632 Comments

As an academic, I believe the answer is a very basic backlash against both acceptance of diversity in American culture and - perhaps even more importantly - an attempt to bring women back into their subjugative role in society.

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Academically, statistically, women outnumber men. If more women we win.

Statistically Biden beat Trump by 7,000,000 votes in 2020.

I assume you mean "other" can mean "all of the above."

To me there are two chioc3es and the bad one in Fascism.

I am upset that Robert and Heather promote division. IMHO statistics show we have the opportunity to sweep through energizing Gen Z voters. Do they want to live in a theocracy? the answer is resoundingly NO. Channel Taylor Swift. https://www.thecivicscenter.org/home

We have the capacity to overcome Trump, oligarchs,...

• In '22, Field Team 6 reached 5 million unregistered likely Democrats

• The result? 1.57 million registered – 660,000 of them VOTED!

• The cost? 93¢ per registration – $2.24 per vote!

• This is game-changing. A dollar a voter is the best value proposition in activism.

• In '23, the voters we registered were critical to victories in KY, OH, PA, VA & WI

• …and already in ’24, even more victories in NY, PA, and new maps in WI!!

• The goal is to WIN. IT. ALL. To do that, we need every volunteer we can get, and we need to raise $3 million to deliver 3 million new voters!

https://www.fieldteam6.org/volunteer-ops

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I agree that, as Lawrence O'Donnell said, it's too late, impossible for an alternative candidate to gain enough support, the money is with Biden, and historically an open convention results in a loss for Democrats. Game Over, folks. We need to work for Biden, Biden needs to work hard (and he is beginning to!), and the comparison with Trump has to be front and center. It's a fantasy to think we would do better if Biden steps down, so get real!

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Marge, what do you think President Biden has been doing for the past 3 years? Golfing like trump? Joe Biden hit the deck running on January 20, 2021 and until January 2023 accomplished more legislation, beneficial to average Americans, not the top 10%, than any President since Lyndon Johnson - and LBJ had 6 years not two.

The sole and only reason no legislation has passed since January 2023 is the MAGAt infestation in the House of Representatives. What little good we have obtained has been through Presidential Executive Orders - that is NOT how our Government is supposed to work

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Beginning to?? He’s been doing that the whole time.

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I heard Lawrence O'Donnell the other night and he was brilliant! Go Lawrence! We have the same birthday so I'm in!

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Everyone who even considers no vote/third party should listen to this. Answers!

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There is no comparison of Biden to Trump - the Biden people just need to get this to the public!

Biden - more jobs. Trump - promises things - projects energy due to adderall and cocaine

Biden - brought U.S. out of Covid successfully. Trump - promised things - projects energy due to adderall and cocaine

Biden - inflation down. Trump - promises things - projects energy due to adderall and cocaine

Biden/Hunter Biden - no truths/date for impeachable/jailable offenses. Trump and his supporters - promises witnesses - Trump projects energy due to adderall and cocaine

Biden - older by a few years; wise; experienced in U.S. government at a very bad time globally. Trump - promises things - projects energy due to adderall and cocaine

Take Away - TRUMP IS A CON MAN WITH NO INTENTION OF SAVING THIS COUNTRY

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VOTE STRAIGHT BLUE IN 2024!!!!

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SO TRUE!

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We need to publicize Biden’s many accommodations and how they affect our lives.

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Not such what accommodations you mean? And to whom?

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Autocorrect. Accomplishments

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What a difference a word makes!

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Why do you say Robert (Hubbell?) and Heather promote division? I see them as major unifying forces to anyone who will listen to what they have to say.

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Robert Reich keeps repealing the other team's talking points. Too many trolls, Republicans and Russian bots on this Substack take advantage. .

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I also subscribe to many newspapers, Substacks, etc. I am not omniscient but the vast majority want a horserace. Hetre's the real news, not mentioned in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the Pittsburgh Tribune or the Beaver County Times, New Castle News, Butler Eaglle and Sharron Herald, mu old hometown papers.

On Thursday, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland that cited documents obtained by America Oversight. The letter asks Garland to investigate what he says appears to be misleading testimony provided by Scott Brady, the former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, whose office had been charged in early 2020 with receiving supposed information from Rudy Giuliani about Ukraine and the Bidens.

The documents we obtained, referenced in the letter, include a January 2020 email from Seth DuCharme, then a counselor to Attorney General Barr, to Brady, asking Brady whether he had time “for a quick call today in re a possible discreet assignment” from the attorney general and deputy attorney general.

https://www.americanoversight.org/a-possible-discreet-assignment-american-oversight-obtains-doj-emails-regarding-intake-process-for-giuliani-ukraine-information

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BTW I also support Robert Hubbell, who, with his Managing Editor, fight. .

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Daniel Soloman, I like your post very much. But, I disagree that RR and Heather are divisive and I'm sensitive about that. In fact, one of the reasons I like RR's essays is that they are not divisive.

Perhaps you mean some of the commenters. I would agree with that on RR's Substack sometimes and somedays the crazies are more prolific. And the days they are in full swing, I know RR is striking the truth too hard for those who oppose democracy. They detest people waking up.

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I disagree and this is not about them promoting division. They are speaking the truth and people (at least so far) have the freedom to either listen and think for themselves or allow others to do their thinking for them.

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That BS about age is surgery by sledgehammer. 2 days of constant trolling, mainly by Putin bots.

Same about Michigan.

How many voters want a white nationalist Christian autocracy?

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Daniel, I agree that the level of trolling and onslaught of Putin bots has been extraordinarily difficult to overcome. The age issue is so irrelevant compared with the psychopathic same-age-group trump (a Seditionist & rapist!)

