Thanks Steve. Great commentary as usual. MAGA’s reaction to LA’s fires is beyond deplorable. I don’t understand the hatred. What is the point of being part of the USA if at your greatest time of need all you get is scorn. I recently read The Demon of Unrest. MAGA is playing with fire. Intemperate actions can have catastrophic consequences.
The consolidation of media by right-wing entities is one of our biggest problems. Owning the most platforms allows them to reach the most people with their lies, and repeat their lies over and over. All it took was buying up stations in rural, less populated areas (where members of the Senate have an outsized influence) at reasonable prices to begin to turn blue states red.
Add to that the right-wing think tanks plotting and planning against democracy, who have existed for many years, while the left has nothing comparable.
Proving that you don’t have to be truthful, smart, or have the largest constituency to win elections. You just need planning, money, strategically spent, and opponents who are less organized. 🤦♀️
Federal aid to a state struck by disaster should have no strings attached. States like Kentucky and Alabama should be grateful to the donor states of the West and East Coast. But like spoiled brats they spit in the face of and bite the hand that feeds them. It is intolerable.
What form should opposition to the Trump/Maga policies take? Should we march, sit-in, refuse to serve in a military with two screwballs in top positions and with more sure to come? Should the states that pay to the federal government more than they get encourage their citizens to withhold the difference and pay it to the state. Should they threaten secession and follow through if necessary?
I think we're reaching the point where desperate times call for desperate measures. What's the upside for CA to stay in the "union" and the downside to leaving?
If Scott Jennings is so concerned about California's forests, why doesn't he come out and "rake" them and discover that,like most of dimwit Donnie's suggestions don't work when faced with hurricane force winds. I grew up in a Republican household. I left when, instead of electing fair, knowledgeable, actual politicians instead of B actors and reality TV reality show people who knew so little about anything, including diplomacy, that they are Turing this once great country into a laughing stock because of tge proudly poorly educated tgat know less about this country than Europeans and traditional allies, who Trump dislikes .
Yes Steve.. please contact CNN. We would love to hear you berate Scott Jennings on national tv! And while you’re at it, you can add in your 2 cents on the clown show from this morning’s confirmation hearing.
Likely Steve, you would only get one shot at Scott Jennings. You know he is one of their "colleagues" and deserves respect, as when George Conway diced it up and called BS on Jennings.
so glad you are speaking the truth/ the arrogance and audacity of maga pundits that base their rhetoric on prejudice and meaness/ just like the fire storm that hit los angeles / they are so dangerous to a civil society
The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power. Because they control the minds of the masses. The press is so powerful in its image-making role, it can make the criminal look like he’s a the victim and make the victim look like he’s the criminal. If you aren’t careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” — Malcom X
"I was taught to lie, to betray and not to tell the truth to the public.
…
I ended up publishing articles under my own name written by agents of the CIA and other intelligence services, especially the German secret service.
…
Most journalists from respected and big media organisations are closely connected to the German Marshall Fund, the Atlantik-Brücke or other so-called transatlantic organisations…once you’re connected, you make friends with selected Americans. You think they are your friends and you start cooperating. They work on your ego, make you feel like you’re important. And one day one of them will ask you, "Will you do me this favor?"
…
We’re talking about puppets on a string, journalists who write or say whatever their masters tell them to say or write. If you see how the mainstream media is reporting about the Ukraine conflict and if you know what’s really going on, you get the picture. The masters in the background are pushing for war with Russia and western journalists are putting on their helmets.
…
When I told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (Ulfkotte’s newspaper) that I would publish the book, their lawyers sent me a letter threatening with all legal consequences if I would publish any names or secrets — but I don’t mind. You see, I don’t have children to take care of." —Udo Ulfkotte, German Journalist 2017, Now Dead
Winston Smith toils away in the Ministry of Truth, manufacturing lies that become "truth" as quickly as the memory hole can swallow evidence of what is actually true. We are 40 years behind Orwell's prediction; nevertheless, he understood the absolute power of media control.
