourself reasons to hope!
Melissa, we are the "karma." The Democrats need to learn a new pitch. The Middle Class has disappeared and the oligarchs now want to take away their security in old age - Social Security and Medicare while grinding those at the very bottom into the dirt by reducing or eliminating Medicaid. What to do? Broadcast day after day, with rhythmic regularity, the fact that we need to hate this cruelty that is the cause of our despair and vote them out of office, if we still have a democracy.
Richard, I agree that we are the karma and (it's a Sanskrit word that means "action") what we need to do is exactly what you say: take action every day to broadcast with rhythmic regularity the fact we need to hate this cruelty and get rid of it/them by resisting them.
Don't Buy Their Products If You Can Avoid It... That is Democracy as Well!!! Do you really want to buy a Tesla at this point? Elon Musk helped install DJT in order to effect 'Regulatory Capture' in order to 'Turn-Off' all the Federal Investigations that were starting to Circle his Companies...
Agree, Apache. They've made it difficult for regular people to boycott them because they so pervasively inserted themselves into our lives. But please do everything you can to boycott:
You are absolutely right. You can take your condemnations into the world of sports where every sport and almost every player has become a groveling whore willing to sell his soul for the highest bidder. A thing I grew up loving called loyalty has flown on the wings of the highest offer and the most money. Nowhere is this more blatant than in college football. Baseball isn't far behind. Soto and Ohtani have signed for such an obscene amount of money that I don't even want to type it out. The old adage that it's never enough has proven to be true. When did this start happening? I must have been asleep. The danger inherent in this way of life has no bounds. When will it all explode in everybody's faces. Soon, I suspect.
My ex was an Athletic Director. The NCAA Division I allows colleges to bring in millions of dollars through their athletics. The players are basically slaves. They get a full ride scholarship to play. If their grade point level drops, they can’t play or even can lose their scholarships. They practice, weights, endurance, study films of their computers and still need to attend class and get good grades. If they have a career ending injury they often lose their scholarships and get no financial support for their injuries. If I was that talented I would go from high school to pros, which is starting to be more often. You can always go to college but if you’re that good than you can get a high paying job without college.
You may have heard Lenny Bruce's lament about how prostitution became so widespread in modern times. He related that he checked into a hotel and asked the bellhop assisting him into his room how he might find a prostitute. The bellhop indicated that he could handle the request in no time. Bruce says about an hour later a man with a beard but neatly dressed showed up and said something like, "I'm a serious novelist but to make ends meet I write for men's magazines."
I have been feeling sorry for those immigrants, documented or not, who have risked life, limb, and sometimes their own children, for something they thought was going to be so . much . better.............only to discover.......
This is simple. America's OLIGARCHS are about one thing: MONEY. We've been trending towards becoming a fascist state for 40 years. Trump is simply the "cherry on top" for the OLIGARCHS. And, many of them are responsible for Project 2025, are still "hiding in the weeds," and have a big surprise coming even for Trump's MAGA voters!
They're not bumbling fools, like Trump. They're serious, if crazy, white Christian nationalist males who have spent four years plotting to take over our country and end our democracy. They have succeeded in taking it over. Now we must resist and take our country back. Please don't delude yourself into thinking there are bumbling fools behind Trump. He's the figurehead, and he may have other fools as figureheads like Hegseth and Gaetz and Noem, but there are legions of sober strategists behind them.
I I think you may be missing the point of white nationalism, Project 2025, and the hold that trump has on people. He threatens politicians with being primaried, which is a real threat as he has done it to enough people. Another article today suggests that trump made a lot of threats during the campaign, but doesn't take them seriously now. However, the Heritage Foundation, and the billionaires affiliated with them, have their own agenda and that is Project 2025. Trump will be pressured to follow this as his agenda.
He and his goons threaten political ruin to any politico that opposes them. I believe (it has been written about) the goons also threaten blackmail or death to opponents.
'Government of the billionaires': Trump's new pitch triggers explosive outcry
President-elect Donald Trump's proposed new arrangement for any company looking to expand in America garnered immediate suspicion and criticism Tuesday on social media.
In a post to his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump said: "Any person or company investing ONE BILLION DOLLARS, OR MORE, in the United States of America, will receive fully expedited approvals and permits, including, but in no way limited to, all Environmental approvals. GET READY TO ROCK!!!"
This is an experiment. Can such a multicultural and large (representative) democracy survive in a very complicated world? People tune out and they are "selfish lazy greedy filled with fear" (vulnerable) and therefore DO NOT CARE about the vision and history of our country (they are politically ignorant).
This has been happening, not sudden. We are at the critical point of it thanks to DJT leading.
Is it education? Have people turned to partisanship, comfort in their small groups?
It's not all about money. It WAS NOT all about money, but we have, over the years groomed ourselves to that vacuous end.
People don't want government in their lives, but they want Daddy, (the government) to take care of them. Inconsistent? Yes!
Immaturity... big time. Ignorance, big time.
Of course not everyone, but of 350 million plus or minus, who are the patriots in time of need? Look at those CEOs. They are pathetic. Being a genius at making money, even groveling if you have to, if you are not evolved and aware, is dangerous for all of us. We have allowed vast amounts of money to collect in hands of a few, those that are guilty of these symptoms as much as any of us.
Re this experiment, It does not seem to be working.
In a nutshell, you have succinctly and eloquently put into words exactly how I feel. Having said that, it’s hard to feel anything other than miserable despair. Counting down the days four years from now. But then what? I guess we’ll have to see.
Mostly, they're ignorant. Ignorant of what history says about the long-term consequences of backing an authoritarian, immoral regime. We're all about to find out.
I'm looking forward to comparisons of pictures that are later posted of the Inauguration crowds - 2017 versus 2025. I'm not planning to be in the audience, either physically or digitally. I have my standards.
The inauguration will be Joe's last chance save our country. The hour before the ceremony he should have the National Guard show up and start arresting all the MAGA traitors. They will all be in the same place waiting for their fascist rapist-in-chief to start talking. Just hoping... GH
Yes. The #SeditionCaucus will all be there. Sounds like a fun time to go home 14th amendment on their asses and tell them they can’t take their seats in Congress until they prove they didn’t violate the Constitution when they voted again accepting electoral college votes. That would be interesting.
Suddenly, Democrats could hold both sides of Congress. Trump would get sworn in and new Speaker of the House Hakeem Jeffries would immediately start #Impeachment3 for the tens of millions in emoluments violations that Trump has already accrued.
I’ll let you know after we Womenfolk Descend upon Washington for the Pre Inaugural Women’s March on Washington - and I cannot believe no one has posted much but since we are all Women and Busy and getting Shit done - we don’t have time to hang out on social media all day
Amount of wealth possessed is inversely proportional to the amount of moral character possessed. My working assumption is that those who are obscenely wealthy got there by exploiting others, so no surprise, unfortunately.
