Donald Trump so loved his boxes of America’s most precious secrets that he didn’t care about breaking the Espionage Act. He truly didn’t care. At all. Why are so many Americans enthralled by the most rancid, ignorant, lecherous, bully and imbecile amongst us? Why did so many Americans decide to deal with what needed reform and renewal with a blow torch of such irredeemable and stupendous idiocy? How did a man like Donald Trump become the most popular demagogue and powerful pathological liar in American history? How did it happen? What incandescent level of cynicism and delusion combined to delude the nation into believing the greatest scumbag amongst us should lead us? How did it happen? Why did it happen? Will it happen again?
In three months, I will turn 80 years old. I think back to my earnest teens and young adulthood, when I marched and demonstrated for equality for Blacks and against the Vietnam War and for equality for and empowerment of women; when I saw, and believed in, a vision of a better America; when my parents, one a Democrat and one a Republican, could debate without rancor, as could most of the adults I knew; when news was really news and not opinion; when social media wasn't a tool for spreading disinformation, helping to create an astonishing large segment of dangerously ignorant citizens; when I was inspired by MLK, JFK, RFK and others. For most of those years, I moved through my life with the conviction that the future would be better, that we as a nation would be better, kinder, fairer. To have arrived at this stage in my life and see that in many cases things are worse leaves me shattered and disillusioned. To see the malevolence around me, the violence, the lack of charity toward fellow citizens, the incredible inequities and disparities in almost every conceivable aspect of society; to witness the astonishing corporate greed fostered by our own elected officials strips me of my once hopeful nature. I continue to believe that people have enormous power when they are committed to change and when they come together to effect change, but where are those people? I no longer expect to see those changes in my lifetime, but I hope that future generations are Inspired and galvanized into action to preserve and restore this fragile, tattered democracy.
I turned 59 a few months ago, I feel every word of what you say. I grew up thinking the very same thing, that life would get better, we would treat each other better. I know how I feel, and I can only imagine how you feel. I'm sorry, I'm sorry we haven't progressed any further, it's so disheartening, so depressing, so heavy on our hearts, and souls. It's almost like we aren't supposed to be here. Looking at what we've done to ourselves and our environment, I feel for our kids, and grandkids.
If we were to create a world for ourselves, certainly wouldn't be this one.
Connie, I was there too. What an incredible time it was. The message of that great restructuring has not been lost. It still serves as a potent inspiration to young voters and a potent wake up call to enemies of the greater good. And that happened. Reagan was elected out of fear of those hippies and those marches and that turmoil. They made a steady, powerful march, playing the long game to put the power back in the hands of the few. Fear pushed them forward and they have been surprisingly successful. Ok, and now it’s our turn. Abject fear is not all bad. We are making the next big move to overcome what they put in place. You and I are going to be here for the 2024 landslide victory to take our country back and steady the world once again.
Indeed it was an incredible time, and so glad you were there, too! I hope you're right about the 2024 landslide. and a victory to take our country back. That would certainly go a long way toward restoring this aging hippies optimism in our future!
Exactly how I feel about my life. And I'm super scared for my children who are in their 20s. Jared Yates Sexton is another person who is constantly blaring the alarm.
I will check out Jared Yates Sexton... Hoping he has some suggestions as well as just warnings. Those of us with children and Grandchildren have every reason to be scared. These times are filled with peril. I'm just trying to find little joys in my life right now so I don't need to hit the xanax bottle with such frequency., lolI Have they added anxiety caused by rising fascism and a crumbling society to the DSM 5 yet?
Hi Connie and all here on this thread. Ongoing stress can take a toll on our health and well-being. We'll probably be seeing statistics of symptoms of Maga Madness in the near future, if not already. Self-care is so important during these tumultuous times. I personally could work on that! Humor is highly underestimated! Connie, you seem to have a balance going that is an inspiration to me. We can only do what we can do. I feel this epoch in our country is a wake-up call. We got this!! XO
Sense of humor still there... that's a good sign. Thanks for your post, Connie. Oh, and check out Heather Cox Richardson, too, if you don't already. She always gives me hope.
HCR goes live once a week for an hour. I listened to her today on FB at 4 pm EDT. She answers questions and gives a lot of historical background. She even gives a weekly assignment. Very worthwhile.......
Connie, that anxiety over rising fascism is not in the DSM5 because it's NOT A PATHOLOGICAL CONDITION, but a natural, normal, profound concern for a deeply troublesome situation.
What IS in the DSM 5 is a dangerous array of pathologies that afflict the malevolent right-wingers in this nation and, in turn, their psychopathology affects us all.
While I appreciate your intelligent and sober analysis of DSM-5 categories, I think there ought to be room under Depressive Disorders and Anxiety to include a subcategory encompassing Trump Induced Mental Disoders. Perhaps we need aDSM-6? 😉
Connie, I well understand the symptoms and "etiology" of that Trump Induced Mental Disorder-- it's actually a subset of GOP Induced Mental Disorder which results from decades of right-wing "conservative" policies to abuse the environment, workers, the middle-class, the poor, the cultural-socio-economic health of the USA (and world), the national debt, etc. ad nauseam.
It isn't easy that's for sure. It's a steep hill to climb, because most people don't understand what fascism is, or communism, or what it means to be a nazi, or what it means to be "woke" or what antifa is. Mussolini? Didn't he have a great pizza restaurant in the East Village? But I will try to have a dialogue... I really will!
I can see why you asked, this thread has gotten very long. Way back I mentioned Jared Yates Sexton as an example of a writer screaming from the top of his lungs about rising fascism.
Yes to the edge upon which we stand some have already fallen over. Others are at the edge but can still back up. Others among us are fashioning rope ladders to throw over the edge. There may be a few on lower ledges that can turn back- they need the ladder
Today’s arraignment will indicate how many have made the jump. They’re standing outside a courthouse in Miami. This afternoon we will know how many are over the cliff and ladders are needed
I care. I care deeply and I have seen and felt what is and has been happening in our country. I want to understand why.
Yesterday, I spent an hour talking with my inlaws about this moment in our country. My inlaws are soundly in the GOP base. They reside in the deep south and are well-educated, affluent and Catholic. They are disgusted by trump and "cannot stand the man." Yet, they will vote for him if he is the republican candidate. Why? "Anything to get Biden and dems out of the Presidency."
I don’t understand this thinking. Had a conversation about this a couple of weeks ago. What is it about Biden/Democrats they hate? Is it years of messaging, propaganda? Is it abortion? What specific evil thing the Democrats have done?
And the sleepers were all open to his lies. They sucked it up like a sponge because they identified with Donald’s victimhood, how he was so unfairly treated and how the White people, white men, are no longer seen as people to respect above other men. He told them their country was being invaded. They built a wall around themselves. A wall of hate and fear and rage. Who did this to them? Who is to blame? Joe Biden and the communist fascist regime, they’ll say. It’s distilled spitefulness. It’s what’s for dinner.
Trump put his devotees under a spell using his particular brand of brainwashing. First is the lie, then the repetition of the lie over and over again over a period of years. It’s a very effective form of hypnosis.
The reason is simple...white people will no longer be the majority of Americans in 20years. They would rather burn our institutions to the ground and elect an authoritarian before they live under the reigns of another POC as President. We are living through Reconstruction part 2 - hopefully we make the right choice this time.
The "racist" part is the part I don't understand. I have had a career that spanned many years and states and always a positive aspect was working with many people, all different.
Trump himself is not a racist. Everyone is beneath him pretty much equally, except for some people who are way beneath him. Those are the men who know things, the brave, the kind, the thoughtful, and especially the ‘real men’. Heroes. He hates to stand next one. I could feel the strong dislike he had for James Comey when he. Was introduced to Trump. Remember? He looked so small and not only in stature next to Comey. He had to fire him immediately if not sooner.
Susan, he may not be "racist" toward Blacks, but he is definitely prejudiced about Jews. I read that he told a couple of people -- more that once -- that he hired Jews "because they like money and know how to make it." Lovely.
Here in the South, traditionally: Blacks are stupid, lazy, dishonest. Get raised on that and it's next to impossible to change. You were obviously not raised in the South.
They have to call them those names to cover up for what they did to them. They have to tell their children those lies until they forget they’re lies. After all the malicious hate and harm toward the Black race over hundreds of years, I can’t imagine how they managed to get through it. They did not break. Most make much more sense than any White man on the right and also in general have you noticed?