Women, including those in red states, do NOT want men tracking when they inquire about abortion or allowing data to be looked at that should be private. The LGBTQ+ population is very significant. None of these people are going to help the Fascist-christian Republicans take their lives back to 1940!! Biden won the popular vote by over 7M BEFORE trump had 91 indictments, BEFORE the deadly seditionist attack. Yet the “polls” want us to believe the race is neck and neck! 🤦🏻

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To be fair, PLENTY of uneducated women LIKE the sexual assaulter who used to want to "grab them by the pussy." ALL Trumplicans foam at the mouth to vote AGAINST their OWN GOOD though . . .

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When I asked my son why those women vote for Trump, he said that it was last place adversion. Yes they must be subservient to men but they can feel superior to immigrants, Blacks, Muslims ,Jews, LGBTQ+, Pro Choice, IVF……

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I used to say that Republican women are oxymorons.

In the real world a lot ARE subservient. Some have a political job and in the hinterlands the Republican Party exercises patronage -- the spoils system -- and is the largest employer. More Republican than Democratic local patrons.

In some cases deviant sado-masochism.

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"

Daniel H Laemmerhirt

Feb 24

"To be fair, PLENTY of uneducated women LIKE the sexual assaulter who used to want to "grab them by the pussy." Daniel H Laemmerhirt ; Really? have you polled any of them? As an 'uneducated" woman ( as I used to be), Any assaulter of my 'person' anywhere, would have to pick himself up off the floor, and /or go to court, unless he quickly got on a plane afterward and left the country!

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Rubbish

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Daniel Soloman, P.S. to my previous comment. I am sorry I misunderstood your post, regarding who you meant by Heather. I thought you meant HRC, which I believe you traverse also. Please accept my apology. I will have a look at my previous post to see how I can edit for that.

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this would be a good place to do sociometric research. Genesis? I'm Jewish - you don't have to be Jewish to enjoy Levi's. the things they did in the camps. He'll call. He's just not that into me.

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Anita,

While I agree with your assessment, I feel diversity is a worldwide fact. You cannot boil the sea. One woman cannot stop a tsunami by making a stop sign with her hand. We should embrace diversity, as nature intended, and be stronger for it.

Besides, if we were all the same color, the people who want to blame someone else will just choose a different goalpost and start picking on people with red hair, or big noses, or glasses. You can always find some attribute that is different to create division. You can also always find a reason to bring a team of people together to help each other. Choose being kind, caring, and decent instead of a fascist Trumpian. Collaboration for mutual benefit is leadership, division for personal power is the opposite of leadership.

PS. We need academics. They are not the elite. The billionaires are the elites.

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lunar landings and labor. what is she some kind of poet, actress, write. We are scared for are children. please publish my stories but keep my address private my music choice is (hush).

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that raises the question " why now" ? I think there are answers to this.

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Republicans have suddenly stopped their Biden investigation on accusations from a supposedly credible but confidential FBI source that Biden and his son Hunter accepted bribes from a Ukrainian oligarch. But the Justice Department has since charged that source, former FBI informant Alexander Smirnov, with making false statements and revealed his accusation may have been Russian disinformation.

How can any patriotic American vote for these idiots? Their impeachment attempt of our president using a lying Russian informant Alexander Smirnov is pathetic and shameful. House Oversight Republicans have yanked the reference from their committee website.

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Keith--When people are drowning, they will grab at anything to keep from going under. Maybe they should hold on to the truth for a change, it isn't a Coast Guard approved flotation device but at least it will keep their heads above water.

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Can’t wait til they all drown along with their big fat orange float that can’t save them.

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He wouldn’t even try to save them. They still don’t get that

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Betty--Would that be considered water pollution.

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Toxic waste!

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Now that would be something we all wish for! The truth is so hard to find these days. Especially in our government.

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Keith--It's hard to find because it doesn't exist. The time of the Laier is upon us.

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Donald ; Since when is that a life preserver for an assailant?

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Laurie--I was just throwing stones in a pond.

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Same. Except I'm throwing them back...

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Laurie--LOL😊

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A Monday morning laugh😄

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They are not idiots or clowns. They have a plan. The have Congress hamstrung.

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Cyrano: yes, even though there is a remedy In our Constitution for those who have betrayed their oaths of office . 14th amendment section 3. there are over a hundred who should lose their seats in Congress, and more who should be investigated in our government, by the Senate!

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Amen, Laurie!

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But the MAGA plans , like promises are made to be broken! Vote BLUE

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And recently Google stopped caching old links for web pages. The simple reason seems to be to allow Chinese sensors to change web links (ie delete or create them) without there being a log that a change was made. This type of lack of accountability is meant to enable disinformation. Who stands to gain from the lack of accountability in this country? Yeap republicans. "Don't be evil" - Google. Too late for that.

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What about the Wayback machine? Is that still working?

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Yes wayback machine still works. What is said is that google cache links was used to see if a web page was deleted making it way easier to then search for it on the way back machine. Kind of like having a directory that was deleted. If you have no way of seeing the previous directory structure compared to now. What was deleted? Wayback can go and pull information that you request. If the links were deleted and google stop keeping a record of it...then what are you looking for? The old web page is still in the wayback, it becomes harder to get.

Not being an expert in this I believe that google cache could be used by novices...in oppressed nations to see imediately that information was changed. A bane to any governments doing the whole double speak thing.

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Argh. More craziness.

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Is there a source I can access for this info? Terrifying.

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Originally I saw the article on another platform. The Aljeezera article explains the implications better.

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"Republicans have suddenly stopped their Biden investigation...."

NO THTEY HAVEN'T!!!

They are doubling down. Hunter Biden appears next week.

From Jessica Craven: https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/p/chop-wood-carry-water-223-316?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=362618&post_id=141711618&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=zc69i&open=false&utm_medium=email

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I meant the impeachment inquiry into President Biden.

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WRONG!

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Keith Olson : It is so cool that Smirnov was 're-arrested' and taken into custody, because there was new information made to the authorities that He had access to $6 million, relatives in Israel(?) , and was considered a flight risk.

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what is with some of these judges ? Letting the guy out of custody to begin with.

