I wish to God every broadcast network, cable network and publication would shout out over and over again how dangerous Trump is to our country. Maybe they really can't believe this is happening in the United States. Perhaps they hope some miracle will help us. What happened to Germany with Hitler is happening here, and the media is being boiled like frogs. It's unbelievable any voter would support this madman. The Republican party is completely owned by this lunatic. As for Tuberville, I have left several messages for one of my senators, John Cornyn (yes, he sucks but he's marginally better than Cruz) complaining about Tuberville. But, let's face it, Tuberville is drunk with power. He's not going to change his mind. Ukraine. Israel. There was a time this country would have been united against this evil. Instead we're fighting Trump and his Republican traitors every freaking day.
Trump and his cronies have been using the Nazi handbook since at least 2016. I believe that most Republicans are fine with that. They want the all white Christian fascist life. No LGBTQ. No people of color. No immigrants. Forced birth. They don't care about children or women. It's all about control and retribution.
The Magaverse has been utterly and completely brainwashed into believing that electing Joe Biden will be the end of democracy, and they are passionate about not letting that happen. They are at least as passionate about that as we who believe that tRump will end democracy are.
I firmly believe that if tRump is indeed the nominee for the Republican Party, they have absolutely no intention of “losing”, even if they in fact lose. In the same vein as in 2020 only much, much worse. There will be violence that will make Jan 6 look like a kindergarten field trip. Kari Lake and now Ohio not accepting loss is just the tip of the iceberg.
The difference is that drumpf espouses it clearly, and pathetically whines about how unfair everything is and tells Pence he won’t be his friend any more.
So juvenile. But then half the population has an IQ below 100.
I wonder what level of “intelligence”is needed for critical thinking? I suspect it’s more a habit than an IQ issue.
Rita, what you say is not true. There is an element which want this, but we need to stop calling each other fascists, when what we have is a small number of wicked people holding enormous power in their wealth
I think they're fascists, and I'll call them that. When Rick Santorum declares "democracy doesn't work" because Ohio passed abortion protections, he is saying he wants a dictatorship where people like him make the rules. When Trump calls people vermin and promises to deport them on election day, you have a modern day Hitler. When people mob the Capitol and beat police officers screaming "kill them", this is a group that would have killed the vice president given a chance. This just isn't about a "small number of wicked people". This is about a coordinated effort in the Republican party to return Trump to power. And they do this by lying and inciting violence in regular citizens ready to grab their guns and kill people because Trump is their God. We are a big country but there are millions of people who will vote for Trump. That is not a small number. And believe me when I tell you, those in the MAGA universe will not respond to either kindness or reason.
We have Trump sanctioned Steve Bannon spewing forth a fascist-based message in a Weaponized psychology format, six days a week in his War Room podcast. Bannon has hundreds of thousands of fascist mindsets followers who will vote for Trump if he is the nominee. This was Bannon’s get out of jail free card when Trump pardoned him on his last day in office in January 2021. The Republican Party needs to find someone with integrity and the cajones (see Madeline Albright) to rid itself of its far right fascist element. And they need to do that before we receive lectures about our language about fascism. They brought fascism to the table.
People, you are all correct. But the primary is well under way, and we are down to a small number of far less than ideal candidates running against Trump, and a MAGA base that is unlikely to change much. If anyone can lift up a candidate as suggested above, I am all in. But until then, can I pragmatically remind us of the serenity prayer, we change what we can. In this case it's to persuade the 65% of the electorate who do not turn out for Republican primaries, that this is the one time we must! Iowa is 8 weeks away.
The men and women supporting MAGA are a mixed bunch. Some are subconsciously swayed by Trump the James Cagney pure American strongman visual cues in the media into believing their real personal social grievances will be answered by someone breaking the rule of law ‘for the greater good’. Others are just spoiled bullies only interested in grabbing power and wealth illegally. The latter are the elite elect minority mobsters who consciously ride the backs of the former suffering majority for personal gain. Modern day Elmer Gantrys.
A similar historical narrative played out in pre Nazi Germany where the post World War One citizens were suffering horrendous economic hardships and subsequent social iniquities and were promised a final solution by Hitler’s regime who mass mediated social scapegoats and then deployed the full force of the state into publicly eliminating them.
None of the social iniquities motivating the support of Germany’s political mob cult violence were answered longterm but the strategy gifted Hitler’s regime absolute political power.
This particular battle for US democracy and rule of law is being played out through the use of very dark propaganda.
Follow the hostile players money. Exposing the decades of criminal treacherous greed behind their rise to political power will end them.
All the alarm I feel. And none of the confidence following the money will help. These people are beyond reason. Even their preachers preach hate and retribution.
Yes, from an historic political view the shift is noticeable. We are lucky to understand this movement. I hope there is stability before a disaster. God help us. Right now no one wants to step up. Not even MBS.
I just responded to Alexander Bischoff on your behalf (see above):
"Alexander: Joyce Vance wrote this, unless you have forgotten. You do not need to lecture Rita about something she is repeating and that everyone on this Substack has read since it was published by the Substack author. Read on. Then read again.
Valere, this is not a self righteous lecture, it is an impassioned please for Democrats to engage by turning out the Independent, and conservative vote in the GOP primary. I put to you that I am one of very few ministers, a Christian conservatives, who has not left the (R) party in disgust, but is stepping up to ask YOU (and to explain why I believe what you believe) but NOT so you vote (D). I am doing this to engage us all, for we are all under attack. This issue is not solved by Biden winning in November. If the GOP nominate Trump, sure, but we have from now to July to lift up our hearts and to engage.
ps: Alexander: CNN interviewed Republican women at a 'planning party' in western Pennsylvania this past summer (recall, Trump announced his candidacy on November 15, 2022, nearly two years before the coming 2024 election). The journalist asked specific questions, and prefaced them with such things as: 'Given that Donald Trump has been found guilty of sexually abusing women, will that conviction play a roll in your vote for him should he be the Republican nominee in 2024?' and 'Does Donald Trump's appointment of anti-LGTBQ judges with anti-LGTBQ records impact your choice to support him for for president?' 'As a woman, does Donald Trump's stance on women having the right to choose abortion and his appointment to the SCOTUS of justices who have acknowledged their anti-abortion stances, trouble you?' There were several other questions in the interview: shockingly, while every question involved women's rights or egregious behaviors toward women, these Republican women had no qualms about voting for Donald Trump in 2024 - and they said so. This was a small sample of women. However, they are representative of the majority of Republican women. What are we to take from this? I do agree that a small number of wicked people hold enormous power in their wealth. They may or may not be fascist but they are paying a fascist to run for president in 2024 and they are paying his legal bills. But this statement by you is non sequitor on its face: Trump is a fascist, and the folks who do not mind his fascism and will vote for him number in the millions. That is hardly a small number. And it has nothing to do with the small number of wicked people holding enormous power in their wealth. Trump was, is and will be a misogynist, fascist, xenophobic racist and he found wealthy people to give HIM enormous power and they found him to do their bidding. The MAGA cult minions follow Trump because (a) they cannot think for themselves; (b) they were enchanted with his 'wealth' story and his promise to give them wealth (let's see what they have to say when they learn that he has pretend wealth fashioned with OP money; (c) they are fascist racists who were enticed by his story of building a wall to keep brown and black people out of the US; (d) they like his racism and xenophobic policies to stop Muslims from immigrating to the US. We and the media need to call fascists 'fascists.' Please stop acting like that offends you. It shouldn't. If you wanted to be part of correcting the problem, you would call them that as well. We are not name-calling when we say that. We are spreading the alarm.
They are in a cult. They see progressive women as the problem. They benefit from the patriarchy somehow (Have husbands with good paying jobs who take care of them or they have Daddy's inheritance) They have bought into the quaint notion that a stable society has women who stay home and bake cookies and fold laundry and stand by their man.
You are partly correct, but as I have said earlier, do not lump us all in. My wife understands my role as a husband, to be willing to die for her aspirations, to put myself 2nd, to her true needs. I have been called a misogynist by liberal woman who take their issue with some church who abused them some while back, and put it on me! That is not right. But I make no excuse for men who do abuse their position, the bible says they would be better off to castrate themselves, and drown themselves, than come before Gods judgement. No one wants to preach that in male dominated abusing churches. Its what God's word says though and I am glad it says that. Despite this, we need Grace, for none of us are perfect.
Again, I agree with you. Where is disagree is how to do something about it. I only wrote how I feel, so you all could see that I agreed with you and why! I live with the MAGA people, they come to me for help to overcome their addictions, the veterans to ask for help when their families are breaking down because of their C-PTSD. They are caught up in a cycle of anger that will take generations to address. The AA recovery rate is 1.8%, and that is of the less than 15% who even try to confront their addition to anger, rage, food, and other mind bending biochemical disorders: https://jrcc.open4nutrition.com/ : read up on this site to see why people brains are in trouble. Obesity, sugar addiction heart disorders, are seriously affecting how people think and act. But we cannot change that now, we can only help take away sociopath at the top, and if that means 85% of Democrats turn out in Iowas to vote for the best of the rest, that is what we have to do.
Without your knowledge you are my friend, Alex. People are in trouble. Mage people are in trouble. Society is way too complicated for normal folks to navigate. Society is frying our brains.
You are welcome to call a fascist a fascist. Its calling people fascists, that you have not met, and at best have seen something from one of the biased media outlets (they are all chasing the $'s) nasty names that I am saying needs to end. Please, lets stop this, is the shoe fits, sure. But facts first and less condemnation with so little investigation?
Alexander, you are being directive in your request that I comply with your dogma. You are convinced that you have 'the answer' to the problem. I know your intent is to get rid of Trump, so we share that. My belief is that when our country is faced with being over-taken by a fascist dictator with millions of cult member followers who go by core element (i) in Griffin's definition (or choose any definition you wish); we should call a fascist a fascist and we should do it openly in our writing. So far as your statement that implies I have done 'so little investigation': I have read the indictments. And the ensuing Motions that Joyce Vance has furnished for us. I am diligent about reading the footnotes and following the links in Joyce Vance's Civil Discourses Substack. I ran a policy center and taught graduate school at a Research One university for some 22 years. I worked internationally in Asia at an Imperial university in Japan and for the Minister of Education in South Korea. I was tasked with testifying at the state legislature of a western state every day during session, and I worked with both sides of the aisle. During my career, I had strong and trusted and trusting relationships on both sides of the aisle. And nobody knew how I voted. I had to be unbiased. I have a PhD in Education Policy Studies (I'm not much for mentioning this because any jackass with time and money can gain a PhD. I'm not that kind of PhD: my mentors were the toughest of the tough. But most people on this Substack have advanced degrees themselves and if they do not, they are much smarter than either you or I in their domains. However, I am someone who has conducted more than a few research studies. (You challenged my 'investigation' ability, so I am mentioning that my career was to conduct research and teach research methodology, so I am supposed to be able to 'investigate.' In fact, it is my obligation as a PhD researcher to do so on many levels: whether in business, medicine, health policy, or politics. I've conducted longitudinal analyses that required mixed methods that included quantitative and qualitative analysis that provided triangulation from using banks of data and conducting ground level one-on-one interviews. We all have biases, but if we stick to a methodology that attempts to weed out our personal biases, facts that we can report with confidence will float to the top.