Absolutely spot on. The oligarchs have taken over our media industries. The rich control the moneyed interests resulting in biased reporting which feathers their nests. It is an injustice to the American public of huge proportions.
Thank you Steve, for highlighting the monstrous response to the California fires. May this cruel and destructive reaction to the plight of our fellow Americans, inspire the opposition to start coalescing.
On the topic of the media failing us; While reviewing a mostly terrific line-up for their annual Democracy Matters conference in Palm Beach, I was stunned to see that they have invited the capitulator of capitulators (Joe Scarborough) to speak.
No wonder the Dems lost in a sweep. Too many are out of touch with reality.
I longer watch MSM . When they started sane-washing Trump I made decision to stop watching the crap. I subscribed to The Warning in November last year. I also subscribed to Meidus Touch and the Bulwark. I only watch my local station for the weather or anything local if interest. Steve your the best ! I too wish you could confront Mr. Jennings at CNN . You would tear him apart.
Not likely to read this because this is way, way old news. I have gladly dumped all mainstream corporate news long ago and after Nov 5 took all TVs out of my house except in the main living room. Football dominates more than ever which I consider a main contributor to Trump's success. Easy to find white men who'd rather watch football than eat Thanksgiving dinner with their families. The corporate media may be a contributor but what the capitalists sell captivates.
Love the commentary. Always, Steve. In the middle of last night, Donald Trump flew into a rage at Comcast and NBC over Seth Meyers. He threatened Comcast. He doesn’t like the jokes and the satire of late night comedians. He has attacked them all. How long before NBC slithers and rolls over and cancels Seth Meyers? How long before we lose Kimmel and Colbert and Fallon?
There is no bottom. And the collapse of spine is breathtaking.
I won’t watch CNN because of Scott Jennings. He makes me sick. But I would LOVE to watch you square off with Scott Jennings. I hope Abby Phillips invites you to come on her “panel”.
Thanks Steve. Great commentary as usual. MAGA’s reaction to LA’s fires is beyond deplorable. I don’t understand the hatred. What is the point of being part of the USA if at your greatest time of need all you get is scorn. I recently read The Demon of Unrest. MAGA is playing with fire. Intemperate actions can have catastrophic consequences.
The consolidation of media by right-wing entities is one of our biggest problems. Owning the most platforms allows them to reach the most people with their lies, and repeat their lies over and over. All it took was buying up stations in rural, less populated areas (where members of the Senate have an outsized influence) at reasonable prices to begin to turn blue states red.
Add to that the right-wing think tanks plotting and planning against democracy, who have existed for many years, while the left has nothing comparable.
Proving that you don’t have to be truthful, smart, or have the largest constituency to win elections. You just need planning, money, strategically spent, and opponents who are less organized. 🤦♀️
Democrats have GOT to get organized!
Federal aid to a state struck by disaster should have no strings attached. States like Kentucky and Alabama should be grateful to the donor states of the West and East Coast. But like spoiled brats they spit in the face of and bite the hand that feeds them. It is intolerable.
What form should opposition to the Trump/Maga policies take? Should we march, sit-in, refuse to serve in a military with two screwballs in top positions and with more sure to come? Should the states that pay to the federal government more than they get encourage their citizens to withhold the difference and pay it to the state. Should they threaten secession and follow through if necessary?
I think we're reaching the point where desperate times call for desperate measures. What's the upside for CA to stay in the "union" and the downside to leaving?
If Scott Jennings is so concerned about California's forests, why doesn't he come out and "rake" them and discover that,like most of dimwit Donnie's suggestions don't work when faced with hurricane force winds. I grew up in a Republican household. I left when, instead of electing fair, knowledgeable, actual politicians instead of B actors and reality TV reality show people who knew so little about anything, including diplomacy, that they are Turing this once great country into a laughing stock because of tge proudly poorly educated tgat know less about this country than Europeans and traditional allies, who Trump dislikes .
Boycott the sane washers. Cast them from the temple like the money changers they are. We have work to do. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/reform-the-democratic-party?r=3m1bs
Yes Steve.. please contact CNN. We would love to hear you berate Scott Jennings on national tv! And while you’re at it, you can add in your 2 cents on the clown show from this morning’s confirmation hearing.