Some of them simply inherited it, but it does seem to me to be true in most situations. Bullying and greed seem to rule these days, kindness, understanding and charity are simply way out of style.
If the Oligarchs think they can control Trump, they should learn how Putin controls Oligarchs in Russia. Seems they have an affinity for falling out of high windows.
Koolkankat, don't forget too, Putin put out in the news that he expects repayment for the services of getting him (the mango wanker ) reelected. If O'Mussolini doesn't comply with Putin's desires, he might find himself eating a Double plutonium Mac with cheese....he can't accidentally fall out of a window because he's too friggin' fat to fit through the window..... unless it's a mega window from some monster skyscraper. Trump Tower Moscow perhaps....?
I don't mind at all, I've seen it from a number of people, William here used it and I liked the moniker. I also call him the orange Mussolini and the orange cockwomble…..😂 You're free to use any of my quotes etc. Peace 🕊
I never imagined such cowardice by so-called leaders in this country. Now I finally realize the only thing the wealthy care about is becoming richer. They feed their own greed by stomping and treading on the less fortunate. I hope they meet their demise.
Frighteningly similar. What the hell did those R voters think would happen!?!? The world's biggest grifter that adores Putin would do ANYTHING for them???? What a horrible and scary mess this is, and everyone kissing up...what are they afraid of?? No one will stand up to him! Just sickening.🤮🤯
It is so sick and all about GREED! I have read so much about what happened in Germany after Hitler took over and this is very familiar! Trump is truly evil there is no doubt! He doesn’t give a rats behind for any one but himself, what I don’t understand is what others even see in him? He’s rude, selfish, nasty, extremely unkind and hasn’t an ounce of human kindness! He should be in prison for his crimes like any other person would be, I don’t understand why he isn’t?
The Framers Of The Constitution Could Not Fathom Someone Like DJT Being Allowed In Public Life... I Suspect He Would Have Been Slayed In A Personal Duel Long Before...
Most of those voters don't read history. Ignorance begats ignorance. What is the first step in a fascist takeover? Scare the wealthy into supporting the regime, then round up the educated and press.
I know exactly what you mean. It’s history repeating itself because no one ever seems to learn and greed is ever with us. I just hope our cities don’t look like Dresden and Berlin did after the war.
Mandatory reading: "On Tyranny" by Timothy Snyder. He wrote this 126-page gem in 2017, so, yes, it is current. Too bad they don't teach history any more...
Kathi - Double like! Our little tortoise short haired kitty came from a wonderful no kill shelter and she turns 3 in four days. My spouse tried not to love her but now I think she is ranked higher than me. We had a boy kitty who died during a tooth extraction during the pandemic. We missed him so much so we went to this shelter and fell in love. Never knew that tortie’s were so chatty but she is also a good listener.
I’ve always had rescues. From the pound or I used to work finding homes for retired racing greyhounds. That mostly meant most dogs. I’m looking at my two babies right now. I trained them to be assistance dogs. If you want a dog or cat please go to the humane society. These dogs need so much love. I often adopt the Special Needs ones. I also adopt some seniors. They are my North Star and my joy.
Jamie Dimon, the so-called Master of the Universe, seems to have forgotten that Herbert Hoover Trump was the first president since Hoover to have a net number of jobs loss in his first term! With his starting a trade war, he will repeat his first term job performance! MAGA, MAKING AMERICA GRIFT ALWAYS!!!
Predatory capitalism is filled with predators - like Musk, Diamon, Bezos, Suckupperberg, trump and 1000s of other cowards who refer to themselves as business "leaders" are anything but leaders. These predators simply lie, cheat, steal and prey on the 99.9% of us so they can play their game of "who makes ther most money." Screw everyone else. Perhaps it will take the next 4 years for enough Americans to wake up and say, "enough" - get these crooks outta here, now.
Every day that goes by, I become more convinced that we are simply a nation of prostitutes. From the greenwashing and formerly LGBTQ supporting businesses to the politicians who claim to care about equality and the working class while insisting they should be able to trade stocks and become rich while in office, the last several years have revealed that America's harshest critics may have been going easy on us.
Sure, there are many wonderful people fighting the good fight, but at the end of the day, we have to reckon with just how many Americans, both people and institutions, are selfish, lazy, greedy, or filled with fear. America's greatest contribution to the world may be demonstrating that you don't really stand for anything if you'll lie down for anyone if the price is right.
Take heart. There are many people still fighting the good fight. Public servants like me will undermine Trump from within the government. The final stage of grief over Trump is resistance, not acceptance: https://democracydefender2025.substack.com/p/trump-resist-five-stages-of-grief
I am definitely not accepting things as they are, but to overcome a challenge, we have to properly identify it. I believe there are millions of well-meaning and left-leaning people who have, from W through Agent Orange, had the time, energy and other resources to be more active in this fight for democracy, but continue to stay on the sidelines doing little more than complaining. I think we have to light a fire under those who have remained comfortable enough to sit back and watch this dumpster fire of a corporate coup happen, and to me, that starts with calling them out for their passivity. Thanks for whatever you can do from the inside!
Ian- I'm 77 years old & I can hardly walk. I'm also living on SS & am just 'getting by'. I grew up in NJ & we got the News about TFG everyday. We knew who & what he was but Nothing seemed to stop him. I've voted against him twice now. I've written Opinions & Comments about him & have a 'following'. I donate to the Dems. I'm very depressed about how the 'cards' seem to have been stacked against us for a Long Time. And even the Media is kow towing!
Tell me what else I as a disabled Senior can do?
Well, one thing you can do is avoid what the forces against us are hoping for...to become silent. I mean hey, you posted here, and now I'll be checking your substack and would love to hear what you have to say. More than anything, I think we must support independent media and become the media ourselves. I truly believe that we have to improve our standing in the information war in order to have any hope of winning every other war. And while many think the answer is some grand liberal versions of Joe Rogan or Fox News, I don't think left-leaning people will ever have the money or the organizational skills to make those things happen.
I think the only realistic way to fight back is thousands of decentralized groups that ensure the truth makes it to citizens while corporate powers and corrupt politicians try to drown their minds with lies. So for what it's worth, it sounds like you're already on the right track and I would just encourage you to keep putting your voice out in your papers, your community, and any online forums where people are looking to connect and fight back.
Ian, I am a person who: a) believed what i wanted to believe or b) did not confirm my info with at least one other source or c) thought my source was too integritous to not be trustworthy or d) relied on faulty memory. In doing so I have from time to time, (usually when I'm really pissed off and in a hurry to spread my truth) disseminated faulty and/or inaccurate info. If we are to become media ourselves, I at least really need to take the time and energy to get it right, to authenticate from multiple sources with multiple viewpoints. I often believe myself or my thinking which can get me in trouble.
But I still think the election was stolen by the oligarchs who are paying respects (or demanding their pound of flesh?) to/from dumpster.
I think our election loss is due to the misinformation campaign which dominates the news in swing states. Social media is loaded with horrible caricatures of reality and especially about the Democrat party and lies about the Biden administration. No way 3 months of excellent Harris campaigning could overcome nearly 10 years of trump propaganda.
