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FVera's avatar

Such an outstanding post. I can still see Spencer Tracy’s and Burt Lancaster’s faces in my mind’s eye saying the words you quote in your post. It was powerful. I talk to almost everyone I come in contact with about the ICE murders. Every American should be up in arms about this. This innocent people are gone. Their families will never see them again and for absolutely no reason. What the hell? You say we aren’t Nazi Germany, but aren’t we? If the arm of the president can kill with impunity in the streets of our country, how would you describe us then?

Husaria's avatar

If the MAGANAZIs are not refuted in the midterms, all is lost.

You will see the American SS aka ICE becoming bolder, more violent. They will take their masks and head coverings off because….well…..they can do anything. There are no rules that control or punish them. A Vance admin will allow them to run rough shod anywhere and everywhere. They will be present at our new “ clean and not rigged “ elections where MAGANAZIs always win.

The Dems need to clean house from the old guard. To the older leaders of the Dems? Thanks for your service but…..time for you to go.

And, they have to stop playing Mr / Miss nice guy / gal. Forget that shit. It’s time to fight or we lose it all.

Donna K. White's avatar

I agree! If the Democrats don't take control of both the House and the Senate, all will be lost! He needs to be both impeached AND convicted, that will only happen if the Democrats win both the House and the Senate! And, yes, the Democrats must get tougher!

As far as Vance being POTUS: do you really think that if frump is alive in 2028, that he will give up his power as POYUS? I don't think so!

BTW: Fetterman has threatened to leave the Democrats! I say GOOD, let him! He voted for MAGA more times than I can count! The Democrats can do much better!

MM Harris's avatar

Your lead-in made me wonder what the ohsoChristianveep has to say about those two murders....

Husaria's avatar

Oh, probably not a thing as…….it’s in “ God’s name “ and because he’s doing “ God’s work “

Their oh so Christianity as you put it is malleable to whatever situation arises for them. I’m sure the veep goes all Animal farm on the commandments.

OG commandment : Thou shall not kill.

VPOTUS : Thou shall not kill true believers of MAGA.

Donna K. White's avatar

This may not make national news, because no one died. In Aurora, CO, at a protest at the ICE prison, a woman was shot! The POTUS wants more of this! It will get more ugly now!

Bruce Kopetz's avatar

Steve, you're so right. Incremental loss of constitutional guarantees will be the U.S.'s downfall, just as it was for Nazifying Germany after 1933. History is repeating itself in real time. Most U.S. citizens are oblivious. The very first emperor ruined the Roman republic for good. Turning back became impossible.

Becca's avatar

WE are not Nazi Germany? But USA is waging a War of Choice, legally profiles POC for masked, armed, government taxpaid, evidently immune from prosecution, violent ICE, BP thugs to seize people off streets, from vehicles, hustle into unmarked vehicles, detain in camps indefinitely, deport to whatever country will take them, pay foreign country to imprison them, ICE, BP has a quota and will shoot at, murder us to threaten, eliminate resistance to seizure. Law/order, courts orders are ignored. Detention camps are privately owed and making profits. Federal Government is surveiling us all, biometric data, voting lists, license plates being collected to find resisters and POC to boost their ICE quotas. AI, businesses are cooperating. Oligarchs are silent in their support of law/order, democratic republic. SCOTUS reverses and "writes law for the ages" to create a unitary Executive Branch with extra immunity from prosecution. Voting, fair and safe, is threatened everyday. Election officials threatened if this or that happens. DOJ, FBI, DHS are all working for trump/GOP/Oligarchs and not for WE the People. SO, no WE are not exactly the same in appearance but all the terror, lies/propaganda, inhumanity, lawlessness, greed, cruelty, government privileges. abuse of power, corruption, reward and punishments, demand for loyalty to the Nazi's/Hitler are clearly the same in trump/GOP Reich! So, Steve I disagree with your "we are not Nazi Germany." trump/GOP are just as FASCIST as NAZI'S.

