Agree. Thank you for your passion and your depth. We will need deep roots and strong limbs for the coming winds of change, despair, and a slog back up and foward.
I am reminded of another Grant quote. He had fought against Lee for the first time. According to Horace Porter's Campaigning With Grant:
A general officer came in from his command at this juncture, and said to the general-in-chief, speaking rapidly and laboring under considerable excitement: "General Grant, this is a crisis that cannot be looked upon too seriously. I know Lee's methods well by past experience ; he will throw his whole army between us and the Rapidan, and cut us off completely from our communications." The general rose to his feet, took his cigar out of his mouth, turned to the officer, and replied, with a degree of animation which he seldom manifested : "Oh, I am heartily tired of hearing about what Lee is going to do. Some of you always seem to think he is suddenly going to turn a double somersault, and land in our rear and on both of our flanks at the same time. Go back to your command, and try to think what we are going to do ourselves, instead of what Lee is going to do." The officer retired rather crestfallen, and without saying a word in reply.
So maybe we need to get tired of hearing what djt is "going to do" and start thinking about what we are going to do. And quite frankly, the Democrats who supposedly are "in the majority here & there and Biden's staff should pull their heads out of wherever they are and start looking forward rather than back at the cussed debate!
All this nattering about and "forming a protection" around Biden? Really? They are doing far more harm than good - to the public's view (such as it is) AND likely to Joe Biden!
Excellent vision, Maggie, You are absolutely correct, stop with the hand wringing already, and come up with some go forward plans.tarting with showing more support for our WINNING TICKET Biden/Harris
GET OUT THE VOTE..... The plain fact is, we (Democrats and center-left independents) outnumber the other side by a good margin. IF we can get out the vote, Biden will win, and if TFG keeps stripping the RNC of its election funds to pay his legal bills, many Democratic candidates down-ticket will win also, as their opponents won't have that much money to run..... For both sides, this is for ALL the marbles - for us, democracy, for them, a much darker picture. Either way, in November we determine the future of this country, for good or ill. The memory of the vast ranks of people we called to make that last full measure of devotion should guide us through the next four months.....we can do no other, to honor what they did and what they left to us..... Quo vadis?
Yes, exactly. What are we going to do? The Supreme Court has abdicated its responsibility to uphold The rule of law. The MAGA crowd worships the Market and crowns a convicted felon and reality TV star King For A Day, while his supporters consider themselves appointed by god to kill the ungodly libs. It is a bit much. In fact, perhaps that is the silver lining. I know I have had it with MAGA madness and I know I am not alone. Freedom over dominion. We can win this if we have the will to do so. This is a new kind of battle. The Right has the guns. We have to have something more than that. Spirit comes to mind. While not enough by itself, it is an important first step. Take a hard look at Project 2025. A full 25 of its authors served in the Trump Administration. The right expects us to buckle, philosophize, and sip lattes. Let’s prove them wrong.
During the Bush II years Frank Rich used to call the religious right the ayatollahs. Well, I think he actually used that term a little more liberally and included people who were merely censorious, but you get the idea. I still think of them that way.
Also disappearing in the new regime will be all those “woke” Hollywood movies like “Saving Private Ryan,” “Casablanca,” and “The Longest Day” that not only imply, but actually say there was something wrong with the Nazis. Celebrated the Fourth last night by watching “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” which not only honors those heroes, but was written by Dalton Trumbo. That will never do.
Loved the reminder that we must stay in the fight. It's the Celtic cussedness in me that is energized by these tyrant wannabes who think they've outsmarted or outbattered mass resistance to their fascism. And I'm on offense and have been for months. Haven't given up on shaming the magas because I think a few of them can be peeled away from the Trump tumor that's in the national brain.
They need to know who the "elites" are who are manipulating them and the price they're already paying and will continue to pay under the 2025 plan that they, the magas, will have to carry out and suffer for while Kevin Roberts and the other Heritage Foundation suits sit chuckling behind their desks and hoisting self-congratulatory glasses of bourbon. The postcards I'm sending say, "You're being used, magas. You're being asked to hand over your money and vote, take to the streets, and go to jail for Trump and the very folks who are like the worst boss you ever had. You're not special to them; you're disposable. He told you as much at his Vegas rally when he stated he didn't care about you--he just wants your votes." STOP BEING A PATSY AND A STOOGE. It's not a good look." Love, Aunt Judy.