Susan, Oh, yes! I have seen it many, many times! Like you, it is almost impossible to comprehend how Black people survived centuries of being enslaved without wanting to wreak devastation on whites. I think that community was critical (well, so long as not too many in the community were sold off the plantation). I see that now, how close-knit many Black communities are here in Charleston, SC. The churches (at least since enslavement) have played a crucial role. For many of my Black friends, Sunday is the highlight of the week. Church generally lasts for two hours, then a shared meal often on the grounds outside of the church which lasts some hours, and then back into the church for another two hours or so. I have been to some services, and they are beautiful to see. Often there is sacred dancing down the aisles, hymns that can last for 15 minutes along with swaying and clapping. There are Bibles in the pew but no hymnals, so the hymns were sung with the tradition "call and response" way. (This is the way it was done in the days of enslavement, when reading and writing was a extreme offense, enough to get one's fingertips cut off if one was caught writing.) The minister shouts his sermon (which are excellent, right on target), and the congregation engages in "call response". Sometimes individuals in the congregation will "shout" -- which I learned means that the Holy Spirit has descended upon that person.* I went to a Christmas Eve service one year, and was mesmerized by the one-hour "Manger Scene". Joseph was furious with Mary when she said she was pregnant, and swore, "I ain't your baby-Daddy!" as he stormed away. Their walk to Bethlehem took a good 15 minutes, and Jesus in the creche was a real two-week old baby (the baby of a woman sitting just behind me -- she was thrilled to see her baby as Jesus)! I went to another service on New Years Eve. There were no services in the white churches, just big parties, fireworks, etc. But in that same Black church I attended, it was "Watch Night". My daughter and I were the only whites in the congregation, so the minister kindly explained to us that New Years Eve in 1863 was the first "Watch Night" as the enslaved people awaited the announcement that they were FREE. The Emancipation Proclamation was announced on January 1, 1864. All these years later, 170 years, Watch Night is still celebrated in Black churches (at least here in the South) in remembrance of, and in celebration of, that night in 1863. The service lasted many hours, and only ended after midnight. The Blacks said to each other, "Thank God we're free!!" I said to the people on each side of me (not sure at first what to say), "Thank God you're free!!"
I had the great fortune of attending one of these services in the Bahamas, years, ago. It was so enlivening -truly a singular event my my life. The singing! I just loved it. I also want to mention the importance of the singing in the cotton fields -communication that the slave owners didn't understand, connection, rhythm, 'mantra', etc.
* A Black nurse's aide -- not my aide -- BURST into my room on Day 4 of my post-partum hospitalization. I was still terribly sick from the delivery, and my newborn was in the NICU desperately fighting for her life. The doctors there told us that she wouldn't make it, and one even said, "You should just let her go. If she survives, she'll be profoundly retarded and will never walk or talk. My best friend had put a gigantic sign covering my entire hospital door saying, "DO NOT DISTURB!!! THIS IS KATHY'S REQUEST!! because so many of the doctors at the hospital, who were my friends, had been "sneaking" in to see how I was doing. I couldn't handle it. I was so exhausted, and so overwhelmed with what was going on with my baby. This woman SLAMMED open the door, came up to me, waved her finger in my face yelling, "You are NOT responsible for whether this baby lives or dies!! She is in God's hands, and God's hands ALONE! And if she is still alive at the end of the day, you say, "THANK YOU GOD FOR ANOTHER DAY WITH MY BABY!! and if she is still alive in the morning, you say, "THANK YOU GOD FOR ANOTHER NIGHT WITH MY BABY!!" She then walked to the end of my bed and "shouted" these words, over and over again as she clapped for 30 minutes (!!) at the foot of my bed!!! I had no idea WHAT she was doing and was very upset with her intrusion! There's SO much to tell! I will just say that I did thank God for that day -- almost sarcastically at first, because five days after her birth, I STILL hadn't been able to hold her (and I was too sick to get to the NICU more than a few minutes, twice a day). But as I said, "Thank you for this day with my baby", the weight of a grand piano fell from my shoulders. I became ecstatic and kept thanking God over and over. Suddenly, after my prayers of gratitude, the nurse said, "I just got her off the ventilator. Would you like to hold her?" "YES!!!!!!!" I did what Florence Gaillard told me to do every day and night for the next 11 years of my daughter's life, and oh! what a joyful life we had while she was growing up! -- despite unending critical illnesses, multiple surgeries. As for the doctors' gloomy predictions, she graduated from college with double majors in Philosophy and Environmental Sciences. Oh, and she also became a gifted athlete. :-) It was only many years later that my (Black) Goddaughter, upon hearing the story, said, "Oh! The Holy Spirit had descended upon her, and she was giving you the message!" (SO much more to tell about Florence, and her terror at being fired without a pension after 32 years working, because she thought I was going to report her. But as she said, "The Holy Spirit said, 'GO, Florence!' so I did.")
I honestly believe that if I, as a Democrat, was faced with having voted for a candidate that was proven to be an awful human being and possibly going to be a convicted criminal I would have to question my own choices and decisions. I would not vote with my party just because I hated (and I do) the Republicans so much. My convictions are so strong that I would not be able to vote for a despicable person just to have my ‘policies and political desires’ ahead of acting on what is in plain sight. This is the discussion I would like to have with my Republican friends. Knowing what they know now, is their hatred of democrats stronger than their moral compass?
Jim Jones is known for being the leader of the Peoples Temple religious group and for the Jonestown Massacre, when he led the mass murder-suicide of more than 900 members of the group at their commune in Jonestown, Guyana, on November 18, 1978
(from encyclopedia Britannica) Many MAGA devotees will even die for their 'Savior'.
😞 Natalia, thank you for sharing this. I have no idea how many survivors there were/are of Jonestown. So even after surviving a mass-suicide, your brother went head-on into another 'cult'...that's not good news for looking forward into where this goes with MAGA, realistically.
I hope people can rapidly start learning more about cults asap, because MAGA is a mass-cult movement -millions. So sorry for your sister and those children...and it must be hard on you:(
Thank you. 🫶🏼 Yes, it’s been incredibly hard, but more so for my neice (the only one in her family not to have gone down the rabbit hole). The most interesting thing is that my brother-in-law was always apolitical until Trump...he was primed for another demagogue. I’m just thankful my dad is no longer here to see his daughter follow him.
How terrifying and sad. I hope your niece is getting the support she needs not just to survive, but to thrive, despite huge challenges. I hope she has other extended family, like you, that she can reach out to. I detest cults. I was raised in 'Wide World Church of God' w Garner Ted Armstrong from ages 3 to 13. It can be very challenging to recover from cult indoctrination and or family that gets hooked into a cult. The cult takes over their minds, as you know, Best to you. xo
Maybe one of the reasons we're here is that for many Americans, their devotion to their religious doctrine is greater than their devotion to democracy.
The MAGA "Christians" are nothing but hypocrites! They have certainly abandoned their prior "WWJD".
I am alarmed, disgusted and frightened by EVERYTHING that's been happening in America since Trump rode down that escalator!
The Republican party, who supposedly believes in small government - only when it pertains to themselves - wants to control every aspect of everyone else's lives!
Everyday I think how can this madness be happening in America?
No. They do not. However, who am I to Judge another.
The church’s that follow and preach The Word Of God has changed so much and cater to the Lazy (don’t go to church) it is their day to sleep in.
The TV preachers ($$$$ who prey on the elders)
You all know what I’m saying.
I know that the 1st x I voted for tfg. I was tired of “the Clinton’s” maybe due to the Benghazi that filled our world then? (I’m not sure)
It did not take long before my mistake was to be realized. (Hindsight)
Now, here we are today. I don’t know for sure about all the haters, liars and gross negligence to “We The People”. What I DO Know, I am thankful to the Steve Schmidt’s, Joyce Vance’s who speak with us. We have so many awesome people share their knowledge and expertise. Thank goodness for this resource to guide us with surly is the Truth. (But not if you listen to a tfg supporter) thanks for letting me ramble in disgust for lies)🇺🇸peace
I have never used a capital "C" for the maggots. I write "christian". They are anything BUT Christian. So many of their actions and beliefs are the polar opposite of Christ's teaching.
