I am exhausted by reading all of this, Joyce. Thanks for the details. It is unfortunate that Trump remains in the headlines. After reading Robert Kagan’s piece in the Post of how close we are to a dictatorship, I hate that this man continues to get oxygen
I agree Kathy that tfg’s lies are not news. But I watched a recent Lawrence O’Donnell story ( the one that begins with Liz Cheney’s news about “orange Jesus”) in which he said the media should be publishing everything that tfg does to keep people informed about what a liar he is. And that makes sense too.
Yes, Lawrence, publish tfg's deceitful output, BUT, present it clearly and perhaps with fanfare as exactly that: the latest roundup of manipulation and lies.
As it stands, his MO is well-known and accepted. He lies all he wants to and people react to the content and scramble to prove their innocence. Better, perhaps, to include the lie in the day's list and explain it away. Expose the loser's reasoning and strategy. No more wild goose chase.
That’s a great comment Jeff. This was in today’s local paper, owned by USA Today. It’s the first article I’ve noticed that immediately questioned what tfg said though the lede was about Biden being a threat to democracy. What was that kids’ chant about what I say comes back and sticks on you???
Remarks made as former president faces election fraud allegations
Indeed Gigi - posted on this one on the previous Substack and shared the YouTube link. I recommend we share this far and wide with everyone we know. And we repost it right here every week:) I have two friends who consider Trump the Messiah. One is an architect. The other a social worker. Both with master’s degrees from elite universities. So it’s not simply ‘ no education.’ I don’t know how people are captured into this cult, but that’s exactly what it is. I keep a very large distance, but also keep them in my circle at this distance of going months at a time without calling them, or picking up their calls. But there hasn’t been a confrontation because, I’m hopeful that they will go through a kind of reprogramming. They are both very religious conservative Christian women.
But they treat this kind of cult group surrounding Trump as a religion and get their information from Bible scriptures. That’s one reason we must have an arm’s length friendship because they proselytize. I can’t bear to listen. But I also can’t bear to leave behind close friends. This political Messiah thing sort of popped up out of nowhere. I knew they were Republican, but we never discussed politics at all.
We were involved in animal, shelters and feeding, homeless. Suddenly there was Q and ‘Rush.’ And just as suddenly, I dropped away from them.
Some Germans thought Hitler was divine, and some Japanese thought that Hirohito was divine. I think it’s just a survival mechanism, thinking that there’s a magical human out there with the power to save them from the personal rack and ruin that they’re convinced is right around the next corner. They found out that the answer, in the end, was “if only.”
...and after the war in Europe, the Germans were put through massive re-education programs. Judiciary, Teachers, Politicians, public Servants etc. all had to go back to school. Many of them born in the 1920's, never had anything but National Socialist schooling, youth clubs and camps, sports rallies, church programs. Their entire lives were filled with the propaganda, and magnification of the Divine Führer. I am not sure about Japan. For many, it proved to be the only way to move forward from the depression by the ugly truth. The Allies needed the Germans to "come out of it", as will we, when this is done.
History all too easily repeats itself. The Germans post WWI needed a scapegoat for the harsh treaty and the economy was I. The dumps. The Jews became that scapegoat. In our time, Chancellor Merkel opened Germany to great migration from war torn nations. As she did this, I thought that there would be an ugly backlash and now the seeds have been sown. Europe is undergoing a move to the right and I believe that unfettered open borders is the cause. We can find examples in history of this. It’s happening here in the US. And we on the democratic side, are making a huge mistake by not becoming more understanding of this and more responsive to border crossings. There is no down side other than forcing people back to their home countries and allowing the legal remedies to work. So are will willing to lose this great fight over this particular issue? Some of us don’t understand the gravity of this issue. I do.
The problem in Germany was not so much the opening of borders. It was/is the lack of realistic preparation for how to support the new (and earlier) immigrants. Germany had seen this in the 60's with Turkish Guest workers and the 80's with North African migrants from the Lebanese and other conflicts. History repeated itself in 2014. The existing laws and homogeneous culture were just not ready for an influx of of masses of "different" thinkers. As a result Germany still has aprox. 4,000,000 non-integrated Turks (Who are still swing voters for Erdogan and are largely antisemitic) and 5 or six major North African Crime Gangs (of up to 5000 members each) who basically thumb their noses at German law. Now the latest wave has the same problem. When they arrived, the inadequate system didn't allow them to get jobs (they were weened on the dole), they couldn't get training in jobs, and they couldn't speak the language. Those immigrants largely also hate the German Jews. Germany's legal system is the opposite of brutal. Those who commit crimes are "re-educated" and people under 25 are mostly treated as children under the law. For some-one coming from the Moslem world, the legal consequences of their actions are literally a joke. Europe had built a very fine system of social justice and consensus among it's people which totally broke down. Europes Imans preaching in the German Mosques aren't even German, they are imported from radicalized countries and countries with authoritarian governments. Even in the Mosques, Moslems are taught to resist secular authority. The Right wing identitary movements which were allowed to grow unchecked mostly, and the remnants of GDR authoritarians in the "Neue Bundesländer", and even the Reichsbürger (who don't even recognize German law, because they "never lost WWII"). They were just waiting in the wings to move Germany's immigrants into the AFD right wing flow (Alternative Für Deutschland, now polling at close to 20% Germany wide). And antisemitism is a large part of their program to attract the new Germans. Pretty much the same happens in Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Italy, France, Britain...etc. We in the USA have also missed the "structural boat" which should be hindering the radicalization of immigrants and managing the flow. The Latin American religious population is completely ready for their place among the christian Nationalists. If we had an immigration management Program and Policy maybe similar to Canada (although they are having problems too) we would be all the better for it. In Germany, nay Europe, they can't even repatriate the illegal and rejected immigrants. And all this is soooo stupid, because Germany could have easily trained the missing workforce which it needs to continue to compete on a Global scale. German Industry need more than 700,000 trained technical workers right now. I agree completely, Bill We are making a huge mistake...and it's our Congress that has been making it for some time.
