Once again, I think we are paying far too much attention to Donald Trump and not enough to the Republican Party as well as that portion of Americans who find both appealing. Donald Trump was, and is, patently unfit to be president of the United States. He is also a criminal who needs to answer for his crimes. But the real culprit isn’t Trump its the Republican Party. Donald Trump may be the tumor, but the cancer is the GOP as well as the frighteningly sizable portion of Americans who support what both stand for. Further, no one who associates with that man, or who subscribes to what the Republican Party stands for can be considered “normal”. Not at least if one values democratic governance, inclusion, and a dedication to solving America’s problems in ways the benefit the greatest number. Can we truly say anyone who works for any despot is acceptable? After all, we routinely condemn those surrounding Viktor Orban or Vladimir Putin. Is someone like William Barr any different? Each of these brigands who first enabled Trump’s worst excesses then called Trump out for doing what he did, have made it clear they’ll vote for him if he runs again. Is that really normal? I fear that because of Trump’s ability to attract attention we are once more taking our eye off the ball and are going to be worse off for having done so.
Silence is complicity. The Republican Party is completely complicit with these actions-their silence is deafening. And what does that say about those who elect and support those leaders? How has racism, misogyny, bias, and hatred become so normalized?
"How has racism, misogyny, bias, and hatred become so normalized?"
Many espousing it today have found ways to justify it with bible verses, and their interpretation of them. Observe the ones trying to put the blame on the victims of the killings in a Colorado Springs nightclub. Truth means nothing to them except something to twist to justify their actions.
Yes, Thomas, that is in line with the Republicans who made jokes about 83 year old Paul Pelosi getting his scull cracked by a thug with a hammer! Whether one liked Nancy or not, that was beneath the pit, and unjustified in a civil society.
Thank you Laurie for bringing that despicable event back into attention. Paul Pelosi is a gentleman and a decent human being, The GOP maggots are unworthy of any position
The ones holding office who voted against certifying Joe Biden's win should not be in office. There are investigations of some of these people that should have consequences. The ones giving tours to insurrectionists planning to attack the people's house should definitely be removed.
Hatred is as American as apple pie. Rachel Maddow’s new podcast “Ultra” tells the story of American fascism in the 1930s and 40s — a history that most of us didn’t know about.
I'm on part 5 of Ultra. HIGHLY recommended. Coming from Michigan, I was certainly familiar with the anti-Semitic rants of Fr. Charles Coughlin as a part of our local history, but never realized how much it was of the fabric of all that was taking place.
Stan....that is very true. We had a very active communist party and fascist party in the USA in the 30's. The fascists were big business guys and billionaires. They got off free, but the communists paid for the next 40 years.
After the Red scare, Communism was made illegal. Why? Free country, my ass. Communism was ruined by dictators but right now Capitalism is a big failure too.
Stan....you might be right, but what about Proud Boys or Oath Keepers? Our right wing ruling class has always been paranoid about reds but fine with the fascists. You look at Communist Party platform and it reads like democratic party platform.
Watch The U.S. and the Holocaust | New Documentary ... - PBShttps://www.pbs.org › kenburns › us-and-the-holocaust
There is extensive coverage of fascism and the many Hitler sympathizers and "look the other way" denials of what he was doing, not to mention famous people like Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh who were if not ranting, at least talking about Nazism, reminding me of the Charlottesville crowd's "many fine people" shouting "Jews will not replace us"! I think Trump IS a white supremacist to his core, despite the fact that he has a Jewish son-in-law and ostensibly a convert in his daughter. And BTW how did neither of them speak up about his tacit approval of these haters? The Kushners are either complicit or spineless hypocrites. Everything they do is just for show. There's not a one of them that hold any beliefs of any moral value - not ONE of the whole T**** clan!
When things get tough in so-called Christain countries they always get around to blaming the Jews. The Jews are so handy to have someone to point the finger at as in Europe during the Black Death. Blame the Christ killing Jews.
You might be interested in this: "Behold America: A History of America First and the American Dream," Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018. It traces the origins of the 2 phrases from their Progressive beginnings (late 19th Century) through the 1930's.
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your [precious] spices. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. "
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are."
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence."
That's some Bible talk. Pharisee was Aramaic for Trump Supporter.
Another Bible-y guy - “That which is hateful unto you, do not do unto your friend, the rest [of the Law] is commentary, go and learn.”
Just watch Fox or Newsmax and you will hear it all. I watch David Pacman at night . He shows clips from Fox and the hate stations. He showed Nick Fuentes raving on one night. These people are dangerous.
Will there be another uprising when candidate trump loses and claims voter fraud. Absolutely.
Do we need to worry?
Not so much.
Perpetrators will be arrested, charged, tried, and convicted. The rule of law will prevail. Some say there are too many sympathizers among police, National Guard, Army. As much as they may agree with rioters, they won't risk their paychecks, loss of lifetime service-related benefits (health benefits, pension), or jail. They may grumble, but they'll do their damned job.
What I see: Trump won't get the nomination, yet his narcissism won't allow him to bow out. He'll start his own party and split the Repub vote. Four more Democratic years.
Racism, misogyny, bias have always been there. I was born in 1955. It was the norm for years. Rarely could there be a conversation without someone calling blacks-n****s. That was the way the olds talked back then. It was normal and accepted.
