There is small progress being made in North Carolina. Members of the faith community issued a statement about MAGA candidate Mark Robinson. I hope people in this state read the statement. Here is an excerpt:
As faith leaders, we can no longer allow this misrepresentation of God — and misrepresentation of Jesus. Faith leaders must stand together to offer a counter narrative. We cannot allow Robinson and Christian nationalists to shame, exploit, oppress and villainize our most vulnerable.
In coming months, we, as faith leaders, will be standing up for what we believe people of faith should consider when they vote this November in North Carolina. We take inspiration from the Gospel and progressive religious movements in our recent history. We must come together to define our values. This election is an opportunity to underscore that North Carolinians from all walks of life vote for acceptance over hate and peace over violence.
Very impressive John!! My Mom's Pastor preached on Anger in our culture last Sunday. He didn't name any names but it was his best and bravest sermon yet and I told him so!! I think he is a Progressive by the way he preaches. I love it!!
I hear you. Our Church still has a ways to go as they are deeply divided on the issue of Gays etc. But in certain areas progess is being made. Makes me happy. I have hope for you in NC too that the toxic MAGA will be defeated!! 🙏❤️
The two of you are obviously interpreting your Christianity the way that liberals agree with, but as you well know, much of the American evangelical movement is very far on the right fringe, evincing much racism, misogyny and homophobic hatred. Good for your pastors to share their messages of tolerance and inclusion. This will help to show that Christianity here is not only a MAGA tool for dominion.
It’s mostly just grievance that is unfounded. They perceive oppression when no one is oppressing them. And, in recent years, they themselves have become the oppressors.
As an ordained Seminary graduate, I have long felt the shame the evangelicals and fundamentalists have put upon the Faith. They have scorned the Teachings and made a mockery of Jesus. They are the reason so many of today's truly faithful refuse to claim their faith openly for fear of scorn. The Devil's hand is hard at work.
Christ was a radical because he preached against the worship of money and worldly goods, that we're all equal and worthy in the eyes of god and that no man is less than another (and that includes women). Trump's followers see him as a Christlike figure even though he has made a mockery of everything Christ stood for and died for.
We are witnessing heresy, blasphemy and demagoguery on steroids. Those people are NOT people of the TRUE Faith. They are charlatans parading their fake faith for all eyes to see. They market hate, intolerance and judgment of others. They are as fake as their orange-tinted idol. "Beware the wolves" . . .
"This election is an opportunity to underscore that North Carolinians from all walks of life vote for acceptance over hate and peace over violence." This is how we'll win in Nov.! Progress!
“When the freedom of one American is threatened, the freedom of all Americans is in danger. This is why Trump must be defeated.”
Well said Steve. I would posit the election is already lost; MAGA just hasn’t gotten the memo yet.
Kamala has “caught lightning in a bottle.” Everything is falling masterly into place. Inflation is down to 21’ levels, and we dodged a recessionary bullet. The grass roots movement is incredible and this nation is galvanized with hope and the chance of real “change.”
The Fed will lower interest rates by at least 25 basis points in September, although I believe it could be at least 50 basis points. This will rejuvenate the markets before an election, as 401k’s and IRA’s holders will be very relieved. Not to mention, first time homebuyers.
Additionally, illegal immigration at the border has also been reduced to pre-COVID levels, and Kamala still has the Immigration Bill to play; Trump nixed Langford’s bi-partisan bill to give him a better opportunity at winning the election. Not exactly a case for total chaos at the border.
Bottom line: all of MAGA talking points are disappearing into thin air daily. Coupled with Vance as a lame VP pick, and Trump’s ability to self-immolate, and we have the perfect storm for Trump emanating right before our eyes.
This truly is a thing of beauty! Watching Trump splash the kerosene all over himself, while his pitiful advisers watch his campaign implode in disbelief. Nothing is more satisfying than watching these morally bankrupt clowns snatch “defeat from the jaws of victory.”
Yes, I’m enjoying this schadenfreude moment, and all of you should as well. The election is all but over. The only chance Trump has is to steal the election. And this is where we need to spend our resources and capital; making sure that never happens…:)
Robert, I don’t think that we are in a position yet to say that the election is all but over. Many people thought that the election was over too soon in 2016 and look at what we got! There’s a long way to go. We have had this fog hanging around us (as you pointed out) for 10 long years! Yes, the sun is peaking through but we won’t be rid of him or his stench until all of the clouds are gone. Only then will we have bright sunny skies again.
