We are no longer a government of the people, by the people or for the people. We are now a society of Marks, being fleeced by a grifter-class who pay homage to the king of grifters, Trump. If you don't pay enough and continue paying you will find yourself outside the law of landfill being picked over for any scraps they might have missed. Don't adjust your TV for you have entered the Oligarchy Zone. A place where life seems normal at first glance but pry just underneath the surface and you will be in the underbelly of a crime syndicate.
Right On, Patrick! Below is a 13 min. youtube -a Psychiatrist's analysis of Elon Musk (his mindset resulting from being raised wealthy in apartheid South Africa). Yes, "Oligarchy Zone": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5HN5pEk_aI ("Seeing Trump" & Musk!; Resist!)
Coincidentally, I just finished the doctors excellent analysis of the MAGA cult before turning to Steve's Substack column. I won't bother posting the link since it's on the same YT channel as the link you posted above. I have not watched the Elon analysis yet, but now it's on my list. Thanks for sharing.
Patrick, you are so right and there is plenty of proof. Judges who refuse to go along with Musk and his gang of incels and their DOGE activities are being threatened:
"Elon Musk threw a tantrum after his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was dealt a series of legal setbacks, immediately calling for the impeachment of federal judges.
Real democracy to Trump and Musk must be defined as all people in government doing exactly what Elon/Trump tell them to do and can only be fully achieved when all accept their rule or pretend to. Those daring to protest will be shut up by any means necessary.
The American political class will not let go of the trappings of power, much to the detriment of society. Biden was clearly impaired, but did not want to leave. And the enabling of these politicians that gets done is just as awful. Hence, we have Nancy Pelosi telling us Dianne Feinstein was fine when she was not. Or this MAGA Congresswoman from Texas hidden away in the Memory Care Unit of a Nursing home. The decrepit politicians who hang on like grim death are as bad as the feckless Americans who gave us MAGA.
So what can be done to stop it? What can I do to stop it?
Even before yesterday's stop gap vote, Chuck Schumer has made me feel so helpless. The performance of the Democrats in Congress at Trump's speech was pathetic. They shouldn't have even shown up! It wasn't even billed as a State of the Union speech giving them an excuse as to why they showed up. Holding up those little bingo sticks was not just weak, it was embarrassing.
What can I do?
What can we do?
Please don't give me that, "write to your Congressman" BS.
Both the Senate and House Democrats need a strong, rousing leader that all can accept and rally around. The jury is still out for me on Hakeem. Chuck HAS TO GO!
Try going on Sen Chris Murphy’s Substack & commenting to him for him so start agitating among his fellow Dem senators to replace Schumer. Go to any sm you’re on & look for the pages of Dem senators & encourage them to remove Schumer as leader. Let every Dem Senator you can, know how angry you are with what happened Friday with Schumer & the others who capitulated. Schumer is on BlueSky, go to his page & say your peace at him.
Join Indivisible & attend the protests that they organize if you are physically able. Go protest at a Tesla showroom or charging station.
Do whatever you can to stop buying from Walmart, Target, Amazon, McDonald’s, Starbucks. Buy from local businesses.
We have to band together to make them feel what power we do have, which at this point, is our voices & our money.
Thank you, P.J., for some excellent suggestions. The type I was asking for. I had not heard of Indivisible until you suggested it here. Sen. Murphy is my senator and I have had the opportunity to thank him for the yeoman's work he has and will continue to do on America's behalf. He is a great patriot.
Marsha Blackburn and Bill Haggerty are my senators and Crazy Andy Ogles is my representative. I know, I'm just screwed. I am a lifelong southerner and Democrat, but I hate what the deep south has become. We will never have a Chris Murphy or Wes Moore or Gretchen Whitmer. Keep questioning, please. Keep shining the light in all the dark corners. Light is the best disinfectant.
