There are two exceptional essays that have appeared on Substack over the past few days that I implore you to read. The first is by Steven Beschloss called “The Numbing Effect.” The second is written by Professor Timothy Snyder called “The Strongman Fantasy,”
The good news is, I belong to 3 veteran groups, VFW, American Legion, VoteVets, 400+ members and we all agree trump is a traitor and threat to America. He should go to prison for his crimes and never hold Any office. VOTE him out!
I am grateful to read your post, Larry. My neighbor, in his 40s, is a veteran, disabled in the Afghanistan war. He is a 45 supporter. I cannot fathom why. He is a nice guy, a really nice guy, but I really don't know how to interact with him. He's not the only one. I live among the cult in every direction.
So relieved to hear your "good news". It seemed that there were so many veterans in the Jan, 6th insurrection, that it made me wonder what these young men and women are being told during their training.
It was truly upsetting to see veterans turned traitors to America. My guess is that their life expieriences, family and friends such as the MAGA traitors who have corrupted many good people.
I have seen some yard signs around my community stating "Never forget", with the flag and the Jan. 6th date on it. It is from Veterans Vote (or something like that)-I think that I might order one for my yard. My dad was a WWII veteran, and a Republican. I am so glad that he is not seeing what is happening to our America!
Larry, thank you, for your service. "Home of the free, because of the brave"!
Keep speaking out Steve. We are listening. We are horrified. I think people are finally starting to wake up if Morning Joe is any indication the last two mornings. Lawrence O'Donnell said last night not to give him your fear which is what he wants so I'm trying not to but it's difficult.
It was very nice to hear him humiliated yesterday with the decision about his Bond but I also realize it makes him even more desperate and dangerous. So I will l keep pushing on. Thanks so much again for all you do every single day. As Joyce Vance says, We are in this together. I couldn't make it otherwise. ❤️🇺🇸💙
I agree Trump needs to be confronted and held accountable. Furthermore, the Republican party and his big money donors need to be held accountable for their behavior as well. If not for their support and monies there would only be a deranged Trump, not a leader of the Republican party. The people who actually believe Trump would be less likely to believe his lies if the Republicans policed their party instead of going along for the ride and expecting a different outcome.
He must be stopped. It will not be 75 million dead this time, it will be 8 billion. He will withdraw from NATO, align with Putin, his hero, and the level of chaos will be too much in Europe. We would be 1 second from midnight.
It is tragic that a whole segment of our population wishes to follow a man so profoundly flawed/mentally ill. This segment has detached themselves from reality, facts, common sense or any sense of right and wrong.
Every leader of every country can see it and are eager to exploit it.
It is an uncanny parallel that we are repeating 1930s Germany. It is a revival of an old play. We have Hitler played by Trump ( although Hitler could actually formulate a plan). We have Von Hindenburg played by Biden. We have Geobels played by Hannity, Carlson and Bannon. (Even though Stephen Miller is type cast for the role). We have potential Brownshirts played by the Proud Boys.
We have White Christian Nationalists playing the part of the participants of “Broken Glass Day”, when Jewish stores were ransacked and antisemitic slogans were painted on the building walls.
This reenactment is as scary as the original. But the scariest part is that we have all seen the play and we are choosing to revive it.
We have been blessed with our democracy for 258 years. We have come to assume it will always be here. But when you haven’t learned from history’s mistakes you are doomed to repeat them.
You left one thing out, Eric. The youth on our university campuses are on the verge of replicating the college youth in Nazi Germany when the German students staged bonfires of burning books written by Jews and liberals. Today the youth are spreading anti-Zionism. Just Google the date May 10, 1933 to see pictures and articles describing it. Antisemitism today and antisemitism then. Read Rachel Maddow's book PREQUEL. We had antisemites and Fascists in our country in the 1930s and early 1940s. Notables like Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh were among them and at least a dozen congressmen were helping spread Nazi propaganda. Today we are seeing congressmen helping Trump spread Putinism.
Thank you for the reminder. I did listen to Rachael’s podcast of her book. Henry Ford’s picture was in Hitlers home. The antisemitic laws of Hitler were copied from our Jim Crow laws.
