Very true Steve. We need an adult in the room. Unfortunately, one party is filled with petulant five year olds masquerading as adults. I’m also wondering when this country stopped having respect for our elderly? Age was never an issue if the president executed his job faithfully and efficiently, for the people.
It seems that changed when republicans were telling our elderly that they should just die and sacrifice themselves during COVID for the sake of the economy. I guess this country has come a long way since Obamacare and the “non-existent” death panels....:)
Yesterday, I watched the Republican congressman, Austin Scott make a fool of himself on CNN, sounding like an ignoramus; and he’s probably one of the smart republicans.
He was blaming democrats for the dysfunction in the House. He had the audacity to claim that it was actually democrats who voted McCarthy out.
He refused to acknowledge that republicans have a majority in the House, and stated 212 democrats voted against McCarthy. When challenged that republicans have the majority, he still claimed it was the democrats fault.
Bottom line: not only does this moron believe his own lies, so will the entire MAGA mob, 90% of republicans and at least 30% of republican leaning independents.
You just can’t win with these people, and I’m wondering whether voters should have to take an IQ test before being allowed to vote.
Austin Scott, and Kevin McCarthy, who also blamed Democrats for Jordan’s loss, are able to make these audacious claims because they know how stupid their voters are. And because the GOP has stoked Republicans’ hatred for Democrats for so long, Republican voters are primed to believe whatever lies they are fed.
Another GOP Member from FL spoke on PBS NewsHour. He’s a McCarthy supporter. He didn’t rant. He just made no sense either as he blamed the Dems for there not being a Speaker. We tried to listen. We had to mute. Same nonsense, different mouth.
Age: so many companies began forcing retirement at 63 or 65. Perhaps in years past, that made sense. And still we need succession planning in govt and the longer aging legislators stick around, the fewer opportunities there are for others to learn from and grow in knowledge and the seniority to lead.
And here’s some thought. The Republican Party is supported by big money, billionaires, and corporations. This has been in the works since Ronald Reagan. Citizens’ United? Romney and Paul Ryan’s ‘makers and takers’. This ownership of the GOP creates the rich get richer and they aim to keep it that way.
Agreed, we always hear of Soros on the left, but he gives money for humanitarian purposes; the Koch’s; however, and their network of political organizations, just screw the average American with their lobbying, propaganda and lies...:)
Was Austin the one on PBS with Jeff last night? I am confessing my lapse of memory.
Or was it just another Republican? Smart and Republican I beg to point out do NOT belong in the same sentence. But I will not be glib, nor will I use the F word as it just grates on my OF upbringing, but this is NOT the time to cheer downfalls, stupidity or the mess still very active we have a whole 12 months ahead of us to bring out reality, bring out truths, point out every lie, and carry integrity high.
Thank you Steve, we are so happy you are holding standards, truth , and the endless ‘whats going down ‘ so galant.
Technically, the Democrats did vote the speaker out. That is indeed a fact that must be conceded. The follow up question of course should be if that is the case, why didn’t the Republican majority just reinstate him? Why don’t they just put him up for a vote now? That is the question that will make Austin Scott and the others perpetuating this nonsense to back down.
No it’s not a fact. Gaetz called for the floor vote, not democrats, and seven other republicans voted him out.
Why should democrats bailout McCarthy when he was on cable a day earlier blaming democrats for the possible shutdown, when more democrats than republicans voted for the Continuing Resolution to keep the government going, or after McCarthy reneged on a bi-partisan budget bill?
The blame lies squarely at the feet of republicans. Don’t blame democrats for the dysfunction of republicans, who clearly have no clue how to govern.
To be clear, I'm not saying the Democrats are to blame for his removal (and the turmoil that has pursued), I'm saying that the Democrats were responsible for his removal. It's a fine point. You are correct, Matt Gaetz instigated the vote and is solely to blame, but to state that the Republicans voted him out is to commit a math error of equal magnitude as the one that Steve has presented, and that is that 8 is greater than 212, and it is not. If I were a Democrat, I would be standing up and saying "Hell yea, we voted him out and here is why." And I'd have to agree that all of the arguments I've heard in favor of his removal make perfect sense. What we need to do is move beyond placing blame and towards a resolution. I recommend Jerry Weiss's effort Feather's of Hope: https://jerryweiss.substack.com/p/the-struggle-continues
Fair enough, but you’re using republican talking points that lay the blame on democrats. No democrat voted for McCarthy to begin with, so he was elected speaker without any Democratic help.