Likely Steve, you would only get one shot at Scott Jennings. You know he is one of their "colleagues" and deserves respect, as when George Conway diced it up and called BS on Jennings.
so glad you are speaking the truth/ the arrogance and audacity of maga pundits that base their rhetoric on prejudice and meaness/ just like the fire storm that hit los angeles / they are so dangerous to a civil society
The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power. Because they control the minds of the masses. The press is so powerful in its image-making role, it can make the criminal look like he’s a the victim and make the victim look like he’s the criminal. If you aren’t careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” — Malcom X
"I was taught to lie, to betray and not to tell the truth to the public.
…
I ended up publishing articles under my own name written by agents of the CIA and other intelligence services, especially the German secret service.
…
Most journalists from respected and big media organisations are closely connected to the German Marshall Fund, the Atlantik-Brücke or other so-called transatlantic organisations…once you’re connected, you make friends with selected Americans. You think they are your friends and you start cooperating. They work on your ego, make you feel like you’re important. And one day one of them will ask you, "Will you do me this favor?"
…
We’re talking about puppets on a string, journalists who write or say whatever their masters tell them to say or write. If you see how the mainstream media is reporting about the Ukraine conflict and if you know what’s really going on, you get the picture. The masters in the background are pushing for war with Russia and western journalists are putting on their helmets.
…
When I told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (Ulfkotte’s newspaper) that I would publish the book, their lawyers sent me a letter threatening with all legal consequences if I would publish any names or secrets — but I don’t mind. You see, I don’t have children to take care of." —Udo Ulfkotte, German Journalist 2017, Now Dead
Much more on this here: https://tritorch.substack.com/p/counterfeit-continuity-in-our-fourth
Winston Smith toils away in the Ministry of Truth, manufacturing lies that become "truth" as quickly as the memory hole can swallow evidence of what is actually true. We are 40 years behind Orwell's prediction; nevertheless, he understood the absolute power of media control.
Absolutely spot on. The oligarchs have taken over our media industries. The rich control the moneyed interests resulting in biased reporting which feathers their nests. It is an injustice to the American public of huge proportions.
Two of my favorite words Steve uses. "Stupifying" and "idiocracy". Those two tickle me.
Thank you Steve, for highlighting the monstrous response to the California fires. May this cruel and destructive reaction to the plight of our fellow Americans, inspire the opposition to start coalescing.
On the topic of the media failing us; While reviewing a mostly terrific line-up for their annual Democracy Matters conference in Palm Beach, I was stunned to see that they have invited the capitulator of capitulators (Joe Scarborough) to speak.
No wonder the Dems lost in a sweep. Too many are out of touch with reality.
I longer watch MSM . When they started sane-washing Trump I made decision to stop watching the crap. I subscribed to The Warning in November last year. I also subscribed to Meidus Touch and the Bulwark. I only watch my local station for the weather or anything local if interest. Steve your the best ! I too wish you could confront Mr. Jennings at CNN . You would tear him apart.
Not likely to read this because this is way, way old news. I have gladly dumped all mainstream corporate news long ago and after Nov 5 took all TVs out of my house except in the main living room. Football dominates more than ever which I consider a main contributor to Trump's success. Easy to find white men who'd rather watch football than eat Thanksgiving dinner with their families. The corporate media may be a contributor but what the capitalists sell captivates.
Love the commentary. Always, Steve. In the middle of last night, Donald Trump flew into a rage at Comcast and NBC over Seth Meyers. He threatened Comcast. He doesn’t like the jokes and the satire of late night comedians. He has attacked them all. How long before NBC slithers and rolls over and cancels Seth Meyers? How long before we lose Kimmel and Colbert and Fallon?
There is no bottom. And the collapse of spine is breathtaking.
I won’t watch CNN because of Scott Jennings. He makes me sick. But I would LOVE to watch you square off with Scott Jennings. I hope Abby Phillips invites you to come on her “panel”.