It seems (to me) that you are doing the opposite: you are starting with the outcome or hoped for conclusion and hoping we will jump on the freight train and get there with you. You may be 100% correct - but you are dealing with some folks who analyze stuff for their living. And they question methodology. We also know fascism when we see it, so we are very wary - and we are not going to couch our awareness. I've supplied the links here for you to do your own investigation on the threat we are facing from Trump. This existential threat drives our carefulness in coveting our vote: they include a hyper-link to the Axios report that Joyce Vance gave us so we could read the back-story of how Trump has set up and is proceeding to put into place his takeover of the United States. You may have read this same report. This is what Trump is presenting. Do I believe all Republicans are fascist? Nope. Some are, and Trump has tapped into and exploited this mindset. Some are not. I have many Republican friends and I have maintained my connections with them regardless of the politics they hold to. Do I believe you have adequately researched what happens when independents and Democrats throw their votes to the Republican Party in a primary that leads to a general for the presidency? I'm not sure. It appears that you are asking 'us' to do something because we should trust you. But you did not disclose in your request that voters from three swing states face the possibility of losing their Democrat status if they vote Republican in the 2024 general. Did you know this and just neglect to inform us or did you not know this? If it is the former, you need to explain why. If it's the latter, that's ok - everyone makes mistakes. However, people on this Substack have their blinders off. If you have something workable that will help to defeat Trump, everyone here will be delighted to hear it. But there are gaps in your proposal. I do not need to be personally acquainted with every one of the MAGAs or Trump himself to call a fascist a fascist. I understand from your calling as a minister that you do not like name-calling. I try not to do that as well. I have stayed away from wishing ill health and ill will to Trump and his followers (I won't respond to posts that do so). As a Christian minister, it's for you to determine whether one matches the definition of ‘Christian.’ But at the current moment a self-identified ‘Christian’ (who is a fascist and a nationalist and wants to destroy our democracy) is hunched over his spreadsheet in his right-wing hideaway picking out the replacements for long-time and dedicated civil servant positions whom Trump will fire from their jobs should he be elected in 2024. These include the top-tier of the DOJ and many others. Those 'fired' will be charged with some such crime by Trump if he is elected. But we on this Substack who are in this together aim to show Trump what can't be done: he can't be elected. Please bring back a proposal that does not jeopardize anyone's general election vote, with a valid source showing that our voting in the general will not in jeopardy if we follow your outline for voting Republican in the primary and I will re-read it. I know this has worked in mid-year elections, but we have a general this time. Again, please note the links to websites and data I have included here.
If you look up the definition of fascism and compare that to what the entire Republican Party is now, they are clearly fascists. They intend to take over our government for their own greed and power. With money and influence from the evilangelicals they intend to turn America into theocratic fascist state. All you have to do is listen to what they say and watch what they do. We are far past the time to start calling them exactly what they are. It’s now the Republican Fascist Party, plain and simple.
What a great idea. It's bound to have then listen attentively to your concerns, and to go out of their way to love you? I understand you concern, but please do not think of me as a fascist. I simply disagree with some of the (D) policies as I am sure more people do. The government is too large, we have too many rules, and balance is the way that this is addressed. Rules make rules, which make more rules, and more rules and more rules! I am not saying slash and burn, that was Trump, but we have to find ways to use technology to cut costs. Just look at the SEC's work with digital payments systems. And crypto, blockchain, it's a joke!
It’s far more than a small number. I’d like to think so, but these lunatics are everywhere. Not that bright, incurious, praying to their magic sky daddy for their friend without insurance to be healed of the cancer.
Jen, you paint a rather dismal view of the church. But is is spot on, in far far toooo many cases! The good news is that there are also, grounded, smart, decent, economy loving caring others!
Alexander: Joyce Vance wrote this, unless you have forgotten. You do not need to lecture Rita about something she is repeating and that everyone on this Substack has read since it was published by the Substack author. Read on. Then read again.
Hugh, you really are out of order with your comment. We ARE ALL Americans, and we all have feelings, hopes and the right to seek happiness. Money was decided by SCOTUS well before my time, that it could be used in PAC's. That is the reality we face. Money buys TV, buys Ads on X, gets a single voice disproportional heard. Commitment, and volunteers, can overcome but it takes a co-ordination effort. I think of the campaign I supported in Marin county, up against PG&E and 400 million, AB 32. But a small group of unpaid, passionate people, overturned the evil power grab. Today Marin has a community choice renewable energy program. We need help not cynicism.
Only when there are a smattering of deaths that the threat will be taken seriously by a few of the borderline MAGA clones who are not yet without a soul and conscience. A few strategic assassinations by the Trumpistas may lead to unraveling of the murderous MAGA movement. If the country freezes in fear when AOC or Schiff or Pelosi are killed, we may well slide into tyranny. If the country responds seriously and firmly, perhaps this threat will end. If the pressure cooker blows apart, there will be a mess.
To go back to the “outside“ of this discussion… I agree there are a small number of (insidiously evil) people that are controlling the dialogue. However, the number of people going along with that dialogue is large. I see people being interviewed about why they support Trump and most often they say they think he’s a good businessman. I wonder how they possibly can think that and sometimes consider that it is their excuse for supporting a man whose bigotry they are aligned with. It’s hard to know.
I also agree with Alexander Bischoff that the task at hand now is to get out the vote. But having a major news outlet point out that Trump’s language is straight out of Nazi propaganda is not in conflict with that goal.
Trump's first term was chaotic and disorganized, so we were able to sidetrack a lot of his plans. It's not going to be like that this time. He has evil people behind the scenes (Miller, Navarro, Manafort, Flynn) who know what went wrong last time and will hit the ground running this time.
P.S. I email Tubby once or twice a week. A good howler is very therapeutic!! Since these are read and sorted by staffers, I sometimes address them directly, i.e., How can you work for a man like this? Don't trade your country for a paycheck.
I email my rep, Tim Burchett frequently. The auto-fill feature makes it a little faster! Generally, his replies are some combination of the form letters that staff has on hand. He has determined that the deficit is the biggest problem this country faces. Even when asked about reproductive rights or sensible Gun reform!
I think the battle against stupid is still winnable, but it’s a cyclical thing. You tamper down the stupid with consequences, and then the stupid go back in their caves until the other-than-stupid let down their guard and the cycle starts over again. We just happen to be in a category 5 stupid and it will take longer than normal to restore the next period of relative peace.
Hi Tutone, I thought I replied to you and it now does not show: but I'm still not clear about what you mean by the battle of 'ethnicities over whites'?
What I meant was that white supremicists fighting to hold court over the rights of everyone else who are non-white is a feudal battle as whites are declining in numbers and will soon become the minority as other ethnicities grow beyond those numbers. It seems that TFG’s desperate battle to regain power in 2024 is to dominate and annihilate all non-whites from having any rights at all.
At the beginning when Redford is taking about the political press, he relates the reason the press isn’t really talking about the break in is because”you don’t want to be on the wrong side of this guy”(Nixon).
That’s the key to what the media is doing. People have reason to be afraid of Drumpf and his cult.
I’m hoping as he becomes more deranged and it his trials go badly, the media will become brave. Biden is safe to go after. Drumpf is terrifying.
Rita, I hope you can read my comment on the main thread. I am a Christian minister, the theat we face is everything you say and a whole lot more. I have tuned our 501c3 and the full resource of my small company to this. I am praying for help as I know what needs to be done, Twitter, Facebook, tik tok, sub stack, and a private network I am chairman for, but the costs are beyond our budgets. Despite the fact I write most the software myself.
I thought Mike Johnson made it clear that he looks to the Bible in order to run the House. Although there are passages devoted to keeping your word (the debt ceiling deal previously agreed to), I guess he can't find those. Moody's downgrade of the US credit rating is also due to Republicans bloating the deficit with tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations and spending all their time ousting and then trying to elect a new Speaker. Of course, they get paid even if the government shuts down.
In honesty they shouldn't be paid a single dime if they let this crap happen and the pay shouldn't be retroactive,they should completely lose that portion,just as an incentive to pass a budget.
I agree. Congress won't care because they get paid regardless of whether or not they actually do anything.
In my next life, I want to be in Congress. Won't bother to get a college degree again, especially since some of our current members barely made it out of high school. Won't bother about what my constituents want or need. I'll get on some committees to make myself extra money. The best part will be having benefits even after I retire (or don't get re-elected) forever, without having done much.
Equal benefits under Medicare for all...🫶 we have a tall order to revamp laws -loopholes actually - no one should receive what another can’t ...but 16 years of house, senate, and presidency should allow us enough time to ....get ‘er done...then maybe a new Republican Party can find itself and contribute.
Mike Johnson stood up with every other house and senate member during Biden’s first State of the Union speech, clapping for Biden and roaring approval when Biden said ‘we will never touch our Social Security benefits, Medicare or military benefits.’ Not an exact quote but close and that is what got them all on their feet. So Mike Johnson, and all the rest of the Republicans who close down the government need to be reminded that they made that promise and now they are breaking it. The government shut down will harm every retiree living on that paycheck. Wish we had a techie or even a 10-year-old who could get the video of that State of the Union (2021) with pictures of Mike Johnson standing clapping because the cameras panned the entire room.
Patricia, it's called politics, not a tea party. (I have edited this, my apologies, it was not a thoughtful way to reply to you) I do not know Mike, but at least he is a man who has a moral compass, is a lawyer, and knows the constitution.
TutoneSF, and you say this on what authority? Have you ever met him, sat with him in the quiet of the night, listened to his hopes for his family, I doubt it!
Yes, I grew up in South Africa where we play rugby. You may have recently seen the world cup finals. New Zealand vs. South Africa. In America, you have the baseball world series. You can imagine my surprise when I, knowing cricket and our world test series, came to learn that "world" in baseball means "USA" Politics is similar, it has rules, rules I think are dreadful, but they are entrenched, they determine who wins what office, and if you play them incorrectly you wil wrongly peoples past. We can see this with Obama, groomed to say the right things to win the Democrat nomination, beat Clinton, and serve two terms as President. One might say a game well played, if you are a democrat. Well, so not if you you were a Clinton democrat. I doubt our founders saw the "business" of politics 250 years ago when they set sail to find a place to escape religious persecution in Europe. I cannot change this, its the rules we live with. All I can propose is we understand the rules, I understand that bonnets are not hoods on cars, and my wife and I, after 18 years do not talk past each other as often. I will never accept the world is the USA though! I hope people see this as you hear what Mike is saying, and to whom. I would not have chosen him, for I think he has played a deceptive business, but, let's see what he pivots to now that he has power!
Seems the ‘moral compass’ has been set many many years ago. Time proved quickly get in line and tow the mark or ‘you’re fired’ . The faces of the world leaders wrote the story before even the news/media really dug in. The rest of the fantasy lay within the broad brush within egos as pieces fit together long before Putin, MBS, the system rigged , the BIG LIE, J6 and who the BIGS now were behind the scenes barely scathed and ‘exposed’ late-Barr, Bannon, Stone, Leo, Koch...a few ‘others’..their convenient career conman caper not quite completed...yet?