There are different explanations to why we accept or reject or question. Some of us are born skeptics (I am one) and others need to follow and accept and thereby be validated. It’s a need. I’m reminded of that woman who worked in the New York Supreme Court and on the first day of trumps presence, she decided to walk towards him before Court opened just to tell him things were going to be OK. Oh boy, she was arrested and likely lost her job. Why did she do it? Blind subservience. I was in the Court the day he testified and I later thought I could have stood up while he was under cross, and yelled something very nasty which would have placed me immediately in custody.
I need to believe that events would never allow Trump to step foot into the White House again. And that’s is far as I’m going with this thought.
Years ago, our current governor ran for senate against Joe Lieberman, who did t get the democratic nod since he was virtually a republican, and he ran independently. I call or emailed Governor Lamo ts campaign manager with an idea. Put out a request for all his supporters to find one friend who might likely vote but wasn’t a very enthusiastic voter. We all know them. The plan was to engage them over the course of the campaign slowly building in them the importance to vote. He responded why only one why not 10 people to get to the polls. He obviously didn’t take my thought seriously. His candidate lost. I found a such a friend and I worked on her leading up to the election. She told me that she had voted. In theory and practice, it can double the vote.
As I said a while ago here, Bill. I'm doing it, and I've given one update as promised. Here's the next. My friend said he is now "on the fence", which is also not great but better than before. If I get him "over the fence", I'll start on the next one. Being from the South, I have lots of inventory of potential converts.
It is hard. It’s doable and I did it. My friend is an art administrator so it wasn’t that difficult. But if a campaign made it one of their programs. But really the importance of convincing the electorate that democrats are for safety and security at the border. So republicans will use it against us at this point. We will use the loss of Roe (and boy what a loss) against republicans. We need really super majorities and at best, I predict a squeaker. And now that we are moving toward AI, the world is changing massively before our eyes. Reality it not really out the window because there is no window. There is nothing but absolute confusion. The masses will often get suckered I just like 2016 when Russia outfoxed Hillary who was no great leader I wanted but 50 times better than TFG. It’s a dystopian life.
That one friend who I worked on slowly over the course of the campaign was hard to do. I had to be cognizant of not pushing her at the same time casually interjecting it in our conversations. But it worked.
So understandable, so familiar. Their fantasy of salvation is necessary to their avoidance of fact checking. Faith is their arbiter, for if they do not follow the chosen one, he repeatedly reminds them he will bring down massive retribution. Cults are as old as existence, a very useful tool to hold power over those filled with fear. On Madison Ave it was called advertising, by repetition. It breaks my heart.
Thank you Charlene. So well said. I'm afraid they listened to Rush Limbaugh - and now Steve Bannon. I have not asked, but they mentioned 'Rush' in the past. Bannon does psychological warfare and I am sure it is 'by repetition.' Indeed, it breaks my heart as well. I've wondered if they would be willing to talk to a cult deprogrammer.
I cannot see reprogramming on any scale in this situation. Trump emphasizes that he is the victim, that those who oppose his gimmicks (fund raising) and his blizzard of distraction through lies delivered with exacting threats
Thank you Charlene. Re the 'exacting threats.' I keep harkening back to an interview I watched on You Tube of Mitt Romney when he announced he would not run again for the senate. He stated that he was paying $5,000 per month for security to protect his family. And he stated that he recognized that few in Congress could afford that kind of security. At the time, I thought: "Well, that's just what applies to Mitt because he has been outspoken against Trump." I have not read his book, but it's on my list to order. But now, I am wondering if it is why so many Republicans in Congress kowtow to Trump? Are they living under a kind of mafia threat?
I am someone who has the same friends from kindergarten, and I'm an old hippie dippy. And had a conservative (not the Christian nationalist sort, just the Midwest Republicans who did PTA and League of Women Voters instead of going to church, which entailed Christmas eve, once a year). But other than knowing everyone voted Republican because grandpa was a Republican representative, politics was not the topic of discussion and still is not. They don't even ask me about my Blue votes, but they know. But conservative Republican relatives, brothers, cousins all have told me "It would be impossible to vote for Trump." But I have gathered a number of friends/acquaintances throughout my career and life - and the most amazing ultra-religious among them - and they proselytize, which makes it ultra uncomfortable for me. I am distancing from them. I cannot imagine trying to influence them (I have raised my eyebrows when they brought up the Q thing. When they brought up the bible - and I admit I am not a biblical scholar and have not read 'Revelations' and do not care to - I just end the discussion as gracefully as possible. They are bent on pushing their agenda, so I have distanced, hoping there will be a friendship after all is 'said and done' and we have won💙 At some point, after Trump's loss to Biden in 2024 - yes, I am in the Biden camp - they may have reality therapy and if so, we can still have a friendship. Hoping.
It truly is an enigma to me. I've been waiting for a 'shock' to wake them up. I'm not sure what it would take. Even Alex Jones admits he is a fraud (himself)!
So did Rush Limbaugh. The only time I ever listened to him (I was driving early in Montana and nothing else was on) he was being interviewed. He said “you don’t think I believe this stuff, do you? They just pay me really well to say it”.
If you look under the hood you will always find a strong urge toward the magic sky daddy. Try it. That’s not to say all who “believe” are cultists, just that most cultists have been indoctrinated from an early age.
