Once per week leading up to the mid-terms, I will focus on one individual member of the fascist menagerie of weirdos, criminals, wife abusers, liars, insurrectionists and conspiracy loons who have put themselves forward for high office and the life and death responsibilities that come with it.
I've read quite a few books about the Civil War, my favorite is LANDSCAPE TURNED RED about the battle of Antietam. Was so impressed, actually got up and went to see it. Thanks Steve for giving us what is possibly the core of the battle of Gettysburg. If you live in Penn. before you go out to vote, please read Mastriano's Wikipedia page. It will blow your mind and of course convince you that this guy should be nowhere near the top of government of any state.
From a fellow history nerd; thank you for telling that Civil War story. Wonder what stories writer's will share of our moments in history? Or if we'll be important enough to bother with? I think it was Napoleon that said, "history is a pack of lies recorded by the victorious." Let's hope the good guys win -again- and Trump, along with his minions and supplicants, are remembered for the vile, treasonous, unamerican menace they were.
If the Democrats do not win, everyone loses. Between the devastation of climate change and the threat of nuclear war, civil war, what victorious persons would be left to write or listen to stories?
Steve, you do not recite history but rather explain the why and the desperation of our mutual past. The men who stood fast and held the line against Southern aggression in the heat of early July 1863 represent the best of our country, not the worst like Mastrianno. He disgraced the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg by wearing the uniform of slave holders. He does not wear the uniform in reenactment status but rather as a prop for selfish recognition. Mastrianno was at the Capital on January 6th by his own admission. He is still a threat to our Democracy and must be defeated. Mastrianno and the rest of Trump's lecherous legion have to be stamped out once and for all. Keep shining a light on these malignant individuals because sunlight is the best cleanser of the growth of diseases.
Thank you, Steve. I have donated to Shapiro and will do so again. We can use donations to Beto down here in Texas Gilead run by monsters who don’t care about women or our children, grand children, education and civil rights. Where we can’t depend on electricity and fear for our lives because everyone has a gun. Beto must win or everyone can write Texas off. An Abbott win will only empower the right wing, wicked, ghoulish party who have been running this State for almost 30 years.
I also live in TX and have been helping support Beto since he first ran against Cruz. I send money when I can, write letters weekly and will be block walking in September. I agree, Beto must win! Abbott is absolutely unqualified to hold any government position. I am fortunate enough not to be an Ercot customer but Abbott made us help pay for Ercots mistakes anyway.
Thank you Steve for another multifaceted panoramic view of the situation we are now in. From exposing the unfit candidates for what they are to emphasizing and appreciating the significance of events like the confederate flag in the capital, I deeply appreciate the time, effort and enlightenment you help bring.
Thank you for this historical flashback. As always, you are my north daily. I can not express to you how even a word such as "abhorrence" does not come close to define the emotional malaise that the name doug mastriano provokes in me, a someone who shames my pets, a someone requesting from American citizens an admission to the political arena that can grant him one of the highest positions in government, the governorship of a state. This Gab supporter who, when faced with sudden and righteous criticism cut his connection to the extreme violent and racist site, is one of the most despicable misogynists, racists and religious fanatics in the public eye, along with the other destroyers of democracy you so eloquently gather under the "fascist menagerie of" for those who want to listen, want to define with clarity the peril confronting Americans if any one of these abominable human beings ever reaches the powers of representation, in their states and the nation as a whole. The process by which Reuters obtained the information you cited is illuminative. May history made clear by you inform us that the knowledge of past evils is the light that guides us forward. It takes one man to make it known to a community of seekers of the truth. We must, in turn, call out those who have intentionally abandoned the standards that permit such abhorrent men and women an entrance into the niches of political power. Dark money and Mitch McConnell are the perfect married couple that will fund the pillagers of ingenuity. Vote for Josh Shapiro.