Fair enough, and I’m usually a pessimist about these things, but I don’t see a positive outcome for MAGA.
That said, when you look at all the grass roots groups coming into play; including evangelicals for Harris (200,000 joined a zoom call yesterday), it means this election is special and different. Just the way Kamala was able to get the entire party in her court without controversy was a feat in itself. Not to mention the record fundraising. People of all walks of life are inspired, and we will not back down.
Additionally, more people than we thought are coming together to rid ourselves on one thing we all believe to be true: MAGA is a toxic cancer that needs to be cut out and eradicated.
This is a special movement at the right time, and right place. America is sick and tired of the division and chaos that MAGA brings. Trump is feeble and weak, while JD is just plain weird; and getting weirder by the day.
I too believe that the Harris-Walz team will win and I am thoroughly enjoying the moment and the movement. I just don’t want to spike the ball before we get into the end zone.
And when HarrisWalz wins we cannot become pessimistic when things get dicey and main stream media goes on the attack. It won’t be all rainbows and unicorns, but we must remember that democracy was under attack by Trump and his MAGA GOP supporters. I will be happy to not hear about Trump or Mitch McConnell, who threw out principles (he may have had them once)for power.
The stock market is over 40,000 again and that is NOT the stock market of a third world nation as Traitor/Rapist Trump claims! But again, we need to keep “on the gas” all the way to November because we need as big a winning margin to make Demented Don the Con’s attempted steal of the election a nothing burger!!
The liars in right wing media and the conservative talking heads have relentlessly hit the "Bidenflation" and "Biden economy" for harming peoples' lives. Goes to show that low information voters are the death of America. As you said, the market has soared repeatedly to new highs this year. The economy is strong, hence inflation. The right can lie explicitly because many don't bother to find factual information; the outrage and resentment generated gives the lies credence in their own echo chambers.
We MUST win. It is not hyperbole to say that if he regains that office, our system of laws and our entire national stability, our very republic, will cease to exist as it does now. Steve has said so many times
Unfortunately, 2016 was a confluence of several bad things for us lefties and the nation/world. The years-long right wing propaganda attack on the Clintons had succeeded in poisoning some in the moderate and swing voter demographic; the whole email server scandal was masterfully played by the right; the mishandling of the campaign by Hilary's advisors, like assuming WI, MI, PA were sewn up; and the coup de grace, James Comey re-opening the email investigation eleven days before the election. All these factors, along with voter myopia (read: gullibility) and the press not doing their jobs,
led to the most catastrophic presidential term in American history, whose destructiveness reverberates to this day.
Ms Clinton's loss has to my knowledge never been associated with her ill advised political decision to stand by her man rather than move out.
No one liked or respected his baldfaced lie "I did not have sex with that woman" and while true love may have forgiven the lout, it certainly cost her a lot of respect and quite likely the election.
I agree. Harris needs to be supported up to the last second and nothing can be taken for granted. We need to win by a lot because voter suppression and another attempt not to certify the vote is on.
Thought about this yesterday. We have been told he will be convicted, he will go to jail, no way could he get immunity. On and on and yet, here he is. He always seems to hang on, to skate. I want him to be defeated by such a large sum that he will not show his face again. But, I have worries. So while hopeful, there is still a concern.
Fair enough, although Trump has had a lot of help by his party and the fascist court in that regard.
That said, I agree, we need a blowout! And since fortunes can turn quickly as we’re finding out, I’d normally share your concerns. However, I don’t think it will happen in this case. Most of the people who have joined the Kamala bandwagon are now too invested in the outcome to jump ship. Furthermore, Trump’s attacks are so bizarre and ridiculous, that it only makes him look more desperate and weak.
So I’ll just savor this moment for now, and sweat the other stuff if and when they materialize. Although, I wouldn’t bet against Kamala any time soon…:)
Just to add a little more fuel to the DJT implosion, this is the first nationwide election since the overthrow of Roe. Reproductive freedom is on at least 7 additional state ballots this fall and that will drive significant turnout! Also, what better advocate for women's reproductive rights than a woman running for President. While trump implies that this has become a back burner issue, I can assure you, it is not.