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It is against the constitution supported by Supreme Court decisions that unless an arrested person is a flight risk or a certain danger to others he has a right to bail. This question won’t seem to die but the constitution protects an individual until they are convicted.

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it seems the judge reconsidered and put him in custody. maybe the proecutors gave the judge more evidence of the flight risk.

A federal judge in California said Friday that he believes defense attorneys for Alexander Smirnov may be trying to “facilitate his absconding from the United States.” CNN reports.

As a practical matter, which may have no legal weight whatsoever, this is hardly a normal case as the consequences of a flight may have national significance.

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Are we arguing? I merely answered your question about why defendants are usually released without bail. New information changed the judge’s mind. Bail rules seldom have anything to do with whatever is called a normal case or not.

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Steve : fear?, or MAGA?

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ignorance

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steve reed ; Misinformation and disinformation, in the 'news' does not help too!

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no it doesn't. Ferreting out the truth of matters is more difficult than ever, esp I assert for younger people who are walking into the hall of mirrors without the benefit of a larger knowledge base to evaluate what they are reading/seeing.

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You are so right

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Keith: I wish that I was not right. And it was not as bad as it is. But your observation about the Biden 'witch hunt' is actually good news! They don't deserve their pay and benefits! The do nothing 'Congress'!

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Classic move for republicans…Oh we never really believed that! They project their weaknesses by accusing Democrats of the things they do. They deny knowledge of harm once it is irrefutable by evidence that they were duped. I think they are imploding with perfect timing!

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Keith ; "Throw the bums out!"

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"How One Ukrainian Billionaire Funded Hunter Biden, President Volodymyr Zelensky, And Neo-Nazi Azov Battalion"

https://greatgameindia.com/hunter-biden-zelensky-neo-nazi/

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Known website for distributing false information. That can be found without much effort.

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Agree.

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Really?? I think you're just making that up. You sound like the Wizard of Oz: "Don't look behind that curtain!"

I hope you're not a proponent of brain-dead thought control:

https://youtu.be/YR5ApYxkU-U?si=4uETA3OX1IO2Ilgq

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Did you even try to verify this before you posted it here? And where else are you busy posting such disinformation?

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What kind of ass sneers "disinformation" without even checking? That article is well-sourced with embedded links. Here are some quotes:

"A 2012 study of Burisma Holdings done in Ukraine by the AntiCorruption Action Centre (ANTAC), an investigative nonprofit co-funded by American billionaire George Soros and the U.S. State Department, found that the true owner of Burisma Holdings was none other than Ukrainian billionaire-oligarch Ihor Kolomoysky."

"In other words, Hunter Biden’s boss and benefactor at Burisma Holdings is the same Ukrainian billionaire-oligarch who also claimed the position of boss and benefactor over Volodymyr Zelensky before he became Ukraine’s president."

"For years, Zelensky’s company produced shows for Kolmoysky’s TV network, 1+1 Media Group, one of the largest media conglomerates in Ukraine. Zelensky achieved national fame portraying a president on a hit television sitcom called, Servant of the People, which was broadcasted on a channel owned by Kolmoysky."

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That article is blocked behind a subscription wall. Any chance you could provide a quote?

Do you disagree with any of the following quotes from the article that I linked? It is well-sourced with embedded links. Here are some quotes:

"A 2012 study of Burisma Holdings done in Ukraine by the AntiCorruption Action Centre (ANTAC), an investigative nonprofit co-funded by American billionaire George Soros and the U.S. State Department, found that the true owner of Burisma Holdings was none other than Ukrainian billionaire-oligarch Ihor Kolomoysky."

"In other words, Hunter Biden’s boss and benefactor at Burisma Holdings is the same Ukrainian billionaire-oligarch who also claimed the position of boss and benefactor over Volodymyr Zelensky before he became Ukraine’s president."

"For years, Zelensky’s company produced shows for Kolmoysky’s TV network, 1+1 Media Group, one of the largest media conglomerates in Ukraine. Zelensky achieved national fame portraying a president on a hit television sitcom called, Servant of the People, which was broadcasted on a channel owned by Kolmoysky.

"In 2019, Kolmoysky’s media channels gave a big boost to Zelensky’s presidential campaign, while Kolmoysky even provided security, lawyers, and vehicles for Zelensky during his campaign. Kolmoysky’s bodyguard and lawyer accompanied Zelensky on the campaign trail as Zelensky was chauffeured around in a Range Rover owned by one of Kolmoysky’s companies."

"Igor Kolomoysky has been a top funder of the Azov Battalion since it was formed in 2014. He has also bankrolled private militias like the Dnipro and Aidar Battalions and has personally deployed them to protect his financial interests."

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Read widely

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Schmeeckle? Lol!

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I think he’s assuming your last name is actually a Yiddish word.

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My surname is easily mocked.

Here is my great-grandfather's family tree:

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Schm%C3%BCckle-39#Ancestors

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It happens to the best of us. Are you a genealogy buff too? We had a bit of a genealogy fest in yesterday’s comments.

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Synonymous with __uck.

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All of the above, plus the disinformation of the media

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Yes, it's a "noxious brew" which has led to an obscene, corrosive kind of populism...

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My gut is the Republican Party was always a four- pronged political machine:

1. The corporate and wealthy elite that always pursued tax cuts as their main, and only issue.

2. The War-hawks or the neo-cons, who are the remnants of the Cold War and American Imperialism.

3. The religious wing-nuts who have been banging on the door and have been on the fringe, since groups like the John Birch Society!going back to McCarthyism.

4. The Southern Racists and White Nationalists, who also occupy part of the religious wing-nut platform.

During Nixon’s Southern Strategy, the fringe, or religious wing-nuts and White Nationalists were welcomed back into the party.

Reagan added legitimacy to these two groups and it was solidified during W. Bush’s presidency.

The War Hawks or neo-cons who were the most powerful group, lost it’s legitimately after the manufactured war in Iraq, and the forever wars including Afghanistan and the War on Terror, which spread across The Middle East, Africa and Central Asia with no end in sight.

