Credit card debt for Americans is now over $1 trillion. We live in feudal times, thanks to people like Ronald Reagan who preached distrust in government and gluttony for the wealthy. Is it any wonder that rabid populists have taken over?
We are witnessing a revolution to overthrow the Constitution. At first, they will do everything they can with their simple majorities in the House and Senate to restructure the federal government to centralize power around the executive. Even before that happens, Trump will not hesitate to use his extrajudicial immunity to seize greater power. Trump will purge top military brass to prevent a coup. I don't know how, but the Republicans will conspire to selectively impede or eliminate our gun rights. This kind of post could get me killed someday, but this is what I see.
Without relinquishing our citizenship and voting rights, we may need to make strategic retreats abroad. But living abroad may not be safe either. If Trump were to align with Putin, Kim, and all the other dictators, the U.S. could become part of a totalitarian axis. China is already achieving global hegemony. Western Europe may become the last redoubt of liberal democracy in our lifetimes.
Our patriotism and courage will be tested like we never imagined. I don't want to let my imagination run amok, but I don't want to become a victim of MAGA for having had a lack of imagination.
I have been fearing a “Red Dawn” scenario for a while. People think I am an alarmist. We shall see. Life has been imitating art for quite some time now.😞
The only reason I pause at this scenario is that unlike Russians, we hear, are armed. Although I believe all the Amendments will fall, I think the Second Amendment will be last...after all that is the only 'right' maga comprehends.
The US becoming a part of a totalitarian axis is what I am afraid of too. This in addition to all the other horrors he has planned. The NY Post coming out and condemming RFK as HHS head is rich after endorsing him.
I have a feeling a number of Trump/Trump sycophant supporters are going to try backpedaling their previous endorsements. I suspect Joe Rogan, for one, will try to soften his promotion of Trump. I think he sold his soul to the devil there and will come to regret it.
What trump and his 'maga' do is destroy. These coming years will be Steve Bannon's fevered dream of destruction. The measure of trump's previous term was determined by how much he was able to destroy including the divide amongst the citizens. Destruction, chaos, and cruelty is the mission.
A comforting and inspiring reminder of our common roots and core beliefs. Thank you, Steve. I would only add one cautionary note. Among Trump’s few cosmetic skills as a flim flammer is to distract. He feints with his left while preparing a devastating knockout right. I believe his grotesque nominations are a distraction. They seize attention and create an energetic rebuff. All the while he is preparing a devastating knockout blow. Save your cannons and your rage. They will be needed.
"Many people in this growing community honor me with a question for which I wish I had a better answer: what should I do? How can I make a difference?
Read."
I remember walking into the kitchen in the morning as a kid. Mom and dad would each be glued to a different section of the newspaper. I never heard either one of them mutter "fake news" when they read something that did not conform to their believes or desires.
Thank you Steve, for your fire, clarity and courage.
Yes, read… and memorize.
I carry a little dog eared Constitution in my pocket book, and while referring to its details and its Amendments is often helpful, it is its Preamble that I live, and may die by because it is the Preamble that holds the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the greater document.
It is the Preamble’s fifty-two words that hold the Spirit of 1776, the words that must be etched in our hearts as we move into the night.
“We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure, domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
I just started rereading my Pocket book: Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United State. It's golden and should be required reading in grammar school US History classes and again in high school Civics classes. It was handed to me for free at a George Floyd demonstration. It occurs to me that a fund to purchase and distribute these small publications could actually be an act of resistance.
What worth will the "Oath of Office" hold, when both Trump and Chief Justice Roberts have their corrupt, filthy hands on the Bible; as Trump recites the "Oath", both knowing that they are a part of "a huge lie"! The "Oath" will mean absolutely NOTHING! It will all be a con! This might be when, we as Americans, hit rock bottom!
“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.”
― Isaac Asimov, 1980
This cult of ignorance was laughed at but was never identified as a clear and present danger to American democracy. Trump seized upon it, realized that by poisoning the minds of the gullible/ignorant with lies, he could create a constituency large enough to propel him to power. And now he is attempting to consolidate executive power by filling government's halls with dangerous, imbecilic yes-people.
If we are able to hang on to our democracy, we must make it an urgent priority to eradicate the cult of ignorance, de-idiotize the people. Reading really is fundamental.
