163 Comments

Good Morning Steve. To answer your questions, I agree 100%: five yes’s and one no.

Let’s not forget that Hitler never had more than 35% support before he became Chancellor of the Reichstag. Trump has at least 40% and could reach as high as 50%.

And make no mistake; he will have his Reichstag moment and manufacture a crisis to abuse his powers and call for Martial Law. And this time around there will be no Milley in the top ranks of his defense department. I preface with “his” defense department because every future senior officer will swear an oath of allegiance to him personally.

A second Trump term will turn what’s left of our republic and democratic form of government into a full blown authoritarian kakistocracy.

Democracy itself is on the menu, and the Trumpster’s are ravenous hyenas with no moral compass. It’s not so much Trump, but his closest demonic advisers like Stephen Miller and Steve Bannon that scare me the most.

We saw how Trump unleashed the DOJ and IRS on political opponents in his first term, and he was moderately successful going after Hillary, Hunter, Comey and McCabe. And we had principled people in both those places at the time.

The Heritage Foundation recently released their Project 2025 plan to change government into a theocracy based on good Christian values (Christian version of Sharia Law).

“Project 2025 published a book of policy proposals, titled “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” for the next Republican administration. Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts opens the book by prioritizing the securing of “our God-given individual rights to live freely” against a “woke” threat. “Today the Left is threatening the tax-exempt status of churches and charities that reject woke progressivism,” he claims without evidence. “They will soon turn to Christian schools and clubs with the same totalitarian intent.”-----MSNBC

This is the definition of Christian Nationalism taking over the country. And there are many religious billionaires and organizations working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen. Trump’s next administration will be filled with “true” believers, who are relentless as much as they are ruthless. They will rid the government of bureaucrats and technocrats, installing loyal incompetents who will destroy the administrative state and blame it on democrats.

Bottom line: the 1950’s called, and the Confederate States of America want their Jim Crow Laws back, except this time, it will encompass all liberals and anyone else unwilling to accept their parochial way of life!

Let that sink in!....:)

Expand full comment

My answers were 5 yesses and 1 No as well. I agree if Trump is elected our American experiment with democracy will likely be damaged so badly it may not be repaired - certainly not in my lifetime. But I also believe it’s likely to happen if ANY Republican is elected to the White House. Trump has shown all of them what’s possible and they now want it too. As you say, Stephen Miller and Steve Bannon and the rest of the evil fascists just like them will justify any act to stay in power. DeSantis is an autocrat. Youngkin is an autocrat in a fleece vest with a softer voice and less abrasive demeanor. Christie is no better. The entire GOP is so far down the rabbit hole they can’t be saved. I do still think there is a chance to prevent it but to overcome gerrymandering and forms of voter suppression and election shenanigans, elections from now till 2024 at a minimum have to have overwhelming turnout and be so strongly against what the GOP is attempting to do that we beat them back into the corners and under the rocks where they usually hide. I’m really interested to see how the Virginia elections next month play out.

Expand full comment

I 100% percent agree with your analysis.

“I do still think there is a chance to prevent it but to overcome gerrymandering and forms of voter suppression and election shenanigans”---Carey Rangels

True, look what is happening in WI? And now the WI GQP is looking to impeach a judge before she’s even heard a redistricting case which could prevent extreme gerrymandering. They are relentless and ruthless, and exactly what I’m talking about...:)

Expand full comment

Yes and WI is just one state among many that has already implemented or is well on their way to implementing what is essentially minority rule. If we want a country that allows disputes to be settled by elections rather than war and violence, we have to ensure the GOP loses mightily in the states and nationally in 2023 and 2024.

Expand full comment

Exactly, Trump is simply the chosen one not of god, but of the wealthy white christian nationalist male oligarchs that own the Supreme Court, and hang out at the Bohemian Club.

Expand full comment

What he'll have his his "Night of the Long Knives." That was the moment that sealed the German fate - that was when he made the German Wehrmacht swear personal oaths of allegiance to him.

Expand full comment

Athough Germany was devastated due to Hitler’s authoritarian takeover, not all Germans suffered ruin. Alfred Krupp, a member of the SS and sole owner of the Nazi arms manufacturer was at first convicted of war crimes and sentenced to 12 years of prison and ordered to sell the company. By 1951 somehow no entity was interested, and Alfred who was said to keep a copy of Mein Kampf by his bed until his death was out of jail and back in control.

Is there any doubt how Charles Koch who’s father was a founder of The John Birch Society, and who through his Dark Money network is the largest funder of the authoritarian Christian Nationalist Right will fare in Fascist America?

Expand full comment

Great post Robert. Loved "kakistocracy."