Religion is used as a killer of independent critical thinking..by those who are looking for a means to their end..which is usually $$$..Faith, Spirituality on the other hand are very different things..One does not need religion to be spiritual or have faith..
I have always believed that and consider myself to be a very moral, ethical, and spiritual person who never believed in organized religion. As a child I was raised as a Methodist in my mothers church, but when it came time for me to be confirmed in the church in the sixth grade,I refused. Today I witness the hypocrisy of those who are regular church goers in my extended family and yet vote for one of the most vulgar , immoral, and unethical human beings on earth to be president of the United States.
I come from an evangelical background, so I understand the way they think. You are correct. Believing a religious worldview that doesn’t allow you to “question” it sets you up to believe all kinds of other bizarre things. When that includes a kind of cosmic spiritual war going on, you can start seeing it everywhere including your next-door neighbor, or your fellow citizen.
The religious right believe the highest law is the Bible and that is God’s law. They view Dems as breaking Gods law by legalizing abortion, gay rights and marriages, LGBTQ rights, to a certain extent encouraging female independence outside the home and raising children. They believe that no one is above Gods law, not even democratic law.
This spectacle of the absurd with a man unfit for the U.S. Presidency had been like the most intricate political spy novel with twists and turns that would never be in a fiction novel.
However, my husband (Grandson of a General under Kennedy, Nuclear Fall-Out specialist, to boot!) and many others think I’m watching the same thing over and over again, because they have to tune it out.
From day one I was persuaded that our laws, our norms, our values would stop this rot and to my horror no one has been able to.
It is so obvious that mr Trump and his cult, who shouted “Lock her up” with no evidence now claim that it’s political “weaponization” even though there is black & white evidence.
I have tried to sound the horn on Rump lovers for 8 years. The idiocy and apathy is outstanding . But it is maddening to me when you say, do you care ? Yes? BUT WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT. ? Vote , write and call congress, complain to media . WHAT ELSE??
Make some suggestions!! Wake your ppl, sound the horn , educate us to the plan of action!
Make signs with simple words, words that represent what you want or don’t want to happen. Nail the signs to a long stick. Every morning or evening or both, walk one of the signs around the block. Maybe the neighbors will start to do the same. Ask friends if they want to do it too.
My Uncle was a faith healer - and No, I did not go to his church! LOL - I see the same kind of behaviors in the MAGA that I saw in his cult followers. My Uncle also helped Jim Jones get started. Jim Jones is also a good example of MAGA people. They would literally drink the poisoned Kool-Aide - they "are" metaphorically drinking it - but I think many of them would literally drink it. I do not know how you get people that far down the rabbit hole to see things differently.
And... they seem to love the idea that Trump is a criminal and does not follow the rules. They love his lawlessness and his standing up against the legal system. They love the hate he creates --- a mob mentality. MAGA is like a mob of revengeful people ... and the gop are stirring them up and keeping them stirred up...because they think it will get them elected.
How do you stop a cult that also has a mob mentality?
And I know not all Republicans are like this . Let's hope the ones who have not been pulled into the cult of MAGA can somehow get through to the rest.
And yes - we are on the edge of a cliff - maybe even leaning over and trying to regain balance.
I think enough of us care to make it right - at least i hope so - I care and I will work to help it come out ok, i will write letters and texts if necessary - i will march if necessary - i marched in the 70's i can march in the 20's!! I am 81 years old, I want to stay in an America that is just and democratic. I want this for my children and grandchildren, and if lucky enough, my great-grandchildren - many of us "of a certain age" are with me on this. Example, Connie Davis, just below. But I am sure there are many more - in conclusion, don't fuck with the old people, we know how to protest
This is not an unprecedented issue in American history. You remember Spiro Agnew and Richard Nixon? Their corruption was astounding. Now fast forward to Trump. He definitely has trumped Agnew and Nixon an unspeakable Acts of treason and, psychopathy. Never many people who stood up for these men even after the corruption was exposed to the public. They still believed in them and thought it was a witch Hunt. That was 50 years ago in 1973 and here we go again only the ride is more treacherous. I cannot understand the life of me why this man will not be immediately placed in jail? If it has been me. I already would have been put in jail to await arraignment. Why are we still pandering to this man?
And aren't there any former leaders who will speak up about this. Where is George w bush? Where is Obama? Where is Bill Clinton? Where are the former Joint Chiefs of
Our military staff? Will none of these people go on TV and speak up?
Some may fear for other family members, not only themselves. I do understand what you’re saying but this guy had at least one member of the FBI in his pocket one could safely assume. Someone finding out where their kids go to school, in addition to the dirt on people in congress, and staffers.
Yes, you're right. I am mainly thinking the GOP are cowards, but there is dark MOB stuff going on, very insidious and dangerous. You sure understand psychology -at least in this case. Thank you!
So many small issues taken together have led us to this. The dumbing down of education, teaching to the test, and the lack of civics and history classes; the consolidation of media and news as a profit center; the breakdown of traditional religion and the mix of religion and politics(Evangelicals and the Catholic Church); advances in technology that connected what were once pockets of lunacy; the deregulation of capitalism, the rise of the shareholder class and expansion of the billionaire class; the lack of financial security as millions lost their jobs due to the great Southern migration of industry followed by offshoring; the death of social connection with the diminishment of civic organizations, from bowling leagues to things like Kiwanis; the rise of professional sports as the dominant means of tribal/group affiliation; the embrace of greed and lies; the death of the American character; an increase in self-loathing that has become easily twisted by charlatans who care more about party, money, and power than, well, anything; the rise of RW talk radio followed by social media; the acceptance of moral relativism. One of these things is bad; together they are a tragedy for America.
The one thing that makes me angry about all the never Trumpers, including Steve, is why weren’t you calling out people like Rush who poisoned the well against everyone not male GOP? Where was the outcry when he called people like me who wanted to work and wanted to be treated equally “feminazis”? Where was the outrage over the twisting of the English language--“death taxes” for limits on inheritances meant to prevent the rise of a perpetual “aristocratic” class in the US? Where was the disavowal when they constantly smeared Dems with lies? Yes, John McCain spoke out during the 2008 campaign, but by then the damage was done.
But since Trump’s election, figures like Steve and many others (Bulwark folk et al) have been stalwart allies in the defense of American democracy, speaking out and working should to shoulder with us to hold back the forces of darkness. Because the Barbarians are not just at the gates; they are living among us.
I think the only way to break through the apathy which has infected too many of us is one-on-one conversations with those who can be persuaded. Sadly, we are a serious nation populated with too many unserious, ignorant, and immature people. We will never get all the apathetic to care, but if we get enough of them and don’t give in, we can stem the dark tide. Until the internet and social media are regulated; these loon extremists will thrive and MAGA will live on. We are in a fight that will last a generation and probably beyond.
We are no better off today than we were when Donald J Trump rode down that escalator. In fact we’re worse. The slow moving wheels of Justice are too slow. Trump figured out a long time ago he could win in that race.
Now his threatening mob has their eyes on AG Garland, and SC Smith, and their families. I wonder if Garland considers his non-swift actions to blame for this? I wonder if he gets that not plucking the congressional participants out of congress (IMMEDIATELY) after Jan. 6, not only continues the coup attempt of 1/6, but strengthens the resolve of those lucky bastards who came off Scot-free, after their involvement.
We have GIVEN rise to these people. Non-action is a gift. Ginny Thomas roams free. Congressmen and women sit, continuing their insurrection.
As the rule of law is celebrated after Trumps indictment, understand that Trump is a figure head of a movement. The movement is supported by greed, white supremacy, and fascist who don’t know the meaning of the word. Unfortunately GREED has the day. Even religious bigots are greedy- they only want it their way. They don’t want to allow the freedom to literally chose one’s own life.
Our democracy stands at an edge, yes, it’s fragility threatened by the goaltenders sitting on their hands while the whole Apple rots from within. Can we vote? Yes. Can we demonstrate, yes, but until the powers that be, get off their hands and disengage ALL the insurrectionist, we are headed over the cliff.
I 100% Agree! Many insurrectionists are IN Congress! There's an on-going GOP tyrannical-fascist take-over going on. That the insurrectionists are IN Congress is terribly concerning, along with everything else we're seeing. People should be protesting in the streets non-stop. Nope.
