I can’t tell you, Joyce, how important your words are. Your repetition is also needed. Too many believe that Trump will not go after them, but the erosion of law eventually affects all of us. No one is safe even Trump supporters
Kathi, Trumpers and Trumpettes have no clue that they will eventually become targets for the nuts they voted for. Those nuts always need a cause and will find one. Just look at what they have done to trans people. They think those immigrants are invading our nation when what is really invading is a bunch of scared white people who will do what an old white child-man with dementia tells them because they have been hypnotized into loving an absolute fool who hates everyone who is not him. The shameful thing for me is the number of supposed "christians" that have chosen to follow a toddler who knows nothing about christianity or just about anything else but conning everyone, lying incessantly, and dreaming of himself as dictator. We need to stand toe to toe with Trump's people and find ways to force them to wake up. OK, that isn't going to happen, so we will need other more powerful strategies but I don't know what they are yet.
We can call attention to what he does and how it destroys the checks and balances of our democracy. I know it doesn't seem like much but it will gain momentum as he takes away our freedoms and forces obedience to him. Hopefully it will open the eyes of the people he has duped before it is too late.
Local Sheriff & Orange servant Chad Chronister has been withdrawn as the DEA Nominee per national ABC News & local WFLA.
Keeping Score? 2 DOWN more to go. 12/4 Morn' Update: Make that 2 1/2 now.
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Alert: Arctic frigid temps go all the way to ALABAMA. Keep the Chickens Warm!
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Tonight, I got some math too courtesy of Lawrence O'Donnell's show. Yes, it take 4 No votes to kill a nomination on a full Committee vote but, only 1 R Senate no vote to keep the nomination from even getting out of the Committee.
Good work by Jane Mayer in the New Yorker "Pete Hegseth's Secret History". Pete goes next even before the January hearing. Kudos Rachel's interview of Jane on Monday night's show, Jane's phone is "ringing off the hook".Stay tuned.
There's a pro photo illustrating Jane's story by a Reuter's camera on Pete hiding in the shadows. Hat tip to Nathan Howard.
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Early Tuesday 12/3 Morning; Over at LFAA, Heather Cox Richardson did her usual brilliant real-time analysis of Jane Mayer's article in full context. 👏🏻
11:48 AM Eastern Update: You know your nomination is in trouble when its defended by Senator Tommy Tuberville: "We need a drill sergeant" to get 'DEI' & 'woke'.
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Last Tuesday Update:
Another Wreck Nomination is GONE. Local FL Hillsborough Sheriff & politician
But:
1. Senator Robert Wicker drilled the fact he wants a "full FBI background check".
2. Senator Joni Ernst former soldier has questions about female & alcohol abuse & was Hegseth able to run any organizations no matter how small much less the Pentagon?
3. Noon Eastern press reports that Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker "has some concerns".
Drip, drip, drip.
In December & January 2025: A simple majority No or Yes is ultimately required by the Constitution IF the sexual abuser & financial mis-manger gets out of the Senate Subcommittee.
I’m afraid that many of his followers simply don’t care. They are so lost even to their own interests that, told that democracy itself is being destroyed, they will rejoice if they believe it is what trump wants.
You got it Aslo. I live around people like this. Do not look for the goodness of people to get us out of this. These people lack compassion, and have an over-abundance of the raw self-preservation instincts that must be tamped down for a civil society to work. In other words they are haters. I do not normally categorize, but I am seeing this over and over again.
Aslo White, it really is sad that so many people who might appear aware and competent would be so desperate to vote for a toddler-man with not a single positive idea in a head that is now reeling with dementia. I don't understand it beyond that racism, misogyny, xenophobia, and homo/transphobia are not only alive and well in our society, but have overwhelmed even caring people to the point that they see a supposedly rich, white, loud-mouthed man, and they will vote for him, then blame Biden and anyone else's name they happen to remember for all the horrors Trump may be allowed to perpetrate on them. It is clear they either love what they were hearing from him, which makes them just as nuts as Trump is, or they didn't listen at all, which is what seems to be true for most of the nuts.
We are already in 1984! That’s how this evil was able to takeover! The question is now how do we get out of it? So many think that the Constitution will save us. But that only happens if enough people in strategic positions of power renounce what has just happened and refuse to allow the dissolution of the democracy to the oligarchs who are the real motivators behind this takeover. Frankly I don’t see that happening in our present circumstances. What do we need to do to inject balls into the opposition?
"But that only happens if enough people in strategic positions of power renounce what has just happened and refuse to allow the dissolution of the democracy to the oligarchs who are the real motivators behind this takeover."
Do we have a scintilla of a chance of calling attention to what Trump does when the media reports will be lopsided, headline-y, surface journalism chasing after what glitters? The msm media's old-fashioned chasing the scoop journalism or even missing the point scares the wits out of me. If done by Jane Mayer or MeidasTouch or Joyce Vance here, please scoop away!
It's what Trump did for his followers: grant permission to be publicly and proudly as hateful, disagreeable, contrary, and lawless as he is, all in the name of "free speech". He treated their irrational fears and grievances as absolute truth, and, desperate for acceptance and vengeance for perceived wrongs, they are now poised to obey in advance any directives - no matter how lawless or irrational.
Wondering Woman, you are right about the hate and perceived wrongs. The right-wing media regularly fed them the wrongs they should cling to. Along with the built-in racism, misogyny, xenophobia, homo/transphobia, and fear that those poor little white folks are being "replaced" made Trump's insanity not only palatable with Trumpers and Trumpettes, but let a lot of Dems and Independents stay home on their butts so they could later tell everyone they didn't vote for Trump and Kump. Well, yes, they did!
I think reality will finally wake them up especially the construction industry and farmers who want to be exempt from Trump tariffs. Rural white men and blue collar workers. Ain’t going to happen. His bail out in his first term for farmers was illegal but I don’t think it was ever challenged.
Then why,why, did they vote for him? Did they think the election came with a "do over clause" if the winner turned out to be the addlepated traitor a majority of us knew he is?
Since so many of his followers don't watch or read reliable news, I thought it would have been a good idea to pepper Trump country with billboards, which can't be missed. Pointing out what a tariff is; outlining his many convictions and alleged sexual abuses, etc., etc.
Absolutely right on the money. I have been saying this. The nuts that voted for him will eventually revolt because they were stupid enough to fall for his BS lies, and Trump stabbed them in the back.
Ruth, with constant vigilance, trump will still stumble. Proverbs 16:18 tells us about how pride and haughtiness will open him up to failure. History has repeatedly demonstrated that to be the case. Be vigilant. Not fearful.
I find iinteresing that apparently one of the things some Trump-addled Repug's didn;t like a bout this selection for hed of the DEA is that this Florida sheriff had followed the law in arresting a preacher who told his flock not to swear masks or get COVID vaccines, in 2020.
Follow our Governors. They will support each of the three states. In my Congressional District we flipped the seat from red to blue, and the majority voted for Kamala.
Everyone, who didn't or doesn't support him, and that means everyone, in every “blue” state needs to have a plan because they’re going to be “coming for them”, in a thousand ways, from IRS audits, to the withdrawal and withholding of federal funding for anything, and I mean anything! Their plan is force “non-believers” into submission, one way or the other, and this includes through the use of force if needed! They already have the plan (2025) and fully intend to execute it! Get ready, because its coming!
I still have my copy from HS and/or college. Animal Farm and Farenheit 451 as well. There is a reason these are now banned books in some places, whereas they were part of my curriculum. Slaughterhouse Five. A lengthy list.
I, too, have those books. I remember reading them in high school. I think that was the last time I read 1984. I’ll have to pull it out. I reread Animal Farm during Trump's first term. I reread Fahrenheit 451 when all the book bannings began. We are living in a dystopian novel.
I marched in the Woman’s March on Washington Jan 21, 2017. Seems like yesterday now it seems like a tomorrow. So troubling. And guess what. Most the super majority of the marchers were women, lol. On the bus back to Connecticut, we stopped at a rest stop. Most had to use the rest room. I lined up inback of a long line of mostly women waiting to use the men’s room, lol. One woman turned to me and said, “You can cut ahead the urinals are free.” And she was correct. In the bathroom, I pulled out my iPad and began talking out loud until some guy yelled at me to put it away.
I never thought I would march, my daughter drove from Chicago to Washington, D.C. I'm extremely uncomfortable in large crowds because of an experience I had in NY trying to see Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro during their campaign. I decided I could not sit this one out and marched in Chicago. It was a powerful and exhilarating experience, not only women marching but many men and families with small children and strollers.
But that is what he and this tropes want you to feel…fear. Don’t let them do that to you. Read Timothy Snyder’s book, “On Tyranny”. As Joyce pointed out, the first thing he says is “don’t obey”.
On Tyranny is a little gem of a book. I have gifted my daughters and friends with it. There is a version on Audible with further lessons regarding Ukraine, on which Snyder is an expert. However, there is a wealth of books he has written. I also recommend, The Road to Unfreedom. Snyder discusses Putin at length and who and what were his influences. An important and interesting read.
D. Allen, it’s okay to be scared. I feel scared. The key is to not let fear overwhelm you or cut off your critical thinking or your ability to act. I’m a fan of Dune (book & movie & tv series) and one quote seems appropriate in our times: “fear is the mind-killer.” Take steps to make yourself & your loved ones safe. Find your courage. As Joyce says: we’re in this together.
Well, I guess '1984' is on my to-do list. The problem with your essay, Ma'am, is that the people who read it (e.g., me) agree with you and universally seek to be informed. ✍️
Most perplexing for me is that I know more than a few people who voted for Trump. That unrepresentative sample is NEITHER stupid NOR uninformed NOR uneducated. 😵
My relatives et al. are angry. I get the sense that most M.A.G.A.s may not have given up on the republican experiment as much as they concur that it has given up on them. 😱
Dr Cox Richardson, in an reference that cites you, documents a rogues gallery of senior level nominees of Trump. If there were ever a chance to re-balance the branches, this is it. ⚖️
It speaks volumes to the general public's need for leadership, any kind of leadership, that 171 people "liked" your post that offered them doom and gloom predictions, scare tactics, and accolades of hero worship.
I would say to remember Anne Frank.In her time,she was an anonymous little girl, writing about her life hiding from a monstrous government who only wanted to kill every person like her.
