Don’t look away from Trump. Observe his baleful glare. It is rooted to a deeper malevolence of the human spirit that has existed since the beginning of time. It has coursed through every culture and society, where it encounters the worthy virtues and competes in an enduring struggle that has bended over the eons towards justice in the estimation of one of freedom’s greatest tribunes, the Rev. Martin Luther King.
Placing Stevens claims of slavery as justified by scientific and religious tenants against Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address drives the difference home. We are still fighting the Civil War but using different tools. We are seeing it in the classroom and in the courtrooms on redistricting.
When we emerge from this period which cornerstone will be laid for our next chapter: freedom or tyranny. Grant is right , no middle ground
A three credit course in history, 90% of Americans are ignorant of. Was it Lincoln who said democracy stands only when the electorate is informed
There lies the fault lines: ignorance is celebrated: go through your 40 or 50 choices of tv at 7pm to 10pm and you tell me there isn’t a vast majority of Americans happy and content in their ignorance and open to disinformation from multiple sources: Murdoch, Zuckerberg, Musk, right wing pimps and snake oil selling preachers.
Just watch the house in action this week and convince me I don’t need my passport ready.
The demise of local newspapers and the desire for them contributes to the lack of knowledge. PBS NewsHour did a superb segment in the last weeks; WaPo’s Dana Milbank too wrote of the harm. The states passing laws to curb education terrify me. Overall, I despair and tho my passport too is ready, where would I go?
Steve, once again, you never cease to amaze! We’re not only get a great newsletter each day, we get a first class history lesson. Well done, and my money well spent.
“The fight for justice will go on for as long as there is an America. Utopia is neither a place, nor a destination. It doesn’t, and will never exist.”
---Steve Schmidt
Agreed! Utopia doesn’t exist, it is an aspiration, no different from Communism or a modern day Conservatism; they only exist in theory!
That said, Trump is just the malignant tumor, the cancer is the party itself. Trump didn’t have to extort or even coax the politicians who tried to send fake electors to congress, or to storm the Capitol. They were happy to oblige. Remember, 21 members of Congress including senators were indicted by the grand jury in GA, even though Willis didn’t pursue charges.
Not to mention, when Trump sued to the Supreme Court to nullify 20 million votes in four key swing states, Texas immediately filed an amicus brief on Trump’s behalf. Ted Cruz even agreed to argue the case.
Ironically, the state of Texas is not a bunch of gadfly lawyers. It was brought in the name of the state, signed by the state’s attorney general with the support of the governor. Sen. Ted Cruz even volunteered to argue the case if a hearing was set.
Not to be outdone, two days later, 17 other states — represented by their state’s lawyers — filed a legal brief in support of Texas. Furthermore, days later, 106 members of Congress also filed a brief on Trump’s behalf.
My point: this was not a bunch of pathetic lawyers filing these briefs; these were state AG’s with the support of governors and members of Congress trying to eradicate democracy as we know it.
So my only question to you Steve, is how did you ever decide to be a republican? I realize democrats have their issues, but they at least play by the rules and support democracy.
Secondly, please explain to me what a modern day conservative means. Are you a Goldwater conservative; a racist man who voted against the Civil Rights Act and was against desegregation? Or a William F Buckley conservative? A man who used lots of big words, incomprehensible to most of us plebs.
Conservatism has always meant small government, lower taxes, family values, fiscal hawks, supporters of economic growth, free enterprise, freedom and a strong military.
I’m 58, and the republicans since Nixon have never represented any of these ideas. They are only fiscal hawks when democrats are in power. And as far as freedom goes, you’re only free if you abide by the American Taliban and their Christian version of Sharia Law.
Additionally, the economy has expanded the best under democratic administrations. Clinton was the only President to balance the budget and leave office with a surplus ($300 billion). Every Republican administration including Nixon has left the country far worse off than when they took office. Adding almost twice the amount of debt than all Democratic administrations.
As for the military, republicans are only strong on defense spending. They don’t support the troops; and whenever funding needs to be reallocated for existing healthcare and veterans issues, they have to be shamed into passing legislation.