(My address list has been developed by sending to "Resident" at each house where I see Trump signs and swag. Two friends in red Ohio have sent me a half dozen addresses so far because that's as far as they feel they can go with this project.)
Good for you. This can’t be said often enough. President Biden has said. Time and again that America is the only country founded on an idea. People die but ideas continue. Now back to writing postcards 😊🇺🇸
They will not"win" the election but their capacity to STEAL the election presents a formidable enemy! Be aware and on guard, persist and resist for all as we are able.
Thank you, Tom. A really great post. This time though, we are not fighting against a landed aristocracy fighting to preserve their uniquely privileged lives. This time we are facing a small central core of rabid Nazis whose "army" consists of a bunch of children seeking their long dead, or wished for daddy's , to come and fix their broken tinker toy car or dolly. Led by a demented old man who also wants his daddy to fix his mistakes, like he always did.
Yes, these maggots, and a few brave magats will take to the streets after what I sincerely hope is a landslide win for Biden/Harris. One way or another we will win in the end. If necessary we can have the Canadians and Mexicans help us. They no more want Trump than we do.
If they (the maggots) take the electoral college by slates of fake electors, as they are prepared to do; we can no longer depend on the Supreme Court as the Supreme arbitrators they used to be (thanks, Mitch McConnell). We'll ave to win this one on our own or with the help of our neighbors.
One good outcome, we won't have to rely on the Attorney General to seek out our enemies. The good ol' dumdums did it for us - they listed all their names over several pages in Project 2025.
Another great analysis Tom. Both our families go back a long way, and our ancestors had the opportunity to contribute directly to the building of this great edifice of representative democracy. Now come the barbarians with the wrecking ball, and we face the challenge of our lives. It is our turn, as it was at Valley Forge, Little Round Top, Belleau Wood, Normandy and Chosin, to declare "Yes, by God, this is a Republic, and with everything we have, we will keep it!" Easy Company stands or dies on the Naktong River.....(bayonet optional)
Combined with the idiot decision about "gratuities" what we see is that trump could be immune from prosecution for outright bribery--a chance he will willingly take and encourage--when the Constitution specifically sets out Bribery as a grounds for impeachment and "but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law."
One good thing that could happen is that trump, dope that he is, will feel free to take all sorts of provable bribes giving LOTS of grounds for impeachment, and then Rogers will have that chunk of the Constitution in front of his face.
I think we need to catch Trump in the insurrectionist acts that he will surely try. He won't be able to hide behind his SCROTUS-bestowed immunity a second time since he is acting as a private citizen this time, not a President-in-office. I think, should he be captured in the acts, so to speak, he should be hustled off to a military tribunal and the punishment fitting for a traitor.
Excellent piece. I have to admit there are times when I start thinking about whether it’s time to decamp to someplace else, or what it would take for me to make that decision. But you are right that we cannot give up. We need to stick it out and resist. Essays such as yours can have a powerful effect. I personally benefit from them. Thank you for bucking me up.
This is one of your best articles to date. I wish everyone everywhere would read it. I will share it as best I can.
Agree. Thank you for your passion and your depth. We will need deep roots and strong limbs for the coming winds of change, despair, and a slog back up and foward.
I agree, one of your best to date, TC.
Everyone needs to read this.
I am reminded of another Grant quote. He had fought against Lee for the first time. According to Horace Porter's Campaigning With Grant:
A general officer came in from his command at this juncture, and said to the general-in-chief, speaking rapidly and laboring under considerable excitement: "General Grant, this is a crisis that cannot be looked upon too seriously. I know Lee's methods well by past experience ; he will throw his whole army between us and the Rapidan, and cut us off completely from our communications." The general rose to his feet, took his cigar out of his mouth, turned to the officer, and replied, with a degree of animation which he seldom manifested : "Oh, I am heartily tired of hearing about what Lee is going to do. Some of you always seem to think he is suddenly going to turn a double somersault, and land in our rear and on both of our flanks at the same time. Go back to your command, and try to think what we are going to do ourselves, instead of what Lee is going to do." The officer retired rather crestfallen, and without saying a word in reply.