Once her family was discovered,she was sent to a camp,and died of typhoid,and buried in a mass grave.But her father survived,and when his daughter's diary was discovered,he made sure her voice was heard.
The moral of the story,is the Nazis may have taken her life,but unto this day,they couldn't silence her voice.We should use that example to be bold and stand up for the truth,justice for all,and loudly and proudly say what needs to be heard,not what we're told we can say.
I have no intention of"Obeying in Advance".To Hell with that bullshit! Who's with me?
It’s odd at almost 78 to feel the fear I felt as a child: talked about in hushed tones, my WWII veteran father & US stateside AFB-Jeep-driving mom, neighbors who were Survivors must’ve talked enough about the War & Nazis that it crept into the subconscious of this then little girl. In my attic bedroom, Anne Frank not yet known to us all, I believed there were Nazis in the trees outside our city neighborhood. Already overwhelmed by what Joyce wrote & quoted, then your post, Melissa Redman, a horrible flashback & tears: the equivalent will be outside on the streets. In the offices. Maybe they’ll stay away from Jose Andres’s & Andy Shallal’s restaurants and we’ll congregate there.
I will soon be 79, close to your same age, Joan. My brother and I grew up being reminded about what had just happened in Europe. We had a large book with gruesome photos of the horrors that occurred. Not having TV, this was our visual equivalent. And we were very young when that book was made available to us. Our parents made sure we were aware of our recent history. Then, when I was about 12, a first-hand reality of what people endured during WWII was demonstrated so clearly; I remember it as if it were yesterday. We lived in rural NJ and our neighbors had a large chicken farm. They were Jewish Polish immigrants, and I used to babysit for their son once in a while. My mother was a dressmaker and used to alter clothes for the boy’s mother. She was in our house for her fitting and happened to have a lovely hairstyle that we had never seen before. My Mom complimented her, and the woman said that this was her good wig and that the one we usually saw was her everyday wig. With that, she pulled off her wig to reveal her totally bald head. She explained to us that she was in a concentration camp and was chosen to have brain experiments done on her, such that her hair never could grow back. As if the floodgates suddenly opened, she tearfully told us about how she had to witness her first husband and children being shot and was forced to dig their graves. She survived, only because they used her for their medical needs. We had been neighbors for a number of years and had no knowledge of her past. As a child, I became so much more aware of the stark reality of Hitler’s war. Multiplying this one incident by the millions of suffering that occurred due to this horrid man impacted me deeply. Soon there won’t be anyone left who can give such firsthand accounts. This is why I value historians’ perspectives, such as Timothy Snyder and Heather Cox Richardson, novelists who have written the books Joyce has mentioned, and films such as Ken Burn’s on WWII, in which he interviews veterans who fought in that war. We must not ever forget, and it is imperative that we teach our children.
Oh Carol, how safe she felt with your family to open up. So many Survivors and former soldiers said nothing yet lived with the memories. The Survivors who went on to teach others, to have families after losing all they had. It was and is unimaginable yet we see it day after day around the world. I will never understand cruelty and hate to the degree it is demonstrated.
As you note, it IS imperative that we teach our children and yet FL and TX are taking books that teach anything that isn't, as my maternal grandmother (z"l) would say "to see the pretty birdie" which meant let's only talk about happy things. I do not understand. Slavery existed - still exists, genocide continues, horrors continue and all sit back and shrug. We must not be silenced. We must not comply/be complicit in advance.
Thanks for your empathic reply, Joan. You express exactly how I feel, especially about the cruelty that continues to exist everywhere. I wonder how long it will take for us to evolve as human sapiens to be kind, considerate, and accepting of others who do no harm...to live in peace with one another. And yes, living in FL and witnessing the banning of excellent books has been utterly shocking! We shall not be silenced!
I do not think in this country we will return to who we were as still working full time I see the younger generation morphing into slaves of technology addicted (literally addicted) to their IPHONE and SMART WATCHES. Much of the work day is spent by them checking both. But I love them and they are all of them extremely intelligent with great potential -- the young people I come in contact with every day in many professions -- they a are lovely but tense and fearful and a bit resigned. Their futures are not looking rosy with climate change and so much divisiveness as well as lack of leadership top to bottom. I see the demand of technology to focus on technology in order to live and work is turning people into something that humans are not built for in fact -- it is turning each into distracted slaves of technology. I relate more with the people of Ukraine. I subscribe to They Kyive Independent and the journalism is a throwback and unbiased reporting. The stories so close to what they are enduring is reported objectively, just the facts. The facts themselves stand on their own, of course. There is an enviable unity there, however, and a universal umbrella of shared history and culture and songs and fables. That is what we lost here in that those who came before us in many cases did not teach their children their language, culture, stories, songs and fables. I know first-hand what as valued was their children were American. As a toddler hearing my Aunt and her sister speaking Finnish and likely having an aptitude to learn it -- only around age two asked told my Mom I "wanted to do that" -- too young to know it was another language or what it was but I knew with all my heart I "wanted to do that," My mother very young approached my Aunt Esther telling her I wanted to learn Finnish. The answer was firm, "No, no, no. We don't want her to have an accent." English with no accent was the ticke to success back then and the immigrants knew it. They completely left their history behind for the sake of their "American" children and grandchildren.
What a moving and beautifully written commentary. I am 74 so just over the bridge from where you grew up having lived in the two family in the Bronx that my great grandparents built (they both were immigrants from Sweden--my great grandfather when he was a child and my great grandmother when she was a young adult). I lived within walking distance of Parkchester where my grand uncle (1st generation American) and his spouse (herself an immigrant as a young adult from Finland) lived. On my mother's side the lineage goes back to The Mayflower era and I am versed in all those relatives and lucky enough to have gleaned our family's history from my maternal aunt who had first-hand accounts from her parents, grandparents and great grandparents; and of course, the great grandparents had first-hand accounts from their parents and grandparents. My maternal aunt did much research and provided al of us with along narrative including dates and stories and family lore. I took that info and was able to confirm much of the family lore. My experience growing up the in the same home my father and his father were raised was idyllic. It was a different time. My father could account for the years he grew up when the road out front was a dirt road and the view before tall buildings went up was not blocked in that you could see the waterways surrounding the Bronx from our second story windows. I grew up with neighbors who were immigrants or the children of immigrants. My best friend's parents immigrated from Ireland as did many of my friends. My sister's best friend's parents were Jewish (as were many of my neighbors) who immigrated I do not recall what country. The doors to homes remained unlocked and everyone looked after each other in that neighborhood. My best friend and another good friend lived in the apartment buildings that were built in the 40's by a gentleman who owned a business and built these truly beautiful apartments so his workers in an act of grace specifically to accommodate his employees. They had so much detail and huge windows and hardwood floors. They were maintained by what was referred to as "Supers" and my best friend's father as well as another friend's father had these jobs. Their buildings were immaculate washed down from the fifth floor to the "stoop" out front and the street with hot water and disinfectant and a huge mob. The apartment buildings were heated by coal and I remember seeing my other friend's father shoveling he coal in the furnace. I am so lucky to have known these adults growing up. I remember when color TV first became available and going to the stores in Parkchester with my friend to view them thru a glass display -- no one could afford such a luxury amongst my friends and relatives. It was a novelty. Take care and then you for your story. One more I have is that across the street from my home was what was once a VICTORY GARDEN. As to the care everyone took, I have one story about the time my brother lost one of shoes playing. He came home and told my mother. Soon after I still remember our stairway out front lined wish shoes placed there by neighbors who heard the tale of the lost shoe and understood it was going to be an expense to replace my brother's shoes. She shoes were not pairs but single shoes found by everyone in the neighborhood. If they saw a single shoe it wound up on our front steps. None of them were my brother's shoe unfortunately but the act of love and care was witnessed by me every day living on that street in the Bronx NY. Take care!
I recall qwhen i was v young I had met a new little girl in our neighborhood. I loved going to her house, because she had fantastic toys. A week or so after we met, her parents called my parents, asking if they could come over. My mother asked me if I had done anyrthing wromg. (I only admitted to going thru the hedge to her house.) When they came, I listened as best as I could. They seemed to be thanking my mother for letting me play with their daughter. My Mom said they declared they were Jewish, and the other folks in the neighborhood told their kids not to plan with her. TG my mother, raised in small- town upstate NY, was v open-minded in a nearly 100% Catholic neighborhood.
I always remember when I was a kid growing up in NYC, my mom went with my uncle to see a play (or a movie) in the city. My mother just told me it was a very sad story avbout a heroic little girl. It wAs The Diary of Anne Frank, as I realized a bit later.
You sound a bit like Heather Cox Richardson in this piece. I think that most people will not have a clue what hit them when Trump takes office and six months after he is in office they still won’t be able to put 2 and 2 together. For most folks, critical thinking just wasn’t wired into their brains and asking them to do it now is like asking them to do rocket science.
And the poorly educated, uninterested and uninformed followers will believe him. It’s much easier to have someone tell you what is, than have to actually read and seek information out about what has and is happening. And to actually think and come to conclusions based on evidence is something they are incapable of when they can just have someone tell them. It’s so much easier that way.
Here’s the phrase I’ve heard that really gets me: “Joe pardoned his son and tfg pardoned his co-conspirators.” Manafort, Bannon, Stone—and guess what? They’re all back in business against our democracy. And I truly believe Hunter was in the crosshairs for ongoing punishment—retribution, don’tcha know. And how about tfg putting A CRIMINAL and family member he PARDONED as ambassador to France? Lafayette (without whom we might not have won the Revolutionary War, must be rolling in his grave!)
Lauren, I have been stewing on this since the pardon announcement. Will it blow over or will the ‘ other side’ be able to milk it for all its (non) worth.
However if trump starts right of with just some of the things he has threaten on day one - I believe more Americans then u think will have their eyes opened widely!..
Thank you for keeping us so informed. Knowing is so much better than wringing our hands and wondering. I hope President Biden heeds the letter from Senators Warren and Blumenthal to take action to prevent don-old from quelling domestic protests using the military. Everything that can be done should be done before he takes office.
