“When liberty is taken away by force it can be restored by force. When it is relinquished voluntarily, by default, it can never be recovered.”—Dorothy Thomas
Bravo Steve! And incredibly prescient words by a female journalist living in Nazi Germany in the 1930’s, when most of her male counterparts were praising and cheering for the incompetent and demonic blowhard, or better known as the American version of Trump.
All the cowards in Congress, the media and business, can learn a few things from Dorothy, and even Liz Cheney, as well as all the brave women who have come forward over the last few years.
That said, and not to forget or diminish the role of Nazi Germany, but we know what Trump truly covets most, and it resembles more of modern day Russia, and Putin’s reign, than Hitler’s Germany. Although, we all know based on his actions and deeds, the last four years, were just be the warmup act.
Fast forward to modern day Russia, when Putin was consolidating power after Glasnot, and Mikhail Khodorkovsky became the most influential and powerful man in Russia at the time. He owned Yukos, the largest Oil and Natural Gas company in the world at the time, and was also the richest man in Russia, and considered untouchable. By the way, he also owned a media conglomerate just like Bezos.
When Putin heard Khodorkovsky was thinking of running for political office, Putin had him arrested for tax evasion and sentenced him and some of his cronies to eight years hard labor.
That said, Khodorkovsky is not some saint, so I’m not defending the guy; however, the parallels are obvious and scary. Bezos is America’s Khodorkovsky. Trump emanated Putin and wants to be Putin 2.0. During Trump’s first term, he had both Comey and McCabe audited by the IRS. He opened DOJ investigations into Hillary, Hunter and Biden, and continues to threaten the MSM and any company that criticizes him. He weaponized the DOJ and regularly threatens anyone and everyone who criticizes him.
Remember when he wanted to boycott Good Year just because an employee wasn’t allowed to wear a MAGA hat to work? Or CBS should lose its FCC license because of Trump’s bogus claims about editing Harris’s interview? Or ABC for fact checking during the debate. Or refusing to send FEMA funds to CA and NY because the governors weren’t loyal and nice enough to him.
Trump and his minions ultimately mean business. Trump Will ultimately destroy our economy. It won’t happen overnight, but he will carry out his ridiculous deportation policy, which resembles the Nazi’s original plan of deporting the Jews to Madagascar or Palestine before settling on the final solution. It was logistically infeasible and cost prohibitive.
Bottom line, if Trump wins, democracy won’t die in darkness, because it’s happening in plain sight, right now, and right before our eyes. Let that sink in….:)
It has sunk in and with war and horror in the Middle East and Ukraine, I’m working on fighting shreds of hope and feeling grateful for now to have a roof over my head. Soon I fear militias outside my door.
And that’s what scares the hell out of me. The protagonist in The Handmaid’s Tale said the loss of rights was gradual, a slow drip. No one realized what was happening until it was too late. trump has given permission for racism which is embedded in our society, to move unfiltered to the forefront. So many people support him and it scares me.
A major problem is that many Democrats do not have the courage to stand up and fight back. Too many are willing to go along with the right wing....that SOB Joe Manchin does it wholeheartedly as he is of them....many others are consumed by fear.....
In the 60's, growing up in a Jewish home, I often had words with my father who insisted that 'it could happen here'. Until I was in my mid 20's I'd never experienced antisemitism. It was there, I just never confronted it. Later, when my last name changed to Russell and my career had me traveling frequently, I couldn't hide from things said to me directly about Jews. Even with in my husband's family which caused an estrangement that lasts until now. Not from me, but from my husband who will not tolerate such things. Now, we have a candidate who will hold an enormous rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night with no concern about how that impacts Jews who live there thinking about a similar rally in 1939 of the american Nazi Party. Dad fought in Europe in WWII. He enlisted. The very idea this is happening now is an insult for all those who served and fought in that war not to mention the destruction of a so called educated, cultured population. Dad was right. I find myself in a constant state of depression over this. Even if Harris wins, the destruction he's left us will infect new generations long after I'm gone. I voted over a week ago. And I convinced the university campus, where I am a trustee, to provide locations on campus, for students, faculty and staff to register to vote. Seems to me that's what universities should stand for.
Good for your husband. And I sympathize with you. I'm not Jewish, but I had a similarly intolerant reaction when confronted by the subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle racism expressed toward my Vietnam-born wife when I brought her to the US in 1975. I'm generally a pretty laid-back guy, so my reaction surprised those people, who subsequently retreated from my red lines. At least when I was around. In fairness, most family members and friends were supportive, and the racism wasn't so pervasive. I can't imagine how it must feel for you to suddenly realize we live in a society where so much antisemitism lies not so far beneath the surface.