When you say these things, you’re just reinforcing the republican narrative that they are blameless and democrats are the problem. That’s the message this sends to the MAGA base and republicans in general.
I get you don’t support the narrative, but that is irrelevant to republicans, they hear you saying it’s the democrats fault....:)
What I'm trying to do, is clearly state the facts, which hopefully can change the narrative. Democrats need to learn a little judo. If I were a Democrat, I'd take this opportunity to say, yes we took the opportunity that was presented to us by Matt Gaetz and the Freedom Caucus to remove speaker McCarthy because (then state the long laundry list of his misdeeds)." And continue to stress that Democrats are willing to work with reasonable Republicans (and there are many) to select a Speaker that will end the gridlock that has been crippling this country for years. This stance can only help them with Independents and those Republicans diametrically opposed to Trump and the Freedom Caucus.
Okay, but democrats didn’t remove him. They never voted for him, as republicans never vote for democrats, when Democrats have the majority.
Pelosi had a majority of only two, less than the republican majority, and still managed to keep the government running and the caucus together. And democrats have several wings, and aren’t a monolithic party.
You may be stating a fact, but the conclusion is wrong, since democrats were never in the mix. It only reinforces the republican narrative and adds more confusion to the issue.
I’m not trying to be difficult, but although you are technically correct, that’s not how Washington works.
Further, democrats have stated they would vote in favor of a new speaker, as long as he’s not an election denier.
McCarthy voted against certifying the election. He removed two democrats from the intelligence committee, not because they did something wrong, but as payback because they said nasty things about Trump, and Trump wanted revenge.
This is a Republican mess, and they could easily fix it by having some sane republicans caucus with democrats and push through some bipartisan bills. Or they could just elect someone in their caucus; it’s not rocket science...:)
The REPUBLICANS are fed what to think and say. As we have discussed their sources other than TFG whispering directions...it’s Fox,NewsMax , etc ALSO.
So, it wasn’t Austin Scott whom I saw on PBS, but another Repub.saying the very same thing -12+ times in fact, in the interview! I write them down and the numbers are adding up rapidly , the majority of deniers, parrots , good ol boys club, know where they stand , two camps in the GOP fold.
Eight Republicans do not make the majority needed to vote the speaker out. You are conflating blame with responsibility. Matt Gaetz is to blame for the Speakers removal, the Democrats are responsible for it. It's a fine point, but to state that the Republicans voted him out is to commit a math error of equal magnitude as the one that Steve has presented, and that is that 8 is greater than 212. It is not. If I were a Democrat, I would be standing up and saying "Hell yea, we voted him out and here is why." And I'd have to agree that all of the arguments I've heard in favor of his removal make perfect sense. What we need to do is move beyond placing blame and towards a resolution. I recommend Jerry Weiss's effort Feather's of Hope: https://jerryweiss.substack.com/p/the-struggle-continues
Some questions for you: How it the responsibility of the 210 Republicans who voted to keep McCarthy in the speakership for his removal? Why does the minority party vote if its not their responsibility to chose, elect or retain the speaker? What would have been the outcome of the election if the Democrats had not voted? Finally, why are the Democrats so defensive about voting to remove the speaker?
Kevin McCarthy also is placing the blame on the Democrats, as if the Republican representatives, (just like Trump), are blameless. This is a perfect example of “gaslighting”. I do not know how this ends up; I don’t think anyone does at this point. Just as long as Jim Jordan does not get voted in, (or Matt Gaetz for that matter), just maybe, there’s a glimmer of hope left for these schmucks. Hard to believe with so many Republicans in the House, there’s no one with any backbone and moral compass to take the helm.
The GOP has a platform that they know is so unpopular that they can’t put it in writing. When Rick Scott tried, he was lambasted by everyone including the GOP: Destroy SS & Medicare, public education & social programs; funnel taxpayer $ to the wealthy, limit the rights of women, LGBTQ & POC, guns for all white men; destroy the rules based international order; get rich & become a celebrity.
Yep, Marlene, you nailed it. I think that's always been the robber barons' platform--steal from everyone else and give it to the rich white men. They go by the name Republican now, but in the past they were mostly southern Democrats. My mother used to tell me that people who became wealthy often stepped on others or took advantage of them. The robber barons have always been about stealing from others, and they hate promoting the general welfare.
