This really was a week for the books. Trump proved that his only strategy is to bluff. The only problem is he uses the same bluff over and over again. You can see it coming. He telegraphs it. And then he pretends like he won the card game. Meanwhile, everybody else is laughing behind their hands.
All executive orders ol' Generalissimo Butt Crack issued should be given the highest level possible classification: "BURN BEFORE READING!" Just sayin'.
Ain't no strategy other than wining it. The thing that Trump does not realize is that the new Iranian leaders are deliberately yanking him by a leash. They say, "Let's say we're opening Hormuz and then...bwahahahahaha!" The Iranians are loving it and laughing, hysterically laughing at him! He will never ever realize it.
A holy war was started to cover up for the Epstein files. Then as the war was going poorly, as coverup he threatened to evaporate an entire culture. Then, once he realizes he lost the war Melania gives a speech and it all comes back to cover up the war. So Epstein has been busy chipping away ….
Mike - Conveniently right before the Daily Beast or Daily Wire or one of those sites put out a tape of Epstein’s voice talking about how much of a relationship he had with both of them. Interesting…
I would guess Melania got a heads up somehow that the tape was going to be released and that’s why she did her speech. There was a lot of speculation that something was about to come out and she wanted to get the jump on it.
The "speculation" has usually been wrong. Don't believe for a SECOND that Melania chose to do this on her own. Other parties wrote what she read, and there was a completely different goal in mind. A veteran DC attorney came up with a much more compelling interpretation.
Look up Amanda Ungaro, Melania's friend for 20 years who was deported to Brazil as a personal favor to her ex-almost husband. She's actually called Trump a "pedophile", and she's vowing to blow the lid off. Amanda was recruited by an agent of Epstein's who later committed suicide in a French prison.
Aspenwood - I figured that she got a heads up as well. To them it’s all about name, brand, power and money. Not the survivors who rightly called her out after the speech. If they want this to go away all T needs to do is tell them to release the files. Like he did about UFO’s.
1. Invoke the 25th amendment. JDV has a duty as VPOTUS and as a practicing Roman Catholic. If he is derelict, he could be excommunicated.
2. Win the house and senate in November. Impeach JDV and the cabinet.
3. Depose Ivanka and Marla Maples.
4. Issue arrest warrants for misprision of treason and/or felony (looking at you, IL, DE, VT, VA, CA, and RI).
5. FL Bar Association will take action on the complaints against Pam Bondi
6. Kristi Noem will be subject to an independent psychiatric evaluation since animal cruelty in adults can be associated with psychopathology. We owe it to Alex Pretti, Renee Goode and the US residents who died in ICE custody.
7. Cooperate with ICC in their prosecution for war crimes against Venezuela.
8. DNC will issue a platform of concrete solutions with timelines and budgets prior to the election.
ISOequanimity, I totally agree with these priorities! I would move #8 all the way up to #1 because they absolutely must start messaging the Democratic party's platform of concrete solutions with timelines and budgets right now! As Professor Reich was saying, people do not like the Democratic party. I do not understand why because I believe we stand for our Constitution and the rule of law. I believe we believe in DEI, a good working immigration policy that allows immigrants to come in legally, programs that help American people. Right now there is no messaging saying what the Democrats' platform is about!
Most democrats have devolved into republican-lite, by which i mean they are beholden to their corporate masters. Most of the 50 states have defense industry contractors who frequently donate to both parties. Most democrats take AIPAC money, making them unable to oppose Israel's wars. Democrats, starting with Bill Clinton have abandonned most progressive policies, or give lukewarm lipservice to them. Standing for the rule of law is not the same as fighting for the rule of law, which most democrats no longer do. Centrist democrats attack, marginalize, ostracize, and demonize progressive democrats, who merely advocate that which you and I and most americans want from our gov't. I recommend the "I've Had it" podcast on utube for a very articulate description of the depths to which the centrist democrats have fallen.
Thank you for the resource, Paul. I will check that out. One of my friends told me that I should change my voter registration to no party affiliation. They explained that I could still vote in all of the elections. It is something I am pondering.
I think not having affiliation means you can't vote for candidates in primaries. I'm not sure how important that is. perhaps other readers could address this issue.
Oregon won't let unaffiliateds vote for candidates in the primary. When I changed my registration to "Democratic Socialists of America", the online form ran out of space.
Peggy - As Paul said make sure that you check your state rules before you make a change. In Ohio if you are listed as Independent you cannot vote in Primaries other than for local issues but not for candidates. It’s why I can’t get my one child to vote because they don’t want to have to choose and be listed as anything other than Independent.