Spot on, Steve. Some people excuse Mastriano's despicable behavior because it's "part of our history". Those would be the very same people that get hair-on-fire angry when American history is taught with any mention of four million people in chattel slavery at the beginning of the Civil War, or the black codes, or Plessy v. Ferguson, sharecropping, the "separate but equal" nonsense, and of course, the most criminal and heinous, lynchings. At the Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865, US Grant, with Lincoln's authority, was as benevolent a conqueror as he could be when he told Robert E. Lee and the confederate rebels, to surrender their arms, return home, and “agree not to take up arms against the Government of the United States.” That was it. Grant even allowed confederates who owned their own horses to keep them so that they could tend their farms and plant spring crops. Grant’s orders to his own Union forces, after the bloodiest war in America’s history, were straightforward: “The war is over; the rebels are our countrymen again; and the best sign of rejoicing after the victory will be to abstain from all demonstrations in the field.”
Of course, over the next 100-plus years the defeated rebel state governments did anything but respond with gratification and good will to Grant's gracious words and the goal of placing black citizens on equal footing with their fellow white citizens.
Mastroianni's behavior was and is despicable, divisive and hurtful, and the many people who give his actions a pass are equally so.
For those readers who might be inclined to consider Steve's description 'over the top', imagine this: A gathering of retired military at the site of The Battle of the Bulge, and one of them is wearing a Nazi uniform.
Well done, Steve as usual. As an American history nut, I especially appreciate the patriotic greatness at Gettysburg serving as the noble contrast to the decadent and selfish corruption and treason of the Trump-supporting GOP.
When I think of Gettysburg, I think of a kid who was one of three of the 17th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry to complete a 20-mile run in the stifling humidity and heat of July 2, 1863, to arrive at the foot of Little Round Top - what a misnaming! - think of Cheops' Pyramid covered with temperate zone jungle! - that he then climbed to be the last reinforcement to Col. Joshua Chamberlain's 18th Maine. On July 3, he celebrated his 16th birthday fighting Hood's Texans, holding the position, and saving the Republic. He was a Quaker abolitionist from Catawissa, who had left the church and joined the Army with his father's permission, to fight for Abolition. His name was Henry Clay Thomas, and he survived the war to become my great grandfather on my father's mother's side. (He died at age 93 of a Civil War wound, a Minie Ball under his knee that locked the knee so that he fell down the ladder he was climbing into his root cellar to check the three forgotten jugs of "corn squeezin's" my father and grandfather had found while they helped him clean out the cellar, and broke his neck - a story I always find ironic.)
All those years ago when we took our three little boys to Gettysburg, it was never as clear to me as you have made it here. Thank you for your wealth of history and helping us once again to get in touch with what most of us have religated to our long past history classes. It's more important now than ever. Enjoying your essays on all of the flawed outlaw candidates. Pray God they all fail in their attempts to realize their goals.
Steve SCHMIDT’S excellent and efficient posts bring the essential wisdom, punch and much needed fire to the national dialogue. Heather Cox Richardson’s bring much needed and useful knowledge to many. Paired, they are pretty good for what the nation needs. Sadly, we are dealing with fascism on a national scale, and many of the white supremacists that glibly “follow the dear leader” do not grasp this - though they support Trump, Pence, DeSantis, Abbott, Cruz, JD Vance, Arizona, Mississippi, Alabama leaders and scores and scores of lesser lights. Ignorance and fear lead to trouble - and to racism, and color-based prejudice. Our nation did not clean it up after the Civil War... and separate but equal did little. Only tolerance taught in the home, schools and churches will dent this stuff...
I've read quite a few books about the Civil War, my favorite is LANDSCAPE TURNED RED about the battle of Antietam. Was so impressed, actually got up and went to see it. Thanks Steve for giving us what is possibly the core of the battle of Gettysburg. If you live in Penn. before you go out to vote, please read Mastriano's Wikipedia page. It will blow your mind and of course convince you that this guy should be nowhere near the top of government of any state.