Considering what will be happening in Tennessee thanks to Trump and Musk's actions, and I'm not just talking about the world-wide Tennessee Whiskey boycott, those two will have "a lot of 'spainin' to do." Marsha wants to run for Governor. She has a possible primary opponent who is in the House. It will be interesting to see how creatively both of them apply lipstick to the pig, Trump.
You are welcome. There was also an effort to get everyone to write a postcard or two to trump & mail to the WH, telling him how you feel about what he is doing to our govt, our country & mail them today 3-15. But hey, mailing them on Monday will work too. I wrote 2. You could pick one issue per postcard, like the firing of veterans, or slashing the staff at Social Security by 50%, slashing 80K more employees from the Dept of Veterans Affairs, etc.
Also join 50501, they are the ones organizing the protests that are based on the concept of 50 states, 50 Capitols, on 1 day, & you can then be notified of the next 50501 protest date.
I know Indivisible & 50501 are working together to try & get a really, really big one together for April 5, but check their website to make sure that I got that date correct.
We The People are the only ones who are going to save us by rising up in huge numbers, being peaceful but loud, & showing the creeps that we are Americans & we will not stand for this.
For those in "red" states, that's a very good idea. For me, living in one of the bluest of "blue" states, Connecticut, going to Hartford to protest would be like preaching to the choir.
You're still exercising your free speech! And we need to express our point of view while we still have Freedom of speech! We need to fight for those who will come after us!
trump is a rapist of women and now he is raping the United States of America. Sometimes I imagine him being arrested by the military who courageously and honorably abide by the Constitution.
I ask the same questions and make the same observations every day and I find myself scratching my bald head to understand why most in the media and in either Party aren’t standing on tables and saying the same thing. It is mind numbing to think how intelligent people can delude themselves and not speak the truth, but as one commentator mentioned here, they are too fond of the trappings of power to let go, whether do to a desperation to remain relevant, a desire to gain more power, or not lose their remaining power, or simple cowardice.
Thank you for speaking the truth. As always, watch your six.
Steve, if nothing else comes out of this mess we're living, one thing emerges as a constant: You are a brilliant communicator, a brilliant historian, a brilliant narrator, and a mover of hearts and minds. I am so grateful for your god-given gifts, and for the whole of who you are. Thank you!
Thanks for continuously flashing the hazard lights for us Steve. The United States, the greatest democracy money could buy, until it wasn’t. Now every politician seems to be running a Jerry Lewis Telethon (for themselves). While this was building up for years, behind the scenes a nefarious cabal was getting their $hit together, and look at the crap we have running the show now.
The third thing that happened yesterday was a letter to Columbia University, a threatening letter in no uncertain terms, demanding the closing of academic departments before the gov't would 'consider' the return of $400 million in grants that they had already clawed back. Dozens of other universities are also in Trump's sights, in fact all are. Collectively, universities represent a kind of freedom that is not tolerated by the new regime.
It's been a steady creep from a few months ago when Trump's intentions were shrouded in a modicum of plausible deniability, to yesterday and today and tomorrow--when they are proudly spoken aloud and on camera, in the hallow hall of the Department of Justice.
You ae on the correct path. Human beings are sometimes slow to realize their mistakes. Since so many have their heads and phones stuck up their posteriors, it will take longer for them to realize and admit that there is a problem.
And then there are those who do not read or only care about what the Kardashians are doing.
McCarthy said Biden was sharp in 23 But from my experience with my mother it can hit fast She was maybe the sharpest and smartest person I ever met I her early 90's it became clear she was in decline One of the first places I noticed it was not wanting to be taken out of her comfort zone A new thought, idea, etc could throw her off But she maintained the bulk of her acuity
Steve. You are a voice a reason. I am sure you wonder sometimes if you are the only person who sees and understands what is going on. Don't others see this? Perhaps they don't see it because they are looking away.
Don't be discouraged. This insanity will continue for months. And then, we will be in an autocracy and you can write to us from your jail cell.