The folly of our colleges falls on the failure of the family, houses of worship, and schools to teach civility, integrity, tolerance and the difference between right and wrong. College students have always been fodder for radical ideas. Remember the college protests of the 60 and 70s
One last thing. I watched MSNBC last night and a cogent point was made that should be echoed by Biden and his surrogates:
Trump lied about his wealth. He doesn’t have the money to pay his bond. He can’t get the money from any credible lending institution. Out of his hole crawls out the traitorous Paul Manafort. He is a money conduit for Russia. He will “run the Trump campaign?”
Putin has the money to bail out Trump. For him it’s a sound investment. Then he has full control of America if Trump is elected.
Putin can teach Trump how to get reelected without opposition. Trump won’t need Seal Team Six to get rid of his opposition, he just an open window.
MT I disagree, Trump is an intellectual midget, however he is surrounded by Christian nationalists from heritage to apac, their goal is to collapse America into itself. Europe let Putin have it, Asia let China have it leaving 3 omnipotent powers to drain the masses for their own benefit and greed.
Subtle at first, but then we will hear of arrests of Scarborough, George S, Charles blow and countless others, the licenses being pulled by ftc and other officious sounding agencies who are cracking down on subversives who are not Christian in fact, spirit or actions, that will be the only crime necessary for you to be sent to camps. Jews, Muslims, blacks, browns and yellows will at first be second class citizens and then just go away, out of sight and mind.
1984 by George Orwell will begin 1/20/25, and the worst part is with todays and tomorrow’s technology it cannot be overthrown, by any group large and small. This is the end of democracy replaced by religious fundamentalism in the west, Putin in the east and xi in Asia!
Don’t like this scenario GO OUT AND FIGHT EVERY DAY
One huge difference between America today and Germany in 1933 is the economy. Ours is pretty good. Theirs was very bad. We have 50+ million Americans who have been hoodwinked by the RWM echo-chamber. They think life here sux and it is Socialist/Globalist/Communist Bidens fault. They also refuse to listen to reason. Big problem.
I think that the Biden campaign gets the danger that Trump poses. Some days we hear more from them than others on this threat. The Biden administration is also busy governing, something that Trump and his henchmen never cared for, nor were ever good at doing. Governing is harder than just making up stuff and spewing it out to the angry mob.
Sane people know Trump is a hollow vessel that simple projects himself on others. He has no ability to understand even what he says. He listens to Fox News ( no it’s just opinion, they aren’t a news outlet) and repeats what he hears and then says he originated the idea. 100% tariff on foreign cars? He didn’t figure out when he did it as president, that the consumer pays the tariff not the producer.
Yet his audience, being as stupid as he is cheers!
The tragedy is that the sane people of this country are left to fight this battle alone.
Our DOJ has let us down. Our government is dysfunctional. Our Supreme Court is totally corrupt and there is no accountability for being bad.
The fable of Pandoras Box has been modernized. When Trump opened the box, all virtue flew away. The only thing remaining was not hope, its was, “The Vote.”
Yesterday, I saw an interview with Nancy Pelosi that made my brain explode. When asked by Dana Bash if Trump should get intelligence briefings is said YES!*&((*&^%$#$!! It's the NORM, and, she said he should be counseled firmly what not to do with them. THAT'S INSANE LOGIC! I will not give you a lesson on Trump's crimes against our country with security documents. These old, out of touch Democrats, living in another political era are going to destroy our country by their sheer ignorance and incompetence. Honestly I was enraged to hear this and I have long believed these feckless, stupid Democrats are totally complicit for where this country is today. These bastards could truly deliver this country to Trump and the fascist GOP.
Yeah, it may be the norm, but presidential nominees are not *normally* under indictment for violating the Espionage Act (18 U.S. Code § 793e) and further attempting to keep classified documents that he had taken with him from the White House and hiding and concealing them from a federal grand jury.
He should not have access. I have had concerns about Democrats for a long time. It becomes a two to tango thing and thus look where we are.
Take New Jersey, for instance. You have Robert Menendez with gold bars and thousands in cash in his home. And you have Cory Booker, who takes so much in from New Jersey Big Pharma and votes against lowering drug prices at every opportunity.
I remind myself to look at my New Jersey roots when criticizing the choices others make in other states.
