As Trump’s incoming administration vacillates between the absurd, the dangerous, and the totally farcical, critics and opponents appear to have gone from outrage to numbness.
I’m just done for a bit. I won’t capitulate but I’m sick of the same commenters, blaming the loss of the humanities, or blaming Biden’s immigration policies, for the loss. I really never realized until this election that I live among morons.
This is how unchecked slow burn generational corruption through wealth iniquity always ends. In the self-destruction of Empires. Rather than being guided in their actions by moral courage, individuals fear of socially ‘falling down’, or being caste out by family becomes a binding class tenet. Eventually moral, social and political corruption become so embedded the majority begin to take it as the natural order of things. Orwell’s groupthink.
I guess I was lucky in that my late mother constantly warned me of the general stupidity of the majority of people. I reacted against this (perceived by me as prejudice) when I was younger but she has long since been proven to be correct !
I have nothing to add. You have covered it all. The bottom line in all of this is the complete lack of courage to stand up to the threats in defense of the nation. After all, 2 years can be a lifetime in politics. That is why you don't obey in advance. It is easier to be elected a senator than it is to act like a free human being. None of them are free when they cower before muck. Unfortunately, none of them appear to have any understanding of what this crowd is doing to them. Saving the republic is up to the people who have not been brainwashed by the orange felon, his enforcers and all the folks beating a path to his door to kiss his fat ass. Keep telling the truth. The truth will always set you free to be human and not a fearful coward.
It’s especially galling that these examples of “obeying in advance”, with the collapse of any Republican opposition in light of Musk’s money, the Wray surrender, House Democrats swallowing poison pills, etc., come on the heels of the defeat of authoritarianism in Korea and Syria. I had hoped for more fortitude. It just lets us know that we, the common folk, are going to have to do it ourselves.
Not exactly, TC. The Senate is not gerrymandered--it cannot be. There are two senators from every state. True, the equality of representation between Wyoming, Alaska, California and New York is galling, but it is not gerrymandering. As for threatening Republican senators with primary opponents, that works until it doesn't. Joni Ernst's term is up in 2026, so she is vulnerable to a primary challenge. Other's won't be up until '28 or '30 and have more freedom. If Democrats can light up Hegseth, RFK Jr., Gabbard and others, it might just be possible to embarrass enough Republicans for them to force Trump to withdraw the nominees, or even to defeat them. For an explanation of this, see https://jonmargolis.substack.com/p/opportunities-for-the-democrats
That's what I am hoping for, but I have been around too many politicians not to know how craven even the best of them can be. (Thinking of how the guy I first worked for took a dive on San Onofre nuke plant when he could have killed it before it was born, after being threatened by the AFL-CIO over "all them jobs" - that never showed up)
Any of us who have ever been up close and personal with UK/US postwar politicians of any standing quickly learn that when things get real, politics is simply a dirty game run by individuals with great oil industry or tech wealth from behind the scenes, brutally aided by their bought police, political and military shills. I do not know if it has always been this way. But it has for my 60 years on this poor abused earth. The only silver lining that I see with what is happening to America presently, is that all of this dirty behaviour is now taking place right out there, in the open. The corruption at the heart of how our societies are structured can no longer be sanely denied 🐈⬛
In 2011 my state (Michigan) senator friend bought me a drink and toasted gleefully, "We just gerrymandered this state so badly those f$#@ing Democrats will never win again!!" In 2018 another friend of mine wrote our state anti-gerrymandering initiative, and we, the people, passed it!
That's the thing about gerrymandering: It never lasts. At some point, either the voters get disgusted with a lack of choice or the demographics change.
No, but she was a traitor, too! What was even more horrific for me was that while I was setting up my new business (hence my Republican leanings at the time), I had worked the 2010 census, going door-to-door in my community for income, and to make sure the uncounted citizens were ALL counted.
That "right out there" is the very reality entertainment the lame brained crave. It's why a CEO getting shot in the back is just another episode of CSI/(name your city).
Oh, and let's ask Patel, Hegsmeth, Gabbard, and Trump what they're going to do about those unidentified flying items over the eastern states. Check out there blank faces. And then make those blank faces placed next to any dog's mug into memes.