There’s little to none now in that circle caring a damn about our constitution . Such a sweet young piece of art yet, and principled..yet another compass getting F ‘d by lip service only .
Their tally tells.
The books have been written, tales terrifying the few survivors seeing history setting up to repeat itself . The warnings as usual barely heard over the bleating sheep.
Each country has such potential to add ,their common wanting and happy with the smallest piece of pie.
I hope someday good people can soothe the ageless demon of power and control. ..
I’m hoping a Blue Tsunami gives all truths time enough to taste the tamed ..and this tiresome toll be done.
Why waste more years of needed work to honor this earth and enjoy peace.
You speak the truth. I am 66, you can find most of my writing on our 501c3 website : https://operationsavannah.org : the story of a country devastated by a political travesty in 1948, which I was born into in 1957, South Africa and apartheid, sent to war by my country, covertly and funded by the CIA's dark money, to fight for democracy against Russia and overturn an election to supports Americas foreign policy of containment. How ironic that we face a man who denied an election and uses this lie as the basis of his run for office in 2024. I believe America needs two healthy political parties and much as it would be so much easier to join ranks with the (D) : I quote you, "I hope someday good people can soothe the ageless demon of power and control.", for how will we get there if someone does not try. I am under no illusion of the mountain we face! But every journey begins with one small step. Alex
I read the operationsavannah...have no words to share more profound , it’s an affidavit story , heard many in ‘the halls’ -there is no more therapeutic value than one addict to another-never rung so true. The traumas of war/drugs, the personal hells once seen ..being there is a kinship , overcoming them a miracle , walking beside another through the darkness...indeed they reflect the one set of footprint where two people were and whose footprints they were. I wake every morning with that gratitude on my breath.
It's a term we use in AA. Is meant to suggest that he has a set of values (can be good or not good) but that the person will usually follow them. The people that get to me are those who cannot be trusted, or known as to what they will do. My dad used to say, I can deal with the crooks, you know what they are going to do, its the fools who catch me every time. Trump thinks it is good to be unpredictable, I suggest that he does not know what he is going to do, and is as caught out as the rest of us are each time he does something.
Johnson should be ousted as we speak because he leads the wrecking crew. I wonder what other surprising cults he might belong to. He’s up there with MTG, Boebert, Gaetz, Santos, all traitors and insurrectionists. Look out NOW!
Tutone, please relax. This is a natural progression of GOP. Full Gospel needs to have a voice. They are quite slow, however. Maga Mike won't be able to reach consensus with the crazy eight. We have a year until elections. Perhaps change will come IF Trump is elected? I don't know what it will take at this point.
Also in the Bible... Jubilee, forgiveness of debts. Beware anyone who says they believe in the "literal" infallible words of the Bible or the Constitution. They always mean they believe their own interpretation is infallible.
I cannot. Although this is undoubtedly how some people think, whether implicitly or explicitly, my ridiculous assertion was made only in the spirit of playfulness and satire.
But if you like I can adopt a set of values and perspectives, and then create a god to endorse them, and then write some "scripture" detailing the character of that god and how she supports and blesses my particular values and perspectives, And then, because my scripture will include the promise of immortality spent in some form of paradise, I will proselytize many people and build a large organization that then becomes its own reason for existing, and that nobody dares challenge, just in case I might be right, and because by that time it will have assumed the false legitimacy of many believers.
But first I have to brush my teeth and feed the dog.
People, don't listen to your own echo chamber. Mike Johnson is playing politics. If he does not say certain things he is not in the play. Politics is a winner take all sport for liars and cheaters at the moment. We, the electorate out then there, 35% did not turn out to vote, the biggest voter block. Less than 15% really understand the electoral college, fewer the constitution, and I doubt anyone in this thread knows how many delegates it takes to win the Republican primary.
I don’t believe Tuberville is upholding the promotions over abortion. This is about Trump. He’s a Trump man through and through and it’s been suggested he waiting for another Trump presidency to install loyal military.
That's a good part of his reasoning, to install Trump supporters into the military as of 1/21/25. Everyone should be aware of the goals of Project 2025.
I have seen it, Trump does what he says he is going to do. If he can, and let's not underestimate him again. This is a cyber war, and the sponsor is Russia. China is watching to see if we are weak. The southern border is a distraction.
Please don’t just think about it. Find organizations whose get-out-the-blue-vote goals and politicians whose platforms you believe in and work with them or donate to them.
Thanks for a really good idea! I'll do just about ANYTHING to keep the Democrats in office. Trump's Recipe for Disaster that would begin immediately after being sworn in --- IF, heaven forbid, he wins --- scares the heck out of me. Quite frankly, I think his ideas are inhumane.
Yes, indeed Tuberville is a Trump puppet (and that’s the reason he was elected) but he has free will and he doesn’t have to be a Trump puppet, or as some of us like to say: ‘a capo for don-Don.’
Tuberville may in reality have free will but in the MAGA world, he certainly does not. He is there for one reason and as everyone else, is petrified not to comply.
You are,almost certainly correct. Please read my main post in this thread, we face a real theat from Rumo and it has to be stopped in the primary, my opinion
I find myself feeling the levels of disgust, anxiety, and frustration that I felt when he was in office. Every day is filled with drama & gross revelations. I can’t do four more years of daily trauma.
Consider carefully what you believe and the truth of what you read. Their objective is to scare us and make us fear their power over us. I am one who believes they are lying about their power because it’s in their best interest to do so. They’re nothing without that. Maybe if they weren’t so dysfunctional and so off kilter or had a more wining hand I’d take their threats more seriously. All they have is money to try to buy outcomes. Is that enough? Everything else is a negative on their side. Stay calm, focused, and stay very alert to what their next moves might be. Ask yourself why they act the way they do to point you in the right direction.
Susan your comment is on the mark. The government hating (federal only of course) MAGA’s could well be moving toward a shutdown for the inevitable economic downturn it will likely promulgate (and the public sentiment against Biden that would engender). Since the economy has recovered so mightily in the last three years their nihilism may be peeking through and giving their desired effect (see the Moodys rating drop). You can bet many of these GOP tools are smart enough to know the polls are pretty much useless in reality. They know the atmosphere for their “candidate” is fraught with more baggage than probably any other’s in U.S. presidential history and the piper will eventually be paid for the lying treasonous behavior running rampant throughout most of their party over the last seven years. Mike Johnson and his moral conviction? Don't make us laugh. The only “tea bags” they are interested in are the ones containing kryptonite for the current administration.
If there is anyone still who doesn't understand another term of the orange pustule in the WH is the END of our Democratic Republic those persons are the perpetrators of the destruction, lying about caring. Those people who see no difference between the Democratic and Republican agendas are the ones we need to give the stark info to, all the links Joyce provides for frank dissection of the disasters coming our way if we do not vote blue in any and every election. This isn't going away by itself. Our civic duty is to change hearts and minds, with cool heads and exact facts. Let's get busy folks. This is for all the marbles.
What you are saying, Mimi, is so true. However, have you been successful at talking to Maga folks? It is truly impossible. I have tried very many times. I first state that “we need to discuss” this and agree to disagree and walk away. Because I will not have this affect my family or friends. So, we have this conversation... and we have all seen or heard their (non-answers) I apologize that I just don’t get it..it is so obviously dangerous. WE HAVE TO VOTE THEM OUT.
Here is my thought: right NOW the courts need to bring everything to trial ASAP. He MUST be charged so he CANNOT RUN FOR PRESIDENT. HE IS DISPICABLE (and I’m being nice.🇺🇸
Our constitution says that the courts do not decide election results. The 14th amendment be ballot challenge will go to Scotia and I agree with Joyce, it will be out back to the electorate. The DC case will NOT be decided before super Tuesday. It's time to face facts, it's vote for someone else in Iowa in January, or we are playing Russian roulette with America. Praise God the governor is not up for election and has endorsed DeSantis. I think he is relatively weak, but we can argue Biden or DeSantis rationally after July, there is no reason if Trump is the nominee
I understand. Completely. I try to have the conversations with others who I already know vote blue. Conversations about wage increase and employment levels and gas prices, etc,etc etc. So much is being done by a better president.
I presume you are young and do not have a political and economic view beyond 50 years. Every 20 years requires different metrics. We are extremely fortunate to have the Fed to be semi moderate despite 7T being added to national debt by Trump.
It is hard. Do they not watch the news at all. Is tfg kind of talk that acceptable to these people. Look, I voted for him in ‘16. What a mistake, I know. But as time went on it is his rhetoric that totally made me sick. It has now gotten out of control.
I will never understand, it just gets me upset. I quit trying. I even asked my family members if they had no respect for grandpa fighting in WWII. (Didn’t get an answer) told me all I needed to know.
I have banned political talk in my house. These kids are college educated THAT scares me more. 😢
I am. Christian conservative and we are many! Far more than most realize. Our most recent survey suggests that 86% of educated users in Twitter reject Trump. What we need is for every independent, conservative, republican to get out and vote, or be part of the caucuses, and to vote for a rational conservative to be the Republican nominee. In July, when this threat is over, we can get back to issues, and electing our leaders in a rational way
Others have joined your warning about the malevolent danger of Trump, including Dan Rather in his Substack post today. But are these warnings reaching the people who need to hear them? We all need to make sure they do. It would be fruitless to attempt to change the minds of brainwashed MAGAts, but the youth and moderates should be our targets, and even many of those friends of ours who do not follow politics closely. Now is the time for them to start, and we must encourage them to do that and to persuade their friends and family to as well.
Mim, I have ideas. But sub stack and writing of more than 40 words, are not how the youth gets knowledge. It's to parents people, if you have a voting age kid, it is your responsibility to register then independently and get them educated on civics, the reason we vote. We are responsible for our kids attitude to democracy.
Democracy certainly is on the ballot in 2024. If Trump is elected, we all have to get ready for a Vengeance 2025 tour. He will be jailing people he wants revenge upon. We should remember he is already responsible for dismantling women's rights.
It’s important to note that once the government re-opens after a shutdown, federal government workers are made whole. Private sector employees who are contractors to the government are not.
On The New York's AG fraud case, a Rule 56 Motion for Summary Judgment on fraud has already been GRANTED against NY Trump Ville. Trump & Sons' had a strict deadline of 20 days to attempt to alter or amend the Judgment if possible at all under Rule 56(e). Defendants must put on a defense, if any, as to intent & materiality issues. Oh ... sorry Trump admitted both in his rant last week. So it is now just a matter of dollar damages ... Bigly damages.
Alexander, many of are here educated by the accurate historical context taught by HCR on another Substack platform particularly of the 19th Century & its lessons for 2023 & beyond.
Professors, Vance or Richardson, I have a request. I think 2024 voters need your analyses of the Presidential Election on 11/8/1864. Former General, George B. McClellan versus that tall & skinny guy, Abraham Lincoln, back when the nation was on fire.
Great. I would like to have details. Right now I am deep in what happened during the 1940s during the formation of Israel. I have some questions. Let's say Israel was favored.