The electorate , writ large, cannot name the three branches of government. Their ignorance of how our federal government operates is why they chose to elect a convicted felon, rapist and someone who attempted to overthrow our democracy. What did they want in a President? A fool, an idiot, a clown, an incompetent, a know nothing , a liar, a grifter and man devoid of any morality whatsoever. Why? Because listening to a serious candidate who wanted to make their lives better through enacting initiatives did not light them up, was not entertaining and was delivered by a woman of color. Boring! Face the fact that our fellow Americans do not have any qualifications to evaluate a candidate for President. Our government is not a cage match, a WWE event, a football game or any other entity of visceral entertainment. It is the future of us and we will see if it will hold up to what we are about to face. Good luck to us all.
The ignorance of the electorate is in part a result of decades of dumbed-down public education. Many approaches are needed to correct this. An important one is eliminating socioeconomic barriers to a quality education. No matter their income level, all families that are serious about learning should be able to send their children to academically challenging schools. There are plenty of excellent models to emulate, such as Milton Hershey School in Pennsylvania.
We will wake up in pain for a long time. What have we become? What will it take for America to correct its course? Children with no vaccines? People of all ages with no health care? Closed public schools?
We have entered the "New Dark Ages". And, this "Dark Age" was also led by a religious group! The "christian nationalists" is not the "faith" that Jesus preached. Just the opposite, Jesus preached justice and equality (remember women were a major part of his faith group). He had love and compassion for those marginalized; the poor, the sick and the lame, the tax collectors, and other sinners, the Samaritans, etc. Jesus lived in an occupied and dangerous country; ruled by corrupt and greedy people. He was surrounded by those who either hated him or feared him; the Romans, the Jewish royalty, and the leaders of the Jewish faith. We Christians, should take a closer, in-depth look at his teachings in order to survive, and/or to be brave martyrs. As Steve suggested-read!
And as a young child, I was able to hear the words of great reporters; Walter Cronkite, David Brinkley, Mike Wallace, to name a few. We trusted them, and they helped us get through the "Cuban Missile Crisis", and JFK's assassination. If I remember correctly, Cronkite always ended his news reports with; "And that's the truth"! Boy, do we need to hear those words today!
It reminds me of the 4 Freedoms enshrined at the United Nations. Reading is the pathway to freedom. So much will probably be destroyed in the next few years, and the hope is it will eventually lead to the good, the true and the beautiful. It feels like we’re entering the long dark though.
I subscribed to The Warning in the months leading up to the election. Far and away Steve Schmidt offered the clearest, most compelling and strident arguments opposing Trump’s return to power. Since then The Warning has been a daily source of inspiration.
This morning I flipped from free to paid. All in for the siege to come.
Amen Steve. I think if we remain true to our values for ourselves and family, and not rationalize behavior that treats leaders differently, we would go a long way towards fixing this. Most people do not like to be lied to, demeaned, gaslighted, have their family broken up or deported, etc. Reasons why they tolerate it in our leaders are unconvincing if the golden rule was being observed.
It is indeed very likely that incompetence will cause the Trump administration and Maga to implode. Thanks for the suggestion. It gave me hope that though the near future will be painful, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks for sharing, Robbie. Ironically, when Trump was elected the first time, some of us shared a sliver of hope he would actually appoint "the very best people", as promised. Now the hope is that the most inept and weakest choices imaginable will lead to a positive outcome.
Brings to mind Young Frankenstein: "It could be worse. Could be raining." I'm interested in the singular egos and collective egos of the GOP Senate. Are they willing to castrate themselves by prostrating themselves to these choices or to recess appointments. It would be entertaining to watch then squirm and dangle, except we're looking down a four-year long barrel.
"What has made us exceptional as a nation is not what Trump is selling. Instead, it is the wisdom to seek something better from what had come before — even when what was next had not yet been imagined." Love this <3 Thank you as always
Rosa Park quotes:
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes the fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
“Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.”
“I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.”
Thank you, Steve Schmidt. Faith! We will pick up the flag and move forward, together. Freedom!
Credit card debt for Americans is now over $1 trillion. We live in feudal times, thanks to people like Ronald Reagan who preached distrust in government and gluttony for the wealthy. Is it any wonder that rabid populists have taken over?
We are witnessing a revolution to overthrow the Constitution. At first, they will do everything they can with their simple majorities in the House and Senate to restructure the federal government to centralize power around the executive. Even before that happens, Trump will not hesitate to use his extrajudicial immunity to seize greater power. Trump will purge top military brass to prevent a coup. I don't know how, but the Republicans will conspire to selectively impede or eliminate our gun rights. This kind of post could get me killed someday, but this is what I see.