Peggy, people (I) don't like Dems because they won't fight for the people, and they suppress progressives, and take corporate money and support genocide by Israel, and protect the gerontocracy. For a short list.
This may describe the DNC, but it in no way describes Democrats at the local and (mostly) the state legislative level here in New Mexico. It certainly doesn't describe my Democratic Congresswoman, Melanie Stansbury, who is a strong progressive.
We have a LOT of cleaning up and reworking of systems to do once we've gotten through this horrible phase of history. We can't, and shouldn't try to, rebuild things that were not working and were unjust to begin with.
As far as the 25th goes, the VP and Majority of important 15 cabinet members is not the only way. A body established by Congress can do the same. Now not sure what that means but it hasn't stopped the Trump Administration in any manner not understanding the laws of our nation...so go for it! A Looney Tunes Commission...
His former wife and his daughter certainly must have known about his friendship with Epstein. But instead, they deposed Hillary Clinton, who never even knew the man.
Trump is a traitor to the United States and a war criminal. Now,what are we going to do about him and his fellow traitors and enablers? Act fast while we still have a country to save.
He's bombed the heck out of the country, killed a lot of people, including 13 U.S. military, completely ruined U.S. status around the world and with NATO, lost/destroyed very expensive American hardware, seriously depleted U.S. stockpiles of weapons, and made Iran a world power through control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Iran, through that control of the Strait, now has a real money-maker that will fund their future plans that most likely include the acceleration of development of nuclear weapons and the terrorist activities they sponsor. They won't negotiate that away and the U.S. can't force them.
Trump is desperate to get out of the mess he's made, and the Iranian regime is willing to go as far as it takes to get and keep what they want. Trump went into his war out of greed, Iran has been fighting for their lives, a far stronger incentive to prevail. They believe they've won the Trump War, and I agree.
It really is bizarre that Trump is sending Vance, Witcoff and Kushner to the talks, two real estate guys and and someone far from a diplomat
Every deflection becomes bigger and bolder! All of this horror he is initiating to keep people from asking for the Epstein files. Now, he has lost what little was left of his brain! His whole regime is inept! They honestly have NO clue as to what they are doing! Right now, I truly believe his next big deflection is going to have to do with the midterm elections. He will either try to stop them, or he will cheat 'bigly'. We must be prepared for that and call the cheating out every single time. As far as Democrats being unpopular, why haven't the leaders of the party done something about it? Why aren't they trying to work to inform people what the Democratic party stands for? I know that I stand for diversity, equality and inclusion. I want everyone to be treated as humans and not targeted or attacked. I want immigrants to work toward coming to America legally because our country is made up of immigrants. I want a public education system like we had when I was growing up. A public education system that is strong and teaches truth and facts about our country. I want a government that works for the American people. I want a government that works to build relationships with countries around the world. If that isn't the message for the Democrat party, then I belong to the wrong party! Thank you, Professor Reich and Mrs. Lofthouse, for a great Coffee Klatch!
I’m with you Peggy - why aren’t more Americans Mad As Hell? We’ve been lied to and cheated on. Many of the poor have had their healthcare and food programs cut. Why aren’t people aghast at what’s happened?
Susan, I honestly do not know why there isn't more of a public outcry. It is like the American people are going through their lives in a blind stupor! Since he came down that escalator, he has used his shock and awe crap to desensitize the American people. Once he had hypnotized his cult into believing every damn word he uttered, he acted quickly to divide his cult from "other" Americans. Overnight it seems Democrats were suddenly vile, scum and enemies of the people. He has continued throughout his time in politics to foment that anger and hate felt by magas against every single "other" American. He has whipped them up to hate us enough to want to kill or imprison all Democrats! What do we hear from our leaders in the Democratic party? Save for those speaking out against all of his bullshit, the rest we hear crickets. Democrats say they have a wide umbrella that includes everyone; however, when politicians like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren talk about taxing the rich, the Democrats in the House and Senate remain quiet! Why? Because they are getting rich just like the republicans and they do not want to upset their cash cow! Those Democrats that have been in leadership power need to be voted out to let in younger, fresher candidates with the ability to turn their backs on all of the 'dark money' and 'back room deals' that have been and are occurring every day in Washington! If the Democrats do not get it together as a party, they will lose Democrats to Independents or No Party.
An economic bill of rights proposed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his 1944 State of the Union address, the Economic Bill of Rights (or "Second Bill of Rights") argued that political rights were insufficient to guarantee equality, advocating for security through rights to employment, food, education, housing, healthcare, and protection from economic. FDR argued that "necessitous men are not free men."