I think you may be right because they say 20 million democrats didn’t vote. I find that extremely unlikely. It doesn’t make any sense at all. The Republicans for decades now have cheated, they’ve become pretty good at it, as we all know Trump is a cheater par excellence! He would do anything to win because he can’t stand to lose and still in his pathetic narcissistic brain thinks he should have won in 2020. He can’t ever accept that he didn’t win and now we have another narcissist Elon Musk, sticking his unwanted nose into everything. He too wants Social Security to go to the wealthy?? What on earth do the wealthy need it for while millions of elderly and disabled die?
I agree! We need to check the votes. Check out Vote.org. According to their statistics, we had 1 m+ new voter registrants, and yet, fewer people voted in this election than the last. Something smells about this last election.
I am just a 77 y.o. female living on SS, a small state pension [which basically pays for my supplemental HC insurance], and working as an artist to supplement my income. I am thankful that there is Social Security and Medicare that I paid into during my working years. I am still paying into SS and Medicare through my PT teaching job. Now we have wealthy sh*theads who want to rob SS and Medicare and tell us that it is causing the deficit. How dumb are we to believe this outrageous lie?
Our problem is a lack of organization. I see that Trump won 77 million votes to Harris 66 million votes. I see an endless stream of complaints, blames, ideas, etc about what has happened, how people feel, what people think.
But, all this angst is immediately drowned in the din of more of the same. We need a way to sort all this stuff out, decide what in relevant and what is not, decide what the priorities are, get everyone to agree on a path to take, and take the path.
I was recently exposed to a 2000 piece picture puzzle. It took many people a long time to solve it. But, there were tricks to make the process faster. Those tricks involved sorting the pieces out by shape, by color, and by orientation. Then when working, instead of searching through all of the remaining pieces, all you had to do is search through one, or two smaller group of pieces. The same trick should apply to our political problem of getting organized.
We don't know how to characterize the 'pieces' of the puzzel yet. We figure that out by trial and error. We don't know what is relevant yet. We have to make a list and discuss the various items. We don't know what is important yet. Same goes for each step of the process.
We don't have a table upon which to lay out our puzzel pieces, and our assembled result. We have to find or make such a forum. That is the first step!
So, I can't even ask without having a place to see replys. I'm a dummy at this. All I know a bit about is Facebook, making comments here, and email. If anyone wants to make suggestions, I'm all eyes!
But this is the only place I can look for a reply at this time.
Ted, where are you getting your Harris numbers? I think you are wrong. It's much, much tighter than that. Democrats lost by a hair (a Russian hair?): Trump has, according to the Associated Press, 49.97% to Vice President Harris' 48.36%, or 76.9 million votes to 74.4 million.
kim, if they put the covid vax in your food the hydrochloric acid in your stomach would degrade the mrna and render it useless. however, you should be aware that the microbots that elon puts in those vaxxines are impermeable to acids or bases, so they will still migrate to and install in the synapses in your brain. that is the real danger, especially for those with high IQ as the more synapses, the more bots are installed to manipulate our thinking. please beware, you are especially at risk
Who are "they" and why would "they do that." That's stupid.
I've lived in NJ since 1973 (Canadian transplant). There were many people in the area where I live who were affected by Trump when he didn't pay his contractors while building his casinos. Many of them are gone now. People either have forgotten, are ignorant as to what he did, or just don't care! His diehard supporters will make excuses for him and blow it off. Many are happy that he hates the same things they do! They all seem to think he's "one of them" because they like the way he talks (trash)! They don't realize that he considers them "basement dwellers"!
There are many Catholics who voted for him because they're convinced he will stop abortion! I know some nuns, though, who would never ever vote for him!
I agree, it is so frustrating! How does anybody counter the lies?
I am one Catholic who has never voted for the Republican candidate, and I definitely never voted for Trump. It’s a complete mystery to me why people can’t see he’s a sociopath and malignant narcissist. Perhaps they are too marinated in propaganda outlets to see it. The problem is that the MSM are adopting the tactics and distortions of Fox News and similar outfits. Democrats need to invest in counter propaganda media outlets, instead of making expensive ad buys.
Yes Kathy I think you're right about MSMs. Problem is the people who Own them can manipulate what we see & hear Anyway They Want! Especially in the case of MSMs there should be some Regulations or Standards that keep them from spreading misinformation. The Right to Free Speech has been violated & used for these wealthy owners only to further enrich themselves!
And also I have never felt that Drump & Associates are Accepted Members of 'the Elite'. The Elite only Use Don's ego to manipulate him!
Yes, it is a mystery how gullible people are! Trumpers usually seem to rely on Fox for their information and also social media. I agree that too many MSM commentators normalized Trump as a candidate no matter how bizarre or hateful his statements were!
Marinated is a great description! A journalist recently wrote that he experimented visiting the propaganda outlets for several weeks and it had a big impact on his thinking and emotions...
Kathy, you are wrong. Trump is not a sociopath. That is too mild for him. He is a certified psychopath. Psychologists have diagnosed him. One of many sites about that:
https://drvincentgreenwood-89455.medium.com/the-science-behind-donald-trumps-dangerous-personality-disorder-49b3f8e416dehttps://drvincentgreenwood-89455.medium.com/the-science-behind-donald-trumps-dangerous-personality-disorder-49b3f8e416de
So right on about investing in counter propaganda, for example, the truth!!!
One way is to remind people what he promised and compare those lies to what he actually does.
Chris Jansen on msnbc today was talking about trump walking back his campaign promise of lowering the price of groceries. A GOP congressman was arguing loudly that trump was just preparing people that it would be very hard to fix the horrible things that resulted from the "bad policies" of the Biden/Harris administration. She didn't back down but he was so belligerent and condescending to her! They have no shame and will lie to the ends of the earth for him!
Just keep showing how inhumane he is. Don’t they care if the elderly people in their cities start dying from starvation and lack of housing because Trump took away their Social Security and gave it to his wealthy supporters? I can’t imagine anything so evil. Trump is really cruel and disgusting.
How will we fight this? For 45 years they have creeped, law broke. They ignore rationality. The only thing that will stop them are boycotts, flooding the streets peacefully knowing some will possibly be injured or shot and finally the violence will beget violence to protect ourselves. Hitler/ Putin had/ have to be stopped. Now trumpty.
He's a nasty piece of work.
I am 77 also and have done all that you have in order to maintain my country. I will continue my fight because I do not want to die in a country that is run by idiots.
I wish I knew what to say that could help but I am in a similar situation! I keep telling myself this can’t be happening! How is this dreadful person allowed to do all these truly cruel things to the American people people? Because by doing what he wants to do, the basic cruelty, viciousness on purpose is going to kill millions of Americans and nobody seems very concerned! Certainly nobody in the Republican party seems to care, they ‚re all delighted by their “victory “ ! Yea we won we can give this money to the wealthy! How sick is that?