My gut reaction is to say that we didn’t accept those things, either, but when I take a step back, I do see that the entire culture has changed since I was born in 1959. Women, poc, lgbtq-it was a different time with different levels of acceptance. Hate speech was not tolerated in my suburban Philly home but we were products of the culture at that time. I’ve learned so much from my daughters who appreciate cultural diversity and from reading and learning as I have grown older. I’m proud to be woke and I pray I will get more woke the older I get. Living in Florida is a real eye opener as to how sick and sad the bias and hatred truly are.
I guess I’m uncomfortable with talking about erasing people-too genocide-y for me-but I’d love to see all those who promote hate to be sidelined and removed from positions of power in government, business, and society. Bye bye, Desantis!
I totally get that. The hostility and viciousness they exhibit is so very toxic and their actions literally put us all in jeopardy-all because of their greed and lust for power. It’s all been so normalized. That’s why I love this group because people here want decency, honesty, and a better society. It gives me hope! 😊. Peace be yours, my friend!
Why is normalization of hatred happening at this point in American history ? not the proximate cause like a Donald Trump who made it okay for some people to openly Express their bigotry,but what made a Donald Trump phenomenon possible in the first place ?
I think the worship of money and successful grifting elevated high profile tRump enough to get noticed by those who could use him in the office of president of the United States. He was crass and criminal enough to bilk people trying to get a college education with his Trump University. He had the corner on glamor with his beauty pageants and fancy hotels. He was not even afraid of ripping people off from their charitable contributions, and now is not even allowed to run a charity! He had so much nerve and narcissism that it was only a matter of time when the wealthy criminal class would see an opportunity. What did these backers get once he was in the Oval ? Trillions! Our weak enforcement of laws made it easy! Corrupt, greedy lawyers and other officials helped too.Add to that angry citizens who wanted to believe he was their vengeful savior, who would make things 'fair' and drain the obvious swamp and limit the numbers of 'others' and here we are.
Jim Giardina ; I think it is important to follow the investigations and charges against those who voted against the certification of Biden's presidency. They should not hold a seat in our government. The 'justices' who will not support voting rights for human citizens should be taken off the 'Supreme' court as well.
Unfortunately, this SCOTUS will be around for a long time. The devil's in the detail, and the "culture wars" will continue attempt keeping them exactly where they are. That's been the whole game for at last 50 years, by my reckoning. Nitwitted voters have >no idea< what they've brought down on their legacy.
DZK ; It would be interesting if the approval rating of the SC gets low enough to be not only scandalous. But dangerous. Isn't there a remedy If they are 'bad' ? Don't they take an oath?
That's a double edged strength/weakness of how The Constitution sets up the SCOTUS. The thinking is that SCOTUS justices, appointed for life, could afford to hold themselves aloof from political consideration. The down side is that they're appointed by whoever is president and confirmed by whoever is in charge of the Senate.
In recent months, I've come across language regarding impeaching one or another SCOTUS, that I've never heard of before, but that doesn't mean anything. I'm not that knowledgeable in such procedures. However, if an impeachment path exists, the Democrats sure as hell have no access to it for at least 2 years, assuming they can flip the House, and hold both the Senate and presidency. Remember. The House can only accuse someone of being a dirty guy. It requires a Senate trial to >actually convict< said dirty guy of being a dirty guy and then legislatively removing said dirty guy from office, and the sitting president signing off on it - unless it's the sitting president who was convicted, whereupon it falls to the VP, because that person automatically got a promotion.
For the moment, we're stuck, and any other language is pie in the sky, or cesspool if you prefer. You might want to direct that question to Mr Solomon. I'm satisfied he really knows what the devil he's talking about regarding legal processes.
Yes, Justices take an oath, but it would be next to impossible to remove one for violating it -- it's too general. Justices have to be impeached; inappropriate conduct is about the only guideline (I think...).
Same as for impeaching a president -- charges brought by the House and conviction following a trial in the Senate. I doubt it will ever happen, but the path is there.
Speaking of the crazies, I suspect the times Hartman refers to at the beginning of this comment is what is considered "great" by MAGA leaders: https://youtu.be/C3X14QligcA It was all a result of the industrial revolution. We're now in the midst of a "silicon revolution."
Pay close attention. He also mentions exactly why I'm kind'a unconvinced by the argument that Democrats take contributions from "big money." Oh how Ohio has shamed itself, these days - they clearly once knew better! Note: the original progressives were >Republicans!< Screw the libertarians and populists!
Republican Party. Many cult members are predisposed to white supremacy and/or anti-Semitism. Consider their collective racial subconscious.
But most are more concerned with power over Democrats. For wahatever reason, many have NO consciousness. Lumpen Republicans.
In terms of the industrial revolution, more in common with Luddites.
Ohio. Consider Peter Thiel. "Silicon" revolutionist? His money made a difference. He is personally a walking contradiction. A homosexual who opposes "liberalism." Thiel and Musk were partners. Musk says stuff like the greatest threat to the world is a LOW birth rate. IMHO they would rather destroy society than improve it.
Trump remains a marketing genius. The media is the message.
Oh, I find a little historic context enlightening, particularly when I'm repeatedly being told black is yellow, red is purple, and green is white. That's why I >know< the current gaggle are essentially neo-Confederates. They were previously Southern Democrats, who defected to the Republicans in response to the "Southern Strategy" - remember Jesse Helms? That was in response to Black Americans becoming Democrats in droves to nobble them politically. Thanks for the specifics you cite here, and I completely agree. One exception. The once Luddites embraced the technology and are now wielding it like a hammer. You're more likely to find a traditional Luddite among those our age - not so much in the more youthful.
