He will try to take credit for anything positive that happens, while blaming anything negative on “The radical Left Democrat Party.” Of course this is a lie, but the only thing he really can take credit for is Putin, and the oligarchy’s dismantling of our democracy. Too bad too many people are so easily duped. It was the same when it started with Ronnie Rat Raygun, and is that way now.
Reich:"Will Trump get credit for Biden’s successes? Preparing for the Trump Regime Part 2."
Me:"Will the world's Psycho Arsons get credit for their successes reigniting LA?
Preparing for the world's Psycho Arsons at LA's Ports of Entry, current devastation doubled in Part 2 due to SCIENCE DENIAL."
SCIENCE DENIAL: We can't ask if someone is suicidal (or homicidal?) because IT WOULD INFRINGE ON OUR BELOVED SACRED QUACK SHRINKS (who have brainwashed us all that "Only They Can Fix It")
"I did a study at a community mental health clinic in New York to evaluate the accuracy of therapists’ and caregivers’ evaluations who brought children in for treatment. I asked the children, their therapists, and their mothers to rate how they thought the children were feeling.
When I analyzed the data, I was amazed to discover that the therapists’ accuracy was about zero. And the mothers didn’t do any much better! There was pretty much no correlation between how the children felt and how their therapists (or mothers) thought they felt.
The errors were not trivial. For example, the mother of one little boy rated his depression and suicidal urges at zero. She was convinced that her son did not feel depressed, and the therapist agreed with this assessment.
How did the boy actually feel?
His depression and suicidal scores were at the top of the scale! In the margin of the assessment test, he wrote that he had borrowed a gun from a friend and had plans to kill himself on Friday. In this case, mind reading* almost resulted in the death of a little boy, but the assessment test alerted the mother and therapist to what was really going on and likely saved his life."
Of course Trump will live off Biden's successes. America will be like a hibernating bear. Living off the stored fat, until it is all used up and then it will die of malnutrition, and the Republic of Gilead will wind up being a shit hole country, like Iran or Afghanistan, only under the Bible not the Quran.
This article highlights a critical and brutal contrast between Joe Biden's presidency, which focused on rebuilding and stabilizing America, and Donald Trump's chaotic and self-serving tenure. Here's a brutal analysis of the key points raised in the article and 50 good things Joe Biden did to clean up Trump's mess, followed by a breakdown of Democratic resistance issues and how to fight back effectively.
Key Points from the Article
Trump’s Economic Lies:
Trump repeatedly exaggerated his economic success, but in reality, he inherited a strong economy from Obama and later tanked it with disastrous trade wars, incompetent pandemic management, and chaotic governance.
Biden’s Economic Triumphs:
Biden presided over an economic rebound that outshines Trump's presidency and most of his predecessors, creating 16.6 million jobs and achieving record low unemployment rates.
Biden outperformed global economies, reduced inflation, and cracked down on corporate price-gouging.
Trump’s Habit of Stealing Credit:
Trump has always been a credit thief, taking credit for inherited wealth, policies, and successes he had no hand in creating. It’s inevitable that he’ll try to claim Biden’s successes too.
Democrats Must Fight Back:
The article urges Democrats to speak out and ensure Biden’s achievements are acknowledged, rather than letting Trump and his GOP enablers rewrite history.
50 Good Things Joe Biden Did to Clean Up Trump’s Mess
Created 16.6 million jobs—a record for any president.
Achieved the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years, including record employment for women.
Narrowed the Black-white employment gap to historic lows.
Reduced inflation to below 3% while other countries struggled.
Passed the American Rescue Plan, injecting critical funds into the economy during COVID recovery.
Expanded child tax credits, cutting child poverty nearly in half before Republicans blocked extensions.
Signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, funding roads, bridges, broadband, and transit.
Passed the CHIPS and Science Act, boosting U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.
Enacted historic climate legislation in the Inflation Reduction Act, incentivizing clean energy and reducing pollution.
Capped out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors on Medicare at $2,000 per year.
Lowered prescription drug prices for 64 medications.
Made insulin affordable at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries.
Rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement after Trump’s withdrawal.
Strengthened NATO alliances, particularly after Trump’s damage to international relations.
Delivered billions in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, defending democracy.
Mobilized a national COVID-19 vaccine rollout, achieving widespread distribution.
Brought U.S. troops out of Afghanistan, ending the longest war in U.S. history.
Expanded healthcare access through subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Cracked down on corporate price-gouging, especially during the inflation surge.
Appointed a diverse and historic number of federal judges, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
Implemented student debt forgiveness plans to help millions of borrowers.
Enhanced food assistance programs like SNAP during the pandemic.
Signed executive orders protecting LGBTQ+ rights and reversing Trump’s discriminatory policies.
Protected DREAMers by strengthening DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
Increased funding for public education and special education programs.
Signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first major gun control law in decades.
Invested in clean energy technology to create green jobs.
Revitalized the Affordable Housing Fund to combat homelessness.
Strengthened protections for union workers and supported collective bargaining.
Issued executive orders to protect reproductive rights after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Increased federal minimum wage to $15/hour for government employees and contractors.
Restored environmental protections rolled back by Trump, including clean water regulations.
Declared Juneteenth a federal holiday, honoring Black history and resilience.
Expanded veteran healthcare services and benefits.
Pushed for international tax agreements to stop corporations from avoiding taxes.
Launched initiatives to combat domestic terrorism and right-wing extremism.
Restored fair lending rules that protect minority borrowers.
Rebuilt trust in science and public health agencies, damaged during Trump’s tenure.
Boosted funding for mental health services, especially for youth.
Modernized ports and airports through infrastructure investments.
Signed bills to improve cybersecurity and defend against ransomware attacks.
Invested in rural broadband, connecting underserved communities.
Supported Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery with funding and infrastructure repairs.
Ended Trump’s ban on transgender military service.
Protected millions of acres of public lands and reinstated national monuments.
Prevented widespread evictions during the pandemic through moratoriums and rental assistance.
Rescued pension plans for millions of workers through the American Rescue Plan.
Passed legislation supporting domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Took a tough stance against corporate monopolies, enforcing antitrust laws.
Democratic Exhaustion and Fighting Fascism
Your frustration with Democrats "playing footsie" or fading into the background is valid. Too often, Democrats take the high road while fascist movements thrive on disinformation, fear, and intimidation. But fighting fascism requires unwavering commitment:
Name the Problem: Call Trump and MAGA what they are: fascists, extremists, and threats to democracy. Don’t sugarcoat it.
Demand Accountability: Press for Trump and his enablers to face consequences—whether through courts, media exposure, or political defeat.
Stop Compromise with Fascists: Democrats must stop treating Trump and his supporters as legitimate political actors. Fascism doesn’t deserve compromise.
Mobilize the Base: Inspire grassroots activism, voter turnout, and community engagement. Apathy is the enemy.
Challenge Media Narratives: Push back against outlets like Fox News that perpetuate lies and propaganda.
Highlight Biden’s Achievements: Remind voters that Biden has delivered results, while Trump and MAGA brought chaos and destruction.
Conclusion
Trump and MAGA represent the Manson family on steroids—a dangerous cult of personality wrapped in lies, cruelty, and authoritarianism. Biden has worked tirelessly to clean up the mess and restore decency, and it’s up to Democrats and citizens to fight back with truth, resilience, and conviction. No compromises, no "playing nice"—this is a battle for the soul of democracy. Speak out. Fight back. Never fade.
" In total, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act will invest $1 billion over the next five years in mental health supports in our schools, making progress towards the President’s goal to double the number of school counselors, social workers and other mental health professionals. This funding is allocated to two critical programs:
The Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant Program. In FY22, this program will provide over $140 million in competitive grants to support a strong pipeline into the mental health profession, including innovative partnerships..."
However, if Drumpf’s big goal is to make Wall Street happy, then he’ll take his hands off the steering wheel and let the economy take its course. Maybe he’ll just dabble in highly publicized deportation of a few handcuffed criminals every week as if to indicate that he’s keeping his promises about deportation.
Trump's hand were never on the wheel, he is a multi faceted sock puppet.
A Sesame Street of the Damned. Now they have a scrip, Project 2025, but the bias's, the anger, the hates of each character will cause their own chaos and internal conflict.
Using your example of immigration. Musk, Zuckerberg, MS, Intel, et al need skilled workers, coders, and Asia is producing those in droves, America is not, Agribusiness needs thousands of unskilled workers, the hospitality and health care businesses need both skilled and unskilled workers, and Americans are unwilling to do those jobs, especially males.
Thus you have a conflict between two of Trump, and the right wings base, the moneyed and educated and the barely educated.
Have you noticed that Steve Bannon has gone woke? He denounced Musk as a "white racist" and called for his deportation back to S. Africa. Of course, he qualified his statement: Musk is OK as long as he supports fascists in Britain and Germany. This is a territorial dispute, and it may turn quite ugly.
Territorial dispute is right Victor. A pissing contest. And it is just getting started. Wait until the New Apostolic Reformationists and Dominionists line up against the Trad Catholic Opus Dei and Southern Baptists, there will be blood, like there was in Europe and Tudor England.
William, I am sure there are jobs Americans don't want to do, but a lot of the jobs like coding are not even being made available to young Americans, particularly young men. And, hiring people from India can let businesses get away with paying very low wages and they will be unlikely to participate in a union because they could be deported. Unfortunately, old folks often have such a low opinion of young people, forgetting what it was like when they were young and maligned by their elders. Yes, Americans really do have short memories and what they can't remember specifically, they will make it up and they will always end up as the hero who was soooo put upon. Today's young people are pretty amazing. They care about the environment, what life should include, and that they want a job that has a purpose. That is a strong place to be in. It seems to me we older people have a responsibility to find ways to plug them into the kinds of jobs that will suit them and give their lives meaning rather than complaining about how they don't want to do anything. Hey, if they complain that young people are on their phones too much, remember that it is the older men and a few women who created the smart phones and didn't want any regulation.
It's not just young Americans, it's anyone with skills. I've been in the IT/Cybersec field for around 20 years, and I can't find a job at any level because companies can pay an H1B a quarter of what they would need to pay me, and essentially get an indentured servant. While I may not be near retirement age, I'm also no spring chicken, but I have the skills (and evidence of them) that companies claim to want.
Seriously, look at some of the ridiculous requirements for tech jobs currently - 3-5 years experience for an "entry-level" position. Decades of experience required for technologies that have only been in existence for 3 or 4 years. Requirements so strictly written that the only possible way to match is if you held that specific position at that specific company.
I don't care what the official reports say, the economic outlook here at the sharp and pointy end is absolutely horrible, and only set to get worse.
Cypher, when I asked someone I know who will replace him in his tech corp. when he retires, he told me there was no one coming up in America who can do what he is doing. When I asked why not, he said colleges aren't preparing them. When I asked again, why not, he said because the corp. can get workers from India who already have the experience needed and can do the job with no training. When I protested, he began bellowing that is just the way it is. Well, as I told him, it is not the way it either should be or can be. I am not opposed to people from India working here. I am opposed to hiring them over American workers who, like you, have the experience and skills, but demand an appropriate salary for their efforts. When a corp can pay a worker less than half the going rate if they here here on a visa, there is something definitely wrong with the system and the corporations need to be stopped. If cutting the special work visas for a while in the tech fields would help, I am all for it. Downgrading our people is simply wrong, but greed has a way of turning people into something less than human or maybe less than humane. In either case it is unacceptable that these greedsters should be running our economy. Our media need to step up and demand more answers from the Musks and other monied folks what they are doing to promote American preparedness for the jobs of the future. Then can't accept any answer like "it's colleges that should be doing that." I know colleges are doing that, so why are those young people not being hired. The interviewers should not accept that they don't have the experience. The interviewer should call BS on them (or the journalistic equivalent). Our young people deserve better.
Stan, imo Trump’s “big goal” — in fact his only goal — is to make himself feel good. Being a transactional narcissist, that will change as often as he changes his socks.
Joseph, as a serial liar and a lousy businessman who had a lot of "problems" with his taxes, he will certainly have one of his incompetents find a way to cook the books for the entire government. He has nothing to lose since he has immunity and can only serve this term. We have to thank Johnny Roberts and the Supreme 6 for creating this monster and continuing to stand with him in every case that actually matters. They only backed off the 34 counts sentencing because the judge was essentially dismissing any accountability for his crimes. So much for the rule of law and judicial integrity.
Stan, and one can understand why he might not like that. Trump functins as a MAFIA don, collecting information on people and then using it against them if they do not smooch his butt often enough. He will make up stuff and say it with conviction, so his base who believe his lies, but not the rare times he tells the truth will believe the worst of those folks because their Baby Donnie said it. I do wish more people had stronger backbones, but alas, those folks are not common enough.
The chief (only?) way to avoid harassment by the secret police is either to have plenty of money, which you use for influence, or to be so insignificant that you attract no attention so that the regime sees no advantage in destroying you. These are strategies from the McCarthy era.