Mo Kling, on YouTube I go to Cheri Jacobus, Vic Meyers "old white guy" and Rational Boomer for inspiration. Vic and Cheri advocate sending e-mails, letters or phone calls to government representatives to voice how you feel. Vic Meyers opinions are insightful, and you will not feel depressed after listening to his videos. Rational Boomer is direct and very much a straight talker. I stopped watching NBC, CBS and ABC national news. For sources of news, I go to Pro Publica and others on their substacks.
So important, glenad, to shun NBC, CBS, ABC and all other normal media. they are just Trump regurgitators. We have to get our news elsewhere now. The Guardian, YouTube as you mention, Substack, Bluesky. The Philadelphia Inquirer is owned by a non-profit foundation devoted to keeping them free to report the news as is, not affected by some billionaire's ego and profit motive. Subscribe.
The settlement by ABC made me want to vomit! Everybody's afraid of the orange degenerate because he will sue at the drop of a hat! Individuals can be wiped out financially defending themselves! That's how this ignoramus has operated his whole life! It is how he was able to get away with stiffing so many contractors when he built his casinos! They couldn't afford to fight him in court because he dragged everything out! He's a despicable waste of human skin!
Thanks for that information Glenad! I don't use Utube but I'll try to find those sites you mentioned.....
Thank you for all you do, Mo! I share your frustration.
All we are doing is kvetching about the known. All the CEO's, all the Billionaires, and politicians who care about political and personal survival are and will fold into the Mar a Lago landscape. Jimminy Crickets we know what awaits us, it is not as if it is a secret, that we haven't been told, the CEO"s, the Bilionaires, the politicians who are and will be folding, suffer no illusions.
Project 2025 has laid it all out, nothing should surprise us, and all we have left it seems is gossip,
What we need to be doing is planning and organizing a resistance and our personal survival.
I fully expect chaos,following chaos, hair on fire news, followed by earth shattering news about what Trump is doing and saying and what he plans to do.
rrankly I am not interested in gossip, as I can do nothing about it,and neither can any of us. We need to spend our time, game planning how to survive the theocratic autocracy that awaits.
Check out Indivisible, a nationwide grassroots resistance organization that started in 2016-17. Their new Indivisible Guide is worth reading and using - and they even advise how to start your own group and get it going to save our democracy. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o1gSdFWIUpw41O5zbaxedVsr6Xik5XpPd9FwqvXYu40/preview?tab=t.0
I co-founded an Indivisible chapter in 2017 during Trump 1.0, so I'm somewhat amenable to Indivisible 2.0. I've skimmed the first chapter of this new guide, though, and they don't even mention racism as a cause for our defeat. Why not? This is very off-putting for me. We absolutely must consider racism and misogyny as factors in these horrible election results.
hi Deb Pierce - One thing I admire about Indivisible's approach to defending democracy is their focus on what can be done to resist Trump. Like everyone, they tried to assess why Trump won, and like everyone, realized there are a jillion factors, from racism and misogyny to low-information and misinformation-voters, plus the 89 million people who didn't care enough to vote.
You and I could write pages and pages about causes, but I think it's more helpful at this point to do everything we can to prevent Trump and his allies from inflicting the damage they're threatening to do. Later on, there will be time, more information, and perspective to figure out why people elected Trump twice. In the meantime, my local Indivisible group meets tomorrow to see what Indivisible suggestions we want to use in 2025. Onward!
I so agree, we are falling backwards on both issues , back to the 1950’s. We cannot let evil racists like HIM set us back. He seems to appeal to a certain segment of the population that never moved on from that era. There is a difference , he can never change, but many others can. Trump is in my mind basically evil. He’s always been that way even as a two year old, he’s not ever been a good person and now he’s got dementia which only makes it worse.
Thanks Laurie
My pleasure. it's going to take all of us to keep our country and communities safe.
That's helpful!
Luigi did more to wake up the wealthy than anyone or anything so far. It's interesting that the only thing all sides have agreed on in the last decade is the assassination of a CEO.
NY Times published a front page article explaining most Americans like their healthcare. Only 1% do not. This is the Billionaire propaganda.
It is not that we like our HC. We are grateful that we have HC. Those of us who live in the Blue States are grateful for what we have while hoping for better in the future.
I mentioned in an earlier post - I am 77 y.o. and rely on my SS, Medicare, and small State pension that covers my HC supplemental. I worked for the State for 10 years before I retired. It was the best decision and I am glad I did. However, I am concerned about those who will never be able to afford a supplemental to their Medicare.
Now with the incoming Trump Administration, the plan is to scrap SS and Medicare. That is going to hurt a lot of people. I am wondering how they're going to explain how we all still need to contribute to FICA while they raid the Trust Fund account.
Yeh it is interesting isn't it. Here is a take on it that I find compelling
Mind War https://www.mind-war.com/p/i-am-an-atheist-but-i-believe-in?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email#media-834a7beb-7d8c-4886-b88f-814a70722f1e
That's thought provoking for sure.
CEO according to my Funk & Wagnall - Criminal Enabling Oligarch
So you think it’s justified to kill a CEO of a company you don’t like? If so, you are the problem.
The CEOs have no problem killing you, of course. Where is Gandhi when we need him?
If he routinely denies people the treatment they deserve, hounds them into bankruptcy and homelessness it is. Fascism must be opposed by any means necessary.
Very interesting Comment! Although I can't condone the actions of someone who Wasn't Even Insured by United Healthcare I understand Why there is such an outpouring of Angst- especially at this Time! There used to be a 'saying' awhile ago- something like 'I've had Enough & I'm Not Going to Take It Anymore!'
That's a Good start. Let's Keep It Up!
The resistance already exists and is organized. Join with any existing group, don’t waste your good energy reinventing the wheel. We get more done when we act in numbers.
"Hair on fire news"? I don't think so. What I fully expect is a bunch of very serious print and broadcast journos to go on as they have been, reporting on trump and his doings as if nothing is really out of the ordinary
I think the person who commented on "hair on fire" was referring to the wasteful outrage alternative media commentators are spending: "Can you believe Trump is doing what he said he would do?" That's a total waste of energy. Hair on fire indeed. What the person suggested is that we all take proactive steps to move forward, even if it's "only" getting involved in an active manner at the local level. That none of us spend time on gossiping about how outrageous what Trump said he'd do and is dong, actually is.
At this point it appears that some of TFG's efforts could be backfiring. Some of his supporters are now aware of the way tariffs really work and are not happy at all. Even yesterday, TFG was stating that he didn't think he could bring food prices down like he thought. The project 2025 ring leaders ARE moving very quickly, but it's allowing regular citizens to see much faster what that's going to mean for them. We all know it's useless to attempt even friendly discussions with orange supporters. Maybe we don't have to. Maybe some of our strategy is to sit back and let certain "implosions" happen on their own. (mcconnell used to use this tactic.... and that scoundrel got alot of garbage done without lifting a finger of his own..) We just have to avoid the "I told you so-isms" and the "We TOLD you this would happen--YOU voted for him; hope you're happy" accusations.