I suspect Tubs motive, as a MAGAT, is preemptive, punishing the military’s leaders for their lack of Trump worship. And those who age out of service will not be around for post 2025 presidential retribution
I am afraid that his motive is to keep all those positions open until Dump is elected and can fill those positions with sycophants so he will have his own army. Have you listened to Dump this week? He gets more and more grandiose with each tirade.
Your comment just reminded me that when Hitler came to power he made the military swear an oath--not to Germany, but a personal oath--to Hitler. In Trump's case the oath of his appointed sycophants would be secret and maybe just implicit (mob-style communication), but it would be real, and powerful, and deadly for our nation.
Thank you Joyce for girding us for the week ahead. Yes we all need to call Tuberville’s office. That boy’s not subtle in his strategy and knows the harm he does. Johnson needs a call or two also. They telegraph their desire to do harm, and at the very least we can speak out.
Thank you so very much Joyce for sending this fabulously informative piece. I will be calling Tuberville. I too had read Mike Johnson‘s comment to ‘trust us.’ And my thought was “oh please.” While the government is threatened of shutting down, there are some very diligent, hard-working people who will be required to work and represent us with the State Department at APEC and other critical sites around the world. This is so bad even the Republicans are sick of themselves. Most folks on this site know that I don’t tend to make light of anything and I don’t want to at all here. But since you mentioned watching “my cousin Vinny.” Indeed, I have seen the movie and will watch it again. I don’t want to offend anyone at all by offering this suggestion for a funny moment , but I wanted to offer this Randy Rainbow short video on You Tube (less than three minutes). Spoiler alert! It’s in the vein of ‘The Bird Cage.’ Randy does wonderful interviews of the you know who’s. This one is his interview with Mike Johnson “Randy Rainbow Interviews Mike Johnson (2024 Tour Announcement) find it here: YouTube.com/watch?v=_dtT7ZTbVUQ
or got to YouTube.com, search for Randy Rainbow and find ‘Randy Rainbow Interviews Mike Johnson’
Warning: Randy almost says a few curse words, including eff but they are deleted/covered - so if that offends, you might not want watch this one (or any of Randy’s stuff).
And spoiler alert: the most hilarious part of it: Mike Johnson reaches out his hand to shake Randy‘s hand, and Randy refused by holding up his perfectly manicured nails (coral this time ).
ps: please check out his pink campaign hat: ‘Make America More Fabulous’
Gloria, You are the next Smiley!! How did you slewth out those numbers? Dare I ask? This crew on Joyce's Substack is talented and brilliant - also respectful and kind.
Fabulous! I want one of his pink campaign hats: "Make America Fabulous Again" and of course the fab pink rhinestone decorated cat eye reading glasses:)
My list goes on and on. I live simply. One of my dear friend said one time, “Valere, you’re like Ghandi in your simplicity. But it took a lot of money to keep Gandhi in poverty.”
I guess that explains why I eat beans and rice and the rest of the ‘poor man’s diet’ and I want a butler. That ought to do it!
Gloria's CHRISTMAS STOCKING WISHLIST for Deborah, her gorgeous and most generous Mother-in-law🌲
1. Preferred sock size: A collection of size 8 socks made from the softest cashmere, each pair hand-knitted by skilled artisans housed in a custom-made sock drawer that automatically organizes and pairs your socks for me.
2. Desired candy type: A lifetime supply of personalized, gourmet candies, with flavors and designs tailored to my preferences.
3. One random item you'd never expect in a stocking but totally want: An opulent ancient mansion in Paris, complete with exquisite decorations and a full team of attentive staff to cater to my every need. Simply indulging in the luxury of a bygone era while enjoying modern comforts in the heart of the city.
4. A song you'd like a surprise cover version of on CD: CD? NO just no. A private concert by Lady Gaga performing my favorite songs in an ultra private venue in Paris, of course.
5. A fun fact Santa doesn't know about me: Santa is my piece-on-the-side so she knows everything about me.
6. My go-to hot beverage: A magical coffeepot that brews the perfect cup of joe every time, with flavors and aromas that transport me to exotic locations.
7. A quirky Christmas ornament I'd love for my tree: An animated hand-blown glass ornament that captures the essence of a winter forest, with miniature animals and delicate snowflakes.
8. A winter scarf color I've always wanted but never told anyone: A scarf made from the softest alpaca wool, dyed in a mesmerizing gradient of colors that mimic the hues of a winter sunset.
9. A board game or card game I've been itching to play: A life-sized, interactive escape room experience, where my friends and I become the characters in a thrilling adventure.
10. My favorite winter scent (e.g., pine, cinnamon, fresh snow): A custom-made fragrance that combines the scents of freshly fallen snow, crackling firewood, and warm vanilla.
11. A specific perfume or fragrance note I've been dreaming of: A perfume crafted by renowned perfumer, Clive Christian, using rare and exotic flowers from around the world, creating a unique and captivating scent.
12. A book title or genre I'd love to dive into during the holiday break: A personalized collection of signed first editions from my favorite authors, complete with annotations, insights and a personal visit from the authors themselves in my private library.
13. Any particular jewelry piece (e.g., necklace, bracelet, ring) or style I've had my eye on: A stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry set adorned with rare gemstones and diamonds, designed to reflect my personality and style.
14. A type of booze or specific brand I'd fancy sipping by the fireplace: A bottle of the finest aged cognac, accompanied by a private tasting session led by a master distiller in a luxurious chateau.
Everyone has their favorite Birdcage dialogue moment. Mine has always been. “ everyone needs a touch of color.’ (magenta socks as he’s getting ready for Val’s wedding). Mine and Randy today was when he wouldn’t shake hands with Mike Johnson because he had just gotten his nails done.😳
Too busy to look for your other post but thank you again for wishing me health as a vegetarian. I’ve been on this path for longer than most people on this website have been alive. I can’t honestly remember the last time I had a cold, but it was longer than 30 years ago - much longer. I’m a hypochondriac so I’m constantly taking herbs:) and, of course, many decades of a vegan organic diet. Works for me. I’m not trying to proselytize at all. I came from a place of not having health - so when precious food cured me, I just decided to stick with it what works works. Found the soup website. Not that of Ivy Manning, but someone featuring the recipe.
Thank you for this Valere. 'Tis a pleasant respite from all the daunting issues being addressed into a humorous vein. I have been enjoying the brutally funny parody efforts of Randy Rainbow for some time now. This latest is easily one of his finest... he just lays it on thick... such a hoot. 😆😆 He excels at making it patent that "the emperor has no clothes".
I just don’t understand the GOP endgame. This is their country too. Tump is incapable of taking care of this sad lot of sycophants not to mention, he doesn’t give a damn about anyone other than himself! WTF
True, the other is fear. Most people freeze, which means they die. The GOP is frozen, but the few pulling these strings are anything but. This cannot wait to November 2024, I know it sounds delicious for me to be asking Democrats to help their republican friends, but this is a time when the whole country must respond to the cyber war, to Russia, and fight back as one. There are no Democrats, independents, republicans in a fighter bomber, only Americans going to win a war
I wish to God every broadcast network, cable network and publication would shout out over and over again how dangerous Trump is to our country. Maybe they really can't believe this is happening in the United States. Perhaps they hope some miracle will help us. What happened to Germany with Hitler is happening here, and the media is being boiled like frogs. It's unbelievable any voter would support this madman. The Republican party is completely owned by this lunatic. As for Tuberville, I have left several messages for one of my senators, John Cornyn (yes, he sucks but he's marginally better than Cruz) complaining about Tuberville. But, let's face it, Tuberville is drunk with power. He's not going to change his mind. Ukraine. Israel. There was a time this country would have been united against this evil. Instead we're fighting Trump and his Republican traitors every freaking day.
The Wall Street Journal called him out on his comment that immigrants were vermin, talk that’s straight out of the Nazi handbook.
Trump and his cronies have been using the Nazi handbook since at least 2016. I believe that most Republicans are fine with that. They want the all white Christian fascist life. No LGBTQ. No people of color. No immigrants. Forced birth. They don't care about children or women. It's all about control and retribution.
Don’t forget: none of Jesus’s inconvenient actions or teachings.
Cinos
Wish I could like this to 7th degree.
White men strategy to fight the inevitable losing battle of more ethnicities than whites. Their strategies won’t work anymore.
The Magaverse has been utterly and completely brainwashed into believing that electing Joe Biden will be the end of democracy, and they are passionate about not letting that happen. They are at least as passionate about that as we who believe that tRump will end democracy are.
I firmly believe that if tRump is indeed the nominee for the Republican Party, they have absolutely no intention of “losing”, even if they in fact lose. In the same vein as in 2020 only much, much worse. There will be violence that will make Jan 6 look like a kindergarten field trip. Kari Lake and now Ohio not accepting loss is just the tip of the iceberg.
The difference is that drumpf espouses it clearly, and pathetically whines about how unfair everything is and tells Pence he won’t be his friend any more.
So juvenile. But then half the population has an IQ below 100.
I wonder what level of “intelligence”is needed for critical thinking? I suspect it’s more a habit than an IQ issue.
There are a lot of people with high IQ that believe this line of bullshit.
Conscience is as inalienable as life itself. One can become intoxicated to the point of irrationality, but that is a choice. Neal Peart said so.
Time to fight!
Rita, what you say is not true. There is an element which want this, but we need to stop calling each other fascists, when what we have is a small number of wicked people holding enormous power in their wealth
I think they're fascists, and I'll call them that. When Rick Santorum declares "democracy doesn't work" because Ohio passed abortion protections, he is saying he wants a dictatorship where people like him make the rules. When Trump calls people vermin and promises to deport them on election day, you have a modern day Hitler. When people mob the Capitol and beat police officers screaming "kill them", this is a group that would have killed the vice president given a chance. This just isn't about a "small number of wicked people". This is about a coordinated effort in the Republican party to return Trump to power. And they do this by lying and inciting violence in regular citizens ready to grab their guns and kill people because Trump is their God. We are a big country but there are millions of people who will vote for Trump. That is not a small number. And believe me when I tell you, those in the MAGA universe will not respond to either kindness or reason.
Brava Rita,
We have Trump sanctioned Steve Bannon spewing forth a fascist-based message in a Weaponized psychology format, six days a week in his War Room podcast. Bannon has hundreds of thousands of fascist mindsets followers who will vote for Trump if he is the nominee. This was Bannon’s get out of jail free card when Trump pardoned him on his last day in office in January 2021. The Republican Party needs to find someone with integrity and the cajones (see Madeline Albright) to rid itself of its far right fascist element. And they need to do that before we receive lectures about our language about fascism. They brought fascism to the table.
People, you are all correct. But the primary is well under way, and we are down to a small number of far less than ideal candidates running against Trump, and a MAGA base that is unlikely to change much. If anyone can lift up a candidate as suggested above, I am all in. But until then, can I pragmatically remind us of the serenity prayer, we change what we can. In this case it's to persuade the 65% of the electorate who do not turn out for Republican primaries, that this is the one time we must! Iowa is 8 weeks away.
The men and women supporting MAGA are a mixed bunch. Some are subconsciously swayed by Trump the James Cagney pure American strongman visual cues in the media into believing their real personal social grievances will be answered by someone breaking the rule of law ‘for the greater good’. Others are just spoiled bullies only interested in grabbing power and wealth illegally. The latter are the elite elect minority mobsters who consciously ride the backs of the former suffering majority for personal gain. Modern day Elmer Gantrys.
