The last eight years of American life have been consumed by the growing madness of Donald Trump and his demands. With the help of America’s newsrooms he has forced an issue around which there is no hope for settlement or compromise. Donald Trump wants the power he briefly and startlingly held made permanent — regardless of whether the American people like it or not.
Right again. My “yes and” to that is about the most vile projection the GOP casts on Democrats, drag queens & LGBTQIA individuals: pedophilia. Kansas passed a law to inspect the genitals of children who want to play sports. One after another, GOP operatives, aides & party members are being convicted of child pornography & sexual abuse of minors. Sone of these people work at schools or are church pastors. The extreme MAGA members of the House are obsessed with grooming , homosexuality, transvestism, transgenderism & public urination. Lest we forget that the MAGA King 🍊🤡 is credibly accused of the rape of an underage girl during a party organized by Jeffrey Epstein as well as the sexual assault of dozens of women. The party that embraces the fascism of Donald Trump should be held to account for embracing his sexual perversions as well.
I understand the Trump crime family is on everyone's mind. Their criminal history is known to all and in some ways has touched us all by dividing brother against brother. However, I believe we are missing the reporting of more important news. Thousands of children left their classrooms and walked out to protest gun violence. More children lose their lives to gun violence than any other cause of death. We need to support the children and raise our voices also in protest until Republicans finally do their job and give us gun legislation that will turn the tide of gun insanity. We need a National ban of assault weapons and high capacity magazines. We need universal background checks and mental health wellness exams for anyone who wishes a gun carry permit.
I realize Trump is on everyone's mind but our future is in our children and they have targets painted on their backs. The answer is not having more guns in the classroom. It is having conversations in classrooms about gun violence and its causes. We do not need book bans we need assault weapons bans.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: "Knowledge -that is, education in its true sense -is our best protection against unreasoning prejudice and panic-making fear, whether engendered by special interest, illiberal minorities, or panic-stricken leaders."
Education obliterates fear, misunderstanding, and prejudice. The more you learn about what makes us who we are, the easier it is to see each other through our common interests as opposed to our differences, ultimately making for a more cohesive society.
We have many challenges to overcome in our country, but without quality education, particularly in the areas of civics and critical thinking skills, we may be doomed. An educated republic is essential to protecting the core values of our Democracy. Thanks.
Well said. I know I will continue to speak out loudly and often to counter those who are complicit in their efforts to support a traitor and criminal, and therefore the demise of our Democracy. I will work to improve it, not destroy it. Thanks, Steve. More need to hear your words and heed your warning.
Keeping it real. Steve’s essays are like a cold splash of water to my face in the morning, waking me up to today’s realities. Living in Florida we need all the help we can get to counteract the cultural chloroform dispensed daily by DeSantis.
It is getting worse. What is going on at the state houses, in these red states is horrifying. Iowa, TN, Kansas, TX, FL, my own state of Indiana. People are screaming as they vote for the same Fascist over and over, because Democrats are evil. I blame Trump as the portal that opened up the black hole that is consuming us, but my disdain falls squarely on the religious right. Actually I blame Constantine the Great. Haha. Right now I know of no other group that has the power, the money and the desire to destroy this country, remaking it into something that resembles nothing of the teachings of Jesus.
Steve, I share your sentiments completely re: all of the harms Trump has imparted upon our country. To think that he’s still preaching election corruption; he has never stopped undermining that most precious bedrock of democratic society. Also, the NYC criminal case was attended by more anti-Trump people than pro-Trumpers. I’m afraid to see what the turn-out will be like in Georgia. Overall though, I firmly believe that these upcoming court proceedings, one-by-one will chip away at Trump’s teflon and his followers will appear only as bigger idiots and fools with each court-case. I hope and pray that the tide is finally turning, but yes, the damage Trump caused and his stench will persist for many, many years. Such a terrible chapter in our nation’s history.
A powerful and accurate assessment of the sad and dangerous state of America's body politic today. Unfortunately, traitorous men like Gnewt Gingrich, Lewis Powell, Rupert Murdoch and the Kock Brothers sewed the discord that made the rise of a monster like trump possible. Men like these are the wannabe oligarchs
Spot on about MTGrossmeout! That is why I supported the 60 Minutes interview. For those that saw (instead of protested) it, there was a humorous look of terror in those dead eyes. Thank You!
Good morning and Steve, a good call to action. Between some good news in Wisconsin, some bad news in North Carolina, some awful news in Tennessee and some really bizarre news out of Kansas ( you’re checking what) we have work ahead to see the green shoots Steve envisioned.
Think of what you can do to help it will take all of us.