Thank you for responding. Dad made sure my sister and I were thick skinned and could handle slurs. No one predicted this however. Today, the Vietnamese who came here after the war have become so successful and important to America. I wish more was communicated to younger people about what immigrants and refugees bring to our country. For a loving spouse, it’s impossible to ignore that kind of ignorance.
Oh B Russell, my looks (“Heidi-like” as a child, no one knowing the derivation of my last name, kept after marriage) I experienced antiSemitism in the ‘50s and ‘60s until this day and in professional settings. My dad (z”l) also a WWII veteran and I argued about VietNam, he saying war IS hell and sometimes it must be fought. (He meaning WWII.) Now today with WaPo refusing to endorse Harris, tacitly thus endorsing MAGA, I’m depressed and afraid. We’ve voted because so much of our lives could be upended. Let the better angels take hold of voters’ choices.
We could share stories, I’m sure, that would baffle most people. Ironically my Dad was as strongly opposed to Viet Nam as I was. At dinner one night he said, if you were a male and drafted I’d drive you to Canada myself. Shocking!
D is having his Nazi lite rally reminiscent of the 1939 Make America Great Rally....and he had the nerve to say 2 weeks ago that if Jews didn't vote for him his loss would be their fault.
Yes...the EC enables the right wing to have to put forth only half the effort as opposed to campaigning in California, etc. The Dems have structural disadvantages politically that I can't see them overcoming EVERY time....Reagan destroyed Fairness Doctrine, then Citizens United, then voter suppression and gerrymandering by states, then SCOTUS rulings, right wing & billionaire domination of media et al. Based upon their meek 'bipartisan' history, too many Democrats can't be counted on to show courage and not be like the Viche French...I mean...Biden couldn't be strong er than saying Drumpf lacked 'manners'???? Lord that's the best that moderate Dem can do??? That's why we are where we are.
Don’t forget a trickle-down economy that trickled 44 years from Reagan all the way to 2024, leading to an oligarch class and an properly aggrieved under class, which are the two main ingredients for
fascist populism to be attractive at the top and the bottom, leaving those of us in the middle to — maybe — extend a lifeline one more time. If people could actually think, they would see that the Biden administration has spent most of these four years fighting back against government for the haves instead of the have-nots.
I have been shown a statement in the files of the War Department of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless any words of mine that would attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
This is such a moving post. The sacrifice was immense. Fast forward to today when more than half of the Republicans shake in fear of Trump; they cannot even condemn his lies and hate. Shameful.
As FDR said: “only thing we have to fear is fear itself”…. Why? Because fear holds us back! We must fight for freedom. We must ensure that Trump is crushed. Only massive Democrat votes will do that. Nothing else matters. That. Is. The. Assignment. 💙
This sent even more chills up my spine than were there before. Thank you for another reminder of what is at stake. The oft quoted phrase "Have you no decency..." seems applicable for an increasing crowd of greedy, mean spirited powerful people that are too smart not to know that what they are doing is unforgivable. Hard to fathom the repugnant, selfish people who are enabling this disaster. Not to " call out" Trump in your newspaper because you are afraid that perhaps some inconsequential portion of your billions might ultimately slip through your fingers? Is there nowhere lower to go?
Steve says "fearlessness will be called for." I think he misspoke a bit. It's courage that will be called for. Frankly, I will be terrified in the days ahead. I will not be fearless but instead will be racked with a type of terror that also cripples me with sadness and grief for my country.
And so I will summon every ounce of courage that I can to stomp out every last ember of Trumpism, for courage is feeling that fear, yet "doing it anyway." It won't be easy, especially knowing the MAGA is violent. They have guns.
I will pray for guidance so that my dear teenage nieces can live in the free America I did. If MAGA gets violent, hard choices will confront me. I will need so much fucking courage.
Thank You Steve .. But what is the plan if he gets in again. Are there any guardrails ? Can the lower courts be counted on to help maintain some semblance of freedom ? I canceled my subscription to the LA Times. The Washington Post is next... I subscribe to a lot of newspapers in order to support them. But no more .. Bezos and Shiong did what Timothy Snyder writes in his book "On Tyranny" they are obeying in advance. " Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these ,individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then offer themselves without being asked. A citizen who adapts in this way is teaching power what it can do." They are two despicable cowards who are greedy for more. It looks like it will be similar to what Putin has in Russia all the oligarchs are free to take as long as they don't cross him.