"Trump remains a marketing genius." Or, he may be demented. No less dangerous, because he will only get worse - until it becomes obvious to all that he has lost his rather average mind.
I actually like civil law before criminal law. In criminal the burden of proof is severe. In civil law, Trump can lose all his worldly possessions. I'm waiting for his DNA results. He's playing whackamole in NY.
IMHO he will rue having brought the conspiracy case in Florida that had already been tossed and that is already the basis for sanctions. Abuse of process. Imagine Trump under cross examination by Hilary Clinton.
Daniel, we created the monsters by keeping in so-called centrist Democrats (really rt wing) who kowtowed to Gun Groups, unethical and unconstitutional practices etc. And they failed by bending over backwards to call deadly threats, free speech.
And IF the Democrats attempt to address problems, they first form committees that last for years…long enough for the Dems to be pushed out and powerless.
Our government is based on compromise. There used to be liberal Republicans, Dixiecrats.
SCOTUS, to its credit, brought government into the 20th Century. Ended Plessy. Incorporated 14th Amendment to the states. On SCOTUS the most "liberal" justices like Warren and Brennan were appointed by Republicans. Our demise started when we permitted people like Powell, an outright Confederate to SCOTUS. Scalia, the Federalist Society et al would not compromise.
Yes Daniel, we had a mandate. The people elected Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, but did not get a voice at all.
The Democrats let opportunities slide..Obama, not getting a SCOTUS pick a full year before departing office, Trump was selecting weeks before leaving office.
Democrats win most of the popular votes (in past 7 elections) but nothing catered to the base on the left.
Our government is no longer based on compromise as you well know. The ideals of 1800s are not being applied today. The government is based on money.
I'm with you on the committee thing.If they put me in charge here is what I would do. every week the national Head Shed should have a teleconference with all 50 plus State committee chairs to review actions to achieve goals. the state chairs should do the same more or less for their County Chairs. They should empower organizations to do what they need to do without repeatedly asking for committee approvals. that does not mean democratic committee's don't continue to have some measure of oversight.
So true! Imo Dem. senatorial "committees" have been one of the worst things about congressional gridlock for decades (one of my Senators is a BIG fan of committees).
Like you, I believe TFG is far craftier than many realize. Note that he feigns (innocent) ignorance while openly welcoming those labeled as "the crazies." He knows exactly what he is doing. Narcissist though he is, TFG is also a master of messaging. He doesn't have a broad-or even a small- fund of knowledge, but he is a master of media.
That's djt's tired m.o. Always feigns ignorance when called on encouraging white supremacist support. E.g., claimed he didn't know who KKK leader David Dukes was, later proven a lie.
We treat the disease that the patient is sick with. Once diagnosis is complete, the treatment begins promptly. Hand-wringing and fear is human; set it aside and commence with treatment.
Play good defence. Either reason, sanity and justice will prevail, common sense will win out - or if the world's gone that crazy, maybe not. I'm betting on the quiet majority of people with common sense and resolve, to prevail.
Watch the ramparts, let them throw themselves upon the walls. Trump's power comes from eliciting the loyalty of traitors, the earnestness of the lazy, the seekers of magic. Those traits cannot long sustain any movement.
As for tfg, the difference between him and Adolf was that Adolf had a work ethic, organizational skills, and the ability to elicit a sense of trust from the people he was screwing. tfg aint got. Even if he commanded Hannibal's force at the gates, he'd screw that up. I've opined in "Donald J. Superhero" that he's such a force for screwing up bad plans, he's almost a superhero. https://steveocally.substack.com/p/donald-j-superhero Even if he had the forces behind him, he's a predictable loser.
The patient is the worried American society; the treatment is "For God's Sake, don't just do something, STAND THERE!"
1. The Reasonables. These are people who are rightly appalled at the antics of the former guy and his supporters (see 3). These folks are on MSNBC daily speaking out about the depths that the party has sunk to. Some no longer consider themselves Republicans.
2. The Enablers. These are people like McConnell, McCarthy, etc. who may be privately appalled but are publicly supporting the former guy for fear of losing the voted of the third category.
3. The Supporters (aka crazies). These are the people who actually believe that a) the elections were in fact "stolen" or "rigged", b) He was "the greatest President ever" and c) are racist, misogynist, anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant, etc. These the are the insurrectionists who attacked the Capitol on 1/6/21, who plotted to kidnap Governor Whitmer, and who still plot to overthrow the government and/or sue if they don't win elections (Kari Lake?).
The only ones I can even consider as sane are the Reasonables. Sadly, they are not reaching the people in the other two categories because they are only speaking to those of us who already know what's really true.
Every so called journalist should be asking every Republicans about their Leader? Everyday ask them if they agree the constitution should be suspended. Especially the ones that voted against to certify the election. I want to know if the GOP is a Nazi organization? I want the Republicans to denounce every unAmerican comment and views of the white supremacy.
Calling them out and being outraged isn’t enough. We as citizens can put forward candidates and elect public servants who will sideline the GOP smoke and mirrors culture warriors and actually help people solve what concerns them. Meanwhile the wheels of justice will turn for at least the next two years to hold criminals accountable under the law. The hard part is getting overworked people and those who have tuned out to vote. This gets back, again, to hearing their concerns through deep canvassing and town halls, and in whatever other ways we can.
Definitely the case, and DeSantis is not too far from Trump in his beliefs and "policies." The Republicans will run DeSantis, if possible, thereby still adhering to the hate and racism that mark Trump's beliefs. The Republicans are neo-fascists, and they do not disguise themselves.