Trump has set the standard for always pointing fingers in the wrong direction. It’s always someone else’s fault even when it’s obvious he’s the guilty party! The real mystery to me is why so many people accept this BS as an acceptable ploy!
They are so immersed in their own echo chamber that they have begun believing the lies they spew for their base. It would be funny if it weren’t so threatening to the nation.
What astonishes me more is the media’s normalization of Jordan and his thuggishness. Every time they talk about him they should remind viewers and readers of his role in 1/6. The worst I’ve seen him called is “firebrand’ as if that captures the depth of his evil depravity. For he is depraved. Tom Nichols truly sums it up best in his most recent column in the Atlantic. GOP voters love the performative and thrive on the chaos--and to hell with the country and the world if they burn.
As long as the RW propaganda machine spews on unabated--and GOP voters who despise these agents of chaos yet refuse to vote for Dems because “well, they are worse”--this fever will burn.
It is truly mind boggling that the GOP has decided on this narrative that the Democrats are to blame for the House not having a speaker. And Austin Scott is not the only one. The GOP counts on their supporters being stupid. Draw your own conclusions.
The reason MAGA GOP is completely devoid of morals is GREED. Greed coupled with the other seven deadly sins is their chosen path. Maybe if the cable MSM scrolled an account page or a visual next to their talking heads of how much money each politician takes in (that we know of), we can connect the dots to their deeds. Of course they are not interested in governance and neither are their spouses. The fear of financial accountability to themselves may actually cause humility. That would be a consequence none of them are prepared to take.
It’s time for journalists to say “you are trying to gaslight me and the viewers.” It’s time to stop dancing around the issue with phrases like “verbal gymnastics “ and call it out for what it is. Then maybe follow up with “it’s not the responsibility of the minority party to elect your speaker-that’s your responsibility.” She did a pretty good job, but it seems like they always fall just short of truly calling these gaslighters out. And I do think a large portion of the American people are out to lunch. My comment yesterday was that many of our problems today would be solved if more of the American electorate could think critically. They cannot. When that happens, they become more susceptible to gaslighting.
I feel your pain. I am a D in South Texas, and my representative is Michael Cloud. Another GERRYMANDERED member of the House UN-freedom caucus. I call and write and do not get anything out of him but bunch of baloney. When they almost shut the government down before McCartney was kicked out, I called his office to remind him that he has a Coast Guard Station in his district, and they will not get paid when he shuts down the government. Basically, I was told by a staffer he is aware of that, and we have to get spending under control and Michael Cloud feels that is the way to do it. In other words, THEY DO NOT CARE!
Hey Steve, I just wanted to say I’m sorry you’re a MAGA target. I’m sure they have each of our contact info as well - just from being here on your site. It’s abhorrent that we are in this place. Listening to you and David contemplate of a time when you may be forced to decide whether or not you will leave our country to be safe seems unthinkable, but it is real. I get it. Fortunately, you & your family will always have Canada if you decide you must leave. I am relieved you have an option. Stay safe my friend - I am thankful for your voice, commitment and courage. I will always be grateful. You have kept me sane. 😉
Psychosis is a mental state characterized as a disconnection from reality. Usually it’s associated with the an individual manifesting it due to some type of medical/mental condition. But, authoritarians know they can use the dynamics of the human need to belong to a group, to feel safe and to create a reality that affirms their beliefs and prejudices. They create a group psychosis at a societal level that fills this need and allows them to manipulate the masses via a false reality that empowers their authoritarianism.
That is what tRump has accomplished and he’s done it all levels of our society in one form or another, in my opinion. Certainly it’s evident with MAGA Republicans like Austin Scott. He’s accepted false reality and internalized it, so now it’s his reality and he can spout his crap with a straight face.
Kurt Anderson, in his book “Fantasyland- How America Went America went Haywire”, answers the question, how did we get like this? Anderson says, it’s because we Americans can believe anything we want, “…any damn thing”, We think our beliefs are equal or superior to anyone else’s, “experts be damned.” Anderson asserts that once people commit to this approach, “…The credible becomes incredible and the incredible becomes credible…”.