I also recommend "It Can't Happen Here" by Sinclair Lewis. It's the companion piece to "1984" and probably more on point b/c it includes the violence the Nazis were unashamed/proud to show the world. We can only pray that the Trump toadies will lack the ability to mobilize storm troopers either b/c they are inept or b/c our civil servants stand up for the rule of law or some messy combination thereof. We are in truly frightening times. But I remain optimistic that we will make it through this test b/c there are more true patriots in this country than there are angry voters. Please read it. It's short. It's bracing. It's a book for our time.
The only thing that could possibly cause the MAGA people to realize they were wrong in reelecting Trump would be for the economy to go totally bottoms up and For every bit of news print to say over and over and over that the poor economy is completely the result of Trump‘s policies. Given the state of our newspapers, I doubt that will happen so it is up to us to make it very clear that people are suffering because Trump‘s policies do not help them.
I fear you've got this right. When the fecal matter hits the fan, as it surely will if Trump's policies are enacted, the MAGAts will blame Biden. And the MSM will let that pass.
I expect the economy to do just that with deportations. The cost alone and the loss of workers and tax dollars, neighborhoods empty, families in hiding. Vaccinations will be taken away and children and adults will overcrowd hospitals again. Like during early COVID. I sound like a “prepper” and I’m not. It’s what I’ve envisioned, Dr Kellogg.
Correct. Trumpzi, unto himself is too stupid to orchestrate any of this. Putin is calling the shots, and his useful idiot Musky is pulling Trumpzi’s strings as the latter dances and dangles mind bangles before his gullible followers who wouldn’t know critical thinking if it bit ‘em.
You might be right about Pukin', but I still say Merrick Garland needs to arrest the Traitors Trump, Stone and Bannon, and get them in a prison charged with Sedition, conspiracy to commit a felony, and second degree murder. December 17 is when the states are to complete their certifications. After that it will be too late. Biden and Garland NOT THROWING THEM IN JAIL ASAP after J621, was the principle reason people did not vote.
What are you basing that on? My take (going back several decades) is that most non-voters don't vote because they aren't interested, don't care, or don't know how.
I can't think of a more solid reason for people to not care to vote than letting traitors go unpunished HERE in The United States. Millions saw what happened on J621. The DOJ dangled the promise of cogent punishment, but did not follow through. Remember J621. To Joyce's point, don't let the majority control the past. I will do my best to keep J621 in front; it is my battle cry.
What's your case for Putin and Musk? I assume they're involved, but Putin is a long way off and Musk is a greenie to political maneuvering (outside of NASA anyway). I'm not discounting the influence of the Dark Money crowd, e.g., Koch, Thiel, and Clarence Thomas's generous patrons.
(Apologies for the delayed response, I’m still learning how Substack “works” …) My speculation is based on the following: Putin is smarter than Trump. Musk is smarter than Trump. Putin’s hands have been up Trump’s back since before Trump ran the first time (real estate, pageants, etc.). Consider Manafort & Michael Cohen’s dealings on Trump’s behalf, and the many connections, at least to Russia, detailed in the Mueller Report, including Kushner’s efforts to establish a back channel, early on. There was also Eric Prince meeting with Russian connections in the Seychelles after Trump “won” in 2016. More recently, and perhaps
more to the point of your question, Trump (as reported in credible media) somewhat regularly “talked” with Putin before this election. Musk also spoke with Putin repeatedly before the election. Musk’s recent, annoying (for Trump) upstaging of the “boss” leads me to believe this is the triumvirate chain of command.
All true, but as puppets go, neither Trump nor Musk strikes me as optimal. Putin is stretched at home, but he also has a tremendous amount at stake (like maybe his life) and few obvious ways out of his dilemma(s). From his perspective, Trump is a very good bet. At the same time, Trump is experiencing conflicting pressures much closer to home, and I'm not sure either Putin or Musk can give solid advice on dealing with them.
I agree 100% with you on the cowardly and selfish cabal who aims to kill our Constitution for power and money. They are varied and they are home grown. Sinclair was right when he said that American fascism will come wrapped in Old Glory and carrying a Cross. It's here.
Try this query: "how many people died due to war in the 20th century". The answer returned to me was "around 231 million" in all wars and conflicts around the world.
The new regime coming to America next year do not appear to be trying to bring people together, to unite us in the United States. They appear intent upon pulling us apart.
No, because it won't be a National Emergency until January 20, 2025 and Former President Biden will no longer be able to shield us. That's what we, the Democrats get for abandoning the best President we've had in most of your lifetimes. Better you youngsters remember in the future, age does not render us useless, dementia does.
One: the wold have to be indicted on new charges by a grand jury. Two: the DOJ has a long standing policy, (with which I disagree) that you don't brig charges against a sitting President (or President -elect) Three: Merrick Garland is a much better judge than an Attorney General, for which he is neither temperamentally or intellectually suited. Some people are capable of many different roles, some for only one.
Lincoln arrested a Copperhead Congressman and home arrested the DC District Court Judge because they ignored his warning. Why do we have to go through another grand jury? We already have evidence of their culpability thanks to J6 Committee. The ONLY branch of government that brought urgency and facts to the Insurrection. I also disagree with the DOJ unspoken unsigned policy. Garland can do it. He has the power, right?
I feel certain that Biden and his most respected inner circle are struggling with questions in this vein. Struggling mightily. It's clear that the coming administration promises danger and disaster, and there are only days left in which to act.
Too late now to make enough impact through the machination of the legal system, the situation demands decisive and unprecedented action. I imagine that Biden has vowed to himself and others not to take advantage of the SCOTUS immunity invention, and rightly so, but we left earth and the life we love back on Nov5. The rules changed, and anything Biden does to save our democracy is acceptable, even applauded. And action thus taken is within the conduct of the presidency and therefore immune by the new rules.
Any action taken is measured against the hypothetical threat that looms. The decision would forever be second-guessed, debated on into history.
It's a pivot point in history, a giant first step into the next chapter of our story. Biden can do nothing, and just finish out his term, or he can recognise the need for a hero to do whatever he can. He is the only person with only this chance NOW to save democracy. Biden could save this country. Like it or not, it must be seen in those drastic terms to be as bold as possible.
It will never be easier to change or affect the course of events. We want someone to do something! We fear inaction...what chance are we missing? We would cheer the bravery. We need a hero.
Many people swore an oath to defend the Constitution. If we civilians wanted to help defend the Constitution, what would we do? What could we do? We see what's coming, but it appears that the Constitutional order can be dismantled legally.
I can't thank you enough, Joyce for this posting, Yes, trump does remind me of 1984 and Animal Farm both. Orwell thought he was writing against "communism", but every word screams dictatorship. People keep saying "We'll fix it all in 2026". But what if, trump or vance with the full support of the 2025ers, and billionaire wannabe rulers of the world - like musk, end free and fair elections. What if the only party on the ballot is trumpism?
We, the people, who love and understand the Constitution must have plans to counteract anything Kevin Roberts and the maga cultists have to throw at us. Too few listened, or even heard, when we said vote in 2024 like your life depended on it, because it does.
Now we must make the message clear and visible to all Americans.
This is my fear, Fay. That elections will be suspended and we won't be able to vote. I remember Trump saying if you vote for him, you never have to vote again. Chilling.
You are on to something...I am not sure what it is...something about pedestrian American Citizens taking an oath to the Constitution..? I am not sure, but keep thinking!
I personally took an oath to the Constitution in February 1967 when I became an American citizen, anyone in the American military also took an oath to the Constitution. It also became my favorite book, which I read so often it is now held together by scotch tape.
The media, print, broadcast and cable, has been Trump's enabler for years. They sane wash him. They paint him in broad strokes and sanitize whatever he does. The GOP goose steps in unison behind him. There is no dissent. Trump is a 34 count convicted felon and rapist. He is a demented, pathological liar who advocates for violence. In his first term, among other atrocities, he pardoned war criminals, the sleeze of Washington and his daughter's father-in-law - a convicted criminal. Oh yeah, that guy's going to be Ambassador to France. But President Biden pardons his son who endured a five year witch hunt, and the media is aghast. Never Trumpers clutch their pearls. Members of the Democratic party attack the President. Trump and company go after the President in the most vile way. But we're supposed to be impressed Elizabeth Warren sends a letter to President Biden? It's nothing more than grandstanding. We are a ridiculous shit show of stupid.
Yes, Rita, and forgot that Orange Putz pardoned Flynn, Stone & others. I am strongly with Biden on this. The Atlantic wrote today it gives MAGA’s Emperor permission. BS. He’d take it anyway. He’d blame the name he remembers - prob Pelosi - for setting the stage. 2+2will always = 5 as it did all his life.
Yes to this! I am done with Never Trumpers like Tom Nichols who wrote that bs in the Atlantic. Trump has said he's pardoning the J6 traitors for months if elected. Does anyone with half a brain think Trump feels constrained by anything? Or needs permission to do whatever he wants?
Exactly. No country will ever trust US again. Not in my lifetime. Canadian PM go to Trump is just really shameful. He is young and you think the media does not see that connection with the US youth who voted for TFG? We have to THINK hard about how to resist. My suggestion besides iron-on J621, is for any boomers who have IRA or anyone who has 401k and manage it yourself is to rebalance your bond to stock ratio to about 70 - 30. Preserve your capital for starters. Do it now while the world's largest casino is giddy.
It definitely did not help. He looked like a scared little boy. Justin needs to step away and let one of his powerful female ministers take the mantle. Or Mark Carney.
Whew...just shaking my head with disgust, but you are right. My course? Iron-on "J621" to a ball cap and wear it. I already have the iron-ons. Tomorrow I buy the cap. Love your last line. Thank you.
I believe President Biden should go further than what Senators Blumenthal and Warren have requested: Biden should order Executive Orders establishing legally enforceable standards for the Transition Act, which as I understand it is only a framework, and non-binding. This is how DT is getting away with not signing an ethics statement and thereby avoiding disclosing who's funding his transition work, how he's threatening bypassing the FBI background checks, etc. And Biden should find a way to make recess appointments impossible for DT, at least in the manner he's expected to attempt if he has to. Harsh? Not at all. Let DT and the GOP rescind the EOs if they want, thereby making it that much more clear how they're breaking through norms we've taken for granted, and which I believe most citizens will want kept once they're confronted with them being cast aside.