What we are experiencing as a nation, people and individuals is horrifying. Those who follow you and others that understand are the choir . How can we possibly reach the people who willingly or ignorantly support Trump and the movement he has unleashed?
Thanks to Steve and to all of you who care. This is a critical moment in the history of our country. The saddest part is that so many Americans don’t seem to understand or to care about the loss of our democracy. The prices they think are so high are nothing in comparison to what they will be paying if our nation is lost.
I have family that lived through Hitler’s ascension to power in Germany. They all tell me the same thing- beware the fanatics. The fanatics thirst for power knows no limits and is unbridled in its hatred, racism, and savagery. Beware the fanatics (example- Stephen Miller, the Heritage Foundation) for they are ruthless, hate democracy, and intend to impose authoritarianism on us. Today these same family members in Germany are gob smacked that so many Americans are beguiled by and drawn to Trump. They are shocked at Americans who follow Trump because they remember all too well how bad it was in Germany after the fall of Hitler’s Third Reich. No food, worthless money, few jobs, little housing. As you drive through many small towns and villages in Germany today often you will find a memorial near the town platz. It lists all their town’s sons who were soldiers sacrificed for Hitler’s authoritarianism. The stark price of forfeiting one’s democracy to a dictator.
> "Today these same family members in Germany are gob smacked that so many Americans are beguiled by and drawn to Trump."
Please let them know that we Americans are, too. Yes, so many Americans! I am reminded of "the Mule" in Azimov's Foundation Trilogy. I asked ChatGPT to help me describe this character:
""The Mule" is a pivotal character in Isaac Asimov's Foundation Trilogy, appearing in the second book, "Foundation and Empire." He is also known as "The Mule" due to his **unique genetic mutation** that grants him the ability to manipulate the emotions and feelings of others, effectively controlling their minds.
"The Mule's main goal is to find and conquer the Foundation, as he sees it as the only remaining threat to his dominion.
"His psychic powers allow him to exert influence over entire populations, bending them to his will and effectively ruling over them. He uses this ability to instill fear, loyalty, or any other emotion that serves his purposes.
"Additionally, the Mule employs various strategies to consolidate his power and extend his influence across the galaxy. This includes using propaganda, misinformation, and psychological warfare to control the narrative and shape public opinion in his favor."
Steve thanks for reminding us all that Hitler was elected. He campaigned just like an American politician would, flying city to city for campaign rallies, giving speeches, kissing babies, and shaking hands on the rope lines. He even had a dog. What a nice guy. He didn’t even have to fire a single shot. He just waltzed or goose-stepped right into power after convincing Germans that “only he could fix things.” Sound familiar? And then once elected he dismantled the German Democratic Parliament. Our American Democracy is so fragile. I don’t think Trump has to declare himself a dictator and suspend American Democracy, like Hitler did with German Democracy. I don’t think Trump would have to change anything when it comes to our form of government. He’ll just appoint all of his cronies to positions of power, loyal not to the Constitution but to Trump, to do his bidding. And almost all the Trump admin executive orders and actions will at least give the appearance that they are legal and Constitutional. But if Congress or the Court gets in his way on a matter that he really cares about, you can be assured he will just ignore them. Who’s going to enforce a court order against Trump? His head of the U.S. Marshalls? Good luck with that. It was only a matter of time before American Democracy would have to confront a Trump. After we defeat Donald J. Trump in Nov. we can’t rest on our laurels, because another Trump or Trump-like threat to our Republic will eventually reappear. We have to get to work on strengthening American Democracy. Perhaps a bi-partisan Commission, comprised of Patriots like Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, and Jamie Raskin, to make recommendations on what we must do to strengthen our Republic for future generations of Americans. And then getting to work to make sure these recommendations are implemented. The WW2 generation protected us against Hitler and preserved our Republic and way of life. A bi-partisan commission and Marshall plan to strengthen American Democracy would be our contribution to future generations, and also rise to meet J.F.K’s challenge, “ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country!”
The good news is, I belong to 3 veteran groups, VFW, American Legion, VoteVets, 400+ members and we all agree trump is a traitor and threat to America. He should go to prison for his crimes and never hold Any office. VOTE him out!
That's encouraging.
I am grateful to read your post, Larry. My neighbor, in his 40s, is a veteran, disabled in the Afghanistan war. He is a 45 supporter. I cannot fathom why. He is a nice guy, a really nice guy, but I really don't know how to interact with him. He's not the only one. I live among the cult in every direction.