In my experience, "These people" are "smart", whether educated or not. We are all born "gullible" from babyhood, and will stay gullible if an incurious environment holds more sway. The majority of us will eventually become critical thinkers by being curious seekers w/ a modicum of common sense and empathy.
The Trump GOP is full of, and attracts, narcissists and liars. Narcissists and liars know how to target, mark, and manipulate people without feeling shame. Narcissists and liars usually get better at it with age, and can turn the charm on or off at will, depending upon how valuable you are at the moment.
It is a cult. Remember when that female Preacher prayed over him in the WH? She went on to speak gibberish about him in her church. Every time I see this kind of thing I think of Jim Jones. A video is all over Instagram showing several ministers praying over TFG.
And I'm thinking Trump didn't believe a single word they said. He was thinking: 'OK, I'll stand here and pretend so their followers will send me the money.' There is not a sincere bone in Trump's body.
Justice has taken TOO LONG. I’m so disillusioned and disappointed. I was married to a superb attorney for 25 years and had a deep belief in our justice system.
Thank you Joyce for this amazing column of work. The picture is beautiful. When Sackler went to trial, evidence was presented from one of their board meetings when they discussed producing opioids for sale, and they had at that time found a new pharmaceutical they could put on the market that would bring a kind of recovery from opioid addiction. One of the comments by one of the Sackler’s in that board meeting was extremely unfeeling, uncaring (or crass): the individual said: “now we have it both ways,” meaning, “we’re making money on OxyContin, and now we can clean up on the fix for the poor sorry saps.” There needs to be a special criminal charge against them for this behavior because it truly is a crime to make money off of unfortunate addictions that one has caused, and finagling a pretend cure that ‘somehow’ gained FDA approval. I am hoping they are denied bankruptcy protection. They’ve hidden billions of dollars. Nearly everyone in America has been impacted in one way or another by the opioid crisis. This would be a terrible precedent to set for people like Sacklers and Donald Trump. I will not be surprised to see Jack Smith file Rico charges against Trump for classified and still not returned documents. Whether it comes tomorrow or not, show the campaign finance fraud Trump has committed. And let it reach all the rats in Congress. When you ponder the statement, that is the answer to all the questions., ie ‘ follow the money’ Trump has aligned many of the Republican representatives and senators as his minions. There must be a money trail going back to Trump. And I am hoping Jack Smith has discovered it. Who are the big money donors giving to Trump, and how does he choose to dole out money to his minions?
I know I should....but cannot bear it for a minute. I'm wrapping my head around the reality that Trump took Top Secret documents from the White House for which there is no tracking - no way to trace, because it seems he may have just grabbed something to 'take home' from a Top Secret briefing.
I had never heard of the Sackler family much less their company Purdue Pharma until a few months ago. And then hearing of both was not due to reading about them in newspapers nor watching any tv news reports about either. I stumbled upon their name after randomly picking a movie to watch on (I think) HBO. The movie was about a time in the life of an artist/ photographer who was dealing with the deaths of friends in her community and beyond due to their addiction to OxyContin.
The artists life and all it’s debauchery (not sure if debauchery is the right word) was on full display as the cameras rolled. No matter what the subject matter of her life, good and bad, it was shown as she openly exposed and disclosed all. Watching the many events of her life had a profound impact on me much of which was disturbing. (Well at least disturbing relative to what little exposure of these things I’ve had over the years.) But while sorting through what was a bit of a chaotic story line from the beginning, the purpose of the movie slowly came to light as I saw the protests the artist had organized at various well known museums.
This is when I first heard the Sackler family name, their ties to Purdue Pharma/ OxyContin, and the Sackler’s connection to these museums where the protests were taking place. As well as the Sackler family’s complicity in the opioid epidemic.
The Sackler’s continued to market OxyContin as well as profit from its sales fully knowing how addictive it is. I was taken aback by the hubris of this extremely wealthy family’s attitude toward the destruction of peoples lives as well as the many deaths due OxyContin. Yet they did nothing all in the name of profits. A “Profits over People” mantra by those raking in huge sums of money in the medical “industry” as exposed in this movie was/ is shocking and heartbreaking. I’ve been well aware of the “medical industrial complex” in the USA for some time but this movie brings it right to your front door. It’s well worth watching. Its title is “All The Beauty and The Bloodshed”.
Wow! A very in depth submission going into the week. I merely wish to comment on the opioid epidemic - that my mom suffered an excruciating death from bone cancer in 1986 before the Palliative Care Act. I think the catastrophe of the Sacklers and pill mills in this capitalist country led to more seeking of black market opioids - Not heroin, but pills. To this day it kills me I couldn't get mercy for my mom, while I've watched real trash take place with opioids like candy, post pharmaceutical availability. A 17 year olds broken arm was prescribed opioid when much lower level of drug would suffice! What!!! The true losers were those suffering from excruciating terminal cancer pain when the regulators worried they'd become addicted 3 months before their demise.
so sad that your mother suffered so much, a shame our health care system doesn't have the flexibility and offer sufficient training for helping those in such need
Thankfully, our hospice system today is so much more established, merciful and effective than it was in 1986 in some communities and states. Started as a movement in the early 70's, it was up to local communities and hospitals to set up boards and standards. No one should have to suffer. I am so sorry your mother had to go through that Karen. I can't even imagine the agony of watching her suffer. Side note: there are some of us for whom narcotics have the opposite effect, CAUSING severe pain. Alternatives are available.
Thank you Mary Pat for the signal on "alternative Meds" now available.
Medicare services & patient rights have expanded greatly in recent years. "Hospice" care can be months longer not just the "last 2 weeks" in the shadow of death & include delivery of appropriate Meds & a Log of treatmeant actually delivered not to the exclusion of private family arrangements. I have handled several expedited Medicare service 72 hour appeals with positive results for my Mother.