Peter Wood's avatar

Last night, I watched the Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell. Rep. Jim Himes and Andrew Weissmann discussed tRump's deranged speech about our elections. They both said that he is setting the stage to seize ballots in places like Georgia when he looses in November. I tossed and turned all night, thinking about this terrifying possibility.

chev_chelios's avatar

....this is tRUMP not only setting the stage to rig voting in November....but he's putting a bullseye on Jon Ossoff in the Ga. senate race....

Donna K. White's avatar

Last night Jon Ossoff said just that! He has asked for Democrats across the country to donate to his campaign! I know I will!

Peter Wood's avatar

YES! I donated, again!

Tara Luther's avatar

I am too. Ossoff is impressive

Patricia Baron's avatar

So did I, Peter. Trump is setting up his coup. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse sent a message to Lawrence on the same show saying the Dems are prepared with lawyers and procedures should this happen. Will this be enough when things have gone this far? Uncharted territory, and terror filled, sleepless nights. Shudder!

Peter Wood's avatar

I fear that lawyers and procedures won't be enough. If tRump gets his hands on ballots, then the chain of custody is broken and God only knows what will happen then. Nightmare.

Patricia Baron's avatar

Nightmare, indeed. The unthinkable may be in the process of occurring right now. We are losing our America.

Steven G.'s avatar

During Lawrence’s show last night, he was asking all the right questions and the politicians on there, including Jon Ossoff, were frankly offering no public solutions beyond voting and donating to his campaign!

How should we deal with this issue??? I agree with you and others that normal politics will not be enough!

God only knows that it may require massive civil disobedience, nonviolent protests such as led by Steve Schmidt’s SAM (Save America Movement).

I think physical body chains of local folks, particularly in red and purple states, will have to protect voters: it’s going to be drastic and perhaps quite violent.

I hope and pray not, but MAGA and their Oligarchs are insane with greedily holding on to their power! That’s what we’re up against here.

Becca's avatar

I tell you some of my scenarios of what I can do as an old, white woman who loves the American experiment. So many old people are aware of the dangers and have used civil disobedience in 60's-80's, that WE are the ones to sacrifice ourselves. trump/GOP don't want to pay for our healthcare, Social Security and younger people see us often as burdens on their taxes, health systems etc. Look, I'm on gravy time and never want to be in a nursing home. I will do a human wall, sit-in, vehicle blockade, whatever it takes to protect voters, impede the Feds and create a massive Tienanmen Square spectacle for the People and the World to consider. Seeing old people abused, arrested, ready to sacrifice themselves for peaceful resistance, the American experiment will test the souls of humanity. I will also have given all I can to show "I dissent."

Steven G.'s avatar

Eloquently said by Becca and what will likely be needed to get done!

Peter Wood's avatar

I like your spirit - thank you! Hopefully, it doesn't come to that. If it does, I will be right there with you.

Patricia Baron's avatar

Frightening, Steven. Civil War is not so far fetched right now as the rule of law has completely broken down.

MM Harris's avatar

It isn't yet. MANY court decisions are successfully pushing back.

Tara Luther's avatar

What do we do if they try to seize ballots. No one seems to know but can't allow that to happen.

Peter Wood's avatar

Yes, Jon was quite adamant that we donate. Like you said, that's not a solution. I was thinking the same thing re physical body chains of local folks: to stop the seizure of ballots. I agree re MAGA and their Oligarchs and that things could get quite violent.

Steven G.'s avatar

Yep, and yet Ossoff is gifted: but will he and the other progressives truly fight for getting money out of politics once and for all in this country?

However, one step at a time I suppose, and let’s get them elected. Then fight to preserve the election and democracy as a start!

MM Harris's avatar

I keep wondering when the military will finally and definitively say "NO". . keep thinking about their being ordered in to polling places or vote processing centers and what might happen if they're ordered to remove ballots. Will they say "NO". What if they do as ordered. What would election officials do?

KAO's avatar

The military is filled with Hegseth simps and MAGAts. They will Not-See that their orders are illegal and immoral; they will comply.