A similar historical narrative played out in pre Nazi Germany where the post World War One citizens were suffering horrendous economic hardships and subsequent social iniquities and were promised a final solution by Hitler’s regime who mass mediated social scapegoats and then deployed the full force of the state into publicly eliminating them.
None of the social iniquities motivating the support of Germany’s political mob cult violence were answered longterm but the strategy gifted Hitler’s regime absolute political power.
This particular battle for US democracy and rule of law is being played out through the use of very dark propaganda.
Follow the hostile players money. Exposing the decades of criminal treacherous greed behind their rise to political power will end them.
All the alarm I feel. And none of the confidence following the money will help. These people are beyond reason. Even their preachers preach hate and retribution.
Yes, from an historic political view the shift is noticeable. We are lucky to understand this movement. I hope there is stability before a disaster. God help us. Right now no one wants to step up. Not even MBS.
Rita,
I just responded to Alexander Bischoff on your behalf (see above):
"Alexander: Joyce Vance wrote this, unless you have forgotten. You do not need to lecture Rita about something she is repeating and that everyone on this Substack has read since it was published by the Substack author. Read on. Then read again.
https://joycevance.substack.com/p/frogs-boiled-what-trump-is-planning?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
We are not naive and we are not stupid. And we do not need your self-righteous lectures."
Valere 💙
Valere, this is not a self righteous lecture, it is an impassioned please for Democrats to engage by turning out the Independent, and conservative vote in the GOP primary. I put to you that I am one of very few ministers, a Christian conservatives, who has not left the (R) party in disgust, but is stepping up to ask YOU (and to explain why I believe what you believe) but NOT so you vote (D). I am doing this to engage us all, for we are all under attack. This issue is not solved by Biden winning in November. If the GOP nominate Trump, sure, but we have from now to July to lift up our hearts and to engage.
Spot on Rita
ps: Alexander: CNN interviewed Republican women at a 'planning party' in western Pennsylvania this past summer (recall, Trump announced his candidacy on November 15, 2022, nearly two years before the coming 2024 election). The journalist asked specific questions, and prefaced them with such things as: 'Given that Donald Trump has been found guilty of sexually abusing women, will that conviction play a roll in your vote for him should he be the Republican nominee in 2024?' and 'Does Donald Trump's appointment of anti-LGTBQ judges with anti-LGTBQ records impact your choice to support him for for president?' 'As a woman, does Donald Trump's stance on women having the right to choose abortion and his appointment to the SCOTUS of justices who have acknowledged their anti-abortion stances, trouble you?' There were several other questions in the interview: shockingly, while every question involved women's rights or egregious behaviors toward women, these Republican women had no qualms about voting for Donald Trump in 2024 - and they said so. This was a small sample of women. However, they are representative of the majority of Republican women. What are we to take from this? I do agree that a small number of wicked people hold enormous power in their wealth. They may or may not be fascist but they are paying a fascist to run for president in 2024 and they are paying his legal bills. But this statement by you is non sequitor on its face: Trump is a fascist, and the folks who do not mind his fascism and will vote for him number in the millions. That is hardly a small number. And it has nothing to do with the small number of wicked people holding enormous power in their wealth. Trump was, is and will be a misogynist, fascist, xenophobic racist and he found wealthy people to give HIM enormous power and they found him to do their bidding. The MAGA cult minions follow Trump because (a) they cannot think for themselves; (b) they were enchanted with his 'wealth' story and his promise to give them wealth (let's see what they have to say when they learn that he has pretend wealth fashioned with OP money; (c) they are fascist racists who were enticed by his story of building a wall to keep brown and black people out of the US; (d) they like his racism and xenophobic policies to stop Muslims from immigrating to the US. We and the media need to call fascists 'fascists.' Please stop acting like that offends you. It shouldn't. If you wanted to be part of correcting the problem, you would call them that as well. We are not name-calling when we say that. We are spreading the alarm.
They are in a cult. They see progressive women as the problem. They benefit from the patriarchy somehow (Have husbands with good paying jobs who take care of them or they have Daddy's inheritance) They have bought into the quaint notion that a stable society has women who stay home and bake cookies and fold laundry and stand by their man.
Yes, they have not evolved from cave man attitudes.
You are partly correct, but as I have said earlier, do not lump us all in. My wife understands my role as a husband, to be willing to die for her aspirations, to put myself 2nd, to her true needs. I have been called a misogynist by liberal woman who take their issue with some church who abused them some while back, and put it on me! That is not right. But I make no excuse for men who do abuse their position, the bible says they would be better off to castrate themselves, and drown themselves, than come before Gods judgement. No one wants to preach that in male dominated abusing churches. Its what God's word says though and I am glad it says that. Despite this, we need Grace, for none of us are perfect.
Again, I agree with you. Where is disagree is how to do something about it. I only wrote how I feel, so you all could see that I agreed with you and why! I live with the MAGA people, they come to me for help to overcome their addictions, the veterans to ask for help when their families are breaking down because of their C-PTSD. They are caught up in a cycle of anger that will take generations to address. The AA recovery rate is 1.8%, and that is of the less than 15% who even try to confront their addition to anger, rage, food, and other mind bending biochemical disorders: https://jrcc.open4nutrition.com/ : read up on this site to see why people brains are in trouble. Obesity, sugar addiction heart disorders, are seriously affecting how people think and act. But we cannot change that now, we can only help take away sociopath at the top, and if that means 85% of Democrats turn out in Iowas to vote for the best of the rest, that is what we have to do.
Without your knowledge you are my friend, Alex. People are in trouble. Mage people are in trouble. Society is way too complicated for normal folks to navigate. Society is frying our brains.
You are welcome to call a fascist a fascist. Its calling people fascists, that you have not met, and at best have seen something from one of the biased media outlets (they are all chasing the $'s) nasty names that I am saying needs to end. Please, lets stop this, is the shoe fits, sure. But facts first and less condemnation with so little investigation?
Alexander, you are being directive in your request that I comply with your dogma. You are convinced that you have 'the answer' to the problem. I know your intent is to get rid of Trump, so we share that. My belief is that when our country is faced with being over-taken by a fascist dictator with millions of cult member followers who go by core element (i) in Griffin's definition (or choose any definition you wish); we should call a fascist a fascist and we should do it openly in our writing. So far as your statement that implies I have done 'so little investigation': I have read the indictments. And the ensuing Motions that Joyce Vance has furnished for us. I am diligent about reading the footnotes and following the links in Joyce Vance's Civil Discourses Substack. I ran a policy center and taught graduate school at a Research One university for some 22 years. I worked internationally in Asia at an Imperial university in Japan and for the Minister of Education in South Korea. I was tasked with testifying at the state legislature of a western state every day during session, and I worked with both sides of the aisle. During my career, I had strong and trusted and trusting relationships on both sides of the aisle. And nobody knew how I voted. I had to be unbiased. I have a PhD in Education Policy Studies (I'm not much for mentioning this because any jackass with time and money can gain a PhD. I'm not that kind of PhD: my mentors were the toughest of the tough. But most people on this Substack have advanced degrees themselves and if they do not, they are much smarter than either you or I in their domains. However, I am someone who has conducted more than a few research studies. (You challenged my 'investigation' ability, so I am mentioning that my career was to conduct research and teach research methodology, so I am supposed to be able to 'investigate.' In fact, it is my obligation as a PhD researcher to do so on many levels: whether in business, medicine, health policy, or politics. I've conducted longitudinal analyses that required mixed methods that included quantitative and qualitative analysis that provided triangulation from using banks of data and conducting ground level one-on-one interviews. We all have biases, but if we stick to a methodology that attempts to weed out our personal biases, facts that we can report with confidence will float to the top.
It seems (to me) that you are doing the opposite: you are starting with the outcome or hoped for conclusion and hoping we will jump on the freight train and get there with you. You may be 100% correct - but you are dealing with some folks who analyze stuff for their living. And they question methodology. We also know fascism when we see it, so we are very wary - and we are not going to couch our awareness. I've supplied the links here for you to do your own investigation on the threat we are facing from Trump. This existential threat drives our carefulness in coveting our vote: they include a hyper-link to the Axios report that Joyce Vance gave us so we could read the back-story of how Trump has set up and is proceeding to put into place his takeover of the United States. You may have read this same report. This is what Trump is presenting. Do I believe all Republicans are fascist? Nope. Some are, and Trump has tapped into and exploited this mindset. Some are not. I have many Republican friends and I have maintained my connections with them regardless of the politics they hold to. Do I believe you have adequately researched what happens when independents and Democrats throw their votes to the Republican Party in a primary that leads to a general for the presidency? I'm not sure. It appears that you are asking 'us' to do something because we should trust you. But you did not disclose in your request that voters from three swing states face the possibility of losing their Democrat status if they vote Republican in the 2024 general. Did you know this and just neglect to inform us or did you not know this? If it is the former, you need to explain why. If it's the latter, that's ok - everyone makes mistakes. However, people on this Substack have their blinders off. If you have something workable that will help to defeat Trump, everyone here will be delighted to hear it. But there are gaps in your proposal. I do not need to be personally acquainted with every one of the MAGAs or Trump himself to call a fascist a fascist. I understand from your calling as a minister that you do not like name-calling. I try not to do that as well. I have stayed away from wishing ill health and ill will to Trump and his followers (I won't respond to posts that do so). As a Christian minister, it's for you to determine whether one matches the definition of ‘Christian.’ But at the current moment a self-identified ‘Christian’ (who is a fascist and a nationalist and wants to destroy our democracy) is hunched over his spreadsheet in his right-wing hideaway picking out the replacements for long-time and dedicated civil servant positions whom Trump will fire from their jobs should he be elected in 2024. These include the top-tier of the DOJ and many others. Those 'fired' will be charged with some such crime by Trump if he is elected. But we on this Substack who are in this together aim to show Trump what can't be done: he can't be elected. Please bring back a proposal that does not jeopardize anyone's general election vote, with a valid source showing that our voting in the general will not in jeopardy if we follow your outline for voting Republican in the primary and I will re-read it. I know this has worked in mid-year elections, but we have a general this time. Again, please note the links to websites and data I have included here.
If you look up the definition of fascism and compare that to what the entire Republican Party is now, they are clearly fascists. They intend to take over our government for their own greed and power. With money and influence from the evilangelicals they intend to turn America into theocratic fascist state. All you have to do is listen to what they say and watch what they do. We are far past the time to start calling them exactly what they are. It’s now the Republican Fascist Party, plain and simple.
What a great idea. It's bound to have then listen attentively to your concerns, and to go out of their way to love you? I understand you concern, but please do not think of me as a fascist. I simply disagree with some of the (D) policies as I am sure more people do. The government is too large, we have too many rules, and balance is the way that this is addressed. Rules make rules, which make more rules, and more rules and more rules! I am not saying slash and burn, that was Trump, but we have to find ways to use technology to cut costs. Just look at the SEC's work with digital payments systems. And crypto, blockchain, it's a joke!
I don't recall calling you a fascist.
