Two Nazis were arrested before they were able to launch their attack against Baltimore’s power grid. Their goal was to cause chaos, mayhem and death by plunging a troubled American city into darkness. How many more extremists are ready to commit acts of political violence against innocent Americans, critical infrastructure and vital institutions? How many are out there? Are they organized? Well-funded? Emboldened? Do they stand outside of society, or are they part of a political coalition that wants them because without them the party can’t win? Who are they? Why would any American choose to become a Nazi?
Elie Wiesel: “The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.” The state of our union is perilous. It is time for the American people to Stand Up!
I completely agree, Steve, that the state of the union is perilous, but would add "When has it not been?" In the wake of listening to Rachel Maddow's "Ultra" podcast about Nazi collaborators in congress before and during WWII, I'm reading Lynne Olson's "Those Angry Days," which goes into even greater detail about pre-war Nazi fellow-travelers like Senator Burton Wheeler and others who saw Hitler as a useful bulwark against the spread of Soviet communism, and celebrities like Charles Lindbergh who admired the "discipline" and "sense of purpose" that Nazi ideology seemed to offer. The need to fight against the "Nazi instinct" is something we have always had to do. In a way, we are actually lucky now that the need fight against this is so clearly out in the open.
Joe has spoken more than once on the loss of our democracy. I don’t think he’ll be shy. However, he also has to broadcast to Putin and Xi that their behavior is intolerable, and that Biden will continue to stand for freedom and true democracy.
It’s a tight needle to thread. But he’s done it successfully more than once.
I would urge the President to address the alarming intensification of violence in America. I would urge him to contextualize it. On the one hand, there is the Mike Flynn model. Yes, it is the model that links the activities of extremist paramilitary gun-wielding intrusions by individuals as seen in California in the past, where extremist right groups posing as part of the legitimate providers of relief and support for Americans affected by natural devastation as are the common fires so a part of the mental associations with that state. By infiltrating smaller communities in such a way, they opportunistically pamphleteer extreme right causes and gun use as a normal strategy of defense. Defense from what? From American diversity. The target of extreme right movements. Racial hate, the violent manifestation that has provoked the Baltimore failed attempt. Of what? Domestic terrorism. Why? A failed release of a dangerous prisoner. Why? The dire state of the jail system and incarceration. A failure to connect inflammatory online rhetoric among extremists that actually belong to extremist movements such as is neo-Nazism. Nazism. The victims? American Jews, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Muslims, Latinos. The context? The faces that ARE a part of the Congress, there, face to face, where fraudulence meets racism for all to see.
“Why would any American choose to become a Nazi? “ I have no idea. I saw an image on Twitter yesterday that showed a man saying we are the party of Lincoln, standing with a confederate flag in front of him. I remembered as a kid , 60’s, about a Nazi party march that was to happen in Skokie, IL. There was a big uproar about this and debate. I remember a man saying this is America and our freedoms will allow them to march and will prevent their gaining power. (Something like that) I remember thinking at the time that it made sense. Not so sure that is true anymore. Our freedoms are precious, but those that stand against those freedoms need to be dealt with. It is a balancing act, I know, but wondering where all this tolerance leads us. I suppose Florida is a good example as well as other red states that are stripping away freedoms, daily and getting away with it. Should POTUS let it rip? I would say yes. Yes, the uproar would be huge, but maybe that is what needs to happen. But, I also recognize that many will not believe him and will pull out their American flags, God and apple pie, guns and America is the greatest speeches. He won’t and we will limp along until something drastic happens. Thanks for speaking truth, Steve.
It would be great to limit terms in the house & senate to ten to 12 years. Plus limit Supreme court to 20 years.
The power grid comments, I’ve only heard about once before. I wish I could recall who spoke about them. The rise of extreme right wing is a threat, globally. It needs to be acknowledged a lot more by govts, leaders and media.
Globally we watch SOTU. It would be great for an unpredictable speech. I expect though, it won’t be filled with lies like TFG.
Speaking of TFG, why does he think it’s relevant he prepare a video to release before Sarah Fibber extravaganza?