This article highlights a critical and brutal contrast between Joe Biden's presidency, which focused on rebuilding and stabilizing America, and Donald Trump's chaotic and self-serving tenure. Here's a brutal analysis of the key points raised in the article and 50 good things Joe Biden did to clean up Trump's mess, followed by a breakdown of Democratic resistance issues and how to fight back effectively.
Key Points from the Article
Trump’s Economic Lies:
Trump repeatedly exaggerated his economic success, but in reality, he inherited a strong economy from Obama and later tanked it with disastrous trade wars, incompetent pandemic management, and chaotic governance.
Biden’s Economic Triumphs:
Biden presided over an economic rebound that outshines Trump's presidency and most of his predecessors, creating 16.6 million jobs and achieving record low unemployment rates.
Biden outperformed global economies, reduced inflation, and cracked down on corporate price-gouging.
Trump’s Habit of Stealing Credit:
Trump has always been a credit thief, taking credit for inherited wealth, policies, and successes he had no hand in creating. It’s inevitable that he’ll try to claim Biden’s successes too.
Democrats Must Fight Back:
The article urges Democrats to speak out and ensure Biden’s achievements are acknowledged, rather than letting Trump and his GOP enablers rewrite history.
50 Good Things Joe Biden Did to Clean Up Trump’s Mess
Created 16.6 million jobs—a record for any president.
Achieved the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years, including record employment for women.
Narrowed the Black-white employment gap to historic lows.
Reduced inflation to below 3% while other countries struggled.
Passed the American Rescue Plan, injecting critical funds into the economy during COVID recovery.
Expanded child tax credits, cutting child poverty nearly in half before Republicans blocked extensions.
Signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, funding roads, bridges, broadband, and transit.
Passed the CHIPS and Science Act, boosting U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.
Enacted historic climate legislation in the Inflation Reduction Act, incentivizing clean energy and reducing pollution.
Capped out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors on Medicare at $2,000 per year.
Lowered prescription drug prices for 64 medications.
Made insulin affordable at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries.
Rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement after Trump’s withdrawal.
Strengthened NATO alliances, particularly after Trump’s damage to international relations.
Delivered billions in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, defending democracy.
Mobilized a national COVID-19 vaccine rollout, achieving widespread distribution.
Brought U.S. troops out of Afghanistan, ending the longest war in U.S. history.
Expanded healthcare access through subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Cracked down on corporate price-gouging, especially during the inflation surge.
Appointed a diverse and historic number of federal judges, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
Implemented student debt forgiveness plans to help millions of borrowers.
Enhanced food assistance programs like SNAP during the pandemic.
Signed executive orders protecting LGBTQ+ rights and reversing Trump’s discriminatory policies.
Protected DREAMers by strengthening DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
Increased funding for public education and special education programs.
Signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first major gun control law in decades.
Invested in clean energy technology to create green jobs.
Revitalized the Affordable Housing Fund to combat homelessness.
Strengthened protections for union workers and supported collective bargaining.
Issued executive orders to protect reproductive rights after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Increased federal minimum wage to $15/hour for government employees and contractors.
Restored environmental protections rolled back by Trump, including clean water regulations.
Declared Juneteenth a federal holiday, honoring Black history and resilience.
Expanded veteran healthcare services and benefits.
Pushed for international tax agreements to stop corporations from avoiding taxes.
Launched initiatives to combat domestic terrorism and right-wing extremism.
Restored fair lending rules that protect minority borrowers.
Rebuilt trust in science and public health agencies, damaged during Trump’s tenure.
Boosted funding for mental health services, especially for youth.
Modernized ports and airports through infrastructure investments.
Signed bills to improve cybersecurity and defend against ransomware attacks.
Invested in rural broadband, connecting underserved communities.
Supported Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery with funding and infrastructure repairs.
Ended Trump’s ban on transgender military service.
Protected millions of acres of public lands and reinstated national monuments.
Prevented widespread evictions during the pandemic through moratoriums and rental assistance.
Rescued pension plans for millions of workers through the American Rescue Plan.
Passed legislation supporting domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Took a tough stance against corporate monopolies, enforcing antitrust laws.
Democratic Exhaustion and Fighting Fascism
Your frustration with Democrats "playing footsie" or fading into the background is valid. Too often, Democrats take the high road while fascist movements thrive on disinformation, fear, and intimidation. But fighting fascism requires unwavering commitment:
Name the Problem: Call Trump and MAGA what they are: fascists, extremists, and threats to democracy. Don’t sugarcoat it.
Demand Accountability: Press for Trump and his enablers to face consequences—whether through courts, media exposure, or political defeat.
Stop Compromise with Fascists: Democrats must stop treating Trump and his supporters as legitimate political actors. Fascism doesn’t deserve compromise.
Mobilize the Base: Inspire grassroots activism, voter turnout, and community engagement. Apathy is the enemy.
Challenge Media Narratives: Push back against outlets like Fox News that perpetuate lies and propaganda.
Highlight Biden’s Achievements: Remind voters that Biden has delivered results, while Trump and MAGA brought chaos and destruction.
Conclusion
Trump and MAGA represent the Manson family on steroids—a dangerous cult of personality wrapped in lies, cruelty, and authoritarianism. Biden has worked tirelessly to clean up the mess and restore decency, and it’s up to Democrats and citizens to fight back with truth, resilience, and conviction. No compromises, no "playing nice"—this is a battle for the soul of democracy. Speak out. Fight back. Never fade.
Will Trump voters, all vote to stand behind their man, their orange savior to the very end? time will tell and like with former Republican strategist and his book entitled, " Everything Trump Touches Dies"? 😨
Regulation of private (vs public) commerce is one of the chief responsibilities of our government. No nationalization required - it's literally one of their enumerated powers - Article 1, Section 8.
"The Congress shall have Power...To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes"
Someone should ask him, 🙄heh Trump, regarding drinking bleach, how about you Trump, drink some of that good ole bleach and sanitize that mouth of yours
Trump's ego is a black hole. Nothing good can come out of it. He will mess up Biden's legacy. The silver lining of this cloud is that Republicans will be fully to blame.
Yes, Trump’s ego is truly a black hole and the Republicans along with too many misguided Democrats are indeed to blame. However, so what? Finger pointing is mostly an exercise in futility. It fires up outrage but that’s about all it does. As long as we permit outrage with inaction, there will be no silver lining in the black cloud hanging over us. All of the separate little organizations dedicated to resistance must join forces to oust our country of these toxic bullies and to show the world that America still has a backbone.
Dee: There are so many disparate resistance groups out there, each begging for money, posting petitions to sign that require money,etc. that a united front would make all of their goals more effective. I believe that uniting resistance organizations under one banner would strengthen them all and work to disable this incoming neo-fascist travesty of a government. Such a maneuver might have helped defeat Hitler in WW2 if organizations of that era had come together to defeat a common enemy. One soldier cannot win a war but an army can.
At this point I would hope that SOMEONE with good connections to the Democratic National Committee would step up and say, "I know how we can join forces and pool resources to make our RESISTANCE both targeted and EFFECTIVE" (... as opposed to blowing 1.8 BILLION DOLLARS on a Presidential campaign that couldn't propel its candidate to victory).
Yes Harvey, Despite the Pundits, despite the pronouncements of the DNC its strategists, its analysts, despite the bloviating of the corporate media. Trump was fighting the culture war, he digs deep into the Id, he excites the neurons in the amygdala and that is why he and the right wing has won, and wins. It is a myth that man is a rational actor, he is anything but
In the struggle of reason vs unreason, unreason always wins. My proof is the success of religious belief, of belief of any kind, secular or sectarian.
Yes, William, but man's irrationality can be manipulated, controlled, and channeled in positive ways. The Catholic Church has done it, and this is why JD Vance converted to Catholicism. The problem today, as it has been so often in the past, is that the Catholic Church can be infiltrated and itself can be controlled, and that is another reason why Vance has converted. (Reminds me of the parasite controlling the brain of the host.) Pope Francis is waging a mighty campaign against these predators, and we must call on all Catholics to back their Pope. Only a miracle can save humankind.
Victor - the Catholic church was ruined in 313 AD when it became the state religion of Rome. Once that happened, it became an institution of control and collusion with empire to rape, pillage, and loot the labor and resources of first europe, then the wider world as explorers started the mercantile system. No human institution has ever not been corrupted by man. Money and power are drugs too powerful for men to resist.
OK Victor, this statement of yours has thrown me for a loop: "Yes, William, but man's irrationality can be manipulated, controlled, and channeled in positive ways. The Catholic Church has done it, and this is why JD Vance converted to Catholicism. "
What you have just said is that JD Vance converted to Catholicism because it was manipulate and controlled in positive ways. either that or JD Vance converted to control and manipulate Catholicism in a postive way.
Here is what I know. Vance and his patron Thiel, both have homosexual tendencies, they both have said so. JD Vance was gender conflicted., but too masculine in appearance and behavior to go through a sex change.
To compensate, and throttle his impulses (I suggest he cross dresses in private, hence the eye liner he wears, he adopted a hyper masculine ideology, Catholicism, probably really doesn't believe, but his cognitive dissonance forces him into extreme reactive right wing behaviors and mentality.
Being gay does not mean being trans friendly, in fact it is probably the opposite, Many gays are repulsed by and opposed to transwomen...Andrew Sullivan for example.
I have my thoughts on that, but not pertinent at the moment.
The underlying ideology, and it applies to gay as well as straights, is that the natural order of things, and the way society should be structured is that males are the ruler, dominant in all aspects from the lowest level, to the family, to control of society. The role of the women is to satisfy the needs of the male, be they domestic, emotional or sexual.
And there you have the root of the culture war, MAGA and Trumpism.
Interesting analysis of JD Vance, "gender" (the non-linguistics vocab kind) and "sexual identity" (not the online handle variety in hookup sites). There have been hints that our VP-elect was considered kind of a junior-varsity Tech Bro because the size of his "chip pile" (his millions made from his hedge-funding days) pales ion comparison with the likes of Vivek and Big Elon.
But of course, and everything else that is bad that happens, it's the democrats or Bidens fault, is again! is going to get old very quick with Don the Con, quick! everyone, jump ship, but where too?
How many more cities will burn or be flooded? When will the bite of property insurance premiums (as Sen Whitehouse has been talking about) be such to create major political changes? That is the question. Likely many more as it dawns on corporate and the American public--"wait, what? We're in really deep doo-doo here. Holy crap this climate thing is impacting me."
Steve - also, many if not most of the middle class and elderly will not be able to rebuild because of underinsurance or insurance companies that simply don't pay. Drag their feet, lawsuits, over-stretched enforcement mechanisms. So rich people will swoop in to buy the properties (after taxpayers no doubt have cleaned them up - it is a toxic superfund site after all).
I keep reading how some Democrats are helping the Orange Felon 🍊 especially with the bill that would incarcerated migrants only suspected of crimes, not convicted!
Trump will claim he put out the wildfires in California. Watch to see how much federal and state fire related loans and grants trumps golf courses get out of the tragedy
B.T Barnum' "There is a sucker born every minute" to Maga voters, suckers! you voted for a con man of the highest order, then again, they see in Trump, what they see in themselves and why they voted for him anyway, that say's a lot.
We just witnessed the refusal to hold trump responsible by EVERY single branch of government, law, any Constitutional instruction, any military protecting -us from Sedition. Not ONE SINGLE BRANCH of government worked the way it should have!
In WWII before the United States and allies invaded Europe successfully we practiced first In Africa Sicily Italy and then when we built a box of invasion tools and developed a Management Structure ( Supreme Allied Commander ) only then were we able to successfully invade Europe .
Wishful thinking Tim, The recipe for do nothing. The moral of the rich man , eye of the needle and camel trope, is for the poor, the disinherited, the disadvantaged not to get too excited and resist or rebel against their "betters" for they will inherit the kingdom of heaven, and the rich will not. Be patient o les miserables, you will get your reward in heaven and those that traed on you will go to hell.
The Constitution you say, well the far-right wing justices, so far in essence, have effectively, "wiped their arses" with it, have dispensed with any pretext and saying the quiet part out loud, that were going to grift our way and use our positions as Justices to line our pockets, from all deep pocket donors, via the "shadow docket" where court cases, these uber rich seek to have brought before their, bought and paid for Supreme Court
Their so -called originalism of the Constitution, give me a break, for they cherry pick what they want
The Constitution is a flawed document, too many holes, open to interpretation .
1st amendment says that Congress shall not recognize a religion, nor proscribe speech or the press, but that does not address the sovereign states, and the states are sovereign, they only agreed to be bound by laws passed and approved by congress and signed by the executive.
While liberals have been shying away from guns like a vampire does garlic, the right wing has been building personal armories and now Trump has his own well armed,if not well regulated, militia.
Supreme Court, in its recent actions, as loosened the guardrails, that separate the wall between Church and State, a disgrace they are, and they talk about originalism? 🤔
They and the white nationalist, like this, to use as a weapon to go after groups of people they do not like and this is their idea of freedom, the freedom to hurt
Roberts, what a joke, he pretends he is the moderating force, when in fact, he sides with the other far-right justices most of the time.