When you read what UnitdHealthCare is doing to kids with autism (denying them care then getting rid of the networks because too many kids are being diagnosed now for them to make their usual obscene profit), which makes this Aspergian mad as hell, you'll agree the entire C-suite in that company should have their heads blown off.
Yep. Most are emotionally and intellectually defenceless against visual propaganda of all kinds. As a society we have yet to address the deleterious social effects of Hollywood movies and its correlative culture of celebrity let alone the explosion of the same manipulative techniques via global social media. Tower of Babel seems tame in comparison 🐈⬛
With many, not with all. Some of then need to be concerned about re-election. And some may still have some morals. Not many of the latter, I grant you.
I was just commenting that gerrymandering doesn't work with state wide offices. Takes actual voter suppression. Maybe it will become a thing to ride around, a careful legal distance away, in white robes and hoods,
Thank you Jon. The gist of Tom's message today was "all is lost" and, if that's true, we'd all best take up golf or something equally unproductive. If we don't accept that idea, which I don't believe Tom does either, we need to support people like Jess Piper and the Every State Blue folks, Indivisible, and the other grass roots organizations that are working to build a foundation that will stand even when the chimney decorations in Congress are falling down from lack of concrete principles to stand on. It will take time, be ugly, and a lot of work, but the alternative is still unacceptable.
No! The gist of the post is NOT "All is lost." The gist is that this is going to be hard to oppose - but we knew that. Wr also know that if these fuckwits manage to get into office, that they have 18 months maximum to carry out their plans. Which they don't have the ability to do, being incompetent. But it's going to be a damn hard fight.
If you're getting "Chicken Little" from these, then "What we have heah is, failyuh to commoonicate" as the prison guard said in "Cool Hand Luke."
And sometimes recognizing that failyuh leads to improved communication. There's no doubt about the near future being full of challenges, and I'm concerned that there is a lack of leadership in the upper public ranks of what should be a united opposition.
I'm glad you clarified, Chicken Little doesn't suit you any better than it does me.
Want to see an actual class ACT? Watch Cori Bush's farewell from Congress. She of course got primaried by AIPAC - because she & the other three women pushed for a cease fire and actually had the nerve to criticize our government's subsidization of Israel & its genicide. Like I said a class act - did not take a knee and accepted the consequences.
Odd how pretty much each and every Repub.s greatest fear is losing their "power"!
Corie Bush's constituency got real representation, but it's a show Americans want, not governance. I'm counting my blessings that I saw the nation's best years and am glad my Greatest Generation parents did not have to see the rabid mess the US has become. Corie Bush has more guts and goodwill than 400 of her House peers.
I remember seeing some of the crap that was thrown at her earlier. Of course to most of the "maga" crowd - the color of her skin is all that matters. I cannot fathom the thought processes of people who contribute to AIPAC - I assume most are Jewish - of all ethnic groups - they seem to have no memory of what it's like to be "othered"! Shame on them and shame on anyone who looks at the eradication and genocide of Palestinians and ignores it. If indeed there is a heaven or afterlife - they will feel the effects of their actions.
Became meaningless during 2020 primary when repubs lied so about McCain. Heard a guy say, it was ok to lie on Saturday and repent on Sunday. Of course, the Coup of 1933 was an early clue.
For shame on those 81 Democrats who voted against the health of families of our military. Shame especially on Ro Khanna, coming from the Bay area as he does, he may never be elected again. He is a brazen coward and should be drummed out of the Democratic party.
That's why I want AOC and some backup singers to start having "content" rallies all over the country during House recesses. She can draw crowds and educate. And a side benefit is that it will frost Trusk. Let her throw in some flamenco dancing and tee shirt shooting, and then the libs will be countering the freak show with something enlightening and classy.
Great idea, she does not seem to be afraid of the threats. Go get ‘em. Kamala drew crowds and Rupert’s propaganda and the money overwhelmed her message. Maybe a good time will be when a MAGAt or two get the muskrat hell
Right. Contact every elected official from your state every single time an issue is on the table. Tell them what to do. They do keep track. Don't use form letters, those are 86ed without being read.