I can assure it is not a back burner issue for me either, even at 74. I am mad as hell!! I am the ERA, Women’s Lib, bra burning generation. I have been fiercely independent all my life, even as, or perhaps because of, being handicapped by polio. When the boys wanted to bat for me at school baseball games, I would refuse & tell them “No, I can do it myself.”
I’ve earned my own money, even when married I’ve always had my own money, my own checking account & I’ve never allowed a man to be the boss of me, & I’m not knuckling under now.
I am so angry at the at the horrid scotus justices, Leonard Leo, & all at that ilk; that I have wished them to die of a heart attack. My hatred for them is a burning fire.
Mitch McConnell sits at the epicenter of the Trumpian horror show. McConell is one of the worst things ever to take place in our country. McConnell's refusal to act justly in favor of our country and our Constitution energized the emergence of a Trump and the resultant damage and chaos. Trump is the political spawn of the McConnell Republican tyranny.
Mitch McConnell is nothing short of a political mastermind. For decades, he has masterfully navigated and bent the system to his will, leaving a legacy that will take generations to unravel. Just imagine the transformative impact if this unparalleled talent had been harnessed for the benefit of all humankind!
Unfortunately, the reason Trump has been so successful, is that his racism and xenophobia appeal to a significant segment of the American population attracted by the allure of fascist strength through unity under a dictator. There is a fascist lurking in most people's psyches, a desire to celebrate and prove your nation's superiority by uniting under a leader sent by providence or god. It is reflected in the slogans, chants, and responses to the leader's stimulus by a crowd that loses it's sense of individualism. "The feeling of irresponsibility dominates crowds: belonging to a crowd numbs the inhibitions and gives the individual a feeling of 'invincible power." Gustav LeBon, "The Crowd"
The only way out is through education, emphasizing critcal thinking skills, history, and civic responsibility in a democracy. It would help to limit disinformation and misinformation from sources that claim to report news objectively. Fact checking by journalists should be the major task they undertake.
Yes, Education! There is a Netflix documentary "The Social Dilemma' which educations about social media algorithms. It is the attention of the viewer that is for sale and exploitation. Experts who designed these algorithms come clean about how dangerous they are:
Based on the trailer, we should all watch this Netflix documentary. The power that platforms like google and facebook has over naive users is very dangerous; they need to be reigned in. They are playing the gullible, using them against themselves.
Yes, and there are insidious and dark algorithms that target teenagers. We must educate people about how they're being exploited/targeted by social media.
Just when the need for stopping the malevolent power of social media has become paramount, this revealing move by Meta occurs:
SAN FRANCISCO -- Facebook and Instagram parent Meta Platforms has shut down CrowdTangle, a tool widely used by researchers, watchdog organizations and journalists to monitor social media posts, notably to track how misinformation spreads on the company's platforms.
Wednesday's shutdown, which Meta announced earlier this year, has been protested by researchers and nonprofits. In May, dozens of groups, including the Center for Democracy and Technology, the Digital Forensic Research Lab at the Atlantic Council, Human Rights Watch and NYU’s Center for Social Media & Politics, sent a letter to the company asking that it keep the tool running through at least January so it would be available through the U.S. presidential elections.
The government must step in. There are limits to freedom of the press and speech. Spreading disinformation and misinformation to influence voters is election interference, as is taking away the tools needed to investigate such media abuses of power.
Boycott Meta! Thanks for posting this link, Anthony. Many of these social-media platforms are tools for brainwashing millions of vulnerable people. This is part of the ongoing MAGA-Fascist-Coup -for the minority to take power. I was sickened to read this article, especially for the children and teenagers :-(
Couldn’t have been better said. He managed to take away the hope and dreams of many and successfully replaced it with fear, anxiety, hate for the “other” from people whose worst instincts emerged. He negatively impacted all of our lives as for the past ten years, he was showcased by so many in the media. I hope this nightmare ends in November 🌻
He has always been a laughing stock in NYC, the place where people had known his lies, racism, stiffing contractors and how BORING he has always been. He disdains half the country or anyone who doesn’t function as if they are his own arm. The Sociopathic Narcissist that he is has no imagination, conscience or connection to other people’s needs or experiences. Now it will all become more and more frantic in his effort to save his own ass. The scary part is that there are too many lemmings in Congress, Senate, Supreme Court and this country.