Roberts, has been the successful mastermind, long in his running aim, to gutting most of the provisions or protections found in the Voting Rights Act, rendering it effectively useless = one party minority rule.
It is a libertarian conspiracy using Catholicism as a vehicle. Pope Francis has denounced them, but US bishops have not been as vocal as they should have been.
Libertarianism is the antithesis of Christian ethos, as is regularly believed by the masses. Christianity as it passed muster by Constantine and the Roman elite, is in reality a slave cult.
Servant (slave) obey your master, don't envy the rich, they won't go to heaven, but you will, pay your taxes, be as a child and obey your betters, don't question but believe
And that which has passed notice is that two of the most famous harbringers of Libertarianism have roots in the USSR. Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum and Fred Koch. Fred like what he saw in the Soviet Union, building oil wells and refineries for Stalin, so much that he brought the ideas home like the gold standard and if you don't work you don't eat (Art 12, 1936 Soviet Constitution)
I think not Steve. He is head of the Catholic mafia, Alito, Thomas, Kavanaugh, Gorsuch are more motivated by self enrichmment and money.
Roberts and Barrettmare more secular than the other four. Merchan already told them that he was going to let Trump off the hook, but letting him be sentenced witha non sentence, was a way of letting him know that he wasn't completely off the hook.
Basically it was a nun slapping a pupil on the back of the hand with a ruler, but softly at that.
Leonard Leo is the mastermind behind all this, and Substack users should be aware that he intends to infiltrate and derail all left-leaning organizations.
I didn't say they weren't. FYI I was a Catholic and a Knight of Columbus, and I know from the inside that the Catholic religion is misogynistic, not just the religious orders.
Maybe the true political structure is Politicians on the first tier of government
Lawyers on the second tier of government supporting the temporary kings while the lawyers are the permanent second tier of government the true rulers…???
“In today’s world, we have enormous challenges that can be met if we have the courage to do what we did in the Civil Rights Movement. This movement was not about yesterday. It is about our lives right now.”
Peter Paul and Mary had just completed their Performance of “Blowin In The Wind” on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. “Blowin in the Wind” might be Bob Dylan’s approach to the concept that there are bigger forces at play here than what we are witnessing “on the ground.”
For myself, my own belief in a Higher Power, that oversees the chess game of our lives and the larger chess game of world politics is what keeps me going in this time of hereto unimaginable turmoil and change. Sometimes it takes a large crisis to bring about a large change.
Marc, On both a lighter yet still serious note, as far back as I can remember, every time I sang the song “Blowin in The Wind,” I had changed the lyrics in the refrain to “The answer my friend ain’t blowin in the wind.” To be clear, I had believed the answer was far less elusive than the piece suggested. However, reading your comment now has given me a new insight into Dylan’s thinking.
I loved singing it back in the day but I always thought it rather passive and poetic UNLESS you/we made the mind jump to hearing "wind" to mean 'winds of change." A hard rain's gonna fall.
Marc, I agree, but I read a gloomy mood, in your remarks and in many other's. O, where is the pragmatism, the fighting spirit? Is there an information point, where the prices of farmaceutic products can be reported? Are there data available concerning infrastructure and the accidents caused by dereliction, delay and incompetence?
I mean: Bob is right, but let us weaponise the "don't let him..."
Tom, actually I’m in an optimistic frame of mind for the future. I have watched with dismay the quality of American politics and the takeover by powerful capitalist, interest over a number of decades. Both our Democratic representatives and our Democratic presidents are heavily swayed by the agenda of the DNC which is heavily swayed by the ultra wealthy moneyed interests.
With Trump and Musk front and center the up-and-coming oligarchs and their climate destroying agendas will become fully visible. We cannot fight an unseen enemy, but we can fight one that is obviously seen. We need a truly representative government and an economic system that ensures that no one goes hungry and homeless in that they can earn enough purchasing power to take care of the necessities of life.
We need a functional government and economic system in this country and I’m convinced that the system that can work for us is “Economic Democracy “
Marc, your article is close to my thinking, although I am the gloomy one. It might be because I was close to failing ideas in Europe, being born when Berlin burnt, but also close to the Marshall plan that strenghtened the economies.
I feel gloomy because I think your vision may come true, but first there will be misery and suffering, in concentration camps, shooting at the border, a crash of the American economy, war over Poland and the Baltic states, and so on. The war that ended 6 weeks after I was born feeds my gloom.
Economic democracy, yes, but where is the functional government. I think it is in tatters, by the actions of this disturbed old man, who thinks America does not need allies and who only wants respect and gives only contempt and disdain.
I promised I would look in the Federalist Papers for thoughts about the economy, but I did not find much.
Then theree is the subject of voter suppression and gerrymandering: the stories of Heather Cox are shocking to me. That is what big money does in a democracy!
Well Marc, your higher power has been noticeably absent in the affairs of men, hasn't he? Why do you think that you, and America and our time, is more important than the previous 240,000 years.
Why did this higher power wait 240,000 years before showing it's face to mortals, not that it has ever shown it's face, but chose to communicate via self proclaimed intermediaries of questionable qualities and intentions.
When I was in AA during the early stages of my recovery (sober now since 1989, never did drugs or even pot, so didn't have to deal with that, my higher power was the overhead fan.
Marc, the Biblical flood was as large a crisis as one could imagine, and humankind was saved because one man, Noah, influenced the Higher Power. What was it about Noah that made humankind worth saving?
Shay D Vance said this on FOX, “I wish Joe Biden all the best, but he left the incoming Administration with a dumpster fire. President Trump is going to have to put it out, but that’s exactly what he’s good at.”
Trump’s influence has infiltrated our society and it’s time for us to stop the spread of this evil disease!
Keith, I like what you did there with his name! That was good! I don't get why he thinks President Biden left them a dumpster fire. The only dumpster fire is the one he and his orange lord started! MAGAs are responsible for all of this chaos and believe me, the orange man is most definitely NOT good at putting it out, only making it worse!
Interesting that, after the election was called for Trump, before it was even certified, and still during the Biden "dumpster fire," Republicans polled suddenly claimed that their financial situations are just fine.
People should stop repeating his BS. Reich does too much of this. We need to focus on our own positive action narratives.
We're going to have to reach more people, especially the young. Younger.
Re messaging, in Missouri big issues are cost of living, medical costs, crime, and education.
Many people especially older women are really anxious about being one medical emergency away from financial ruin.Many people are really anxious about their retirement. These are issues Dems can make hay with. And Trump actions will provide even more.
But one should start with the solution, not the problem. Start with the solution and then the barriers to the solution. That is when the villians are introduced.
Many voters, esp. those under 40, are extremely cynical that politicians can get anything positive done. Likely part of the reason so many sat out the 2024 election. Like to see the age demographics on that.
Democrats should show how positive things can be done. Hope.
Cynicism is rampant and is our big enemy.
"Sure Trump is bad but they're all a bunch of crooks" is part of the reason we got Trump 2.
Steve, I’m surrounded by lots and lots of people in the 25 - 40 age group and they are not cynical at all and they all voted. They are EXACTLY like we were at that age - positive, smart, informed and motivated. There are so many factors in “how we got here,” but these kids are gonna lead the way out. They know, they understand, they are vocal and they are active. They know corruption when they see it, they understand boycotting, anti-trust, unions, all the tools. They’re on the case.
Do you have a blueprint Marc,for saving us from the looming dictatorship.
There is project 2025, and Trump has selected his cabinet and advisors to help him achieve the goals. He is going to fire 50,000 civil servants who will not pledge loyalty to him, and fill the positions with those thar will, if he fills most of them at all.
He has a Federal Judiciary under this thumb, and terrified less he take revenge, he has a compliant and complicit 4th Estate, owned by soul sucking billionaires.
His minions are armed to the teeth and organized into paramilitary forces and militias, while we the opposition are essentially unarmed (yes there are many with a hunting rifle, shotgun or pistol)
I'm all ears Marc. The idea of political resistance is a fantasy, politics as we think we knew it is dead now.
The only hope that I see is that the whole rotten facade will collapse from within as they turn on each other.
The authoritarian right, the fascists are comprised of various groups with their own agendas, and they set aside their personal agendas to slaughter the hate worke, DEI, Libs, but not the deed is done, and each agenda will find itself in conflict with their allies of the moment.
You can already see a crack, as the billionaires want to import cheap intellectual labor, and the racist base is outraged at the betrayal.
The Christian authoritarians may celebrate their victory and the imposition of a Republic of Gilead and the New Apostolic Reformation (how much, by the way, do liberals know about NAR, do you read anyting on substack about NAR and Dominionism, answer is no, but it is the driving force, it is ecumenical, behind MAGA.
This heady alliance will fracture, as Catholics and Protestants and their many cults war with each other over supremacy.
Racists want to purge the country of non whites, billionaires, agribusiness, tech bros want to import non whites for low and skilled work.
Maybe those 50,000 civil servants can find jobs fighting fires and making sandbags for the increasing floods. Let's see, Liz Chaney has stepped up fearlessly and hasn't backed down yet. It can be done. More people need to do more.
Trump has promised to exact vengeance on Liz, politicians, media personalities and pundits who have wounded him, his going to get the people that he needs to fulfill his promise. We have one week now,
Do you think that those 50,000 people who lose their jobs, are going to travel from where they live to fight fires and fill sandbags?, Could they even afford to? Would you, can you?
I'm too old to do what I used to do in those areas, so no. I could run the loader to go get the sand tho. It was a smart ass idea William.
I don't agree with Liz politically, mostly, but I admire her tenacity and example to fearlessly stick by the truth. She has personal money behind her so she's going to be OK I believe. What can happen to her for backing up the truth that was found through discovery? Tax audit? Contract on her Life?
In an authoritarian government the leader can do anything he wants.
I applaud Liz for standing by the Constitution, but I am also not fooled, because her primary goal and what she achieved was to protect fellow congressmen, the ones that were complicit and enabled Jan 6th, by keeping the investigation focused on Trump and those in his cabinet.
If Benny Thompson's Committee had done it's job, then Boebert, Green, Briggs, Jordan, Hawley, the lot of them would be in jail, well not really Merrick Garland would protect them.
Here is what keeps me up at night. Mike Flynn is working behind the scenes but lays it all out in this podcast
Your pessimism is understandable but misplaced, imho.
I believe that the unholy alliance of billionaires, Techbros, conservative religious millennialist crack-pots, RW pseudo-intellectuals and the MAGA-ite segment of the American electorate is inherently unstable and will destroy itself trying to satisfy the conflicting demands of its constituent elements.
A big mouth and competence are strange bedfellows. Here we have rightwing politicians: but what they want and how they will achieve it, remains foggy. Yes, follow their hate, stop immigration and more nativism and oldtimer values. (abortion, transsexuality, etc.)
What puzzles me: how can sheer incompetence and emptyness gain such support?
In no small measure, the way sheer incompetence and emptiness gain support is because on balance the corporate world is helping to get such people into office so they can pass policies that benefit corporations. Short- term thinking corporations are underrmining themselves but they don't see that.
It is not because Repubs candidates are necessarily talented, or smart, or anything like that. It's not even an indicator that they have a better message than the Democrats, necessarily.
But in the John Roberts world of free speech and political offices on the auction block, corporate coffers make a big difference.
While I am not denying a kernel of truth in your assertion that Capitalism (as embodied in the label "Corporations") are to the Left what "George Soros" is to the Right - both a rallying cry and shibboleth, the sum of all fears and hatred - I don't think that Corporations per se are the great Enemy of the People that your comments imply.
Corporations are, at the most basic level, empty vessels, neither pro- or anti-democratic institutions that enable multiple owners of capital to jointly use their money in pursuit of financial gain.
The fault is in the ways that our political institutions can be captured by what used to be termed "moneyed interests". (The term sounds fussy and old-fashioned, but fits the bill).
Corporate lobbying for favorable legislation is a fact of political life, and not always deleterious to democracy, but the impact of influence-seeking individuals with gigantic bank accounts is different. Here it is not merely selfish interest at play, it is the inflated egos and bizarre political philosophies promoted by such characters that comes into play. Oligarchy is what you get when owners of capital capture the reins of government.
Trump, Musk, Thiel, Vivek, (possibly Leonard Leo??) could be called 'oligarchs' of greater or lesser degree. What could stop them from actually capturing government are their internal squabbles, the resentment of the non-moneyed MAGA voters and the 250 year old institutions that still hold sway over our political system (not to overlook the huge Federal bureaucracy that operates the creaky machinery of government).
Call me naive if you like, but I believe the oligarchy will quickly collapse from its own internal contradictions, helped along by Trump's ignorance and fecklessness* (*Note to Self: 'lack of feckles'?? Investigate at later date)
There are good people in Congress who may have the power and the will avert disaster, but I am not hopeful. Of course, Trump is such a great narcissistic chaos agent he may derail the express train to oblivion before it really gets enough momentum. But I hate the idea of Trump preserving democracy by being his own, dumb-ass self.
My prescription for citizen members of the would-be 'Resistance' is to chronicle the debacle, take note of who engineered the collapse, and then do your damnedest to persuade what's left of the government to hold the culprits to account.