I'm seriously beginning to think that a fair number of Americans want a non-democratic country. Maybe they don't appreciate change, evolution, whatever you want to call it, and are willing to go all in with a system that, while it won't benefit them directly, will put an end to ideas and actions they don't like: gun control, equality of races, cultures and the sexes, immigration illegal and otherwise, religious freedom, etc. Any other thoughts?
I'm beginning to suspect that a great many have either forgotten or weren't taught in school about our country's founding or what our form of government is and why it is what it is.
I wouldn't be surprised if government is not even taught in red states anymore.
I think millions upon millions are mad as hell but don't know what to do, are exhausted, are confused, or all of the above and more, so end up being paralyzed and taking no action.
It seems that both parties no longer have platforms, something that defines what they stand for. Campaigns seem to be base more on personalities and instant public recognition than solid thought processes.
Agree...agree...agree, Peggy...with one more please...total separation of church and state must be absolutely embraced by every political leader and enforced. May they enjoy what they 'know', allow others to enjoy what THEY 'know' and leave alone those of us who know we can't possibly know.
Thank you for articulating clearly what I and I hope and believe most democrats want.
One may justly criticize the leadership of the Democratic Party, but for the best interest of all Americans (and indeed of all humanity), we must chose the least lethal road. I vote for the Democratic party, for equality, diversity and inclusion - and NO WARS, no conquest!
I will absolutely vote Democrat, Veronika, because a republican will never again get my vote until they have purged themselves of the reek of maga. It will be a very long time before that party will ever be trusted again!
Truth and facts are indistinguishable from falsehood and lies if you don't learn discernment through epistemology. It's all revealed "truth" to those being indoctrinated/ learning. If you don't know what epistemology is, I beg you, Peggy, to study up on it.
This was a terrifying week. It could have escalated out of the control. I haven't been sleeping well. A war in the Gulf is not just about oil prices, it's important for so many reasons. To start one deliberately as TACO did invites total war.
I'm not misled by his claims about peace. This is not peace it's suspension of hostilities.
Bob is right when he said that Trump is a madman putting us all in danger. I hope there are moves to get rid of this lunatic soon. Lawmakers need to act.
It's exactly what I dreaded when he was first elected in 2016. Then there were people to question what he was doing. Now there are none. Take action before he does ignite a global war. guys there is no other path.
Is it not the strangest trio? If you wanted to gather together comic clown team in a circus, they may entertain you with falling over each other especially in their ill fitting big footwear (present from the Boss), but sending them to negotiate seriously to get out of the mess the Boss created, is worrying.
With the war that he jumped into without barely a thought, he sees himself as #DonaldDuce. Unfortunately for the 8 billion others on the planet he has proven to be #DonaldDunce, with no justification, plan, or ability to grasp the entire picture.
And through his domination over the GOP and all governmental function, he's reduced our great nation to a mere reflection of all his personality flaws.
Before we've had presidents. With him we've just got #WeirdUncleDonnie who without his daddy's millions would be behind the counter spraying bowling shoes in New Jersey.
75 million bought into the myth, but soon it will be only 20 million that still cling to his BS to stay with him.
You guys are great, and I look forward to every Saturday morning.
I have an observation from Canada. HCR quotes former secretary of transportation Pete Buttigieg saying, “For the leader of the free world ... to just make a nakedly genocidal threat ..." From my perspective your president is not the leader of the free world. These days, it seems aspirational to even include the US in the free world.
Buttigieg continued: “I think the really important thing to remember is that the effects ... will outlive Donald Trump long after he has departed the scene... [I]t’s very important that ... they have a level of trust that there is stability in the United States.” Not to put words in Mayor Pete's mouth, but my interpretation of what he is saying is that the world sees a political system and a populace that allowed the Trump regime to rise to power, and that have no way or collective will to remove that regime. Without real structural changes to the US political system, the world has no assurance that a similar regime will not come to power in the next election cycle or the one after that.
In the meantime, your president has access to the nuclear codes and there is no apparent control by those around him.
Were our government an orchestra most of the musicians would be concerned only about keeping their jobs, and the conductor would wantonly ignore the score. As long as the audience is made up of tone deaf listeners it doesn't really matter where the musicians seat.
I think you have expressed Pete's intention very well, Brian. I know this is the sentiment amongst many here in the EU. It is recognised that not everyone in the US wanted this, voted for it, supports it now. But the fact that they seem to be powerless in fighting it - not always, but so much of the time - this is a great concern in considering the future.