Expand full comment

I call it as I see it...:)

Expand full comment

Ditto: 5 yes (without a doubt); 1 NO!

Expand full comment
deletedOct 7, 2023·edited Oct 7, 2023
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

Thanks, I’ll check this out...:)

Expand full comment

I read you every day, Steve. And I, too, am terrified of what is happening. The disgusting mess in the House. The chaos of the Republicans behind Trump. Trump’s increasingly violent rhetoric. And not least of all, his angry untethered base. I know how to vote next year. But what can I do right NOW? The need is urgent. What can the base that is AGAINST Trump do right now? We need to know so we can do it.

Expand full comment

This. All day this. See my comment below. We need to consolidate and exert our power, withdraw our consent for everything that is unconstitutional, undemocratic, and we need to do it now. This is our hill. What does this look like? Thoughts?

Expand full comment

LOOK, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE NOW!..WHOSE TO CURTAIL THIS DIRTY RHETORIC OF THE PAST? THE JUDGES ARE NOT SUCCESSFUL, BEING AFRAID TO PUT HIM PERMANENTLY IN JAIL. I'M NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE 2ND JAN. 6TH AGAIN. I BELIEVE THE GOV. IS READY FOR THIS VIOLENCE THIS TIME.

"WHAT I SAY IS A POSSIBLE TEMP: IF HE DOES NOT SHUT HIS MOUTH, PLACE HIM IN JAIL FOR A FEW DAYS!..THEN, LET HIM OUT! IF HE DOES THIS AGAIN, REPEAT HIS JAILING ONCE AGAIN FOR ANOTHER FEW DAYS! REPEAT THIS AGAIN AND AGAIN! HE WILL NOT LIKE IT, BUT IT'S THE THE PATTERN THAT MAY WORK!" HIS CONTINUANCE WITH HIS DIRTY TONGUE, & TINY LIPS, BECOMES FULL OF HASSEL, MAY QUIET DOWN SOME OF THIS. HE NEEDS TO KNOW HOW IT FEELS BEING LOCKED UP!!!!

WHAT? ANYONE?

Expand full comment

Accountability for those that rise up against our nation is important

Expand full comment

I second the motion, Eva. Great strategy.

Expand full comment

With whom are you working? For whom are you volunteering to support? Many opportunities. Go to The Union. Go to Vote Riders. Field Tram 6.

Expand full comment

Steve, your summary is spot on. Yes, there is indeed something terrible coming. I've given up trying to talk to trumpers. Some speak of civil war with a gleam in their eyes, as though it would be glorious.

They're totally gone, and they're not coming back. This is what we get as a society for neglecting education. Prepare.

Expand full comment

You are absolutely right this entire mess started with a lack of the education that I and most of my generation received. We evidently have 75 million + that have no idea what is true and what is not. And they vote! Our founders never envisioned a population in which nearly 50% had their heads so far up their own asses that that they can’t tell right from wrong. 5 yes and 1 no here as well.

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

My father, during the Nixon years, used to say that having highly educated Social Scientists and Historians be the ones who vote in Presidents would be the best way to go, given the idiocy and naivite of so many tens of millions of Americans during those years of the VN war. I thought he was being elitist (including the fact that he was one of those who would vote). Now I wonder if he was right.

Expand full comment
deletedOct 7, 2023·edited Oct 7, 2023
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

Our fight is now, here and as the USA will not survive another Trump presidency. If Trump wins then there will be political incarceration at the minimum. I can imagine quite a bit worse. Now is not the time for closing eyes in hopes it will dissipate. It will not. We have time now to stop it I hope it is enough time to awaken the great majority who do not vote. You need to get out there and help hold on to our democracy. If we fall the world falls into authoritarianism. We have less than a year to prepare. No distractions and focus on November 2024.

Expand full comment

Why aren’t these threats being taken seriously? Why do I see far more articles and posts about Taylor Swift than about the very serious threats to our country? My husband and I have been very active In our local Democratic Party for several years. Dems used to win here but no more. Republicans now outnumber us and life has changed. We see the writing on the wall here and throughout the US. We are looking to move out of the country. The violence, cruelty and hatred is exhausting and frightening. Thanks for your great work,Steve.

Expand full comment

I call it the Limbaugh / Kardashian syndrome, Trixie, where blind hatred of the “other” and simpering adulation of mediocre entertainers is what energizes the reptilian brain in most Americans. The MSM’s inability to provide any sort of meaningful journalism, and the facility for the internet to allow the most sociopathic amongst us to spew their sick fantasies are but a few of the sources which are poisoning our society. Add the undeniably apocalyptic future of the climate crisis, and there’s not much to look forward to should T💩p gain the presidency. Despite my inability to find Taylor Swift’s music worthwhile, she is motivating a surge of newly-minted voters to do the right thing next November.