I'm one of those, and alternatives are many at this point. I worked as a volunteer for Hospice for years, until I became too vulnerable myself healthwise, and it has become quite a marvelous organization.
This summary of what's ahead of us this week is very helpful, although it will require that I begin my holiday baking to reduce any anxiety and stress. I don't really get anxious or stressed, but I do need to begin baking cookies.
These are great. Recipe is very accurate. Read all the notes and tips. They can be prepped on day one and baked morning of day two. Don’t skip the parchment paper
I also subscribe to Marissa Rothkopf's The Secret Life of Cookies Substack. Her recipes and other advice are great. And then, there's always Martha Stewart
One of my graduate student tenants was found dead this summer in our rental. He was loved by all, had a good relationship, and many job prospects for when he would graduate in physics. It is unanimously believed that this was unfortunate and unintended accident with counterfeit pills that were stronger than expected. Fentanyl is often added to enhance effects of a product. The widespread overuse of prescription oxycontin has boosted its availability and demand; it is coveted everywhere. The complicity of the Sackler family cannot be emphasized enough.
Being in Colorado and having first written 18 months ago to our democracy- and freedom-saving heroine of a Secretary of State to urge her to follow the Constitution’s 14 Amendment Section 3 and bar Trump from the ballot, I very much enjoyed reading CREW's brief to the Colorado Supreme Court for Wednesday. As a non-attorney but of the "reality-based community" I loved seeing sentences like "This is wrong." Entertaining and encouraging!
I have been having a hard time keeping up with everything. I think I’m having a bad case of depression. I’m scared to death that Orange Jesus will actually win. So I’ve been finding it hard to even keep up with the news. I really appreciate your Sunday night week ahead. It helps me get my head back in the game. And I can go to bed at a reasonable time tonight. It’s not midnight---yet. Thanks, love jour chickens.
Spend time reading Simon Rosenberg and watching videos with him... Look up Hopium Chronicles here on Substack. I'm not a doctor, but I'm sure you'll be better off spending time with Simon's information and approach!
Sage, Eric!! Thank you for your caring response. I have the inner sense that Biden will win, but wondering at times if I'm not basing it on 'how could it be that Trump could?' To me it is inconceivable that Trump could win, but it there are so many who follow him. Folks on this site are suggesting we approach friends/acquaintances one-by-one and I'll be doing that.
Oh, you're not alone at all, Trudy. I've even restarted appointments with my therapist. Politics are not the only reason I'm back to see her, but it's a contributing factor in my depression and anxiety. But, as our dear Joyce says, 'We're all in this together', so know that you're not alone here. ((Hugs))
Thank you for another great, informative post, Joyce. First: Chickens - she doesn't look overly excited to be getting her dose of Verm-X (;-),
Next: I have always thought it was terrible that the Sackler family was able to keep their millions of dollars earned peddling opioids to doctors, patients, and pharmacies. I guess the courts decided it was more unfair to strip those unrepentant millionaires of their ill-gotten fortune, than it was for parents nationwide ti lose their children to OxyContin.
I still have faith in most of the lower courts, and in the Circuit (Appellate) Courts but very, very klittle in the Supreme Court.
Donald Trump has been a gravy train for the legal profession. Ever since his casino bankruptcy cases back in the 90s. that's one thing he's very consistent about.
Never mind the quality of the lawyers that are willing to go to work for the guy, but he and his legal problems have sure been a gravy train for a segment of the profession.
That's sad, there's not a large law firm in this nation. That would touch that guy with a 10 foot Pole.
If you're tired, imagine how Joyce and other experts feel!
Thank you Joyce. I continue to learn a thing or two every time you offer info and insight. It's a lot for everyone but new ground usually is. And new ground doesn't respect the fact that every individual has also just been through a recession and a pandemic and NOW THE HOLIDAYS!! So let's pace ourselves
I find making notes about the things I can effect and then seeing to it that I do that helps a lot. Worry might be the biggest waste of time I have ever indulged in, and I gave it up!
As far as I can tell, very little of this is a surprise or unheard of. It all takes time because this is the only chance we get to make it STICK. I'm okay with that. That it takes time.
I'm not happy about our country being under severe attack, I'm not okay with that. but I trust certain people in charge of these suits....most amongst them a couple of badass judges and a couple of superior and tested Prosecutors. I'm sticking with that.
I am exhausted by reading all of this, Joyce. Thanks for the details. It is unfortunate that Trump remains in the headlines. After reading Robert Kagan’s piece in the Post of how close we are to a dictatorship, I hate that this man continues to get oxygen
I agree Kathy that tfg’s lies are not news. But I watched a recent Lawrence O’Donnell story ( the one that begins with Liz Cheney’s news about “orange Jesus”) in which he said the media should be publishing everything that tfg does to keep people informed about what a liar he is. And that makes sense too.
Yes, Lawrence, publish tfg's deceitful output, BUT, present it clearly and perhaps with fanfare as exactly that: the latest roundup of manipulation and lies.
As it stands, his MO is well-known and accepted. He lies all he wants to and people react to the content and scramble to prove their innocence. Better, perhaps, to include the lie in the day's list and explain it away. Expose the loser's reasoning and strategy. No more wild goose chase.
That’s a great comment Jeff. This was in today’s local paper, owned by USA Today. It’s the first article I’ve noticed that immediately questioned what tfg said though the lede was about Biden being a threat to democracy. What was that kids’ chant about what I say comes back and sticks on you???