Ido hope you are right MM. But I look to the past for guidance and examples. I have predicted that the orange cult members will become disenchanted, or at least some, but a day late and a dollar short.
By the time the Germans who voted for Adolph in the plebiscite realized that they had screwed the goose. It was too late.
As regards the "I told you so=isms" no chance of that, for many on the right, their hatred of liberals (meaning anyone to the left of Hitler) is so profound that they are more than glad to suffer any inconvenience, any indignity, any pain so long as they cab "own the libs"
Do people learn from their mistakes? I think not, my experience on my 85 trips around the sun is that they rationalize them, or find excuses.
Such as it is the fault of the Jews, or insert any minority here.
Marc Elias writes great articles about how we can be the opposition: https://www.democracydocket.com/opinion/building-the-opposition/
Many of those who voted for Trump will be hurt by his policies. When they realise that they have been hoodwinked their anger will be considerable. Best it is channelled into legal action and political ambition. This can include exposing corruption by the republicans Shouldn't be hard, there is so much of it.
William, genius to say "What we need to be doing is planning and organizing a resistance and our personal survival." That's what we can do, and all we should do. All this gossip--"Can you believe Trump is doing what he said he'd do?" is insane. A useless waste of energy.
Correct Christina I wade right through the gossip, whether it is on TV, Email . substack of the interwebs. It serves no purpose, We know that any Trump picks is a threat, incompetent and will deconstruct the agency . We know that those in charge of national security will be a threat to national security and we know that there are Generals who will kow tow to Trump. Idon't waste my time on them. As you said, as I said, it is gossip and goes nowhere., except to keep some people employed kvetching and reporting gossip.
I;m getting newsletters from people who are claiming to have got rid of Gaetz. (I don't think so I'm predicting he will be sworn in to the 119th Congress, and be the speaker of the house, ordained by Trump.
Sonething that I learned in the 1980's when researching a paper for my Masters is that "hings are not as they appear".
The surface is an illusion. Updated we are distracted by holograms.
A very true statement. However, I am pissed as hell at all those stupid, ignorant, not wealthy people who are delusional and voted for this sociopathic monster. I'm looking forward to all of them waking up to hell because many of them will, and they'll have no one else to blame. I plan to take your advice in the meantime, and continue to work hard as mental health practitioner. I have no plans on retiring. I feel like talking with all of you helps.
Here is how I assess the situation Janice. The primal motivation for humans is survival, that entails safety and access to food and the means to obtain shelter and clothing., unless one lives in the tropics, then clothing is optional.
Once the basic needs are fulfilled.other needs kick in like the sex drive,probably the strongest drive among humans, other than food and water.
One drive, one need persists, regardless of status, and that is safety, security. The more you have, the more you have to lose, the higher you climb the further you can fall. Insecurity is the one thing that haunts all humans, from food insecurity to social/hierarchical insecurity.
Back to sex. There are only two animals in the world that are actively seeking and seemingly preoccupied with sex: humans and bonobo chimps.
Surely you are familiar with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the problem is humans never really get to self actualization. The epitome of which the Buddhist call Nirvana
Once you climb the ladder and achieve your social primacy and wealth, insecurity sets in, there is the persistent worry and pressure to impress your peers, and ensure that you protect your wealth and status by any means, by hook or crook, by acquiring more, by elminating competition
There is a reason the TV show is called Shark Tank, because these billionaires become like sharks, they have to keep swimming or they suffocate and die (Sharks don't breathe,movement pushes water through their gills, if they don't move they suffocate.
Real estate developers, con men, salesmen are of the same ilk.
That takes us back to sex., Sex is an important biological drive and because it is horomonal it affects humans mentally as well, not just humans, 4 legged beasts that lose out in the mating rut, become chemically castrated till the next mating season when their hormones kick in. This applies mostly to pack animals, not herd animals, like dogs, wolves, coyotes, meerkats and humans. The latter produce bachelors who roam the periphery, looking for an opportunity to sneak in and snag a female in estrus, or kidnap one from a neighboring pack.
For the alpha (male or female) power is the greatest aphrodisiac, it stimulates the gonads to produce testosterone. a liitle is also produced in the adrenals
In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, fat cells, and skin cells. The ovaries produce the majority of testosterone, with the adrenal glands producing the rest.
Power stimulates the adrenals, loss of power results in a plummet of testosterone.
A study was done of football hooliganism in Europe, soccer riots are common place. Soccer is not a competitive contact sport, but it creates more excitement and emotion than American football.
European men find their identity in "their" football team, and when their team wins, they get a boost in testosterone and feel 'manly", empowered, masculine, and when their team loses, they are chemically castrated, and the way they regain their manhood is by violence, rioting.
I've seen this in the military as well, probably commonplace in the corporate world and politics.
I watched a General dress down, effeminate, a Colonel, and watched te colonel do the same to a Major, and rebuild his own testerone level, then the major did it to a Lt and the Lt had to eat it, because no Senior SGt was going to take crap from a 2d Lt.
I was a drill instructor, when enlisted, and heard recruits murmur that they were putting salpeter in the food, because they couldn't even masturbate,or get sexually aroused.
The cooks were not doing any such thing, the problem is that the drill instructor me, and the routine of rush, rush, rush, run, run, run, march, march, march and jump,jump,jump had, for a time, had suppressed their sex drive by suppressing testosterone levels.
What I am getting at is that power is primarily a sex drive thing, that is why you see Old ugly Rupert and fat smelling Donald with women who would not give them the time of day,otherwise. Why these fat, ugly old, balding men have young things hanging on their arm, mistresses and expensive call girls. Powerful women too, corporate executives and board of directors., producers and directors are just as guilty of sexual harassment as men., but it is rare that a man would come forward and file charges or sue.
I hope this exegesis helps.
They will realise their mistake when they realise they are going to get more of the same only more so. Bigger gaps between rich and poor, less help for those who are unfortunate. Trump is too stupid to see that dictators exist not because they imprison those who oppose them, but also invest in social programmes too. Saddam survived for 30 years, and Hitler would have done so too, through his programme of public works, reduced unemployment. This is his weakness and it should be played upon.
Colin, I don't think "they" will realize their mistake(s). I think they will blame it on Biden. Please don't underestimate the rigidity and immutability of Trump people's belief structure; mere facts won't affect it. They will just deny the facts and mis-attribute causation elsewhere.
Suggestions please??
Keep talking and don't spread false hope. The very worse thing that can happen is convincing yourself and others, that the "sun will come up tomorrow" That the ship of state will right itself..That it can't be that bad, that the people aren't stupid and will not put up with the deceit, theft and harm.
Find your own way to resist, without putting your head on the chopping block. And come to terms with the fact, that everything transmitted electronically is sniffed, cataloged and stored.