Watergate was bad, but back then we had enough free media that was brave enough to expose it. The consolidation of our media outlets has put a stranglehold on what the public views or reads today.
Richard - While using our money to ruin the beauty between the Lincoln Memorial and the Arlington Cemetery. Why not - he’s already desecrated the graves of the fallen many times over. He used recent pictures of the dignified transfer to campaign off of when the families requested no photos. He’s a jerk who put in his budget over 800% increase to alter the White House with decorations and renovations. It’s not his house! None of wants an Arc. I guess I’m just sensitive because I grew up in Virginia and went to D.C. often and was always in awe of the beauty there. Going to the museums that are now told to ignore history. Now he’s going to destroy even more.
Where is the line crossed that every sane instinct comprehends, This is Too Much? Earlier today Meidas Touch covered an extended, formal, detailed demand from Jamie Raskin to the WH to release cognitive exams of the President. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNOdCnv3e7w Just the recounting of What He Did for Easter is stunning.
This is not about a bonkers president, but about democracy.
I'm from the construction year of Bob and Dolly Parton and remember the reporting of I.F. Stone about the Tonkin incident, if it ever happened. (in the sisxties)
Stone's tenacity and committment to the truth was an example. His method was simple: compare official texts and find the lies. They did lie fifty years ago and very professional too. Stone was pensioned and decided to study Socrates and his process in Athens, in the best period of democracy.
In my country this time was sketched in a book about Alcibiades, who was a friend and lover of Socrates. The author (Ilja Pfeijffer) writes a dialogue for the two about, truth, shame and democracy. The language seems tranlated Greek, but the origin seems the present politics...
At present, what seems lost in the USA is the value of truth in governance and to learn from past errors. Democracy is on the chopping block, and many Americans just don't give a damn, are woefully ignorant, complacent, or simply brainwashed.
Speaking as an outsider, it's disheartening and worrisome, for all of us, that the country has descended into this fascist quagmire. Trump will be gone, but what's next? Sadly, there is a cabal of cartoonish villains (with money) lurking in the wings, hoping to ascend to the WH and carry on the chaos: Tucker Carlson (likely positioning himself at a run for the presidency), Nick Fuentes, Erika Kirk, Peter Thiel, Elon Musk...and a host of others, with influence, ready to toss the remnants of democracy into the bonfire. The "stupefaction" of a nation.
Judith, I'm afraid we agree on everything. Indeed, the stupefaction of a nation.
But I try to understand the history, the mechanisms, the money injections, the bad public debate.
But I have some hope as well: the US is still a civilised nation, with many good, well educated and smart people. This electoral accident, or crash, can and will be overcome.
But it should happen before the regime organises the burning of books.
Confusing granting pardons with Indulgences,Trump promises to grant pardons to his inner circle. The pardon means the person has to be convicted of crimes first.
Since WW-II the USA has spent a lot of effort creating good will and collaborative alliances. tRump is harvesting it all for his personal benefit (and Putin's). There are two key questions to ask for each tRumpian escapade: how does tRump personally benefit and how does Putin benefit. Those two questions provide key insight into the seeming madness.
Trump is quite literally insane. The Republicans are quite literally insane. The founders would never envisioned this happening. They just assumed Americans would have the sense not to elect a complete fool to the highest office. That they would consider the persons character before electing him/her. Either you have the human genes to look at Trump and are repulsed by him or you lack those genes and are only thinking about your own needs and wants before the country and enlist in his cult.
This really was a week for the books. Trump proved that his only strategy is to bluff. The only problem is he uses the same bluff over and over again. You can see it coming. He telegraphs it. And then he pretends like he won the card game. Meanwhile, everybody else is laughing behind their hands.
Donna, they need to stop hiding their laughter! Do it right in his face! Tell him he most definitely did NOT win!
I wish more people in high places did the same (like Bruce Springsteen has been doing). Calling him out w/a megaphone!!!
Agree, Margaret!
They're laughing; I'm vomiting.
Yet, there are still well over 35% of the population who support
"His Highness Craziness!"
Trump is a disgrace to our country and to himself. Enough said--As for the 25th amendment--Dad--are we there there yet???
And up their sleeves.
People keep calling him an asshat. But he thinks they’re calling him an asset. 🤣 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for the laugh. I'm sure George H.W. Bush is relieved to no longer hold the crown of dumbest American president.
Same way he wins at golf, NOT.
All executive orders ol' Generalissimo Butt Crack issued should be given the highest level possible classification: "BURN BEFORE READING!" Just sayin'.