Remarks made as former president faces election fraud allegations
https://tinyurl.com/ykcnot8d
Indeed Gigi - posted on this one on the previous Substack and shared the YouTube link. I recommend we share this far and wide with everyone we know. And we repost it right here every week:) I have two friends who consider Trump the Messiah. One is an architect. The other a social worker. Both with master’s degrees from elite universities. So it’s not simply ‘ no education.’ I don’t know how people are captured into this cult, but that’s exactly what it is. I keep a very large distance, but also keep them in my circle at this distance of going months at a time without calling them, or picking up their calls. But there hasn’t been a confrontation because, I’m hopeful that they will go through a kind of reprogramming. They are both very religious conservative Christian women.
But they treat this kind of cult group surrounding Trump as a religion and get their information from Bible scriptures. That’s one reason we must have an arm’s length friendship because they proselytize. I can’t bear to listen. But I also can’t bear to leave behind close friends. This political Messiah thing sort of popped up out of nowhere. I knew they were Republican, but we never discussed politics at all.
We were involved in animal, shelters and feeding, homeless. Suddenly there was Q and ‘Rush.’ And just as suddenly, I dropped away from them.
Some Germans thought Hitler was divine, and some Japanese thought that Hirohito was divine. I think it’s just a survival mechanism, thinking that there’s a magical human out there with the power to save them from the personal rack and ruin that they’re convinced is right around the next corner. They found out that the answer, in the end, was “if only.”
...and after the war in Europe, the Germans were put through massive re-education programs. Judiciary, Teachers, Politicians, public Servants etc. all had to go back to school. Many of them born in the 1920's, never had anything but National Socialist schooling, youth clubs and camps, sports rallies, church programs. Their entire lives were filled with the propaganda, and magnification of the Divine Führer. I am not sure about Japan. For many, it proved to be the only way to move forward from the depression by the ugly truth. The Allies needed the Germans to "come out of it", as will we, when this is done.
History all too easily repeats itself. The Germans post WWI needed a scapegoat for the harsh treaty and the economy was I. The dumps. The Jews became that scapegoat. In our time, Chancellor Merkel opened Germany to great migration from war torn nations. As she did this, I thought that there would be an ugly backlash and now the seeds have been sown. Europe is undergoing a move to the right and I believe that unfettered open borders is the cause. We can find examples in history of this. It’s happening here in the US. And we on the democratic side, are making a huge mistake by not becoming more understanding of this and more responsive to border crossings. There is no down side other than forcing people back to their home countries and allowing the legal remedies to work. So are will willing to lose this great fight over this particular issue? Some of us don’t understand the gravity of this issue. I do.
The problem in Germany was not so much the opening of borders. It was/is the lack of realistic preparation for how to support the new (and earlier) immigrants. Germany had seen this in the 60's with Turkish Guest workers and the 80's with North African migrants from the Lebanese and other conflicts. History repeated itself in 2014. The existing laws and homogeneous culture were just not ready for an influx of of masses of "different" thinkers. As a result Germany still has aprox. 4,000,000 non-integrated Turks (Who are still swing voters for Erdogan and are largely antisemitic) and 5 or six major North African Crime Gangs (of up to 5000 members each) who basically thumb their noses at German law. Now the latest wave has the same problem. When they arrived, the inadequate system didn't allow them to get jobs (they were weened on the dole), they couldn't get training in jobs, and they couldn't speak the language. Those immigrants largely also hate the German Jews. Germany's legal system is the opposite of brutal. Those who commit crimes are "re-educated" and people under 25 are mostly treated as children under the law. For some-one coming from the Moslem world, the legal consequences of their actions are literally a joke. Europe had built a very fine system of social justice and consensus among it's people which totally broke down. Europes Imans preaching in the German Mosques aren't even German, they are imported from radicalized countries and countries with authoritarian governments. Even in the Mosques, Moslems are taught to resist secular authority. The Right wing identitary movements which were allowed to grow unchecked mostly, and the remnants of GDR authoritarians in the "Neue Bundesländer", and even the Reichsbürger (who don't even recognize German law, because they "never lost WWII"). They were just waiting in the wings to move Germany's immigrants into the AFD right wing flow (Alternative Für Deutschland, now polling at close to 20% Germany wide). And antisemitism is a large part of their program to attract the new Germans. Pretty much the same happens in Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Italy, France, Britain...etc. We in the USA have also missed the "structural boat" which should be hindering the radicalization of immigrants and managing the flow. The Latin American religious population is completely ready for their place among the christian Nationalists. If we had an immigration management Program and Policy maybe similar to Canada (although they are having problems too) we would be all the better for it. In Germany, nay Europe, they can't even repatriate the illegal and rejected immigrants. And all this is soooo stupid, because Germany could have easily trained the missing workforce which it needs to continue to compete on a Global scale. German Industry need more than 700,000 trained technical workers right now. I agree completely, Bill We are making a huge mistake...and it's our Congress that has been making it for some time.
Fine as long as we never see or hear from them again. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/ten-infamous-islands-of-exile-1947938/
Or put them on a plane and drop them over Siberia. In winter.
There are different explanations to why we accept or reject or question. Some of us are born skeptics (I am one) and others need to follow and accept and thereby be validated. It’s a need. I’m reminded of that woman who worked in the New York Supreme Court and on the first day of trumps presence, she decided to walk towards him before Court opened just to tell him things were going to be OK. Oh boy, she was arrested and likely lost her job. Why did she do it? Blind subservience. I was in the Court the day he testified and I later thought I could have stood up while he was under cross, and yelled something very nasty which would have placed me immediately in custody.
I need to believe that events would never allow Trump to step foot into the White House again. And that’s is far as I’m going with this thought.
Years ago, our current governor ran for senate against Joe Lieberman, who did t get the democratic nod since he was virtually a republican, and he ran independently. I call or emailed Governor Lamo ts campaign manager with an idea. Put out a request for all his supporters to find one friend who might likely vote but wasn’t a very enthusiastic voter. We all know them. The plan was to engage them over the course of the campaign slowly building in them the importance to vote. He responded why only one why not 10 people to get to the polls. He obviously didn’t take my thought seriously. His candidate lost. I found a such a friend and I worked on her leading up to the election. She told me that she had voted. In theory and practice, it can double the vote.