I call and send postcards with arresting pictures on the flip sides. Don't send them to my own reps because I'm blessed with good Dem representation: Elissa Slotking, Gary Peters, and Rashida Tlaib. Send them to the evil-doers and non-doers. Let them know they are almost, almost measuring up to the good little Germans of yore.
By freaking out before any of this happens, you’re falling prey to all of the garbage. Tom, you’re a smart man. They are flooding the zone with shit right now. They have NO POWER right now. All of this is nonsense. Prepare for the worst, but stop acquiescing that the worst is inevitable.
Hang on tight Tom. The leadership is not the "Within" It is us on the outside. We primary the timid fools that could have made a difference, but pulled a Soon Sheong Times propagandist switcheroo. It's all on us now.There are many of us, though. Rick Wilson named many this morning, who are in for the long haul. You know who they all are.
We've got to keep doing this for our own mental health; we must believe we still have agency and that we are forward thinking, hoping to hold the joint together for the younger generations.
Speaking of farcical who is the brainchild (not) of all the grifter's merchandise , the gold sneakers, coins, cards, ad nauseam ? His kids maybe ? The epitome of being non presidential.
He usually uses licensing agreements. So it's not necessarily anyone from the family. He just cashes in on his name and likeness. Called an NIL agreement if you are remotely interested.
Let’s change the rhetoric from Liberal vs Conservative or Left vs Right to BILLIONAIRES vs the WORKING FOLK. We’ve got to expand our pro-democracy coalition.
Instead of wailing on trump, let’s rail on the oligarch mafia. Our messaging didn’t work in the election. Time to change tactics
I have always known that I was not the crazy one, from Newt on. I have watched repubs throw Schitt for more years than many on here have been alive.
You referenced Milton Meyer on 11-19-24 (Kiss His Ring) and I hope people reread that. I will post a quote from him on Blue Sky today because that is our world today. People think it’s just “others” who will be targeted, but the ones who are capitulating today know better. And are saving their arses, they think. As the saying goes, they are as serious as a heart attack and the walls of Jericho not only contain evil, they are protected by evil, all dressed up as Joshua.
I can almost dance to your writing, Tom. It is also as historical and notable as your your military history. There are several great writers and thinkers on Substack, but your work has just the right "common parlance" seasoning to make it memorable.
It's easy to give in to despair because there's a lot crushing the republic right now, but I have hope because there are young people like this kid who's carving out a media presence with his love of commentary and debate. Worth a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weVr-I2UnLc
Judith, thanks for the link.Love Medias Touch and 22-year-old Adam Mockler.Just read this from Medias this morn.
… Political engagement is way, way down on Zuckerberg’s Threads and Musk’s X. They can’t seem to figure out why. The answer is Bluesky and Substack. Laura Loomer: “Does it feel like posts are getting heaving suppressed on X?”
… Also, Musk had the algorithm juiced up to amplify right-wing accounts in the months leading up to the election, now they are all griping that their engagement has cratered. Loomer’s post received tons of replies from right-wing accounts all complaining about it.
I’m just done for a bit. I won’t capitulate but I’m sick of the same commenters, blaming the loss of the humanities, or blaming Biden’s immigration policies, for the loss. I really never realized until this election that I live among morons.
It was a daunting discovery, wasn't it?
Knocked me on my ass. I had no idea it was as bad as I was warned. I won't be that uninformed again.
This is how unchecked slow burn generational corruption through wealth iniquity always ends. In the self-destruction of Empires. Rather than being guided in their actions by moral courage, individuals fear of socially ‘falling down’, or being caste out by family becomes a binding class tenet. Eventually moral, social and political corruption become so embedded the majority begin to take it as the natural order of things. Orwell’s groupthink.
Yes I am aware of the concept. I don't have any human connection with the people who fall for this crap that I became aware of in the 60's.
I have surrounded myself with what I call sane people. My mistake in not seeing how prevalent the insanity is.
I guess I was lucky in that my late mother constantly warned me of the general stupidity of the majority of people. I reacted against this (perceived by me as prejudice) when I was younger but she has long since been proven to be correct !
Did she watch Carlin
Exactly right.