You are right we have to get fully organized and not sit on our duffs and bitch and moan. What Trump is doing is not in any way NORMAL or possibly even legal. When has legal ever been an issue with Trump? He has been allowed to get away with crime after crime when any other person would be cooling their heels in prison! The courts and justice (where has that been) have given him a blank sheet to do what ever he wants! WHY? There is nothing special about this guy, he’s a criminal, a liar, a cheat, a rapist, a racist, he’s had how many bankruptcies? Why are people falling at his feet? It makes no sense. Does he have something on all these people that makes them bow and scrap before him? I just don’t get it. He’s committed so many crimes that would prevent anyone else from ever being considered Presidential material so what is it that makes this ok? He’s like the son of Adolph.
Unfortunately, this is our new norm..Trump and MAGA have taken over..it scares me for all of us now, our children and grandchildren will inherit a planet with more pollution and all regulation absolved..water, air, insecticides, pesticides, etc..some countries will not import our food because of...it scares me..here Kamala had crowds of 75,000 and Trump was in a Gymnasium
.WHAT HAPPENED? Do we really think prices are going down? That is being delusional..tariffs will increase our prices..becoming an isolationist nation during these times is dangerous..pre WWII mentality..I am in despair but have to hope the midterms may give sensible people a chance to be elected..🙏
Suzy, legal is in jeopardy in our country today. And maybe it isn't actually the highest value. Maybe norms, or morals, is. When I was in graduate school, I studied the difference between nomos (Greek for law) and ethos (Greek for ethics; the Latin is mores, social norms). Law came about when civilizations got bigger, when law had to be written down and enforced because some people in bigger groups failed to learn "what is moral," or what norms keep the civilization safe and functioning. They had to be held to a lower standard--law--for civilization to keep going. I think what Trump has done is attack, maybe fatally, our American standard of morality and ethics. We have to fight back with morals, not law (because I think law may be gone, under Trump).
Again Ian, right on!!!! Totally agree with you and Public Servant.
We will have to wait for the dumpster fire to affect them.
boycotting used to work wonders...
I hear what you are saying, and I'm right there with you about resistance, not acceptance. However, I also see what Ian is saying because all these people "bending the knee" to Trump is really pissing me off. It's truly unimaginable that this is happening. I think once Trump gets into office, and starts messing/fucking up, and pisses people off, things may change. I can only hope.
The only way those “bending the knee” would change is if/when their fortunes are threatened. They are all greedy and focused on wealth & more wealth at any cost. The cost is “us” .
The bus driver is whiskey drunk and we are just waiting til Jan 20 to be catapulted down the ravine in a ball of shredded steel and fire 🔥… but I will stand strong 💪!!!
1. I refuse to attend the annual Trump Adoration Rally *sponsored by Marlboro
2. As required by law, I must have the Trump portrait in my living room BUT I will only only hang it 2” above my Jesus painting instead of the 6” suggested in the Proud Christian Patriot Picture Pages Manual
3. I will laugh in lieu of going insane
Yes 🙌
Keep up that good work!!! It may be our only hope. GH
Resistance - proper noun. 😊
Craig - if we capitalize it, they'll shut us down.
F*** k YEAh 👍
Agree that resistance is the necessary key to topple Trump and his completely illegal and ruthless crony empire. Resistance must be large, strong, and relentless. Trump in reality has the legacy of a true mobster in the mold of the Genovese, Gotti, and Gambino crime syndicates. He made deals with Gambino and Genovese associates to favor his development projects in return for huge kickbacks. Who other than the wicked mob lawyer Roy Cohn would have substantiated these deals? When the feds indicted the reputed mobsters, Donald skated like he always has, by his bottomless well of treachery, playing the two sides to a stand-off. He has learned from the best of the long cons and sleazes how to profit from massive corruption, and with the complicity of the captains of capital, how to realize the mobster's greatest dream, to topple the U.S. Government. He just made it look so easy! Read Olear's incisive take from 2020.
https://gregolear.substack.com/p/tinker-tailor-mobster-trump?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Well said.
How can "many people still fighting the good fight" win back their fair share of America . . . when the 2% millionaires/billionaires own 60% of America?
Please remain within the government, as we need many people to do this. Thank you for this. We will prevail.
You are a hypocrite!
RESPECT DEMOCRACY & sorry to say he won’t anyway the whole shbang presidency,congress & the house!
Personally I can’t stand the President in waiting.
🧨🧨🧨🧨Don't give up in advance. I read some fascinating information about how the federal bureaucracy—the hated and feared Deep State—can help stop Trump's henchmen from getting anywhere fast. Give yourself reasons to hope!
https://kathleenweber.substack.com/p/resistance-is-silent
That was a great read, thank you for sharing the link!
The CEOs are sucking up to Trump. Of course they are. That's how fascism works.
They have bent the knee for their own gain! At some point karma will come knocking
Melissa, we are the "karma." The Democrats need to learn a new pitch. The Middle Class has disappeared and the oligarchs now want to take away their security in old age - Social Security and Medicare while grinding those at the very bottom into the dirt by reducing or eliminating Medicaid. What to do? Broadcast day after day, with rhythmic regularity, the fact that we need to hate this cruelty that is the cause of our despair and vote them out of office, if we still have a democracy.
Richard, I agree that we are the karma and (it's a Sanskrit word that means "action") what we need to do is exactly what you say: take action every day to broadcast with rhythmic regularity the fact we need to hate this cruelty and get rid of it/them by resisting them.
The sooner the better
Karma will come for them, Melissa, but sadly it may be in their next life.
Don't Buy Their Products If You Can Avoid It... That is Democracy as Well!!! Do you really want to buy a Tesla at this point? Elon Musk helped install DJT in order to effect 'Regulatory Capture' in order to 'Turn-Off' all the Federal Investigations that were starting to Circle his Companies...
Agree, Apache. They've made it difficult for regular people to boycott them because they so pervasively inserted themselves into our lives. But please do everything you can to boycott:
1. Paypal (Thiel)
2. Amazon (Bezos)
3. Whole foods (Bezos)
4. Tesla (Musk)
6.Starlink (Musk)
7. Facebook and Instagram (Zuckerberg)
8. TikTok (the Chinese communist dictatorship)
You are absolutely right. You can take your condemnations into the world of sports where every sport and almost every player has become a groveling whore willing to sell his soul for the highest bidder. A thing I grew up loving called loyalty has flown on the wings of the highest offer and the most money. Nowhere is this more blatant than in college football. Baseball isn't far behind. Soto and Ohtani have signed for such an obscene amount of money that I don't even want to type it out. The old adage that it's never enough has proven to be true. When did this start happening? I must have been asleep. The danger inherent in this way of life has no bounds. When will it all explode in everybody's faces. Soon, I suspect.