Just a thought.
As I said a while ago here, Bill. I'm doing it, and I've given one update as promised. Here's the next. My friend said he is now "on the fence", which is also not great but better than before. If I get him "over the fence", I'll start on the next one. Being from the South, I have lots of inventory of potential converts.
It is hard. It’s doable and I did it. My friend is an art administrator so it wasn’t that difficult. But if a campaign made it one of their programs. But really the importance of convincing the electorate that democrats are for safety and security at the border. So republicans will use it against us at this point. We will use the loss of Roe (and boy what a loss) against republicans. We need really super majorities and at best, I predict a squeaker. And now that we are moving toward AI, the world is changing massively before our eyes. Reality it not really out the window because there is no window. There is nothing but absolute confusion. The masses will often get suckered I just like 2016 when Russia outfoxed Hillary who was no great leader I wanted but 50 times better than TFG. It’s a dystopian life.
I am 'for' all ideas. We need them all because we do not have a 'cookie cutter' society, and some things will work with some folks - some with others.
That one friend who I worked on slowly over the course of the campaign was hard to do. I had to be cognizant of not pushing her at the same time casually interjecting it in our conversations. But it worked.
Thank you William!
So understandable, so familiar. Their fantasy of salvation is necessary to their avoidance of fact checking. Faith is their arbiter, for if they do not follow the chosen one, he repeatedly reminds them he will bring down massive retribution. Cults are as old as existence, a very useful tool to hold power over those filled with fear. On Madison Ave it was called advertising, by repetition. It breaks my heart.
Thank you Charlene. So well said. I'm afraid they listened to Rush Limbaugh - and now Steve Bannon. I have not asked, but they mentioned 'Rush' in the past. Bannon does psychological warfare and I am sure it is 'by repetition.' Indeed, it breaks my heart as well. I've wondered if they would be willing to talk to a cult deprogrammer.
I cannot see reprogramming on any scale in this situation. Trump emphasizes that he is the victim, that those who oppose his gimmicks (fund raising) and his blizzard of distraction through lies delivered with exacting threats
Thank you Charlene. Re the 'exacting threats.' I keep harkening back to an interview I watched on You Tube of Mitt Romney when he announced he would not run again for the senate. He stated that he was paying $5,000 per month for security to protect his family. And he stated that he recognized that few in Congress could afford that kind of security. At the time, I thought: "Well, that's just what applies to Mitt because he has been outspoken against Trump." I have not read his book, but it's on my list to order. But now, I am wondering if it is why so many Republicans in Congress kowtow to Trump? Are they living under a kind of mafia threat?
Valere, I have a close family member who is in that same category. It is extremely difficult to deal with this ongoing situation.
I am someone who has the same friends from kindergarten, and I'm an old hippie dippy. And had a conservative (not the Christian nationalist sort, just the Midwest Republicans who did PTA and League of Women Voters instead of going to church, which entailed Christmas eve, once a year). But other than knowing everyone voted Republican because grandpa was a Republican representative, politics was not the topic of discussion and still is not. They don't even ask me about my Blue votes, but they know. But conservative Republican relatives, brothers, cousins all have told me "It would be impossible to vote for Trump." But I have gathered a number of friends/acquaintances throughout my career and life - and the most amazing ultra-religious among them - and they proselytize, which makes it ultra uncomfortable for me. I am distancing from them. I cannot imagine trying to influence them (I have raised my eyebrows when they brought up the Q thing. When they brought up the bible - and I admit I am not a biblical scholar and have not read 'Revelations' and do not care to - I just end the discussion as gracefully as possible. They are bent on pushing their agenda, so I have distanced, hoping there will be a friendship after all is 'said and done' and we have won💙 At some point, after Trump's loss to Biden in 2024 - yes, I am in the Biden camp - they may have reality therapy and if so, we can still have a friendship. Hoping.
Their ministers and priests need to go through reprogramming so their "Word" does not destroy our democracy.
Yes.
And there’s the key. Your “friends” are “very religious”, meaning they’re already programmed for cultism.
I had a good friend, a scientist, who went so Alex jones on me and finally we had it out.
These people are not smart, nor educated. They’re trained gullible. And my friend Mari was a horrific narcissist and liar.
It truly is an enigma to me. I've been waiting for a 'shock' to wake them up. I'm not sure what it would take. Even Alex Jones admits he is a fraud (himself)!
So did Rush Limbaugh. The only time I ever listened to him (I was driving early in Montana and nothing else was on) he was being interviewed. He said “you don’t think I believe this stuff, do you? They just pay me really well to say it”.
If you look under the hood you will always find a strong urge toward the magic sky daddy. Try it. That’s not to say all who “believe” are cultists, just that most cultists have been indoctrinated from an early age.
Wow!
In my experience, "These people" are "smart", whether educated or not. We are all born "gullible" from babyhood, and will stay gullible if an incurious environment holds more sway. The majority of us will eventually become critical thinkers by being curious seekers w/ a modicum of common sense and empathy.
The Trump GOP is full of, and attracts, narcissists and liars. Narcissists and liars know how to target, mark, and manipulate people without feeling shame. Narcissists and liars usually get better at it with age, and can turn the charm on or off at will, depending upon how valuable you are at the moment.
It is a cult. Remember when that female Preacher prayed over him in the WH? She went on to speak gibberish about him in her church. Every time I see this kind of thing I think of Jim Jones. A video is all over Instagram showing several ministers praying over TFG.