This is how democracies are lost. Timothy Snyder's short book 'On Tyranny' explains this so well, as I'm sure you know. Best to you.
Lisa, the difficult part here is that nothing (in my opinion) is clearer, or easier to track than the organizers, and participants in Jan. 6. The lack of follow-through by DOJ could literally be the downfall of this democracy, because they are still at it. Un-questioned. Just look at the sequence of events, with Trump and the documents case, and the fact that even thought that took place 2 years after Jan 6, it came first for indictment. I believe the sheer number of congressional participants, as well as Clarence and Ginny Thomas, DJT, and God knows who else, in and around the Washington elite, could all be indicted, and its too much, and the DOJ is scared of the outcome of such knowledge, and how many people are involved. In that case, it is obstruction from within. It is not good.
Marc, I couldn't agree more with you. DJT running for POTUS 2024?! He incited an insurrection and we all watched it! Now that they've not been held accountable and are IN Congress and running for POTUS, they're just further emboldened to say or do anything they want, as we're seeing each day. It is not good at all. Thanks.
The Lincoln Project recently launched an initiative called “take back the flag.” The idea being that the MAGAts have falsely claimed the flag as THEIR symbol when it is really the flag of ALL Americans. I think we should also launch a campaign to take back prayer. Because I’m beginning to think that the only way we are going to defeat this evil is through prayer. So however you interpret prayer, I invite you to pray for this country. It certainly can’t hurt.
Hi Heather, I agree with what you're saying, but a formal campaign to 'take back prayer' might be easily associated with Christian faith traditions (?) I feel that working towards a clear delineation of the separations of church and state is extremely important to our Democracy. How about 'take back Integrity?' In our circles of friends, family, and community let us pray in all the ways we do, as many people are giving up and becoming worn down and sick. I pray for courage, duty, healing, self-reflection, love, and a return to goodness. Thanks, Lisa
You make several good points Lisa. It’s hard to figure out how to frame what I mean- for example, for people who consider themselves atheists. But I resent the Bible waving and pseudo high moral ground that these idiots claim. And I do have a sneaky suspicion that our thoughts matter. You know how it’s been shown how prayers can effect certain health outcomes, even if the person being prayed for isn’t aware of the prayers. I think if everyone starts at least trying to hold the political situation “in the light” that it could make a difference.
There are prayers for the demise of our country countered by prayers for a return to normal. Whose prayers will be heard and granted? Whose prayers matter?
I pray for the wisdom and courage to lead with love.
After reading this essay and the last, about the repugnant Lindsay Graham, - (and his fellow Trump sycophants), I hate to say it, my I do believe that our Democracy is “circling the drain”. Most democracies in history have had about a 200+- “lifespan”; and our time is about up. As predicted by President Lincoln, we’re going down the sinkhole from “within”, domestic reasons, not foreign adversaries. Make no mistake, we ARE in a (not-so) Civil War and the battlegrounds are everywhere. There is a dark cloud over our nation, not unlike the ones caused by the Canadian fires, - but clean, strong winds moved those clouds out. I see NOTHING that’s going to clear our air. Perhaps autopsies of people like Lindsay Graham and Jim Jordan will reveal what kind of parasite infected their bodies to make them so complicit and abiding with one of the most despicable humans on the planet. MY GOD...when you think of all the people who still support Trump, it’s just astounding. “You can’t make this shit up”. Isaac Asimov or Stephen King couldn’t have imagined such insanity, blossoming in our own country. It’s a damn shame...
Another excellent piece, Steve. I hope you consider publishing a collection your essays one day. You are my daily dose of sanity in these dangerous times.
The above is not a picture, Steve, it is art. I see art. I did meet my hummingbird a few days ago and it was amazing! My hummingbird moved motionless, snatching bits of time from time, not my time which was infinite. One of my cats watched. She is a hunter and my thoughts just shielded the oceanic presence in front of me, and it felt me and it came closer and the wings just kept it there for the longest time. Someone I love said it took me for a flower. I blushed, naturally. My cat stood still and, suddenly, the presence filled with curiosity left, just like that! Announced. I know the behavior from observing.
And observing the political "sideshow" unfolding, I can not but say that I find it so predictable and it hits me like a blow, like the very blow of death I felt the day a criminal accused of sexual assault and defamation defamed, again, the woman who took him to trial to face a jury of his peers. You see, Steve, that charade on CNN reverberates so beyond this despicable human, because it speaks of such darkness in a too large portion of society and politics. The defamation and abuse of women on CNN that day leaped beyond the screen, touching the lives of too many still in danger in a country that is a democracy. There should have been a greater cry of repudiation, above the applause and cheering of a small gathering of brutes in a stage built to magnify their hate above what Americans really feel. What is it that Americans feel? It is not the appeasement of the turncoats so popular among the analysts and pundits. No. This is the moment to confront the darkness, to be unrelentless in voicing concern and fear and anxiety about what is most pressing now, an evaluation of ethical proportions that must change our views about those who still insist to be our leaders. How many there are who will just shame the future written history of America, and there is one Presidential Historian only that is now truly speaking ethically. I need not mention his name, a man I have honored since the day I first knew his name. May he be relieved soon from such a lonely position he is in. May he be joined by like-minded luminous minds that have not ceased to guide us in the legal profession. May he know just how many Americans hear and understand his concerns. Steve, we need free thinkers. (Because the sideshow is just a temporary pat in the back.) Stay strong, my friend.
Hi N.Z. The hummingbird image Steve posted today is absolutely "Art"! It has stayed with me through-out the day. The words that came to me are "I once was blind, but now I see."
I agree with everything else you're saying here. Wherever I go, I see so many people distracted by their cell-phones -addicted. So many don't seem to care about what is going on in our country and it is seriously concerning.
p.s. You gave me some advice 6 or 8 weeks ago about even one person being able to take another one down and to take care of myself. That's some of the best advice I've ever had. I felt that you seemed to know me. Well, I'm going to take your advice. I'll hang the hummingbird feeder this afternoon. Best, Lisa XO
Oh, yes, they sure will. I lived in Belize for a year and a male Cinnamon Hummingbird bonded with me for many months, until I had to leave. He spent a significant amount of time on a branch in an Almond Tree just feet from my hammock near a 2nd-story deck. He did all kinds of tricks that Hummingbirds do for each other -wild-flying tricks and rocking back and forth on his branch and many more. Every evening before he (Lovekins) went off to roost he'd make a fast clicking sound for about 5 minutes, while looking at me, and I just 'knew' that he had a lot to tell me, all about his day, and so many big feelings and ideas to share. He often preened himself elaborately, and then fluffed up like a round ball on his branch, just feeling so loved, which he was and still is. He was my tiniest of many wild animal friends, yet he had the biggest heart. XO
In three months, I will turn 80 years old. I think back to my earnest teens and young adulthood, when I marched and demonstrated for equality for Blacks and against the Vietnam War and for equality for and empowerment of women; when I saw, and believed in, a vision of a better America; when my parents, one a Democrat and one a Republican, could debate without rancor, as could most of the adults I knew; when news was really news and not opinion; when social media wasn't a tool for spreading disinformation, helping to create an astonishing large segment of dangerously ignorant citizens; when I was inspired by MLK, JFK, RFK and others. For most of those years, I moved through my life with the conviction that the future would be better, that we as a nation would be better, kinder, fairer. To have arrived at this stage in my life and see that in many cases things are worse leaves me shattered and disillusioned. To see the malevolence around me, the violence, the lack of charity toward fellow citizens, the incredible inequities and disparities in almost every conceivable aspect of society; to witness the astonishing corporate greed fostered by our own elected officials strips me of my once hopeful nature. I continue to believe that people have enormous power when they are committed to change and when they come together to effect change, but where are those people? I no longer expect to see those changes in my lifetime, but I hope that future generations are Inspired and galvanized into action to preserve and restore this fragile, tattered democracy.
I turned 59 a few months ago, I feel every word of what you say. I grew up thinking the very same thing, that life would get better, we would treat each other better. I know how I feel, and I can only imagine how you feel. I'm sorry, I'm sorry we haven't progressed any further, it's so disheartening, so depressing, so heavy on our hearts, and souls. It's almost like we aren't supposed to be here. Looking at what we've done to ourselves and our environment, I feel for our kids, and grandkids.