Welcome to fantasyland in America. This is the world MAGAs like Austin Scott have created for themselves and this what they expect the rest of us to believe. It’s scary stuff when you reflect on it. It’s no different than what happened to the German people in the 1930s. It happens under any every authoritarian regime. We Americans are easily suckered and taken in by this societal psychosis. Only we can stop it by seeing it for what it really is- manipulation filling a need to be safe, belong, and recreate a mythical past.
Quite a contrast between the House under Pelosi's speakership and the present House. What a mess. The Republican Party long ago lost its mission. How long can Republicans continue to believe its claim to be the party of small government, fiscal responsibility, and a strong national defense, much less the party that will most strictly adhere to the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law? Thinking of my friends and relatives who call themselves "fiscal Republicans" and cannot "bring" themselves to vote for any Democrat, I can only shake my head. When I suggested to my brother that he read The Bulwark or listen to Bill Crystal, a traditional conservative, he said Crystal "USED TO BE a Conservative." I wish I could effectively address this point of view, but when I suggest to any of them that their party is defunct--or fascist--they just tsk-tsk.
I watched this segment when it was airing and just shook my head . The scary part is there are thousands of people who believe this ridiculous propaganda!!
I read your excellent commentary and then read Political Wire. Well it appears there are 55 on the R-side that are trading off votes against Jordan with the goal of increasing the number as the number of “no” as the ballot rounds increase. If the would wasn’t on fire and the government is not funded this could be theater of the absurd (or with Halloween a few days away. Theater of the Macabre). Well we need a functional House and we aren’t there
My overriding concern are the death threats R House Members are receiving I know the USCP is capable but hope the FBI is already on the case.
Very true Steve. We need an adult in the room. Unfortunately, one party is filled with petulant five year olds masquerading as adults. I’m also wondering when this country stopped having respect for our elderly? Age was never an issue if the president executed his job faithfully and efficiently, for the people.
It seems that changed when republicans were telling our elderly that they should just die and sacrifice themselves during COVID for the sake of the economy. I guess this country has come a long way since Obamacare and the “non-existent” death panels....:)
Yesterday, I watched the Republican congressman, Austin Scott make a fool of himself on CNN, sounding like an ignoramus; and he’s probably one of the smart republicans.
He was blaming democrats for the dysfunction in the House. He had the audacity to claim that it was actually democrats who voted McCarthy out.
He refused to acknowledge that republicans have a majority in the House, and stated 212 democrats voted against McCarthy. When challenged that republicans have the majority, he still claimed it was the democrats fault.
Bottom line: not only does this moron believe his own lies, so will the entire MAGA mob, 90% of republicans and at least 30% of republican leaning independents.
You just can’t win with these people, and I’m wondering whether voters should have to take an IQ test before being allowed to vote.
Just some thought....:)
Austin Scott, and Kevin McCarthy, who also blamed Democrats for Jordan’s loss, are able to make these audacious claims because they know how stupid their voters are. And because the GOP has stoked Republicans’ hatred for Democrats for so long, Republican voters are primed to believe whatever lies they are fed.
Exactly...:)
Another GOP Member from FL spoke on PBS NewsHour. He’s a McCarthy supporter. He didn’t rant. He just made no sense either as he blamed the Dems for there not being a Speaker. We tried to listen. We had to mute. Same nonsense, different mouth.
Age: so many companies began forcing retirement at 63 or 65. Perhaps in years past, that made sense. And still we need succession planning in govt and the longer aging legislators stick around, the fewer opportunities there are for others to learn from and grow in knowledge and the seniority to lead.
Biden: I’m grateful.
Agreed...:)
Thanks.
And here’s some thought. The Republican Party is supported by big money, billionaires, and corporations. This has been in the works since Ronald Reagan. Citizens’ United? Romney and Paul Ryan’s ‘makers and takers’. This ownership of the GOP creates the rich get richer and they aim to keep it that way.
Agreed, we always hear of Soros on the left, but he gives money for humanitarian purposes; the Koch’s; however, and their network of political organizations, just screw the average American with their lobbying, propaganda and lies...:)
Was Austin the one on PBS with Jeff last night? I am confessing my lapse of memory.
Or was it just another Republican? Smart and Republican I beg to point out do NOT belong in the same sentence. But I will not be glib, nor will I use the F word as it just grates on my OF upbringing, but this is NOT the time to cheer downfalls, stupidity or the mess still very active we have a whole 12 months ahead of us to bring out reality, bring out truths, point out every lie, and carry integrity high.