Definitely. Many Trumpfers around here STILL have their yard signs and flags out. Many bumper stickers and lately profile decals of the Dumpsterfire in truck windows as if he’s riding along. The in your face Trumpf sort thing. The Repuglycans as a whole are approving and many comment on how much he’s done for them yet can’t specify when asked just what it is.
"The real culprit." In March of 2019, Nancy Pelosi gave an interview in which she openly admitted that trump was unfit ethically, intellectually, etc., to be president, but also that he was not worth impeachment.
As Walt Kelly's character Pogo once famously said: "We have met the enemy, and he is us."
The "real culprit" -- the true root cause of the issue -- is that one party is given free reign to play the traitors and call it patriotism -- while the other party just hopes it will all go away with the next election.
Yet ol' Tweety was twice impeached, Pelosi is stepping down, and the AG has just sicced a honeybadger on ol' Tweety. I'm inclined to agree that the "silent" Republicans were facilitators, as they continue to remain silent - in the historic "know nothings" tradition.
Interesting piece Janet. And with TFG anything is believable when it comes to crime & mafia connections. It’s how he was placed in the White House as far as I’m concerned.
He notably lost the popular vote by almost 3 MILLION more votes in the popular vote!! I have NO doubts that was a stolen election. That is how corrupted the system is. This was a travesty in so many ways. And we know Putin despised Hillary. But the people of this country did elect her!
The entire GOP is dangerous. DeSantis is dangerous because he’s smarter than the former occupant of the People’s House. At the same time, I am grateful that more and more ReThugs are distancing themselves from TFG.
I shudder to think of what January will bring with the new Congress.
I am so grateful that Biden is at the helm and that we control the Senate… it could be so much worse.
Segue… We are fighting our own war in this country against guns and mass shooters who have only to walk into a store and purchase a pistol without any background checks or waiting periods. I wish to God Congress would finally enact stricter legislation. ~rant just beginning~
I live in Florida and I agree that DeSantis is more dangerous than Trump. The GOP created Trump who in turn created a worse problem with DeSantis. Now the GOP wants to distance themselves from TFG because they want DeSantis in because they know he’s going to get some of the Independent vote because of his Covid policies. People think he’s been great because the right wing corporate owned media has played it this way. He’s all about corporate greed and Florida has the highest cost of living it has ever seen and has outrageously low wages. High insurance rates for homes and cars as well. Basically a very Wild West atmosphere. Let’s also throw in his bigotry.
It’s going to be interesting to see what happens but I feel this TFG drama is just a distraction for the large % of Americans who feed off of this media propaganda and don’t pay attention to what is really going on. Our education system has failed us tremendously.
I live in Florida, too. You are spot on. Educational experts have labeled Desantis’ policies here as raising a next generation of racist and ignorant members of his base. I shudder to think of him and his wife in the White House and what that would mean for those who are not white, wealthy, pseudo-Christian, hetero members of our society. He does not believe the law applies to him. He is a clear and present threat to Democracy.
Jan Schaefer ; plus DeSantis can't wait to throw as many of those who oppose him into jail cells as he can. No doubt he has a lucrative deal for private pri$on$ along with private militia$, too.
“Our education system has failed us tremendously.” I think that’s up for debate. Unfortunately Public education and funding are often pawns for one philosophy, movement or even political party. Yet, it’s possible the distractions beyond education are more powerful than the time children sit at a desk. Out of control media and lies are as influential or more so. And the legacy of voting family and community. RELIGION. Teaching Civics and problem solving helps but in some schools the curriculum is tightly controlled by repubs, no CRT, no truth. Back to the Scopes days? Is it possible our political system has failed us?
Once again, I think we are paying far too much attention to Donald Trump and not enough to the Republican Party as well as that portion of Americans who find both appealing. Donald Trump was, and is, patently unfit to be president of the United States. He is also a criminal who needs to answer for his crimes. But the real culprit isn’t Trump its the Republican Party. Donald Trump may be the tumor, but the cancer is the GOP as well as the frighteningly sizable portion of Americans who support what both stand for. Further, no one who associates with that man, or who subscribes to what the Republican Party stands for can be considered “normal”. Not at least if one values democratic governance, inclusion, and a dedication to solving America’s problems in ways the benefit the greatest number. Can we truly say anyone who works for any despot is acceptable? After all, we routinely condemn those surrounding Viktor Orban or Vladimir Putin. Is someone like William Barr any different? Each of these brigands who first enabled Trump’s worst excesses then called Trump out for doing what he did, have made it clear they’ll vote for him if he runs again. Is that really normal? I fear that because of Trump’s ability to attract attention we are once more taking our eye off the ball and are going to be worse off for having done so.
Silence is complicity. The Republican Party is completely complicit with these actions-their silence is deafening. And what does that say about those who elect and support those leaders? How has racism, misogyny, bias, and hatred become so normalized?
"How has racism, misogyny, bias, and hatred become so normalized?"
Many espousing it today have found ways to justify it with bible verses, and their interpretation of them. Observe the ones trying to put the blame on the victims of the killings in a Colorado Springs nightclub. Truth means nothing to them except something to twist to justify their actions.
Yes, Thomas, that is in line with the Republicans who made jokes about 83 year old Paul Pelosi getting his scull cracked by a thug with a hammer! Whether one liked Nancy or not, that was beneath the pit, and unjustified in a civil society.