And after the Great Recession in 2008, the war hawks lost all credibility, giving rise to the tea party and eventually Trumpism.

Now the party has two factions: The corporate and wealthy elite, as well as the religious wing-nuts and White supremicists. And the neo-cons, like Liz Cheney have all been excommunicated.

This may account for the reason the party has abandoned its global worldview and fomented its support Russia over Ukraine; “it’s not our problem scenario.”

Although, a lot has to do with Trump’s wholesale takeover of the party of chaos, and his transactional ties to Russia, based on the fact that Russian oligarchs, through Putin, have been financing his properties and resorts for decades since no legitimate bank will lend him money.

Bottom line: it’s the perfect storm of a party that has been in chaos, and looking for an identity since Nixon.

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I agree with the 4-parts. I would stress your "although" part as the proximate cause of our difficulties and that much of the Republican leadership in the House see support of Trump, and thus Putin in some fashion, as a means to power in their crude short-sighted foolish calculations. My rep is no Putin lover but if Ukraine aid comes up for a vote she may very well vote against it. Her district was gerrymandered in 2022 to include more rural areas and it's possible she could get primaried out of office (though I doubt it). To not assume Trump is 100% owned by Putin is to dismiss too much damning evidence.

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Robert, that was an excellent account of the republican party. Your insights help me put things in perspective and are appreciated. Thank you!

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The American oligarchs are not just interested in tax cuts but also the destruction of all government regulation/oversight/accountability. There's even more profit to be made if you can pollute, commit fraud, prevent/bust unions, create more monopolies, purchase and strip equity from unlimited healthcare, education, etc., etc.

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Marge: some of them are secular fanatics and very dangerous.

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And some are using religion to overshadow their real motivations.

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Fair enough and excellent points. It was more of a condensed overview…:)

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Yes, I did understand that. I just like making sure my pet peeves are front and center, too!

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Very insightful and an etiology of the Republican problem that I haven't read before. I'm copying this for my folder. Thank you.

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Thanks, it’s just IMHO an overview. The neo-cons are the National Security Apparatus. I would also say the religious fanatics are in control; definitely through the courts, but rely on the rich for their financing and elections…:)

We can go much further in depth to get a better understanding of how these groups function collectively, but I think this is a good start.

All these groups have been jockeying for power for decades, and here we are…:)

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Religious fanatics and the rich formed a symbiotic relationship.

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Agreed. It’s a marriage of convenience. The rich guy, the beautiful wife, the crazy uncle and the racist grandparents….:)

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An old story, It has been happening for millenia.

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Isn't there a difference between a fundamentalist and a fanatic?

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Do you think there is?

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Excellent analysis, Robert!

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Thank you…:)

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If you are the Republican party and you see that you cannot win power by democratic means, due to changing demographics and dependence on factions that resist policy changes that would appeal to the wider electorate, then you will grasp on to any (undemocratic):alternative that can give you that power.

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Capitalism and democracy cannot long endure together. Capitalism always wins.

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Has anyone else noticed that the Unionizing movement has become louder and a teensy bit more effective? Is that Democracy speaking to Capitalism?

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Yes. With the help of the Biden administration.

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Gloria, I agree with you. In our history, there has been a seesaw effect between capitalism and democracy, where sometimes capitalism is more in control and sometimes democracy is more in control. My own opinion is that we have reached a critical tipping point where capitalism has gained so much control that if we are very fortunate, the seesaw may become close to level for a period of time, however in general capitalism now dominates democracy.

It is time to seriously research alternative approaches to the balance between democracy and an economic system. That is why I have become a strong proponent of economic democracy.

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Granted, for the next nine months, we are going to be hyper-focused on the upcoming election; will it be Biden or Trump? However, beyond the upcoming battle, those who are long range thinkers must consider a true solution to our dilemma, and not be completely distracted by the horse race, we are now witnessing and focusing on.

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Gloria, capitalism always wins when it covers itself with the national flag. FDR demonstrated that democracy can control capitalists.

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I would like to believe democracy can control capitalists, but I don't see it happening in my lifetime.

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Exactly! Greed!

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NOT comparable. This is an example of a false dichotomy. Even in communist societies like China, there is some capitalism. Internationally China is as capitalist as the US.

We have had a mixed economy since inception. We've also had corruption, racism, greed, etc.

Capitalism is not a governmental system.

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While you're right, if Congress and the Supreme Court think government exists only to support Capitalism, then is Capitalism actually our governmental system? I have actually heard more than one republican congressman conflate the two in speeches and proclaim that we are a Capitalist Nation! And if, like Russia, we privatize (or support privatization of) the social safety net, allow companies to self-regulate, i.e. do their own inspections of military weapons and commercial airplanes, etc..... Well, I feel like we may become another Gilded Age Capitalist nation.

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We already are, Marge.

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We already are! It won't be long until the so-called Republican Party will privatize our schools, and have private contractors running our military and government.

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Privatizing education has been an ongoing strategy - and they are succeeding. Have you read American Crusade: How the Supreme Court is Weaponizing Religious Freedom? Hold onto your hat!

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Capitalism is causing the same problem in China as it is here. Oligarchy is everywhere that capitalism is the economic system and will lead to the downfall of Democracy here and whatever the government of China rules by. It certainly doesn't seem to be communism.

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True Daniel, but neither is Democracy solely a governmental system. It is also a set of values that lives in a society; it is also a myth in which folks believe. Capitalism and democracy are only social constructs which serve as useful foils.

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Agreed Martin.

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It's possible that IF your God is the ONLY one true God, people of other religions are inferior and should not count as much because their God is false. Once a moral and religious supiorority is established, Democracy and "one person, one vote," goes out the window.

I think it's worth considering why Iraqi Sunni's, Fundamentalist Iranian Clerics, and the Taliban all hate Democracy? In the big picture, perhaps some people/groups oppose Democracy because it threatens their power structure and absolute control of society?