If we were to create a world for ourselves, certainly wouldn't be this one.
Connie, I was there too. What an incredible time it was. The message of that great restructuring has not been lost. It still serves as a potent inspiration to young voters and a potent wake up call to enemies of the greater good. And that happened. Reagan was elected out of fear of those hippies and those marches and that turmoil. They made a steady, powerful march, playing the long game to put the power back in the hands of the few. Fear pushed them forward and they have been surprisingly successful. Ok, and now it’s our turn. Abject fear is not all bad. We are making the next big move to overcome what they put in place. You and I are going to be here for the 2024 landslide victory to take our country back and steady the world once again.
Indeed it was an incredible time, and so glad you were there, too! I hope you're right about the 2024 landslide. and a victory to take our country back. That would certainly go a long way toward restoring this aging hippies optimism in our future!
Well said amigo.
Exactly how I feel about my life. And I'm super scared for my children who are in their 20s. Jared Yates Sexton is another person who is constantly blaring the alarm.
I will check out Jared Yates Sexton... Hoping he has some suggestions as well as just warnings. Those of us with children and Grandchildren have every reason to be scared. These times are filled with peril. I'm just trying to find little joys in my life right now so I don't need to hit the xanax bottle with such frequency., lolI Have they added anxiety caused by rising fascism and a crumbling society to the DSM 5 yet?
Hi Connie and all here on this thread. Ongoing stress can take a toll on our health and well-being. We'll probably be seeing statistics of symptoms of Maga Madness in the near future, if not already. Self-care is so important during these tumultuous times. I personally could work on that! Humor is highly underestimated! Connie, you seem to have a balance going that is an inspiration to me. We can only do what we can do. I feel this epoch in our country is a wake-up call. We got this!! XO
p.s. I thought Steve's comparison of Lindsey Graham to a chihuahua was right on, but how very insulting to chihuahuas! : - ) xoxo
Sense of humor still there... that's a good sign. Thanks for your post, Connie. Oh, and check out Heather Cox Richardson, too, if you don't already. She always gives me hope.
Yes, Heather is rock steady and soothing at the same time.
HCR goes live once a week for an hour. I listened to her today on FB at 4 pm EDT. She answers questions and gives a lot of historical background. She even gives a weekly assignment. Very worthwhile.......
Will absolutely check her out. I'm always up for hope!
And she is free! Here is the link to today's blog: https://open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/june-12-2023?r=1t1l9g&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Many thanks! Signed up.
Connie, that anxiety over rising fascism is not in the DSM5 because it's NOT A PATHOLOGICAL CONDITION, but a natural, normal, profound concern for a deeply troublesome situation.
What IS in the DSM 5 is a dangerous array of pathologies that afflict the malevolent right-wingers in this nation and, in turn, their psychopathology affects us all.
While I appreciate your intelligent and sober analysis of DSM-5 categories, I think there ought to be room under Depressive Disorders and Anxiety to include a subcategory encompassing Trump Induced Mental Disoders. Perhaps we need aDSM-6? 😉
Connie, I well understand the symptoms and "etiology" of that Trump Induced Mental Disorder-- it's actually a subset of GOP Induced Mental Disorder which results from decades of right-wing "conservative" policies to abuse the environment, workers, the middle-class, the poor, the cultural-socio-economic health of the USA (and world), the national debt, etc. ad nauseam.
Lol, yes definitely belongs in DSM 5. JYS says we should be talking to everyone about fascism. Not easy to do, I know.
It isn't easy that's for sure. It's a steep hill to climb, because most people don't understand what fascism is, or communism, or what it means to be a nazi, or what it means to be "woke" or what antifa is. Mussolini? Didn't he have a great pizza restaurant in the East Village? But I will try to have a dialogue... I really will!
(What is JYS?)
I can see why you asked, this thread has gotten very long. Way back I mentioned Jared Yates Sexton as an example of a writer screaming from the top of his lungs about rising fascism.
Thanks very much for responding, Kate. Yes, some of these threads go on for dozens and dozens of comments! I'll google him.
I am 77 and with a background similar to yours. And I feel the same way😥
We have to look to the younger generation to pick up the torch and carry it. Fingers crossed!
❤️
Yes to a bird but cannot verify type.
Yes to the edge upon which we stand some have already fallen over. Others are at the edge but can still back up. Others among us are fashioning rope ladders to throw over the edge. There may be a few on lower ledges that can turn back- they need the ladder
Today’s arraignment will indicate how many have made the jump. They’re standing outside a courthouse in Miami. This afternoon we will know how many are over the cliff and ladders are needed
Way to extend the cliff metaphor! Appropriate and nicely done!
thank you... (loosening up the writing muscles before grading homework assignments....)
“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” ― Abraham Lincoln
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” ― Franklin D. Roosevelt
"Honesty is the first chapter of the book wisdom.” ― Thomas Jefferson
Thank you, Steve Schmidt, for your relentless devotion to fighting for our priceless Democracy.
I care. I care deeply and I have seen and felt what is and has been happening in our country. I want to understand why.
Yesterday, I spent an hour talking with my inlaws about this moment in our country. My inlaws are soundly in the GOP base. They reside in the deep south and are well-educated, affluent and Catholic. They are disgusted by trump and "cannot stand the man." Yet, they will vote for him if he is the republican candidate. Why? "Anything to get Biden and dems out of the Presidency."
I don’t understand this thinking. Had a conversation about this a couple of weeks ago. What is it about Biden/Democrats they hate? Is it years of messaging, propaganda? Is it abortion? What specific evil thing the Democrats have done?
Truthfully, for half of them, I think it's abortion; for the other half, it's racism and any other -ism's that stick in their craw.
The things they hate about Biden and the Democrats are the lies they are believing. They hate the thoughts in their minds.
Those thoughts were put in place by none other than djt himself. He sang them a lullaby and they went to sleep.
Sorry for repeating myself.
And the sleepers were all open to his lies. They sucked it up like a sponge because they identified with Donald’s victimhood, how he was so unfairly treated and how the White people, white men, are no longer seen as people to respect above other men. He told them their country was being invaded. They built a wall around themselves. A wall of hate and fear and rage. Who did this to them? Who is to blame? Joe Biden and the communist fascist regime, they’ll say. It’s distilled spitefulness. It’s what’s for dinner.
No, you're not.
They are MAGA-cult brainwashed.
Yes. See how he destroys people? He puts hate thoughts and revenge thoughts in their minds. The word ‘hex’ comes to mind. He put a hex on them.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Scary!!
Trump put his devotees under a spell using his particular brand of brainwashing. First is the lie, then the repetition of the lie over and over again over a period of years. It’s a very effective form of hypnosis.
Exist.
The enlightened are the Romans at their revivals and in their sermons. An evil to be cast out.
The phantasmal Trump movement is a cult willing to do anything for their prophecy. They have embraced terrorism.
Propaganda.
The reason is simple...white people will no longer be the majority of Americans in 20years. They would rather burn our institutions to the ground and elect an authoritarian before they live under the reigns of another POC as President. We are living through Reconstruction part 2 - hopefully we make the right choice this time.
The "racist" part is the part I don't understand. I have had a career that spanned many years and states and always a positive aspect was working with many people, all different.
Trump himself is not a racist. Everyone is beneath him pretty much equally, except for some people who are way beneath him. Those are the men who know things, the brave, the kind, the thoughtful, and especially the ‘real men’. Heroes. He hates to stand next one. I could feel the strong dislike he had for James Comey when he. Was introduced to Trump. Remember? He looked so small and not only in stature next to Comey. He had to fire him immediately if not sooner.
Susan, he may not be "racist" toward Blacks, but he is definitely prejudiced about Jews. I read that he told a couple of people -- more that once -- that he hired Jews "because they like money and know how to make it." Lovely.
That sounds like he likes and respects Jews. I say that because that very persuasion is HIS own calling card.
…this is not to say that I agree with his assessment of Jews.
Here in the South, traditionally: Blacks are stupid, lazy, dishonest. Get raised on that and it's next to impossible to change. You were obviously not raised in the South.
They have to call them those names to cover up for what they did to them. They have to tell their children those lies until they forget they’re lies. After all the malicious hate and harm toward the Black race over hundreds of years, I can’t imagine how they managed to get through it. They did not break. Most make much more sense than any White man on the right and also in general have you noticed?