Thank you Laurie for bringing that despicable event back into attention. Paul Pelosi is a gentleman and a decent human being, The GOP maggots are unworthy of any position
The ones holding office who voted against certifying Joe Biden's win should not be in office. There are investigations of some of these people that should have consequences. The ones giving tours to insurrectionists planning to attack the people's house should definitely be removed.
It is such an outrage Laurie, that these criminals will likely be seated. We no longer apply laws to the privileged criminals.
We should NEVER forget this.
Agreed, but with Republicans now controlling the House, no matter how slim, it's unlikely to happen
Hatred is as American as apple pie. Rachel Maddow’s new podcast “Ultra” tells the story of American fascism in the 1930s and 40s — a history that most of us didn’t know about.
I'm on part 5 of Ultra. HIGHLY recommended. Coming from Michigan, I was certainly familiar with the anti-Semitic rants of Fr. Charles Coughlin as a part of our local history, but never realized how much it was of the fabric of all that was taking place.
Stan....that is very true. We had a very active communist party and fascist party in the USA in the 30's. The fascists were big business guys and billionaires. They got off free, but the communists paid for the next 40 years.
I suspect that the majority of the membership of the Communist Party-USA are the secret police.
After the Red scare, Communism was made illegal. Why? Free country, my ass. Communism was ruined by dictators but right now Capitalism is a big failure too.
Stan....you might be right, but what about Proud Boys or Oath Keepers? Our right wing ruling class has always been paranoid about reds but fine with the fascists. You look at Communist Party platform and it reads like democratic party platform.
Also please watch Ken Burns'
Watch The U.S. and the Holocaust | New Documentary ... - PBShttps://www.pbs.org › kenburns › us-and-the-holocaust
There is extensive coverage of fascism and the many Hitler sympathizers and "look the other way" denials of what he was doing, not to mention famous people like Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh who were if not ranting, at least talking about Nazism, reminding me of the Charlottesville crowd's "many fine people" shouting "Jews will not replace us"! I think Trump IS a white supremacist to his core, despite the fact that he has a Jewish son-in-law and ostensibly a convert in his daughter. And BTW how did neither of them speak up about his tacit approval of these haters? The Kushners are either complicit or spineless hypocrites. Everything they do is just for show. There's not a one of them that hold any beliefs of any moral value - not ONE of the whole T**** clan!
When things get tough in so-called Christain countries they always get around to blaming the Jews. The Jews are so handy to have someone to point the finger at as in Europe during the Black Death. Blame the Christ killing Jews.
You might be interested in this: "Behold America: A History of America First and the American Dream," Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018. It traces the origins of the 2 phrases from their Progressive beginnings (late 19th Century) through the 1930's.
Here's a few that got missed -
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your [precious] spices. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. "
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are."
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence."
That's some Bible talk. Pharisee was Aramaic for Trump Supporter.
Another Bible-y guy - “That which is hateful unto you, do not do unto your friend, the rest [of the Law] is commentary, go and learn.”
Just watch Fox or Newsmax and you will hear it all. I watch David Pacman at night . He shows clips from Fox and the hate stations. He showed Nick Fuentes raving on one night. These people are dangerous.
Will there be another uprising when candidate trump loses and claims voter fraud. Absolutely.
Do we need to worry?
Not so much.
Perpetrators will be arrested, charged, tried, and convicted. The rule of law will prevail. Some say there are too many sympathizers among police, National Guard, Army. As much as they may agree with rioters, they won't risk their paychecks, loss of lifetime service-related benefits (health benefits, pension), or jail. They may grumble, but they'll do their damned job.
What I see: Trump won't get the nomination, yet his narcissism won't allow him to bow out. He'll start his own party and split the Repub vote. Four more Democratic years.
Racism, misogyny, bias have always been there. I was born in 1955. It was the norm for years. Rarely could there be a conversation without someone calling blacks-n****s. That was the way the olds talked back then. It was normal and accepted.
Not where I lived and I’m an “old”.
My gut reaction is to say that we didn’t accept those things, either, but when I take a step back, I do see that the entire culture has changed since I was born in 1959. Women, poc, lgbtq-it was a different time with different levels of acceptance. Hate speech was not tolerated in my suburban Philly home but we were products of the culture at that time. I’ve learned so much from my daughters who appreciate cultural diversity and from reading and learning as I have grown older. I’m proud to be woke and I pray I will get more woke the older I get. Living in Florida is a real eye opener as to how sick and sad the bias and hatred truly are.
Some places were 'safer', I imagine.
Anyone who pushed back was in peril.
These people should be erased. Trouble is they mostly run corporate America.
I guess I’m uncomfortable with talking about erasing people-too genocide-y for me-but I’d love to see all those who promote hate to be sidelined and removed from positions of power in government, business, and society. Bye bye, Desantis!
I just get so pissed off at these right wingers I start to sound like them.
I totally get that. The hostility and viciousness they exhibit is so very toxic and their actions literally put us all in jeopardy-all because of their greed and lust for power. It’s all been so normalized. That’s why I love this group because people here want decency, honesty, and a better society. It gives me hope! 😊. Peace be yours, my friend!
because too often their open expression was a winner at election time.I don't think this is complicated. now this leads to the next question.
Which is?
Why is normalization of hatred happening at this point in American history ? not the proximate cause like a Donald Trump who made it okay for some people to openly Express their bigotry,but what made a Donald Trump phenomenon possible in the first place ?