The Founding Father's reasons for enshining the Separation of Church and State are important, under valued and woefully dismissed. The Speration and Church and State is not optional in a fair and just society.

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As a former evangelical and the reason why I left the church - there is no difference between what they believe and what the taliban believes. They are cloaked in the whiteness and supremacy of their IDEA of Jesus and that justifies everything they say and do. You would not believe some of the things I heard coming from these people, some of whom were leaders. They have not come quite out in the open by murdering the enemies of their “church”, but that is coming.

All religion is man-made and should be highly suspect. We all can have a fulfilling life of love and grace by communing with God ourselves without that merely mortal intercessor that is the priest, pastor, reverend, or whatever; along with the dogma that shapes the practice.

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Deb Kramer, writings of indigenous (Native Ameriicans) leaders I've read, called religion something for the whites to fight over and commented how the Great Spirit was all around them as individuals everyday to see and one didn't need to go into a building to learn about it. They were right and so they were a terrible threat to the violent egoic power of the most powerful churches at the time.

Sadly, we snuffed out a lot of spiritual wisdom when we killed countless indigenous peoples and their culture. I've wondered before how advanced could we have become, if we could have only embraced and learned from their wisdom, only to discover that that wisdom had been buried deep within us all along but our culture had suppressed it.

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My favorite reply by a Native American leader was, "you (Christians) don't agree among yourselves... why would we agree with you." Lol. I agree with you. Thinking about how decisions will affect the "7th generation" would go along way to make sustainable energy policy. Hell, we can't even get Mitch, Mike and Democrats like Manchin to think about the next generation. Maybe "the next generation" should be our line in the sand?"

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Danny Piper, I think you are on to something, think about one generation ahead. I have noticed some Dems (ha definitely not R's) speak, more often than I've ever heard them before, about future generations. And I have thought, they have adopted and adapted the wisdom (or at least the wise words) of Native Americans and it makes me smile. It is a great example of how we all benefit from Native Americans emerging and being allowed into the mainstream in recent years.

It is a wonderful sign that something in us resonates with their wisdom about earth, rituals, their place in nature, and protector of nature , etc. I think it registers in us as sacred, divine wisdom. I think we are remembering that's why their wisdom is resonating. White people's first "churches" were nature.

The way to understand creation, life, cause and effect, how to be in the world alone and with others could be learned, thought about, pondered with others, by watching plants, animals (including us), weather, seasons, etc. with curiosity and honor.

I hope we continue to lean into Native American spiritual wisdom to assist us in reigniting, resurrecting, strengthening, the bounty of spiritual wisdom within us, so long buried by a culture that has not valued it. It seems to me our very existence hinges on our reclamation. Perhaps, that too is why the intelligent wisdom of our bodies is seeking out being in nature and with its wisdom more often now and our minds are being intentional about honoring nature and earth. Hmmm, there is so much to ponder.

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OMG - I love what you wrote. You said it all for me. And the thing is - since I have leaned into the divine spirit without religiosity, it has become such a life centering source for me. I have studied many philosophies and religions and it took me a long time to get here at this place, but at 69 I know the I am a child of the great spirit/energy and it is my light to shine.

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Deb Kramer, I'm glad you have got to a place in your journey where it feels right.

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Yes! I totally agree. I have 4 grandchildren and they provide so much hope but my heart breaks for them that the old white guys who are running the country may ruin it all……they just don’t get it. Even the Bible tells us to be good stewards of all the earth. Something the native Americans knew in their souls from birth.

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You're exactly right. They ignore what they want and twist the Bible to say what they want. I'm surprised they haven't found a passage that proves Football is Sunday because God said so. Lol

Its important to consider the next generation because sustainability is crucial, or the policy will fail. It's that simple. It's the truth.

The next generation, at a minimum, should be considered when making policy. Not doing so is a dereliction of duty. It's so easy to explain. Imagine: "Mr. Trump and Sen. Manchin, we cannot continue an energy policy that promotes the dirtiest of the dirty carbon sources, ignores the science proving climate change and climate disruption, and fails to embrace renewable sources and conservation. Your 1970's energy policy and "drill baby drill" ignores the proven science and exacerbates climate driven disasters. So, do you not believe the science on climate change, or do you not care for the next generation?" Something tells me younger voters would relate and show up to vote. Sadly, the environment was not discussed during the last debates. That's got to change too.

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They fought among themselves.

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Daniel Soloman, yes, there were tribes who fought others. But there were also tribes and times they cooperated with one another. Their wisdom lied in their recognition of them being an interconnected part of nature which they honored as caretakers, not destroyers and exploiters just for profit and pleasure. They lived in harmony with the natural world, sharing it with plants and animals, understanding that balance and respect was essential for the well being of all.

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About 30 years ago, I produced a seminar at a legal conference with Native American judges from several; tribes. They went after each other, demonizing.

It's exasperating that so many don't vote and many who do are Republicans. IMHO they have the capacity to flip the Dakotas and other states. I was on a conference call only Thursday with one of their advocates. .

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Daniel Soloman, but then there are many who are awake. You are only seeing a sample. And remember we can't generalize about the masses by the words/actions of their leaders. Imagine aliens listening in on GOP conversations. They might think us all nuts.

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And so did the 12 tribes of Israel

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Organized religion was created to control people, which often is a necessary thing.

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Fascism including religious fascism is NRVER a necessary thing.

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S howard: Quite True! It is incumbent on us to explain to people why this is so, and why fascism is always harmful.

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Or was it created to increase their power and make money? Why would the Catholics be so against birth control in a Central America, unless they just wanted more numbers? The ruling class and Church were the same way back when. Preferential treatment of the poor came alone much later.