I am not optimistic about the cost of such a debacle: I foresee our geopolitical influence greatly diminished, our economy badly damaged, our people losing jobs, homes and hope for at least a generation.
And because we are who we are, the authors of this train-wreck may go merrily about their business, never paying for the mayhem and destruction they caused. Trump is a living example of this, but there would doubtless be many others.
Whether the MAGA-cult member have the capacity to wise up and realize their measure of complicity is another question, to which I have no answer, no idea at all.
Vance is piggy-backing on Trump, whose word is the truth itself to his converts. The First Amendment, as currently interpreted, is enabling drift into calamity.
Professor Reich: OF COURSE HE WILL!! just like elon musk and markie zuckerberg, trump is always stealing credit for achievements that are not his and do not belong to him. the only way to make sure that biden and not the orange jesus get credit for these benefits is to call out these impending lies in no uncertain terms, and to make sure we are well-armed with the facts of where these benefits came from, when they were enacted and who did this (Biden). trump would NEVER do anything for anyone except trump, as anyone with eyes (and a pocketbook) can plainly see.
Nancy, I counter every single MAGA lie with the truth and make sure I back it up with evidence and proof! They are always going to deny the truth even when you do that because they believe everything is false except what spews out of their dear leader's mouth! That's okay, though. Keep right on fact-checking and calling out the lies. Keep right on speaking the truth. If we don't, lies will take over and the truth will get buried.
It takes infrastructure that a robust party and supporters can provide. Know any younger people who want to be a committeeperson? The Dem party is ripe for being taken over. Younger people should realize this and take over the Party and fashion it to their liking. It is there for the taking.
Of course, I know many do not have the time or resources.
instead of rolling our eyes (as i tend to do), when confronted by these lunatics, we can FIRMLY defend and report the truth in every conversation we are part of, with every person we encounter who is repeating lies, and make it such that they either STFU when we are around, or begin to see the light.
I'm so sad. Facts don't matter. The sullen little twit from The Social Network has caved and basically said fact checking is manipulation. Middle school gossip is now the standard of truth. Glinda won.
Although Fetterman is getting heat for talking to Trump, he apparently believes that common ground could be found on some issues. Insofar as seeking commonality is in the interest of good governance, I'd say it is no sin.
Every since the money from the IRA, CHIPS and other Biden achievements started to flow, Republicans who voted against those bills have been claiming credit for them. And without being called on it. Of course Trump will claim credit for everything Biden built. Also of course he will screw it up with tariffs, tax cuts for the obscenely rich and deportations. Not to mention international instability from his bullcrap about Greenland, Panama and Canada.
No doubt he will try. And the right will bash Newsom and California regarding how stupid we are about fires and somehow the fires are the Governor's fault. None of them want to talk about global warming and its impact on California. The commenters are dumb as dirt. How can you expect a guy who does not know how to change his diapers to successfully do anything? He's gotta steal or it doesn't satisfy him. What a psycho! He is almost as bad as the idiots the re-elected him.
So very true, deadmanwalking! You just know he is going to start up with that old spiel about how Californians need to rake the forest to prevent the fires or hooking up a huge hose from the mountains in California down to the coast and building a large spigot to turn the water on when it is needed!
Maureen, my hope is that he won't be able to do very much between now and 2026! If we don't step up then with good Democratic candidates or a working middle and lower class party candidate, then he will reverse every good thing we took for granted!
I simply want a majority of sane politicians in the House and the Senate! We begged for a blue tsunami in the November election and it simply did not happen. Now, I just want a majority of politicians that will stop the orange man in his tracks. Then in 2028, we can vote for a leader that will work for all of us!
It is disheartening to spend much time thinking about what might have been. I have stopped thinking about all the opportunities I failed to capitalize on in my life -- too much of a downer. Better to just keep looking at the path ahead towards better days, imho.
You know what, R Hodsdon? You are right. I refuse to allow that man to live rent free in my head. I want to move forward and find those better days. To do that, I will focus and concentrate all of my efforts on 2026 and beyond.
Make the GOP own it, every single bit of crap, that they cause or throw at the American people, we must demand! with steadfastness from the democratic party, don't you dare slouch or give in to extortion demands, where Maga republicans message is always, it's our way or the highway or we want it all and more tax cuts for our billionaire buddies
Peggy, I also have faith in all the progressive civil servants, state and federal, that are beneath Trump’s hateful radar. They won’t be fired, and they are the ones that actually run things, and they will “slow walk” anything that’s going to hurt the people further for the next four years. It’s a big weapon we have there. I’ve read exchanges between them in comments sections such as this one. The people do have power.
*rump will definitely try to take credit for the achievements of the Biden administration, but it is up to the Democrats to call him out on that! "Stop the steal" works both ways.
Rick S … the silly nickname game is irrelevant to serious discussion— as you said yourself, it is something school kids do to kids they don’t like. If that’s how people feel about it then let them make up silly names. We are not writing poli sci academic papers here, we are just talking. So don’t get too upset when people call DJT names.
As for your other points I am thumb typing on a tiny keyboard so I can’t respond to all but will say this: if you are putting any trust in Trump, and you are not extremely wealthy, in the short run you will suffer from his policies, assuming he is capable of cohering to what was laid out in Project 2025. In the long run we will all suffer— America, The West and The Rest.
Rick Sender… Calling people we dislike by derogatory nicknames is part of how we deal with things we cannot control. It may appear silly to you but insisting that everyone commenting here plays by marquis of queensberry etiquette is absurd.
More worrisome than monikers is your inability to distinguish between the policies enacted under the Biden administration and the reality of the timeline required for policy decisions to show results: the whole point of Reich’s article being that the fruits of Biden policy will be enjoyed by his successor, Trump,who will undoubtedly claim them to be due to his leadership.
the downside is that you don't have a chance to read what you've put down and edit for clarity and chop it to more easily digestible bites. Comments columns work best when we are mindful of our word count. It goes without saying that I rarely take this advice when writing my own comments.
If you think that Biden is the 2nd worst president of all time, and worse than Trump, than why are you here in this room? If you believe Trump is better than Biden than I wish I never had to read any of your comments.
Who wants to listen to or read musk telling people to "go f--- yourself in the face." He has a foul idea of free speech. You go ahead and enjoy that rhetoric while reading your 'America first' Chinese bible signed by the nasty old man himself. That 25 million bucks the nasty old man raised was through some sales of golden tennis shoes, bibles, watches, xmas ornaments, ETC. It helped pay the fine for his fake real estate university a while back. He's YOUR hero though and we all do understand why.
A list of items, you Rick, can buy for support of the nasty old orange guy and his platform of lies...
MAGA hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, socks, coins, calendars, mugs, flags, autographed photos, action figures looking like
Donald Jesus Trump,
medallions, signs, banners, cologne, books, phone cases, NFTs, calendars, commemorative plates, jewelry and maybe up and coming...snake oil...or maybe a flavored kool aid packet.
And you wonder why he's called a grifter and a con artist?
🤔Mind? what mind? is more like mush and the only thing Trump is good at, no, make those two things, is a) ripping people off and b) leaving chaos or destruction in his wake
It has to do with equal opportunities. Abortion has nothing to do with it.
What do you think of single parents? If the father is abusive or a dead beat, or just plain dead what should happen? Should the mother work to support her kids or go on welfare?
The couple are trying to save for a house, or can’t afford rent then what? A woman does not choose to marry but has gone to college has advance degrees should she just bat her eyelashes and marry some guy then stay home eat non bond and watch soaps?
My reply was to your post that women working was related to
Abortions. I didn’t mention Trump. The person who was happily sharing the advancement of women in the workplace didn’t mention abortion. Did you know that women couldn’t open a bank account without their husbands permission until 1974? That’s pretty outrageous.
Good for your mom. She did what most women do, she took responsibility. It’s unfortunate but not all men take up their share of the responsibility. So often when women are being discriminated in the work place the children suffer as well because women are still underpaid to this day. In Marin County a wealthy suburb had one of the highest numbers of dead beat dads. I don’t know if that’s changed but it’s pretty disgusting.
Rick, I’m very happy to hear that you have a good marriage to a smart successful wife. It seems you’ve have a good life.
I voted for the three strikes law. It’s for three felonies not petty crimes which is important because young people make mistakes and do stupid things. They can grow out of those impulses.
You need to read that again and pay attention to the punctuation. This is a sarcastic observation of MAGA policies and how they treat women both rhetorically and litterally.
Rick S, you come across as being critical of Democrats' ideology and politics in general, but I gather you are not a Trump fan. Are you simply a cynic? (not sarcasm) You aren't making a lot of converts here, but frankly is refreshing to hear viewpoints different from the majority views as expressed here. (You're welcome!)
But in response to Tara's sarcastic comment highlighting how MAGA policies treat women, you wrote, "No differently than democrats. In how they treat women."
What the heck you smokin', bro? There could not be a more clear-cut difference between D's and R's regarding women's reproductive rights and the role of women in society. Even Trump seems somewhat conflicted, as he isn't with the Leonard Leo/JD faction re abortion.
He will try to take credit for anything positive that happens, while blaming anything negative on “The radical Left Democrat Party.” Of course this is a lie, but the only thing he really can take credit for is Putin, and the oligarchy’s dismantling of our democracy. Too bad too many people are so easily duped. It was the same when it started with Ronnie Rat Raygun, and is that way now.
Truth was erased. The eraser was forgotten. The lie became the truth. George Orwell
Reich:"Will Trump get credit for Biden’s successes? Preparing for the Trump Regime Part 2."
Me:"Will the world's Psycho Arsons get credit for their successes reigniting LA?
Preparing for the world's Psycho Arsons at LA's Ports of Entry, current devastation doubled in Part 2 due to SCIENCE DENIAL."
SCIENCE DENIAL: We can't ask if someone is suicidal (or homicidal?) because IT WOULD INFRINGE ON OUR BELOVED SACRED QUACK SHRINKS (who have brainwashed us all that "Only They Can Fix It")
"Feeling Great" by Dr Burns
page238
"I did a study at a community mental health clinic in New York to evaluate the accuracy of therapists’ and caregivers’ evaluations who brought children in for treatment. I asked the children, their therapists, and their mothers to rate how they thought the children were feeling.
When I analyzed the data, I was amazed to discover that the therapists’ accuracy was about zero. And the mothers didn’t do any much better! There was pretty much no correlation between how the children felt and how their therapists (or mothers) thought they felt.
The errors were not trivial. For example, the mother of one little boy rated his depression and suicidal urges at zero. She was convinced that her son did not feel depressed, and the therapist agreed with this assessment.
How did the boy actually feel?
His depression and suicidal scores were at the top of the scale! In the margin of the assessment test, he wrote that he had borrowed a gun from a friend and had plans to kill himself on Friday. In this case, mind reading* almost resulted in the death of a little boy, but the assessment test alerted the mother and therapist to what was really going on and likely saved his life."
*
https://www.google.com/search?q=cbt+%22mind+reading%22
Of course Trump will live off Biden's successes. America will be like a hibernating bear. Living off the stored fat, until it is all used up and then it will die of malnutrition, and the Republic of Gilead will wind up being a shit hole country, like Iran or Afghanistan, only under the Bible not the Quran.
This article highlights a critical and brutal contrast between Joe Biden's presidency, which focused on rebuilding and stabilizing America, and Donald Trump's chaotic and self-serving tenure. Here's a brutal analysis of the key points raised in the article and 50 good things Joe Biden did to clean up Trump's mess, followed by a breakdown of Democratic resistance issues and how to fight back effectively.
Key Points from the Article
Trump’s Economic Lies:
Trump repeatedly exaggerated his economic success, but in reality, he inherited a strong economy from Obama and later tanked it with disastrous trade wars, incompetent pandemic management, and chaotic governance.
Biden’s Economic Triumphs:
Biden presided over an economic rebound that outshines Trump's presidency and most of his predecessors, creating 16.6 million jobs and achieving record low unemployment rates.
Biden outperformed global economies, reduced inflation, and cracked down on corporate price-gouging.
Trump’s Habit of Stealing Credit:
Trump has always been a credit thief, taking credit for inherited wealth, policies, and successes he had no hand in creating. It’s inevitable that he’ll try to claim Biden’s successes too.
Democrats Must Fight Back:
The article urges Democrats to speak out and ensure Biden’s achievements are acknowledged, rather than letting Trump and his GOP enablers rewrite history.
50 Good Things Joe Biden Did to Clean Up Trump’s Mess
Created 16.6 million jobs—a record for any president.
Achieved the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years, including record employment for women.
Narrowed the Black-white employment gap to historic lows.
Reduced inflation to below 3% while other countries struggled.
Passed the American Rescue Plan, injecting critical funds into the economy during COVID recovery.
Expanded child tax credits, cutting child poverty nearly in half before Republicans blocked extensions.
Signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, funding roads, bridges, broadband, and transit.
Passed the CHIPS and Science Act, boosting U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.
Enacted historic climate legislation in the Inflation Reduction Act, incentivizing clean energy and reducing pollution.