Yes, what is the plan? What is the plan to keep him out when he does all that election challenge shit he will do? What about those around him who are using him to gain more power for themselves and are MUCH YOUNGER than he is?
Biden shoukd not willingly surrender the Presidency until all is proven to be above board. If there is another insurrection he should enact Martial Law & fire up the national guard.
" He destroyed their judgement, patriotism, integrity, values, decency and dignity because those virtues can’t be defended by hollow men and women who don’t have the courage required to meet the test of these “crowded hours.” Only the American people remain between Donald Trump and power. "
Exactly so. And having lost those qualities, if they ever had them, they will continue to grovel before their Fuhrer, to the detriment of our country,
I refuse to give in to fear. Fear is what is driving MAGAts, and I'm not that.
When Trump was first inserted into office, I made a big poster with a picture of a peach on it, with Trump's signature hair. Underneath the picture was the word "impeach." I stood on the main intersection of my tiny town with that poster every week, in all weathers. It worked. He was impeached twice. But Republicans made sure he was never punished for his crimes. We're entering darker days, I fear, but I for one will never back down from confronting them.
“When liberty is taken away by force it can be restored by force. When it is relinquished voluntarily, by default, it can never be recovered.”—Dorothy Thomas
Bravo Steve! And incredibly prescient words by a female journalist living in Nazi Germany in the 1930’s, when most of her male counterparts were praising and cheering for the incompetent and demonic blowhard, or better known as the American version of Trump.
All the cowards in Congress, the media and business, can learn a few things from Dorothy, and even Liz Cheney, as well as all the brave women who have come forward over the last few years.
That said, and not to forget or diminish the role of Nazi Germany, but we know what Trump truly covets most, and it resembles more of modern day Russia, and Putin’s reign, than Hitler’s Germany. Although, we all know based on his actions and deeds, the last four years, were just be the warmup act.
Fast forward to modern day Russia, when Putin was consolidating power after Glasnot, and Mikhail Khodorkovsky became the most influential and powerful man in Russia at the time. He owned Yukos, the largest Oil and Natural Gas company in the world at the time, and was also the richest man in Russia, and considered untouchable. By the way, he also owned a media conglomerate just like Bezos.
When Putin heard Khodorkovsky was thinking of running for political office, Putin had him arrested for tax evasion and sentenced him and some of his cronies to eight years hard labor.
That said, Khodorkovsky is not some saint, so I’m not defending the guy; however, the parallels are obvious and scary. Bezos is America’s Khodorkovsky. Trump emanated Putin and wants to be Putin 2.0. During Trump’s first term, he had both Comey and McCabe audited by the IRS. He opened DOJ investigations into Hillary, Hunter and Biden, and continues to threaten the MSM and any company that criticizes him. He weaponized the DOJ and regularly threatens anyone and everyone who criticizes him.
Remember when he wanted to boycott Good Year just because an employee wasn’t allowed to wear a MAGA hat to work? Or CBS should lose its FCC license because of Trump’s bogus claims about editing Harris’s interview? Or ABC for fact checking during the debate. Or refusing to send FEMA funds to CA and NY because the governors weren’t loyal and nice enough to him.
Trump and his minions ultimately mean business. Trump Will ultimately destroy our economy. It won’t happen overnight, but he will carry out his ridiculous deportation policy, which resembles the Nazi’s original plan of deporting the Jews to Madagascar or Palestine before settling on the final solution. It was logistically infeasible and cost prohibitive.
Bottom line, if Trump wins, democracy won’t die in darkness, because it’s happening in plain sight, right now, and right before our eyes. Let that sink in….:)
It has sunk in and with war and horror in the Middle East and Ukraine, I’m working on fighting shreds of hope and feeling grateful for now to have a roof over my head. Soon I fear militias outside my door.
And that’s what scares the hell out of me. The protagonist in The Handmaid’s Tale said the loss of rights was gradual, a slow drip. No one realized what was happening until it was too late. trump has given permission for racism which is embedded in our society, to move unfiltered to the forefront. So many people support him and it scares me.
https://substack.com/@mikehammer2/note/c-74137767?r=2h3ai1&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
I have never seen the note stream this link takes me. What an amazing universe where great souls open up. Thank you.
A major problem is that many Democrats do not have the courage to stand up and fight back. Too many are willing to go along with the right wing....that SOB Joe Manchin does it wholeheartedly as he is of them....many others are consumed by fear.....