It’s far more than a small number. I’d like to think so, but these lunatics are everywhere. Not that bright, incurious, praying to their magic sky daddy for their friend without insurance to be healed of the cancer.
And that’s the nice ones.
Jen, you paint a rather dismal view of the church. But is is spot on, in far far toooo many cases! The good news is that there are also, grounded, smart, decent, economy loving caring others!
Religion is a lie. It taps into the human emotion of awe, and subverts it to the worship of a man-character.
There are wonderful, kind caring people who “believe”, and more who don’t, imo.
I have no use for worship of the magic sky daddy.
The sooner humans give up this nonsense the more chance we have of survival. That maybe bleak, but that’s where humanity it.
Alexander: Joyce Vance wrote this, unless you have forgotten. You do not need to lecture Rita about something she is repeating and that everyone on this Substack has read since it was published by the Substack author. Read on. Then read again.
https://joycevance.substack.com/p/frogs-boiled-what-trump-is-planning?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
We are not naive and we are not stupid. And we do not need your self-righteous lectures.
If it is a small number, please explain where that power to control comes from.
Do you mean that money can buy the voice and vote of your membership? If so, then you are hardly worthy of being called Americans.
Hugh, you really are out of order with your comment. We ARE ALL Americans, and we all have feelings, hopes and the right to seek happiness. Money was decided by SCOTUS well before my time, that it could be used in PAC's. That is the reality we face. Money buys TV, buys Ads on X, gets a single voice disproportional heard. Commitment, and volunteers, can overcome but it takes a co-ordination effort. I think of the campaign I supported in Marin county, up against PG&E and 400 million, AB 32. But a small group of unpaid, passionate people, overturned the evil power grab. Today Marin has a community choice renewable energy program. We need help not cynicism.
Only when there are a smattering of deaths that the threat will be taken seriously by a few of the borderline MAGA clones who are not yet without a soul and conscience. A few strategic assassinations by the Trumpistas may lead to unraveling of the murderous MAGA movement. If the country freezes in fear when AOC or Schiff or Pelosi are killed, we may well slide into tyranny. If the country responds seriously and firmly, perhaps this threat will end. If the pressure cooker blows apart, there will be a mess.
He also said “commies and leftists” were vermin. That’s you and me, my friend.
To go back to the “outside“ of this discussion… I agree there are a small number of (insidiously evil) people that are controlling the dialogue. However, the number of people going along with that dialogue is large. I see people being interviewed about why they support Trump and most often they say they think he’s a good businessman. I wonder how they possibly can think that and sometimes consider that it is their excuse for supporting a man whose bigotry they are aligned with. It’s hard to know.
I also agree with Alexander Bischoff that the task at hand now is to get out the vote. But having a major news outlet point out that Trump’s language is straight out of Nazi propaganda is not in conflict with that goal.
Trump's first term was chaotic and disorganized, so we were able to sidetrack a lot of his plans. It's not going to be like that this time. He has evil people behind the scenes (Miller, Navarro, Manafort, Flynn) who know what went wrong last time and will hit the ground running this time.
P.S. I email Tubby once or twice a week. A good howler is very therapeutic!! Since these are read and sorted by staffers, I sometimes address them directly, i.e., How can you work for a man like this? Don't trade your country for a paycheck.
Thanks again, Joyce!
I email my rep, Tim Burchett frequently. The auto-fill feature makes it a little faster! Generally, his replies are some combination of the form letters that staff has on hand. He has determined that the deficit is the biggest problem this country faces. Even when asked about reproductive rights or sensible Gun reform!
Tennessee citizen 🥺😖
You’re right, of course. And that’s what we call INSANITY!
It is a battle that can no longer be won.
Hi TuTone, What is a battle that can no longer be won? Our battle against Trump and fascism?
I think the battle against stupid is still winnable, but it’s a cyclical thing. You tamper down the stupid with consequences, and then the stupid go back in their caves until the other-than-stupid let down their guard and the cycle starts over again. We just happen to be in a category 5 stupid and it will take longer than normal to restore the next period of relative peace.
Hi Valerie - what I meant was the inevitable majority of ethnicities over whites.
ps #2, so this is my second response Tutone:)
Hi Tutone, I thought I replied to you and it now does not show: but I'm still not clear about what you mean by the battle of 'ethnicities over whites'?
Hi Valere
What I meant was that white supremicists fighting to hold court over the rights of everyone else who are non-white is a feudal battle as whites are declining in numbers and will soon become the minority as other ethnicities grow beyond those numbers. It seems that TFG’s desperate battle to regain power in 2024 is to dominate and annihilate all non-whites from having any rights at all.
The Redford Woodward and Bernstein interview is fantastic.
https://youtu.be/UVrGZSxpBEA?si=ikW136lTNSuw5lxm
At the beginning when Redford is taking about the political press, he relates the reason the press isn’t really talking about the break in is because”you don’t want to be on the wrong side of this guy”(Nixon).
That’s the key to what the media is doing. People have reason to be afraid of Drumpf and his cult.
I’m hoping as he becomes more deranged and it his trials go badly, the media will become brave. Biden is safe to go after. Drumpf is terrifying.
We can’t let this be.
Rita, I hope you can read my comment on the main thread. I am a Christian minister, the theat we face is everything you say and a whole lot more. I have tuned our 501c3 and the full resource of my small company to this. I am praying for help as I know what needs to be done, Twitter, Facebook, tik tok, sub stack, and a private network I am chairman for, but the costs are beyond our budgets. Despite the fact I write most the software myself.
Fighting tRump, fungus 45, and his fellow traitors every day, every step of the way, uphill, in the snow.
Yes!!!
I thought Mike Johnson made it clear that he looks to the Bible in order to run the House. Although there are passages devoted to keeping your word (the debt ceiling deal previously agreed to), I guess he can't find those. Moody's downgrade of the US credit rating is also due to Republicans bloating the deficit with tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations and spending all their time ousting and then trying to elect a new Speaker. Of course, they get paid even if the government shuts down.
In honesty they shouldn't be paid a single dime if they let this crap happen and the pay shouldn't be retroactive,they should completely lose that portion,just as an incentive to pass a budget.
I agree. Congress won't care because they get paid regardless of whether or not they actually do anything.
In my next life, I want to be in Congress. Won't bother to get a college degree again, especially since some of our current members barely made it out of high school. Won't bother about what my constituents want or need. I'll get on some committees to make myself extra money. The best part will be having benefits even after I retire (or don't get re-elected) forever, without having done much.
Some of the most powerful obstructionists have enough other sources of income to comfortably tolerate interrupting the paltry wages paid officially.
And they get way better medical benefits than their constituents, for life!
Equal benefits under Medicare for all...🫶 we have a tall order to revamp laws -loopholes actually - no one should receive what another can’t ...but 16 years of house, senate, and presidency should allow us enough time to ....get ‘er done...then maybe a new Republican Party can find itself and contribute.
💙💙VOTE ALL THE COMPLICIT OUT💙💙
Patricia,
Mike Johnson stood up with every other house and senate member during Biden’s first State of the Union speech, clapping for Biden and roaring approval when Biden said ‘we will never touch our Social Security benefits, Medicare or military benefits.’ Not an exact quote but close and that is what got them all on their feet. So Mike Johnson, and all the rest of the Republicans who close down the government need to be reminded that they made that promise and now they are breaking it. The government shut down will harm every retiree living on that paycheck. Wish we had a techie or even a 10-year-old who could get the video of that State of the Union (2021) with pictures of Mike Johnson standing clapping because the cameras panned the entire room.
Everyone stood.
We need that video.
Patricia, it's called politics, not a tea party. (I have edited this, my apologies, it was not a thoughtful way to reply to you) I do not know Mike, but at least he is a man who has a moral compass, is a lawyer, and knows the constitution.
Correction. As I see it he has no moral compass and is a full fledged hypocrite. His self interest is his real God where the buck lives.
TutoneSF, and you say this on what authority? Have you ever met him, sat with him in the quiet of the night, listened to his hopes for his family, I doubt it!
Tutone, that is unkind but we will see. Won't we?
If he knows the constitution he doesn’t express any knowledge of it but goes against it at every turn.
GOD is first with Maga Mike.
Let's see how his moral compass deals with the crazy 8. I will stand by.
Is that anything like “It’s called business”
Yes, I grew up in South Africa where we play rugby. You may have recently seen the world cup finals. New Zealand vs. South Africa. In America, you have the baseball world series. You can imagine my surprise when I, knowing cricket and our world test series, came to learn that "world" in baseball means "USA" Politics is similar, it has rules, rules I think are dreadful, but they are entrenched, they determine who wins what office, and if you play them incorrectly you wil wrongly peoples past. We can see this with Obama, groomed to say the right things to win the Democrat nomination, beat Clinton, and serve two terms as President. One might say a game well played, if you are a democrat. Well, so not if you you were a Clinton democrat. I doubt our founders saw the "business" of politics 250 years ago when they set sail to find a place to escape religious persecution in Europe. I cannot change this, its the rules we live with. All I can propose is we understand the rules, I understand that bonnets are not hoods on cars, and my wife and I, after 18 years do not talk past each other as often. I will never accept the world is the USA though! I hope people see this as you hear what Mike is saying, and to whom. I would not have chosen him, for I think he has played a deceptive business, but, let's see what he pivots to now that he has power!
Thanks for taking the time.
Seems the ‘moral compass’ has been set many many years ago. Time proved quickly get in line and tow the mark or ‘you’re fired’ . The faces of the world leaders wrote the story before even the news/media really dug in. The rest of the fantasy lay within the broad brush within egos as pieces fit together long before Putin, MBS, the system rigged , the BIG LIE, J6 and who the BIGS now were behind the scenes barely scathed and ‘exposed’ late-Barr, Bannon, Stone, Leo, Koch...a few ‘others’..their convenient career conman caper not quite completed...yet?
There’s little to none now in that circle caring a damn about our constitution . Such a sweet young piece of art yet, and principled..yet another compass getting F ‘d by lip service only .
Their tally tells.
The books have been written, tales terrifying the few survivors seeing history setting up to repeat itself . The warnings as usual barely heard over the bleating sheep.
Each country has such potential to add ,their common wanting and happy with the smallest piece of pie.
I hope someday good people can soothe the ageless demon of power and control. ..
I’m hoping a Blue Tsunami gives all truths time enough to taste the tamed ..and this tiresome toll be done.
Why waste more years of needed work to honor this earth and enjoy peace.
And that folks is My Tea Party vision.🫶🥰
You speak the truth. I am 66, you can find most of my writing on our 501c3 website : https://operationsavannah.org : the story of a country devastated by a political travesty in 1948, which I was born into in 1957, South Africa and apartheid, sent to war by my country, covertly and funded by the CIA's dark money, to fight for democracy against Russia and overturn an election to supports Americas foreign policy of containment. How ironic that we face a man who denied an election and uses this lie as the basis of his run for office in 2024. I believe America needs two healthy political parties and much as it would be so much easier to join ranks with the (D) : I quote you, "I hope someday good people can soothe the ageless demon of power and control.", for how will we get there if someone does not try. I am under no illusion of the mountain we face! But every journey begins with one small step. Alex
I read the operationsavannah...have no words to share more profound , it’s an affidavit story , heard many in ‘the halls’ -there is no more therapeutic value than one addict to another-never rung so true. The traumas of war/drugs, the personal hells once seen ..being there is a kinship , overcoming them a miracle , walking beside another through the darkness...indeed they reflect the one set of footprint where two people were and whose footprints they were. I wake every morning with that gratitude on my breath.