Do you actually believe in the movement to Restore Democracy? You damn sure don't sound like it. People at Substack are (in general, right now you're doubtful) more knowledgeable, engaged and committed. The people who you know - family, friends, neighbors, people at work - probably listen to you. If they hear someone who is supposed to be knowledgeable, engaged and committed saying things like that, showing you don't really believe what you're saying the rest of the time, they are going to get the message that nothing will work, we might as well shut up and retreat into silence to avoid all those things Steve mentioned. Does that sound like a successful defense of democracy to you? Or does sounding like you're all hip and ironic and shit diddle you more? If so, go steal oxygen elsewhere.
Both parties need to go. Somehow, we need to start over and leave big money out of the mix. I don't know how we do this, but our future is doomed if we continue as we are.
Omg, thanks for this. I've been screaming about the gerontocracy for YEARS! There are, can be, elderly people who age like Bernie Sanders, but most don't. We need term or age limits, we need them desperately. Finally, there MUST be a way to determine the cognitive health of a future president!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are no longer a government of the people, by the people or for the people. We are now a society of Marks, being fleeced by a grifter-class who pay homage to the king of grifters, Trump. If you don't pay enough and continue paying you will find yourself outside the law of landfill being picked over for any scraps they might have missed. Don't adjust your TV for you have entered the Oligarchy Zone. A place where life seems normal at first glance but pry just underneath the surface and you will be in the underbelly of a crime syndicate.
Right On, Patrick! Below is a 13 min. youtube -a Psychiatrist's analysis of Elon Musk (his mindset resulting from being raised wealthy in apartheid South Africa). Yes, "Oligarchy Zone": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5HN5pEk_aI ("Seeing Trump" & Musk!; Resist!)
I believe intelligence is subjective and I don't see the intelligence of dismantling democracy.
Coincidentally, I just finished the doctors excellent analysis of the MAGA cult before turning to Steve's Substack column. I won't bother posting the link since it's on the same YT channel as the link you posted above. I have not watched the Elon analysis yet, but now it's on my list. Thanks for sharing.
You just described life in Russia today.
Patrick, you are so right and there is plenty of proof. Judges who refuse to go along with Musk and his gang of incels and their DOGE activities are being threatened:
"Elon Musk threw a tantrum after his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was dealt a series of legal setbacks, immediately calling for the impeachment of federal judges.
'Without judicial reform, which means at least the absolute worst judges get impeached, we don’t have real democracy in America,' Musk said on X."https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/elon-musk-immediately-calls-for-judges-to-be-impeached-after-rulings-overturn-doge-firings/ar-AA1AUOps?ocid=BingNe
Real democracy to Trump and Musk must be defined as all people in government doing exactly what Elon/Trump tell them to do and can only be fully achieved when all accept their rule or pretend to. Those daring to protest will be shut up by any means necessary.
How is this happening?
The American political class will not let go of the trappings of power, much to the detriment of society. Biden was clearly impaired, but did not want to leave. And the enabling of these politicians that gets done is just as awful. Hence, we have Nancy Pelosi telling us Dianne Feinstein was fine when she was not. Or this MAGA Congresswoman from Texas hidden away in the Memory Care Unit of a Nursing home. The decrepit politicians who hang on like grim death are as bad as the feckless Americans who gave us MAGA.
Let's not forget Strom Thurmond who was among the worst.
"Iron Heel"
Classic Jack Londen.
So what can be done to stop it? What can I do to stop it?
Even before yesterday's stop gap vote, Chuck Schumer has made me feel so helpless. The performance of the Democrats in Congress at Trump's speech was pathetic. They shouldn't have even shown up! It wasn't even billed as a State of the Union speech giving them an excuse as to why they showed up. Holding up those little bingo sticks was not just weak, it was embarrassing.
What can I do?
What can we do?
Please don't give me that, "write to your Congressman" BS.
Both the Senate and House Democrats need a strong, rousing leader that all can accept and rally around. The jury is still out for me on Hakeem. Chuck HAS TO GO!