Trump is a spectacle, he is like a horrific accident that you can't look away from. Donald does not know the meaning of service. He thinks service is what someone does for him. He is the type of customer who demands excellence and seldom tips more than 10 percent, if at all. He is a constant complainer who has worn out his welcome. Good riddance Donald, your presence is wanted in a court room near you in Mar a Lago, DC and the other States you tried to corrupt.
We are sick of your negativity and constant complaints. It is time for you to retire and regale Melania with your exploits with prostitutes and porn stars. I am sure she has enough ammunition already to get by your prenuptial agreements you demand from your wives but you never know. I know one thing, she will not have to search too long for a good lawyer because the line extends around the block. I heard you mention something about going to Venezuela if you lose. If Melania doesn't want to go you can ask your new favorite sycophant, JD to go with you. I think his wife has been taking down shorthanded notes to keep up with his misogyny. Anyway Donald, just go away. We have tired of your same old song and dance. The music is over turn out the lights.
She’s as disgusting as he is. She chose to marry him and overlook his defects because she believed that she could get something out of it. Haha on her. Look at the prize she got for herself.
I would just like to add that he couldn’t have done this w/o his enablers who know better( looking at you Rubio, Graham, Haley). I hope they get their comeuppance.
Fantastic piece Steve except for the "swimming with the dolphins" analogy. As a coastal Floridian who has regular interactions with those beautiful and graceful mammals (they swim past my bay side home daily) I take special umbrage to having them compared to that beastly orange reptilian manchild. ; )
Women are the key to not only the freedom of their future, but also that of our nation and without exaggeration the rest of the world. Women have rarely been considered as more. than second class citizens throughout history and are on the brink of being relegated to that status here in our so called land of the free.
If women do not unite among themselves regardless their political affiliation and stand up against the religious fanatics who seek our political leadership, our nation and our women in particular will join the ranks of the veiled throughout the world
I had an ex boss who was a pathological liar and fraudster. I knew it, but I could see that most of the other folks were under the spell of this person.
Long story short, this boss was eventually confronted and terminated, but at great cost to the business and the people. (This boss has since gone on to wreak havoc elsewhere.)
To this day most of the people who were duped have not, or will not, come to terms with it. Shame is as blinding as love I suppose.
What is this need among so many of us to be told what to do, to be taken care of, to worship a "strong man" while having our own rights stripped away?
The grown ups among us must drive out this scourge come November.
"Trump must be defeated — bigly."...and defeated very strongly.
I'd like to see Team Harris take the offensive on the economy, in particular. Too much of the country seems to have fallen into a collective Stockholm Syndrome with repeated and seldom challenged rebukes of the "terrible Biden economy" despite the overwhelmingly positive metrics.
I don't think letting it fade is good enough, if we want democracy to survive at least during the lifetimes of everyone alive today. But I suppose that debate is for another day. The battle is not even won yet. And it won't be won yet in November either.
Great write-up Steve! I appreciate the insight about the country being unable to ignore the real Trump ridiculousness and getting caught up in it until he became a monster and we were able to shake him off and feel his intended destruction of our demoscracy. It seems clear at this point that the important movement for us is to begin, is to contact our county election boards to put the pressure on them to have a plan A,B, and C that will prevent chaos at the ballot boxes, at the certification level, and upward to the Electoral College for our states. It appears clear that the White House must prepare for any infraction possible on January 21, 2025. Trumps threats are real and as everyone is predicting, this will only get uglier. Imagine what uglier could mean from what Trump has already done!
There is small progress being made in North Carolina. Members of the faith community issued a statement about MAGA candidate Mark Robinson. I hope people in this state read the statement. Here is an excerpt:
As faith leaders, we can no longer allow this misrepresentation of God — and misrepresentation of Jesus. Faith leaders must stand together to offer a counter narrative. We cannot allow Robinson and Christian nationalists to shame, exploit, oppress and villainize our most vulnerable.
In coming months, we, as faith leaders, will be standing up for what we believe people of faith should consider when they vote this November in North Carolina. We take inspiration from the Gospel and progressive religious movements in our recent history. We must come together to define our values. This election is an opportunity to underscore that North Carolinians from all walks of life vote for acceptance over hate and peace over violence.
Very impressive John!! My Mom's Pastor preached on Anger in our culture last Sunday. He didn't name any names but it was his best and bravest sermon yet and I told him so!! I think he is a Progressive by the way he preaches. I love it!!