Susan, Oh, yes! I have seen it many, many times! Like you, it is almost impossible to comprehend how Black people survived centuries of being enslaved without wanting to wreak devastation on whites. I think that community was critical (well, so long as not too many in the community were sold off the plantation). I see that now, how close-knit many Black communities are here in Charleston, SC. The churches (at least since enslavement) have played a crucial role. For many of my Black friends, Sunday is the highlight of the week. Church generally lasts for two hours, then a shared meal often on the grounds outside of the church which lasts some hours, and then back into the church for another two hours or so. I have been to some services, and they are beautiful to see. Often there is sacred dancing down the aisles, hymns that can last for 15 minutes along with swaying and clapping. There are Bibles in the pew but no hymnals, so the hymns were sung with the tradition "call and response" way. (This is the way it was done in the days of enslavement, when reading and writing was a extreme offense, enough to get one's fingertips cut off if one was caught writing.) The minister shouts his sermon (which are excellent, right on target), and the congregation engages in "call response". Sometimes individuals in the congregation will "shout" -- which I learned means that the Holy Spirit has descended upon that person.* I went to a Christmas Eve service one year, and was mesmerized by the one-hour "Manger Scene". Joseph was furious with Mary when she said she was pregnant, and swore, "I ain't your baby-Daddy!" as he stormed away. Their walk to Bethlehem took a good 15 minutes, and Jesus in the creche was a real two-week old baby (the baby of a woman sitting just behind me -- she was thrilled to see her baby as Jesus)! I went to another service on New Years Eve. There were no services in the white churches, just big parties, fireworks, etc. But in that same Black church I attended, it was "Watch Night". My daughter and I were the only whites in the congregation, so the minister kindly explained to us that New Years Eve in 1863 was the first "Watch Night" as the enslaved people awaited the announcement that they were FREE. The Emancipation Proclamation was announced on January 1, 1864. All these years later, 170 years, Watch Night is still celebrated in Black churches (at least here in the South) in remembrance of, and in celebration of, that night in 1863. The service lasted many hours, and only ended after midnight. The Blacks said to each other, "Thank God we're free!!" I said to the people on each side of me (not sure at first what to say), "Thank God you're free!!"
So good.
I had the great fortune of attending one of these services in the Bahamas, years, ago. It was so enlivening -truly a singular event my my life. The singing! I just loved it. I also want to mention the importance of the singing in the cotton fields -communication that the slave owners didn't understand, connection, rhythm, 'mantra', etc.
* A Black nurse's aide -- not my aide -- BURST into my room on Day 4 of my post-partum hospitalization. I was still terribly sick from the delivery, and my newborn was in the NICU desperately fighting for her life. The doctors there told us that she wouldn't make it, and one even said, "You should just let her go. If she survives, she'll be profoundly retarded and will never walk or talk. My best friend had put a gigantic sign covering my entire hospital door saying, "DO NOT DISTURB!!! THIS IS KATHY'S REQUEST!! because so many of the doctors at the hospital, who were my friends, had been "sneaking" in to see how I was doing. I couldn't handle it. I was so exhausted, and so overwhelmed with what was going on with my baby. This woman SLAMMED open the door, came up to me, waved her finger in my face yelling, "You are NOT responsible for whether this baby lives or dies!! She is in God's hands, and God's hands ALONE! And if she is still alive at the end of the day, you say, "THANK YOU GOD FOR ANOTHER DAY WITH MY BABY!! and if she is still alive in the morning, you say, "THANK YOU GOD FOR ANOTHER NIGHT WITH MY BABY!!" She then walked to the end of my bed and "shouted" these words, over and over again as she clapped for 30 minutes (!!) at the foot of my bed!!! I had no idea WHAT she was doing and was very upset with her intrusion! There's SO much to tell! I will just say that I did thank God for that day -- almost sarcastically at first, because five days after her birth, I STILL hadn't been able to hold her (and I was too sick to get to the NICU more than a few minutes, twice a day). But as I said, "Thank you for this day with my baby", the weight of a grand piano fell from my shoulders. I became ecstatic and kept thanking God over and over. Suddenly, after my prayers of gratitude, the nurse said, "I just got her off the ventilator. Would you like to hold her?" "YES!!!!!!!" I did what Florence Gaillard told me to do every day and night for the next 11 years of my daughter's life, and oh! what a joyful life we had while she was growing up! -- despite unending critical illnesses, multiple surgeries. As for the doctors' gloomy predictions, she graduated from college with double majors in Philosophy and Environmental Sciences. Oh, and she also became a gifted athlete. :-) It was only many years later that my (Black) Goddaughter, upon hearing the story, said, "Oh! The Holy Spirit had descended upon her, and she was giving you the message!" (SO much more to tell about Florence, and her terror at being fired without a pension after 32 years working, because she thought I was going to report her. But as she said, "The Holy Spirit said, 'GO, Florence!' so I did.")
What an amazing thing to have happened !
This is stunning, Kathy -life-giving -beautiful! xo
I honestly believe that if I, as a Democrat, was faced with having voted for a candidate that was proven to be an awful human being and possibly going to be a convicted criminal I would have to question my own choices and decisions. I would not vote with my party just because I hated (and I do) the Republicans so much. My convictions are so strong that I would not be able to vote for a despicable person just to have my ‘policies and political desires’ ahead of acting on what is in plain sight. This is the discussion I would like to have with my Republican friends. Knowing what they know now, is their hatred of democrats stronger than their moral compass?
Jim Jones is known for being the leader of the Peoples Temple religious group and for the Jonestown Massacre, when he led the mass murder-suicide of more than 900 members of the group at their commune in Jonestown, Guyana, on November 18, 1978
(from encyclopedia Britannica) Many MAGA devotees will even die for their 'Savior'.
My brother-in-law was a survivor of Jonestown; today he is a 65 year old MAGA’t along with my sister and 3 of 4 of her children. 😞
😞 Natalia, thank you for sharing this. I have no idea how many survivors there were/are of Jonestown. So even after surviving a mass-suicide, your brother went head-on into another 'cult'...that's not good news for looking forward into where this goes with MAGA, realistically.
I hope people can rapidly start learning more about cults asap, because MAGA is a mass-cult movement -millions. So sorry for your sister and those children...and it must be hard on you:(
Thank you. 🫶🏼 Yes, it’s been incredibly hard, but more so for my neice (the only one in her family not to have gone down the rabbit hole). The most interesting thing is that my brother-in-law was always apolitical until Trump...he was primed for another demagogue. I’m just thankful my dad is no longer here to see his daughter follow him.
How terrifying and sad. I hope your niece is getting the support she needs not just to survive, but to thrive, despite huge challenges. I hope she has other extended family, like you, that she can reach out to. I detest cults. I was raised in 'Wide World Church of God' w Garner Ted Armstrong from ages 3 to 13. It can be very challenging to recover from cult indoctrination and or family that gets hooked into a cult. The cult takes over their minds, as you know, Best to you. xo
Yes Lisa, it's truly tragic that she has lost her sister, just as you have lost your brothers
Oy! 😳🙄😩
Almost beyond belief!
Absolutely. There is no question about it. (And how many actually have a "moral compass", I wonder?)
Maybe one of the reasons we're here is that for many Americans, their devotion to their religious doctrine is greater than their devotion to democracy.
I noticed you said “their” religious doctrine however these people say they are Christians but certainly do not follow Jesus’s teachings.
The MAGA "Christians" are nothing but hypocrites! They have certainly abandoned their prior "WWJD".
I am alarmed, disgusted and frightened by EVERYTHING that's been happening in America since Trump rode down that escalator!
The Republican party, who supposedly believes in small government - only when it pertains to themselves - wants to control every aspect of everyone else's lives!
Everyday I think how can this madness be happening in America?
No. They do not. However, who am I to Judge another.
The church’s that follow and preach The Word Of God has changed so much and cater to the Lazy (don’t go to church) it is their day to sleep in.
The TV preachers ($$$$ who prey on the elders)
You all know what I’m saying.