Reread TC’s 11-19-24 Kiss His Ring re Milton Meyer. On target as Orwell
We are losing to “wealth”, period
Eat them
😂👏
The repetitiveness of the 'humanities guy' is tiresome. What he doesn't realize that it is the lack of sciences that led us to this point... ;-)
😂
I have nothing to add. You have covered it all. The bottom line in all of this is the complete lack of courage to stand up to the threats in defense of the nation. After all, 2 years can be a lifetime in politics. That is why you don't obey in advance. It is easier to be elected a senator than it is to act like a free human being. None of them are free when they cower before muck. Unfortunately, none of them appear to have any understanding of what this crowd is doing to them. Saving the republic is up to the people who have not been brainwashed by the orange felon, his enforcers and all the folks beating a path to his door to kiss his fat ass. Keep telling the truth. The truth will always set you free to be human and not a fearful coward.
It’s especially galling that these examples of “obeying in advance”, with the collapse of any Republican opposition in light of Musk’s money, the Wray surrender, House Democrats swallowing poison pills, etc., come on the heels of the defeat of authoritarianism in Korea and Syria. I had hoped for more fortitude. It just lets us know that we, the common folk, are going to have to do it ourselves.
Yes.
Not exactly, TC. The Senate is not gerrymandered--it cannot be. There are two senators from every state. True, the equality of representation between Wyoming, Alaska, California and New York is galling, but it is not gerrymandering. As for threatening Republican senators with primary opponents, that works until it doesn't. Joni Ernst's term is up in 2026, so she is vulnerable to a primary challenge. Other's won't be up until '28 or '30 and have more freedom. If Democrats can light up Hegseth, RFK Jr., Gabbard and others, it might just be possible to embarrass enough Republicans for them to force Trump to withdraw the nominees, or even to defeat them. For an explanation of this, see https://jonmargolis.substack.com/p/opportunities-for-the-democrats
That's what I am hoping for, but I have been around too many politicians not to know how craven even the best of them can be. (Thinking of how the guy I first worked for took a dive on San Onofre nuke plant when he could have killed it before it was born, after being threatened by the AFL-CIO over "all them jobs" - that never showed up)
Any of us who have ever been up close and personal with UK/US postwar politicians of any standing quickly learn that when things get real, politics is simply a dirty game run by individuals with great oil industry or tech wealth from behind the scenes, brutally aided by their bought police, political and military shills. I do not know if it has always been this way. But it has for my 60 years on this poor abused earth. The only silver lining that I see with what is happening to America presently, is that all of this dirty behaviour is now taking place right out there, in the open. The corruption at the heart of how our societies are structured can no longer be sanely denied 🐈⬛
In 2011 my state (Michigan) senator friend bought me a drink and toasted gleefully, "We just gerrymandered this state so badly those f$#@ing Democrats will never win again!!" In 2018 another friend of mine wrote our state anti-gerrymandering initiative, and we, the people, passed it!
That's the thing about gerrymandering: It never lasts. At some point, either the voters get disgusted with a lack of choice or the demographics change.
Your Gerrymander friend might not have been named Michelle, would it?
No, but she was a traitor, too! What was even more horrific for me was that while I was setting up my new business (hence my Republican leanings at the time), I had worked the 2010 census, going door-to-door in my community for income, and to make sure the uncounted citizens were ALL counted.
🐾❤️🩹
That "right out there" is the very reality entertainment the lame brained crave. It's why a CEO getting shot in the back is just another episode of CSI/(name your city).
Oh, and let's ask Patel, Hegsmeth, Gabbard, and Trump what they're going to do about those unidentified flying items over the eastern states. Check out there blank faces. And then make those blank faces placed next to any dog's mug into memes.
When you read what UnitdHealthCare is doing to kids with autism (denying them care then getting rid of the networks because too many kids are being diagnosed now for them to make their usual obscene profit), which makes this Aspergian mad as hell, you'll agree the entire C-suite in that company should have their heads blown off.