Excellent. The Christianity in which I was raised is hardly recognizable to me when I look at MAGA and what it stands for.
I also know my Scripture and will not be lectured to by J. D. Vance.
I hear you. Our Church still has a ways to go as they are deeply divided on the issue of Gays etc. But in certain areas progess is being made. Makes me happy. I have hope for you in NC too that the toxic MAGA will be defeated!! 🙏❤️
The two of you are obviously interpreting your Christianity the way that liberals agree with, but as you well know, much of the American evangelical movement is very far on the right fringe, evincing much racism, misogyny and homophobic hatred. Good for your pastors to share their messages of tolerance and inclusion. This will help to show that Christianity here is not only a MAGA tool for dominion.
Hard to call it Christianity.
It’s mostly just grievance that is unfounded. They perceive oppression when no one is oppressing them. And, in recent years, they themselves have become the oppressors.
As an ordained Seminary graduate, I have long felt the shame the evangelicals and fundamentalists have put upon the Faith. They have scorned the Teachings and made a mockery of Jesus. They are the reason so many of today's truly faithful refuse to claim their faith openly for fear of scorn. The Devil's hand is hard at work.
Christ was a radical because he preached against the worship of money and worldly goods, that we're all equal and worthy in the eyes of god and that no man is less than another (and that includes women). Trump's followers see him as a Christlike figure even though he has made a mockery of everything Christ stood for and died for.
We are witnessing heresy, blasphemy and demagoguery on steroids. Those people are NOT people of the TRUE Faith. They are charlatans parading their fake faith for all eyes to see. They market hate, intolerance and judgment of others. They are as fake as their orange-tinted idol. "Beware the wolves" . . .
"This election is an opportunity to underscore that North Carolinians from all walks of life vote for acceptance over hate and peace over violence." This is how we'll win in Nov.! Progress!
Amen, Lisa. Amen.
Finally! The faith communities in every state should issue a statement condemning Christian nationalism.
“When the freedom of one American is threatened, the freedom of all Americans is in danger. This is why Trump must be defeated.”
Well said Steve. I would posit the election is already lost; MAGA just hasn’t gotten the memo yet.
Kamala has “caught lightning in a bottle.” Everything is falling masterly into place. Inflation is down to 21’ levels, and we dodged a recessionary bullet. The grass roots movement is incredible and this nation is galvanized with hope and the chance of real “change.”
The Fed will lower interest rates by at least 25 basis points in September, although I believe it could be at least 50 basis points. This will rejuvenate the markets before an election, as 401k’s and IRA’s holders will be very relieved. Not to mention, first time homebuyers.
Additionally, illegal immigration at the border has also been reduced to pre-COVID levels, and Kamala still has the Immigration Bill to play; Trump nixed Langford’s bi-partisan bill to give him a better opportunity at winning the election. Not exactly a case for total chaos at the border.
Bottom line: all of MAGA talking points are disappearing into thin air daily. Coupled with Vance as a lame VP pick, and Trump’s ability to self-immolate, and we have the perfect storm for Trump emanating right before our eyes.
This truly is a thing of beauty! Watching Trump splash the kerosene all over himself, while his pitiful advisers watch his campaign implode in disbelief. Nothing is more satisfying than watching these morally bankrupt clowns snatch “defeat from the jaws of victory.”
Yes, I’m enjoying this schadenfreude moment, and all of you should as well. The election is all but over. The only chance Trump has is to steal the election. And this is where we need to spend our resources and capital; making sure that never happens…:)
Robert, I don’t think that we are in a position yet to say that the election is all but over. Many people thought that the election was over too soon in 2016 and look at what we got! There’s a long way to go. We have had this fog hanging around us (as you pointed out) for 10 long years! Yes, the sun is peaking through but we won’t be rid of him or his stench until all of the clouds are gone. Only then will we have bright sunny skies again.
Fair enough, and I’m usually a pessimist about these things, but I don’t see a positive outcome for MAGA.
That said, when you look at all the grass roots groups coming into play; including evangelicals for Harris (200,000 joined a zoom call yesterday), it means this election is special and different. Just the way Kamala was able to get the entire party in her court without controversy was a feat in itself. Not to mention the record fundraising. People of all walks of life are inspired, and we will not back down.