Ain't no strategy other than wining it. The thing that Trump does not realize is that the new Iranian leaders are deliberately yanking him by a leash. They say, "Let's say we're opening Hormuz and then...bwahahahahaha!" The Iranians are loving it and laughing, hysterically laughing at him! He will never ever realize it.
Or up their sleeve.
A holy war was started to cover up for the Epstein files. Then as the war was going poorly, as coverup he threatened to evaporate an entire culture. Then, once he realizes he lost the war Melania gives a speech and it all comes back to cover up the war. So Epstein has been busy chipping away ….
Mike - Conveniently right before the Daily Beast or Daily Wire or one of those sites put out a tape of Epstein’s voice talking about how much of a relationship he had with both of them. Interesting…
I would guess Melania got a heads up somehow that the tape was going to be released and that’s why she did her speech. There was a lot of speculation that something was about to come out and she wanted to get the jump on it.
The "speculation" has usually been wrong. Don't believe for a SECOND that Melania chose to do this on her own. Other parties wrote what she read, and there was a completely different goal in mind. A veteran DC attorney came up with a much more compelling interpretation.
Look up Amanda Ungaro, Melania's friend for 20 years who was deported to Brazil as a personal favor to her ex-almost husband. She's actually called Trump a "pedophile", and she's vowing to blow the lid off. Amanda was recruited by an agent of Epstein's who later committed suicide in a French prison.
Suicide or possible homicide?
Dunno. I thought it might be confusing to use quotation marks to indicate doubt, when "pedophile" is a direct quote.
Aspenwood - I figured that she got a heads up as well. To them it’s all about name, brand, power and money. Not the survivors who rightly called her out after the speech. If they want this to go away all T needs to do is tell them to release the files. Like he did about UFO’s.
Good point!
Here are my priorities:
1. Invoke the 25th amendment. JDV has a duty as VPOTUS and as a practicing Roman Catholic. If he is derelict, he could be excommunicated.
2. Win the house and senate in November. Impeach JDV and the cabinet.
3. Depose Ivanka and Marla Maples.
4. Issue arrest warrants for misprision of treason and/or felony (looking at you, IL, DE, VT, VA, CA, and RI).
5. FL Bar Association will take action on the complaints against Pam Bondi
6. Kristi Noem will be subject to an independent psychiatric evaluation since animal cruelty in adults can be associated with psychopathology. We owe it to Alex Pretti, Renee Goode and the US residents who died in ICE custody.
7. Cooperate with ICC in their prosecution for war crimes against Venezuela.
8. DNC will issue a platform of concrete solutions with timelines and budgets prior to the election.
ISOequanimity, I totally agree with these priorities! I would move #8 all the way up to #1 because they absolutely must start messaging the Democratic party's platform of concrete solutions with timelines and budgets right now! As Professor Reich was saying, people do not like the Democratic party. I do not understand why because I believe we stand for our Constitution and the rule of law. I believe we believe in DEI, a good working immigration policy that allows immigrants to come in legally, programs that help American people. Right now there is no messaging saying what the Democrats' platform is about!
Most democrats have devolved into republican-lite, by which i mean they are beholden to their corporate masters. Most of the 50 states have defense industry contractors who frequently donate to both parties. Most democrats take AIPAC money, making them unable to oppose Israel's wars. Democrats, starting with Bill Clinton have abandonned most progressive policies, or give lukewarm lipservice to them. Standing for the rule of law is not the same as fighting for the rule of law, which most democrats no longer do. Centrist democrats attack, marginalize, ostracize, and demonize progressive democrats, who merely advocate that which you and I and most americans want from our gov't. I recommend the "I've Had it" podcast on utube for a very articulate description of the depths to which the centrist democrats have fallen.
Thank you for the resource, Paul. I will check that out. One of my friends told me that I should change my voter registration to no party affiliation. They explained that I could still vote in all of the elections. It is something I am pondering.
I think not having affiliation means you can't vote for candidates in primaries. I'm not sure how important that is. perhaps other readers could address this issue.
Oregon won't let unaffiliateds vote for candidates in the primary. When I changed my registration to "Democratic Socialists of America", the online form ran out of space.
I don't know how it works, but I am looking into it.
Peggy - As Paul said make sure that you check your state rules before you make a change. In Ohio if you are listed as Independent you cannot vote in Primaries other than for local issues but not for candidates. It’s why I can’t get my one child to vote because they don’t want to have to choose and be listed as anything other than Independent.
I will, Anon! Thank you! I'm going to check it out this next week.
Peggy, people (I) don't like Dems because they won't fight for the people, and they suppress progressives, and take corporate money and support genocide by Israel, and protect the gerontocracy. For a short list.