So relieved to hear your "good news". It seemed that there were so many veterans in the Jan, 6th insurrection, that it made me wonder what these young men and women are being told during their training.
It was truly upsetting to see veterans turned traitors to America. My guess is that their life expieriences, family and friends such as the MAGA traitors who have corrupted many good people.
I have seen some yard signs around my community stating "Never forget", with the flag and the Jan. 6th date on it. It is from Veterans Vote (or something like that)-I think that I might order one for my yard. My dad was a WWII veteran, and a Republican. I am so glad that he is not seeing what is happening to our America!
Larry, thank you, for your service. "Home of the free, because of the brave"!
VoteVets perhaps? https://votevets.org/ - They are a good group.
Thank you, John! You are correct!
Keep speaking out Steve. We are listening. We are horrified. I think people are finally starting to wake up if Morning Joe is any indication the last two mornings. Lawrence O'Donnell said last night not to give him your fear which is what he wants so I'm trying not to but it's difficult.
It was very nice to hear him humiliated yesterday with the decision about his Bond but I also realize it makes him even more desperate and dangerous. So I will l keep pushing on. Thanks so much again for all you do every single day. As Joyce Vance says, We are in this together. I couldn't make it otherwise. ❤️🇺🇸💙
Stole this from a comment on Heather Cox Richardson’s Letter from an American:
‘My name is Bond,
Cantaffordabond’ !!!!!!!
Love it!! 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for the laugh!!
I agree Trump needs to be confronted and held accountable. Furthermore, the Republican party and his big money donors need to be held accountable for their behavior as well. If not for their support and monies there would only be a deranged Trump, not a leader of the Republican party. The people who actually believe Trump would be less likely to believe his lies if the Republicans policed their party instead of going along for the ride and expecting a different outcome.
Amen!!!
How?
He must be stopped. It will not be 75 million dead this time, it will be 8 billion. He will withdraw from NATO, align with Putin, his hero, and the level of chaos will be too much in Europe. We would be 1 second from midnight.
One minute after. Both Trump and Putin will destroy earth if their plans for total domination fail.
Both have tools of destruction!
It is tragic that a whole segment of our population wishes to follow a man so profoundly flawed/mentally ill. This segment has detached themselves from reality, facts, common sense or any sense of right and wrong.
Every leader of every country can see it and are eager to exploit it.
It is an uncanny parallel that we are repeating 1930s Germany. It is a revival of an old play. We have Hitler played by Trump ( although Hitler could actually formulate a plan). We have Von Hindenburg played by Biden. We have Geobels played by Hannity, Carlson and Bannon. (Even though Stephen Miller is type cast for the role). We have potential Brownshirts played by the Proud Boys.
We have White Christian Nationalists playing the part of the participants of “Broken Glass Day”, when Jewish stores were ransacked and antisemitic slogans were painted on the building walls.
This reenactment is as scary as the original. But the scariest part is that we have all seen the play and we are choosing to revive it.
We have been blessed with our democracy for 258 years. We have come to assume it will always be here. But when you haven’t learned from history’s mistakes you are doomed to repeat them.
You left one thing out, Eric. The youth on our university campuses are on the verge of replicating the college youth in Nazi Germany when the German students staged bonfires of burning books written by Jews and liberals. Today the youth are spreading anti-Zionism. Just Google the date May 10, 1933 to see pictures and articles describing it. Antisemitism today and antisemitism then. Read Rachel Maddow's book PREQUEL. We had antisemites and Fascists in our country in the 1930s and early 1940s. Notables like Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh were among them and at least a dozen congressmen were helping spread Nazi propaganda. Today we are seeing congressmen helping Trump spread Putinism.
Thank you for the reminder. I did listen to Rachael’s podcast of her book. Henry Ford’s picture was in Hitlers home. The antisemitic laws of Hitler were copied from our Jim Crow laws.