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Victor Kamendrowsky, yes absolutely, some people (quite a lot actually) throughout history have used religion as a vehicle to control and exploit people for many reasons, but an important one being to justify hierarchial human value power systems, especially patriarchial ones. But there have always been churches whose main goal wasn't control, exploitation, and furthering the belief in the inequality of human value. The quakers, unitarians, and universalists come to mind.

Further, religion isn't necessary or desirable to control people. In fact many churches are very bad at it because they use the carrot or the stick. St. Augustine said, "Love and do what you will." In other words if we love people, we don't do grievous things. But far too many churches don't teach and model love for all others very well (some do, but not enough) nor do some families, societies, governments, etc.

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M Tree, thank you for your comment. Teaching love, of course, is meant to control some of our natural tendencies.

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Victor Kamendrowsky, I'm not convinced that the negative, the harming self and others, is our natural tendency. I lean more toward believing that love is our natural tendency. Either way though, love doesn't seek to control anyone or anything, that's ego. Love gives safe ground, understanding, and dignity to allow for people's undesirable behavior/s to diminish, through just and rational consequences. Love also gives a safe, non-judgmental place for people to find and heal the underlying that gave rise to their undesirable behavior and it allows people's genuine goodness to safely emerge.

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Deb, I am a Christian. I practice my faith in the things I do and how I choose to live my life. I use the Bible to guide me. Scripture I learned from when I was a child taught me to do unto others as I would do to myself, love one another, and live in peace. I also remember a passage that said something about when you pray, you go into a closet. I don't remember it exactly. Those teachings along with my mother helped guide me in my life. My church now is the beautiful outdoors and nature that fills my soul with peace. I do not attend any church because none of them worship the way I was taught. You don't scream out "look at me and all the great things I am doing for the Lord". You quietly help where needed. I think of Mother Teresa and her sweet, kind love for anyone that needed it. If you are going to be religious, pick a religion that lifts you and everyone around you up. These lunatics are NOT Christians. You can't scream scripture at people to justify the horrible things you are doing. It just doesn't work that way!

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Yes Peggy - I agree 100 % … I too can see these people following and promoting Trump are the furthest thing from Christians … I am praying that God will help us that are trying to protect this country from the evil that wants to destroy it. Whatever your religion, you are welcome here in usa.

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Well said, Susan. I totally agree with you. Heck, I was praying for Trump when he was President. I like to think prayers (and Generals) helped stop Trump from starting World War III or dropping nukes. Seriously. Now we know Gen Milley knew Trump was losing his marbles and afraid DJT was going to start a war. Lol.

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BTW, I recall having attractive high school Biology teacher with your name. She's was great. Ever teach at EHS in IL? I had to ask. It's a small world...

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Amen Peggy Freeman. I often think about Mother Teresa and how she helped the poorest of the poor - herself being poor as well. She truly walked the path of Jesus, whom I believe was also sent to serve and teach the positive light and energy of God Almighty. That is always my prayer - I want to exude God’s energy in every way; but I have a very very long way to go!

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My path is a little shorter now but I agree with you. Mother Teresa walked the path of Jesus and there wasn't a mean, cruel bone in her body! She never taught that God would strike us down if we didn't do something!! These republicans just don't know the true meaning of being a Christian.

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Well said, Peggy. I agree with you. It's a shame that some people give their religion a bad name. I've noticed I don't meet many bad Unitarians or Buddhists. Lol.

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That's true, Danny! Unitarians, Buddhists, and other religions are so very peaceful. I don't link myself to any protestant religion anymore. They have political bullhorns and just don't relate to my belief. I don't know if that will ever change.

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A few progressives Pastors exist. They're rare, sadly. I knew a good one in Austin, Rev. Rigsby. He spoke at our rally for the ACA in 2011.

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Danny Piper,

I love your comment because in my research Buddhists; Unitarians; and of all things Quakers (Nixon was a Quaker according to history) seem to be authentic seekers of the God spirit in all of us.

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Deb, few things in this world are as repulsive as religious preachers lusting for power.

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Sounds like you are the kind of person they would murder - or at least put in the "stocks" to be mocked and pelted with rotten cabbages! I will be there beside you!

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I definitely agree with you. And if that time comes, I will be ready. I will never give up my hatred (un-Godlike to be sure) for the orange idiot OR his followers

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Deb: a thousand times YES

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Deb Kramer : It costs $$ to support a church, too. Not everyone can afford it.

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Absolutely. I have always chosen to give my $$ (and I am on a retirement income) to those who are fighting for the underdog. I belonged to a church trying to be a mega church in our area of Illinois, where if you became a member, part of the commitment was to tithe at least 10% of your annual income. Churches manipulate people because the Bible says believers should tithe to the church. I don’t think God cares whether we give money, our time, ourselves, or other resources to the need, All that matters is that we shine the light of God’s love on the world - one person at a time

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Yes, our time and any other contribution, like cleaning the sanctuary, mowing or plowing should be considered support. 10% seems to be the going rate, at my brother's Catholic church and my daughter's Independent Baptist church, that is what they ask for. With Inequality Media, Civic Action, I think there would be more good accomplished with education of potential voters!

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I'm in Edwardsville! You're probably upstate?

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Very well said Deb.

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Deb, I was raised religion-free but attended church and temple with school friends when we were in grade school and had sleepovers. I am so very impressed that people can still use critical thinking and step back enough to see the hypocrisies and exclusions after growing up with this way of thinking.

We all know that the kindest person in the world might be a religious person, but they use the portions of bible etc that suits them. It really can all be done without the churches & religious institutions or antiquated scripture written by multiple sources. Many people tell me that churches help those without…but I say, it’s not the church, it’s the people from that church who volunteer. They can do the same through community centers.

In terms of pushing prayer into the public square (almost exclusively a christian thing) is ridiculous when they can pray silently 100 times a day if they wish to do so.

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Well said seeking reason.

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You're so right! If you believe that their "brand is crisis," as I do and Sandra Bullock explained, perhaps religion is an easy answer for them because it can be translated to say and defend anything? It's easy to digest for the simplest people, and it gives them a moral superiority that's unquestionable.