Small government, you say? Nixon added the EPA (I agree with this) and DEA. W. Bush created the Homeland Security boondoggle, which spends $60 billion a year, and no one knows whose running the show, lest of all the director. It’s layers of bureaucracy and requires many different departments to sign off on any significant changes.
And don’t get me started with Christian family values; these people have none! They wouldn’t know Jesus if he were staring them in the face;‘they’d probably have him crucified again, as a radical liberal Jew.
So please tell us Steve, why did you ever join this party. It’s always been a racist group of religious wing-nuts, led by leaders who never met a war they didn’t like!...:)
I cannot answer for Steve. But my ex was a similar moderate Repub when we met. I’m die hard Dem. At that time it didn’t seem a big deal. As time came closer to 2010 and the Rs became more extreme I asked how could he vote for this group. His words: they get done what I want done. I ignore the other stuff. BTW. He is multi millionaire in Texas, old and white. He denies he believes the same racist stuff. Willful ignorance seems his strategy. Sad.
Steve has his own reasons for staying. To me what is important is that all are waking up to a very big threat. That men and women in Steve’s situation are being open about their turn around is so important and it’s also great he is able to put all that and more into words. Not sad.
Agreed, but let’s face it Nixon started the movement with the Southern Strategy, and Reagan legitimized the far religious right in America. Nothing occurs in a vacuum, these people were hiding in plain sight; waiting for their knight in shining armor. And they finally got it with Trump!...:)
Thanks for the Alexander Stephens speech. Of all the lies politicians tell to the people, and that people tell themselves, the lie that the Civil War was not fought over slavery, but states rights or whatever, has always been the most pernicious and vile and truly absurd. It has led as much as anything to where we are today. I truly believe that. “Those slaves learned lots of great skills, right? It was not all that bad, maybe good even.” It would be laughable except millions are eating that garbage up.
Our country is in deep trouble again----and as always race is at the heart of it. I truly fear for the future, if decency and sanity and kindness do not return to a MUCH larger percentage of our people. Further, I agree that Trump and his ilk may be the tumor, but the millions who love and worship him are the real cancer eating at the soul of America.
When I think my fellow “Christians” are leading the way with the cruelty and dishonesty leading to the destruction of us, I feel physically ill. I really do. God help us. We need it.
You would enjoy reading, “American psychosis,” by David Corn. He traces the history of the republican party, including the Reagan religious right, and the party’s affiliation with the KKK and John Birchers.
I listened to it on audible. It has quite a lot of detail and research so I think it was easier listening to it than it would have been to have read it. Enjoy, although it is a sad journey through time. I just posted on Twitter it seems like it’s 1861. You’re either a Republican/white supremacist or a Democrat/all men are created equal. Is this 2023? But then I realized the parties were reversed in 1861! 😂
I have always "discussed" with my former colleagues that even I, as a liberal, support many conservative principles; "Conservatism has always meant small government, lower taxes, family values, fiscal hawks, supporters of economic growth, free enterprise, freedom and a strong military." and that these ideas are not zero sum gains with liberal principles. It can all happen simultaneously, especially with a fair tax structure that comes with the idea that it's worth it to float all boats for the privilege of living in this "land of opportunity." St. Peter or whoever they think they are getting interviewed by in the "afterlife" is not interested in the paid off mortgage for the house on Nantucket or your investment portfolio. Good post Robert. In the end we have the luxury of hindsight. That said, the warning signs were there all along. Justifying anything for the "cause."
I always hear conservatives talk about small government as one of the cornerstones of their party. The days of small government are gone! State governments can no longer be trusted to do what is best for the people. They have gerrymandered and otherwise been bought and are in control in way too many states. The challenges in America are big now: we need national healthcare; national gun laws; national voting rights; national women’s right; national non-discrimination laws. None of these would be possible in the “small governments” of the states. Living in a red state is hell in many respects. Why do Republicans always talk about small government. Their small governments suck!
Yes, republicans think the needs of 330+ million people can be accommodated by a government the same size as it was in 1776 when the
Population was 2.5 million. Government has always grown dramatically more under republican administrations as opposed to democrat led administrations. It’s all part of the yarn they’ve woven together. Their made up story.