Yep. Most are emotionally and intellectually defenceless against visual propaganda of all kinds. As a society we have yet to address the deleterious social effects of Hollywood movies and its correlative culture of celebrity let alone the explosion of the same manipulative techniques via global social media. Tower of Babel seems tame in comparison 🐈⬛
Embarrass republicans,
that ship has sailed, or died with McCain
With many, not with all. Some of then need to be concerned about re-election. And some may still have some morals. Not many of the latter, I grant you.
I was just commenting that gerrymandering doesn't work with state wide offices. Takes actual voter suppression. Maybe it will become a thing to ride around, a careful legal distance away, in white robes and hoods,
Thank you Jon. The gist of Tom's message today was "all is lost" and, if that's true, we'd all best take up golf or something equally unproductive. If we don't accept that idea, which I don't believe Tom does either, we need to support people like Jess Piper and the Every State Blue folks, Indivisible, and the other grass roots organizations that are working to build a foundation that will stand even when the chimney decorations in Congress are falling down from lack of concrete principles to stand on. It will take time, be ugly, and a lot of work, but the alternative is still unacceptable.
No! The gist of the post is NOT "All is lost." The gist is that this is going to be hard to oppose - but we knew that. Wr also know that if these fuckwits manage to get into office, that they have 18 months maximum to carry out their plans. Which they don't have the ability to do, being incompetent. But it's going to be a damn hard fight.
If you're getting "Chicken Little" from these, then "What we have heah is, failyuh to commoonicate" as the prison guard said in "Cool Hand Luke."
And sometimes recognizing that failyuh leads to improved communication. There's no doubt about the near future being full of challenges, and I'm concerned that there is a lack of leadership in the upper public ranks of what should be a united opposition.
I'm glad you clarified, Chicken Little doesn't suit you any better than it does me.
I constantly warn people not to join the Chicken Little Caucus or the Nothing-Can-Be-Done Club.
Want to see an actual class ACT? Watch Cori Bush's farewell from Congress. She of course got primaried by AIPAC - because she & the other three women pushed for a cease fire and actually had the nerve to criticize our government's subsidization of Israel & its genicide. Like I said a class act - did not take a knee and accepted the consequences.
Odd how pretty much each and every Repub.s greatest fear is losing their "power"!
Corie Bush's constituency got real representation, but it's a show Americans want, not governance. I'm counting my blessings that I saw the nation's best years and am glad my Greatest Generation parents did not have to see the rabid mess the US has become. Corie Bush has more guts and goodwill than 400 of her House peers.
I remember seeing some of the crap that was thrown at her earlier. Of course to most of the "maga" crowd - the color of her skin is all that matters. I cannot fathom the thought processes of people who contribute to AIPAC - I assume most are Jewish - of all ethnic groups - they seem to have no memory of what it's like to be "othered"! Shame on them and shame on anyone who looks at the eradication and genocide of Palestinians and ignores it. If indeed there is a heaven or afterlife - they will feel the effects of their actions.
They lost it to the clown with the flame thrower. Not for sticking with integrity.
Integrity is a word and a meaning they really have no concept of!
Became meaningless during 2020 primary when repubs lied so about McCain. Heard a guy say, it was ok to lie on Saturday and repent on Sunday. Of course, the Coup of 1933 was an early clue.
For shame on those 81 Democrats who voted against the health of families of our military. Shame especially on Ro Khanna, coming from the Bay area as he does, he may never be elected again. He is a brazen coward and should be drummed out of the Democratic party.
So many, will those with spines have to merge with the Lincoln Project crowd
That's why I want AOC and some backup singers to start having "content" rallies all over the country during House recesses. She can draw crowds and educate. And a side benefit is that it will frost Trusk. Let her throw in some flamenco dancing and tee shirt shooting, and then the libs will be countering the freak show with something enlightening and classy.
Great idea, she does not seem to be afraid of the threats. Go get ‘em. Kamala drew crowds and Rupert’s propaganda and the money overwhelmed her message. Maybe a good time will be when a MAGAt or two get the muskrat hell
Remember this people. A lot
of these so called democrats
are going to need your bucks
to stay in office. The only
dem I'm supporting right now
is Jamie Raskin. They work
for us! We pay their salaries
and perks. We pay their time
off which is excessive! They
need to feel the squeeze
from their constituents to
do an effing better damn job
and stand up! If we can do
it, they sure as heck can!