From a fellow history nerd; thank you for telling that Civil War story. Wonder what stories writer's will share of our moments in history? Or if we'll be important enough to bother with? I think it was Napoleon that said, "history is a pack of lies recorded by the victorious." Let's hope the good guys win -again- and Trump, along with his minions and supplicants, are remembered for the vile, treasonous, unamerican menace they were.
If the Democrats do not win, everyone loses. Between the devastation of climate change and the threat of nuclear war, civil war, what victorious persons would be left to write or listen to stories?
Steve, you do not recite history but rather explain the why and the desperation of our mutual past. The men who stood fast and held the line against Southern aggression in the heat of early July 1863 represent the best of our country, not the worst like Mastrianno. He disgraced the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg by wearing the uniform of slave holders. He does not wear the uniform in reenactment status but rather as a prop for selfish recognition. Mastrianno was at the Capital on January 6th by his own admission. He is still a threat to our Democracy and must be defeated. Mastrianno and the rest of Trump's lecherous legion have to be stamped out once and for all. Keep shining a light on these malignant individuals because sunlight is the best cleanser of the growth of diseases.
Thank you, Steve. I have donated to Shapiro and will do so again. We can use donations to Beto down here in Texas Gilead run by monsters who don’t care about women or our children, grand children, education and civil rights. Where we can’t depend on electricity and fear for our lives because everyone has a gun. Beto must win or everyone can write Texas off. An Abbott win will only empower the right wing, wicked, ghoulish party who have been running this State for almost 30 years.
I gave Beto a donation when Steve spoke of him about a week ago. I'm sure others did too.
I also live in TX and have been helping support Beto since he first ran against Cruz. I send money when I can, write letters weekly and will be block walking in September. I agree, Beto must win! Abbott is absolutely unqualified to hold any government position. I am fortunate enough not to be an Ercot customer but Abbott made us help pay for Ercots mistakes anyway.
Thank you Steve for another multifaceted panoramic view of the situation we are now in. From exposing the unfit candidates for what they are to emphasizing and appreciating the significance of events like the confederate flag in the capital, I deeply appreciate the time, effort and enlightenment you help bring.
If Pennsylvanians willingly vote Mastriano into office, they deserve him as a Governor. I am hopeful that they won’t.
And thank you for that story about the bravery Mr. Hancock and his men, about which I previously and sadly knew nothing.
Thank you for this historical flashback. As always, you are my north daily. I can not express to you how even a word such as "abhorrence" does not come close to define the emotional malaise that the name doug mastriano provokes in me, a someone who shames my pets, a someone requesting from American citizens an admission to the political arena that can grant him one of the highest positions in government, the governorship of a state. This Gab supporter who, when faced with sudden and righteous criticism cut his connection to the extreme violent and racist site, is one of the most despicable misogynists, racists and religious fanatics in the public eye, along with the other destroyers of democracy you so eloquently gather under the "fascist menagerie of" for those who want to listen, want to define with clarity the peril confronting Americans if any one of these abominable human beings ever reaches the powers of representation, in their states and the nation as a whole. The process by which Reuters obtained the information you cited is illuminative. May history made clear by you inform us that the knowledge of past evils is the light that guides us forward. It takes one man to make it known to a community of seekers of the truth. We must, in turn, call out those who have intentionally abandoned the standards that permit such abhorrent men and women an entrance into the niches of political power. Dark money and Mitch McConnell are the perfect married couple that will fund the pillagers of ingenuity. Vote for Josh Shapiro.
I served with Josh Shapiro in the PA House of Representatives.
His mastery of policy and legislative minieutae is so far beyond Mastriano it's almost sinful to see their names on the same ballot.
More importantly Josh is a good man, a good husband, father and citizen.
He loves America and all it stands for.
Thank you Steve.