Well said and thank you. And I agree with conservative principles as well. Just find me anyone in the Republican Party who actually practices what they preach...:)
In the final paragraph, Steve rightly admonishes us to, “ Never forget what lies behind it. There is only one side in American politics that stands for human rights and American liberty.” An essential and worthy warning. But the bigger more existential problem is, of course, never learning “it” in the first place. Thanks Steve for an especially good newsletter this morning.
I think this is one of the best pieces you have written. Somehow, I had never read the Stephens speech and to place that horror alongside the Gettysburg address was perfect.
A copy of this essay is going into my dharma box, to be burned with my body at my cremation. I fancy the thought of us...Steve's words and what remains of me becoming little sparks of energy as together we join the vast ocean of the universe as it expands endlessly towards....what? Some new configuration, a re-creation perhaps of a better world?
Thank you for The Warning. I have found ut to be more valuable than I initially thought. Each column provides more than credible arguments and the sources to back them up. I have deliberately made the choice to comment on at least 1 column each week. This 50+ yo welcomes the opportunity to try to understand your points. Clear communication is not easy, nor am I particularly great at it, but making myself write a thought out statement or two, improves me. Thank you.
You summarize it perfectly, when they need a banner they use the stars and bars. When they need a weapon they use the American flag. They have no respect for the Constitution or the rule of law.
With all due respect to my ancestors, likely more Confederate than Union, you lost, and deservedly so. For all those proclaiming that we need a new revolution, what you seek is not freedom, but white supremacy. America is far better than that. If you refuse to study history, at least remember how to pledge of allegiance ends: with liberty and justice for ALL.
Placing Stevens claims of slavery as justified by scientific and religious tenants against Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address drives the difference home. We are still fighting the Civil War but using different tools. We are seeing it in the classroom and in the courtrooms on redistricting.
When we emerge from this period which cornerstone will be laid for our next chapter: freedom or tyranny. Grant is right , no middle ground
Good analysis Steve, thank you
Thank you Steve, for these historical lessons and speeches and tying them together. It is all so important.
A three credit course in history, 90% of Americans are ignorant of. Was it Lincoln who said democracy stands only when the electorate is informed
There lies the fault lines: ignorance is celebrated: go through your 40 or 50 choices of tv at 7pm to 10pm and you tell me there isn’t a vast majority of Americans happy and content in their ignorance and open to disinformation from multiple sources: Murdoch, Zuckerberg, Musk, right wing pimps and snake oil selling preachers.
Just watch the house in action this week and convince me I don’t need my passport ready.
The demise of local newspapers and the desire for them contributes to the lack of knowledge. PBS NewsHour did a superb segment in the last weeks; WaPo’s Dana Milbank too wrote of the harm. The states passing laws to curb education terrify me. Overall, I despair and tho my passport too is ready, where would I go?
I’m reading a lot about Portugal. I’m seriously considering that.
Yes. It’s said to be beautuful.
Or beautiful if my fingers were awake!
Steve, once again, you never cease to amaze! We’re not only get a great newsletter each day, we get a first class history lesson. Well done, and my money well spent.
“The fight for justice will go on for as long as there is an America. Utopia is neither a place, nor a destination. It doesn’t, and will never exist.”
---Steve Schmidt
Agreed! Utopia doesn’t exist, it is an aspiration, no different from Communism or a modern day Conservatism; they only exist in theory!
That said, Trump is just the malignant tumor, the cancer is the party itself. Trump didn’t have to extort or even coax the politicians who tried to send fake electors to congress, or to storm the Capitol. They were happy to oblige. Remember, 21 members of Congress including senators were indicted by the grand jury in GA, even though Willis didn’t pursue charges.
Not to mention, when Trump sued to the Supreme Court to nullify 20 million votes in four key swing states, Texas immediately filed an amicus brief on Trump’s behalf. Ted Cruz even agreed to argue the case.
Ironically, the state of Texas is not a bunch of gadfly lawyers. It was brought in the name of the state, signed by the state’s attorney general with the support of the governor. Sen. Ted Cruz even volunteered to argue the case if a hearing was set.
Not to be outdone, two days later, 17 other states — represented by their state’s lawyers — filed a legal brief in support of Texas. Furthermore, days later, 106 members of Congress also filed a brief on Trump’s behalf.