Capped out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors on Medicare at $2,000 per year.
Lowered prescription drug prices for 64 medications.
Made insulin affordable at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries.
Rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement after Trump’s withdrawal.
Strengthened NATO alliances, particularly after Trump’s damage to international relations.
Delivered billions in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, defending democracy.
Mobilized a national COVID-19 vaccine rollout, achieving widespread distribution.
Brought U.S. troops out of Afghanistan, ending the longest war in U.S. history.
Expanded healthcare access through subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Cracked down on corporate price-gouging, especially during the inflation surge.
Appointed a diverse and historic number of federal judges, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
Implemented student debt forgiveness plans to help millions of borrowers.
Enhanced food assistance programs like SNAP during the pandemic.
Signed executive orders protecting LGBTQ+ rights and reversing Trump’s discriminatory policies.
Protected DREAMers by strengthening DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
Increased funding for public education and special education programs.
Signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first major gun control law in decades.
Invested in clean energy technology to create green jobs.
Revitalized the Affordable Housing Fund to combat homelessness.
Strengthened protections for union workers and supported collective bargaining.
Issued executive orders to protect reproductive rights after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Increased federal minimum wage to $15/hour for government employees and contractors.
Restored environmental protections rolled back by Trump, including clean water regulations.
Addressed supply chain bottlenecks, ensuring smoother economic recovery.
Declared Juneteenth a federal holiday, honoring Black history and resilience.
Expanded veteran healthcare services and benefits.
Pushed for international tax agreements to stop corporations from avoiding taxes.
Launched initiatives to combat domestic terrorism and right-wing extremism.
Restored fair lending rules that protect minority borrowers.
Rebuilt trust in science and public health agencies, damaged during Trump’s tenure.
Boosted funding for mental health services, especially for youth.
Modernized ports and airports through infrastructure investments.
Signed bills to improve cybersecurity and defend against ransomware attacks.
Invested in rural broadband, connecting underserved communities.
Supported Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery with funding and infrastructure repairs.
Ended Trump’s ban on transgender military service.
Protected millions of acres of public lands and reinstated national monuments.
Prevented widespread evictions during the pandemic through moratoriums and rental assistance.
Rescued pension plans for millions of workers through the American Rescue Plan.
Passed legislation supporting domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Took a tough stance against corporate monopolies, enforcing antitrust laws.
Democratic Exhaustion and Fighting Fascism
Your frustration with Democrats "playing footsie" or fading into the background is valid. Too often, Democrats take the high road while fascist movements thrive on disinformation, fear, and intimidation. But fighting fascism requires unwavering commitment:
Name the Problem: Call Trump and MAGA what they are: fascists, extremists, and threats to democracy. Don’t sugarcoat it.
Demand Accountability: Press for Trump and his enablers to face consequences—whether through courts, media exposure, or political defeat.
Stop Compromise with Fascists: Democrats must stop treating Trump and his supporters as legitimate political actors. Fascism doesn’t deserve compromise.
Mobilize the Base: Inspire grassroots activism, voter turnout, and community engagement. Apathy is the enemy.
Challenge Media Narratives: Push back against outlets like Fox News that perpetuate lies and propaganda.
Highlight Biden’s Achievements: Remind voters that Biden has delivered results, while Trump and MAGA brought chaos and destruction.
Conclusion
Trump and MAGA represent the Manson family on steroids—a dangerous cult of personality wrapped in lies, cruelty, and authoritarianism. Biden has worked tirelessly to clean up the mess and restore decency, and it’s up to Democrats and citizens to fight back with truth, resilience, and conviction. No compromises, no "playing nice"—this is a battle for the soul of democracy. Speak out. Fight back. Never fade.
You:"Boosted funding for mental health services, especially for youth."
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/07/29/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-two-new-actions-to-address-youth-mental-health-crisis/
" In total, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act will invest $1 billion over the next five years in mental health supports in our schools, making progress towards the President’s goal to double the number of school counselors, social workers and other mental health professionals. This funding is allocated to two critical programs:
The Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant Program. In FY22, this program will provide over $140 million in competitive grants to support a strong pipeline into the mental health profession, including innovative partnerships..."
Let's collaborate?
However, if Drumpf’s big goal is to make Wall Street happy, then he’ll take his hands off the steering wheel and let the economy take its course. Maybe he’ll just dabble in highly publicized deportation of a few handcuffed criminals every week as if to indicate that he’s keeping his promises about deportation.
Trump's hand were never on the wheel, he is a multi faceted sock puppet.
A Sesame Street of the Damned. Now they have a scrip, Project 2025, but the bias's, the anger, the hates of each character will cause their own chaos and internal conflict.
Using your example of immigration. Musk, Zuckerberg, MS, Intel, et al need skilled workers, coders, and Asia is producing those in droves, America is not, Agribusiness needs thousands of unskilled workers, the hospitality and health care businesses need both skilled and unskilled workers, and Americans are unwilling to do those jobs, especially males.
Thus you have a conflict between two of Trump, and the right wings base, the moneyed and educated and the barely educated.
Have you noticed that Steve Bannon has gone woke? He denounced Musk as a "white racist" and called for his deportation back to S. Africa. Of course, he qualified his statement: Musk is OK as long as he supports fascists in Britain and Germany. This is a territorial dispute, and it may turn quite ugly.
Territorial dispute is right Victor. A pissing contest. And it is just getting started. Wait until the New Apostolic Reformationists and Dominionists line up against the Trad Catholic Opus Dei and Southern Baptists, there will be blood, like there was in Europe and Tudor England.
BEWARE!!! VIRUS! DO NOT ENABLE THIS LINK!
William, I am sure there are jobs Americans don't want to do, but a lot of the jobs like coding are not even being made available to young Americans, particularly young men. And, hiring people from India can let businesses get away with paying very low wages and they will be unlikely to participate in a union because they could be deported. Unfortunately, old folks often have such a low opinion of young people, forgetting what it was like when they were young and maligned by their elders. Yes, Americans really do have short memories and what they can't remember specifically, they will make it up and they will always end up as the hero who was soooo put upon. Today's young people are pretty amazing. They care about the environment, what life should include, and that they want a job that has a purpose. That is a strong place to be in. It seems to me we older people have a responsibility to find ways to plug them into the kinds of jobs that will suit them and give their lives meaning rather than complaining about how they don't want to do anything. Hey, if they complain that young people are on their phones too much, remember that it is the older men and a few women who created the smart phones and didn't want any regulation.
It's not just young Americans, it's anyone with skills. I've been in the IT/Cybersec field for around 20 years, and I can't find a job at any level because companies can pay an H1B a quarter of what they would need to pay me, and essentially get an indentured servant. While I may not be near retirement age, I'm also no spring chicken, but I have the skills (and evidence of them) that companies claim to want.
Seriously, look at some of the ridiculous requirements for tech jobs currently - 3-5 years experience for an "entry-level" position. Decades of experience required for technologies that have only been in existence for 3 or 4 years. Requirements so strictly written that the only possible way to match is if you held that specific position at that specific company.
I don't care what the official reports say, the economic outlook here at the sharp and pointy end is absolutely horrible, and only set to get worse.
Cypher, when I asked someone I know who will replace him in his tech corp. when he retires, he told me there was no one coming up in America who can do what he is doing. When I asked why not, he said colleges aren't preparing them. When I asked again, why not, he said because the corp. can get workers from India who already have the experience needed and can do the job with no training. When I protested, he began bellowing that is just the way it is. Well, as I told him, it is not the way it either should be or can be. I am not opposed to people from India working here. I am opposed to hiring them over American workers who, like you, have the experience and skills, but demand an appropriate salary for their efforts. When a corp can pay a worker less than half the going rate if they here here on a visa, there is something definitely wrong with the system and the corporations need to be stopped. If cutting the special work visas for a while in the tech fields would help, I am all for it. Downgrading our people is simply wrong, but greed has a way of turning people into something less than human or maybe less than humane. In either case it is unacceptable that these greedsters should be running our economy. Our media need to step up and demand more answers from the Musks and other monied folks what they are doing to promote American preparedness for the jobs of the future. Then can't accept any answer like "it's colleges that should be doing that." I know colleges are doing that, so why are those young people not being hired. The interviewers should not accept that they don't have the experience. The interviewer should call BS on them (or the journalistic equivalent). Our young people deserve better.
Deportation will distract from the high cost of living, and Greenland will distract from abandoning Ukraine.
It's up to us to NOT get distracted. We must be focused.
Stan, imo Trump’s “big goal” — in fact his only goal — is to make himself feel good. Being a transactional narcissist, that will change as often as he changes his socks.
or his diapers
🤣🤣🤣
Good one, Paul!
Watch. When unemployment goes up, Trump will pressure the Bureau of Labor Statistics to produce better numbers. In other words, "cook the books."
Joseph, as a serial liar and a lousy businessman who had a lot of "problems" with his taxes, he will certainly have one of his incompetents find a way to cook the books for the entire government. He has nothing to lose since he has immunity and can only serve this term. We have to thank Johnny Roberts and the Supreme 6 for creating this monster and continuing to stand with him in every case that actually matters. They only backed off the 34 counts sentencing because the judge was essentially dismissing any accountability for his crimes. So much for the rule of law and judicial integrity.
Sounds like Judge Marchon doesn’t want himself or his family to be “investigated.”
Stan, and one can understand why he might not like that. Trump functins as a MAFIA don, collecting information on people and then using it against them if they do not smooch his butt often enough. He will make up stuff and say it with conviction, so his base who believe his lies, but not the rare times he tells the truth will believe the worst of those folks because their Baby Donnie said it. I do wish more people had stronger backbones, but alas, those folks are not common enough.
The chief (only?) way to avoid harassment by the secret police is either to have plenty of money, which you use for influence, or to be so insignificant that you attract no attention so that the regime sees no advantage in destroying you. These are strategies from the McCarthy era.
Correct.
tRump is distraction.
One of the most utterly frightening things I have every read.
George Orwell was a science fiction writer. We still have control over the truth IF we take it!
Exactly.
🙂👍
Why don’t you just start your own Substack and then you can display all your stupidity there, instead of intruding on this one?
No sales please!
You again?
Yep Deja Vu, big time.
This article highlights a critical and brutal contrast between Joe Biden's presidency, which focused on rebuilding and stabilizing America, and Donald Trump's chaotic and self-serving tenure. Here's a brutal analysis of the key points raised in the article and 50 good things Joe Biden did to clean up Trump's mess, followed by a breakdown of Democratic resistance issues and how to fight back effectively.
Key Points from the Article
Trump’s Economic Lies:
Trump repeatedly exaggerated his economic success, but in reality, he inherited a strong economy from Obama and later tanked it with disastrous trade wars, incompetent pandemic management, and chaotic governance.
Biden’s Economic Triumphs:
Biden presided over an economic rebound that outshines Trump's presidency and most of his predecessors, creating 16.6 million jobs and achieving record low unemployment rates.
Biden outperformed global economies, reduced inflation, and cracked down on corporate price-gouging.
Trump’s Habit of Stealing Credit:
Trump has always been a credit thief, taking credit for inherited wealth, policies, and successes he had no hand in creating. It’s inevitable that he’ll try to claim Biden’s successes too.
Democrats Must Fight Back:
The article urges Democrats to speak out and ensure Biden’s achievements are acknowledged, rather than letting Trump and his GOP enablers rewrite history.
50 Good Things Joe Biden Did to Clean Up Trump’s Mess
Created 16.6 million jobs—a record for any president.
Achieved the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years, including record employment for women.
Narrowed the Black-white employment gap to historic lows.
Reduced inflation to below 3% while other countries struggled.
Passed the American Rescue Plan, injecting critical funds into the economy during COVID recovery.
Expanded child tax credits, cutting child poverty nearly in half before Republicans blocked extensions.
Signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, funding roads, bridges, broadband, and transit.
Passed the CHIPS and Science Act, boosting U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.
Enacted historic climate legislation in the Inflation Reduction Act, incentivizing clean energy and reducing pollution.
Capped out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors on Medicare at $2,000 per year.
Lowered prescription drug prices for 64 medications.
Made insulin affordable at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries.
Rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement after Trump’s withdrawal.
Strengthened NATO alliances, particularly after Trump’s damage to international relations.
Delivered billions in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, defending democracy.
Mobilized a national COVID-19 vaccine rollout, achieving widespread distribution.
Brought U.S. troops out of Afghanistan, ending the longest war in U.S. history.
Expanded healthcare access through subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Cracked down on corporate price-gouging, especially during the inflation surge.
Appointed a diverse and historic number of federal judges, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
Implemented student debt forgiveness plans to help millions of borrowers.
Enhanced food assistance programs like SNAP during the pandemic.
Signed executive orders protecting LGBTQ+ rights and reversing Trump’s discriminatory policies.
Protected DREAMers by strengthening DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
Increased funding for public education and special education programs.
Signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first major gun control law in decades.
Invested in clean energy technology to create green jobs.
Revitalized the Affordable Housing Fund to combat homelessness.