I think the worship of money and successful grifting elevated high profile tRump enough to get noticed by those who could use him in the office of president of the United States. He was crass and criminal enough to bilk people trying to get a college education with his Trump University. He had the corner on glamor with his beauty pageants and fancy hotels. He was not even afraid of ripping people off from their charitable contributions, and now is not even allowed to run a charity! He had so much nerve and narcissism that it was only a matter of time when the wealthy criminal class would see an opportunity. What did these backers get once he was in the Oval ? Trillions! Our weak enforcement of laws made it easy! Corrupt, greedy lawyers and other officials helped too.Add to that angry citizens who wanted to believe he was their vengeful savior, who would make things 'fair' and drain the obvious swamp and limit the numbers of 'others' and here we are.
angry citizens who wanted to believe he was their vengeful savior, who would make things 'fair'
Yeah it's not good to have a lot of angry citizens.
Jim Giardina ; I think it is important to follow the investigations and charges against those who voted against the certification of Biden's presidency. They should not hold a seat in our government. The 'justices' who will not support voting rights for human citizens should be taken off the 'Supreme' court as well.
Unfortunately, this SCOTUS will be around for a long time. The devil's in the detail, and the "culture wars" will continue attempt keeping them exactly where they are. That's been the whole game for at last 50 years, by my reckoning. Nitwitted voters have >no idea< what they've brought down on their legacy.
DZK ; It would be interesting if the approval rating of the SC gets low enough to be not only scandalous. But dangerous. Isn't there a remedy If they are 'bad' ? Don't they take an oath?
That's a double edged strength/weakness of how The Constitution sets up the SCOTUS. The thinking is that SCOTUS justices, appointed for life, could afford to hold themselves aloof from political consideration. The down side is that they're appointed by whoever is president and confirmed by whoever is in charge of the Senate.
In recent months, I've come across language regarding impeaching one or another SCOTUS, that I've never heard of before, but that doesn't mean anything. I'm not that knowledgeable in such procedures. However, if an impeachment path exists, the Democrats sure as hell have no access to it for at least 2 years, assuming they can flip the House, and hold both the Senate and presidency. Remember. The House can only accuse someone of being a dirty guy. It requires a Senate trial to >actually convict< said dirty guy of being a dirty guy and then legislatively removing said dirty guy from office, and the sitting president signing off on it - unless it's the sitting president who was convicted, whereupon it falls to the VP, because that person automatically got a promotion.
For the moment, we're stuck, and any other language is pie in the sky, or cesspool if you prefer. You might want to direct that question to Mr Solomon. I'm satisfied he really knows what the devil he's talking about regarding legal processes.
Yes, Justices take an oath, but it would be next to impossible to remove one for violating it -- it's too general. Justices have to be impeached; inappropriate conduct is about the only guideline (I think...).
Jan Churchwell ; I wonder what would impeachment entail? There has certainly been inappropriate conduct ! Impeach the Perps!
Same as for impeaching a president -- charges brought by the House and conviction following a trial in the Senate. I doubt it will ever happen, but the path is there.
Speaking of the crazies, I suspect the times Hartman refers to at the beginning of this comment is what is considered "great" by MAGA leaders: https://youtu.be/C3X14QligcA It was all a result of the industrial revolution. We're now in the midst of a "silicon revolution."
Pay close attention. He also mentions exactly why I'm kind'a unconvinced by the argument that Democrats take contributions from "big money." Oh how Ohio has shamed itself, these days - they clearly once knew better! Note: the original progressives were >Republicans!< Screw the libertarians and populists!
Eye off the ball.
Republican Party. Many cult members are predisposed to white supremacy and/or anti-Semitism. Consider their collective racial subconscious.
But most are more concerned with power over Democrats. For wahatever reason, many have NO consciousness. Lumpen Republicans.
In terms of the industrial revolution, more in common with Luddites.
Ohio. Consider Peter Thiel. "Silicon" revolutionist? His money made a difference. He is personally a walking contradiction. A homosexual who opposes "liberalism." Thiel and Musk were partners. Musk says stuff like the greatest threat to the world is a LOW birth rate. IMHO they would rather destroy society than improve it.
Trump remains a marketing genius. The media is the message.
Oh, I find a little historic context enlightening, particularly when I'm repeatedly being told black is yellow, red is purple, and green is white. That's why I >know< the current gaggle are essentially neo-Confederates. They were previously Southern Democrats, who defected to the Republicans in response to the "Southern Strategy" - remember Jesse Helms? That was in response to Black Americans becoming Democrats in droves to nobble them politically. Thanks for the specifics you cite here, and I completely agree. One exception. The once Luddites embraced the technology and are now wielding it like a hammer. You're more likely to find a traditional Luddite among those our age - not so much in the more youthful.
Love that word "Nobble." New one for me, with which perfectly describes the political game, imo. Easy to blame the Republicans for this recently.
1. try to influence or thwart (someone or something) by underhanded or unfair methods.
2. obtain dishonestly; steal.
"Trump remains a marketing genius." Or, he may be demented. No less dangerous, because he will only get worse - until it becomes obvious to all that he has lost his rather average mind.
I'm hoping rule of law is the catharsis.
I actually like civil law before criminal law. In criminal the burden of proof is severe. In civil law, Trump can lose all his worldly possessions. I'm waiting for his DNA results. He's playing whackamole in NY.
IMHO he will rue having brought the conspiracy case in Florida that had already been tossed and that is already the basis for sanctions. Abuse of process. Imagine Trump under cross examination by Hilary Clinton.