Without relinquishing our citizenship and voting rights, we may need to make strategic retreats abroad. But living abroad may not be safe either. If Trump were to align with Putin, Kim, and all the other dictators, the U.S. could become part of a totalitarian axis. China is already achieving global hegemony. Western Europe may become the last redoubt of liberal democracy in our lifetimes.
Our patriotism and courage will be tested like we never imagined. I don't want to let my imagination run amok, but I don't want to become a victim of MAGA for having had a lack of imagination.
I have been fearing a “Red Dawn” scenario for a while. People think I am an alarmist. We shall see. Life has been imitating art for quite some time now.😞
The only reason I pause at this scenario is that unlike Russians, we hear, are armed. Although I believe all the Amendments will fall, I think the Second Amendment will be last...after all that is the only 'right' maga comprehends.
They were armed in the movie too. Go back and rewatch it.
I am actually angry that movie got made, not once but TWICE! And I think it was a great movie. I love Patrick Swayze.😞
The US becoming a part of a totalitarian axis is what I am afraid of too. This in addition to all the other horrors he has planned. The NY Post coming out and condemming RFK as HHS head is rich after endorsing him.
I have a feeling a number of Trump/Trump sycophant supporters are going to try backpedaling their previous endorsements. I suspect Joe Rogan, for one, will try to soften his promotion of Trump. I think he sold his soul to the devil there and will come to regret it.
What trump and his 'maga' do is destroy. These coming years will be Steve Bannon's fevered dream of destruction. The measure of trump's previous term was determined by how much he was able to destroy including the divide amongst the citizens. Destruction, chaos, and cruelty is the mission.
Disgusting Bannon's words, "burn it all down"
The number of people duped by this whole picture scenario is astounding to me.
NOT paying attention
A comforting and inspiring reminder of our common roots and core beliefs. Thank you, Steve. I would only add one cautionary note. Among Trump’s few cosmetic skills as a flim flammer is to distract. He feints with his left while preparing a devastating knockout right. I believe his grotesque nominations are a distraction. They seize attention and create an energetic rebuff. All the while he is preparing a devastating knockout blow. Save your cannons and your rage. They will be needed.
"Many people in this growing community honor me with a question for which I wish I had a better answer: what should I do? How can I make a difference?
Read."
I remember walking into the kitchen in the morning as a kid. Mom and dad would each be glued to a different section of the newspaper. I never heard either one of them mutter "fake news" when they read something that did not conform to their believes or desires.
If they were able to read the current news, “fake” would be their first response. Too bad for us it isn’t.
Thank you Steve, for your fire, clarity and courage.
Yes, read… and memorize.
I carry a little dog eared Constitution in my pocket book, and while referring to its details and its Amendments is often helpful, it is its Preamble that I live, and may die by because it is the Preamble that holds the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the greater document.
It is the Preamble’s fifty-two words that hold the Spirit of 1776, the words that must be etched in our hearts as we move into the night.
“We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure, domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
I just started rereading my Pocket book: Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United State. It's golden and should be required reading in grammar school US History classes and again in high school Civics classes. It was handed to me for free at a George Floyd demonstration. It occurs to me that a fund to purchase and distribute these small publications could actually be an act of resistance.
What worth will the "Oath of Office" hold, when both Trump and Chief Justice Roberts have their corrupt, filthy hands on the Bible; as Trump recites the "Oath", both knowing that they are a part of "a huge lie"! The "Oath" will mean absolutely NOTHING! It will all be a con! This might be when, we as Americans, hit rock bottom!
Perhaps at the time of the oath taking, we hold a mational moment of silence…. followed by a rousing rendition of We Shall Overcome
“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.”
― Isaac Asimov, 1980
This cult of ignorance was laughed at but was never identified as a clear and present danger to American democracy. Trump seized upon it, realized that by poisoning the minds of the gullible/ignorant with lies, he could create a constituency large enough to propel him to power. And now he is attempting to consolidate executive power by filling government's halls with dangerous, imbecilic yes-people.
If we are able to hang on to our democracy, we must make it an urgent priority to eradicate the cult of ignorance, de-idiotize the people. Reading really is fundamental.