Before leaving office, Joe Biden should also pardon everyone on Kash Patel's Enemies List, as well as everyone who served on the Jan. 6 Committee, & all the generals like John Kelly & Mark Milley who stopped Trump from doing crazy stuff during his first term.
Read about 1/3 of "1984" back in 2017 but found it so depressing and disgusting. I saw where it was going so didn't finish it. No interest in picking it back up. Still recovering from the election and had to cut back on the news to lower my anxiety. So many of my friends have done the same thing. Little by little I'm reading and listening to more news with the exception of photos of #45 and hearing his voice 🤢. Thank you Joyce for boosting my spirits, keeping us informed and encouraging us to stay active in our political discourse.
This is really good advice, to stay informed, but alas, so many of us have no idea how to do that, which is a good part of the reason we are about to have Trump 2.0. The other reason is that we have never dealt with the deep-seated racism, misogyny, xenophobia, homo/transphobia, and the rest of the isms that haunt our nation. The Trumpers and Trumpettes trying to destroy our democracy have been so steeped in all of these that they will follow the rich white supposedly straight pseudo-christian child-man wherever he leads and will do whatever he tells them to do. They have decided they must fight for their whiteness and maleness and whatever else to the grave and they hope to take a whole lot of those horrible people who are not like them to the grave with them. There is no information beyond Trump they can or will hear and process. Trump is a magnet for people who have no moral compass and wouldn't know what to do with it if they had one. It is up to us, We the People who must stand up and say "no!" This is not 1984 and we ARE a democracy. It is going to be a challenge, but there is no one else but us.
Oh some of us and our families and loved ones have dealt with deep seated all of those. We will ask more and learn more. Those of us who physically can’t do will use our words as Joyce does. Well forward Steve Brodner’s superb Substacks. We will each have a role that is not silent in a way we can make a ruckus.
I have also worried about Martial Law and discussed that with friends here in Germany only last week. One of those friends is a retired physics professor from Warsaw. His wife is a retired political scientist professor from Germany. Neither thinks this will happen with Trump. My friend from Warsaw lived under Marshall Law in Poland. He could not travel to visit his wife and children while she was teaching in Germany.
I was so pessimistic in 2020 about 2024 I told my husband when we retired that we had to leave the country. I could see the country beginning to act as though Trump was a normal person and a campaign of evil at so many levels to set up 2024 for him. We moved in 2022 to Europe. However, I and every American I know has been extremely active in Democrats Abroad. I am very afraid for our country, but I am also very afraid for what this mad man can do to this entire planet. If it comes down to it, we must all be courageous and if it means converging into the streets in massive protests like Georgia count me in! I will be there and I will willingly take risks to remain free and for my fellow citizens to remain free—even the idiots who elected him. I just cannot live in the USA any longer due to what it does to my mental health. I am 70 years old and had to get out.
Moving to another country is no small feat and it's a shame you had to make that move because of its impact on your health. We spend about three months of the year in Germany visiting our family, our small and only grandchildren, and we do love it here but I do miss home. I will look up Democrats Abroad. We voted from here and I had to check if our votes got to the U.S. on time. They did.
For those who have not read Gabor Scheiring article in Politico a week ago I highly recommend reading. How Orban took over Hungrey and what to do in trump era. Has some very informative background and what can be done.
Yes, I read Gabor Scheiring's article and it is excellent. He has left out one important factor - according to the Department of Education, in 2022, 54% of American adults read below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level; meaning a significant portion of the US population lacks proficiencvy in literacy at a level considered basic for their age group.
Donald Trump won the 2024 election by 53% of the votes to Harris's 47%. This was one percent short of the national average for illiteracy. And limited access to books and educational resources hinder literacy development. The Republican Party is banning books and limiting public education. PEN America found that 10,000 titles were censored in 2023. One hundred years ago, book banning and burning was common practice in Nazi Germany. "On May 10, 1933, Nazi students burned books in 34 university towns across Germany. The Nazis targeted books that were political, anti-Nazi, etc.
Our country is now in the early stages of a Fascist regime and the lack of literacy and education has rendered 54% of the adults in the United States not capable of understanding this FACT.
About half our population does not understand the grave enormity and the potential destruction of the Trump administration toward our democracy. And while Scheiring's article is scary but accurate, his solution is based on educating the public. With book banning across the U.S. to ensure massive illiteracy and ignorance, Scheiring's logical and informative article applies more to Hungry than the U.S.
The Fascism revolution spreading like wild fire across the U.S. is enlisting those who lack the ability to think logically, make rational judgments, or understand situations based on evidence.
I’m flabbergasted at the naïveté of our elected officials. Senators Blumenthal & Warren have been around long enough to realize that clarifying a policy
to make sure DT understands there are limits to his power is not only 100% useless—it’s laughable. I guess if it makes them feel like they’re doing something substantial to check DT’s power it’s worth doing. However, it’s misleading to voters because Blumenthal & Warren are pretending that DT is a president-elect like every other president-elect in our nation’s history.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The minute
he’s inaugurated he will begin consolidating power.
There’s no role for Congress in Project 2025–didn’t
they read it? DT fully intends to be a dictator. What is it they don’t understand about that? Frankly, it’s
cruel to put the fate of 340 million people in Trump’s
hands. We know beyond a shadow of doubt he doesn’t care about anyone but himself. His presidency is about him. Period.
I believe the point of their letter was that Biden could help members of the military understand THEIR role and responsibilities in the event that Trump tries to use the military on American civilians.
Trump said many times he will use the military to round up illegal immigrants. But again, we can figure out what’s going to happen. We already know there’s a sizable number of white nationalist racists in our military, and we should assume they’re loyal to Trump. Troops that aren’t loyal to Trump may refuse to take part in domestic matters per Blumenthal & Warren’s clarification and they’ll either be thrown in military jail and/or punished. Trump could order them to be executed and he wouldn’t face repercussions because he’s been granted full immunity for official acts by the Supreme Court.
Once in jail we don’t know what will happen, but it’s likely Trump will want them punished in some way, to make sure they will follow his orders once they’re out of jail. The racist troops will get promotions. The non-racist troops will leave the military—if that’s even allowed. It won’t take long for all decent military personnel to separate from the military and then we’ll be left with troops who are not decent people and will follow all orders from Trump—ethical or not.
I should have said, “It won’t take long for all decent military personnel to separate from the military, just like it didn’t take long for decent republicans elected to be republican representatives and senators to separate from Congress. Then we’ll be left with troops and congresspersons who aren’t decent people and who will follow Trump’s orders whether or not they’re legal &/or ethical.”
I agree. I also believe soldiers will kill civilians just as Four Dead in Ohio happened. Also TFG sending hundreds of thousands of young people to their deaths is a possibility if not a probability. The Great Society escalated the number of draftees sent to Vietnam. TFG can and will find a way to kill.
I can’t tell you, Joyce, how important your words are. Your repetition is also needed. Too many believe that Trump will not go after them, but the erosion of law eventually affects all of us. No one is safe even Trump supporters
Kathi, Trumpers and Trumpettes have no clue that they will eventually become targets for the nuts they voted for. Those nuts always need a cause and will find one. Just look at what they have done to trans people. They think those immigrants are invading our nation when what is really invading is a bunch of scared white people who will do what an old white child-man with dementia tells them because they have been hypnotized into loving an absolute fool who hates everyone who is not him. The shameful thing for me is the number of supposed "christians" that have chosen to follow a toddler who knows nothing about christianity or just about anything else but conning everyone, lying incessantly, and dreaming of himself as dictator. We need to stand toe to toe with Trump's people and find ways to force them to wake up. OK, that isn't going to happen, so we will need other more powerful strategies but I don't know what they are yet.
We can call attention to what he does and how it destroys the checks and balances of our democracy. I know it doesn't seem like much but it will gain momentum as he takes away our freedoms and forces obedience to him. Hopefully it will open the eyes of the people he has duped before it is too late.
Local Sheriff & Orange servant Chad Chronister has been withdrawn as the DEA Nominee per national ABC News & local WFLA.
Keeping Score? 2 DOWN more to go. 12/4 Morn' Update: Make that 2 1/2 now.
++++++++++++++++++++
Alert: Arctic frigid temps go all the way to ALABAMA. Keep the Chickens Warm!
***************************
Tonight, I got some math too courtesy of Lawrence O'Donnell's show. Yes, it take 4 No votes to kill a nomination on a full Committee vote but, only 1 R Senate no vote to keep the nomination from even getting out of the Committee.
Good work by Jane Mayer in the New Yorker "Pete Hegseth's Secret History". Pete goes next even before the January hearing. Kudos Rachel's interview of Jane on Monday night's show, Jane's phone is "ringing off the hook".Stay tuned.
There's a pro photo illustrating Jane's story by a Reuter's camera on Pete hiding in the shadows. Hat tip to Nathan Howard.
******************************************
Early Tuesday 12/3 Morning; Over at LFAA, Heather Cox Richardson did her usual brilliant real-time analysis of Jane Mayer's article in full context. 👏🏻
11:48 AM Eastern Update: You know your nomination is in trouble when its defended by Senator Tommy Tuberville: "We need a drill sergeant" to get 'DEI' & 'woke'.
+++++++++++
Last Tuesday Update:
Another Wreck Nomination is GONE. Local FL Hillsborough Sheriff & politician
But:
1. Senator Robert Wicker drilled the fact he wants a "full FBI background check".
2. Senator Joni Ernst former soldier has questions about female & alcohol abuse & was Hegseth able to run any organizations no matter how small much less the Pentagon?
3. Noon Eastern press reports that Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker "has some concerns".
Drip, drip, drip.
In December & January 2025: A simple majority No or Yes is ultimately required by the Constitution IF the sexual abuser & financial mis-manger gets out of the Senate Subcommittee.
Yeah, pretty bad for Pete when his own mom writes an email condemning his behavior, and Rs don't blink an eye.
And then Mommie Dearest went on FOX recently and said none of it was true.
Yes, Bryan, I watched Lawrence also. He is correct, as usual. I am certain that he is on Trump’s “black list”.
Thank you.
Pete Hegseth’s Secret Historyhttps://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/pete-hegseths-secret-history
Boss, Dan👏🏻
Actually, on the scale we have to use, Chonister sas not as Orangery as a whoile lot of 'em. And he pulled himself ot of the pit.