This may describe the DNC, but it in no way describes Democrats at the local and (mostly) the state legislative level here in New Mexico. It certainly doesn't describe my Democratic Congresswoman, Melanie Stansbury, who is a strong progressive.
I don't support the D party if they want to go back to the status quo ante. Ante Trump, that is. Much more radical reform is needed.
We have a LOT of cleaning up and reworking of systems to do once we've gotten through this horrible phase of history. We can't, and shouldn't try to, rebuild things that were not working and were unjust to begin with.
Pete Buttigieg talks about this a lot.
Agreed!
As far as the 25th goes, the VP and Majority of important 15 cabinet members is not the only way. A body established by Congress can do the same. Now not sure what that means but it hasn't stopped the Trump Administration in any manner not understanding the laws of our nation...so go for it! A Looney Tunes Commission...
I'm sorry, but I don't understand the references to ivanka and marla maples. Can you explain?
His former wife and his daughter certainly must have known about his friendship with Epstein. But instead, they deposed Hillary Clinton, who never even knew the man.
ISOequanimity: I don't understand #4--do you mean issue the warrants to those states? Why?
Melania was bizarro. Apparently trump wants her to scrub her Epstein history. Putin is enjoying the show.
Trump is a traitor to the United States and a war criminal. Now,what are we going to do about him and his fellow traitors and enablers? Act fast while we still have a country to save.
I'd say Trump loses, Iran wins.
He's bombed the heck out of the country, killed a lot of people, including 13 U.S. military, completely ruined U.S. status around the world and with NATO, lost/destroyed very expensive American hardware, seriously depleted U.S. stockpiles of weapons, and made Iran a world power through control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Iran, through that control of the Strait, now has a real money-maker that will fund their future plans that most likely include the acceleration of development of nuclear weapons and the terrorist activities they sponsor. They won't negotiate that away and the U.S. can't force them.
Trump is desperate to get out of the mess he's made, and the Iranian regime is willing to go as far as it takes to get and keep what they want. Trump went into his war out of greed, Iran has been fighting for their lives, a far stronger incentive to prevail. They believe they've won the Trump War, and I agree.
It really is bizarre that Trump is sending Vance, Witcoff and Kushner to the talks, two real estate guys and and someone far from a diplomat
- Karen Cooper
Every deflection becomes bigger and bolder! All of this horror he is initiating to keep people from asking for the Epstein files. Now, he has lost what little was left of his brain! His whole regime is inept! They honestly have NO clue as to what they are doing! Right now, I truly believe his next big deflection is going to have to do with the midterm elections. He will either try to stop them, or he will cheat 'bigly'. We must be prepared for that and call the cheating out every single time. As far as Democrats being unpopular, why haven't the leaders of the party done something about it? Why aren't they trying to work to inform people what the Democratic party stands for? I know that I stand for diversity, equality and inclusion. I want everyone to be treated as humans and not targeted or attacked. I want immigrants to work toward coming to America legally because our country is made up of immigrants. I want a public education system like we had when I was growing up. A public education system that is strong and teaches truth and facts about our country. I want a government that works for the American people. I want a government that works to build relationships with countries around the world. If that isn't the message for the Democrat party, then I belong to the wrong party! Thank you, Professor Reich and Mrs. Lofthouse, for a great Coffee Klatch!
I’m with you Peggy - why aren’t more Americans Mad As Hell? We’ve been lied to and cheated on. Many of the poor have had their healthcare and food programs cut. Why aren’t people aghast at what’s happened?
Susan, I honestly do not know why there isn't more of a public outcry. It is like the American people are going through their lives in a blind stupor! Since he came down that escalator, he has used his shock and awe crap to desensitize the American people. Once he had hypnotized his cult into believing every damn word he uttered, he acted quickly to divide his cult from "other" Americans. Overnight it seems Democrats were suddenly vile, scum and enemies of the people. He has continued throughout his time in politics to foment that anger and hate felt by magas against every single "other" American. He has whipped them up to hate us enough to want to kill or imprison all Democrats! What do we hear from our leaders in the Democratic party? Save for those speaking out against all of his bullshit, the rest we hear crickets. Democrats say they have a wide umbrella that includes everyone; however, when politicians like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren talk about taxing the rich, the Democrats in the House and Senate remain quiet! Why? Because they are getting rich just like the republicans and they do not want to upset their cash cow! Those Democrats that have been in leadership power need to be voted out to let in younger, fresher candidates with the ability to turn their backs on all of the 'dark money' and 'back room deals' that have been and are occurring every day in Washington! If the Democrats do not get it together as a party, they will lose Democrats to Independents or No Party.