Charlie Jervis, they didn't get the memo that they can't take it with them......⚰️
They can't take it with them... but they can sure try to take all of ours while they are here. GH
My ex was an Athletic Director. The NCAA Division I allows colleges to bring in millions of dollars through their athletics. The players are basically slaves. They get a full ride scholarship to play. If their grade point level drops, they can’t play or even can lose their scholarships. They practice, weights, endurance, study films of their computers and still need to attend class and get good grades. If they have a career ending injury they often lose their scholarships and get no financial support for their injuries. If I was that talented I would go from high school to pros, which is starting to be more often. You can always go to college but if you’re that good than you can get a high paying job without college.
You may have heard Lenny Bruce's lament about how prostitution became so widespread in modern times. He related that he checked into a hotel and asked the bellhop assisting him into his room how he might find a prostitute. The bellhop indicated that he could handle the request in no time. Bruce says about an hour later a man with a beard but neatly dressed showed up and said something like, "I'm a serious novelist but to make ends meet I write for men's magazines."
I have been feeling sorry for those immigrants, documented or not, who have risked life, limb, and sometimes their own children, for something they thought was going to be so . much . better.............only to discover.......
This is simple. America's OLIGARCHS are about one thing: MONEY. We've been trending towards becoming a fascist state for 40 years. Trump is simply the "cherry on top" for the OLIGARCHS. And, many of them are responsible for Project 2025, are still "hiding in the weeds," and have a big surprise coming even for Trump's MAGA voters!
And those who listened to trump’s violent, and cruel rhetoric, and still voteed for him.
My only hope is that the bumbling fools who surround tRump will cause the government to implode, hopefully not taking the world with it.
They're not bumbling fools, like Trump. They're serious, if crazy, white Christian nationalist males who have spent four years plotting to take over our country and end our democracy. They have succeeded in taking it over. Now we must resist and take our country back. Please don't delude yourself into thinking there are bumbling fools behind Trump. He's the figurehead, and he may have other fools as figureheads like Hegseth and Gaetz and Noem, but there are legions of sober strategists behind them.
You hit the nail on the head! Thank you. So very true and so pathetic.
Unfortunately, this is very true
I I think you may be missing the point of white nationalism, Project 2025, and the hold that trump has on people. He threatens politicians with being primaried, which is a real threat as he has done it to enough people. Another article today suggests that trump made a lot of threats during the campaign, but doesn't take them seriously now. However, the Heritage Foundation, and the billionaires affiliated with them, have their own agenda and that is Project 2025. Trump will be pressured to follow this as his agenda.
He and his goons threaten political ruin to any politico that opposes them. I believe (it has been written about) the goons also threaten blackmail or death to opponents.
'Government of the billionaires': Trump's new pitch triggers explosive outcry
President-elect Donald Trump's proposed new arrangement for any company looking to expand in America garnered immediate suspicion and criticism Tuesday on social media.
In a post to his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump said: "Any person or company investing ONE BILLION DOLLARS, OR MORE, in the United States of America, will receive fully expedited approvals and permits, including, but in no way limited to, all Environmental approvals. GET READY TO ROCK!!!"
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/government-of-the-billionaires-trump-s-new-pitch-triggers-explosive-outcry/ar-AA1vCJNR?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ASTS&cvid=7b3d4c68d1a54f69e43e30ab3474683e&ei=8
Trump is on a worldwide tour to solicit bribes from international governments and corporations.
This is an experiment. Can such a multicultural and large (representative) democracy survive in a very complicated world? People tune out and they are "selfish lazy greedy filled with fear" (vulnerable) and therefore DO NOT CARE about the vision and history of our country (they are politically ignorant).
This has been happening, not sudden. We are at the critical point of it thanks to DJT leading.
Is it education? Have people turned to partisanship, comfort in their small groups?
It's not all about money. It WAS NOT all about money, but we have, over the years groomed ourselves to that vacuous end.
People don't want government in their lives, but they want Daddy, (the government) to take care of them. Inconsistent? Yes!
Immaturity... big time. Ignorance, big time.
Of course not everyone, but of 350 million plus or minus, who are the patriots in time of need? Look at those CEOs. They are pathetic. Being a genius at making money, even groveling if you have to, if you are not evolved and aware, is dangerous for all of us. We have allowed vast amounts of money to collect in hands of a few, those that are guilty of these symptoms as much as any of us.
Re this experiment, It does not seem to be working.
In a nutshell, you have succinctly and eloquently put into words exactly how I feel. Having said that, it’s hard to feel anything other than miserable despair. Counting down the days four years from now. But then what? I guess we’ll have to see.
Mostly, they're ignorant. Ignorant of what history says about the long-term consequences of backing an authoritarian, immoral regime. We're all about to find out.
In order to participate in the kleptocracy, billionaire buy-in was essential.
It’s all part of the Republican mantra:
“Move all the money to us!”
And for the rest of America, it’s:
“Let them eat bootstraps!”
Right !
Can’t wait to see the menu for the inaugural feast in Panem ( Washington DC ? ) .
I’ll keep an eye out for the festivities in my
seat at Jack-In - the Box .
I'm looking forward to comparisons of pictures that are later posted of the Inauguration crowds - 2017 versus 2025. I'm not planning to be in the audience, either physically or digitally. I have my standards.
The inauguration will be Joe's last chance save our country. The hour before the ceremony he should have the National Guard show up and start arresting all the MAGA traitors. They will all be in the same place waiting for their fascist rapist-in-chief to start talking. Just hoping... GH
Wow, that was thoughtful. A real patriot. So, if one voted for Trump they are a traitor? I took the oath and voted for Trump.
I think he meant the legislators who promoted the big lie that the election was stolen & have continued that nonsense.
Yes. The #SeditionCaucus will all be there. Sounds like a fun time to go home 14th amendment on their asses and tell them they can’t take their seats in Congress until they prove they didn’t violate the Constitution when they voted again accepting electoral college votes. That would be interesting.
Suddenly, Democrats could hold both sides of Congress. Trump would get sworn in and new Speaker of the House Hakeem Jeffries would immediately start #Impeachment3 for the tens of millions in emoluments violations that Trump has already accrued.
I’m just ducking for cover in District 13
Same! I don't have the stomach for it or care to see him gloat.
I’ll let you know after we Womenfolk Descend upon Washington for the Pre Inaugural Women’s March on Washington - and I cannot believe no one has posted much but since we are all Women and Busy and getting Shit done - we don’t have time to hang out on social media all day
more like boogers, bootstraps are too nutritional
💯🎯
Amount of wealth possessed is inversely proportional to the amount of moral character possessed. My working assumption is that those who are obscenely wealthy got there by exploiting others, so no surprise, unfortunately.
Some of them simply inherited it, but it does seem to me to be true in most situations. Bullying and greed seem to rule these days, kindness, understanding and charity are simply way out of style.
So true
“Behind every great fortune lies a great crime”- Balzac
Carolyn Herz, 💯🎯
This is how Hitler became a dictator. The moneyed oligarchs thought they could control him. I suspect American oligarchs have the same delusion.