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Oh, I would believe it. When driving to DC on I-70 in southern Ohio, I've heard "Christian" radio hosts tell lies and incite violence against liberals and Democrats. I could not believe what was coming out of their mouths. It's outrageous and disgusting.

One thing for sure, just because people say they are Christian and represent a church, doesn't make them a Christian.

I agree with you. You are smart to think for yourself and walk away from that Church with it's twisted interpretation of the Bible. I hope you find a more spiritual and loving group. Peace be with you.

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Danny Piper, you are absolutely right. That's why when we declared our indepencence from the King's (and The Church's) tyranny, we stated that it is self-evident that we are all created equal, because we knew it was an essential belief for democracy to flourish.

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M Tree ; and decency/fairness.

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Danny - note also that the Sunni's and Shiites hate and kill each other. recently one group massacred a bunch of the other on the birthday of their prophet! what a way to celebrate their religion.

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I wrote Sunni's because they were the ruling minority in Iraq under Saddam, and USA-style Democracy would make them the minority with no power. This is why the promise of bringing Democracy to Iraq was impossible from the get go. The Sunni's were doomed with one person one vote Democracy in Iraq. The Shiites would have a huge power grab that Mitch McConnell would be jealous of. Lol. Yeah, I didn't see Democracy working in Iraq because they didn't want it due to the numbers. No wonder things are so bad there now. It's sad.

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And what’s so weird about all this in-fighting, at least to me, is that it’s all over these tiny points that make essentially no difference.

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The Sunni and Shia have hated each other sine 730.

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Yes. Do you know why? I don't, but I bet the reason is pretty stupid in hindsight. Lol.

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Fully agree Danny. Well said.

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Without the billionaire funded press enabled by social media, the fascist takeover of the R party would not have been possible. Allowing the proliferation of social media technology without accountability is the key focal point of needed reforms.

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Maybe...in part. If I were king, elimination of speech = money would be my first priority.

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"Information technology is an amplifier. Whatever is positive will get better. Whatever is bad will get worse." This was the approximate quote of a close friend who had been an executive at the early days of social media.

We need to realize this and allow normal legal accountability processes of a free press to come into play for the social media companies. Section 230 needs to go or be substantially rewritten.

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Good point, Doug!

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And, it's not just that they "fear" majorities; they are refusing to accept majority rule, aka "democracy," because they know that they, being mostly white, are now outnumbered by POC, and they fear losing their long-held power to non-whites.

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David, I believe they need to stop refusing to accept what is painstakingly clear. Whites are not the be-all and end-all of our country! They are NOT superior and they are stuck in the past. I am an old white woman but I embrace people that are not from my background (POC, Muslims, Asians, Hispanic, etc.) because they teach me about their backgrounds and I love to learn about them. When people stop being "afraid" of losing power to non-whites and actually begin to listen and accept them, our country will once again be on the path to a great Democratic nation!! Vote Blue, America!!

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They're afraid that when they're the minority they'll be treated the same way they have treated minorities.

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Yes - I have often thought that for several years. White men especially were afraid of sinking into a minority in the early 90’s- therefore the tea party which existed shortly before that but became something to be reckoned with in elections in the late 80’s/early 90’s. I was raising my 3 kids at that time but remember that when Obama won (and he was the first democrat I had voted for since Jimmy Carter) I had always been somewhat of an independent voter, but was so happy because I thought our country had killed racism. How naive I was!!! Then I voted for trump in 2016 because I was not a fan of Hillary. I was one of those that believed how much damage can he do in his first 4 years…….OMG was I wrong!!! I knew he was a bit of a pompous ass, but I liked his “honesty”??? I kick myself every day I hear his voice on podcasts, TV, etc. because he has turned into a blithering senile maniac because of my vote in 2016. He has ruined this country and I am afraid he has divided the United States beyond repair. But I can change the future as I take part in grassroots work that is seeing changes in elections since 2018. I am confident this evil asshole will be defeated in 2024 even though I think the defeat will be fraught with violence.

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Violence we can deal with. Losing our democracy - that's a different story. If there are enough people like you who thought it would be OK to give him a chance, but now see him for what he really is, we'll be all right.... If you all vote.

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Wow what a wonderful intelligent Point David. You are really intelligent person to see that.

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That is good!! If that is the case, they should probably be very afraid!!

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Yes. They think that white men should control everything. (And probably only white male property owners.)

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Hmmmmm! That sounds vaguely familiar!!

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David Smith : and women of all colors, ages and origins!

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Yes. His lack of genuine self-esteem is obvious in his continual fantasizing and projecting.

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The wealthy have always been against democracy, because it limits what they can do. The Republican party was moribund and held compatible beliefs, so they took it over.

Then they used racism, xenophobia, patriotism, and religion to persuade people to swallow their agenda.

It took around 50 years but they were patient, playing the long game and focusing on their common interests—deregulation and taxes.

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Scott Davis, very good explanation. I would add, that the big GOP backers (and their politician puppets) are colluding, conspiring, conniving with oligarchs around the world, to maintain the status quo of controlling the government in their home countries and foreign ones too. By any means necessary.

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Robert Reich is at his best when targeting the anti-labor ridiculousness of the oligarchic class, Musk, Bezos, and the billionaires, along with the wanna be orange one. They lie at the heart of the problem, enabling, for their own selfish purposes, the distractive rise of the right and its confused and theologically bankrupt, conservative evangelical fundamentalist base. We do have to take them on without pulling punches rhetorically. Unfortunately we are lead by those who do pull rhetorical punches, and then give bombs to Netanyahu.