Thank you Steve, we are so happy you are holding standards, truth , and the endless ‘whats going down ‘ so galant.
💙💙VOTE THE COMPLICIT OUT💙💙
( add the newly revealed to the 👎 list )
Technically, the Democrats did vote the speaker out. That is indeed a fact that must be conceded. The follow up question of course should be if that is the case, why didn’t the Republican majority just reinstate him? Why don’t they just put him up for a vote now? That is the question that will make Austin Scott and the others perpetuating this nonsense to back down.
No it’s not a fact. Gaetz called for the floor vote, not democrats, and seven other republicans voted him out.
Why should democrats bailout McCarthy when he was on cable a day earlier blaming democrats for the possible shutdown, when more democrats than republicans voted for the Continuing Resolution to keep the government going, or after McCarthy reneged on a bi-partisan budget bill?
The blame lies squarely at the feet of republicans. Don’t blame democrats for the dysfunction of republicans, who clearly have no clue how to govern.
Repetitive programming...key Republican sales factor
To be clear, I'm not saying the Democrats are to blame for his removal (and the turmoil that has pursued), I'm saying that the Democrats were responsible for his removal. It's a fine point. You are correct, Matt Gaetz instigated the vote and is solely to blame, but to state that the Republicans voted him out is to commit a math error of equal magnitude as the one that Steve has presented, and that is that 8 is greater than 212, and it is not. If I were a Democrat, I would be standing up and saying "Hell yea, we voted him out and here is why." And I'd have to agree that all of the arguments I've heard in favor of his removal make perfect sense. What we need to do is move beyond placing blame and towards a resolution. I recommend Jerry Weiss's effort Feather's of Hope: https://jerryweiss.substack.com/p/the-struggle-continues
Fair enough, but you’re using republican talking points that lay the blame on democrats. No democrat voted for McCarthy to begin with, so he was elected speaker without any Democratic help.
When you say these things, you’re just reinforcing the republican narrative that they are blameless and democrats are the problem. That’s the message this sends to the MAGA base and republicans in general.
I get you don’t support the narrative, but that is irrelevant to republicans, they hear you saying it’s the democrats fault....:)
What I'm trying to do, is clearly state the facts, which hopefully can change the narrative. Democrats need to learn a little judo. If I were a Democrat, I'd take this opportunity to say, yes we took the opportunity that was presented to us by Matt Gaetz and the Freedom Caucus to remove speaker McCarthy because (then state the long laundry list of his misdeeds)." And continue to stress that Democrats are willing to work with reasonable Republicans (and there are many) to select a Speaker that will end the gridlock that has been crippling this country for years. This stance can only help them with Independents and those Republicans diametrically opposed to Trump and the Freedom Caucus.
Okay, but democrats didn’t remove him. They never voted for him, as republicans never vote for democrats, when Democrats have the majority.
Pelosi had a majority of only two, less than the republican majority, and still managed to keep the government running and the caucus together. And democrats have several wings, and aren’t a monolithic party.
You may be stating a fact, but the conclusion is wrong, since democrats were never in the mix. It only reinforces the republican narrative and adds more confusion to the issue.
I’m not trying to be difficult, but although you are technically correct, that’s not how Washington works.
Further, democrats have stated they would vote in favor of a new speaker, as long as he’s not an election denier.
McCarthy voted against certifying the election. He removed two democrats from the intelligence committee, not because they did something wrong, but as payback because they said nasty things about Trump, and Trump wanted revenge.
This is a Republican mess, and they could easily fix it by having some sane republicans caucus with democrats and push through some bipartisan bills. Or they could just elect someone in their caucus; it’s not rocket science...:)
The REPUBLICANS are fed what to think and say. As we have discussed their sources other than TFG whispering directions...it’s Fox,NewsMax , etc ALSO.
So, it wasn’t Austin Scott whom I saw on PBS, but another Repub.saying the very same thing -12+ times in fact, in the interview! I write them down and the numbers are adding up rapidly , the majority of deniers, parrots , good ol boys club, know where they stand , two camps in the GOP fold.
So sad.
Thanks JWO if these guys aren’t on your 👎 list.....add ‘em!