Expand full comment

I meant no criticism of Taylor Swift. ( I have tix for her Eras film.) My point is that there is a whole whole lot more news about her than there is about TFG’s threats to people and generally to this country. Thanks.

Expand full comment

I intended no criticism of Ms Swift either. I’m proud of her true patriotism and willingness to use her bully stage (pulpit) to do the right thing.

Expand full comment

I am close to some voters who remain convinced that these scenarios of another TFG term are over exaggerated. These folks don't truly grasp that our military and defense leaders will be faithful to TFG. The "safety nets" for our continued democracy will be gone. This why everyone who worked for TFG administration and thought they could be the adults/heroes need to speak up, and keep talking.

Expand full comment

I want to believe that our military and defense leaders will NOT go along with the INSURRECTIONISTS..but am not totally sure. How frightening is that? Brings to mind all of the Greatest Generation..mostly gone..what would they think?

Expand full comment

Yes. Thanks for all that you do, Steve. You are a bright light in a darkening swamp.

Expand full comment

And how about how often Biden's dogs bite people? HEADLINE NEWS! Even in the once-venerable WaPo.

Expand full comment

I won’t try to repeat what you have stated Steve, so eloquently and chillingly as I have felt this from the day of his ride down the escalator. Did I actually think he would get this far? Of course not! This is the USA! The strongest democracy! But rapidly I did see this coming. I often (half jokingly) spoke of, when did many know it was time to leave Germany? Where would I go? This is so frightening and exhausting! (Susan, do you still think he ‘learned his lesson’?🤦‍♀️.) Again, if you are in the NY Metro area, Oct 11 at Cooper Union. A full day of some of the best we all know will be presenting. Stop Trump Summit

Expand full comment

If you’re not inNYC go virtual to the. Conference. Sign up on Eventbright. I did last evening. See you there

Expand full comment

I, too, saw Hitler riding down that golden escalator with paid crowds to cheer wildly. Chilled, indeed.

Expand full comment

I often ask..where would I go? Canada? Best update my Passport, I guess.

Expand full comment

I’m not going anywhere. Like so many of you, I have been thinking about this for years. If the time comes to leave, I will help my children do so - For me, I’m staying and will continue to do all I can right here in our country. I’m sure our names will be on some list. They despise Steve and The Warning. So be it. Bring it. I’m in my 50s now and have so much to be grateful for growing up here and having all the choices and freedom to decide my life, where to go to college, getting married, raising my family and having my career. Yea, I know I will stay.

Expand full comment

It is a frightening time in America!

I can't understand how so many people are oblivious to the situation at hand, or just don't believe what Trump is saying. Like Steve, I believe every threat uttered by Trump, and have been frightened by him ever since he rode down that escalator. His "American Carnage" inaugural address was another huge confirmation that he was unfit to be the leader of our country!

I don't understand why his supporters are not concerned about the mayhem Trump has inflicted on America, or what they believe he has done, or will do, for them.🤷🏼‍♀️

Of course, the wealthiest individuals and businesses are only concerned about their huge tax cuts. To my recollection, that is the only thing Trump delivered . Mexico never paid for the wall!

All of this "woke" B.S., banning books, concern of the color of M&Ms, stoking fear of gay and transgender people does nothing to produce a positive result that affects his supporters

Expand full comment
Oct 7, 2023·edited Oct 7, 2023

This catastrophe has me up at night. Like the French Resistance in the second world war, I am on the side of freedom and am willing to fight against these traitors who would destroy the world for petty desires and an abundance of hate. I want the President, the leader of this country, to act definitively to stop this movement for the sake of the country and the citizens who will be killed if he does not.

When the orange traitor won in 2016, I compared him to Hitler, and many told me I had no right to do so. I wonder what they think now, and, knowing the truth, are they willing to do whatever it takes to stop him?

I am, even if it costs me my life.

The President should be ready to declare martial law to defend this nation and the Constitution from the enemy within.

Expand full comment

Can’t help thinking that all of J6 traitors should have been punished IMMEDIATELY and not allowed to remain inside our government…they are killing it off from the inside every day.

Expand full comment

Start with jim jordan.. third wannabe from the oval office

Expand full comment

They ought to have been legally barred from serving in Congress. The oath to protect the US Constitution has come to need a means of enforcement. The honor code doesnt work among the shameless.

Expand full comment

MAGA is an ongoing attempt to overthrow the government. They must be stopped by all means possible. Thanks.