The electorate , writ large, cannot name the three branches of government. Their ignorance of how our federal government operates is why they chose to elect a convicted felon, rapist and someone who attempted to overthrow our democracy. What did they want in a President? A fool, an idiot, a clown, an incompetent, a know nothing , a liar, a grifter and man devoid of any morality whatsoever. Why? Because listening to a serious candidate who wanted to make their lives better through enacting initiatives did not light them up, was not entertaining and was delivered by a woman of color. Boring! Face the fact that our fellow Americans do not have any qualifications to evaluate a candidate for President. Our government is not a cage match, a WWE event, a football game or any other entity of visceral entertainment. It is the future of us and we will see if it will hold up to what we are about to face. Good luck to us all.
No amount of evidence will ever persuade an idiot.
Mark Twain
The ignorance of the electorate is in part a result of decades of dumbed-down public education. Many approaches are needed to correct this. An important one is eliminating socioeconomic barriers to a quality education. No matter their income level, all families that are serious about learning should be able to send their children to academically challenging schools. There are plenty of excellent models to emulate, such as Milton Hershey School in Pennsylvania.
We will wake up in pain for a long time. What have we become? What will it take for America to correct its course? Children with no vaccines? People of all ages with no health care? Closed public schools?
We have entered the "New Dark Ages". And, this "Dark Age" was also led by a religious group! The "christian nationalists" is not the "faith" that Jesus preached. Just the opposite, Jesus preached justice and equality (remember women were a major part of his faith group). He had love and compassion for those marginalized; the poor, the sick and the lame, the tax collectors, and other sinners, the Samaritans, etc. Jesus lived in an occupied and dangerous country; ruled by corrupt and greedy people. He was surrounded by those who either hated him or feared him; the Romans, the Jewish royalty, and the leaders of the Jewish faith. We Christians, should take a closer, in-depth look at his teachings in order to survive, and/or to be brave martyrs. As Steve suggested-read!
These people are not fit to hold public office, but they are going to. The damage, pain, and suffering they are going to inflict will be tragic.
And as a young child, I was able to hear the words of great reporters; Walter Cronkite, David Brinkley, Mike Wallace, to name a few. We trusted them, and they helped us get through the "Cuban Missile Crisis", and JFK's assassination. If I remember correctly, Cronkite always ended his news reports with; "And that's the truth"! Boy, do we need to hear those words today!
I remember those voices too. I don;t know of any equivalents today. It’s sad.
It reminds me of the 4 Freedoms enshrined at the United Nations. Reading is the pathway to freedom. So much will probably be destroyed in the next few years, and the hope is it will eventually lead to the good, the true and the beautiful. It feels like we’re entering the long dark though.
I subscribed to The Warning in the months leading up to the election. Far and away Steve Schmidt offered the clearest, most compelling and strident arguments opposing Trump’s return to power. Since then The Warning has been a daily source of inspiration.
This morning I flipped from free to paid. All in for the siege to come.
David,
Thank you so much for the kind words. Thrilled that you can now contribute your own comments with this incredible community.
Onward!
Steve
I have always thought that the right would start the revolution and the left would finish it. Trump and his crowd will be starting it.
Amen Steve. I think if we remain true to our values for ourselves and family, and not rationalize behavior that treats leaders differently, we would go a long way towards fixing this. Most people do not like to be lied to, demeaned, gaslighted, have their family broken up or deported, etc. Reasons why they tolerate it in our leaders are unconvincing if the golden rule was being observed.
I proffer this link to anyone who feels like another, interesting perspective on these cabinet choices:
https://www.popehat.com/p/refuge-in-kakistocracy?utm_source=cupofcoffee.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=cup-of-coffee-november-15-2024
It is indeed very likely that incompetence will cause the Trump administration and Maga to implode. Thanks for the suggestion. It gave me hope that though the near future will be painful, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks for sharing, Robbie. Ironically, when Trump was elected the first time, some of us shared a sliver of hope he would actually appoint "the very best people", as promised. Now the hope is that the most inept and weakest choices imaginable will lead to a positive outcome.
Brings to mind Young Frankenstein: "It could be worse. Could be raining." I'm interested in the singular egos and collective egos of the GOP Senate. Are they willing to castrate themselves by prostrating themselves to these choices or to recess appointments. It would be entertaining to watch then squirm and dangle, except we're looking down a four-year long barrel.
Steve-the incoming administration picks are an insult to F Troop.
"What has made us exceptional as a nation is not what Trump is selling. Instead, it is the wisdom to seek something better from what had come before — even when what was next had not yet been imagined." Love this <3 Thank you as always