You are my brother 🫶
Moral compass??!??
It's a term we use in AA. Is meant to suggest that he has a set of values (can be good or not good) but that the person will usually follow them. The people that get to me are those who cannot be trusted, or known as to what they will do. My dad used to say, I can deal with the crooks, you know what they are going to do, its the fools who catch me every time. Trump thinks it is good to be unpredictable, I suggest that he does not know what he is going to do, and is as caught out as the rest of us are each time he does something.
He ought to read the passages aboutthe Pharisees
Johnson should be ousted as we speak because he leads the wrecking crew. I wonder what other surprising cults he might belong to. He’s up there with MTG, Boebert, Gaetz, Santos, all traitors and insurrectionists. Look out NOW!
Mike Johnson should be ousted for stupidity. Somebody do something please to overturn this train 🚂🚇
Tutone, please relax. This is a natural progression of GOP. Full Gospel needs to have a voice. They are quite slow, however. Maga Mike won't be able to reach consensus with the crazy eight. We have a year until elections. Perhaps change will come IF Trump is elected? I don't know what it will take at this point.
Also in the Bible... Jubilee, forgiveness of debts. Beware anyone who says they believe in the "literal" infallible words of the Bible or the Constitution. They always mean they believe their own interpretation is infallible.
Great point.
There are some great lessons out of all this ..we need to ..we CAN change all that....💙VOTE BLUE💙
Hope you saw my apology, was snarky and not needed. I am troubled about his role, and watching how he handles the budget discussions with interest.
The Lord makes exceptions for those circumstances involving his favorite nation state and the white Europeans he anointed to found a new Jerusalem.
Ken, could you and would you provide scriptures for reference? Thanks.
I cannot. Although this is undoubtedly how some people think, whether implicitly or explicitly, my ridiculous assertion was made only in the spirit of playfulness and satire.
But if you like I can adopt a set of values and perspectives, and then create a god to endorse them, and then write some "scripture" detailing the character of that god and how she supports and blesses my particular values and perspectives, And then, because my scripture will include the promise of immortality spent in some form of paradise, I will proselytize many people and build a large organization that then becomes its own reason for existing, and that nobody dares challenge, just in case I might be right, and because by that time it will have assumed the false legitimacy of many believers.
But first I have to brush my teeth and feed the dog.
I enjoy playfulness and satire. That is mind expanding.
See Manchin
People, don't listen to your own echo chamber. Mike Johnson is playing politics. If he does not say certain things he is not in the play. Politics is a winner take all sport for liars and cheaters at the moment. We, the electorate out then there, 35% did not turn out to vote, the biggest voter block. Less than 15% really understand the electoral college, fewer the constitution, and I doubt anyone in this thread knows how many delegates it takes to win the Republican primary.
Exactly, Alex. Spread a broad news net and don't get siloed.
Enough from you, you're predictable and boring.
How important is it for me to know any of those things? I know which side I’m on and why, and I vote.
Very, if you fear Trump being nominated as I do, its a good plan to understand the enemy, or the friends, and in that find we are all Americans.
These christofacists use scripture as a propaganda tool. They pick and choose verses that support their talking points. They are all apostates.
I don’t believe Tuberville is upholding the promotions over abortion. This is about Trump. He’s a Trump man through and through and it’s been suggested he waiting for another Trump presidency to install loyal military.
That's a good part of his reasoning, to install Trump supporters into the military as of 1/21/25. Everyone should be aware of the goals of Project 2025.
I have seen it, Trump does what he says he is going to do. If he can, and let's not underestimate him again. This is a cyber war, and the sponsor is Russia. China is watching to see if we are weak. The southern border is a distraction.
Seriously, I'm starting to get nervous, just thinking about it.
Please don’t just think about it. Find organizations whose get-out-the-blue-vote goals and politicians whose platforms you believe in and work with them or donate to them.
Thanks for a really good idea! I'll do just about ANYTHING to keep the Democrats in office. Trump's Recipe for Disaster that would begin immediately after being sworn in --- IF, heaven forbid, he wins --- scares the heck out of me. Quite frankly, I think his ideas are inhumane.
Dianne,
For starters, check out the Substacks for Robert Hubbell (https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/an-eventful-coming-week) and Jessica Craven at Chop Wood, Carry Water (https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com?r=17d5s), which often have links to such groups. Also, many of their commenters provide informative links.
Thanks, Mim! I appreciate your help with this.
Yes, indeed Tuberville is a Trump puppet (and that’s the reason he was elected) but he has free will and he doesn’t have to be a Trump puppet, or as some of us like to say: ‘a capo for don-Don.’
Tuberville may in reality have free will but in the MAGA world, he certainly does not. He is there for one reason and as everyone else, is petrified not to comply.
He’s being paid big bucks.
Right TuTone: Capo Tuberville for don-Don
He was in the war room with Bannon and co. on 1-5-21.
He’s blinded by fake tangerine light.
You are probably right. Sadly he won’t serve another term. He’s done enough damage already and enough of us will stop him 🗳️🗳️🗳️🗳️🗳️🇺🇸
You are,almost certainly correct. Please read my main post in this thread, we face a real theat from Rumo and it has to be stopped in the primary, my opinion
I agree.
I find myself feeling the levels of disgust, anxiety, and frustration that I felt when he was in office. Every day is filled with drama & gross revelations. I can’t do four more years of daily trauma.
Same here, I've been a complete wreck since 2016. Plus the relationships that have been ruined because of him. He is such a threat!!!
🗳️🗳️🗳️🗳️🗳️🗳️🗳️🗳️
Same here Babette
Consider carefully what you believe and the truth of what you read. Their objective is to scare us and make us fear their power over us. I am one who believes they are lying about their power because it’s in their best interest to do so. They’re nothing without that. Maybe if they weren’t so dysfunctional and so off kilter or had a more wining hand I’d take their threats more seriously. All they have is money to try to buy outcomes. Is that enough? Everything else is a negative on their side. Stay calm, focused, and stay very alert to what their next moves might be. Ask yourself why they act the way they do to point you in the right direction.
Susan your comment is on the mark. The government hating (federal only of course) MAGA’s could well be moving toward a shutdown for the inevitable economic downturn it will likely promulgate (and the public sentiment against Biden that would engender). Since the economy has recovered so mightily in the last three years their nihilism may be peeking through and giving their desired effect (see the Moodys rating drop). You can bet many of these GOP tools are smart enough to know the polls are pretty much useless in reality. They know the atmosphere for their “candidate” is fraught with more baggage than probably any other’s in U.S. presidential history and the piper will eventually be paid for the lying treasonous behavior running rampant throughout most of their party over the last seven years. Mike Johnson and his moral conviction? Don't make us laugh. The only “tea bags” they are interested in are the ones containing kryptonite for the current administration.
My daughter in law in Virginia sums up my feelings about reaching out to MAGAs.
“I am a Republican,” she says.
“But what about the behavior of your candidate in waiting?” I question.
“Oh, I don't pay attention to politics.”
Fake power. The fake emperors have no clothes.
If there is anyone still who doesn't understand another term of the orange pustule in the WH is the END of our Democratic Republic those persons are the perpetrators of the destruction, lying about caring. Those people who see no difference between the Democratic and Republican agendas are the ones we need to give the stark info to, all the links Joyce provides for frank dissection of the disasters coming our way if we do not vote blue in any and every election. This isn't going away by itself. Our civic duty is to change hearts and minds, with cool heads and exact facts. Let's get busy folks. This is for all the marbles.
What you are saying, Mimi, is so true. However, have you been successful at talking to Maga folks? It is truly impossible. I have tried very many times. I first state that “we need to discuss” this and agree to disagree and walk away. Because I will not have this affect my family or friends. So, we have this conversation... and we have all seen or heard their (non-answers) I apologize that I just don’t get it..it is so obviously dangerous. WE HAVE TO VOTE THEM OUT.
Here is my thought: right NOW the courts need to bring everything to trial ASAP. He MUST be charged so he CANNOT RUN FOR PRESIDENT. HE IS DISPICABLE (and I’m being nice.🇺🇸
You were being very nice Ruth, I can’t utter his name without feeling sick.
Our constitution says that the courts do not decide election results. The 14th amendment be ballot challenge will go to Scotia and I agree with Joyce, it will be out back to the electorate. The DC case will NOT be decided before super Tuesday. It's time to face facts, it's vote for someone else in Iowa in January, or we are playing Russian roulette with America. Praise God the governor is not up for election and has endorsed DeSantis. I think he is relatively weak, but we can argue Biden or DeSantis rationally after July, there is no reason if Trump is the nominee
DeSantis is even more dangerous.
I understand. Completely. I try to have the conversations with others who I already know vote blue. Conversations about wage increase and employment levels and gas prices, etc,etc etc. So much is being done by a better president.
I presume you are young and do not have a political and economic view beyond 50 years. Every 20 years requires different metrics. We are extremely fortunate to have the Fed to be semi moderate despite 7T being added to national debt by Trump.
The only thing you got right is that you are presumptuous.
True true
I just tried to reach out to a family member who lives in the Deep South but sadly she will have none of it.
It is hard. Do they not watch the news at all. Is tfg kind of talk that acceptable to these people. Look, I voted for him in ‘16. What a mistake, I know. But as time went on it is his rhetoric that totally made me sick. It has now gotten out of control.
I will never understand, it just gets me upset. I quit trying. I even asked my family members if they had no respect for grandpa fighting in WWII. (Didn’t get an answer) told me all I needed to know.
I have banned political talk in my house. These kids are college educated THAT scares me more. 😢
I am. Christian conservative and we are many! Far more than most realize. Our most recent survey suggests that 86% of educated users in Twitter reject Trump. What we need is for every independent, conservative, republican to get out and vote, or be part of the caucuses, and to vote for a rational conservative to be the Republican nominee. In July, when this threat is over, we can get back to issues, and electing our leaders in a rational way
That should be 86%
The series of 3 dots at the bottom right of each comment allows you to edit if you so choose
Agreed
🙏🗳️
Thank you, esp. for providing coach Tuberville's phone number; I'll call him tomorrow. I think it will be cathartic for me.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍
Me too!
Coach Tuberville, of FL and too many head bonks.
Surely so. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Others have joined your warning about the malevolent danger of Trump, including Dan Rather in his Substack post today. But are these warnings reaching the people who need to hear them? We all need to make sure they do. It would be fruitless to attempt to change the minds of brainwashed MAGAts, but the youth and moderates should be our targets, and even many of those friends of ours who do not follow politics closely. Now is the time for them to start, and we must encourage them to do that and to persuade their friends and family to as well.
Mim, I have ideas. But sub stack and writing of more than 40 words, are not how the youth gets knowledge. It's to parents people, if you have a voting age kid, it is your responsibility to register then independently and get them educated on civics, the reason we vote. We are responsible for our kids attitude to democracy.