Right. Contact every elected official from your state every single time an issue is on the table. Tell them what to do. They do keep track. Don't use form letters, those are 86ed without being read.
I call and send postcards with arresting pictures on the flip sides. Don't send them to my own reps because I'm blessed with good Dem representation: Elissa Slotking, Gary Peters, and Rashida Tlaib. Send them to the evil-doers and non-doers. Let them know they are almost, almost measuring up to the good little Germans of yore.
Judith, send them to Reppy J Moolenaar the MAGA Trumpette
Type RESIST to 50409. Resistbot is efficient and helpful. I donate
Out of money since IRS needed mine. Guess I paid muskrats part, as did we all…
By freaking out before any of this happens, you’re falling prey to all of the garbage. Tom, you’re a smart man. They are flooding the zone with shit right now. They have NO POWER right now. All of this is nonsense. Prepare for the worst, but stop acquiescing that the worst is inevitable.
I'm not freaking out before it happens. I have seen this work. Even the best of hem can be craven cowards in an instant.
Folded like last week’s laundry
And they're just getting started. It's gonna be ugly.
It won’t just be the ones the MAGAts hate, surprise
Hang on tight Tom. The leadership is not the "Within" It is us on the outside. We primary the timid fools that could have made a difference, but pulled a Soon Sheong Times propagandist switcheroo. It's all on us now.There are many of us, though. Rick Wilson named many this morning, who are in for the long haul. You know who they all are.
I said this earlier today, but when I saw that the House passed the NDAA, I checked how my Representative voted.
Democrats: 5 voted against, 4 voted for. Not all voted. Even though 8 of those don't represent me, I contacted all 9 of them.
We've got to keep doing this for our own mental health; we must believe we still have agency and that we are forward thinking, hoping to hold the joint together for the younger generations.
Speaking of farcical who is the brainchild (not) of all the grifter's merchandise , the gold sneakers, coins, cards, ad nauseam ? His kids maybe ? The epitome of being non presidential.
He's non-presidential always.
He usually uses licensing agreements. So it's not necessarily anyone from the family. He just cashes in on his name and likeness. Called an NIL agreement if you are remotely interested.
Let’s change the rhetoric from Liberal vs Conservative or Left vs Right to BILLIONAIRES vs the WORKING FOLK. We’ve got to expand our pro-democracy coalition.
Instead of wailing on trump, let’s rail on the oligarch mafia. Our messaging didn’t work in the election. Time to change tactics
I have always known that I was not the crazy one, from Newt on. I have watched repubs throw Schitt for more years than many on here have been alive.
You referenced Milton Meyer on 11-19-24 (Kiss His Ring) and I hope people reread that. I will post a quote from him on Blue Sky today because that is our world today. People think it’s just “others” who will be targeted, but the ones who are capitulating today know better. And are saving their arses, they think. As the saying goes, they are as serious as a heart attack and the walls of Jericho not only contain evil, they are protected by evil, all dressed up as Joshua.
Capitalism created men like tfg.
Moneyism
I can almost dance to your writing, Tom. It is also as historical and notable as your your military history. There are several great writers and thinkers on Substack, but your work has just the right "common parlance" seasoning to make it memorable.
It's easy to give in to despair because there's a lot crushing the republic right now, but I have hope because there are young people like this kid who's carving out a media presence with his love of commentary and debate. Worth a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weVr-I2UnLc
Judith, thanks for the link.Love Medias Touch and 22-year-old Adam Mockler.Just read this from Medias this morn.
… Political engagement is way, way down on Zuckerberg’s Threads and Musk’s X. They can’t seem to figure out why. The answer is Bluesky and Substack. Laura Loomer: “Does it feel like posts are getting heaving suppressed on X?”
… Also, Musk had the algorithm juiced up to amplify right-wing accounts in the months leading up to the election, now they are all griping that their engagement has cratered. Loomer’s post received tons of replies from right-wing accounts all complaining about it.
https://open.substack.com/pub/meidastouch/p/resistance-hq-bulletin-25-121224?r=fqsxl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email