Eight Republicans do not make the majority needed to vote the speaker out. You are conflating blame with responsibility. Matt Gaetz is to blame for the Speakers removal, the Democrats are responsible for it. It's a fine point, but to state that the Republicans voted him out is to commit a math error of equal magnitude as the one that Steve has presented, and that is that 8 is greater than 212. It is not. If I were a Democrat, I would be standing up and saying "Hell yea, we voted him out and here is why." And I'd have to agree that all of the arguments I've heard in favor of his removal make perfect sense. What we need to do is move beyond placing blame and towards a resolution. I recommend Jerry Weiss's effort Feather's of Hope: https://jerryweiss.substack.com/p/the-struggle-continues
Some questions for you: How it the responsibility of the 210 Republicans who voted to keep McCarthy in the speakership for his removal? Why does the minority party vote if its not their responsibility to chose, elect or retain the speaker? What would have been the outcome of the election if the Democrats had not voted? Finally, why are the Democrats so defensive about voting to remove the speaker?
Kevin McCarthy also is placing the blame on the Democrats, as if the Republican representatives, (just like Trump), are blameless. This is a perfect example of “gaslighting”. I do not know how this ends up; I don’t think anyone does at this point. Just as long as Jim Jordan does not get voted in, (or Matt Gaetz for that matter), just maybe, there’s a glimmer of hope left for these schmucks. Hard to believe with so many Republicans in the House, there’s no one with any backbone and moral compass to take the helm.
Gaetz, Jordan, Scalise, MTG, feh feh feh.
The GOP has a platform that they know is so unpopular that they can’t put it in writing. When Rick Scott tried, he was lambasted by everyone including the GOP: Destroy SS & Medicare, public education & social programs; funnel taxpayer $ to the wealthy, limit the rights of women, LGBTQ & POC, guns for all white men; destroy the rules based international order; get rich & become a celebrity.
Yep, Marlene, you nailed it. I think that's always been the robber barons' platform--steal from everyone else and give it to the rich white men. They go by the name Republican now, but in the past they were mostly southern Democrats. My mother used to tell me that people who became wealthy often stepped on others or took advantage of them. The robber barons have always been about stealing from others, and they hate promoting the general welfare.
Trump has set the standard for always pointing fingers in the wrong direction. It’s always someone else’s fault even when it’s obvious he’s the guilty party! The real mystery to me is why so many people accept this BS as an acceptable ploy!
They are so immersed in their own echo chamber that they have begun believing the lies they spew for their base. It would be funny if it weren’t so threatening to the nation.
What astonishes me more is the media’s normalization of Jordan and his thuggishness. Every time they talk about him they should remind viewers and readers of his role in 1/6. The worst I’ve seen him called is “firebrand’ as if that captures the depth of his evil depravity. For he is depraved. Tom Nichols truly sums it up best in his most recent column in the Atlantic. GOP voters love the performative and thrive on the chaos--and to hell with the country and the world if they burn.
As long as the RW propaganda machine spews on unabated--and GOP voters who despise these agents of chaos yet refuse to vote for Dems because “well, they are worse”--this fever will burn.
It is truly mind boggling that the GOP has decided on this narrative that the Democrats are to blame for the House not having a speaker. And Austin Scott is not the only one. The GOP counts on their supporters being stupid. Draw your own conclusions.
It seemed like Scott really believed the talking points he was given. Apparently, some of the Republicans are being gaslit, too.
The reason MAGA GOP is completely devoid of morals is GREED. Greed coupled with the other seven deadly sins is their chosen path. Maybe if the cable MSM scrolled an account page or a visual next to their talking heads of how much money each politician takes in (that we know of), we can connect the dots to their deeds. Of course they are not interested in governance and neither are their spouses. The fear of financial accountability to themselves may actually cause humility. That would be a consequence none of them are prepared to take.
It’s time for journalists to say “you are trying to gaslight me and the viewers.” It’s time to stop dancing around the issue with phrases like “verbal gymnastics “ and call it out for what it is. Then maybe follow up with “it’s not the responsibility of the minority party to elect your speaker-that’s your responsibility.” She did a pretty good job, but it seems like they always fall just short of truly calling these gaslighters out. And I do think a large portion of the American people are out to lunch. My comment yesterday was that many of our problems today would be solved if more of the American electorate could think critically. They cannot. When that happens, they become more susceptible to gaslighting.
As a proud Georgian, I’m now starting to think we’re not sending our best to congress. ( don’t hate: I m a D from Dekalb county. Satire alert).