Try going on Sen Chris Murphy’s Substack & commenting to him for him so start agitating among his fellow Dem senators to replace Schumer. Go to any sm you’re on & look for the pages of Dem senators & encourage them to remove Schumer as leader. Let every Dem Senator you can, know how angry you are with what happened Friday with Schumer & the others who capitulated. Schumer is on BlueSky, go to his page & say your peace at him.
Join Indivisible & attend the protests that they organize if you are physically able. Go protest at a Tesla showroom or charging station.
Do whatever you can to stop buying from Walmart, Target, Amazon, McDonald’s, Starbucks. Buy from local businesses.
We have to band together to make them feel what power we do have, which at this point, is our voices & our money.
Wife and I just registered on Indivisible an hour ago. Time to get busy.
Wonderful 😊💙💙
Thank you, P.J., for some excellent suggestions. The type I was asking for. I had not heard of Indivisible until you suggested it here. Sen. Murphy is my senator and I have had the opportunity to thank him for the yeoman's work he has and will continue to do on America's behalf. He is a great patriot.
Thank you again, P.J.
Marsha Blackburn and Bill Haggerty are my senators and Crazy Andy Ogles is my representative. I know, I'm just screwed. I am a lifelong southerner and Democrat, but I hate what the deep south has become. We will never have a Chris Murphy or Wes Moore or Gretchen Whitmer. Keep questioning, please. Keep shining the light in all the dark corners. Light is the best disinfectant.
Considering what will be happening in Tennessee thanks to Trump and Musk's actions, and I'm not just talking about the world-wide Tennessee Whiskey boycott, those two will have "a lot of 'spainin' to do." Marsha wants to run for Governor. She has a possible primary opponent who is in the House. It will be interesting to see how creatively both of them apply lipstick to the pig, Trump.
You are welcome. There was also an effort to get everyone to write a postcard or two to trump & mail to the WH, telling him how you feel about what he is doing to our govt, our country & mail them today 3-15. But hey, mailing them on Monday will work too. I wrote 2. You could pick one issue per postcard, like the firing of veterans, or slashing the staff at Social Security by 50%, slashing 80K more employees from the Dept of Veterans Affairs, etc.
Also join 50501, they are the ones organizing the protests that are based on the concept of 50 states, 50 Capitols, on 1 day, & you can then be notified of the next 50501 protest date.
I know Indivisible & 50501 are working together to try & get a really, really big one together for April 5, but check their website to make sure that I got that date correct.
We The People are the only ones who are going to save us by rising up in huge numbers, being peaceful but loud, & showing the creeps that we are Americans & we will not stand for this.
Good luck to all of us. 💙
You are correct, it is on April 5th! A rep. of Indivisible was on MSNBC, and announced it!
I sent in 10 post cards and at least 18 people from our area friends and neighbors did the same!
I heard on MSNBC, that Indivisible is having a national day of protest, on April 5th! I'll be there!
This is the best way to get them: they worship money. Cut them off. Buy local.
Skip the interstates and beltways. Take gravel roads whenever possible. Don't fret about your car getting dirty.
For those in "red" states, that's a very good idea. For me, living in one of the bluest of "blue" states, Connecticut, going to Hartford to protest would be like preaching to the choir.
You're still exercising your free speech! And we need to express our point of view while we still have Freedom of speech! We need to fight for those who will come after us!
trump is a rapist of women and now he is raping the United States of America. Sometimes I imagine him being arrested by the military who courageously and honorably abide by the Constitution.
Steve,
I ask the same questions and make the same observations every day and I find myself scratching my bald head to understand why most in the media and in either Party aren’t standing on tables and saying the same thing. It is mind numbing to think how intelligent people can delude themselves and not speak the truth, but as one commentator mentioned here, they are too fond of the trappings of power to let go, whether do to a desperation to remain relevant, a desire to gain more power, or not lose their remaining power, or simple cowardice.
Thank you for speaking the truth. As always, watch your six.