Yeah, Joe should brag a bit tonight! Look at the economy!! Look at green energy!! I never thought I’d be a Joe Biden fan (I love Kamala and Elizabeth Warren) - and now I adore him! He’s not perfect, but he has accomplished more than my beloved Obama, and he’s overcome so much. We need to support him. I think he literally *loves* America. Like he’s willing to let this terrible, insanely hard job take his life - for the love of America.
It is difficult to have a discussion on the State of the Union with anyone who resides inside the bubble of the new Republican party. Nothing, not even sunlight penetrates their bubble. Their minds are closed, their ears don't hear and their mouths only speak in aspersions meant to damage anyone who challenges their belief system. If you challenge them with words, they attack with a Wolfpack mentality. It is difficult to reach someone who knows only deception from years of listening to Fox News and other right-wing organizations. They are lied to on a daily basis so there is no semblance of truth left for them to believe in except the lies they hear from inside the bubble. Yes our State of the Union is in peril but the solution is to keep on passing legislation that improves the lives of everyone in our nation. Our problems will have to be solved by one side of the political spectrum because the Republicans no longer believe in anything and only wants to participate in tearing down the government not help with the repairs. The voice of reason is being drowned out by the overly loud voice of disillusionment.
“My Kevin” has already warned the president not to talk about “Maga extremists,” which is pretty rich. Many Americans do understand the dangers we face, as does Joe. It’s the political media, shaper of narratives, cynical hysterics, and GOP stenographers and megaphones that seem to be clueless. If journos like Brennan were truly excellent they would refuse to have people like Cruz, Hawley, and Jordan on their shows. They can “challenge” them all they want but all they ultimately do is give these liars a platform.
In addition, look at the pushback Joe has gotten when he’s talked about our democracy being in danger. Remember how Carter was pilloried for his malaise comments and wearing a cardigan sweater? This pathetic WH press corps would make that moment look like gentle teasing. Consider the stupidity and hysteria over the balloon this past week. The admin did the smart thing and the moronic press lost its mind.
You have quite correctly called them out; but until something changes with political coverage, Joe will have to walk a fine line, saying something like we face perilous times but the American people are strong. We get it, and it’s up to those of us who are paying attention to spread the truth about what is happening--both the good and bad--since the mainstream political media won’t.
One group not mentioned: the corrupt and craven Supreme Court, which is stacked with an amoral supermajority who lied during their confirmation hearings about the significance of legal precedent. Stare decisis is dead, and all that is left in its place are the whims of four men and a woman who care only about advancing their twisted, far-right agenda.
And then we can all change the channel and avoid watching the new star of the R party, Sarah "I never met a lie I wasn't happy to share, you disgusting media people" Huckabee Sanders.
Which is why I'm here, reading your excellent analysis and eye opening revelations, that which can hardly be found elsewhere. Today, at work, I will tell as many new strangers I meet about THE WARNING, and invite them to check it out for themselves.
I will again encourage voting to get rid of those who are destroying our democracy. I consider it part of my job, something I can do to help effect change.
Dangerous, violent groups aiming to overthrow the US government abound on the internet. Jim Stewartson, an award winning creator of alternate reality games, tracks them as is an expert on one of their generals, retired Lt. General Michael Flynn. Domestic terrorism, which is inflated and led by our former president who is running again, is a major threat to our national security. So are insurrectionist members of Congress, some of whom will likely pipe up tonight. These anti American groups and movements , often mixed in with Christian nationalism, are aided enormously by our enemies, especially Russia and China. DEMS need to talk publicly and often ASAP about these threats. I hope Biden addresses them tonight.
How many are out there? Are they organized? Well-funded? Emboldened?*
Vacationing one weekend on the shores of Maryland in 2021 I found myself snapping pictures of out of state license plates of random bands of MAGA vehicles parked in the hotel parking lot. That and family gathering snapshots. It doesn’t seem like a normal activity for grandparents on retreat, yet here we are. Am I paranoid? Absolutely, can I ask for help? With whom?
SPLC has a delightful registry of extremists groups you too can familiarize yourself with their locations and names.
Today we get to gather together over popcorn and watch more of the abuse and hostage taking from MAGA extremists it on the news coming directly from the floor of the Capitol. Video at 11*
Feb 9, 2023·edited Feb 9, 2023Liked by Steve Schmidt
Yes! Stop with the incessant cheerleading and dog and pony shows. It's destructive and adds no value.