My point: this was not a bunch of pathetic lawyers filing these briefs; these were state AG’s with the support of governors and members of Congress trying to eradicate democracy as we know it.
So my only question to you Steve, is how did you ever decide to be a republican? I realize democrats have their issues, but they at least play by the rules and support democracy.
Secondly, please explain to me what a modern day conservative means. Are you a Goldwater conservative; a racist man who voted against the Civil Rights Act and was against desegregation? Or a William F Buckley conservative? A man who used lots of big words, incomprehensible to most of us plebs.
Conservatism has always meant small government, lower taxes, family values, fiscal hawks, supporters of economic growth, free enterprise, freedom and a strong military.
I’m 58, and the republicans since Nixon have never represented any of these ideas. They are only fiscal hawks when democrats are in power. And as far as freedom goes, you’re only free if you abide by the American Taliban and their Christian version of Sharia Law.
Additionally, the economy has expanded the best under democratic administrations. Clinton was the only President to balance the budget and leave office with a surplus ($300 billion). Every Republican administration including Nixon has left the country far worse off than when they took office. Adding almost twice the amount of debt than all Democratic administrations.
As for the military, republicans are only strong on defense spending. They don’t support the troops; and whenever funding needs to be reallocated for existing healthcare and veterans issues, they have to be shamed into passing legislation.
Small government, you say? Nixon added the EPA (I agree with this) and DEA. W. Bush created the Homeland Security boondoggle, which spends $60 billion a year, and no one knows whose running the show, lest of all the director. It’s layers of bureaucracy and requires many different departments to sign off on any significant changes.
And don’t get me started with Christian family values; these people have none! They wouldn’t know Jesus if he were staring them in the face;‘they’d probably have him crucified again, as a radical liberal Jew.
So please tell us Steve, why did you ever join this party. It’s always been a racist group of religious wing-nuts, led by leaders who never met a war they didn’t like!...:)
I cannot answer for Steve. But my ex was a similar moderate Repub when we met. I’m die hard Dem. At that time it didn’t seem a big deal. As time came closer to 2010 and the Rs became more extreme I asked how could he vote for this group. His words: they get done what I want done. I ignore the other stuff. BTW. He is multi millionaire in Texas, old and white. He denies he believes the same racist stuff. Willful ignorance seems his strategy. Sad.
Steve has his own reasons for staying. To me what is important is that all are waking up to a very big threat. That men and women in Steve’s situation are being open about their turn around is so important and it’s also great he is able to put all that and more into words. Not sad.
Agreed, but let’s face it Nixon started the movement with the Southern Strategy, and Reagan legitimized the far religious right in America. Nothing occurs in a vacuum, these people were hiding in plain sight; waiting for their knight in shining armor. And they finally got it with Trump!...:)
Thanks for the Alexander Stephens speech. Of all the lies politicians tell to the people, and that people tell themselves, the lie that the Civil War was not fought over slavery, but states rights or whatever, has always been the most pernicious and vile and truly absurd. It has led as much as anything to where we are today. I truly believe that. “Those slaves learned lots of great skills, right? It was not all that bad, maybe good even.” It would be laughable except millions are eating that garbage up.
Our country is in deep trouble again----and as always race is at the heart of it. I truly fear for the future, if decency and sanity and kindness do not return to a MUCH larger percentage of our people. Further, I agree that Trump and his ilk may be the tumor, but the millions who love and worship him are the real cancer eating at the soul of America.
When I think my fellow “Christians” are leading the way with the cruelty and dishonesty leading to the destruction of us, I feel physically ill. I really do. God help us. We need it.
You would enjoy reading, “American psychosis,” by David Corn. He traces the history of the republican party, including the Reagan religious right, and the party’s affiliation with the KKK and John Birchers.
Heather Cox Richardson's How The South Won The Civil War.