I’m afraid that many of his followers simply don’t care. They are so lost even to their own interests that, told that democracy itself is being destroyed, they will rejoice if they believe it is what trump wants.
You got it Aslo. I live around people like this. Do not look for the goodness of people to get us out of this. These people lack compassion, and have an over-abundance of the raw self-preservation instincts that must be tamped down for a civil society to work. In other words they are haters. I do not normally categorize, but I am seeing this over and over again.
Aslo White, it really is sad that so many people who might appear aware and competent would be so desperate to vote for a toddler-man with not a single positive idea in a head that is now reeling with dementia. I don't understand it beyond that racism, misogyny, xenophobia, and homo/transphobia are not only alive and well in our society, but have overwhelmed even caring people to the point that they see a supposedly rich, white, loud-mouthed man, and they will vote for him, then blame Biden and anyone else's name they happen to remember for all the horrors Trump may be allowed to perpetrate on them. It is clear they either love what they were hearing from him, which makes them just as nuts as Trump is, or they didn't listen at all, which is what seems to be true for most of the nuts.
ZAnd then they will weep.
We are already in 1984! That’s how this evil was able to takeover! The question is now how do we get out of it? So many think that the Constitution will save us. But that only happens if enough people in strategic positions of power renounce what has just happened and refuse to allow the dissolution of the democracy to the oligarchs who are the real motivators behind this takeover. Frankly I don’t see that happening in our present circumstances. What do we need to do to inject balls into the opposition?
Balls? Maybe that is the problem with to many R's - they seem bent on playing with them!
"But that only happens if enough people in strategic positions of power renounce what has just happened and refuse to allow the dissolution of the democracy to the oligarchs who are the real motivators behind this takeover."
Exactly this.
Lawrence is the best.
Do we have a scintilla of a chance of calling attention to what Trump does when the media reports will be lopsided, headline-y, surface journalism chasing after what glitters? The msm media's old-fashioned chasing the scoop journalism or even missing the point scares the wits out of me. If done by Jane Mayer or MeidasTouch or Joyce Vance here, please scoop away!
"Hopefully it will open the eyes of the people he has duped before it is too late."
with what I am seeing - it will not.
It's what Trump did for his followers: grant permission to be publicly and proudly as hateful, disagreeable, contrary, and lawless as he is, all in the name of "free speech". He treated their irrational fears and grievances as absolute truth, and, desperate for acceptance and vengeance for perceived wrongs, they are now poised to obey in advance any directives - no matter how lawless or irrational.
Wondering Woman, you are right about the hate and perceived wrongs. The right-wing media regularly fed them the wrongs they should cling to. Along with the built-in racism, misogyny, xenophobia, homo/transphobia, and fear that those poor little white folks are being "replaced" made Trump's insanity not only palatable with Trumpers and Trumpettes, but let a lot of Dems and Independents stay home on their butts so they could later tell everyone they didn't vote for Trump and Kump. Well, yes, they did!
It makes me wild that they call themselves. Christians, because the most certainly do not follow Jesus!
I think reality will finally wake them up especially the construction industry and farmers who want to be exempt from Trump tariffs. Rural white men and blue collar workers. Ain’t going to happen. His bail out in his first term for farmers was illegal but I don’t think it was ever challenged.
Georgia farmers are already worried about the tariffs based on the last time.
Then why,why, did they vote for him? Did they think the election came with a "do over clause" if the winner turned out to be the addlepated traitor a majority of us knew he is?
Since so many of his followers don't watch or read reliable news, I thought it would have been a good idea to pepper Trump country with billboards, which can't be missed. Pointing out what a tariff is; outlining his many convictions and alleged sexual abuses, etc., etc.
Trump may very well have dementia but that doesn't give him an excuse or a pass for what he is doing. Dementia or not, this is Trump.
1. You ain't seen nothin; yet.... unless....
2. Our recourse, NOW, is that a forreign nation waged war on us, using psy ops.
3. Biden is still in office and war powers should be our top priority.
Absolutely right on the money. I have been saying this. The nuts that voted for him will eventually revolt because they were stupid enough to fall for his BS lies, and Trump stabbed them in the back.
Ruth, with constant vigilance, trump will still stumble. Proverbs 16:18 tells us about how pride and haughtiness will open him up to failure. History has repeatedly demonstrated that to be the case. Be vigilant. Not fearful.
I think I'll be fearful and vigilant.
That guy Jesus had a saying about people like the Trumpers: "Let the dead bury the dead."
-----Luke 9:60
I find iinteresing that apparently one of the things some Trump-addled Repug's didn;t like a bout this selection for hed of the DEA is that this Florida sheriff had followed the law in arresting a preacher who told his flock not to swear masks or get COVID vaccines, in 2020.
We live in Oregon. I believe the West Coast will be in grave danger!
We all need to pay attention and have a plan!
Follow our Governors. They will support each of the three states. In my Congressional District we flipped the seat from red to blue, and the majority voted for Kamala.
The first thing my husband said after the election results were confirmed was “Thank God we live in California!”
Everyone, who didn't or doesn't support him, and that means everyone, in every “blue” state needs to have a plan because they’re going to be “coming for them”, in a thousand ways, from IRS audits, to the withdrawal and withholding of federal funding for anything, and I mean anything! Their plan is force “non-believers” into submission, one way or the other, and this includes through the use of force if needed! They already have the plan (2025) and fully intend to execute it! Get ready, because its coming!
Cascadia time. Nuff said. Will my CDN passport be accepted at the new border?
Yes! Stimulating book. Cascadia time, indeed.
Who is the author?
Ecotopia: The Notebooks and Reports of William Weston is a utopian novel by Ernest Callenbach, published in 1975.
Thanks!
Is the book part of the Unraveling series?
No.
I think I have that old book on my shelf. If not I'll buy one.
I still have my copy from HS and/or college. Animal Farm and Farenheit 451 as well. There is a reason these are now banned books in some places, whereas they were part of my curriculum. Slaughterhouse Five. A lengthy list.
I, too, have those books. I remember reading them in high school. I think that was the last time I read 1984. I’ll have to pull it out. I reread Animal Farm during Trump's first term. I reread Fahrenheit 451 when all the book bannings began. We are living in a dystopian novel.
All of my favorite books in high school, including The Handmaid's Tale. 43 years ago, I came to understand how this nightmare was possible.
I marched in the Woman’s March on Washington Jan 21, 2017. Seems like yesterday now it seems like a tomorrow. So troubling. And guess what. Most the super majority of the marchers were women, lol. On the bus back to Connecticut, we stopped at a rest stop. Most had to use the rest room. I lined up inback of a long line of mostly women waiting to use the men’s room, lol. One woman turned to me and said, “You can cut ahead the urinals are free.” And she was correct. In the bathroom, I pulled out my iPad and began talking out loud until some guy yelled at me to put it away.
I never thought I would march, my daughter drove from Chicago to Washington, D.C. I'm extremely uncomfortable in large crowds because of an experience I had in NY trying to see Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro during their campaign. I decided I could not sit this one out and marched in Chicago. It was a powerful and exhilarating experience, not only women marching but many men and families with small children and strollers.
I was in generally red St. Augustine, Florida and marched -- and was so pleased that the march was so well attended.
I was stuck in a crowd of 5 million women. It could have been worse, lol.
I started reading it once. Turned my stomach and I put it down. It remains with me, and would be even more revulsive now.
Better buy it and save it. I downloaded Project 2025 as well - believing it might disappear from availability when histories are written.
So true and I am scared of Rump t and his followers.
But that is what he and this tropes want you to feel…fear. Don’t let them do that to you. Read Timothy Snyder’s book, “On Tyranny”. As Joyce pointed out, the first thing he says is “don’t obey”.
On Tyranny is a little gem of a book. I have gifted my daughters and friends with it. There is a version on Audible with further lessons regarding Ukraine, on which Snyder is an expert. However, there is a wealth of books he has written. I also recommend, The Road to Unfreedom. Snyder discusses Putin at length and who and what were his influences. An important and interesting read.
"On Tyranny" is also available in a graphic novel edition for folks who read better with illustrations.
I have that version!!! It’s incredible. Everybody should read it.
I'm reading it now....
He has a new book out called “On Freedom”.
Yes, just DO NOT OBEY. See my post above.
D. Allen, it’s okay to be scared. I feel scared. The key is to not let fear overwhelm you or cut off your critical thinking or your ability to act. I’m a fan of Dune (book & movie & tv series) and one quote seems appropriate in our times: “fear is the mind-killer.” Take steps to make yourself & your loved ones safe. Find your courage. As Joyce says: we’re in this together.
Just because I have fears of the Dt regime doesn’t mean I am rolling over to comply with his idiot directives.
_Sigh_ I didn’t say or intend to imply that you were “rolling over”. Merely trying to be supportive.
First They Came--Pastor Martin Niemoller
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me.
I was thinking of this too. Thank you for posting.
Trump supporters are primed. They will be his shock troops. I'll reread 1984. I saw this coming when Reagan was elected.
Especially not Trump supporters are safe!, just look at all who Trump turned against to punish, like Michael Cohen!
Well, I guess '1984' is on my to-do list. The problem with your essay, Ma'am, is that the people who read it (e.g., me) agree with you and universally seek to be informed. ✍️
Most perplexing for me is that I know more than a few people who voted for Trump. That unrepresentative sample is NEITHER stupid NOR uninformed NOR uneducated. 😵
My relatives et al. are angry. I get the sense that most M.A.G.A.s may not have given up on the republican experiment as much as they concur that it has given up on them. 😱
Dr Cox Richardson, in an reference that cites you, documents a rogues gallery of senior level nominees of Trump. If there were ever a chance to re-balance the branches, this is it. ⚖️
Oh brother!
It speaks volumes to the general public's need for leadership, any kind of leadership, that 171 people "liked" your post that offered them doom and gloom predictions, scare tactics, and accolades of hero worship.
I would say to remember Anne Frank.In her time,she was an anonymous little girl, writing about her life hiding from a monstrous government who only wanted to kill every person like her.
Once her family was discovered,she was sent to a camp,and died of typhoid,and buried in a mass grave.But her father survived,and when his daughter's diary was discovered,he made sure her voice was heard.