Shishi Malmberg's avatar

I worry most about the 5000 Nat guard troops in DC. How likely is it that they resist unlawful orders? I fear for them. Could get so ugly in their ranks

Patricia Baron's avatar

We are definitely in uncharted territory. We just don't know how far this insanity will go until Election Day. Heaven help us.

Donna K. White's avatar

Especially with the Supreme Court that we have now!

Patricia Baron's avatar

Yes, Donna! Especially with them.

Becca's avatar

Courts are to SLOW and only the Executive Branch enforces our laws. Guess who controls all the Executive Branch, ICE, Military, National Guard, Courts. States have courts, law enforcement etc. but how well will they fight off FEDERAL assaults.

Steven G.'s avatar

This is why I fervently hope that Lawrence O’Donnell will invite Stephen, who might accept another forum to be heard: fearlessly and clearly one of these days soon!

Donna K. White's avatar

I hope you meant Steve Schmidt! I agree, Steve should have more public exposure! His words just might touch some MAGAs out there! I just don't know how many watch MS NOW!

Steven G.'s avatar

Hear, hear, Donna! I need to see Steve on MSNow for selfish reasons, and yes he should be on CNN and even Fox (they’ll never invite him - but maybe, who knows?).

Better yet, Steve should think about getting on BBC: now there’s a global audience waiting for his inspiring words!

Husaria's avatar

Steve Schmidt perhaps?

Elaine Seal's avatar

I thought the same but he's never gone by Stephen🤷🏼‍♀️

Husaria's avatar

“ Stefciu “, (stepf-choo ) perhaps ?

That’s Stevie the less formal, nick name in Polish. I’ll bet his babcia called him that once or twice.

Steven G.'s avatar

Stephen is our Steve Schmidt’s formal first name according to Wikipedia. I was being a bit playful as in: “Now Stephen, PLEASE get on Lawrence O’Donnell’s MSNow show, The Last Word!”.

Tara Luther's avatar

I watched it too and was so disturbed. We have to prepare for this scenario. To quote Trump..."too big to rig"

James Towner's avatar

I think there is a difference between someone who sounds an alarm for a legitimate concern vs someone who raises an alarm for selfish or personal reasons. You are NOT an alarmist. We are facing legitimate dangers and this concern should be top of mind for anyone who still believes in the American experiment. Trump and his minions are not unique, they are old as history and should be considered dangerous. They are obvious, transparent and mean. Ignore at your own peril but your peril is also my peril and I take my safety and freedom seriously.

mary M keymer's avatar

Yes Steve we are not Germany yet, but we are surely headed there. Michael Cohen's piece this a.m. actually giving Trump's statements last night credibility . Your thirteen words of what we need to to do at this time are direct and clear. I think to myself I need to explain and defend our republic when people tell me they agree with him. I can still vote so far. The flyover of that beach was disgraceful. In another time it would be huge news and the people in charge would be held accountable. Today it's ho hum .. The guy who murdered that young man in Maine is being protected . That there is actually a chance that Susan Collins can win again makes no sense. One day will people say the only good American is a dead ? Thanks Steve for writing everyday in defense of our country. It helps me to know that there are people like you who are fierce defenders of this fragile republic.

Carol Gamm's avatar

Thank you. We need Nuremberg 2 for those working to destroy our country.

Lisa Nystrom's avatar

I will continue to dissent until this administration is dismantled. The 26 minute address I watched last night confirms my belief that we need to be protesting in massive numbers. My sign will read: 8647 and Save Democracy before it’s too late

No hyperbole, just facts. Bless you and your belief in this experiment.

Donna K. White's avatar

WOW! You're amazing! Watching/listening to frump's speech of lies, when you didn't even have too! You are stronger than I am!

Thomas Locatell's avatar

With so little imagination, Trump is following the Hitler playbook. A cursory knowledge of 1930s Germany is all that is necessary to see the parallels between their world and ours. Example after example are playing out, the scariest being the Wermacht's capitulation and what's playing out behind the scenes at the Pentagon and DHS. Look at the dramatis personae if you need anymore rhymes.