Spot on, Steve. Some people excuse Mastriano's despicable behavior because it's "part of our history". Those would be the very same people that get hair-on-fire angry when American history is taught with any mention of four million people in chattel slavery at the beginning of the Civil War, or the black codes, or Plessy v. Ferguson, sharecropping, the "separate but equal" nonsense, and of course, the most criminal and heinous, lynchings. At the Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865, US Grant, with Lincoln's authority, was as benevolent a conqueror as he could be when he told Robert E. Lee and the confederate rebels, to surrender their arms, return home, and “agree not to take up arms against the Government of the United States.” That was it. Grant even allowed confederates who owned their own horses to keep them so that they could tend their farms and plant spring crops. Grant’s orders to his own Union forces, after the bloodiest war in America’s history, were straightforward: “The war is over; the rebels are our countrymen again; and the best sign of rejoicing after the victory will be to abstain from all demonstrations in the field.”
Of course, over the next 100-plus years the defeated rebel state governments did anything but respond with gratification and good will to Grant's gracious words and the goal of placing black citizens on equal footing with their fellow white citizens.
Mastroianni's behavior was and is despicable, divisive and hurtful, and the many people who give his actions a pass are equally so.
A powerful well-written post here, Rick. I learned a lot. Thank you. Education matters!
Thank you, Lisa. My first post here. Appreciate the confidence boost!
For those readers who might be inclined to consider Steve's description 'over the top', imagine this: A gathering of retired military at the site of The Battle of the Bulge, and one of them is wearing a Nazi uniform.
Well done, Steve as usual. As an American history nut, I especially appreciate the patriotic greatness at Gettysburg serving as the noble contrast to the decadent and selfish corruption and treason of the Trump-supporting GOP.
Donated to Josh Shapiro.. my son majored in History in college..concentrating Civil War
I’m learning things each day fro you
When I think of Gettysburg, I think of a kid who was one of three of the 17th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry to complete a 20-mile run in the stifling humidity and heat of July 2, 1863, to arrive at the foot of Little Round Top - what a misnaming! - think of Cheops' Pyramid covered with temperate zone jungle! - that he then climbed to be the last reinforcement to Col. Joshua Chamberlain's 18th Maine. On July 3, he celebrated his 16th birthday fighting Hood's Texans, holding the position, and saving the Republic. He was a Quaker abolitionist from Catawissa, who had left the church and joined the Army with his father's permission, to fight for Abolition. His name was Henry Clay Thomas, and he survived the war to become my great grandfather on my father's mother's side. (He died at age 93 of a Civil War wound, a Minie Ball under his knee that locked the knee so that he fell down the ladder he was climbing into his root cellar to check the three forgotten jugs of "corn squeezin's" my father and grandfather had found while they helped him clean out the cellar, and broke his neck - a story I always find ironic.)
Wow.
All those years ago when we took our three little boys to Gettysburg, it was never as clear to me as you have made it here. Thank you for your wealth of history and helping us once again to get in touch with what most of us have religated to our long past history classes. It's more important now than ever. Enjoying your essays on all of the flawed outlaw candidates. Pray God they all fail in their attempts to realize their goals.
Traitor. Plain and simple.
Steve SCHMIDT’S excellent and efficient posts bring the essential wisdom, punch and much needed fire to the national dialogue. Heather Cox Richardson’s bring much needed and useful knowledge to many. Paired, they are pretty good for what the nation needs. Sadly, we are dealing with fascism on a national scale, and many of the white supremacists that glibly “follow the dear leader” do not grasp this - though they support Trump, Pence, DeSantis, Abbott, Cruz, JD Vance, Arizona, Mississippi, Alabama leaders and scores and scores of lesser lights. Ignorance and fear lead to trouble - and to racism, and color-based prejudice. Our nation did not clean it up after the Civil War... and separate but equal did little. Only tolerance taught in the home, schools and churches will dent this stuff...
Thanks, Steve. Sandy