This is so spot on, Steve. Do the TV networks not get this? The print folks seem to. What struck me is that the coverage of Trump on Tuesday -- the motorcade to the airport, plane taking off, motorcade, shots of him coming and going -- was exactly what propelled him into office in 2016. He is STILL being covered as if he is the president. That, to me, is the single most destructive aspect of this. Because it seems to validate his continuing assertion that he is and should be President. It is irresponsible and contributes to the continued sickness in this country. Leslie Stahl, who was once OK as an interviewer (never great) is the last person who should have done an interview with Marjorie Traitor Green. That needed a Jonathan Swan. Or Amanpour. Or a woman with grit. When she replied about was she responsible for everything until she was 12 the answer should have been: of course. You are a member of the House. You are in politics. You are responsible for your entire life’s words and deeds when you run for office and they are all open for examination. And the question should have been asked again and again until she walked off or answered. Meanwhile: how on earth did that woman obtain a reported net worth of $12 million? No one seems to ever have looked into that.
The reality that tRumps legal armageddon starts in NY is Karma at its finest. He's vilified in NY, always has been for decades for the simple fact that NYers having been somewhat fooled by his performative artistry, then realized he is, a charlatan and as you wrote "overwhelming evidence of his malice, incompetence, disloyalty and utter disregard for the American people". Americans coast to coast are now having that same epiphany - this clown is not an empty suit, but a cheap suit full of sh-t
Long over due. Get congress to a democratic stronghold, the likes of which Joe Manchin is made irrelevant, and his lying about being a democrat won’t matter. Ms. Sinema becomes an unelected independent, then the strongest of our democratic defenders can govern. This would silence MTG and JJ. After the present fiasco, perhaps their supporters will turn on their heels- who knows.
Watching the fervor with which these power hungry liars protect their positions and their newly minted Trumperica is a sight to be hold.
Indeed it’s the American people who have to choose democracy.
It definitely is a suicide mission. Reinforcing the MAGA base only helps Democracies in 2024. The 60/40 split remains, and the spectacle of MTG on 60 Minutes and the arraignment on Tuesday is just firing up each side. The breakdown of CNN’s poll on support for indicting Trump was enlightening. 60% support the indictments, including about 19 of 20 Democrats, 3 of 5 independents, and 1 of every 5 Republicans. However, the last two years has proven the only thing you can get this coalition to agree on is that Trump should be in jail and not in the White House. That’s unfortunate. We should be focusing on reinforcing our democracy rather than this clown show.
Right again. My “yes and” to that is about the most vile projection the GOP casts on Democrats, drag queens & LGBTQIA individuals: pedophilia. Kansas passed a law to inspect the genitals of children who want to play sports. One after another, GOP operatives, aides & party members are being convicted of child pornography & sexual abuse of minors. Sone of these people work at schools or are church pastors. The extreme MAGA members of the House are obsessed with grooming , homosexuality, transvestism, transgenderism & public urination. Lest we forget that the MAGA King 🍊🤡 is credibly accused of the rape of an underage girl during a party organized by Jeffrey Epstein as well as the sexual assault of dozens of women. The party that embraces the fascism of Donald Trump should be held to account for embracing his sexual perversions as well.
As an aging hippie liberal Democrat, agreeing with former GOP operatives still surprises me. This one brings me to 96% this morning.
I understand the Trump crime family is on everyone's mind. Their criminal history is known to all and in some ways has touched us all by dividing brother against brother. However, I believe we are missing the reporting of more important news. Thousands of children left their classrooms and walked out to protest gun violence. More children lose their lives to gun violence than any other cause of death. We need to support the children and raise our voices also in protest until Republicans finally do their job and give us gun legislation that will turn the tide of gun insanity. We need a National ban of assault weapons and high capacity magazines. We need universal background checks and mental health wellness exams for anyone who wishes a gun carry permit.
I realize Trump is on everyone's mind but our future is in our children and they have targets painted on their backs. The answer is not having more guns in the classroom. It is having conversations in classrooms about gun violence and its causes. We do not need book bans we need assault weapons bans.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: "Knowledge -that is, education in its true sense -is our best protection against unreasoning prejudice and panic-making fear, whether engendered by special interest, illiberal minorities, or panic-stricken leaders."
Education obliterates fear, misunderstanding, and prejudice. The more you learn about what makes us who we are, the easier it is to see each other through our common interests as opposed to our differences, ultimately making for a more cohesive society.
We have many challenges to overcome in our country, but without quality education, particularly in the areas of civics and critical thinking skills, we may be doomed. An educated republic is essential to protecting the core values of our Democracy. Thanks.
Well said. I know I will continue to speak out loudly and often to counter those who are complicit in their efforts to support a traitor and criminal, and therefore the demise of our Democracy. I will work to improve it, not destroy it. Thanks, Steve. More need to hear your words and heed your warning.