The folly of our colleges falls on the failure of the family, houses of worship, and schools to teach civility, integrity, tolerance and the difference between right and wrong. College students have always been fodder for radical ideas. Remember the college protests of the 60 and 70s
One last thing. I watched MSNBC last night and a cogent point was made that should be echoed by Biden and his surrogates:
Trump lied about his wealth. He doesn’t have the money to pay his bond. He can’t get the money from any credible lending institution. Out of his hole crawls out the traitorous Paul Manafort. He is a money conduit for Russia. He will “run the Trump campaign?”
Putin has the money to bail out Trump. For him it’s a sound investment. Then he has full control of America if Trump is elected.
Putin can teach Trump how to get reelected without opposition. Trump won’t need Seal Team Six to get rid of his opposition, he just an open window.
MT I disagree, Trump is an intellectual midget, however he is surrounded by Christian nationalists from heritage to apac, their goal is to collapse America into itself. Europe let Putin have it, Asia let China have it leaving 3 omnipotent powers to drain the masses for their own benefit and greed.
Subtle at first, but then we will hear of arrests of Scarborough, George S, Charles blow and countless others, the licenses being pulled by ftc and other officious sounding agencies who are cracking down on subversives who are not Christian in fact, spirit or actions, that will be the only crime necessary for you to be sent to camps. Jews, Muslims, blacks, browns and yellows will at first be second class citizens and then just go away, out of sight and mind.
1984 by George Orwell will begin 1/20/25, and the worst part is with todays and tomorrow’s technology it cannot be overthrown, by any group large and small. This is the end of democracy replaced by religious fundamentalism in the west, Putin in the east and xi in Asia!
Don’t like this scenario GO OUT AND FIGHT EVERY DAY
One huge difference between America today and Germany in 1933 is the economy. Ours is pretty good. Theirs was very bad. We have 50+ million Americans who have been hoodwinked by the RWM echo-chamber. They think life here sux and it is Socialist/Globalist/Communist Bidens fault. They also refuse to listen to reason. Big problem.
I have read both the pieces you have referred to. Only wish more people would read them.
I think that the Biden campaign gets the danger that Trump poses. Some days we hear more from them than others on this threat. The Biden administration is also busy governing, something that Trump and his henchmen never cared for, nor were ever good at doing. Governing is harder than just making up stuff and spewing it out to the angry mob.
Sane people know Trump is a hollow vessel that simple projects himself on others. He has no ability to understand even what he says. He listens to Fox News ( no it’s just opinion, they aren’t a news outlet) and repeats what he hears and then says he originated the idea. 100% tariff on foreign cars? He didn’t figure out when he did it as president, that the consumer pays the tariff not the producer.
Yet his audience, being as stupid as he is cheers!
The tragedy is that the sane people of this country are left to fight this battle alone.
Our DOJ has let us down. Our government is dysfunctional. Our Supreme Court is totally corrupt and there is no accountability for being bad.
The fable of Pandoras Box has been modernized. When Trump opened the box, all virtue flew away. The only thing remaining was not hope, its was, “The Vote.”
Eric: "Our Supreme Court is totally corrupt ...."
Not to mention Judge Aileen Cannon! See my brief article regarding the necessity of her removal:
https://dccougar.substack.com/p/judge-cannon-must-be-removed
Yesterday, I saw an interview with Nancy Pelosi that made my brain explode. When asked by Dana Bash if Trump should get intelligence briefings is said YES!*&((*&^%$#$!! It's the NORM, and, she said he should be counseled firmly what not to do with them. THAT'S INSANE LOGIC! I will not give you a lesson on Trump's crimes against our country with security documents. These old, out of touch Democrats, living in another political era are going to destroy our country by their sheer ignorance and incompetence. Honestly I was enraged to hear this and I have long believed these feckless, stupid Democrats are totally complicit for where this country is today. These bastards could truly deliver this country to Trump and the fascist GOP.
Yeah, it may be the norm, but presidential nominees are not *normally* under indictment for violating the Espionage Act (18 U.S. Code § 793e) and further attempting to keep classified documents that he had taken with him from the White House and hiding and concealing them from a federal grand jury.
If I ran those ops, I'd give him "special" briefings with false info and see if Putin acts on it. Just sayin'.
He should not have access. I have had concerns about Democrats for a long time. It becomes a two to tango thing and thus look where we are.
Take New Jersey, for instance. You have Robert Menendez with gold bars and thousands in cash in his home. And you have Cory Booker, who takes so much in from New Jersey Big Pharma and votes against lowering drug prices at every opportunity.