Additionally, more people than we thought are coming together to rid ourselves on one thing we all believe to be true: MAGA is a toxic cancer that needs to be cut out and eradicated.
This is a special movement at the right time, and right place. America is sick and tired of the division and chaos that MAGA brings. Trump is feeble and weak, while JD is just plain weird; and getting weirder by the day.
We will win this November: mark my words…:)
I too believe that the Harris-Walz team will win and I am thoroughly enjoying the moment and the movement. I just don’t want to spike the ball before we get into the end zone.
And when HarrisWalz wins we cannot become pessimistic when things get dicey and main stream media goes on the attack. It won’t be all rainbows and unicorns, but we must remember that democracy was under attack by Trump and his MAGA GOP supporters. I will be happy to not hear about Trump or Mitch McConnell, who threw out principles (he may have had them once)for power.
Agreed…:)
The stock market is over 40,000 again and that is NOT the stock market of a third world nation as Traitor/Rapist Trump claims! But again, we need to keep “on the gas” all the way to November because we need as big a winning margin to make Demented Don the Con’s attempted steal of the election a nothing burger!!
The liars in right wing media and the conservative talking heads have relentlessly hit the "Bidenflation" and "Biden economy" for harming peoples' lives. Goes to show that low information voters are the death of America. As you said, the market has soared repeatedly to new highs this year. The economy is strong, hence inflation. The right can lie explicitly because many don't bother to find factual information; the outrage and resentment generated gives the lies credence in their own echo chambers.
We MUST win. It is not hyperbole to say that if he regains that office, our system of laws and our entire national stability, our very republic, will cease to exist as it does now. Steve has said so many times
Unfortunately, 2016 was a confluence of several bad things for us lefties and the nation/world. The years-long right wing propaganda attack on the Clintons had succeeded in poisoning some in the moderate and swing voter demographic; the whole email server scandal was masterfully played by the right; the mishandling of the campaign by Hilary's advisors, like assuming WI, MI, PA were sewn up; and the coup de grace, James Comey re-opening the email investigation eleven days before the election. All these factors, along with voter myopia (read: gullibility) and the press not doing their jobs,
led to the most catastrophic presidential term in American history, whose destructiveness reverberates to this day.
Ms Clinton's loss has to my knowledge never been associated with her ill advised political decision to stand by her man rather than move out.
No one liked or respected his baldfaced lie "I did not have sex with that woman" and while true love may have forgiven the lout, it certainly cost her a lot of respect and quite likely the election.
I agree. Harris needs to be supported up to the last second and nothing can be taken for granted. We need to win by a lot because voter suppression and another attempt not to certify the vote is on.
Thought about this yesterday. We have been told he will be convicted, he will go to jail, no way could he get immunity. On and on and yet, here he is. He always seems to hang on, to skate. I want him to be defeated by such a large sum that he will not show his face again. But, I have worries. So while hopeful, there is still a concern.
Fair enough, although Trump has had a lot of help by his party and the fascist court in that regard.
That said, I agree, we need a blowout! And since fortunes can turn quickly as we’re finding out, I’d normally share your concerns. However, I don’t think it will happen in this case. Most of the people who have joined the Kamala bandwagon are now too invested in the outcome to jump ship. Furthermore, Trump’s attacks are so bizarre and ridiculous, that it only makes him look more desperate and weak.
So I’ll just savor this moment for now, and sweat the other stuff if and when they materialize. Although, I wouldn’t bet against Kamala any time soon…:)
Just to add a little more fuel to the DJT implosion, this is the first nationwide election since the overthrow of Roe. Reproductive freedom is on at least 7 additional state ballots this fall and that will drive significant turnout! Also, what better advocate for women's reproductive rights than a woman running for President. While trump implies that this has become a back burner issue, I can assure you, it is not.
I can assure it is not a back burner issue for me either, even at 74. I am mad as hell!! I am the ERA, Women’s Lib, bra burning generation. I have been fiercely independent all my life, even as, or perhaps because of, being handicapped by polio. When the boys wanted to bat for me at school baseball games, I would refuse & tell them “No, I can do it myself.”
I’ve earned my own money, even when married I’ve always had my own money, my own checking account & I’ve never allowed a man to be the boss of me, & I’m not knuckling under now.
I am so angry at the at the horrid scotus justices, Leonard Leo, & all at that ilk; that I have wished them to die of a heart attack. My hatred for them is a burning fire.