Expand full comment

Celeste, I’m right there with you.

Expand full comment

Celeste, I am with you also

Expand full comment

Last weekend I watched “Ordinary Men” on Netflix. It was an examination of the “normal” men, police in Germany who became killers of Jews. If you have not watched it, I recommend that you do.

As I read Miley’s resignation letter I was thinking that he probably should have resigned and released the letter. But the biggest take away for me was that the words he wrote would mean nothing to Trump, members of Congress and the loyal Trump followers. They don’t care. I am most frightened by the not caring that is evident in Trump and the Republican Party. I am also done with the “there are still good Republicans”. If so, where are they? Where are their warning declarations? Are they banging on the media doors to speak? Are they holding PC’s to warn? I don’t give two shits about what they may be saying in private, whispering in private will not save this country. Kelly and others took an oath to defend against all enemies foreign and domestic. That oath has not been honored.

The current abandonment of Ukraine is an embarrassment and is destroying the good faith of the world towards America. How can we be trusted? But mostly, we are leaving the Ukrainians defenseless, sentencing them to destruction, death. But we have been here before haven’t we.

Trump must be stopped. This story of him talking about our submarines confirms how dangerous he is. He is sick, demented and a traitor to this country. It is that simple.

I am past being sad. I am past hoping for the best. I no longer believe it couldn’t happen here. I am angry. My anger encompasses leaders all the way down to those that sit at home on Election Day, who don’t bother, who don’t care.

Thank you Steve for your writings, your videos and your warnings.

Expand full comment

It seems to me that Putin 'owns' Trump.

Expand full comment

Wonder if we will ever find out.

Expand full comment

I think the waters are so deep around this kind of corruption that we'll be finding out more and more as time goes by. I do have a strong feeling that DT is working for Putin :-(

Expand full comment

....and DT is pulling the stings on the MAGA extremists in the House (and elsewhere) and they blocked more funding for Ukraine... And, Elon Musk and others are up to no good. If we survive this, I hope a lot of this is uncovered for all to see.

Expand full comment

Check out “Hitlers Willing Executioners” by Daniel Jonah Goldhagen

Expand full comment

Steve, my question to you and to all The Warning’s readers is- how can we wake America up to this present and looming danger?

I fear that many Americans, especially white middle class Americans, are complacently feeling comfortable and protected from the MAGA GOP’s authoritarianism. Yet, perhaps unknowingly, they are exhibiting the thoughts and actions of Martin Niemöller.

Niemöller was a prominent German Lutheran pastor who spent the last 8 years of Nazi rule in Nazi prisons and concentration camps. He said;

•”First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out- because I was not a socialist.

•Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out- because I was not a trade unionist.

•Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out- because I was not a Jew.

•Then they came for me- and there was no one left to speak for me”.

History is a tough, yet effective teacher for us, but only if we pay attention to it, understand it, and act accordingly. The time to act is now or soon it may be too late.

www.tomthedemocratist.com

Expand full comment

I feel that it's my job to tell everyone I can what they can expect if the maniac is ever back in power, and who in Congress is dangerous as well.

I mean it when I say everyone I can. Many people want to argue...I won't. Many people don't respond so I keep talking. And some just walk away. That's okay. I'll get them the next time.

Expand full comment

Please keep doing what you’re doing Celeste! We need everyone to do what you are doing. Everyone!

Expand full comment

All of us in the 5 yes's and 1 no camp need to, are obliged to, patriotically bound to stand up, and do it soon.

Many have outlined action items in relation to voter registration, mobilization of fence-sitters, ennui-dwellers, first-tike voters, donating and campaigning and all that other stuff one does in anticipation of election season.

But first we must secure, solidify, stabilize our system in order to ensure that system remains intact for us to employ all of the voting-centric tactics.

I am genuinely unsure if we have the luxury of time and presumed inviolable status of our voting infrastructure. Authoritarians don't care about voting, other than as some token representation of their power. Rather, authoritarians just manipulate and take, and then it's over.

So what will we, the 5Y1N Club do in order to save this democracy, to purge the roiling, looming, immediate threat?

Expand full comment

For the longest time, I watched all this go on in fear, shock and horror and couldn’t decide what to do to help. I was paralyzed with indecision. At one point I finally realized I had to just pick something (anything!) and dive in. Just jump! Right now I am concentrating my efforts on getting Dems elected in the state I live in - NC. Wish us luck, we really need it! There are great volunteer groups and I will be canvassing today with people whose beliefs and values are just like mine. And yes, I am worried about doing this in an open carry state that has deregulated gun laws. But I also realize as an older, white female that I have privilege and power that other people don’t. It is time to use our voices and that power.