I know that the 1st x I voted for tfg. I was tired of “the Clinton’s” maybe due to the Benghazi that filled our world then? (I’m not sure)
It did not take long before my mistake was to be realized. (Hindsight)
Now, here we are today. I don’t know for sure about all the haters, liars and gross negligence to “We The People”. What I DO Know, I am thankful to the Steve Schmidt’s, Joyce Vance’s who speak with us. We have so many awesome people share their knowledge and expertise. Thank goodness for this resource to guide us with surly is the Truth. (But not if you listen to a tfg supporter) thanks for letting me ramble in disgust for lies)🇺🇸peace
Thank you, Ruth, for being part of our group. I'm so glad that you are here!
I'm so glad you're both here!
xo :-)
I have never used a capital "C" for the maggots. I write "christian". They are anything BUT Christian. So many of their actions and beliefs are the polar opposite of Christ's teaching.
This is yet another dangerous Great Awakening of religious hypocrisy in American life.
Religion is used as a killer of independent critical thinking..by those who are looking for a means to their end..which is usually $$$..Faith, Spirituality on the other hand are very different things..One does not need religion to be spiritual or have faith..
I have always believed that and consider myself to be a very moral, ethical, and spiritual person who never believed in organized religion. As a child I was raised as a Methodist in my mothers church, but when it came time for me to be confirmed in the church in the sixth grade,I refused. Today I witness the hypocrisy of those who are regular church goers in my extended family and yet vote for one of the most vulgar , immoral, and unethical human beings on earth to be president of the United States.
I come from an evangelical background, so I understand the way they think. You are correct. Believing a religious worldview that doesn’t allow you to “question” it sets you up to believe all kinds of other bizarre things. When that includes a kind of cosmic spiritual war going on, you can start seeing it everywhere including your next-door neighbor, or your fellow citizen.
Yes Elizabeth
The religious right believe the highest law is the Bible and that is God’s law. They view Dems as breaking Gods law by legalizing abortion, gay rights and marriages, LGBTQ rights, to a certain extent encouraging female independence outside the home and raising children. They believe that no one is above Gods law, not even democratic law.
This spectacle of the absurd with a man unfit for the U.S. Presidency had been like the most intricate political spy novel with twists and turns that would never be in a fiction novel.
However, my husband (Grandson of a General under Kennedy, Nuclear Fall-Out specialist, to boot!) and many others think I’m watching the same thing over and over again, because they have to tune it out.
From day one I was persuaded that our laws, our norms, our values would stop this rot and to my horror no one has been able to.
It is so obvious that mr Trump and his cult, who shouted “Lock her up” with no evidence now claim that it’s political “weaponization” even though there is black & white evidence.
I have tried to sound the horn on Rump lovers for 8 years. The idiocy and apathy is outstanding . But it is maddening to me when you say, do you care ? Yes? BUT WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT. ? Vote , write and call congress, complain to media . WHAT ELSE??
Make some suggestions!! Wake your ppl, sound the horn , educate us to the plan of action!
Please keep in mind that Steve's mission is 'The Warning'. The solution is up to the rest of us.
Make signs with simple words, words that represent what you want or don’t want to happen. Nail the signs to a long stick. Every morning or evening or both, walk one of the signs around the block. Maybe the neighbors will start to do the same. Ask friends if they want to do it too.
But start with just yourself.
My Uncle was a faith healer - and No, I did not go to his church! LOL - I see the same kind of behaviors in the MAGA that I saw in his cult followers. My Uncle also helped Jim Jones get started. Jim Jones is also a good example of MAGA people. They would literally drink the poisoned Kool-Aide - they "are" metaphorically drinking it - but I think many of them would literally drink it. I do not know how you get people that far down the rabbit hole to see things differently.
And... they seem to love the idea that Trump is a criminal and does not follow the rules. They love his lawlessness and his standing up against the legal system. They love the hate he creates --- a mob mentality. MAGA is like a mob of revengeful people ... and the gop are stirring them up and keeping them stirred up...because they think it will get them elected.
How do you stop a cult that also has a mob mentality?
And I know not all Republicans are like this . Let's hope the ones who have not been pulled into the cult of MAGA can somehow get through to the rest.
And yes - we are on the edge of a cliff - maybe even leaning over and trying to regain balance.
I think enough of us care to make it right - at least i hope so - I care and I will work to help it come out ok, i will write letters and texts if necessary - i will march if necessary - i marched in the 70's i can march in the 20's!! I am 81 years old, I want to stay in an America that is just and democratic. I want this for my children and grandchildren, and if lucky enough, my great-grandchildren - many of us "of a certain age" are with me on this. Example, Connie Davis, just below. But I am sure there are many more - in conclusion, don't fuck with the old people, we know how to protest
Wow! Now that is leadership, Patricia! I'm ready to march with you!.
Contact me l let’s talk.
🙌🏼✊🏼👍🏼
This is not an unprecedented issue in American history. You remember Spiro Agnew and Richard Nixon? Their corruption was astounding. Now fast forward to Trump. He definitely has trumped Agnew and Nixon an unspeakable Acts of treason and, psychopathy. Never many people who stood up for these men even after the corruption was exposed to the public. They still believed in them and thought it was a witch Hunt. That was 50 years ago in 1973 and here we go again only the ride is more treacherous. I cannot understand the life of me why this man will not be immediately placed in jail? If it has been me. I already would have been put in jail to await arraignment. Why are we still pandering to this man?
And aren't there any former leaders who will speak up about this. Where is George w bush? Where is Obama? Where is Bill Clinton? Where are the former Joint Chiefs of
Our military staff? Will none of these people go on TV and speak up?
Would you blame any of them for not wanting to cross the hyper vengeful orange warlock?
Absolutely "Yes" I blame them for not standing up for our national Integrity/Democracy.
Some may fear for other family members, not only themselves. I do understand what you’re saying but this guy had at least one member of the FBI in his pocket one could safely assume. Someone finding out where their kids go to school, in addition to the dirt on people in congress, and staffers.
I’m just saying that knowing him it’s not only possible but likely.
Everything he does is insurance against getting found out.
Yes, you're right. I am mainly thinking the GOP are cowards, but there is dark MOB stuff going on, very insidious and dangerous. You sure understand psychology -at least in this case. Thank you!
So many small issues taken together have led us to this. The dumbing down of education, teaching to the test, and the lack of civics and history classes; the consolidation of media and news as a profit center; the breakdown of traditional religion and the mix of religion and politics(Evangelicals and the Catholic Church); advances in technology that connected what were once pockets of lunacy; the deregulation of capitalism, the rise of the shareholder class and expansion of the billionaire class; the lack of financial security as millions lost their jobs due to the great Southern migration of industry followed by offshoring; the death of social connection with the diminishment of civic organizations, from bowling leagues to things like Kiwanis; the rise of professional sports as the dominant means of tribal/group affiliation; the embrace of greed and lies; the death of the American character; an increase in self-loathing that has become easily twisted by charlatans who care more about party, money, and power than, well, anything; the rise of RW talk radio followed by social media; the acceptance of moral relativism. One of these things is bad; together they are a tragedy for America.
The one thing that makes me angry about all the never Trumpers, including Steve, is why weren’t you calling out people like Rush who poisoned the well against everyone not male GOP? Where was the outcry when he called people like me who wanted to work and wanted to be treated equally “feminazis”? Where was the outrage over the twisting of the English language--“death taxes” for limits on inheritances meant to prevent the rise of a perpetual “aristocratic” class in the US? Where was the disavowal when they constantly smeared Dems with lies? Yes, John McCain spoke out during the 2008 campaign, but by then the damage was done.
But since Trump’s election, figures like Steve and many others (Bulwark folk et al) have been stalwart allies in the defense of American democracy, speaking out and working should to shoulder with us to hold back the forces of darkness. Because the Barbarians are not just at the gates; they are living among us.
I think the only way to break through the apathy which has infected too many of us is one-on-one conversations with those who can be persuaded. Sadly, we are a serious nation populated with too many unserious, ignorant, and immature people. We will never get all the apathetic to care, but if we get enough of them and don’t give in, we can stem the dark tide. Until the internet and social media are regulated; these loon extremists will thrive and MAGA will live on. We are in a fight that will last a generation and probably beyond.
This. Right. Here!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Right on, I agree with ever single word you wrote.
We are no better off today than we were when Donald J Trump rode down that escalator. In fact we’re worse. The slow moving wheels of Justice are too slow. Trump figured out a long time ago he could win in that race.