Oooo… Kamala has “caught lightning in a bottle.” To quote somebody famous, Truer words were never spoke
Mitch McConnell sits at the epicenter of the Trumpian horror show. McConell is one of the worst things ever to take place in our country. McConnell's refusal to act justly in favor of our country and our Constitution energized the emergence of a Trump and the resultant damage and chaos. Trump is the political spawn of the McConnell Republican tyranny.
Mitch McConnell is nothing short of a political mastermind. For decades, he has masterfully navigated and bent the system to his will, leaving a legacy that will take generations to unravel. Just imagine the transformative impact if this unparalleled talent had been harnessed for the benefit of all humankind!
Unfortunately, the reason Trump has been so successful, is that his racism and xenophobia appeal to a significant segment of the American population attracted by the allure of fascist strength through unity under a dictator. There is a fascist lurking in most people's psyches, a desire to celebrate and prove your nation's superiority by uniting under a leader sent by providence or god. It is reflected in the slogans, chants, and responses to the leader's stimulus by a crowd that loses it's sense of individualism. "The feeling of irresponsibility dominates crowds: belonging to a crowd numbs the inhibitions and gives the individual a feeling of 'invincible power." Gustav LeBon, "The Crowd"
The only way out is through education, emphasizing critcal thinking skills, history, and civic responsibility in a democracy. It would help to limit disinformation and misinformation from sources that claim to report news objectively. Fact checking by journalists should be the major task they undertake.
Yes, Education! There is a Netflix documentary "The Social Dilemma' which educations about social media algorithms. It is the attention of the viewer that is for sale and exploitation. Experts who designed these algorithms come clean about how dangerous they are:
Short video about this documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaaC57tcci0
Based on the trailer, we should all watch this Netflix documentary. The power that platforms like google and facebook has over naive users is very dangerous; they need to be reigned in. They are playing the gullible, using them against themselves.
Yes, and there are insidious and dark algorithms that target teenagers. We must educate people about how they're being exploited/targeted by social media.
Just when the need for stopping the malevolent power of social media has become paramount, this revealing move by Meta occurs:
SAN FRANCISCO -- Facebook and Instagram parent Meta Platforms has shut down CrowdTangle, a tool widely used by researchers, watchdog organizations and journalists to monitor social media posts, notably to track how misinformation spreads on the company's platforms.
Wednesday's shutdown, which Meta announced earlier this year, has been protested by researchers and nonprofits. In May, dozens of groups, including the Center for Democracy and Technology, the Digital Forensic Research Lab at the Atlantic Council, Human Rights Watch and NYU’s Center for Social Media & Politics, sent a letter to the company asking that it keep the tool running through at least January so it would be available through the U.S. presidential elections.
https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/meta-kills-off-misinformation-tracking-tool-crowdtangle-despite-112847265
The government must step in. There are limits to freedom of the press and speech. Spreading disinformation and misinformation to influence voters is election interference, as is taking away the tools needed to investigate such media abuses of power.
Boycott Meta! Thanks for posting this link, Anthony. Many of these social-media platforms are tools for brainwashing millions of vulnerable people. This is part of the ongoing MAGA-Fascist-Coup -for the minority to take power. I was sickened to read this article, especially for the children and teenagers :-(
I agree; BOYCOTT META!
Naive and low information. It is telling that the more educated generally tend to be more liberal.
Thanks for the site recommendation.
Yes, that doc is already several yrs old. I’ve watched it once but it wouldn’t hurt to watch it again as a refresher.
Couldn’t have been better said. He managed to take away the hope and dreams of many and successfully replaced it with fear, anxiety, hate for the “other” from people whose worst instincts emerged. He negatively impacted all of our lives as for the past ten years, he was showcased by so many in the media. I hope this nightmare ends in November 🌻
He has always been a laughing stock in NYC, the place where people had known his lies, racism, stiffing contractors and how BORING he has always been. He disdains half the country or anyone who doesn’t function as if they are his own arm. The Sociopathic Narcissist that he is has no imagination, conscience or connection to other people’s needs or experiences. Now it will all become more and more frantic in his effort to save his own ass. The scary part is that there are too many lemmings in Congress, Senate, Supreme Court and this country.