So maybe we need to get tired of hearing what djt is "going to do" and start thinking about what we are going to do. And quite frankly, the Democrats who supposedly are "in the majority here & there and Biden's staff should pull their heads out of wherever they are and start looking forward rather than back at the cussed debate!
All this nattering about and "forming a protection" around Biden? Really? They are doing far more harm than good - to the public's view (such as it is) AND likely to Joe Biden!
Exactly, it’s not rocket science!
➡️Support Biden/Harris
➡️GOTV
➡️Message about Project 2025…the gift that keeps giving. Just ordered my Ask Me About PROJECT 2025 button.
“We were lucky, to be the people who were called on and did all that.”
I do feel lucky….and grateful that I have the time, energy and resources to fight back.
Excellent vision, Maggie, You are absolutely correct, stop with the hand wringing already, and come up with some go forward plans.tarting with showing more support for our WINNING TICKET Biden/Harris
GET OUT THE VOTE..... The plain fact is, we (Democrats and center-left independents) outnumber the other side by a good margin. IF we can get out the vote, Biden will win, and if TFG keeps stripping the RNC of its election funds to pay his legal bills, many Democratic candidates down-ticket will win also, as their opponents won't have that much money to run..... For both sides, this is for ALL the marbles - for us, democracy, for them, a much darker picture. Either way, in November we determine the future of this country, for good or ill. The memory of the vast ranks of people we called to make that last full measure of devotion should guide us through the next four months.....we can do no other, to honor what they did and what they left to us..... Quo vadis?
PLUS wasnt there an article in the Times encouraging people NOT to vote? Heck maybe if Repubs take notice - that will help.
Yes, exactly. What are we going to do? The Supreme Court has abdicated its responsibility to uphold The rule of law. The MAGA crowd worships the Market and crowns a convicted felon and reality TV star King For A Day, while his supporters consider themselves appointed by god to kill the ungodly libs. It is a bit much. In fact, perhaps that is the silver lining. I know I have had it with MAGA madness and I know I am not alone. Freedom over dominion. We can win this if we have the will to do so. This is a new kind of battle. The Right has the guns. We have to have something more than that. Spirit comes to mind. While not enough by itself, it is an important first step. Take a hard look at Project 2025. A full 25 of its authors served in the Trump Administration. The right expects us to buckle, philosophize, and sip lattes. Let’s prove them wrong.
Timothy Snyder's latest on resisting fascism is pertinent: https://snyder.substack.com/p/how-to-stop-fascism
Thanks. I'll share this, too.
Thank you--also a very valuable & informative article.
I have long said that the 'Religious Right' is to the US as the Taliban is to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Time and again, they have proved me correct.
And yet, my “GodSquad” friends do not see this.
During the Bush II years Frank Rich used to call the religious right the ayatollahs. Well, I think he actually used that term a little more liberally and included people who were merely censorious, but you get the idea. I still think of them that way.
I agree. 25 of the authors of Project 2025 served in the Trump Administration.
Wonderful perspective, Tom.
Also disappearing in the new regime will be all those “woke” Hollywood movies like “Saving Private Ryan,” “Casablanca,” and “The Longest Day” that not only imply, but actually say there was something wrong with the Nazis. Celebrated the Fourth last night by watching “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” which not only honors those heroes, but was written by Dalton Trumbo. That will never do.
Loved the reminder that we must stay in the fight. It's the Celtic cussedness in me that is energized by these tyrant wannabes who think they've outsmarted or outbattered mass resistance to their fascism. And I'm on offense and have been for months. Haven't given up on shaming the magas because I think a few of them can be peeled away from the Trump tumor that's in the national brain.