So Lawrence O'Donnell is correct. We do have to dance with Joe Biden. The way the system works you have to start campaigning the day after you win, and as a result there really is not a sane way the change horses now that we are 3/4 the way across the river. That does not mean we should stop critiquing bad policy. First, Republican policy (clumsily and illogically constructed) is bad, so much worse that it is hardly worth the effort to condemn them. Idiocy is not governance. The Democrats have faults that need articulation even as we expose Republican hypocrisy. Forcefully rejecting the anti-woke, anti-immigrant, anti-women, and racist right is not a complete policy even if it is necessary. You need to defend and protect labor, defend and protect women's rights, defend and protect minorities, defend and protect our ecosystems, the environment, clean water and clean air. Being better than Trump is not enough. We have to have good policies and articulate them well. At this point the Democrats, led by Biden, are not doing a good job of that.

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He should have said it in the first place.

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Rather than ordering online from union-busting Amazon, we need to consciously support local businesses. We need to pay a few dollars more for a t-shirt that is guaranteed union made. We need to speak with our purses - boycott Starbucks and all who do not honor the rights of workers to earn a decent wage. It’s time to stop being passive consumers, who by default become pawns of the robber barons. There are more of us than of them - time to stand together for democracy and to support honest people who actually work for a living.

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Judy, don't forget to tell Starbucks why you are choosing not to patronize their business. That you want to see it unonized!

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It is very difficult to boycott monopolies, although I try personally. Many areas only have a Walmart as their food source, shopping etc. Tiny mom & pop places don’t have enough selection and can’t compete with prices- an unfortunate effect of allowing to much monopoly power.

I have purchased most gifts I give through our local art & craft fairs. That's where I buy art for my walls. I live in Chicago and outside of the core downtown, we have a series of small-town-like neighborhoods. We lost some businesses from Covid but I fear we will lose our lovely unique stores and coffee shops if we don’t wake up to the damage of excess shopping online, particularly through Amazon-Walmart- the Mega companies. Some downtown locations, Minneapolis etc have closed former 150 year old retail stores like Dayton’s/Macy’s/Marshall Fields into big tech centers- yuck! The hustle & bustle of people downtown is low and the vibrancy is gone.

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Amazon is often the best place to find something. Starbucks coffee is helpful on a road trip. Otherwise, home brewed coffee is a much better deal.

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Walmart is the biggest employer of poor people - I refuse to shop there as they don’t offer good wages to the employees. They also drove off small businesses in small towns.

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All of the above.

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Robert & Heather…a correction. Humphrey lost the popular vote by about one half of a percent. You said he was crushed…No, once again the electoral college wins went to Nixon. The popular vote was tight. I couldn’t vote quite yet but I’m familiar w/Humphrey from living in MN, one of 5 states I’ve lived in.

Allowing the right wing to monopolize and privatize, then buy out the media has put us in an extraordinarily dangerous position. All of these things pave the road to Fascism. The Dems have let way too many things slide and it has damaged us. We should have rioted over the removal of Gore as the certified winner of the election, popular AND later found to have won the electoral that SCOTUS took away from us.

And this just in from the Other 98%….Life begins when you leave Alabama. 😂

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The GOP is run by rich people whose goal is to reduce taxes, and to use the environment to their economic advantage without paying for its desecration. The Christian right are their pawns to which they have thrown the bone of social issues to gain their loyalty and votes. To wit- obviously a party of limited government would be pro choice and care less about what books are in school libraries, or who has sex with whom. The left takes the bait by running on platforms of the same issues with different outcomes, legitimizing the debate over distractions, thereby being manipulated by the right.

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Yes! Absolutely true.

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I was sitting here tonight looking at the prospects of The USA and our constitution of the USA, which I have believed in and swore a legal oath to in becoming a US MARINE and serving as a Vietnam-era veteran. I want to make it clear that I will not violate my pledge to my country, freedom, and the constitution of the USA under any circumstances. I also hope that all my brothers in arms-join together to follow their oaths and reject Trump's fascism and his anti-Constitution statements. I will not live under a fascist dictatorship under any circumstances. I will not sit still anymore and be made to watch and live under anything but a Democracy, as I have known it to be for 78 years, under several honest and trustworthy presidents and governments. Should Trump become a dictator, or what used to be the president, I will do everything to move to another democratic country. I beg and plead that the citizens of America see what we will lose if we don’t stand up for our country and our Constitution. Otherwise, you and all your children and family will not have the government and freedom that we have loved for all our lives.

Thank you for your time;

Lonney C. Smith

A Marine vet, a patriot, and an American

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Thank you for your sefless service, Lonney. 😀

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I think what we see is an age-old dynamic... the oligarchs (patricians) are few, the people (plebs, demos) are many.... In the USA, we've seen labor struggling to assert workers' rights, particularly through unions... and that doesn't sit well with the oligarchs, who make more money in a kind of neo-feudal system where unions are suppressed ("evil, socialist" and all that jargon that the simple people swallow whole). You'll hear minimum wage workers declaring that they are "capitalists" meaning they have a pseudo-religious faith in the individual's right to become wealthy. The practical and moral reality is that, while that's fine if done within moral bounds, where one person becomes wealthy, a hundred persons or more will be working for that wealthy person. The workers need unions, they need the backing of government, and all things need to be in balance. The union movement has always been threatened in the US because of cynical pseudo-religious misguidance. Unions (putting it simply) gave us the 40 hour work week, the 8 hour work day, overtime pay, minimum wage, and forbidding child labor. All that is perpetually under threat from the zillionaire class, some of whom are outright sociopaths. The billionaires own the media, and they use (Fox, Newsmax, etc) those platforms to brainwash the simple people. I say: everything in balance! We need entrepreneurs, but we also need healthy, happy workers. Above all, let's stop being the only industrialized nation on earth without universal health care. It's cheaper, has better outcomes, and keeps everyone living longer. There is no excuse for corporate for-profit medical systems, and that is the biggest symptom of what is wrong with the USA. We can do lots better!

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Well said!

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Add racism!!!!!

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For awhile Minnesota only allowed nonprofit HMOs. That was an improvement, even though nonprofits can (and did) still overpay CEOs and throw all kinds of goodies in. However, those days are over (sob).

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