I have to add, this was the money line: "What will be said will soon be forgotten, and the State of the Union will quickly recede like a small wave from the beach." It's PERFECT!!
Elie Wiesel: “The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.” The state of our union is perilous. It is time for the American people to Stand Up!
I completely agree, Steve, that the state of the union is perilous, but would add "When has it not been?" In the wake of listening to Rachel Maddow's "Ultra" podcast about Nazi collaborators in congress before and during WWII, I'm reading Lynne Olson's "Those Angry Days," which goes into even greater detail about pre-war Nazi fellow-travelers like Senator Burton Wheeler and others who saw Hitler as a useful bulwark against the spread of Soviet communism, and celebrities like Charles Lindbergh who admired the "discipline" and "sense of purpose" that Nazi ideology seemed to offer. The need to fight against the "Nazi instinct" is something we have always had to do. In a way, we are actually lucky now that the need fight against this is so clearly out in the open.
Joe has spoken more than once on the loss of our democracy. I don’t think he’ll be shy. However, he also has to broadcast to Putin and Xi that their behavior is intolerable, and that Biden will continue to stand for freedom and true democracy.
It’s a tight needle to thread. But he’s done it successfully more than once.
I would urge the President to address the alarming intensification of violence in America. I would urge him to contextualize it. On the one hand, there is the Mike Flynn model. Yes, it is the model that links the activities of extremist paramilitary gun-wielding intrusions by individuals as seen in California in the past, where extremist right groups posing as part of the legitimate providers of relief and support for Americans affected by natural devastation as are the common fires so a part of the mental associations with that state. By infiltrating smaller communities in such a way, they opportunistically pamphleteer extreme right causes and gun use as a normal strategy of defense. Defense from what? From American diversity. The target of extreme right movements. Racial hate, the violent manifestation that has provoked the Baltimore failed attempt. Of what? Domestic terrorism. Why? A failed release of a dangerous prisoner. Why? The dire state of the jail system and incarceration. A failure to connect inflammatory online rhetoric among extremists that actually belong to extremist movements such as is neo-Nazism. Nazism. The victims? American Jews, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Muslims, Latinos. The context? The faces that ARE a part of the Congress, there, face to face, where fraudulence meets racism for all to see.
“Why would any American choose to become a Nazi? “ I have no idea. I saw an image on Twitter yesterday that showed a man saying we are the party of Lincoln, standing with a confederate flag in front of him. I remembered as a kid , 60’s, about a Nazi party march that was to happen in Skokie, IL. There was a big uproar about this and debate. I remember a man saying this is America and our freedoms will allow them to march and will prevent their gaining power. (Something like that) I remember thinking at the time that it made sense. Not so sure that is true anymore. Our freedoms are precious, but those that stand against those freedoms need to be dealt with. It is a balancing act, I know, but wondering where all this tolerance leads us. I suppose Florida is a good example as well as other red states that are stripping away freedoms, daily and getting away with it. Should POTUS let it rip? I would say yes. Yes, the uproar would be huge, but maybe that is what needs to happen. But, I also recognize that many will not believe him and will pull out their American flags, God and apple pie, guns and America is the greatest speeches. He won’t and we will limp along until something drastic happens. Thanks for speaking truth, Steve.
Did Ted want to limit terms in the house too?
It would be great to limit terms in the house & senate to ten to 12 years. Plus limit Supreme court to 20 years.
The power grid comments, I’ve only heard about once before. I wish I could recall who spoke about them. The rise of extreme right wing is a threat, globally. It needs to be acknowledged a lot more by govts, leaders and media.
Globally we watch SOTU. It would be great for an unpredictable speech. I expect though, it won’t be filled with lies like TFG.
Speaking of TFG, why does he think it’s relevant he prepare a video to release before Sarah Fibber extravaganza?
Just finished Rachel Maddow's Ultra podcast. I wish every American would listen to it.
Yeah, Joe should brag a bit tonight! Look at the economy!! Look at green energy!! I never thought I’d be a Joe Biden fan (I love Kamala and Elizabeth Warren) - and now I adore him! He’s not perfect, but he has accomplished more than my beloved Obama, and he’s overcome so much. We need to support him. I think he literally *loves* America. Like he’s willing to let this terrible, insanely hard job take his life - for the love of America.