And I'm thinking Trump didn't believe a single word they said. He was thinking: 'OK, I'll stand here and pretend so their followers will send me the money.' There is not a sincere bone in Trump's body.
Justice has taken TOO LONG. I’m so disillusioned and disappointed. I was married to a superb attorney for 25 years and had a deep belief in our justice system.
Oh my. I just posted the link before I read your comment. I feel defeated.
Thank you Joyce for this amazing column of work. The picture is beautiful. When Sackler went to trial, evidence was presented from one of their board meetings when they discussed producing opioids for sale, and they had at that time found a new pharmaceutical they could put on the market that would bring a kind of recovery from opioid addiction. One of the comments by one of the Sackler’s in that board meeting was extremely unfeeling, uncaring (or crass): the individual said: “now we have it both ways,” meaning, “we’re making money on OxyContin, and now we can clean up on the fix for the poor sorry saps.” There needs to be a special criminal charge against them for this behavior because it truly is a crime to make money off of unfortunate addictions that one has caused, and finagling a pretend cure that ‘somehow’ gained FDA approval. I am hoping they are denied bankruptcy protection. They’ve hidden billions of dollars. Nearly everyone in America has been impacted in one way or another by the opioid crisis. This would be a terrible precedent to set for people like Sacklers and Donald Trump. I will not be surprised to see Jack Smith file Rico charges against Trump for classified and still not returned documents. Whether it comes tomorrow or not, show the campaign finance fraud Trump has committed. And let it reach all the rats in Congress. When you ponder the statement, that is the answer to all the questions., ie ‘ follow the money’ Trump has aligned many of the Republican representatives and senators as his minions. There must be a money trail going back to Trump. And I am hoping Jack Smith has discovered it. Who are the big money donors giving to Trump, and how does he choose to dole out money to his minions?
I don’t think Trump gives any money to his minions. That is what has always been puzzling to me. I think they follow him out of fear for their lives
He does it inadvertently through his wealthy donors.
There are a number of great docudramas on the Sacklers including Dopesick on Hulu. Worth watching
I know I should....but cannot bear it for a minute. I'm wrapping my head around the reality that Trump took Top Secret documents from the White House for which there is no tracking - no way to trace, because it seems he may have just grabbed something to 'take home' from a Top Secret briefing.
Let's not forget McKinsey's hand and culpability in all this.
I had never heard of the Sackler family much less their company Purdue Pharma until a few months ago. And then hearing of both was not due to reading about them in newspapers nor watching any tv news reports about either. I stumbled upon their name after randomly picking a movie to watch on (I think) HBO. The movie was about a time in the life of an artist/ photographer who was dealing with the deaths of friends in her community and beyond due to their addiction to OxyContin.
The artists life and all it’s debauchery (not sure if debauchery is the right word) was on full display as the cameras rolled. No matter what the subject matter of her life, good and bad, it was shown as she openly exposed and disclosed all. Watching the many events of her life had a profound impact on me much of which was disturbing. (Well at least disturbing relative to what little exposure of these things I’ve had over the years.) But while sorting through what was a bit of a chaotic story line from the beginning, the purpose of the movie slowly came to light as I saw the protests the artist had organized at various well known museums.
This is when I first heard the Sackler family name, their ties to Purdue Pharma/ OxyContin, and the Sackler’s connection to these museums where the protests were taking place. As well as the Sackler family’s complicity in the opioid epidemic.
The Sackler’s continued to market OxyContin as well as profit from its sales fully knowing how addictive it is. I was taken aback by the hubris of this extremely wealthy family’s attitude toward the destruction of peoples lives as well as the many deaths due OxyContin. Yet they did nothing all in the name of profits. A “Profits over People” mantra by those raking in huge sums of money in the medical “industry” as exposed in this movie was/ is shocking and heartbreaking. I’ve been well aware of the “medical industrial complex” in the USA for some time but this movie brings it right to your front door. It’s well worth watching. Its title is “All The Beauty and The Bloodshed”.
Wow! A very in depth submission going into the week. I merely wish to comment on the opioid epidemic - that my mom suffered an excruciating death from bone cancer in 1986 before the Palliative Care Act. I think the catastrophe of the Sacklers and pill mills in this capitalist country led to more seeking of black market opioids - Not heroin, but pills. To this day it kills me I couldn't get mercy for my mom, while I've watched real trash take place with opioids like candy, post pharmaceutical availability. A 17 year olds broken arm was prescribed opioid when much lower level of drug would suffice! What!!! The true losers were those suffering from excruciating terminal cancer pain when the regulators worried they'd become addicted 3 months before their demise.
so sad that your mother suffered so much, a shame our health care system doesn't have the flexibility and offer sufficient training for helping those in such need
Thankfully, our hospice system today is so much more established, merciful and effective than it was in 1986 in some communities and states. Started as a movement in the early 70's, it was up to local communities and hospitals to set up boards and standards. No one should have to suffer. I am so sorry your mother had to go through that Karen. I can't even imagine the agony of watching her suffer. Side note: there are some of us for whom narcotics have the opposite effect, CAUSING severe pain. Alternatives are available.
Thank you Mary Pat for the signal on "alternative Meds" now available.
Medicare services & patient rights have expanded greatly in recent years. "Hospice" care can be months longer not just the "last 2 weeks" in the shadow of death & include delivery of appropriate Meds & a Log of treatmeant actually delivered not to the exclusion of private family arrangements. I have handled several expedited Medicare service 72 hour appeals with positive results for my Mother.
I'm one of those, and alternatives are many at this point. I worked as a volunteer for Hospice for years, until I became too vulnerable myself healthwise, and it has become quite a marvelous organization.
Karen, I am sorry your mom went through that.