Daniel Solomon ; Could that even happen? There would be the inevitable whining by those who cry that it is 'so unfair' ; We know who.
Losing daily.
Daniel, we created the monsters by keeping in so-called centrist Democrats (really rt wing) who kowtowed to Gun Groups, unethical and unconstitutional practices etc. And they failed by bending over backwards to call deadly threats, free speech.
And IF the Democrats attempt to address problems, they first form committees that last for years…long enough for the Dems to be pushed out and powerless.
I disagree. It's not us. We never had a mandate.
It's them.
,
Our government is based on compromise. There used to be liberal Republicans, Dixiecrats.
SCOTUS, to its credit, brought government into the 20th Century. Ended Plessy. Incorporated 14th Amendment to the states. On SCOTUS the most "liberal" justices like Warren and Brennan were appointed by Republicans. Our demise started when we permitted people like Powell, an outright Confederate to SCOTUS. Scalia, the Federalist Society et al would not compromise.
Yes Daniel, we had a mandate. The people elected Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, but did not get a voice at all.
The Democrats let opportunities slide..Obama, not getting a SCOTUS pick a full year before departing office, Trump was selecting weeks before leaving office.
Democrats win most of the popular votes (in past 7 elections) but nothing catered to the base on the left.
Our government is no longer based on compromise as you well know. The ideals of 1800s are not being applied today. The government is based on money.
Not a mandate. Not even close.
By losing battles at SCOTUS, we lost the war.
SCOTUS cancelled the Voting Rights Act, permitted Gerrymandering, which gives the House to insurrectionists.
The last time we had a mandate was 1968.
I'm with you on the committee thing.If they put me in charge here is what I would do. every week the national Head Shed should have a teleconference with all 50 plus State committee chairs to review actions to achieve goals. the state chairs should do the same more or less for their County Chairs. They should empower organizations to do what they need to do without repeatedly asking for committee approvals. that does not mean democratic committee's don't continue to have some measure of oversight.
this would be a start.
So true! Imo Dem. senatorial "committees" have been one of the worst things about congressional gridlock for decades (one of my Senators is a BIG fan of committees).
@Daniel, just to amplify your comment on Musk - his worry is a low birth rate among Western whites!
Maybe he learned that in South Africa. This low birth rate/replacement stuff spread faster than I would have guessed.
I think the white South African roots of Musk's beliefs and attitudes get far less attention than they deserve.
Like you, I believe TFG is far craftier than many realize. Note that he feigns (innocent) ignorance while openly welcoming those labeled as "the crazies." He knows exactly what he is doing. Narcissist though he is, TFG is also a master of messaging. He doesn't have a broad-or even a small- fund of knowledge, but he is a master of media.
No, he’s just been around Mafia types for so long he just apes them. He doesn’t know any other way.
That's djt's tired m.o. Always feigns ignorance when called on encouraging white supremacist support. E.g., claimed he didn't know who KKK leader David Dukes was, later proven a lie.
Or he's so mentally out of it he didn't remember he knew who Dukes is. 🙂
Either way not the best look for a political "leader."
People, People...we have the best government money can buy and you can thank John Roberts.
I make a point to download both Tom and Robert on YouTube. Both are concise in their discussions, humanize and aren’t fear mongers.
We treat the disease that the patient is sick with. Once diagnosis is complete, the treatment begins promptly. Hand-wringing and fear is human; set it aside and commence with treatment.
Ok but what, in your opinion, is the specific treatment for this disease? And who is the patient -- an individual or a society?
Play good defence. Either reason, sanity and justice will prevail, common sense will win out - or if the world's gone that crazy, maybe not. I'm betting on the quiet majority of people with common sense and resolve, to prevail.
Watch the ramparts, let them throw themselves upon the walls. Trump's power comes from eliciting the loyalty of traitors, the earnestness of the lazy, the seekers of magic. Those traits cannot long sustain any movement.
As for tfg, the difference between him and Adolf was that Adolf had a work ethic, organizational skills, and the ability to elicit a sense of trust from the people he was screwing. tfg aint got. Even if he commanded Hannibal's force at the gates, he'd screw that up. I've opined in "Donald J. Superhero" that he's such a force for screwing up bad plans, he's almost a superhero. https://steveocally.substack.com/p/donald-j-superhero Even if he had the forces behind him, he's a predictable loser.
The patient is the worried American society; the treatment is "For God's Sake, don't just do something, STAND THERE!"
Yes. We can hope.
If it exists
There are three kinds of Republicans:
1. The Reasonables. These are people who are rightly appalled at the antics of the former guy and his supporters (see 3). These folks are on MSNBC daily speaking out about the depths that the party has sunk to. Some no longer consider themselves Republicans.
2. The Enablers. These are people like McConnell, McCarthy, etc. who may be privately appalled but are publicly supporting the former guy for fear of losing the voted of the third category.
3. The Supporters (aka crazies). These are the people who actually believe that a) the elections were in fact "stolen" or "rigged", b) He was "the greatest President ever" and c) are racist, misogynist, anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant, etc. These the are the insurrectionists who attacked the Capitol on 1/6/21, who plotted to kidnap Governor Whitmer, and who still plot to overthrow the government and/or sue if they don't win elections (Kari Lake?).
The only ones I can even consider as sane are the Reasonables. Sadly, they are not reaching the people in the other two categories because they are only speaking to those of us who already know what's really true.