Keeping it real. Steve’s essays are like a cold splash of water to my face in the morning, waking me up to today’s realities. Living in Florida we need all the help we can get to counteract the cultural chloroform dispensed daily by DeSantis.
It is getting worse. What is going on at the state houses, in these red states is horrifying. Iowa, TN, Kansas, TX, FL, my own state of Indiana. People are screaming as they vote for the same Fascist over and over, because Democrats are evil. I blame Trump as the portal that opened up the black hole that is consuming us, but my disdain falls squarely on the religious right. Actually I blame Constantine the Great. Haha. Right now I know of no other group that has the power, the money and the desire to destroy this country, remaking it into something that resembles nothing of the teachings of Jesus.
Steve, I share your sentiments completely re: all of the harms Trump has imparted upon our country. To think that he’s still preaching election corruption; he has never stopped undermining that most precious bedrock of democratic society. Also, the NYC criminal case was attended by more anti-Trump people than pro-Trumpers. I’m afraid to see what the turn-out will be like in Georgia. Overall though, I firmly believe that these upcoming court proceedings, one-by-one will chip away at Trump’s teflon and his followers will appear only as bigger idiots and fools with each court-case. I hope and pray that the tide is finally turning, but yes, the damage Trump caused and his stench will persist for many, many years. Such a terrible chapter in our nation’s history.
A powerful and accurate assessment of the sad and dangerous state of America's body politic today. Unfortunately, traitorous men like Gnewt Gingrich, Lewis Powell, Rupert Murdoch and the Kock Brothers sewed the discord that made the rise of a monster like trump possible. Men like these are the wannabe oligarchs
Spot on about MTGrossmeout! That is why I supported the 60 Minutes interview. For those that saw (instead of protested) it, there was a humorous look of terror in those dead eyes. Thank You!
Good morning and Steve, a good call to action. Between some good news in Wisconsin, some bad news in North Carolina, some awful news in Tennessee and some really bizarre news out of Kansas ( you’re checking what) we have work ahead to see the green shoots Steve envisioned.
Think of what you can do to help it will take all of us.
This is so spot on, Steve. Do the TV networks not get this? The print folks seem to. What struck me is that the coverage of Trump on Tuesday -- the motorcade to the airport, plane taking off, motorcade, shots of him coming and going -- was exactly what propelled him into office in 2016. He is STILL being covered as if he is the president. That, to me, is the single most destructive aspect of this. Because it seems to validate his continuing assertion that he is and should be President. It is irresponsible and contributes to the continued sickness in this country. Leslie Stahl, who was once OK as an interviewer (never great) is the last person who should have done an interview with Marjorie Traitor Green. That needed a Jonathan Swan. Or Amanpour. Or a woman with grit. When she replied about was she responsible for everything until she was 12 the answer should have been: of course. You are a member of the House. You are in politics. You are responsible for your entire life’s words and deeds when you run for office and they are all open for examination. And the question should have been asked again and again until she walked off or answered. Meanwhile: how on earth did that woman obtain a reported net worth of $12 million? No one seems to ever have looked into that.
The reality that tRumps legal armageddon starts in NY is Karma at its finest. He's vilified in NY, always has been for decades for the simple fact that NYers having been somewhat fooled by his performative artistry, then realized he is, a charlatan and as you wrote "overwhelming evidence of his malice, incompetence, disloyalty and utter disregard for the American people". Americans coast to coast are now having that same epiphany - this clown is not an empty suit, but a cheap suit full of sh-t
Long over due. Get congress to a democratic stronghold, the likes of which Joe Manchin is made irrelevant, and his lying about being a democrat won’t matter. Ms. Sinema becomes an unelected independent, then the strongest of our democratic defenders can govern. This would silence MTG and JJ. After the present fiasco, perhaps their supporters will turn on their heels- who knows.
Watching the fervor with which these power hungry liars protect their positions and their newly minted Trumperica is a sight to be hold.
Indeed it’s the American people who have to choose democracy.
Great essay. Happy Passover, Steve. Chag sameach.
It definitely is a suicide mission. Reinforcing the MAGA base only helps Democracies in 2024. The 60/40 split remains, and the spectacle of MTG on 60 Minutes and the arraignment on Tuesday is just firing up each side. The breakdown of CNN’s poll on support for indicting Trump was enlightening. 60% support the indictments, including about 19 of 20 Democrats, 3 of 5 independents, and 1 of every 5 Republicans. However, the last two years has proven the only thing you can get this coalition to agree on is that Trump should be in jail and not in the White House. That’s unfortunate. We should be focusing on reinforcing our democracy rather than this clown show.