It is difficult to have a discussion on the State of the Union with anyone who resides inside the bubble of the new Republican party. Nothing, not even sunlight penetrates their bubble. Their minds are closed, their ears don't hear and their mouths only speak in aspersions meant to damage anyone who challenges their belief system. If you challenge them with words, they attack with a Wolfpack mentality. It is difficult to reach someone who knows only deception from years of listening to Fox News and other right-wing organizations. They are lied to on a daily basis so there is no semblance of truth left for them to believe in except the lies they hear from inside the bubble. Yes our State of the Union is in peril but the solution is to keep on passing legislation that improves the lives of everyone in our nation. Our problems will have to be solved by one side of the political spectrum because the Republicans no longer believe in anything and only wants to participate in tearing down the government not help with the repairs. The voice of reason is being drowned out by the overly loud voice of disillusionment.
“My Kevin” has already warned the president not to talk about “Maga extremists,” which is pretty rich. Many Americans do understand the dangers we face, as does Joe. It’s the political media, shaper of narratives, cynical hysterics, and GOP stenographers and megaphones that seem to be clueless. If journos like Brennan were truly excellent they would refuse to have people like Cruz, Hawley, and Jordan on their shows. They can “challenge” them all they want but all they ultimately do is give these liars a platform.
In addition, look at the pushback Joe has gotten when he’s talked about our democracy being in danger. Remember how Carter was pilloried for his malaise comments and wearing a cardigan sweater? This pathetic WH press corps would make that moment look like gentle teasing. Consider the stupidity and hysteria over the balloon this past week. The admin did the smart thing and the moronic press lost its mind.
You have quite correctly called them out; but until something changes with political coverage, Joe will have to walk a fine line, saying something like we face perilous times but the American people are strong. We get it, and it’s up to those of us who are paying attention to spread the truth about what is happening--both the good and bad--since the mainstream political media won’t.
One group not mentioned: the corrupt and craven Supreme Court, which is stacked with an amoral supermajority who lied during their confirmation hearings about the significance of legal precedent. Stare decisis is dead, and all that is left in its place are the whims of four men and a woman who care only about advancing their twisted, far-right agenda.
And then we can all change the channel and avoid watching the new star of the R party, Sarah "I never met a lie I wasn't happy to share, you disgusting media people" Huckabee Sanders.
Which is why I'm here, reading your excellent analysis and eye opening revelations, that which can hardly be found elsewhere. Today, at work, I will tell as many new strangers I meet about THE WARNING, and invite them to check it out for themselves.
I will again encourage voting to get rid of those who are destroying our democracy. I consider it part of my job, something I can do to help effect change.
Dangerous, violent groups aiming to overthrow the US government abound on the internet. Jim Stewartson, an award winning creator of alternate reality games, tracks them as is an expert on one of their generals, retired Lt. General Michael Flynn. Domestic terrorism, which is inflated and led by our former president who is running again, is a major threat to our national security. So are insurrectionist members of Congress, some of whom will likely pipe up tonight. These anti American groups and movements , often mixed in with Christian nationalism, are aided enormously by our enemies, especially Russia and China. DEMS need to talk publicly and often ASAP about these threats. I hope Biden addresses them tonight.
How many are out there? Are they organized? Well-funded? Emboldened?*
Vacationing one weekend on the shores of Maryland in 2021 I found myself snapping pictures of out of state license plates of random bands of MAGA vehicles parked in the hotel parking lot. That and family gathering snapshots. It doesn’t seem like a normal activity for grandparents on retreat, yet here we are. Am I paranoid? Absolutely, can I ask for help? With whom?
SPLC has a delightful registry of extremists groups you too can familiarize yourself with their locations and names.
Today we get to gather together over popcorn and watch more of the abuse and hostage taking from MAGA extremists it on the news coming directly from the floor of the Capitol. Video at 11*
*Americans have receipts
Yes! Stop with the incessant cheerleading and dog and pony shows. It's destructive and adds no value.
I have to add, this was the money line: "What will be said will soon be forgotten, and the State of the Union will quickly recede like a small wave from the beach." It's PERFECT!!