Expand full comment

I also feel paralyzed with indecision and living in NE Florida..it is actually dangerous to be BLUE. DeSantis’ recently-created “Office of Election Crimes and Security” is at work..planting the seeds of fear of Voting.

Expand full comment

I am sorry to hear that Judy. Really awful things going on in our country. It is not safe here either -some neighbors in the first town we moved to here in NC we’re afraid to admit they were Democrats. The Repugnants have a chokehold on our General Assembly and courts. They have put a “Secret Police force” into the budget. Read Judd Legume’s Popular Information. I feel like I am on another planet.

Expand full comment

It is like that in rural Michigan too. Step outside of Detroit, it’s suburbs, Ann Arbor and Lansing, and it is risky to be blue. So many radical right people with guns and hatred.

Expand full comment

Perfect, but how are we, right now, protecting that process such that it prevails to voting day(s)?

Expand full comment

Some of us are working to fight gerrymandering and encouraging voters to vote. I will ask that question today when I am with folks a lot more knowledgeable than me on the topic. I welcome more ideas/suggestions from Steve and other subsscribers.

Expand full comment

That’s fantastic, Lynn!!

Expand full comment

I am seriously considering steps to take to do just what you suggest. I will try to come up with concrete steps. I don't know at this time what those steps might be, but I think we must get together and meet to brainstorm. I consider myself a 5Y1N member, and I'm getting tired of just worrying and wondering what to do. I will post any ideas on Steve's The Warning, and I'm open to suggestions from other serious 5Y1N's. Thanks Mia M.

Expand full comment

Every bit of this is true. If Trump is elected this will be the last election and as a democrat and someone who is married to a Transgendered person I am terrified for my future under a Trump regime.

Expand full comment

Carol, you are not alone. There are more people who are decent like us than them, but we are all going to need to rise together. I stand with you and your partner.

Expand full comment

Thank you so much and you are right there are more of us than them.

Expand full comment
founding
Oct 7, 2023·edited Oct 7, 2023

I pretty much have lost faith in the Democrats since the blue dress and the cigar in the Oval Office. I also admit that I lack the imagination of how dangerous Trump was. I had total disdain for the man but couldn’t imagine how far it would drag America down. Now I watch Ukraine burns everyday and that brings greatest sadness and fear. I have no idea about the state of democracy in the US next year or how to win against such evil power right here. But I also must admit, Biden is the first president in my life time that gives me true hope. General Mark Milley has to say this about President Biden. https://youtu.be/jaYI1cxUE1o?si=MH8Hs2K-Vx-cj-Mm And I agree

Expand full comment

When Trump was nominated to run in 2016, I started rereading Wm Shirer’s THE RISE AND FALL OF THE THIRD REICH. Every serious American should read or reread the first half of this book. Donald may not have, but I'm sure Steve Bannon and Steve Miller have studied it. They see it as a game-plan. And they have been and still are among Trump’s political strategy advisors.

Expand full comment

Donald Trumps first wife said that Donald didn’t read much, but he kept an English translation of Adolf Hitlers “Mein Kampf”, on the nightstand by his bedside.

Expand full comment

I read that too—in a New Yorker article, I think.

Expand full comment
founding

The Churchill line is Thou art weighed in the balance and found wanting.

It’s from Daniel 5:27

Churchill knew a great line when he saw it, it might be worth revisiting him, he stood isolated, out of power, marginalized and seen as a trouble maker/war monger.

He spoke long and often, some times talking to the wind. The ‘black dog’ of depression circled and he was constantly advised to moderate.

He didn’t.

And that is in part his weakness for empire (he came from a different time) but also his sense of what countries and the people of countries stood for. Not political expediency, not for commerce, not to appease, to assume you could ‘cope’ with and somehow ‘moderate’ a dictator.

He realized something’s are beyond politics, that was his great insight.

You stand up and speak out and listen to what the best of the country and the best of its people want.

My all time favorite Churchill line about America is this…

You can rely on America to do the right thing, once it has tried everything else.

And that’s currently the view I share.

Paul

Expand full comment

I keep thinking…”Something Wicked This Way Comes.

Expand full comment

Yes trump is a flaming dumpster fire who doesn't give a shit about anyone or anything but himself. And for the insanely stupid citizens of the USA who are too ignorant, blinded by lies or have been bamboozled by this huckster - shame on you. It is our job as citizens to be educated and knowledgeable about our government and who best to nominate and elect to office. Every office.

We all know what trump is - it has been documented daily by his rants and threats. If the 40% of the electorate can't tell right from wrong, then yes we have a gigantic problem coming up in a year.

Expand full comment