I hope more parents recognize that responsibility.
Democracy certainly is on the ballot in 2024. If Trump is elected, we all have to get ready for a Vengeance 2025 tour. He will be jailing people he wants revenge upon. We should remember he is already responsible for dismantling women's rights.
It’s important to note that once the government re-opens after a shutdown, federal government workers are made whole. Private sector employees who are contractors to the government are not.
On The New York's AG fraud case, a Rule 56 Motion for Summary Judgment on fraud has already been GRANTED against NY Trump Ville. Trump & Sons' had a strict deadline of 20 days to attempt to alter or amend the Judgment if possible at all under Rule 56(e). Defendants must put on a defense, if any, as to intent & materiality issues. Oh ... sorry Trump admitted both in his rant last week. So it is now just a matter of dollar damages ... Bigly damages.
Womp womp Bryan.
Irrelevant, sorry, petty cash for Russia, a rounding error, a total distraction which is why Trump is there.
Alexander, many of are here educated by the accurate historical context taught by HCR on another Substack platform particularly of the 19th Century & its lessons for 2023 & beyond.
Professors, Vance or Richardson, I have a request. I think 2024 voters need your analyses of the Presidential Election on 11/8/1864. Former General, George B. McClellan versus that tall & skinny guy, Abraham Lincoln, back when the nation was on fire.
Great. I would like to have details. Right now I am deep in what happened during the 1940s during the formation of Israel. I have some questions. Let's say Israel was favored.
I suspect Tubs motive, as a MAGAT, is preemptive, punishing the military’s leaders for their lack of Trump worship. And those who age out of service will not be around for post 2025 presidential retribution
I am afraid that his motive is to keep all those positions open until Dump is elected and can fill those positions with sycophants so he will have his own army. Have you listened to Dump this week? He gets more and more grandiose with each tirade.
Massive problems inside THAT so- called brain. He's a sick, sick thing.
Joan,
Your comment just reminded me that when Hitler came to power he made the military swear an oath--not to Germany, but a personal oath--to Hitler. In Trump's case the oath of his appointed sycophants would be secret and maybe just implicit (mob-style communication), but it would be real, and powerful, and deadly for our nation.
Thanks for always speaking truth to power and dissecting the issues for us. It's refreshing and I look forward to your posts.
And, thanks for Tub O'shit's office number!!!
Same here! Your nickname/description of little Tommy is way too kind, BTW.
Thank you Joyce for girding us for the week ahead. Yes we all need to call Tuberville’s office. That boy’s not subtle in his strategy and knows the harm he does. Johnson needs a call or two also. They telegraph their desire to do harm, and at the very least we can speak out.
Thank you so very much Joyce for sending this fabulously informative piece. I will be calling Tuberville. I too had read Mike Johnson‘s comment to ‘trust us.’ And my thought was “oh please.” While the government is threatened of shutting down, there are some very diligent, hard-working people who will be required to work and represent us with the State Department at APEC and other critical sites around the world. This is so bad even the Republicans are sick of themselves. Most folks on this site know that I don’t tend to make light of anything and I don’t want to at all here. But since you mentioned watching “my cousin Vinny.” Indeed, I have seen the movie and will watch it again. I don’t want to offend anyone at all by offering this suggestion for a funny moment , but I wanted to offer this Randy Rainbow short video on You Tube (less than three minutes). Spoiler alert! It’s in the vein of ‘The Bird Cage.’ Randy does wonderful interviews of the you know who’s. This one is his interview with Mike Johnson “Randy Rainbow Interviews Mike Johnson (2024 Tour Announcement) find it here: YouTube.com/watch?v=_dtT7ZTbVUQ
or got to YouTube.com, search for Randy Rainbow and find ‘Randy Rainbow Interviews Mike Johnson’
Warning: Randy almost says a few curse words, including eff but they are deleted/covered - so if that offends, you might not want watch this one (or any of Randy’s stuff).
And spoiler alert: the most hilarious part of it: Mike Johnson reaches out his hand to shake Randy‘s hand, and Randy refused by holding up his perfectly manicured nails (coral this time ).
ps: please check out his pink campaign hat: ‘Make America More Fabulous’
On this #VeteransDay weekend, I have an ask.
Jam @SenTuberville Phone Lines⬇️
DC 202-224-4124
Mobile 251-308-7233
Mobile Text 202-539-7432
Huntsville 256-692-7500
Hoover 205-760-7307
Montgomery 334-523-7424
Gloria, You are the next Smiley!! How did you slewth out those numbers? Dare I ask? This crew on Joyce's Substack is talented and brilliant - also respectful and kind.
Thank YOU!!!
My ode to my idol of wordsmithing and brilliant nail polish:
In a world often grey, Randy wears the crown,
A jester with glasses, in pink, not a frown.
With wit sharp as tinsel, he cuts through the night,
His parodies dance, and they sparkle with light.
He's my rainbow in clouds, when politics storm,
In tempests of rhetoric, he's not the norm.
With satirical verse and a musical twang,
He skewers the mighty with a barb and a bang.
From Broadway to YouTube, his stage is quite vast,
Each spoof and each rant, brilliantly cast.
For in times when the headlines can often dismay,
Randy's rainbows of humor brighten the day.
Through melodies old, with new lyrics he brands,
He sings of the follies that sweep through the lands.
My rainbow, my Randy, with laughter he grants,
A respite, a reprieve, in each of his rants.
Fabulous! I want one of his pink campaign hats: "Make America Fabulous Again" and of course the fab pink rhinestone decorated cat eye reading glasses:)
We all want something 😉
My list goes on and on. I live simply. One of my dear friend said one time, “Valere, you’re like Ghandi in your simplicity. But it took a lot of money to keep Gandhi in poverty.”
I guess that explains why I eat beans and rice and the rest of the ‘poor man’s diet’ and I want a butler. That ought to do it!
We are simply simpatico!
Gloria's CHRISTMAS STOCKING WISHLIST for Deborah, her gorgeous and most generous Mother-in-law🌲
1. Preferred sock size: A collection of size 8 socks made from the softest cashmere, each pair hand-knitted by skilled artisans housed in a custom-made sock drawer that automatically organizes and pairs your socks for me.
2. Desired candy type: A lifetime supply of personalized, gourmet candies, with flavors and designs tailored to my preferences.
3. One random item you'd never expect in a stocking but totally want: An opulent ancient mansion in Paris, complete with exquisite decorations and a full team of attentive staff to cater to my every need. Simply indulging in the luxury of a bygone era while enjoying modern comforts in the heart of the city.
4. A song you'd like a surprise cover version of on CD: CD? NO just no. A private concert by Lady Gaga performing my favorite songs in an ultra private venue in Paris, of course.
5. A fun fact Santa doesn't know about me: Santa is my piece-on-the-side so she knows everything about me.
6. My go-to hot beverage: A magical coffeepot that brews the perfect cup of joe every time, with flavors and aromas that transport me to exotic locations.
7. A quirky Christmas ornament I'd love for my tree: An animated hand-blown glass ornament that captures the essence of a winter forest, with miniature animals and delicate snowflakes.
8. A winter scarf color I've always wanted but never told anyone: A scarf made from the softest alpaca wool, dyed in a mesmerizing gradient of colors that mimic the hues of a winter sunset.
9. A board game or card game I've been itching to play: A life-sized, interactive escape room experience, where my friends and I become the characters in a thrilling adventure.
10. My favorite winter scent (e.g., pine, cinnamon, fresh snow): A custom-made fragrance that combines the scents of freshly fallen snow, crackling firewood, and warm vanilla.
11. A specific perfume or fragrance note I've been dreaming of: A perfume crafted by renowned perfumer, Clive Christian, using rare and exotic flowers from around the world, creating a unique and captivating scent.
12. A book title or genre I'd love to dive into during the holiday break: A personalized collection of signed first editions from my favorite authors, complete with annotations, insights and a personal visit from the authors themselves in my private library.
13. Any particular jewelry piece (e.g., necklace, bracelet, ring) or style I've had my eye on: A stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry set adorned with rare gemstones and diamonds, designed to reflect my personality and style.
14. A type of booze or specific brand I'd fancy sipping by the fireplace: A bottle of the finest aged cognac, accompanied by a private tasting session led by a master distiller in a luxurious chateau.
I viewed the Rainbow video of him with Mike Johnson. It was hilarious.
TuTone,
Thank you for tuning into that!
Everyone has their favorite Birdcage dialogue moment. Mine has always been. “ everyone needs a touch of color.’ (magenta socks as he’s getting ready for Val’s wedding). Mine and Randy today was when he wouldn’t shake hands with Mike Johnson because he had just gotten his nails done.😳
Too busy to look for your other post but thank you again for wishing me health as a vegetarian. I’ve been on this path for longer than most people on this website have been alive. I can’t honestly remember the last time I had a cold, but it was longer than 30 years ago - much longer. I’m a hypochondriac so I’m constantly taking herbs:) and, of course, many decades of a vegan organic diet. Works for me. I’m not trying to proselytize at all. I came from a place of not having health - so when precious food cured me, I just decided to stick with it what works works. Found the soup website. Not that of Ivy Manning, but someone featuring the recipe.
https://www.opb.org/artsandlife/series/cooking/recipe-teff-pancakes-spicy-ethiopian-red-lentil-soup/?outputType=amp
Thank you for this Valere. 'Tis a pleasant respite from all the daunting issues being addressed into a humorous vein. I have been enjoying the brutally funny parody efforts of Randy Rainbow for some time now. This latest is easily one of his finest... he just lays it on thick... such a hoot. 😆😆 He excels at making it patent that "the emperor has no clothes".
Hi Marc, Love it when M. Johnson extends his hand to shake - and Randy refuses because of his new mani.
V
😆😆 so damn funny
Marc, And I can't help wondering if Mike 'I wanna say Trisha...' Johnson has seen it.
not likely.. the MAGA media hounds that grovel at GOP leaders undoubtedly do their best to "groom" him and avoid embarrassment. 🙄🤷♂️
I want those glasses.
I just don’t understand the GOP endgame. This is their country too. Tump is incapable of taking care of this sad lot of sycophants not to mention, he doesn’t give a damn about anyone other than himself! WTF
One of the district symptoms of malignant narcissisms is the inability to comprehend the harm to anyone else including followers & sycophants.
True, the other is fear. Most people freeze, which means they die. The GOP is frozen, but the few pulling these strings are anything but. This cannot wait to November 2024, I know it sounds delicious for me to be asking Democrats to help their republican friends, but this is a time when the whole country must respond to the cyber war, to Russia, and fight back as one. There are no Democrats, independents, republicans in a fighter bomber, only Americans going to win a war
Oops, sounds ridiculous
What is he promising them other than throwing them out a window at any time???????
Tutone! Doesn't he use a special untraceable poison? Or is that Putin??
The latter’s annointed take care of his business.
Thank you Joyce.
I shared the article you linked
the first time you posted it
with several people and a couple of family members who, sad to say, have not
been paying attention.
All but 1 responded with shock and fear. I directed them to Heritage Foundation Project 2025.
Not one step back! We must
continue to believe that the
elections of 2024 are going
to be the most important our
country has faced.