Every so called journalist should be asking every Republicans about their Leader? Everyday ask them if they agree the constitution should be suspended. Especially the ones that voted against to certify the election. I want to know if the GOP is a Nazi organization? I want the Republicans to denounce every unAmerican comment and views of the white supremacy.
I wouldn't believe a friggin' word out of their mouths, whatever they said. They're for religion, guns, anti-gay, crazy for family values, and conservative. Here's their ideal candidate: https://www.nydailynews.com/resizer/_khrsB0b33qAV8WHcNKMRGr0S-8=/1200x895/top/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tronc.s3.amazonaws.com/public/WD3H6E2ZOQAGD3GTM3TJ73DLOM.jpg
Good man, Stephanopoulos. My favorite for decades!
Calling them out and being outraged isn’t enough. We as citizens can put forward candidates and elect public servants who will sideline the GOP smoke and mirrors culture warriors and actually help people solve what concerns them. Meanwhile the wheels of justice will turn for at least the next two years to hold criminals accountable under the law. The hard part is getting overworked people and those who have tuned out to vote. This gets back, again, to hearing their concerns through deep canvassing and town halls, and in whatever other ways we can.
Definitely the case, and DeSantis is not too far from Trump in his beliefs and "policies." The Republicans will run DeSantis, if possible, thereby still adhering to the hate and racism that mark Trump's beliefs. The Republicans are neo-fascists, and they do not disguise themselves.
And he is one to watch,of great concern!
Definitely. Many Trumpfers around here STILL have their yard signs and flags out. Many bumper stickers and lately profile decals of the Dumpsterfire in truck windows as if he’s riding along. The in your face Trumpf sort thing. The Repuglycans as a whole are approving and many comment on how much he’s done for them yet can’t specify when asked just what it is.
JKT ; I have had the same experience when I asked what they liked the most of what he accomplished.
A few pieces of border wall. BFD.
Such a good deal for the common good ! Not! (But Steve Bannon ca$hed in on it).
A BFD for sure!
"The real culprit." In March of 2019, Nancy Pelosi gave an interview in which she openly admitted that trump was unfit ethically, intellectually, etc., to be president, but also that he was not worth impeachment.
As Walt Kelly's character Pogo once famously said: "We have met the enemy, and he is us."
The "real culprit" -- the true root cause of the issue -- is that one party is given free reign to play the traitors and call it patriotism -- while the other party just hopes it will all go away with the next election.
Yet ol' Tweety was twice impeached, Pelosi is stepping down, and the AG has just sicced a honeybadger on ol' Tweety. I'm inclined to agree that the "silent" Republicans were facilitators, as they continue to remain silent - in the historic "know nothings" tradition.
Jim 🎯 Exactly!!
Interesting piece Janet. And with TFG anything is believable when it comes to crime & mafia connections. It’s how he was placed in the White House as far as I’m concerned.
He notably lost the popular vote by almost 3 MILLION more votes in the popular vote!! I have NO doubts that was a stolen election. That is how corrupted the system is. This was a travesty in so many ways. And we know Putin despised Hillary. But the people of this country did elect her!
The entire GOP is dangerous. DeSantis is dangerous because he’s smarter than the former occupant of the People’s House. At the same time, I am grateful that more and more ReThugs are distancing themselves from TFG.
I shudder to think of what January will bring with the new Congress.
I am so grateful that Biden is at the helm and that we control the Senate… it could be so much worse.
Segue… We are fighting our own war in this country against guns and mass shooters who have only to walk into a store and purchase a pistol without any background checks or waiting periods. I wish to God Congress would finally enact stricter legislation. ~rant just beginning~
💙🌻💙
I live in Florida and I agree that DeSantis is more dangerous than Trump. The GOP created Trump who in turn created a worse problem with DeSantis. Now the GOP wants to distance themselves from TFG because they want DeSantis in because they know he’s going to get some of the Independent vote because of his Covid policies. People think he’s been great because the right wing corporate owned media has played it this way. He’s all about corporate greed and Florida has the highest cost of living it has ever seen and has outrageously low wages. High insurance rates for homes and cars as well. Basically a very Wild West atmosphere. Let’s also throw in his bigotry.
It’s going to be interesting to see what happens but I feel this TFG drama is just a distraction for the large % of Americans who feed off of this media propaganda and don’t pay attention to what is really going on. Our education system has failed us tremendously.
I live in Florida, too. You are spot on. Educational experts have labeled Desantis’ policies here as raising a next generation of racist and ignorant members of his base. I shudder to think of him and his wife in the White House and what that would mean for those who are not white, wealthy, pseudo-Christian, hetero members of our society. He does not believe the law applies to him. He is a clear and present threat to Democracy.
A true dirtbag and more.
Jan Schaefer ; plus DeSantis can't wait to throw as many of those who oppose him into jail cells as he can. No doubt he has a lucrative deal for private pri$on$ along with private militia$, too.
Yes!
“Our education system has failed us tremendously.” I think that’s up for debate. Unfortunately Public education and funding are often pawns for one philosophy, movement or even political party. Yet, it’s possible the distractions beyond education are more powerful than the time children sit at a desk. Out of control media and lies are as influential or more so. And the legacy of voting family and community. RELIGION. Teaching Civics and problem solving helps but in some schools the curriculum is tightly controlled by repubs, no CRT, no truth. Back to the Scopes days? Is it possible our political system has failed us?
Our education system has been defunded for decades by the GOP. The politicians are definitely the problem and responsible for this.
Irenie ,; Facts are banned, or at least suspect. Truth is the enemy.