I remind myself to look at my New Jersey roots when criticizing the choices others make in other states.
What we are experiencing as a nation, people and individuals is horrifying. Those who follow you and others that understand are the choir . How can we possibly reach the people who willingly or ignorantly support Trump and the movement he has unleashed?
Trump supporters may not be as reachable as our current crop of fence-sitters. That may be a good place to start.
Thanks to Steve and to all of you who care. This is a critical moment in the history of our country. The saddest part is that so many Americans don’t seem to understand or to care about the loss of our democracy. The prices they think are so high are nothing in comparison to what they will be paying if our nation is lost.
I have family that lived through Hitler’s ascension to power in Germany. They all tell me the same thing- beware the fanatics. The fanatics thirst for power knows no limits and is unbridled in its hatred, racism, and savagery. Beware the fanatics (example- Stephen Miller, the Heritage Foundation) for they are ruthless, hate democracy, and intend to impose authoritarianism on us. Today these same family members in Germany are gob smacked that so many Americans are beguiled by and drawn to Trump. They are shocked at Americans who follow Trump because they remember all too well how bad it was in Germany after the fall of Hitler’s Third Reich. No food, worthless money, few jobs, little housing. As you drive through many small towns and villages in Germany today often you will find a memorial near the town platz. It lists all their town’s sons who were soldiers sacrificed for Hitler’s authoritarianism. The stark price of forfeiting one’s democracy to a dictator.
www.tomthedemocratist.com
> "Today these same family members in Germany are gob smacked that so many Americans are beguiled by and drawn to Trump."
Please let them know that we Americans are, too. Yes, so many Americans! I am reminded of "the Mule" in Azimov's Foundation Trilogy. I asked ChatGPT to help me describe this character:
""The Mule" is a pivotal character in Isaac Asimov's Foundation Trilogy, appearing in the second book, "Foundation and Empire." He is also known as "The Mule" due to his **unique genetic mutation** that grants him the ability to manipulate the emotions and feelings of others, effectively controlling their minds.
"The Mule's main goal is to find and conquer the Foundation, as he sees it as the only remaining threat to his dominion.
"His psychic powers allow him to exert influence over entire populations, bending them to his will and effectively ruling over them. He uses this ability to instill fear, loyalty, or any other emotion that serves his purposes.
"Additionally, the Mule employs various strategies to consolidate his power and extend his influence across the galaxy. This includes using propaganda, misinformation, and psychological warfare to control the narrative and shape public opinion in his favor."
Foundation and Empire was published in 1952.
Steve thanks for reminding us all that Hitler was elected. He campaigned just like an American politician would, flying city to city for campaign rallies, giving speeches, kissing babies, and shaking hands on the rope lines. He even had a dog. What a nice guy. He didn’t even have to fire a single shot. He just waltzed or goose-stepped right into power after convincing Germans that “only he could fix things.” Sound familiar? And then once elected he dismantled the German Democratic Parliament. Our American Democracy is so fragile. I don’t think Trump has to declare himself a dictator and suspend American Democracy, like Hitler did with German Democracy. I don’t think Trump would have to change anything when it comes to our form of government. He’ll just appoint all of his cronies to positions of power, loyal not to the Constitution but to Trump, to do his bidding. And almost all the Trump admin executive orders and actions will at least give the appearance that they are legal and Constitutional. But if Congress or the Court gets in his way on a matter that he really cares about, you can be assured he will just ignore them. Who’s going to enforce a court order against Trump? His head of the U.S. Marshalls? Good luck with that. It was only a matter of time before American Democracy would have to confront a Trump. After we defeat Donald J. Trump in Nov. we can’t rest on our laurels, because another Trump or Trump-like threat to our Republic will eventually reappear. We have to get to work on strengthening American Democracy. Perhaps a bi-partisan Commission, comprised of Patriots like Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, and Jamie Raskin, to make recommendations on what we must do to strengthen our Republic for future generations of Americans. And then getting to work to make sure these recommendations are implemented. The WW2 generation protected us against Hitler and preserved our Republic and way of life. A bi-partisan commission and Marshall plan to strengthen American Democracy would be our contribution to future generations, and also rise to meet J.F.K’s challenge, “ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country!”