An economic bill of rights proposed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his 1944 State of the Union address, the Economic Bill of Rights (or "Second Bill of Rights") argued that political rights were insufficient to guarantee equality, advocating for security through rights to employment, food, education, housing, healthcare, and protection from economic. FDR argued that "necessitous men are not free men."
I like the idea of an economic bill of rights, John!
I'm seriously beginning to think that a fair number of Americans want a non-democratic country. Maybe they don't appreciate change, evolution, whatever you want to call it, and are willing to go all in with a system that, while it won't benefit them directly, will put an end to ideas and actions they don't like: gun control, equality of races, cultures and the sexes, immigration illegal and otherwise, religious freedom, etc. Any other thoughts?
You are correct.
I'm beginning to suspect that a great many have either forgotten or weren't taught in school about our country's founding or what our form of government is and why it is what it is.
I wouldn't be surprised if government is not even taught in red states anymore.
I think millions upon millions are mad as hell but don't know what to do, are exhausted, are confused, or all of the above and more, so end up being paralyzed and taking no action.
It seems that both parties no longer have platforms, something that defines what they stand for. Campaigns seem to be base more on personalities and instant public recognition than solid thought processes.
Agree...agree...agree, Peggy...with one more please...total separation of church and state must be absolutely embraced by every political leader and enforced. May they enjoy what they 'know', allow others to enjoy what THEY 'know' and leave alone those of us who know we can't possibly know.
Beautifully put, Callie! Yes!
Thank you for articulating clearly what I and I hope and believe most democrats want.
One may justly criticize the leadership of the Democratic Party, but for the best interest of all Americans (and indeed of all humanity), we must chose the least lethal road. I vote for the Democratic party, for equality, diversity and inclusion - and NO WARS, no conquest!
I will absolutely vote Democrat, Veronika, because a republican will never again get my vote until they have purged themselves of the reek of maga. It will be a very long time before that party will ever be trusted again!
Truth and facts are indistinguishable from falsehood and lies if you don't learn discernment through epistemology. It's all revealed "truth" to those being indoctrinated/ learning. If you don't know what epistemology is, I beg you, Peggy, to study up on it.
I don't think formal study of epistemology is necessary in order to have a functioning BS detector. Not that it would hurt.
This was a terrifying week. It could have escalated out of the control. I haven't been sleeping well. A war in the Gulf is not just about oil prices, it's important for so many reasons. To start one deliberately as TACO did invites total war.
I'm not misled by his claims about peace. This is not peace it's suspension of hostilities.
Bob is right when he said that Trump is a madman putting us all in danger. I hope there are moves to get rid of this lunatic soon. Lawmakers need to act.
It's exactly what I dreaded when he was first elected in 2016. Then there were people to question what he was doing. Now there are none. Take action before he does ignite a global war. guys there is no other path.
There is not much hope that this will end well. LOOK who is now negotiating with Iran on behalf of the USA.: J.D.Vance, Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff.
And as far as kushner is concerned, he has ONLY one reason to be there: make more money deals for "the family."
Is it not the strangest trio? If you wanted to gather together comic clown team in a circus, they may entertain you with falling over each other especially in their ill fitting big footwear (present from the Boss), but sending them to negotiate seriously to get out of the mess the Boss created, is worrying.
He actually made them wear clown shoes.
You’d be significantly hard pressed to find anything in this administration that IS NOT illegal.
With the war that he jumped into without barely a thought, he sees himself as #DonaldDuce. Unfortunately for the 8 billion others on the planet he has proven to be #DonaldDunce, with no justification, plan, or ability to grasp the entire picture.
And through his domination over the GOP and all governmental function, he's reduced our great nation to a mere reflection of all his personality flaws.
Before we've had presidents. With him we've just got #WeirdUncleDonnie who without his daddy's millions would be behind the counter spraying bowling shoes in New Jersey.
75 million bought into the myth, but soon it will be only 20 million that still cling to his BS to stay with him.
You guys are great, and I look forward to every Saturday morning.
I have an observation from Canada. HCR quotes former secretary of transportation Pete Buttigieg saying, “For the leader of the free world ... to just make a nakedly genocidal threat ..." From my perspective your president is not the leader of the free world. These days, it seems aspirational to even include the US in the free world.