Strengthened protections for union workers and supported collective bargaining.
Issued executive orders to protect reproductive rights after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Increased federal minimum wage to $15/hour for government employees and contractors.
Restored environmental protections rolled back by Trump, including clean water regulations.
Addressed supply chain bottlenecks, ensuring smoother economic recovery.
Declared Juneteenth a federal holiday, honoring Black history and resilience.
Expanded veteran healthcare services and benefits.
Pushed for international tax agreements to stop corporations from avoiding taxes.
Launched initiatives to combat domestic terrorism and right-wing extremism.
Restored fair lending rules that protect minority borrowers.
Rebuilt trust in science and public health agencies, damaged during Trump’s tenure.
Boosted funding for mental health services, especially for youth.
Modernized ports and airports through infrastructure investments.
Signed bills to improve cybersecurity and defend against ransomware attacks.
Invested in rural broadband, connecting underserved communities.
Supported Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery with funding and infrastructure repairs.
Ended Trump’s ban on transgender military service.
Protected millions of acres of public lands and reinstated national monuments.
Prevented widespread evictions during the pandemic through moratoriums and rental assistance.
Rescued pension plans for millions of workers through the American Rescue Plan.
Passed legislation supporting domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Took a tough stance against corporate monopolies, enforcing antitrust laws.
Democratic Exhaustion and Fighting Fascism
Your frustration with Democrats "playing footsie" or fading into the background is valid. Too often, Democrats take the high road while fascist movements thrive on disinformation, fear, and intimidation. But fighting fascism requires unwavering commitment:
Name the Problem: Call Trump and MAGA what they are: fascists, extremists, and threats to democracy. Don’t sugarcoat it.
Demand Accountability: Press for Trump and his enablers to face consequences—whether through courts, media exposure, or political defeat.
Stop Compromise with Fascists: Democrats must stop treating Trump and his supporters as legitimate political actors. Fascism doesn’t deserve compromise.
Mobilize the Base: Inspire grassroots activism, voter turnout, and community engagement. Apathy is the enemy.
Challenge Media Narratives: Push back against outlets like Fox News that perpetuate lies and propaganda.
Highlight Biden’s Achievements: Remind voters that Biden has delivered results, while Trump and MAGA brought chaos and destruction.
Conclusion
Trump and MAGA represent the Manson family on steroids—a dangerous cult of personality wrapped in lies, cruelty, and authoritarianism. Biden has worked tirelessly to clean up the mess and restore decency, and it’s up to Democrats and citizens to fight back with truth, resilience, and conviction. No compromises, no "playing nice"—this is a battle for the soul of democracy. Speak out. Fight back. Never fade.
Will Trump voters, all vote to stand behind their man, their orange savior to the very end? time will tell and like with former Republican strategist and his book entitled, " Everything Trump Touches Dies"? 😨
You mean, how many will drink bleach? Too many. It's the new kool-aid.
And why does my AI Co-pilot give only Amazon as the place to buy the book?
I hate Amazon.
It is the responsibility of the government to regulate Amazon.
Corporations control the government.
Yes, it is. But only if Amazon is nationalized and forced to become a public utility.
Regulation of private (vs public) commerce is one of the chief responsibilities of our government. No nationalization required - it's literally one of their enumerated powers - Article 1, Section 8.
"The Congress shall have Power...To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes"
Theres no laughing response option. No government regulation of Amazon under Trump!! 🤣🤣🤣
Someone should ask him, 🙄heh Trump, regarding drinking bleach, how about you Trump, drink some of that good ole bleach and sanitize that mouth of yours
Go to abebooks.com to buy the book from independent booksellers.
Because it is artificial and NOT intelligent!
Trump's ego is a black hole. Nothing good can come out of it. He will mess up Biden's legacy. The silver lining of this cloud is that Republicans will be fully to blame.
Yes, Trump’s ego is truly a black hole and the Republicans along with too many misguided Democrats are indeed to blame. However, so what? Finger pointing is mostly an exercise in futility. It fires up outrage but that’s about all it does. As long as we permit outrage with inaction, there will be no silver lining in the black cloud hanging over us. All of the separate little organizations dedicated to resistance must join forces to oust our country of these toxic bullies and to show the world that America still has a backbone.
This directed solution is helpful and needed.
Dee: There are so many disparate resistance groups out there, each begging for money, posting petitions to sign that require money,etc. that a united front would make all of their goals more effective. I believe that uniting resistance organizations under one banner would strengthen them all and work to disable this incoming neo-fascist travesty of a government. Such a maneuver might have helped defeat Hitler in WW2 if organizations of that era had come together to defeat a common enemy. One soldier cannot win a war but an army can.
At this point I would hope that SOMEONE with good connections to the Democratic National Committee would step up and say, "I know how we can join forces and pool resources to make our RESISTANCE both targeted and EFFECTIVE" (... as opposed to blowing 1.8 BILLION DOLLARS on a Presidential campaign that couldn't propel its candidate to victory).
Black Hole and so is his mouth, what comes out of it!
Whatever he says, I don't believe. In most environments that I've worked in he would be sacked.
Why do so many willingly believe so much BS? It satisfies their prejudices, and gives a rationale for their hatred and anger.
Yes Harvey, Despite the Pundits, despite the pronouncements of the DNC its strategists, its analysts, despite the bloviating of the corporate media. Trump was fighting the culture war, he digs deep into the Id, he excites the neurons in the amygdala and that is why he and the right wing has won, and wins. It is a myth that man is a rational actor, he is anything but
In the struggle of reason vs unreason, unreason always wins. My proof is the success of religious belief, of belief of any kind, secular or sectarian.
Yes, William, but man's irrationality can be manipulated, controlled, and channeled in positive ways. The Catholic Church has done it, and this is why JD Vance converted to Catholicism. The problem today, as it has been so often in the past, is that the Catholic Church can be infiltrated and itself can be controlled, and that is another reason why Vance has converted. (Reminds me of the parasite controlling the brain of the host.) Pope Francis is waging a mighty campaign against these predators, and we must call on all Catholics to back their Pope. Only a miracle can save humankind.
Victor - the Catholic church was ruined in 313 AD when it became the state religion of Rome. Once that happened, it became an institution of control and collusion with empire to rape, pillage, and loot the labor and resources of first europe, then the wider world as explorers started the mercantile system. No human institution has ever not been corrupted by man. Money and power are drugs too powerful for men to resist.
OK Victor, this statement of yours has thrown me for a loop: "Yes, William, but man's irrationality can be manipulated, controlled, and channeled in positive ways. The Catholic Church has done it, and this is why JD Vance converted to Catholicism. "
What you have just said is that JD Vance converted to Catholicism because it was manipulate and controlled in positive ways. either that or JD Vance converted to control and manipulate Catholicism in a postive way.
Here is what I know. Vance and his patron Thiel, both have homosexual tendencies, they both have said so. JD Vance was gender conflicted., but too masculine in appearance and behavior to go through a sex change.
To compensate, and throttle his impulses (I suggest he cross dresses in private, hence the eye liner he wears, he adopted a hyper masculine ideology, Catholicism, probably really doesn't believe, but his cognitive dissonance forces him into extreme reactive right wing behaviors and mentality.
I am proud to be gay says Peter Thiel: https://www.npr.org/2016/07/21/486966882/i-am-proud-to-be-gay-tech-investor-peter-thiel-tells-gop-convention
Being gay does not mean being trans friendly, in fact it is probably the opposite, Many gays are repulsed by and opposed to transwomen...Andrew Sullivan for example.
I have my thoughts on that, but not pertinent at the moment.
The underlying ideology, and it applies to gay as well as straights, is that the natural order of things, and the way society should be structured is that males are the ruler, dominant in all aspects from the lowest level, to the family, to control of society. The role of the women is to satisfy the needs of the male, be they domestic, emotional or sexual.
And there you have the root of the culture war, MAGA and Trumpism.
That's informative.
Interesting analysis of JD Vance, "gender" (the non-linguistics vocab kind) and "sexual identity" (not the online handle variety in hookup sites). There have been hints that our VP-elect was considered kind of a junior-varsity Tech Bro because the size of his "chip pile" (his millions made from his hedge-funding days) pales ion comparison with the likes of Vivek and Big Elon.
And lack of critical thinking.
Bunkerboy has TWO FULL YEARS before he can take credit for ANYTHING . . . UNLESS he destroys The United Shtaysh BEFORE then I guess. [sic]
You are right on.
History repeating itself.
trump will 100% take credit for Biden’s successes.
But of course, and everything else that is bad that happens, it's the democrats or Bidens fault, is again! is going to get old very quick with Don the Con, quick! everyone, jump ship, but where too?
How many more cities will burn or be flooded? When will the bite of property insurance premiums (as Sen Whitehouse has been talking about) be such to create major political changes? That is the question. Likely many more as it dawns on corporate and the American public--"wait, what? We're in really deep doo-doo here. Holy crap this climate thing is impacting me."
Steve - also, many if not most of the middle class and elderly will not be able to rebuild because of underinsurance or insurance companies that simply don't pay. Drag their feet, lawsuits, over-stretched enforcement mechanisms. So rich people will swoop in to buy the properties (after taxpayers no doubt have cleaned them up - it is a toxic superfund site after all).
OMG! 😨 is all scary as hell
I keep reading how some Democrats are helping the Orange Felon 🍊 especially with the bill that would incarcerated migrants only suspected of crimes, not convicted!
John, when Bush stole his reelection on 2004, I emigrated to Queensland Australia.
I wonder, how many have managed to move to Canada, the UK or elsewhere out of the sudden dread or fear, upon seeing the orange menace return
The pattern for at least 75 years.
I like your description of your(self!) Touché
What? Who?
The Narcissist sociopath will do what he always does. Take credit when he wants and blame everyone for everything else.
Trump will claim he put out the wildfires in California. Watch to see how much federal and state fire related loans and grants trumps golf courses get out of the tragedy
B.T Barnum' "There is a sucker born every minute" to Maga voters, suckers! you voted for a con man of the highest order, then again, they see in Trump, what they see in themselves and why they voted for him anyway, that say's a lot.
Exactly.
Of course. The pattern repeats itself because Americans have been educated (if you can call it that) by a system that ignores history and civics.
Indeed
Yep! sounds about right and it's his motto, tails I win and heads you lose
We just witnessed the refusal to hold trump responsible by EVERY single branch of government, law, any Constitutional instruction, any military protecting -us from Sedition. Not ONE SINGLE BRANCH of government worked the way it should have!
Trump, he has the $$$ and the lawyers, true justice is blind, when you have the bucks
In WWII before the United States and allies invaded Europe successfully we practiced first In Africa Sicily Italy and then when we built a box of invasion tools and developed a Management Structure ( Supreme Allied Commander ) only then were we able to successfully invade Europe .
Everything worth doing requires practice.
Yes Citizen J, but in WWII the free world had a base, safe and secure from which to build and supply an army and invasion force.
Where is that safe and secure base now?
Rich people don’t go to jail
But they do die, and if the Bible is correct, burn in Hell.
Wishful thinking Tim, The recipe for do nothing. The moral of the rich man , eye of the needle and camel trope, is for the poor, the disinherited, the disadvantaged not to get too excited and resist or rebel against their "betters" for they will inherit the kingdom of heaven, and the rich will not. Be patient o les miserables, you will get your reward in heaven and those that traed on you will go to hell.
So stay on the hamster wheel, little serf? You’ll be rewarded in heaven, and the bad guys will burn forever?
“…if the Bible is correct.” It’s not. Sorry.
Unfortunately true!🤬😈
Or heads I win tails I win.
I’m King Trumpet I’m above the Law.
The Supreme Court has destroyed our rule of law and watch to see what this action has done to overthrow our constitution…
The Constitution you say, well the far-right wing justices, so far in essence, have effectively, "wiped their arses" with it, have dispensed with any pretext and saying the quiet part out loud, that were going to grift our way and use our positions as Justices to line our pockets, from all deep pocket donors, via the "shadow docket" where court cases, these uber rich seek to have brought before their, bought and paid for Supreme Court
Their so -called originalism of the Constitution, give me a break, for they cherry pick what they want
The Constitution is a flawed document, too many holes, open to interpretation .
1st amendment says that Congress shall not recognize a religion, nor proscribe speech or the press, but that does not address the sovereign states, and the states are sovereign, they only agreed to be bound by laws passed and approved by congress and signed by the executive.
While liberals have been shying away from guns like a vampire does garlic, the right wing has been building personal armories and now Trump has his own well armed,if not well regulated, militia.
Supreme Court, in its recent actions, as loosened the guardrails, that separate the wall between Church and State, a disgrace they are, and they talk about originalism? 🤔
They and the white nationalist, like this, to use as a weapon to go after groups of people they do not like and this is their idea of freedom, the freedom to hurt
I like to think Chief Roberts is beginning to figure out the damage he has done. Petty of me but....
Roberts, what a joke, he pretends he is the moderating force, when in fact, he sides with the other far-right justices most of the time.
Roberts, has been the successful mastermind, long in his running aim, to gutting most of the provisions or protections found in the Voting Rights Act, rendering it effectively useless = one party minority rule.