If the Oligarchs think they can control Trump, they should learn how Putin controls Oligarchs in Russia. Seems they have an affinity for falling out of high windows.
Koolkankat, don't forget too, Putin put out in the news that he expects repayment for the services of getting him (the mango wanker ) reelected. If O'Mussolini doesn't comply with Putin's desires, he might find himself eating a Double plutonium Mac with cheese....he can't accidentally fall out of a window because he's too friggin' fat to fit through the window..... unless it's a mega window from some monster skyscraper. Trump Tower Moscow perhaps....?
Diane - If you don’t mind I would like to steal your pet name of “mango wanker” and use it myself….;)
At Christmas dinner it will really rile up some of my in-laws.
I don't mind at all, I've seen it from a number of people, William here used it and I liked the moniker. I also call him the orange Mussolini and the orange cockwomble…..😂 You're free to use any of my quotes etc. Peace 🕊
The next 4 years is going to see a bigger divide between the haves and have nots. They’re making sure to get in on the action, imo.
Just drive the Crypto truck up to Fort Knox.
There's a story that's what will happen.
Could have all been prevented. So many failed institutions. Kleptocracy, theocracy, kakistocracy.
And watch the Democrats fall in line rather than resist. Fetterman, Clyburn, Sinema. Reprehensible.
Fetterman & Clyburn..... both, disappointments.... Pardoning 45? After what he caused since 2015? Here are a few highlights:
1. Good ppl on both sides comment,
2. the 2016 Muslim Ban,
3. the accusations & lies about rapists, drug dealers, prostitutes, and murders from
Mexico,
4. Wanting ppl to immigrate here who aren't from "shit-hole" countries,
5. insulting our military calling them suckers and losers, or asking a US retired Marine
Corps general while standing over his son's grave at Arlington Cemetary,
"What's in it for them?"
6. and so many other egregious comments & moves.......
If people are truly sorry for their behavior, I get it.
But until this guy dies he will never admit any wrongdoing. Looking through his glasses, He hasn't ever done anything wrong.
Sinema, seriously? It's always been about $$$$$$.
Jazz, absolutely correct 💯🎯
A pack of sycophantic, greedy cowards.
Philip Miller, 💯🎯. I still can't believe Clyburn's opinions on pardoning that orange POS. What a let down. I had respect for that man. 😞
He’s old and losing it too. Time to retire.
I never imagined such cowardice by so-called leaders in this country. Now I finally realize the only thing the wealthy care about is becoming richer. They feed their own greed by stomping and treading on the less fortunate. I hope they meet their demise.
Bongo-1, VT, and sooner rather than later. 💯🎯
Tomorrow would be good
Out of curiosity, how long did it take? Pretty obvious to me in 1969, but it didn't start to bother me until 2004.
Can anybody say, "1930's German Industrialists"? But maybe it's not worth asking, because a lot of Americans wouldn't know or care what it refers to.
I've been rereading The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. It's almost a blueprint for what MAGA is doing.
Frighteningly similar. What the hell did those R voters think would happen!?!? The world's biggest grifter that adores Putin would do ANYTHING for them???? What a horrible and scary mess this is, and everyone kissing up...what are they afraid of?? No one will stand up to him! Just sickening.🤮🤯
It is so sick and all about GREED! I have read so much about what happened in Germany after Hitler took over and this is very familiar! Trump is truly evil there is no doubt! He doesn’t give a rats behind for any one but himself, what I don’t understand is what others even see in him? He’s rude, selfish, nasty, extremely unkind and hasn’t an ounce of human kindness! He should be in prison for his crimes like any other person would be, I don’t understand why he isn’t?
Agree totally. I couldn't believe that he was allowed to run for President. It's absolutely insane!
The Framers Of The Constitution Could Not Fathom Someone Like DJT Being Allowed In Public Life... I Suspect He Would Have Been Slayed In A Personal Duel Long Before...
Most of those voters don't read history. Ignorance begats ignorance. What is the first step in a fascist takeover? Scare the wealthy into supporting the regime, then round up the educated and press.
TRUE
I know exactly what you mean. It’s history repeating itself because no one ever seems to learn and greed is ever with us. I just hope our cities don’t look like Dresden and Berlin did after the war.
Mandatory reading: "On Tyranny" by Timothy Snyder. He wrote this 126-page gem in 2017, so, yes, it is current. Too bad they don't teach history any more...
Doug Fay, 💯🎯
Be sure to use the Goods Unite US app to decide which companies deserve your money, based on how they donate politically.
No need for me! Anything extra goes straight to the local animal shelter, where all our kitties come from! Give locally!!
Kathi - Double like! Our little tortoise short haired kitty came from a wonderful no kill shelter and she turns 3 in four days. My spouse tried not to love her but now I think she is ranked higher than me. We had a boy kitty who died during a tooth extraction during the pandemic. We missed him so much so we went to this shelter and fell in love. Never knew that tortie’s were so chatty but she is also a good listener.
Oh yes, I'm all about local too and support our shelters as well! I meant for necessities, when you have a choice of what companies to support.
Kathi Williams, thank you and many blessings to you 🙏💕🐾
I’ve always had rescues. From the pound or I used to work finding homes for retired racing greyhounds. That mostly meant most dogs. I’m looking at my two babies right now. I trained them to be assistance dogs. If you want a dog or cat please go to the humane society. These dogs need so much love. I often adopt the Special Needs ones. I also adopt some seniors. They are my North Star and my joy.
Great idea!
Makes me sick to think being an American means folding like a cheap suit when a crass, bloated, mealy mouthed, traitorous liar holds power!
Jamie Dimon, the so-called Master of the Universe, seems to have forgotten that Herbert Hoover Trump was the first president since Hoover to have a net number of jobs loss in his first term! With his starting a trade war, he will repeat his first term job performance! MAGA, MAKING AMERICA GRIFT ALWAYS!!!
Morons Against Good Americans GH
Love it!!!
Gary Harmon, 💯🎯. Outstanding!!
❤️
❤️
Dimon kissed Trump's ring, not his backside, because Trump knows the danger of turning his back to the financiers.
The CEOs and Republicans are normalizing Trumps behavior and lies. This is how Hitler started.
Trump won because the legacy media sanewashed him.
As Timothy Snyder said, don't obey in advance and we see all of them obeying in advance.
Predatory capitalism is filled with predators - like Musk, Diamon, Bezos, Suckupperberg, trump and 1000s of other cowards who refer to themselves as business "leaders" are anything but leaders. These predators simply lie, cheat, steal and prey on the 99.9% of us so they can play their game of "who makes ther most money." Screw everyone else. Perhaps it will take the next 4 years for enough Americans to wake up and say, "enough" - get these crooks outta here, now.
Elliot - Sounds like you are describing (doesn’t) trickle down economics, right? ;)
Pissed on is more like it.
Gregg - True
As well as the $$$ signs in their eyes (corporate tax cuts)
And we are fucked…American Oligarchs!
Carrie Lingle, and that's an understatement. 💯🎯