Steve Dundas
Steve, if nothing else comes out of this mess we're living, one thing emerges as a constant: You are a brilliant communicator, a brilliant historian, a brilliant narrator, and a mover of hearts and minds. I am so grateful for your god-given gifts, and for the whole of who you are. Thank you!
Thanks for continuously flashing the hazard lights for us Steve. The United States, the greatest democracy money could buy, until it wasn’t. Now every politician seems to be running a Jerry Lewis Telethon (for themselves). While this was building up for years, behind the scenes a nefarious cabal was getting their $hit together, and look at the crap we have running the show now.
The third thing that happened yesterday was a letter to Columbia University, a threatening letter in no uncertain terms, demanding the closing of academic departments before the gov't would 'consider' the return of $400 million in grants that they had already clawed back. Dozens of other universities are also in Trump's sights, in fact all are. Collectively, universities represent a kind of freedom that is not tolerated by the new regime.
It's been a steady creep from a few months ago when Trump's intentions were shrouded in a modicum of plausible deniability, to yesterday and today and tomorrow--when they are proudly spoken aloud and on camera, in the hallow hall of the Department of Justice.
There is no more maybe. Here we are.
Threatening universities is one of the first thing autocrats do strategically to control flow of info and to instill fear and silence among citizens
Orange satan is also closing down Radio Free Europe, and the other American communications! He called all the people working, to return to the US!
It's heartbreaking. I grew up listening to Radio Free Europe in the 50s and 60s. The 1st amendment was essentially extinguished today.
Makes me wonder if they can find a way to silence the voices on Substack.
I hope not; but they probably will find a way!
You ae on the correct path. Human beings are sometimes slow to realize their mistakes. Since so many have their heads and phones stuck up their posteriors, it will take longer for them to realize and admit that there is a problem.
And then there are those who do not read or only care about what the Kardashians are doing.
How do you know if you have done something horrible? Trump congratulates you.
McCarthy said Biden was sharp in 23 But from my experience with my mother it can hit fast She was maybe the sharpest and smartest person I ever met I her early 90's it became clear she was in decline One of the first places I noticed it was not wanting to be taken out of her comfort zone A new thought, idea, etc could throw her off But she maintained the bulk of her acuity
I think a teast is aprropriate at some point
Steve. You are a voice a reason. I am sure you wonder sometimes if you are the only person who sees and understands what is going on. Don't others see this? Perhaps they don't see it because they are looking away.
Don't be discouraged. This insanity will continue for months. And then, we will be in an autocracy and you can write to us from your jail cell.
No, Steve is not going to jail. We in this Substack, can unite and protest in the physical when needed. We can.
Steve is not going to end up in a jail cell. He is much too clever for that. He's a thousand steps ahead of the Maga miscreants and malefactors.
Do you actually believe in the movement to Restore Democracy? You damn sure don't sound like it. People at Substack are (in general, right now you're doubtful) more knowledgeable, engaged and committed. The people who you know - family, friends, neighbors, people at work - probably listen to you. If they hear someone who is supposed to be knowledgeable, engaged and committed saying things like that, showing you don't really believe what you're saying the rest of the time, they are going to get the message that nothing will work, we might as well shut up and retreat into silence to avoid all those things Steve mentioned. Does that sound like a successful defense of democracy to you? Or does sounding like you're all hip and ironic and shit diddle you more? If so, go steal oxygen elsewhere.
Trump kissed Muskʻs ass again by having Rubio eject the SA ambassador, who had the temerity to speak the truth.
Both parties need to go. Somehow, we need to start over and leave big money out of the mix. I don't know how we do this, but our future is doomed if we continue as we are.
Omg, thanks for this. I've been screaming about the gerontocracy for YEARS! There are, can be, elderly people who age like Bernie Sanders, but most don't. We need term or age limits, we need them desperately. Finally, there MUST be a way to determine the cognitive health of a future president!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why doesn’t Steve ask Musk whether he would agree to be interviewed by him? Then we’d see how Musk answers or evades incisive questions.