It is a Catholic Conspiracy, but this one is out in the open, and we are suppose to be afraid of a Muslim conspiracy.
It is a libertarian conspiracy using Catholicism as a vehicle. Pope Francis has denounced them, but US bishops have not been as vocal as they should have been.
Libertarianism is the antithesis of Christian ethos, as is regularly believed by the masses. Christianity as it passed muster by Constantine and the Roman elite, is in reality a slave cult.
Servant (slave) obey your master, don't envy the rich, they won't go to heaven, but you will, pay your taxes, be as a child and obey your betters, don't question but believe
And that which has passed notice is that two of the most famous harbringers of Libertarianism have roots in the USSR. Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum and Fred Koch. Fred like what he saw in the Soviet Union, building oil wells and refineries for Stalin, so much that he brought the ideas home like the gold standard and if you don't work you don't eat (Art 12, 1936 Soviet Constitution)
Libertarians like KOCH and other big money players, it's cruelty and power, is ALL they care about...EVIL!
I think not Steve. He is head of the Catholic mafia, Alito, Thomas, Kavanaugh, Gorsuch are more motivated by self enrichmment and money.
Roberts and Barrettmare more secular than the other four. Merchan already told them that he was going to let Trump off the hook, but letting him be sentenced witha non sentence, was a way of letting him know that he wasn't completely off the hook.
Basically it was a nun slapping a pupil on the back of the hand with a ruler, but softly at that.
Leonard Leo is the mastermind behind all this, and Substack users should be aware that he intends to infiltrate and derail all left-leaning organizations.
There are good ethical people that are Catholic also.
I didn't say they weren't. FYI I was a Catholic and a Knight of Columbus, and I know from the inside that the Catholic religion is misogynistic, not just the religious orders.
All religion has its good guys and bad guys just Humana.
Greek Saying :
: “The Gods Have Clay Feet”
No ethics on the majority of the Supreme Court.
Roberts and Alito were put on the court for a reason by the first incarnation of Drumpf. Bush Jr.
Perhaps,
Maybe the true political structure is Politicians on the first tier of government
Lawyers on the second tier of government supporting the temporary kings while the lawyers are the permanent second tier of government the true rulers…???
“In today’s world, we have enormous challenges that can be met if we have the courage to do what we did in the Civil Rights Movement. This movement was not about yesterday. It is about our lives right now.”
-Peter Yarrow 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial-
Peter Paul and Mary had just completed their Performance of “Blowin In The Wind” on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. “Blowin in the Wind” might be Bob Dylan’s approach to the concept that there are bigger forces at play here than what we are witnessing “on the ground.”
For myself, my own belief in a Higher Power, that oversees the chess game of our lives and the larger chess game of world politics is what keeps me going in this time of hereto unimaginable turmoil and change. Sometimes it takes a large crisis to bring about a large change.
Marc, On both a lighter yet still serious note, as far back as I can remember, every time I sang the song “Blowin in The Wind,” I had changed the lyrics in the refrain to “The answer my friend ain’t blowin in the wind.” To be clear, I had believed the answer was far less elusive than the piece suggested. However, reading your comment now has given me a new insight into Dylan’s thinking.
I loved singing it back in the day but I always thought it rather passive and poetic UNLESS you/we made the mind jump to hearing "wind" to mean 'winds of change." A hard rain's gonna fall.
Marc, I agree, but I read a gloomy mood, in your remarks and in many other's. O, where is the pragmatism, the fighting spirit? Is there an information point, where the prices of farmaceutic products can be reported? Are there data available concerning infrastructure and the accidents caused by dereliction, delay and incompetence?
I mean: Bob is right, but let us weaponise the "don't let him..."
Tom, actually I’m in an optimistic frame of mind for the future. I have watched with dismay the quality of American politics and the takeover by powerful capitalist, interest over a number of decades. Both our Democratic representatives and our Democratic presidents are heavily swayed by the agenda of the DNC which is heavily swayed by the ultra wealthy moneyed interests.
With Trump and Musk front and center the up-and-coming oligarchs and their climate destroying agendas will become fully visible. We cannot fight an unseen enemy, but we can fight one that is obviously seen. We need a truly representative government and an economic system that ensures that no one goes hungry and homeless in that they can earn enough purchasing power to take care of the necessities of life.
We need a functional government and economic system in this country and I’m convinced that the system that can work for us is “Economic Democracy “
https://crisistransition.substack.com/p/the-time-for-planning-is-now
Marc, your article is close to my thinking, although I am the gloomy one. It might be because I was close to failing ideas in Europe, being born when Berlin burnt, but also close to the Marshall plan that strenghtened the economies.
I feel gloomy because I think your vision may come true, but first there will be misery and suffering, in concentration camps, shooting at the border, a crash of the American economy, war over Poland and the Baltic states, and so on. The war that ended 6 weeks after I was born feeds my gloom.
Economic democracy, yes, but where is the functional government. I think it is in tatters, by the actions of this disturbed old man, who thinks America does not need allies and who only wants respect and gives only contempt and disdain.
I promised I would look in the Federalist Papers for thoughts about the economy, but I did not find much.
Then theree is the subject of voter suppression and gerrymandering: the stories of Heather Cox are shocking to me. That is what big money does in a democracy!
Yes, Tom. We must zero in on the issues at hand and find effective ways to deal with them.
Marc, "system" talk is a distraction.
Well Marc, your higher power has been noticeably absent in the affairs of men, hasn't he? Why do you think that you, and America and our time, is more important than the previous 240,000 years.
Why did this higher power wait 240,000 years before showing it's face to mortals, not that it has ever shown it's face, but chose to communicate via self proclaimed intermediaries of questionable qualities and intentions.
The Higher Power, like the Wizard of Oz.
When I was in AA during the early stages of my recovery (sober now since 1989, never did drugs or even pot, so didn't have to deal with that, my higher power was the overhead fan.
Me too! History is full of examples of big change caused by a crisis!
Marc, the Biblical flood was as large a crisis as one could imagine, and humankind was saved because one man, Noah, influenced the Higher Power. What was it about Noah that made humankind worth saving?
He got a starring role in a storybook.
His ark ?
Shay D Vance said this on FOX, “I wish Joe Biden all the best, but he left the incoming Administration with a dumpster fire. President Trump is going to have to put it out, but that’s exactly what he’s good at.”
Trump’s influence has infiltrated our society and it’s time for us to stop the spread of this evil disease!
He's venereal disease in humanish form.
Apologies to all venereal diseases.
Ah, yes, I stand corrected it is VD libel!
Hahahahahahaha! Good one, Mike!
Here’s hoping he’s a goner real soon !🤣🤞
The gift that keeps on giving
Or the grift that keeps on grifting, Joni?
Keith, I like what you did there with his name! That was good! I don't get why he thinks President Biden left them a dumpster fire. The only dumpster fire is the one he and his orange lord started! MAGAs are responsible for all of this chaos and believe me, the orange man is most definitely NOT good at putting it out, only making it worse!
Interesting that, after the election was called for Trump, before it was even certified, and still during the Biden "dumpster fire," Republicans polled suddenly claimed that their financial situations are just fine.
I agree but how?
People should stop repeating his BS. Reich does too much of this. We need to focus on our own positive action narratives.
We're going to have to reach more people, especially the young. Younger.
Re messaging, in Missouri big issues are cost of living, medical costs, crime, and education.
Many people especially older women are really anxious about being one medical emergency away from financial ruin.Many people are really anxious about their retirement. These are issues Dems can make hay with. And Trump actions will provide even more.
But one should start with the solution, not the problem. Start with the solution and then the barriers to the solution. That is when the villians are introduced.
Many voters, esp. those under 40, are extremely cynical that politicians can get anything positive done. Likely part of the reason so many sat out the 2024 election. Like to see the age demographics on that.
Democrats should show how positive things can be done. Hope.
Cynicism is rampant and is our big enemy.
"Sure Trump is bad but they're all a bunch of crooks" is part of the reason we got Trump 2.
Steve, I’m surrounded by lots and lots of people in the 25 - 40 age group and they are not cynical at all and they all voted. They are EXACTLY like we were at that age - positive, smart, informed and motivated. There are so many factors in “how we got here,” but these kids are gonna lead the way out. They know, they understand, they are vocal and they are active. They know corruption when they see it, they understand boycotting, anti-trust, unions, all the tools. They’re on the case.
Good. I hope that is common but kind of dubious.
Do you have a blueprint Marc,for saving us from the looming dictatorship.
There is project 2025, and Trump has selected his cabinet and advisors to help him achieve the goals. He is going to fire 50,000 civil servants who will not pledge loyalty to him, and fill the positions with those thar will, if he fills most of them at all.
He has a Federal Judiciary under this thumb, and terrified less he take revenge, he has a compliant and complicit 4th Estate, owned by soul sucking billionaires.
His minions are armed to the teeth and organized into paramilitary forces and militias, while we the opposition are essentially unarmed (yes there are many with a hunting rifle, shotgun or pistol)
I'm all ears Marc. The idea of political resistance is a fantasy, politics as we think we knew it is dead now.
The only hope that I see is that the whole rotten facade will collapse from within as they turn on each other.
The authoritarian right, the fascists are comprised of various groups with their own agendas, and they set aside their personal agendas to slaughter the hate worke, DEI, Libs, but not the deed is done, and each agenda will find itself in conflict with their allies of the moment.
You can already see a crack, as the billionaires want to import cheap intellectual labor, and the racist base is outraged at the betrayal.
The Christian authoritarians may celebrate their victory and the imposition of a Republic of Gilead and the New Apostolic Reformation (how much, by the way, do liberals know about NAR, do you read anyting on substack about NAR and Dominionism, answer is no, but it is the driving force, it is ecumenical, behind MAGA.
This heady alliance will fracture, as Catholics and Protestants and their many cults war with each other over supremacy.
Racists want to purge the country of non whites, billionaires, agribusiness, tech bros want to import non whites for low and skilled work.
Maybe those 50,000 civil servants can find jobs fighting fires and making sandbags for the increasing floods. Let's see, Liz Chaney has stepped up fearlessly and hasn't backed down yet. It can be done. More people need to do more.
Trump has promised to exact vengeance on Liz, politicians, media personalities and pundits who have wounded him, his going to get the people that he needs to fulfill his promise. We have one week now,
Do you think that those 50,000 people who lose their jobs, are going to travel from where they live to fight fires and fill sandbags?, Could they even afford to? Would you, can you?
I'm too old to do what I used to do in those areas, so no. I could run the loader to go get the sand tho. It was a smart ass idea William.
I don't agree with Liz politically, mostly, but I admire her tenacity and example to fearlessly stick by the truth. She has personal money behind her so she's going to be OK I believe. What can happen to her for backing up the truth that was found through discovery? Tax audit? Contract on her Life?
In an authoritarian government the leader can do anything he wants.
I applaud Liz for standing by the Constitution, but I am also not fooled, because her primary goal and what she achieved was to protect fellow congressmen, the ones that were complicit and enabled Jan 6th, by keeping the investigation focused on Trump and those in his cabinet.
If Benny Thompson's Committee had done it's job, then Boebert, Green, Briggs, Jordan, Hawley, the lot of them would be in jail, well not really Merrick Garland would protect them.
Here is what keeps me up at night. Mike Flynn is working behind the scenes but lays it all out in this podcast
https://www.mind-war.com/p/flynns-anti-communist-manifesto-night
Thanks, I'll check that out. Our government is broken.
Our government is broken, Jan 20th will be the first day of a regime, not a government
Your pessimism is understandable but misplaced, imho.
I believe that the unholy alliance of billionaires, Techbros, conservative religious millennialist crack-pots, RW pseudo-intellectuals and the MAGA-ite segment of the American electorate is inherently unstable and will destroy itself trying to satisfy the conflicting demands of its constituent elements.
This will be must-see Reality TV.
A big mouth and competence are strange bedfellows. Here we have rightwing politicians: but what they want and how they will achieve it, remains foggy. Yes, follow their hate, stop immigration and more nativism and oldtimer values. (abortion, transsexuality, etc.)
What puzzles me: how can sheer incompetence and emptyness gain such support?
Tom - Maybe short attention spans and gerrymandering?
In no small measure, the way sheer incompetence and emptiness gain support is because on balance the corporate world is helping to get such people into office so they can pass policies that benefit corporations. Short- term thinking corporations are underrmining themselves but they don't see that.
It is not because Repubs candidates are necessarily talented, or smart, or anything like that. It's not even an indicator that they have a better message than the Democrats, necessarily.
But in the John Roberts world of free speech and political offices on the auction block, corporate coffers make a big difference.
While I am not denying a kernel of truth in your assertion that Capitalism (as embodied in the label "Corporations") are to the Left what "George Soros" is to the Right - both a rallying cry and shibboleth, the sum of all fears and hatred - I don't think that Corporations per se are the great Enemy of the People that your comments imply.
Corporations are, at the most basic level, empty vessels, neither pro- or anti-democratic institutions that enable multiple owners of capital to jointly use their money in pursuit of financial gain.
