Simply beautiful picture of Tucker. I saw it over your shoulder on the show yesterday and wondered how it came to be. Thanks to Laura for such artistry. I know it helps Mom and Dad - and maybe Mabel, too. Love and hugs all around. 🫶
A true small-c conservative, Abby McCloskey, in a column entitled "Conservatism could save the United States. The small-c kind," without ever mentioning Trump, MAGA, or Christian nationalism , illustrates that the Trump regime is decidedly not conservative. In fact, the way she describes conservatism should appeal to all Americans, Democrat, Republican, or independent. She writes:
"Conservatism is wary of concentrated power and of moving too quickly. It reminds us that building institutions is harder than breaking them.
Conservatism is rooted in ancient principles of character, virtue, and dignity beyond any immediate political expediency.
In their book How Democracies Die, Steven Livitsky and Daniel Ziblatt argue that a small-c conservative party is often the most critical gatekeeper in preventing democratic collapse by supporting institutions and upholding the 'rules of the game.'
Politicians and voters can choose to elevate leaders of humility and high moral character, lay out prudent and pragmatic answers to the challenges we face, and strengthen institutions and alliances. They can resist executive control and instead push Congress to function better, as the Founders intended it to do. Goodness knows, the field for such behavior is wide open."
Who among us would not support this definition of of conservative? I, as a progressive Democrat, certainly would. Who among us would not support this definition of conservatism? Obviously, the Trumpistas, Maggats, and Christian nationalists are not conservatives as defined by Abby McCloskey. As has been illustrated so many times, they do match up with the characteristics, policies, goals, and strategies of fascists and their leaders.
(Steve, The painting of your beloved dog is indeed beautiful and a wonderful tribute).
" In their book How Democracies Die, Steven Livitsky and Daniel Ziblatt.... "
A great book and required reading in 2026 USA IMO.
Conservatism is dead. It died when the orange imbecile was elected in 2016. Its corpse is beaten and defiled daily by the MAGANAZIs.
The sad and sick examples of so called conservatives today is a pox on true conservatism. How can any of the MAGANAZIs that claim they're conservatives when they allow tax breaks for millionaires, mergers of companies and business that stifle free and fair trade, etc, etc.
T.R the OG trustbuster is rolling in his grave.....as well as other OG conservatives.
That is a lovely portrait of your beloved dog. Thanks, Laura.
Happy Mother's Day! If Trump had a better mother, he might not have turned into the utter asshole he is today. Cold and distant, Mary Trump helped spawn America's Monster. Fred Trump added his own twists, which are well documented.
A lot has changed since the rise of Hitler in the 1930's The Goebbels' propaganda channel that worked so well back then doesn't work so well in the 21st century News about events travel much faster within the population now than it did back then Yes Cheeto can lie with impunity even if his tongue was notarized but even the state run media channel Fox cannot propagandize Goebbels' style its way out of its misleading meanderings
The reason is simple WE the People know that our lives are not better and in fact are getting worse with Cheeto's government Fortunate for the us that Cheeto coincidently is ruling like a king when the purchasing power of the dollar is in the shitter which nullifies all the lies of "don't believe what you see or hear, believe me"
What a beautiful portrait of Tucker! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Beautiful and so thoughtful!
Simply beautiful picture of Tucker. I saw it over your shoulder on the show yesterday and wondered how it came to be. Thanks to Laura for such artistry. I know it helps Mom and Dad - and maybe Mabel, too. Love and hugs all around. 🫶
Beautiful work, Laura! Steve, thanks for sharing. Acts of thoughtfulness and kindness are even more special these days.
A true small-c conservative, Abby McCloskey, in a column entitled "Conservatism could save the United States. The small-c kind," without ever mentioning Trump, MAGA, or Christian nationalism , illustrates that the Trump regime is decidedly not conservative. In fact, the way she describes conservatism should appeal to all Americans, Democrat, Republican, or independent. She writes:
"Conservatism is wary of concentrated power and of moving too quickly. It reminds us that building institutions is harder than breaking them.
Conservatism is rooted in ancient principles of character, virtue, and dignity beyond any immediate political expediency.
In their book How Democracies Die, Steven Livitsky and Daniel Ziblatt argue that a small-c conservative party is often the most critical gatekeeper in preventing democratic collapse by supporting institutions and upholding the 'rules of the game.'
Politicians and voters can choose to elevate leaders of humility and high moral character, lay out prudent and pragmatic answers to the challenges we face, and strengthen institutions and alliances. They can resist executive control and instead push Congress to function better, as the Founders intended it to do. Goodness knows, the field for such behavior is wide open."
Who among us would not support this definition of of conservative? I, as a progressive Democrat, certainly would. Who among us would not support this definition of conservatism? Obviously, the Trumpistas, Maggats, and Christian nationalists are not conservatives as defined by Abby McCloskey. As has been illustrated so many times, they do match up with the characteristics, policies, goals, and strategies of fascists and their leaders.
(Steve, The painting of your beloved dog is indeed beautiful and a wonderful tribute).
" In their book How Democracies Die, Steven Livitsky and Daniel Ziblatt.... "
A great book and required reading in 2026 USA IMO.
Conservatism is dead. It died when the orange imbecile was elected in 2016. Its corpse is beaten and defiled daily by the MAGANAZIs.
The sad and sick examples of so called conservatives today is a pox on true conservatism. How can any of the MAGANAZIs that claim they're conservatives when they allow tax breaks for millionaires, mergers of companies and business that stifle free and fair trade, etc, etc.
T.R the OG trustbuster is rolling in his grave.....as well as other OG conservatives.
what a wonderful post this morning thank you for sharing that with us and yay Laura!
What a beautiful portrait…Laura, you are very talented!
What a stunning portrait of Tucker. I have noticed it on the desk behind you during your podcasts. It is touching and know it means the most to you.
Tucker looks like an absolute sweetheart!
That is a lovely portrait of your beloved dog. Thanks, Laura.
Happy Mother's Day! If Trump had a better mother, he might not have turned into the utter asshole he is today. Cold and distant, Mary Trump helped spawn America's Monster. Fred Trump added his own twists, which are well documented.
Thank’s for sharing the painting of Tucker… we’re a pup family as well. Our pups are family and each lives on in our hearts and memories.
A Glimpse Of History And Economic Reality
A lot has changed since the rise of Hitler in the 1930's The Goebbels' propaganda channel that worked so well back then doesn't work so well in the 21st century News about events travel much faster within the population now than it did back then Yes Cheeto can lie with impunity even if his tongue was notarized but even the state run media channel Fox cannot propagandize Goebbels' style its way out of its misleading meanderings
The reason is simple WE the People know that our lives are not better and in fact are getting worse with Cheeto's government Fortunate for the us that Cheeto coincidently is ruling like a king when the purchasing power of the dollar is in the shitter which nullifies all the lies of "don't believe what you see or hear, believe me"
what a beautifully stunning portrait!!
Wow! That portrait is fantastic!
The drawing of Tucker..😥🙏❤ So beautiful.
Beautiful Tucker. Beautiful artistry, Laura. Watercolors have a way of capturing the soul of their subjects