This summary of what's ahead of us this week is very helpful, although it will require that I begin my holiday baking to reduce any anxiety and stress. I don't really get anxious or stressed, but I do need to begin baking cookies.
Oddly, I eat Christmas cookies to reduce stress......(big grin) At the very least your house will smell wonderful even if the news stinks!
Not odd at all! 8^)
And cinnamon rolls, and banana bread, and brownies and...
https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/best-cinnamon-rolls/
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!
These are great. Recipe is very accurate. Read all the notes and tips. They can be prepped on day one and baked morning of day two. Don’t skip the parchment paper
Haha!
Lots & lots of cookie recipes on the ‘net these days!
I also subscribe to Marissa Rothkopf's The Secret Life of Cookies Substack. Her recipes and other advice are great. And then, there's always Martha Stewart
Love Martha!
Thanks. Yes, despite her foibles, Martha Stewart knows how to deliver a good recipe.
Let's please not get started on cookies...ppppppplease.
One of my graduate student tenants was found dead this summer in our rental. He was loved by all, had a good relationship, and many job prospects for when he would graduate in physics. It is unanimously believed that this was unfortunate and unintended accident with counterfeit pills that were stronger than expected. Fentanyl is often added to enhance effects of a product. The widespread overuse of prescription oxycontin has boosted its availability and demand; it is coveted everywhere. The complicity of the Sackler family cannot be emphasized enough.
Being in Colorado and having first written 18 months ago to our democracy- and freedom-saving heroine of a Secretary of State to urge her to follow the Constitution’s 14 Amendment Section 3 and bar Trump from the ballot, I very much enjoyed reading CREW's brief to the Colorado Supreme Court for Wednesday. As a non-attorney but of the "reality-based community" I loved seeing sentences like "This is wrong." Entertaining and encouraging!
https://www.citizensforethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231120-FINAL-CO-SCT-Opening-Petr-Brief_Redacted.pdf
We need the chicken mentions to get through the weight of everything else. Thanks Joyce!
Great photo of two beauties! 👩🏻🐓
Thanks for the extensive legal update Joyce.
Speaking for me, any time is a good time to post pics of you and your chicks!
Peace and prayers for all☮️🙏🏼☮️
I have been having a hard time keeping up with everything. I think I’m having a bad case of depression. I’m scared to death that Orange Jesus will actually win. So I’ve been finding it hard to even keep up with the news. I really appreciate your Sunday night week ahead. It helps me get my head back in the game. And I can go to bed at a reasonable time tonight. It’s not midnight---yet. Thanks, love jour chickens.
Spend time reading Simon Rosenberg and watching videos with him... Look up Hopium Chronicles here on Substack. I'm not a doctor, but I'm sure you'll be better off spending time with Simon's information and approach!
Sage, Eric!! Thank you for your caring response. I have the inner sense that Biden will win, but wondering at times if I'm not basing it on 'how could it be that Trump could?' To me it is inconceivable that Trump could win, but it there are so many who follow him. Folks on this site are suggesting we approach friends/acquaintances one-by-one and I'll be doing that.
Oh, you're not alone at all, Trudy. I've even restarted appointments with my therapist. Politics are not the only reason I'm back to see her, but it's a contributing factor in my depression and anxiety. But, as our dear Joyce says, 'We're all in this together', so know that you're not alone here. ((Hugs))
Thank you for another great, informative post, Joyce. First: Chickens - she doesn't look overly excited to be getting her dose of Verm-X (;-),
Next: I have always thought it was terrible that the Sackler family was able to keep their millions of dollars earned peddling opioids to doctors, patients, and pharmacies. I guess the courts decided it was more unfair to strip those unrepentant millionaires of their ill-gotten fortune, than it was for parents nationwide ti lose their children to OxyContin.
I still have faith in most of the lower courts, and in the Circuit (Appellate) Courts but very, very klittle in the Supreme Court.
Your sentence about Verm-X makes me wish I were a cartoonist and could insert a drawing about L'Orange Beaste receiving a dose! Talk about vermin.....
I love the visual concept! We need Robert Reich (:-)
Donald Trump has been a gravy train for the legal profession. Ever since his casino bankruptcy cases back in the 90s. that's one thing he's very consistent about.
Never mind the quality of the lawyers that are willing to go to work for the guy, but he and his legal problems have sure been a gravy train for a segment of the profession.
That's sad, there's not a large law firm in this nation. That would touch that guy with a 10 foot Pole.
He had to give a $3 Million upfront payment to the most recent hire (from Florida I believe). But it is not his money. He gathers it from donations.
I have lost faith in the Federalist Society bought court! Joyce, glad your clicks are getting “vaxxed”!
Thank you Joyce. And thank the chickens, too for a bright spot in all the chaos. I'm always happy to see and hear about your chickens!
If you're tired, imagine how Joyce and other experts feel!
Thank you Joyce. I continue to learn a thing or two every time you offer info and insight. It's a lot for everyone but new ground usually is. And new ground doesn't respect the fact that every individual has also just been through a recession and a pandemic and NOW THE HOLIDAYS!! So let's pace ourselves
I find making notes about the things I can effect and then seeing to it that I do that helps a lot. Worry might be the biggest waste of time I have ever indulged in, and I gave it up!
As far as I can tell, very little of this is a surprise or unheard of. It all takes time because this is the only chance we get to make it STICK. I'm okay with that. That it takes time.
I'm not happy about our country being under severe attack, I'm not okay with that. but I trust certain people in charge of these suits....most amongst them a couple of badass judges and a couple of superior and tested Prosecutors. I'm sticking with that.
Thank you Joyce, I loved the picture. You keep us in order and at least we know what we are looking forward to. We are in this together. 👏👏❤️❤️🐓🐓