Now his threatening mob has their eyes on AG Garland, and SC Smith, and their families. I wonder if Garland considers his non-swift actions to blame for this? I wonder if he gets that not plucking the congressional participants out of congress (IMMEDIATELY) after Jan. 6, not only continues the coup attempt of 1/6, but strengthens the resolve of those lucky bastards who came off Scot-free, after their involvement.
We have GIVEN rise to these people. Non-action is a gift. Ginny Thomas roams free. Congressmen and women sit, continuing their insurrection.
As the rule of law is celebrated after Trumps indictment, understand that Trump is a figure head of a movement. The movement is supported by greed, white supremacy, and fascist who don’t know the meaning of the word. Unfortunately GREED has the day. Even religious bigots are greedy- they only want it their way. They don’t want to allow the freedom to literally chose one’s own life.
Our democracy stands at an edge, yes, it’s fragility threatened by the goaltenders sitting on their hands while the whole Apple rots from within. Can we vote? Yes. Can we demonstrate, yes, but until the powers that be, get off their hands and disengage ALL the insurrectionist, we are headed over the cliff.
I 100% Agree! Many insurrectionists are IN Congress! There's an on-going GOP tyrannical-fascist take-over going on. That the insurrectionists are IN Congress is terribly concerning, along with everything else we're seeing. People should be protesting in the streets non-stop. Nope.
This is how democracies are lost. Timothy Snyder's short book 'On Tyranny' explains this so well, as I'm sure you know. Best to you.
Lisa, the difficult part here is that nothing (in my opinion) is clearer, or easier to track than the organizers, and participants in Jan. 6. The lack of follow-through by DOJ could literally be the downfall of this democracy, because they are still at it. Un-questioned. Just look at the sequence of events, with Trump and the documents case, and the fact that even thought that took place 2 years after Jan 6, it came first for indictment. I believe the sheer number of congressional participants, as well as Clarence and Ginny Thomas, DJT, and God knows who else, in and around the Washington elite, could all be indicted, and its too much, and the DOJ is scared of the outcome of such knowledge, and how many people are involved. In that case, it is obstruction from within. It is not good.
Marc, I couldn't agree more with you. DJT running for POTUS 2024?! He incited an insurrection and we all watched it! Now that they've not been held accountable and are IN Congress and running for POTUS, they're just further emboldened to say or do anything they want, as we're seeing each day. It is not good at all. Thanks.
The Lincoln Project recently launched an initiative called “take back the flag.” The idea being that the MAGAts have falsely claimed the flag as THEIR symbol when it is really the flag of ALL Americans. I think we should also launch a campaign to take back prayer. Because I’m beginning to think that the only way we are going to defeat this evil is through prayer. So however you interpret prayer, I invite you to pray for this country. It certainly can’t hurt.
Hi Heather, I agree with what you're saying, but a formal campaign to 'take back prayer' might be easily associated with Christian faith traditions (?) I feel that working towards a clear delineation of the separations of church and state is extremely important to our Democracy. How about 'take back Integrity?' In our circles of friends, family, and community let us pray in all the ways we do, as many people are giving up and becoming worn down and sick. I pray for courage, duty, healing, self-reflection, love, and a return to goodness. Thanks, Lisa
You make several good points Lisa. It’s hard to figure out how to frame what I mean- for example, for people who consider themselves atheists. But I resent the Bible waving and pseudo high moral ground that these idiots claim. And I do have a sneaky suspicion that our thoughts matter. You know how it’s been shown how prayers can effect certain health outcomes, even if the person being prayed for isn’t aware of the prayers. I think if everyone starts at least trying to hold the political situation “in the light” that it could make a difference.
Yes, I totally get it and I agree! Thanks.
Great harm is done when prayers are hollow.
There are prayers for the demise of our country countered by prayers for a return to normal. Whose prayers will be heard and granted? Whose prayers matter?
I pray for the wisdom and courage to lead with love.
After reading this essay and the last, about the repugnant Lindsay Graham, - (and his fellow Trump sycophants), I hate to say it, my I do believe that our Democracy is “circling the drain”. Most democracies in history have had about a 200+- “lifespan”; and our time is about up. As predicted by President Lincoln, we’re going down the sinkhole from “within”, domestic reasons, not foreign adversaries. Make no mistake, we ARE in a (not-so) Civil War and the battlegrounds are everywhere. There is a dark cloud over our nation, not unlike the ones caused by the Canadian fires, - but clean, strong winds moved those clouds out. I see NOTHING that’s going to clear our air. Perhaps autopsies of people like Lindsay Graham and Jim Jordan will reveal what kind of parasite infected their bodies to make them so complicit and abiding with one of the most despicable humans on the planet. MY GOD...when you think of all the people who still support Trump, it’s just astounding. “You can’t make this shit up”. Isaac Asimov or Stephen King couldn’t have imagined such insanity, blossoming in our own country. It’s a damn shame...
Another excellent piece, Steve. I hope you consider publishing a collection your essays one day. You are my daily dose of sanity in these dangerous times.
GREAT idea!
The above is not a picture, Steve, it is art. I see art. I did meet my hummingbird a few days ago and it was amazing! My hummingbird moved motionless, snatching bits of time from time, not my time which was infinite. One of my cats watched. She is a hunter and my thoughts just shielded the oceanic presence in front of me, and it felt me and it came closer and the wings just kept it there for the longest time. Someone I love said it took me for a flower. I blushed, naturally. My cat stood still and, suddenly, the presence filled with curiosity left, just like that! Announced. I know the behavior from observing.
And observing the political "sideshow" unfolding, I can not but say that I find it so predictable and it hits me like a blow, like the very blow of death I felt the day a criminal accused of sexual assault and defamation defamed, again, the woman who took him to trial to face a jury of his peers. You see, Steve, that charade on CNN reverberates so beyond this despicable human, because it speaks of such darkness in a too large portion of society and politics. The defamation and abuse of women on CNN that day leaped beyond the screen, touching the lives of too many still in danger in a country that is a democracy. There should have been a greater cry of repudiation, above the applause and cheering of a small gathering of brutes in a stage built to magnify their hate above what Americans really feel. What is it that Americans feel? It is not the appeasement of the turncoats so popular among the analysts and pundits. No. This is the moment to confront the darkness, to be unrelentless in voicing concern and fear and anxiety about what is most pressing now, an evaluation of ethical proportions that must change our views about those who still insist to be our leaders. How many there are who will just shame the future written history of America, and there is one Presidential Historian only that is now truly speaking ethically. I need not mention his name, a man I have honored since the day I first knew his name. May he be relieved soon from such a lonely position he is in. May he be joined by like-minded luminous minds that have not ceased to guide us in the legal profession. May he know just how many Americans hear and understand his concerns. Steve, we need free thinkers. (Because the sideshow is just a temporary pat in the back.) Stay strong, my friend.
Hi N.Z. The hummingbird image Steve posted today is absolutely "Art"! It has stayed with me through-out the day. The words that came to me are "I once was blind, but now I see."
I agree with everything else you're saying here. Wherever I go, I see so many people distracted by their cell-phones -addicted. So many don't seem to care about what is going on in our country and it is seriously concerning.
p.s. You gave me some advice 6 or 8 weeks ago about even one person being able to take another one down and to take care of myself. That's some of the best advice I've ever had. I felt that you seemed to know me. Well, I'm going to take your advice. I'll hang the hummingbird feeder this afternoon. Best, Lisa XO
Hummingbirds will come to you, and they will return and return.
Oh, yes, they sure will. I lived in Belize for a year and a male Cinnamon Hummingbird bonded with me for many months, until I had to leave. He spent a significant amount of time on a branch in an Almond Tree just feet from my hammock near a 2nd-story deck. He did all kinds of tricks that Hummingbirds do for each other -wild-flying tricks and rocking back and forth on his branch and many more. Every evening before he (Lovekins) went off to roost he'd make a fast clicking sound for about 5 minutes, while looking at me, and I just 'knew' that he had a lot to tell me, all about his day, and so many big feelings and ideas to share. He often preened himself elaborately, and then fluffed up like a round ball on his branch, just feeling so loved, which he was and still is. He was my tiniest of many wild animal friends, yet he had the biggest heart. XO