In the 60's, growing up in a Jewish home, I often had words with my father who insisted that 'it could happen here'. Until I was in my mid 20's I'd never experienced antisemitism. It was there, I just never confronted it. Later, when my last name changed to Russell and my career had me traveling frequently, I couldn't hide from things said to me directly about Jews. Even with in my husband's family which caused an estrangement that lasts until now. Not from me, but from my husband who will not tolerate such things. Now, we have a candidate who will hold an enormous rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night with no concern about how that impacts Jews who live there thinking about a similar rally in 1939 of the american Nazi Party. Dad fought in Europe in WWII. He enlisted. The very idea this is happening now is an insult for all those who served and fought in that war not to mention the destruction of a so called educated, cultured population. Dad was right. I find myself in a constant state of depression over this. Even if Harris wins, the destruction he's left us will infect new generations long after I'm gone. I voted over a week ago. And I convinced the university campus, where I am a trustee, to provide locations on campus, for students, faculty and staff to register to vote. Seems to me that's what universities should stand for.
Good for your husband. And I sympathize with you. I'm not Jewish, but I had a similarly intolerant reaction when confronted by the subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle racism expressed toward my Vietnam-born wife when I brought her to the US in 1975. I'm generally a pretty laid-back guy, so my reaction surprised those people, who subsequently retreated from my red lines. At least when I was around. In fairness, most family members and friends were supportive, and the racism wasn't so pervasive. I can't imagine how it must feel for you to suddenly realize we live in a society where so much antisemitism lies not so far beneath the surface.
Thank you for responding. Dad made sure my sister and I were thick skinned and could handle slurs. No one predicted this however. Today, the Vietnamese who came here after the war have become so successful and important to America. I wish more was communicated to younger people about what immigrants and refugees bring to our country. For a loving spouse, it’s impossible to ignore that kind of ignorance.
This is clearly a call to action, and that action is voting.
Already done and received. And no, we didn’t vote for der wannabe Fuhrer.
Oh B Russell, my looks (“Heidi-like” as a child, no one knowing the derivation of my last name, kept after marriage) I experienced antiSemitism in the ‘50s and ‘60s until this day and in professional settings. My dad (z”l) also a WWII veteran and I argued about VietNam, he saying war IS hell and sometimes it must be fought. (He meaning WWII.) Now today with WaPo refusing to endorse Harris, tacitly thus endorsing MAGA, I’m depressed and afraid. We’ve voted because so much of our lives could be upended. Let the better angels take hold of voters’ choices.
We could share stories, I’m sure, that would baffle most people. Ironically my Dad was as strongly opposed to Viet Nam as I was. At dinner one night he said, if you were a male and drafted I’d drive you to Canada myself. Shocking!
Constant depression and agitation. I’m with you.
I can’t ❤️ this, Robbie Roberts; I can send comfort in this safe place of discussion. Instead I 💙🌊💙🌊💙 in hopes the blue hearts and waves show.
Right there with you, Joan! 💙🌊💙🌊💙
Thank you B Russell.
I am afraid the media and journalism will cover this event like any other. They have damaged so much already. I am heartbroken for our country.
D is having his Nazi lite rally reminiscent of the 1939 Make America Great Rally....and he had the nerve to say 2 weeks ago that if Jews didn't vote for him his loss would be their fault.
The Electoral College is the Big Question Mark. When Mitch McConnell tells you he loves the Electoral College, you know it is bad for the country.
Well, that just gave me a chill. Christ.
Yes...the EC enables the right wing to have to put forth only half the effort as opposed to campaigning in California, etc. The Dems have structural disadvantages politically that I can't see them overcoming EVERY time....Reagan destroyed Fairness Doctrine, then Citizens United, then voter suppression and gerrymandering by states, then SCOTUS rulings, right wing & billionaire domination of media et al. Based upon their meek 'bipartisan' history, too many Democrats can't be counted on to show courage and not be like the Viche French...I mean...Biden couldn't be strong er than saying Drumpf lacked 'manners'???? Lord that's the best that moderate Dem can do??? That's why we are where we are.
Don’t forget a trickle-down economy that trickled 44 years from Reagan all the way to 2024, leading to an oligarch class and an properly aggrieved under class, which are the two main ingredients for
fascist populism to be attractive at the top and the bottom, leaving those of us in the middle to — maybe — extend a lifeline one more time. If people could actually think, they would see that the Biden administration has spent most of these four years fighting back against government for the haves instead of the have-nots.