I feel your pain. I am a D in South Texas, and my representative is Michael Cloud. Another GERRYMANDERED member of the House UN-freedom caucus. I call and write and do not get anything out of him but bunch of baloney. When they almost shut the government down before McCartney was kicked out, I called his office to remind him that he has a Coast Guard Station in his district, and they will not get paid when he shuts down the government. Basically, I was told by a staffer he is aware of that, and we have to get spending under control and Michael Cloud feels that is the way to do it. In other words, THEY DO NOT CARE!
Hey Steve, I just wanted to say I’m sorry you’re a MAGA target. I’m sure they have each of our contact info as well - just from being here on your site. It’s abhorrent that we are in this place. Listening to you and David contemplate of a time when you may be forced to decide whether or not you will leave our country to be safe seems unthinkable, but it is real. I get it. Fortunately, you & your family will always have Canada if you decide you must leave. I am relieved you have an option. Stay safe my friend - I am thankful for your voice, commitment and courage. I will always be grateful. You have kept me sane. 😉
Psychosis is a mental state characterized as a disconnection from reality. Usually it’s associated with the an individual manifesting it due to some type of medical/mental condition. But, authoritarians know they can use the dynamics of the human need to belong to a group, to feel safe and to create a reality that affirms their beliefs and prejudices. They create a group psychosis at a societal level that fills this need and allows them to manipulate the masses via a false reality that empowers their authoritarianism.
That is what tRump has accomplished and he’s done it all levels of our society in one form or another, in my opinion. Certainly it’s evident with MAGA Republicans like Austin Scott. He’s accepted false reality and internalized it, so now it’s his reality and he can spout his crap with a straight face.
Kurt Anderson, in his book “Fantasyland- How America Went America went Haywire”, answers the question, how did we get like this? Anderson says, it’s because we Americans can believe anything we want, “…any damn thing”, We think our beliefs are equal or superior to anyone else’s, “experts be damned.” Anderson asserts that once people commit to this approach, “…The credible becomes incredible and the incredible becomes credible…”.
Welcome to fantasyland in America. This is the world MAGAs like Austin Scott have created for themselves and this what they expect the rest of us to believe. It’s scary stuff when you reflect on it. It’s no different than what happened to the German people in the 1930s. It happens under any every authoritarian regime. We Americans are easily suckered and taken in by this societal psychosis. Only we can stop it by seeing it for what it really is- manipulation filling a need to be safe, belong, and recreate a mythical past.
www.tomthedemocratist.com
Yes, hooray Brianna. And, errr, I have a question for divisive, incompetent liars on the right... “Did any R’s vote for Nancy Pelosi..?” NO.
The adult R’s need to split party apart now, kick maggot Trumplers to the edge (call it Wing-nut party?).
Witness 8+ years of descending into pure chaos and dysfunction. Planet burning in many ways. Enough already. Break glass. Electorate rise up.
Quite a contrast between the House under Pelosi's speakership and the present House. What a mess. The Republican Party long ago lost its mission. How long can Republicans continue to believe its claim to be the party of small government, fiscal responsibility, and a strong national defense, much less the party that will most strictly adhere to the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law? Thinking of my friends and relatives who call themselves "fiscal Republicans" and cannot "bring" themselves to vote for any Democrat, I can only shake my head. When I suggested to my brother that he read The Bulwark or listen to Bill Crystal, a traditional conservative, he said Crystal "USED TO BE a Conservative." I wish I could effectively address this point of view, but when I suggest to any of them that their party is defunct--or fascist--they just tsk-tsk.
Thanks Steve,
I watched this segment when it was airing and just shook my head . The scary part is there are thousands of people who believe this ridiculous propaganda!!
I read your excellent commentary and then read Political Wire. Well it appears there are 55 on the R-side that are trading off votes against Jordan with the goal of increasing the number as the number of “no” as the ballot rounds increase. If the would wasn’t on fire and the government is not funded this could be theater of the absurd (or with Halloween a few days away. Theater of the Macabre). Well we need a functional House and we aren’t there
My overriding concern are the death threats R House Members are receiving I know the USCP is capable but hope the FBI is already on the case.
Why are Republicans acting in such a self-destructive fashion? A historic realignment of the political parties is taking place, and they have lost their moorings. https://jimbuie.substack.com/p/historic-realignment-now-underway