The fault is in the ways that our political institutions can be captured by what used to be termed "moneyed interests". (The term sounds fussy and old-fashioned, but fits the bill).
Corporate lobbying for favorable legislation is a fact of political life, and not always deleterious to democracy, but the impact of influence-seeking individuals with gigantic bank accounts is different. Here it is not merely selfish interest at play, it is the inflated egos and bizarre political philosophies promoted by such characters that comes into play. Oligarchy is what you get when owners of capital capture the reins of government.
Trump, Musk, Thiel, Vivek, (possibly Leonard Leo??) could be called 'oligarchs' of greater or lesser degree. What could stop them from actually capturing government are their internal squabbles, the resentment of the non-moneyed MAGA voters and the 250 year old institutions that still hold sway over our political system (not to overlook the huge Federal bureaucracy that operates the creaky machinery of government).
Call me naive if you like, but I believe the oligarchy will quickly collapse from its own internal contradictions, helped along by Trump's ignorance and fecklessness* (*Note to Self: 'lack of feckles'?? Investigate at later date)
There are good people in Congress who may have the power and the will avert disaster, but I am not hopeful. Of course, Trump is such a great narcissistic chaos agent he may derail the express train to oblivion before it really gets enough momentum. But I hate the idea of Trump preserving democracy by being his own, dumb-ass self.
My prescription for citizen members of the would-be 'Resistance' is to chronicle the debacle, take note of who engineered the collapse, and then do your damnedest to persuade what's left of the government to hold the culprits to account.
I am not optimistic about the cost of such a debacle: I foresee our geopolitical influence greatly diminished, our economy badly damaged, our people losing jobs, homes and hope for at least a generation.
And because we are who we are, the authors of this train-wreck may go merrily about their business, never paying for the mayhem and destruction they caused. Trump is a living example of this, but there would doubtless be many others.
Whether the MAGA-cult member have the capacity to wise up and realize their measure of complicity is another question, to which I have no answer, no idea at all.
Tom. Because poorly educated, parochial voters are incompetent guardians of democracy and empty of values bigger than their short-sighted vision?
Because they love it and like eat it all up for breakfast, all the lies or misinformation, stayed tuned......more real fake news at Fox
Say anything for over a quarter of a million $$ in salary? Does Yale turn out a lot of people like Mr. Vance these days?
The Myth that J.D. Vance Bootstrapped His Way to the Top
https://time.com/7002807/jd-vance-bootstrapped-myth/
I cannot even take the sight of him anymore and it's only 1/14/25!🤢🤮
Vance is piggy-backing on Trump, whose word is the truth itself to his converts. The First Amendment, as currently interpreted, is enabling drift into calamity.
Chez De Vance.
Professor Reich: OF COURSE HE WILL!! just like elon musk and markie zuckerberg, trump is always stealing credit for achievements that are not his and do not belong to him. the only way to make sure that biden and not the orange jesus get credit for these benefits is to call out these impending lies in no uncertain terms, and to make sure we are well-armed with the facts of where these benefits came from, when they were enacted and who did this (Biden). trump would NEVER do anything for anyone except trump, as anyone with eyes (and a pocketbook) can plainly see.
How do we do this so that we are heard?
Nancy, I counter every single MAGA lie with the truth and make sure I back it up with evidence and proof! They are always going to deny the truth even when you do that because they believe everything is false except what spews out of their dear leader's mouth! That's okay, though. Keep right on fact-checking and calling out the lies. Keep right on speaking the truth. If we don't, lies will take over and the truth will get buried.
YES! FACT CHECK CONSTANTLY!
how do we unbrainwash 70+million Americans?
As things stand, all we can do is wait for Trump to discredit himself with most voters. It will take some time.
Use blech and a bigger hose?
????????
I believe that folks need to constantly show up and shout at him about his lies and whatever else he bloviates about.
It takes infrastructure that a robust party and supporters can provide. Know any younger people who want to be a committeeperson? The Dem party is ripe for being taken over. Younger people should realize this and take over the Party and fashion it to their liking. It is there for the taking.
Of course, I know many do not have the time or resources.
as the Tennessee Holler proclaims: "ALWAYS YELL THE TRUTH."
instead of rolling our eyes (as i tend to do), when confronted by these lunatics, we can FIRMLY defend and report the truth in every conversation we are part of, with every person we encounter who is repeating lies, and make it such that they either STFU when we are around, or begin to see the light.
I'm so sad. Facts don't matter. The sullen little twit from The Social Network has caved and basically said fact checking is manipulation. Middle school gossip is now the standard of truth. Glinda won.
Some facts do matter even to the deluded. The cost of living is not coming down, and health care hurts.
but he'll blame biden,or Obama,or newsom,or Hillary,or Carter,or somebody,and they'll believe him-because they want to feel persecuted
Orange Monster. Jesus is Lord. Please…..
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Although Fetterman is getting heat for talking to Trump, he apparently believes that common ground could be found on some issues. Insofar as seeking commonality is in the interest of good governance, I'd say it is no sin.
The rump will try to either take credit for Biden's successes, or try to eradicate or destroy every good thing President Biden did.
What he can’t destroy he desecrates.
Probably both.
Everything he touches gets ruined
Every since the money from the IRA, CHIPS and other Biden achievements started to flow, Republicans who voted against those bills have been claiming credit for them. And without being called on it. Of course Trump will claim credit for everything Biden built. Also of course he will screw it up with tariffs, tax cuts for the obscenely rich and deportations. Not to mention international instability from his bullcrap about Greenland, Panama and Canada.
And Republicans will continue to vote for these creeps who do everything to hurt them because they are SO IGNORANT!
He's good at creating chaos and distraction
No doubt he will try. And the right will bash Newsom and California regarding how stupid we are about fires and somehow the fires are the Governor's fault. None of them want to talk about global warming and its impact on California. The commenters are dumb as dirt. How can you expect a guy who does not know how to change his diapers to successfully do anything? He's gotta steal or it doesn't satisfy him. What a psycho! He is almost as bad as the idiots the re-elected him.
Almost? He is worse
So very true, deadmanwalking! You just know he is going to start up with that old spiel about how Californians need to rake the forest to prevent the fires or hooking up a huge hose from the mountains in California down to the coast and building a large spigot to turn the water on when it is needed!
O so true… yet no thought on mudslides as a consequence. Ugh!
How long do you think it will take Trump to reverse all these good things?
Maureen, my hope is that he won't be able to do very much between now and 2026! If we don't step up then with good Democratic candidates or a working middle and lower class party candidate, then he will reverse every good thing we took for granted!
I fear he can do a lot of damage in two years, so we have to create an overwhelming Blue Tsunami in 2026 to take over both houses of Congress.
I simply want a majority of sane politicians in the House and the Senate! We begged for a blue tsunami in the November election and it simply did not happen. Now, I just want a majority of politicians that will stop the orange man in his tracks. Then in 2028, we can vote for a leader that will work for all of us!
It is disheartening to spend much time thinking about what might have been. I have stopped thinking about all the opportunities I failed to capitalize on in my life -- too much of a downer. Better to just keep looking at the path ahead towards better days, imho.
You know what, R Hodsdon? You are right. I refuse to allow that man to live rent free in my head. I want to move forward and find those better days. To do that, I will focus and concentrate all of my efforts on 2026 and beyond.
Make the GOP own it, every single bit of crap, that they cause or throw at the American people, we must demand! with steadfastness from the democratic party, don't you dare slouch or give in to extortion demands, where Maga republicans message is always, it's our way or the highway or we want it all and more tax cuts for our billionaire buddies
Peggy, I also have faith in all the progressive civil servants, state and federal, that are beneath Trump’s hateful radar. They won’t be fired, and they are the ones that actually run things, and they will “slow walk” anything that’s going to hurt the people further for the next four years. It’s a big weapon we have there. I’ve read exchanges between them in comments sections such as this one. The people do have power.
So I hear the plan is to put everything into one massive bill and use the reconciliation process to get it through.
*rump will definitely try to take credit for the achievements of the Biden administration, but it is up to the Democrats to call him out on that! "Stop the steal" works both ways.
Rick S … the silly nickname game is irrelevant to serious discussion— as you said yourself, it is something school kids do to kids they don’t like. If that’s how people feel about it then let them make up silly names. We are not writing poli sci academic papers here, we are just talking. So don’t get too upset when people call DJT names.
As for your other points I am thumb typing on a tiny keyboard so I can’t respond to all but will say this: if you are putting any trust in Trump, and you are not extremely wealthy, in the short run you will suffer from his policies, assuming he is capable of cohering to what was laid out in Project 2025. In the long run we will all suffer— America, The West and The Rest.
It’s chaos time.
Rick Sender… Calling people we dislike by derogatory nicknames is part of how we deal with things we cannot control. It may appear silly to you but insisting that everyone commenting here plays by marquis of queensberry etiquette is absurd.
More worrisome than monikers is your inability to distinguish between the policies enacted under the Biden administration and the reality of the timeline required for policy decisions to show results: the whole point of Reich’s article being that the fruits of Biden policy will be enjoyed by his successor, Trump,who will undoubtedly claim them to be due to his leadership.
Good to know. I’ve had so-so results with voice to text but never with Substack comments.
the downside is that you don't have a chance to read what you've put down and edit for clarity and chop it to more easily digestible bites. Comments columns work best when we are mindful of our word count. It goes without saying that I rarely take this advice when writing my own comments.
Did you read Robert Reich's article?
If you think that Biden is the 2nd worst president of all time, and worse than Trump, than why are you here in this room? If you believe Trump is better than Biden than I wish I never had to read any of your comments.
Who wants to listen to or read musk telling people to "go f--- yourself in the face." He has a foul idea of free speech. You go ahead and enjoy that rhetoric while reading your 'America first' Chinese bible signed by the nasty old man himself. That 25 million bucks the nasty old man raised was through some sales of golden tennis shoes, bibles, watches, xmas ornaments, ETC. It helped pay the fine for his fake real estate university a while back. He's YOUR hero though and we all do understand why.
A list of items, you Rick, can buy for support of the nasty old orange guy and his platform of lies...
MAGA hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, socks, coins, calendars, mugs, flags, autographed photos, action figures looking like
Donald Jesus Trump,
medallions, signs, banners, cologne, books, phone cases, NFTs, calendars, commemorative plates, jewelry and maybe up and coming...snake oil...or maybe a flavored kool aid packet.
And you wonder why he's called a grifter and a con artist?
Trump is an emotional thief. He will take credit for everything from anyone.
He takes all the O2 out of the room
“Biden’s infrastructure law will give us better roads, bridges…”
Actually, I saw that already this past spring and summer. Repaving a highway, adding shoulders, and replaced a bridge.
God, I hope that face ends up in the mud!
Only in Trump’s own mind as usual takes credit for everything he never had anything to do with.
🤔Mind? what mind? is more like mush and the only thing Trump is good at, no, make those two things, is a) ripping people off and b) leaving chaos or destruction in his wake
"Working-age women are now employed at record levels." MAGA: Well that nonsense has to be stopped!
It has to do with equal opportunities. Abortion has nothing to do with it.
What do you think of single parents? If the father is abusive or a dead beat, or just plain dead what should happen? Should the mother work to support her kids or go on welfare?
The couple are trying to save for a house, or can’t afford rent then what? A woman does not choose to marry but has gone to college has advance degrees should she just bat her eyelashes and marry some guy then stay home eat non bond and watch soaps?
My reply was to your post that women working was related to
Abortions. I didn’t mention Trump. The person who was happily sharing the advancement of women in the workplace didn’t mention abortion. Did you know that women couldn’t open a bank account without their husbands permission until 1974? That’s pretty outrageous.
Good for your mom. She did what most women do, she took responsibility. It’s unfortunate but not all men take up their share of the responsibility. So often when women are being discriminated in the work place the children suffer as well because women are still underpaid to this day. In Marin County a wealthy suburb had one of the highest numbers of dead beat dads. I don’t know if that’s changed but it’s pretty disgusting.
Rick, I’m very happy to hear that you have a good marriage to a smart successful wife. It seems you’ve have a good life.
I voted for the three strikes law. It’s for three felonies not petty crimes which is important because young people make mistakes and do stupid things. They can grow out of those impulses.
Yes, I do live in California.
You need to read that again and pay attention to the punctuation. This is a sarcastic observation of MAGA policies and how they treat women both rhetorically and litterally.
Rick S, you come across as being critical of Democrats' ideology and politics in general, but I gather you are not a Trump fan. Are you simply a cynic? (not sarcasm) You aren't making a lot of converts here, but frankly is refreshing to hear viewpoints different from the majority views as expressed here. (You're welcome!)
But in response to Tara's sarcastic comment highlighting how MAGA policies treat women, you wrote, "No differently than democrats. In how they treat women."
What the heck you smokin', bro? There could not be a more clear-cut difference between D's and R's regarding women's reproductive rights and the role of women in society. Even Trump seems somewhat conflicted, as he isn't with the Leonard Leo/JD faction re abortion.
I think you got some 'splainin' to do.