The moral of the story,is the Nazis may have taken her life,but unto this day,they couldn't silence her voice.We should use that example to be bold and stand up for the truth,justice for all,and loudly and proudly say what needs to be heard,not what we're told we can say.
I have no intention of"Obeying in Advance".To Hell with that bullshit! Who's with me?
It’s odd at almost 78 to feel the fear I felt as a child: talked about in hushed tones, my WWII veteran father & US stateside AFB-Jeep-driving mom, neighbors who were Survivors must’ve talked enough about the War & Nazis that it crept into the subconscious of this then little girl. In my attic bedroom, Anne Frank not yet known to us all, I believed there were Nazis in the trees outside our city neighborhood. Already overwhelmed by what Joyce wrote & quoted, then your post, Melissa Redman, a horrible flashback & tears: the equivalent will be outside on the streets. In the offices. Maybe they’ll stay away from Jose Andres’s & Andy Shallal’s restaurants and we’ll congregate there.
I will soon be 79, close to your same age, Joan. My brother and I grew up being reminded about what had just happened in Europe. We had a large book with gruesome photos of the horrors that occurred. Not having TV, this was our visual equivalent. And we were very young when that book was made available to us. Our parents made sure we were aware of our recent history. Then, when I was about 12, a first-hand reality of what people endured during WWII was demonstrated so clearly; I remember it as if it were yesterday. We lived in rural NJ and our neighbors had a large chicken farm. They were Jewish Polish immigrants, and I used to babysit for their son once in a while. My mother was a dressmaker and used to alter clothes for the boy’s mother. She was in our house for her fitting and happened to have a lovely hairstyle that we had never seen before. My Mom complimented her, and the woman said that this was her good wig and that the one we usually saw was her everyday wig. With that, she pulled off her wig to reveal her totally bald head. She explained to us that she was in a concentration camp and was chosen to have brain experiments done on her, such that her hair never could grow back. As if the floodgates suddenly opened, she tearfully told us about how she had to witness her first husband and children being shot and was forced to dig their graves. She survived, only because they used her for their medical needs. We had been neighbors for a number of years and had no knowledge of her past. As a child, I became so much more aware of the stark reality of Hitler’s war. Multiplying this one incident by the millions of suffering that occurred due to this horrid man impacted me deeply. Soon there won’t be anyone left who can give such firsthand accounts. This is why I value historians’ perspectives, such as Timothy Snyder and Heather Cox Richardson, novelists who have written the books Joyce has mentioned, and films such as Ken Burn’s on WWII, in which he interviews veterans who fought in that war. We must not ever forget, and it is imperative that we teach our children.
Oh Carol, how safe she felt with your family to open up. So many Survivors and former soldiers said nothing yet lived with the memories. The Survivors who went on to teach others, to have families after losing all they had. It was and is unimaginable yet we see it day after day around the world. I will never understand cruelty and hate to the degree it is demonstrated.
As you note, it IS imperative that we teach our children and yet FL and TX are taking books that teach anything that isn't, as my maternal grandmother (z"l) would say "to see the pretty birdie" which meant let's only talk about happy things. I do not understand. Slavery existed - still exists, genocide continues, horrors continue and all sit back and shrug. We must not be silenced. We must not comply/be complicit in advance.
Thanks for your empathic reply, Joan. You express exactly how I feel, especially about the cruelty that continues to exist everywhere. I wonder how long it will take for us to evolve as human sapiens to be kind, considerate, and accepting of others who do no harm...to live in peace with one another. And yes, living in FL and witnessing the banning of excellent books has been utterly shocking! We shall not be silenced!
I do not think in this country we will return to who we were as still working full time I see the younger generation morphing into slaves of technology addicted (literally addicted) to their IPHONE and SMART WATCHES. Much of the work day is spent by them checking both. But I love them and they are all of them extremely intelligent with great potential -- the young people I come in contact with every day in many professions -- they a are lovely but tense and fearful and a bit resigned. Their futures are not looking rosy with climate change and so much divisiveness as well as lack of leadership top to bottom. I see the demand of technology to focus on technology in order to live and work is turning people into something that humans are not built for in fact -- it is turning each into distracted slaves of technology. I relate more with the people of Ukraine. I subscribe to They Kyive Independent and the journalism is a throwback and unbiased reporting. The stories so close to what they are enduring is reported objectively, just the facts. The facts themselves stand on their own, of course. There is an enviable unity there, however, and a universal umbrella of shared history and culture and songs and fables. That is what we lost here in that those who came before us in many cases did not teach their children their language, culture, stories, songs and fables. I know first-hand what as valued was their children were American. As a toddler hearing my Aunt and her sister speaking Finnish and likely having an aptitude to learn it -- only around age two asked told my Mom I "wanted to do that" -- too young to know it was another language or what it was but I knew with all my heart I "wanted to do that," My mother very young approached my Aunt Esther telling her I wanted to learn Finnish. The answer was firm, "No, no, no. We don't want her to have an accent." English with no accent was the ticke to success back then and the immigrants knew it. They completely left their history behind for the sake of their "American" children and grandchildren.
Carol, can’t thank you enough for telling us that rich with history story. I’m 79.
What a moving and beautifully written commentary. I am 74 so just over the bridge from where you grew up having lived in the two family in the Bronx that my great grandparents built (they both were immigrants from Sweden--my great grandfather when he was a child and my great grandmother when she was a young adult). I lived within walking distance of Parkchester where my grand uncle (1st generation American) and his spouse (herself an immigrant as a young adult from Finland) lived. On my mother's side the lineage goes back to The Mayflower era and I am versed in all those relatives and lucky enough to have gleaned our family's history from my maternal aunt who had first-hand accounts from her parents, grandparents and great grandparents; and of course, the great grandparents had first-hand accounts from their parents and grandparents. My maternal aunt did much research and provided al of us with along narrative including dates and stories and family lore. I took that info and was able to confirm much of the family lore. My experience growing up the in the same home my father and his father were raised was idyllic. It was a different time. My father could account for the years he grew up when the road out front was a dirt road and the view before tall buildings went up was not blocked in that you could see the waterways surrounding the Bronx from our second story windows. I grew up with neighbors who were immigrants or the children of immigrants. My best friend's parents immigrated from Ireland as did many of my friends. My sister's best friend's parents were Jewish (as were many of my neighbors) who immigrated I do not recall what country. The doors to homes remained unlocked and everyone looked after each other in that neighborhood. My best friend and another good friend lived in the apartment buildings that were built in the 40's by a gentleman who owned a business and built these truly beautiful apartments so his workers in an act of grace specifically to accommodate his employees. They had so much detail and huge windows and hardwood floors. They were maintained by what was referred to as "Supers" and my best friend's father as well as another friend's father had these jobs. Their buildings were immaculate washed down from the fifth floor to the "stoop" out front and the street with hot water and disinfectant and a huge mob. The apartment buildings were heated by coal and I remember seeing my other friend's father shoveling he coal in the furnace. I am so lucky to have known these adults growing up. I remember when color TV first became available and going to the stores in Parkchester with my friend to view them thru a glass display -- no one could afford such a luxury amongst my friends and relatives. It was a novelty. Take care and then you for your story. One more I have is that across the street from my home was what was once a VICTORY GARDEN. As to the care everyone took, I have one story about the time my brother lost one of shoes playing. He came home and told my mother. Soon after I still remember our stairway out front lined wish shoes placed there by neighbors who heard the tale of the lost shoe and understood it was going to be an expense to replace my brother's shoes. She shoes were not pairs but single shoes found by everyone in the neighborhood. If they saw a single shoe it wound up on our front steps. None of them were my brother's shoe unfortunately but the act of love and care was witnessed by me every day living on that street in the Bronx NY. Take care!
I recall qwhen i was v young I had met a new little girl in our neighborhood. I loved going to her house, because she had fantastic toys. A week or so after we met, her parents called my parents, asking if they could come over. My mother asked me if I had done anyrthing wromg. (I only admitted to going thru the hedge to her house.) When they came, I listened as best as I could. They seemed to be thanking my mother for letting me play with their daughter. My Mom said they declared they were Jewish, and the other folks in the neighborhood told their kids not to plan with her. TG my mother, raised in small- town upstate NY, was v open-minded in a nearly 100% Catholic neighborhood.
I have "kept a journal" since high school, ironically stowing the notebooks away in my mother's and father's old World War II army trunks.
I suspect that most people on this forum would be with you.
Hello, cuz- me too!
Howzit, DW?
We are all with you, Melissa.
I am with you. Moral of Anne Frank is to get your journal and write. The press will not print any of the Opinionators on this thread.
Great idea to keep a journal. I have in the past but this is a completely different time and reason. And yes, Melissa, I am with you too.
Excellent example! Thank you! This was my favorite bookshelf I was young!
Power resides in the people.
If we give it.
I always remember when I was a kid growing up in NYC, my mom went with my uncle to see a play (or a movie) in the city. My mother just told me it was a very sad story avbout a heroic little girl. It wAs The Diary of Anne Frank, as I realized a bit later.
You’re wonderful Melissa.
You sound a bit like Heather Cox Richardson in this piece. I think that most people will not have a clue what hit them when Trump takes office and six months after he is in office they still won’t be able to put 2 and 2 together. For most folks, critical thinking just wasn’t wired into their brains and asking them to do it now is like asking them to do rocket science.
When catastrophe hits them, they’ll blame Biden. Mark my words.
And Trump will take credit for everything that the Biden-Harris admin put in place in the Infrastructure bill. Just watch…
And the poorly educated, uninterested and uninformed followers will believe him. It’s much easier to have someone tell you what is, than have to actually read and seek information out about what has and is happening. And to actually think and come to conclusions based on evidence is something they are incapable of when they can just have someone tell them. It’s so much easier that way.
…and the fact that he pardoned his son will be the justification for not blaming Trump.
The fact that he pardoned his son will be Trump’s justification for kinds of horrible things that Trump will put into action
Here’s the phrase I’ve heard that really gets me: “Joe pardoned his son and tfg pardoned his co-conspirators.” Manafort, Bannon, Stone—and guess what? They’re all back in business against our democracy. And I truly believe Hunter was in the crosshairs for ongoing punishment—retribution, don’tcha know. And how about tfg putting A CRIMINAL and family member he PARDONED as ambassador to France? Lafayette (without whom we might not have won the Revolutionary War, must be rolling in his grave!)