Thank you, I’ll down load it today...:)
I listened to it on audible. It has quite a lot of detail and research so I think it was easier listening to it than it would have been to have read it. Enjoy, although it is a sad journey through time. I just posted on Twitter it seems like it’s 1861. You’re either a Republican/white supremacist or a Democrat/all men are created equal. Is this 2023? But then I realized the parties were reversed in 1861! 😂
Actually that’s a good idea. I’ll down load the audio version. Easy to listen to while I’m working out...:)
Oh I totally agree. But now, it’s out in the open and needs to be dealt with. And it is. Painful.
Steve left the Republican party, fiddled with being an Independent, and is now a proud Democrat. He has previously detailed his evolution.
I have always "discussed" with my former colleagues that even I, as a liberal, support many conservative principles; "Conservatism has always meant small government, lower taxes, family values, fiscal hawks, supporters of economic growth, free enterprise, freedom and a strong military." and that these ideas are not zero sum gains with liberal principles. It can all happen simultaneously, especially with a fair tax structure that comes with the idea that it's worth it to float all boats for the privilege of living in this "land of opportunity." St. Peter or whoever they think they are getting interviewed by in the "afterlife" is not interested in the paid off mortgage for the house on Nantucket or your investment portfolio. Good post Robert. In the end we have the luxury of hindsight. That said, the warning signs were there all along. Justifying anything for the "cause."
I always hear conservatives talk about small government as one of the cornerstones of their party. The days of small government are gone! State governments can no longer be trusted to do what is best for the people. They have gerrymandered and otherwise been bought and are in control in way too many states. The challenges in America are big now: we need national healthcare; national gun laws; national voting rights; national women’s right; national non-discrimination laws. None of these would be possible in the “small governments” of the states. Living in a red state is hell in many respects. Why do Republicans always talk about small government. Their small governments suck!
Yes, republicans think the needs of 330+ million people can be accommodated by a government the same size as it was in 1776 when the
Population was 2.5 million. Government has always grown dramatically more under republican administrations as opposed to democrat led administrations. It’s all part of the yarn they’ve woven together. Their made up story.
Well said and thank you. And I agree with conservative principles as well. Just find me anyone in the Republican Party who actually practices what they preach...:)
BRAV-O!!
Thank you, you’re too kind…:)
In the final paragraph, Steve rightly admonishes us to, “ Never forget what lies behind it. There is only one side in American politics that stands for human rights and American liberty.” An essential and worthy warning. But the bigger more existential problem is, of course, never learning “it” in the first place. Thanks Steve for an especially good newsletter this morning.
“Steve rightly admonishes us to, “ Never forget what lies behind it.”
Let’s not remember, because my thoughts tell me it’s a dystopian nightmare...:)
Wow. I needed this.
Freedom and Equality, these are the foundations of Democracy. Thanks Steve - excellent post.
Steve,
I think this is one of the best pieces you have written. Somehow, I had never read the Stephens speech and to place that horror alongside the Gettysburg address was perfect.
Thank you!
Exceptional writing today, Steve. Thanks for including the two speeches. They both move me to tears, for very different reasons.
This piece of writing will be one for history. Wow. Please everyone SHARE!
A copy of this essay is going into my dharma box, to be burned with my body at my cremation. I fancy the thought of us...Steve's words and what remains of me becoming little sparks of energy as together we join the vast ocean of the universe as it expands endlessly towards....what? Some new configuration, a re-creation perhaps of a better world?
Thank you for The Warning. I have found ut to be more valuable than I initially thought. Each column provides more than credible arguments and the sources to back them up. I have deliberately made the choice to comment on at least 1 column each week. This 50+ yo welcomes the opportunity to try to understand your points. Clear communication is not easy, nor am I particularly great at it, but making myself write a thought out statement or two, improves me. Thank you.
You summarize it perfectly, when they need a banner they use the stars and bars. When they need a weapon they use the American flag. They have no respect for the Constitution or the rule of law.
With all due respect to my ancestors, likely more Confederate than Union, you lost, and deservedly so. For all those proclaiming that we need a new revolution, what you seek is not freedom, but white supremacy. America is far better than that. If you refuse to study history, at least remember how to pledge of allegiance ends: with liberty and justice for ALL.
This was breathtakingly beautifully written, sad, and true
Stephens' speech with its "great physical, philosophical, and moral truth" was and is an abomination. It made me queasy just reading it.
This piece is incredible. Thanks, Steve.