Donna K. White's avatar

Did the Hitler have the males in the military take testosterone tests too, like the Secretary of Defense mentioned? It sounds funny and scary at the same time! I can see the posters now: "We need quality balls in our military! Get tested now!"

Betty Moyers's avatar

DEMENTIA

DEMENTIA

DEMENTIA

Gordon Berry's avatar

Felon and his crooked cronies - we MUST take their power and money away - they used to belong to the American people -

Just look at the growth in the American debt - use their ill-gotten gains to pay off this debt

Donna K. White's avatar

The Supreme Court is allowing even more money to be used for campaigns! I can just imagine what those billionaire buddies of frump will do with their money come November!

Mike's avatar

Donna, let's hope that they are just pi$$ing their money away. Serve `em right to suffer.

Anthony j. Santo's avatar

The tension in our country is reaching critical mass. I watched Trump last night and what he said was untrue, disgusting, and dangerous. I was watching it on on U.S. A.(?) over You Tube and there was a constant disclaimer across the top questioning the veracity of our ranting and bellowing lunatic-in-chief. Something has to give and I think whatever titanic change is in our future will occur before the November elections.

Donna K. White's avatar

At least there were disclaimers! That is a hopeful sign! If we stop seeing those disclaimers, or if You Tube, is suddenly no more, then we know we are in deep trouble! Frump is mad as hell that some networks didn't broadcast his lies! We'll have to see what happens to those networks!

mary M keymer's avatar

That's interesting.. titanic change in our future before the November elections. Do you have an idea of what that might be ?

Anthony j. Santo's avatar

Trump might cancel the mid-terms claiming there is no way they could be held fairly. If people take to the streets to protest, he might order the NG and even the military to quash the insurrection. There is a reason why Hegseth has been dismissing command officers and replacing them with Trump lackies.

I desperately hope I am wrong and may very well be suffering from fear of the worst possible impending events. But last night, Trump sounded like an out-of-control maniac. He claimed our elections were worse than those in 3rd world countries when the truth is, having a head of state like him is what is making us a 3rd world country.

mary M keymer's avatar

I hope you are wrong too! But the lawyers, jounalists, politicians, on MSNOW were sounding the alarm last night . They weren't pulling any punches. They didn't put it as clearly as you have but they are very afraid. Jon Ossoff made a plea for even a little bit of money . He also said it has to be an overwhelming amount of voters at the polls on Election Day. Thanks

Mike's avatar

"last night, Trump sounded like an out-of-control maniac."

That's because he IS an out-of-control maniac. And more and more folks are acknowledging that as time moves on. Take courage in that. I will too.

Steven G.'s avatar

Steve, you have made the study of civics and history mandatory again!

CH's avatar

I have been dissenting since the 1970’s

It’s a lifelong duty…

Mark's avatar

Steve is correct. They slowly chip away at your rights, until one day they awaken to find you have no say. The current situation has never been about politics as usual, but a coup attempt that started January 6th. Was it really started years prior? Once they had people of power in their positions the guard rails or the checks on government were eliminated. The last stop of their mission will be the people. If Americans continue to be manipulated or the attitude “I don’t care”, then it will be over. The current generations will be labeled stupid.

Chris Saunders's avatar

I used to use this film when teaching a high school course on the Holocaust. I was at a small school in Maine. My students loved the film and loved that the character played by Spencer Tracey was a judge from the state of Maine.

Lyn M's avatar

I agree with the most recent post. by FVera! Yes, this was an outstanding post written by you. I have encouraged people to watch the movie "Nuremberg" It is an eye opener for what the Germans did to innocent people with the horror felt by so many that fought for their freedom.

I want my children to grow up in this world. Not go into battle for a man that is without conscience.

Trump, Stephen Miller and others want to play GOD, believing their way is the only way the world should be. It is not and if we don't change our direction and get back to what is most important in this world, we won't have a world in which to live nor a planet.

Raul's avatar

Outstanding commentary, Steve. Janning-type moral and intellectual cowardice is rampant among Congressional and Senatorial Republicans and the many little Eichmanns that worship at the feet of the Lord of Lies