Lauren, I have been stewing on this since the pardon announcement. Will it blow over or will the ‘ other side’ be able to milk it for all its (non) worth.
Will totally milk it. They already are. Read last night’s ‘Letters From an American’ by Heather Cox Richardson.
No question in my mind about that!
However if trump starts right of with just some of the things he has threaten on day one - I believe more Americans then u think will have their eyes opened widely!..
Thank you for keeping us so informed. Knowing is so much better than wringing our hands and wondering. I hope President Biden heeds the letter from Senators Warren and Blumenthal to take action to prevent don-old from quelling domestic protests using the military. Everything that can be done should be done before he takes office.
I also recommend "It Can't Happen Here" by Sinclair Lewis. It's the companion piece to "1984" and probably more on point b/c it includes the violence the Nazis were unashamed/proud to show the world. We can only pray that the Trump toadies will lack the ability to mobilize storm troopers either b/c they are inept or b/c our civil servants stand up for the rule of law or some messy combination thereof. We are in truly frightening times. But I remain optimistic that we will make it through this test b/c there are more true patriots in this country than there are angry voters. Please read it. It's short. It's bracing. It's a book for our time.
Thank you, William. I have never read it and just downloaded it.
Enjoy. It will resonate a little too loudly with where we are in America today. Be well.
The only thing that could possibly cause the MAGA people to realize they were wrong in reelecting Trump would be for the economy to go totally bottoms up and For every bit of news print to say over and over and over that the poor economy is completely the result of Trump‘s policies. Given the state of our newspapers, I doubt that will happen so it is up to us to make it very clear that people are suffering because Trump‘s policies do not help them.
I fear you've got this right. When the fecal matter hits the fan, as it surely will if Trump's policies are enacted, the MAGAts will blame Biden. And the MSM will let that pass.
And Fox and OAN will amplify the call to blame The Other.
I expect the economy to do just that with deportations. The cost alone and the loss of workers and tax dollars, neighborhoods empty, families in hiding. Vaccinations will be taken away and children and adults will overcrowd hospitals again. Like during early COVID. I sound like a “prepper” and I’m not. It’s what I’ve envisioned, Dr Kellogg.
It took more than "MAGA people" to elect Trump. "MAGA people" aren't the ones pulling Trump's strings (or jerking his chain) either.
Correct. Trumpzi, unto himself is too stupid to orchestrate any of this. Putin is calling the shots, and his useful idiot Musky is pulling Trumpzi’s strings as the latter dances and dangles mind bangles before his gullible followers who wouldn’t know critical thinking if it bit ‘em.
You might be right about Pukin', but I still say Merrick Garland needs to arrest the Traitors Trump, Stone and Bannon, and get them in a prison charged with Sedition, conspiracy to commit a felony, and second degree murder. December 17 is when the states are to complete their certifications. After that it will be too late. Biden and Garland NOT THROWING THEM IN JAIL ASAP after J621, was the principle reason people did not vote.
What are you basing that on? My take (going back several decades) is that most non-voters don't vote because they aren't interested, don't care, or don't know how.
I can't think of a more solid reason for people to not care to vote than letting traitors go unpunished HERE in The United States. Millions saw what happened on J621. The DOJ dangled the promise of cogent punishment, but did not follow through. Remember J621. To Joyce's point, don't let the majority control the past. I will do my best to keep J621 in front; it is my battle cry.
What's your case for Putin and Musk? I assume they're involved, but Putin is a long way off and Musk is a greenie to political maneuvering (outside of NASA anyway). I'm not discounting the influence of the Dark Money crowd, e.g., Koch, Thiel, and Clarence Thomas's generous patrons.
(Apologies for the delayed response, I’m still learning how Substack “works” …) My speculation is based on the following: Putin is smarter than Trump. Musk is smarter than Trump. Putin’s hands have been up Trump’s back since before Trump ran the first time (real estate, pageants, etc.). Consider Manafort & Michael Cohen’s dealings on Trump’s behalf, and the many connections, at least to Russia, detailed in the Mueller Report, including Kushner’s efforts to establish a back channel, early on. There was also Eric Prince meeting with Russian connections in the Seychelles after Trump “won” in 2016. More recently, and perhaps
more to the point of your question, Trump (as reported in credible media) somewhat regularly “talked” with Putin before this election. Musk also spoke with Putin repeatedly before the election. Musk’s recent, annoying (for Trump) upstaging of the “boss” leads me to believe this is the triumvirate chain of command.
All true, but as puppets go, neither Trump nor Musk strikes me as optimal. Putin is stretched at home, but he also has a tremendous amount at stake (like maybe his life) and few obvious ways out of his dilemma(s). From his perspective, Trump is a very good bet. At the same time, Trump is experiencing conflicting pressures much closer to home, and I'm not sure either Putin or Musk can give solid advice on dealing with them.
I agree 100% with you on the cowardly and selfish cabal who aims to kill our Constitution for power and money. They are varied and they are home grown. Sinclair was right when he said that American fascism will come wrapped in Old Glory and carrying a Cross. It's here.
This is becoming such a catastrophe! Elections sure do have consequences. We are in for a long fight.
But only if we fight.
And how? Midterms? Taxes in escrow accounts? I ask seriously.
Start working on those midterms NOW.
We wonder how bad it will get.
Looking at history, it got pretty bad.
Try this query: "how many people died due to war in the 20th century". The answer returned to me was "around 231 million" in all wars and conflicts around the world.
The new regime coming to America next year do not appear to be trying to bring people together, to unite us in the United States. They appear intent upon pulling us apart.
isn't the pending demolishing of our constitutional republic a National Emergency allowing President Biden to preemptively act to prevent?
No, because it won't be a National Emergency until January 20, 2025 and Former President Biden will no longer be able to shield us. That's what we, the Democrats get for abandoning the best President we've had in most of your lifetimes. Better you youngsters remember in the future, age does not render us useless, dementia does.
I agree that Biden was an excellent president. I think there were missteps and mistakes, but I was grateful to have him as president.
Why can't Biden and Garland throw Trump, Bannon and Stone in jail?
One: the wold have to be indicted on new charges by a grand jury. Two: the DOJ has a long standing policy, (with which I disagree) that you don't brig charges against a sitting President (or President -elect) Three: Merrick Garland is a much better judge than an Attorney General, for which he is neither temperamentally or intellectually suited. Some people are capable of many different roles, some for only one.
Lincoln arrested a Copperhead Congressman and home arrested the DC District Court Judge because they ignored his warning. Why do we have to go through another grand jury? We already have evidence of their culpability thanks to J6 Committee. The ONLY branch of government that brought urgency and facts to the Insurrection. I also disagree with the DOJ unspoken unsigned policy. Garland can do it. He has the power, right?
I feel certain that Biden and his most respected inner circle are struggling with questions in this vein. Struggling mightily. It's clear that the coming administration promises danger and disaster, and there are only days left in which to act.
Too late now to make enough impact through the machination of the legal system, the situation demands decisive and unprecedented action. I imagine that Biden has vowed to himself and others not to take advantage of the SCOTUS immunity invention, and rightly so, but we left earth and the life we love back on Nov5. The rules changed, and anything Biden does to save our democracy is acceptable, even applauded. And action thus taken is within the conduct of the presidency and therefore immune by the new rules.
Any action taken is measured against the hypothetical threat that looms. The decision would forever be second-guessed, debated on into history.
It's a pivot point in history, a giant first step into the next chapter of our story. Biden can do nothing, and just finish out his term, or he can recognise the need for a hero to do whatever he can. He is the only person with only this chance NOW to save democracy. Biden could save this country. Like it or not, it must be seen in those drastic terms to be as bold as possible.
It will never be easier to change or affect the course of events. We want someone to do something! We fear inaction...what chance are we missing? We would cheer the bravery. We need a hero.
Many people swore an oath to defend the Constitution. If we civilians wanted to help defend the Constitution, what would we do? What could we do? We see what's coming, but it appears that the Constitutional order can be dismantled legally.
I can't thank you enough, Joyce for this posting, Yes, trump does remind me of 1984 and Animal Farm both. Orwell thought he was writing against "communism", but every word screams dictatorship. People keep saying "We'll fix it all in 2026". But what if, trump or vance with the full support of the 2025ers, and billionaire wannabe rulers of the world - like musk, end free and fair elections. What if the only party on the ballot is trumpism?
We, the people, who love and understand the Constitution must have plans to counteract anything Kevin Roberts and the maga cultists have to throw at us. Too few listened, or even heard, when we said vote in 2024 like your life depended on it, because it does.
Now we must make the message clear and visible to all Americans.
This is my fear, Fay. That elections will be suspended and we won't be able to vote. I remember Trump saying if you vote for him, you never have to vote again. Chilling.
You are on to something...I am not sure what it is...something about pedestrian American Citizens taking an oath to the Constitution..? I am not sure, but keep thinking!
I personally took an oath to the Constitution in February 1967 when I became an American citizen, anyone in the American military also took an oath to the Constitution. It also became my favorite book, which I read so often it is now held together by scotch tape.
The media, print, broadcast and cable, has been Trump's enabler for years. They sane wash him. They paint him in broad strokes and sanitize whatever he does. The GOP goose steps in unison behind him. There is no dissent. Trump is a 34 count convicted felon and rapist. He is a demented, pathological liar who advocates for violence. In his first term, among other atrocities, he pardoned war criminals, the sleeze of Washington and his daughter's father-in-law - a convicted criminal. Oh yeah, that guy's going to be Ambassador to France. But President Biden pardons his son who endured a five year witch hunt, and the media is aghast. Never Trumpers clutch their pearls. Members of the Democratic party attack the President. Trump and company go after the President in the most vile way. But we're supposed to be impressed Elizabeth Warren sends a letter to President Biden? It's nothing more than grandstanding. We are a ridiculous shit show of stupid.
Yes, Rita, and forgot that Orange Putz pardoned Flynn, Stone & others. I am strongly with Biden on this. The Atlantic wrote today it gives MAGA’s Emperor permission. BS. He’d take it anyway. He’d blame the name he remembers - prob Pelosi - for setting the stage. 2+2will always = 5 as it did all his life.