Buttigieg continued: “I think the really important thing to remember is that the effects ... will outlive Donald Trump long after he has departed the scene... [I]t’s very important that ... they have a level of trust that there is stability in the United States.” Not to put words in Mayor Pete's mouth, but my interpretation of what he is saying is that the world sees a political system and a populace that allowed the Trump regime to rise to power, and that have no way or collective will to remove that regime. Without real structural changes to the US political system, the world has no assurance that a similar regime will not come to power in the next election cycle or the one after that.
In the meantime, your president has access to the nuclear codes and there is no apparent control by those around him.
Were our government an orchestra most of the musicians would be concerned only about keeping their jobs, and the conductor would wantonly ignore the score. As long as the audience is made up of tone deaf listeners it doesn't really matter where the musicians seat.
I think you have expressed Pete's intention very well, Brian. I know this is the sentiment amongst many here in the EU. It is recognised that not everyone in the US wanted this, voted for it, supports it now. But the fact that they seem to be powerless in fighting it - not always, but so much of the time - this is a great concern in considering the future.
And we thought Watergate was bad!
Watergate was bad, but back then we had enough free media that was brave enough to expose it. The consolidation of our media outlets has put a stranglehold on what the public views or reads today.
And he is already preparing his own Arc de Trump.
Richard - While using our money to ruin the beauty between the Lincoln Memorial and the Arlington Cemetery. Why not - he’s already desecrated the graves of the fallen many times over. He used recent pictures of the dignified transfer to campaign off of when the families requested no photos. He’s a jerk who put in his budget over 800% increase to alter the White House with decorations and renovations. It’s not his house! None of wants an Arc. I guess I’m just sensitive because I grew up in Virginia and went to D.C. often and was always in awe of the beauty there. Going to the museums that are now told to ignore history. Now he’s going to destroy even more.
Where is the line crossed that every sane instinct comprehends, This is Too Much? Earlier today Meidas Touch covered an extended, formal, detailed demand from Jamie Raskin to the WH to release cognitive exams of the President. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNOdCnv3e7w Just the recounting of What He Did for Easter is stunning.
Thank you Bob and Heather…great guest, Amy Goodman!!!
This is not about a bonkers president, but about democracy.
I'm from the construction year of Bob and Dolly Parton and remember the reporting of I.F. Stone about the Tonkin incident, if it ever happened. (in the sisxties)
Stone's tenacity and committment to the truth was an example. His method was simple: compare official texts and find the lies. They did lie fifty years ago and very professional too. Stone was pensioned and decided to study Socrates and his process in Athens, in the best period of democracy.
In my country this time was sketched in a book about Alcibiades, who was a friend and lover of Socrates. The author (Ilja Pfeijffer) writes a dialogue for the two about, truth, shame and democracy. The language seems tranlated Greek, but the origin seems the present politics...
At present, what seems lost in the USA is the value of truth in governance and to learn from past errors. Democracy is on the chopping block, and many Americans just don't give a damn, are woefully ignorant, complacent, or simply brainwashed.
Speaking as an outsider, it's disheartening and worrisome, for all of us, that the country has descended into this fascist quagmire. Trump will be gone, but what's next? Sadly, there is a cabal of cartoonish villains (with money) lurking in the wings, hoping to ascend to the WH and carry on the chaos: Tucker Carlson (likely positioning himself at a run for the presidency), Nick Fuentes, Erika Kirk, Peter Thiel, Elon Musk...and a host of others, with influence, ready to toss the remnants of democracy into the bonfire. The "stupefaction" of a nation.
Judith, I'm afraid we agree on everything. Indeed, the stupefaction of a nation.
But I try to understand the history, the mechanisms, the money injections, the bad public debate.
But I have some hope as well: the US is still a civilised nation, with many good, well educated and smart people. This electoral accident, or crash, can and will be overcome.
But it should happen before the regime organises the burning of books.
Confusing granting pardons with Indulgences,Trump promises to grant pardons to his inner circle. The pardon means the person has to be convicted of crimes first.
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-promises-mass-pardons-to-staff-before-leaving-office-d7274d32?mod=hp_lead_pos2
Since WW-II the USA has spent a lot of effort creating good will and collaborative alliances. tRump is harvesting it all for his personal benefit (and Putin's). There are two key questions to ask for each tRumpian escapade: how does tRump personally benefit and how does Putin benefit. Those two questions provide key insight into the seeming madness.
Trump is quite literally insane. The Republicans are quite literally insane. The founders would never envisioned this happening. They just assumed Americans would have the sense not to elect a complete fool to the highest office. That they would consider the persons character before electing him/her. Either you have the human genes to look at Trump and are repulsed by him or you lack those genes and are only thinking about your own needs and wants before the country and enlist in his cult.