Dear Madam,
I have been shown a statement in the files of the War Department of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless any words of mine that would attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
Yours very sincerely and respectfully,
Abraham Lincoln
This is such a moving post. The sacrifice was immense. Fast forward to today when more than half of the Republicans shake in fear of Trump; they cannot even condemn his lies and hate. Shameful.
Thank you for the article. Democracy and freedom are not gifts but are responsibilities that are worth fighting for. Struggle.
Be not afraid - Resist!
As FDR said: “only thing we have to fear is fear itself”…. Why? Because fear holds us back! We must fight for freedom. We must ensure that Trump is crushed. Only massive Democrat votes will do that. Nothing else matters. That. Is. The. Assignment. 💙
This sent even more chills up my spine than were there before. Thank you for another reminder of what is at stake. The oft quoted phrase "Have you no decency..." seems applicable for an increasing crowd of greedy, mean spirited powerful people that are too smart not to know that what they are doing is unforgivable. Hard to fathom the repugnant, selfish people who are enabling this disaster. Not to " call out" Trump in your newspaper because you are afraid that perhaps some inconsequential portion of your billions might ultimately slip through your fingers? Is there nowhere lower to go?
Again the Democrat Federal Government has failed to take any action against the sedition against democracy. It has been left to the voters.
Steve is saying that not even a resounding vote victory for Kamala is sufficient to keep Trump/Autocracy/Sedition at bay.
Now, he says, it’s time to create a PROTEST to end all protests.
I’m surprised Biden has not issued warnings, but it’s so like what’s gone before.
So, it’s up to the Democracy to save itself! Hold on!
Steve says "fearlessness will be called for." I think he misspoke a bit. It's courage that will be called for. Frankly, I will be terrified in the days ahead. I will not be fearless but instead will be racked with a type of terror that also cripples me with sadness and grief for my country.
And so I will summon every ounce of courage that I can to stomp out every last ember of Trumpism, for courage is feeling that fear, yet "doing it anyway." It won't be easy, especially knowing the MAGA is violent. They have guns.
I will pray for guidance so that my dear teenage nieces can live in the free America I did. If MAGA gets violent, hard choices will confront me. I will need so much fucking courage.
Biden has been very passive ever since he decided not to run for reelection. FDR he isn't.
Thank You Steve .. But what is the plan if he gets in again. Are there any guardrails ? Can the lower courts be counted on to help maintain some semblance of freedom ? I canceled my subscription to the LA Times. The Washington Post is next... I subscribe to a lot of newspapers in order to support them. But no more .. Bezos and Shiong did what Timothy Snyder writes in his book "On Tyranny" they are obeying in advance. " Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these ,individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then offer themselves without being asked. A citizen who adapts in this way is teaching power what it can do." They are two despicable cowards who are greedy for more. It looks like it will be similar to what Putin has in Russia all the oligarchs are free to take as long as they don't cross him.
Yes, what is the plan? What is the plan to keep him out when he does all that election challenge shit he will do? What about those around him who are using him to gain more power for themselves and are MUCH YOUNGER than he is?
Biden shoukd not willingly surrender the Presidency until all is proven to be above board. If there is another insurrection he should enact Martial Law & fire up the national guard.
I will save this one and reread it often before Nov. 5. Thank you.
I'M a DLCC delegate for Novi, Michigan's 21st district and urge every Patriot to go to HARRIS Campaign today in Kalamazoo Michigan! VOTE BLUE!!
I will cling to the compass your words describe. Thank you.
" He destroyed their judgement, patriotism, integrity, values, decency and dignity because those virtues can’t be defended by hollow men and women who don’t have the courage required to meet the test of these “crowded hours.” Only the American people remain between Donald Trump and power. "
Exactly so. And having lost those qualities, if they ever had them, they will continue to grovel before their Fuhrer, to the detriment of our country,
Cancelled WaPo subscription yesterday and told them why.
I just found out about the chickenshit caving and I am on my way to cancel mine right now. NYT, I cancelled that last year.
I would be happy to learn of other news outlets that I should now follow. Please share, Everyone and Anyone.
I refuse to give in to fear. Fear is what is driving MAGAts, and I'm not that.
When Trump was first inserted into office, I made a big poster with a picture of a peach on it, with Trump's signature hair. Underneath the picture was the word "impeach." I stood on the main intersection of my tiny town with that poster every week, in all weathers. It worked. He was impeached twice. But Republicans made sure he was never punished for his crimes. We're entering darker days, I fear, but I for one will never back down from confronting them.