Trump is a spectacle, he is like a horrific accident that you can't look away from. Donald does not know the meaning of service. He thinks service is what someone does for him. He is the type of customer who demands excellence and seldom tips more than 10 percent, if at all. He is a constant complainer who has worn out his welcome. Good riddance Donald, your presence is wanted in a court room near you in Mar a Lago, DC and the other States you tried to corrupt.
We are sick of your negativity and constant complaints. It is time for you to retire and regale Melania with your exploits with prostitutes and porn stars. I am sure she has enough ammunition already to get by your prenuptial agreements you demand from your wives but you never know. I know one thing, she will not have to search too long for a good lawyer because the line extends around the block. I heard you mention something about going to Venezuela if you lose. If Melania doesn't want to go you can ask your new favorite sycophant, JD to go with you. I think his wife has been taking down shorthanded notes to keep up with his misogyny. Anyway Donald, just go away. We have tired of your same old song and dance. The music is over turn out the lights.
It is time for Melania to write a tell-all book and dump Trump! Garbage collection day-Nov 5th!
She’s as disgusting as he is. She chose to marry him and overlook his defects because she believed that she could get something out of it. Haha on her. Look at the prize she got for herself.
I would just like to add that he couldn’t have done this w/o his enablers who know better( looking at you Rubio, Graham, Haley). I hope they get their comeuppance.
Fantastic piece Steve except for the "swimming with the dolphins" analogy. As a coastal Floridian who has regular interactions with those beautiful and graceful mammals (they swim past my bay side home daily) I take special umbrage to having them compared to that beastly orange reptilian manchild. ; )
As a fellow Floridian and boater, my reaction was the same. Sharks yes, dolphins no.
We gotta get Steve down here to swim with them in the wild Diane. I have a feeling that Steve prefers the more northern climes though. : (
Fair enough!
Enjoy Michigan Steve! But know you have dutiful friends in Florida my good man.
Women are the key to not only the freedom of their future, but also that of our nation and without exaggeration the rest of the world. Women have rarely been considered as more. than second class citizens throughout history and are on the brink of being relegated to that status here in our so called land of the free.
If women do not unite among themselves regardless their political affiliation and stand up against the religious fanatics who seek our political leadership, our nation and our women in particular will join the ranks of the veiled throughout the world
I had an ex boss who was a pathological liar and fraudster. I knew it, but I could see that most of the other folks were under the spell of this person.
Long story short, this boss was eventually confronted and terminated, but at great cost to the business and the people. (This boss has since gone on to wreak havoc elsewhere.)
To this day most of the people who were duped have not, or will not, come to terms with it. Shame is as blinding as love I suppose.
What is this need among so many of us to be told what to do, to be taken care of, to worship a "strong man" while having our own rights stripped away?
The grown ups among us must drive out this scourge come November.
"Trump must be defeated — bigly."...and defeated very strongly.
I'd like to see Team Harris take the offensive on the economy, in particular. Too much of the country seems to have fallen into a collective Stockholm Syndrome with repeated and seldom challenged rebukes of the "terrible Biden economy" despite the overwhelmingly positive metrics.
Very well said as always Steve. Donald Trump and MAGA are going down. I'm counting down the days!!!
💙🇺🇸💙
Right On, Lisa! We're on a roll! 💙🇺🇸💙
Ever been lied to, given the liar love and money, only to be dumped? How’s it going, maga?
You’ve been lied to, the election was not stolen. You have given him millions of dollars.
Yep, he’s going to dump you. “I don’t care about you. I just want your vote.”
Just vote for him one more time, he says, and what will he need you for?
I don't think letting it fade is good enough, if we want democracy to survive at least during the lifetimes of everyone alive today. But I suppose that debate is for another day. The battle is not even won yet. And it won't be won yet in November either.
As always… even as he sinks and waits for sentencing.
Great write-up Steve! I appreciate the insight about the country being unable to ignore the real Trump ridiculousness and getting caught up in it until he became a monster and we were able to shake him off and feel his intended destruction of our demoscracy. It seems clear at this point that the important movement for us is to begin, is to contact our county election boards to put the pressure on them to have a plan A,B, and C that will prevent chaos at the ballot boxes, at the certification level, and upward to the Electoral College for our states. It appears clear that the White House must prepare for any infraction possible on January 21, 2025. Trumps threats are real and as everyone is predicting, this will only get uglier. Imagine what uglier could mean from what Trump has already done!