They need to know who the "elites" are who are manipulating them and the price they're already paying and will continue to pay under the 2025 plan that they, the magas, will have to carry out and suffer for while Kevin Roberts and the other Heritage Foundation suits sit chuckling behind their desks and hoisting self-congratulatory glasses of bourbon. The postcards I'm sending say, "You're being used, magas. You're being asked to hand over your money and vote, take to the streets, and go to jail for Trump and the very folks who are like the worst boss you ever had. You're not special to them; you're disposable. He told you as much at his Vegas rally when he stated he didn't care about you--he just wants your votes." STOP BEING A PATSY AND A STOOGE. It's not a good look." Love, Aunt Judy.
(My address list has been developed by sending to "Resident" at each house where I see Trump signs and swag. Two friends in red Ohio have sent me a half dozen addresses so far because that's as far as they feel they can go with this project.)
Excellent!
Good for you. This can’t be said often enough. President Biden has said. Time and again that America is the only country founded on an idea. People die but ideas continue. Now back to writing postcards 😊🇺🇸
I’m inspired! Brilliant!
They will not"win" the election but their capacity to STEAL the election presents a formidable enemy! Be aware and on guard, persist and resist for all as we are able.
I have to believe their plans are drawn up and critical personnel are in place. I hope the Biden team is prepared.
Thank you, Tom. A really great post. This time though, we are not fighting against a landed aristocracy fighting to preserve their uniquely privileged lives. This time we are facing a small central core of rabid Nazis whose "army" consists of a bunch of children seeking their long dead, or wished for daddy's , to come and fix their broken tinker toy car or dolly. Led by a demented old man who also wants his daddy to fix his mistakes, like he always did.
Yes, these maggots, and a few brave magats will take to the streets after what I sincerely hope is a landslide win for Biden/Harris. One way or another we will win in the end. If necessary we can have the Canadians and Mexicans help us. They no more want Trump than we do.
If they (the maggots) take the electoral college by slates of fake electors, as they are prepared to do; we can no longer depend on the Supreme Court as the Supreme arbitrators they used to be (thanks, Mitch McConnell). We'll ave to win this one on our own or with the help of our neighbors.
One good outcome, we won't have to rely on the Attorney General to seek out our enemies. The good ol' dumdums did it for us - they listed all their names over several pages in Project 2025.
Absolutely this thoughtful piece is one of your best, Tom, worthy of sharing widely. When I do so, I'll ask my friends to do likewise. Thank you.
This: “We were lucky, to be the people who were called on and did all that.”
Let us rise to this challenge!
Ringing words, TC. May we all take them to heart.
Wonderfully said Tom and the
quotes you included sound
through the ages.
Resist! Persist! Not one step
back!
Another great analysis Tom. Both our families go back a long way, and our ancestors had the opportunity to contribute directly to the building of this great edifice of representative democracy. Now come the barbarians with the wrecking ball, and we face the challenge of our lives. It is our turn, as it was at Valley Forge, Little Round Top, Belleau Wood, Normandy and Chosin, to declare "Yes, by God, this is a Republic, and with everything we have, we will keep it!" Easy Company stands or dies on the Naktong River.....(bayonet optional)
Combined with the idiot decision about "gratuities" what we see is that trump could be immune from prosecution for outright bribery--a chance he will willingly take and encourage--when the Constitution specifically sets out Bribery as a grounds for impeachment and "but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law."
One good thing that could happen is that trump, dope that he is, will feel free to take all sorts of provable bribes giving LOTS of grounds for impeachment, and then Rogers will have that chunk of the Constitution in front of his face.
I think we need to catch Trump in the insurrectionist acts that he will surely try. He won't be able to hide behind his SCROTUS-bestowed immunity a second time since he is acting as a private citizen this time, not a President-in-office. I think, should he be captured in the acts, so to speak, he should be hustled off to a military tribunal and the punishment fitting for a traitor.
Excellent piece. I have to admit there are times when I start thinking about whether it’s time to decamp to someplace else, or what it would take for me to make that decision. But you are right that we cannot give up. We need to stick it out and resist. Essays such as yours can have a powerful effect. I personally benefit from them. Thank you for bucking me up.