Yes to this! I am done with Never Trumpers like Tom Nichols who wrote that bs in the Atlantic. Trump has said he's pardoning the J6 traitors for months if elected. Does anyone with half a brain think Trump feels constrained by anything? Or needs permission to do whatever he wants?
Exactly. No country will ever trust US again. Not in my lifetime. Canadian PM go to Trump is just really shameful. He is young and you think the media does not see that connection with the US youth who voted for TFG? We have to THINK hard about how to resist. My suggestion besides iron-on J621, is for any boomers who have IRA or anyone who has 401k and manage it yourself is to rebalance your bond to stock ratio to about 70 - 30. Preserve your capital for starters. Do it now while the world's largest casino is giddy.
Justin Trudeau went to Mara Lago to save his political career. He is very unpopular in Canada right now.
It definitely did not help. He looked like a scared little boy. Justin needs to step away and let one of his powerful female ministers take the mantle. Or Mark Carney.
Pardoned Charles Kushner and now made him ambassador to France.
Yet his followers claim the charges are all made up, that he's being set up by the Libs. None of this stuff was really done, in their view.
They are a delusional cult.
Whew...just shaking my head with disgust, but you are right. My course? Iron-on "J621" to a ball cap and wear it. I already have the iron-ons. Tomorrow I buy the cap. Love your last line. Thank you.
Arthur, where did you get the J621 iron-on?
I have a cap and it’s ready for duty.
Jo-Anns fabrics have iron on numbers and letters. I believe so does Michael's, but I do not know.
Thanks! Brilliant!
Great words! Let’s go get them, Rita!
I believe President Biden should go further than what Senators Blumenthal and Warren have requested: Biden should order Executive Orders establishing legally enforceable standards for the Transition Act, which as I understand it is only a framework, and non-binding. This is how DT is getting away with not signing an ethics statement and thereby avoiding disclosing who's funding his transition work, how he's threatening bypassing the FBI background checks, etc. And Biden should find a way to make recess appointments impossible for DT, at least in the manner he's expected to attempt if he has to. Harsh? Not at all. Let DT and the GOP rescind the EOs if they want, thereby making it that much more clear how they're breaking through norms we've taken for granted, and which I believe most citizens will want kept once they're confronted with them being cast aside.
Before leaving office, Joe Biden should also pardon everyone on Kash Patel's Enemies List, as well as everyone who served on the Jan. 6 Committee, & all the generals like John Kelly & Mark Milley who stopped Trump from doing crazy stuff during his first term.
If you have Dem Senator(s) write that.
That is brilliant! He only has until December 17th. I will email the White House immediately with your suggestion, Skip. Thank you.
Can't the Orangutan Menace just rescind the executive order once he's sworn in?
Thanks Joyce. If you haven't time to read "1984", watch the film of the same name starring Joh Hurt.
Read about 1/3 of "1984" back in 2017 but found it so depressing and disgusting. I saw where it was going so didn't finish it. No interest in picking it back up. Still recovering from the election and had to cut back on the news to lower my anxiety. So many of my friends have done the same thing. Little by little I'm reading and listening to more news with the exception of photos of #45 and hearing his voice 🤢. Thank you Joyce for boosting my spirits, keeping us informed and encouraging us to stay active in our political discourse.
Me,too, E Smith. Being very selective of what information I take in. Still like Lester Holt delivering the news.
Good movie. It was Richard Burton's last film. There's another B&W from the 50s British made that is also remarkable.
This is really good advice, to stay informed, but alas, so many of us have no idea how to do that, which is a good part of the reason we are about to have Trump 2.0. The other reason is that we have never dealt with the deep-seated racism, misogyny, xenophobia, homo/transphobia, and the rest of the isms that haunt our nation. The Trumpers and Trumpettes trying to destroy our democracy have been so steeped in all of these that they will follow the rich white supposedly straight pseudo-christian child-man wherever he leads and will do whatever he tells them to do. They have decided they must fight for their whiteness and maleness and whatever else to the grave and they hope to take a whole lot of those horrible people who are not like them to the grave with them. There is no information beyond Trump they can or will hear and process. Trump is a magnet for people who have no moral compass and wouldn't know what to do with it if they had one. It is up to us, We the People who must stand up and say "no!" This is not 1984 and we ARE a democracy. It is going to be a challenge, but there is no one else but us.
Oh some of us and our families and loved ones have dealt with deep seated all of those. We will ask more and learn more. Those of us who physically can’t do will use our words as Joyce does. Well forward Steve Brodner’s superb Substacks. We will each have a role that is not silent in a way we can make a ruckus.
We are only a democracy until martial law is invoked.
I have also worried about Martial Law and discussed that with friends here in Germany only last week. One of those friends is a retired physics professor from Warsaw. His wife is a retired political scientist professor from Germany. Neither thinks this will happen with Trump. My friend from Warsaw lived under Marshall Law in Poland. He could not travel to visit his wife and children while she was teaching in Germany.
Given the last days, I’ve wondered who will go over the wall to save us. Jamie Raskin?
I was so pessimistic in 2020 about 2024 I told my husband when we retired that we had to leave the country. I could see the country beginning to act as though Trump was a normal person and a campaign of evil at so many levels to set up 2024 for him. We moved in 2022 to Europe. However, I and every American I know has been extremely active in Democrats Abroad. I am very afraid for our country, but I am also very afraid for what this mad man can do to this entire planet. If it comes down to it, we must all be courageous and if it means converging into the streets in massive protests like Georgia count me in! I will be there and I will willingly take risks to remain free and for my fellow citizens to remain free—even the idiots who elected him. I just cannot live in the USA any longer due to what it does to my mental health. I am 70 years old and had to get out.
Moving to another country is no small feat and it's a shame you had to make that move because of its impact on your health. We spend about three months of the year in Germany visiting our family, our small and only grandchildren, and we do love it here but I do miss home. I will look up Democrats Abroad. We voted from here and I had to check if our votes got to the U.S. on time. They did.
Gayna, what country did you move to? We’re in our 70’s too and just don’t know where
To go or what Country will accept us
Which one may I ask? I once lived in Italy for two years and even at the time I never felt like returning.
For those who have not read Gabor Scheiring article in Politico a week ago I highly recommend reading. How Orban took over Hungrey and what to do in trump era. Has some very informative background and what can be done.
Thank you Joyce for the excellent read.
Yes, I read Gabor Scheiring's article and it is excellent. He has left out one important factor - according to the Department of Education, in 2022, 54% of American adults read below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level; meaning a significant portion of the US population lacks proficiencvy in literacy at a level considered basic for their age group.
Donald Trump won the 2024 election by 53% of the votes to Harris's 47%. This was one percent short of the national average for illiteracy. And limited access to books and educational resources hinder literacy development. The Republican Party is banning books and limiting public education. PEN America found that 10,000 titles were censored in 2023. One hundred years ago, book banning and burning was common practice in Nazi Germany. "On May 10, 1933, Nazi students burned books in 34 university towns across Germany. The Nazis targeted books that were political, anti-Nazi, etc.
Our country is now in the early stages of a Fascist regime and the lack of literacy and education has rendered 54% of the adults in the United States not capable of understanding this FACT.
About half our population does not understand the grave enormity and the potential destruction of the Trump administration toward our democracy. And while Scheiring's article is scary but accurate, his solution is based on educating the public. With book banning across the U.S. to ensure massive illiteracy and ignorance, Scheiring's logical and informative article applies more to Hungry than the U.S.
The Fascism revolution spreading like wild fire across the U.S. is enlisting those who lack the ability to think logically, make rational judgments, or understand situations based on evidence.
Elizabeth Graham
www.democrazy2020.org
I’m flabbergasted at the naïveté of our elected officials. Senators Blumenthal & Warren have been around long enough to realize that clarifying a policy
to make sure DT understands there are limits to his power is not only 100% useless—it’s laughable. I guess if it makes them feel like they’re doing something substantial to check DT’s power it’s worth doing. However, it’s misleading to voters because Blumenthal & Warren are pretending that DT is a president-elect like every other president-elect in our nation’s history.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The minute
he’s inaugurated he will begin consolidating power.
There’s no role for Congress in Project 2025–didn’t
they read it? DT fully intends to be a dictator. What is it they don’t understand about that? Frankly, it’s
cruel to put the fate of 340 million people in Trump’s
hands. We know beyond a shadow of doubt he doesn’t care about anyone but himself. His presidency is about him. Period.
I believe the point of their letter was that Biden could help members of the military understand THEIR role and responsibilities in the event that Trump tries to use the military on American civilians.
Trump said many times he will use the military to round up illegal immigrants. But again, we can figure out what’s going to happen. We already know there’s a sizable number of white nationalist racists in our military, and we should assume they’re loyal to Trump. Troops that aren’t loyal to Trump may refuse to take part in domestic matters per Blumenthal & Warren’s clarification and they’ll either be thrown in military jail and/or punished. Trump could order them to be executed and he wouldn’t face repercussions because he’s been granted full immunity for official acts by the Supreme Court.
Once in jail we don’t know what will happen, but it’s likely Trump will want them punished in some way, to make sure they will follow his orders once they’re out of jail. The racist troops will get promotions. The non-racist troops will leave the military—if that’s even allowed. It won’t take long for all decent military personnel to separate from the military and then we’ll be left with troops who are not decent people and will follow all orders from Trump—ethical or not.
I should have said, “It won’t take long for all decent military personnel to separate from the military, just like it didn’t take long for decent republicans elected to be republican representatives and senators to separate from Congress. Then we’ll be left with troops and congresspersons who aren’t decent people and who will follow Trump’s orders whether or not they’re legal &/or ethical.”
I agree. I also believe soldiers will kill civilians just as Four Dead in Ohio happened. Also TFG sending hundreds of thousands of young people to their deaths is a possibility if not a probability. The Great Society escalated the number of draftees sent to Vietnam. TFG can and will find a way to kill.
Absolutely agree! It’s even more obvious when you look at the sorry, unqualified lot of Cabinet “loyalist” nominees. The intention is destruction.
So they should sit quietly on their hands? What are your ideas for curbing Trump’s malice?
There is no way to curb Trump’s malice once he’s been inaugurated. That’s my point.