Yeah, 1968, the year of the Tet Offensive. I remember it well. It was chaos where I was in Vietnam and chaos "back in the world” as we used to say. It was stupid then too, but not nearly as insanely fascist stupid as it is with Elmo and Herr Trump strutting around on stage. But you’re right, all you can do in situations like this is lock n’ load and ”cut the motherfuckers loose,” as Ken Kesey used to say. Then, after the sirens stop and things calm down, “Plant a garden in which strange plants grow and mysteries bloom.” Onward!
Bannon is the one who wants to burn it all down. Muskrat just wants to resell for parts. Never bet against Bannon, he is a thug and muskrat just a spoiled bully. may they extinguish each other
Turned on TV to see Rose Parade taking place two miles away. The Stealth Bomber flew over. Then the Army, Navy, Marines were taking part. In forty-five years watching the parade, this was the first time sadness dominated when seeing our military represented. It’s only Jan. 1, the monster isn’t even in office.
Read your “Thoughts on Day 1” which buoyed my spirits right up. Grateful for all you contribute TC. Happy 2025 to all.
Hang in there Tom, and have a much better year than 1968, by the force of your voice and reason. Grand nephews and others of that age give us the hope and strength to carry on with clarity and vigilance. Our wide community of many Substacks will be there for each other and together we are a serious force to be reconned with. Keep up the great work. We will be here too.
Saving this one to review at the end of the year if I haven't been put into an enemies' lockup. Your predictions seem likely, but the Fates and Furies always hand out surprises. I think we're stuck with Musk because he's enmeshed with our military and space program. If Bannon had all the money the Mercers could give him, it still wouldn't be enough to banish Musk. Bannon's mouth alone won't do it.
I strongly suspect Musk has similar projects going in other countries to make sure he's cornered the global market. He plays globally and will be manipulating the provincial minded cur who thinks he can isolate the US from everything except outer space.
I agree with you Judith, muck’s money got him elected not bannon’s mouth. The H-1B visa thing will be the tell all, he can’t be on both sides of that issue, the money people he desperately wants to be with, want the visa’s, the maggots can go back to cutting his lawns, none of them are members in his clubs. If muck broke the law he’ll pardon him, bannon is going to be spending a lot of this year trying to stay out of a NY prison.
1. If they continue apace with the organizational policy of performative threats they could actually fuck up the Electoral College thing, with the duties falling upon the shoulders of the president pro tempore of the senate - Chuck Grassly! Good thing they voted out the old guy.
2. If that walking cold sore Bannon manages get Elmo deported I will buy you all a drink. Make that two.
3. I may have mentioned it here before but I missed most all of 1968 owing to my participation in a large government project in a hostile foreign land. So all references to that year get my antennae raised, though thinking about it for me personally 2025 might actually end up worse.
4. There will be no getting out of it now so gird those loins.
Grassley was one of the planners for the Jan. 6 election interference, so his rise to the White House, even for a few days, would not bode well for Uncle Sam..... He should be on his way to Leavenworth.....which he would have been if Merrick Garland had been alive.....
All of these relics should get out of the way - sent to prison, retire, or the old fashioned bucket kicking -but they should get out of the way. I mean, I'm old, not Grassly old, but old enough to realize that the comfort of being governed by geezers is a thing of the past.
"By this time next year it will be 'a tale told by an idiot, signifying nothing.' Felon34 is the most determined moron in US political history. They're the Broken Toys who never learned to work and play well with others. We're the side who won the Civil War and beat the Nazis and smashed the Japanese. Act. Like. It." OK. I feel some hope now. This morning was a very dismal morning. Now it's going to be a better afternoon. Thanks for that.
Totally agree with you about this, TC: "Felon34 and his loyalists will take power better prepared to implement a number of malicious ideas, but will make less progress and create more chaos than they did in 2017."
But I don't think it will be as bad as many fear because our institutions for governing have grown strong over nearly 250 years. The republic can withstand arrogance and incompetence precisely because power is decentralized, and well-established procedures insures stability.
For example, the electoral college vote will be certified on January 6 whether there is a Speaker of the House or not. That's because the procedure for doing so does not require one. When the House convenes, the Clerk presides over all House business until a Speaker is chosen -- that would include transmitting the election results to the Senate. Our entire system of government is designed to continue functioning even under unforeseen circumstances.
Add in the power of a strong unified opposition, under the wise leadership of Hakeem Jeffries, and you can leave your despair at the door.
The Vice-President of the United States, serving as President of the Senate, has only a ceremonial role with no power to affect the election results. The Constitution directs that: "The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President . . ."
On January 6, 2021, Donald Trump tried to convince Vice-president Pence that he could reject some of the Certificates, thereby depriving Joe Biden of his victory. But Mr. Pence understood that he had no such power, leading directly to the insurrectionist mob chanting "Hang Mike Pence!"
For sure 1968 was a primo fucked up year, but as Burl used to say “If you remember 1968, you weren’t there!”…just gotta remember that Tricky Dick managed to squeeze out a victory over Humphrey in ‘68 and buried McGovern in ‘72, but resigned in disgrace without finishing his second term. I can only wish that it happens to trump and Vance as it turned out for Nixon and Spirochete T. Agnew, but worse. History doesn’t always repeat itself, but ya never know, that’s why you roll the dice.
If the stakes weren't so serious the R's right now would be absolute comedy gold. Meanwhile the D caucus is pretty much united. Hakeem is not yet cracking the whip like Nancy SMASH! used to but I'm sure it's coming.
The House is one place where a stand can be made. The D's only need to peel off a handful of R's to gum up the works. No hope in the Senate unfortunately (Collins will sigh but vote "aye", Murkowski will show occ. spine, but that still leaves 51.)
Thank you for helping us get through the year past!
I am “ girding my loins” as someone else here said!!see today’s NYT article by the (D) congressman who thinks Donny knows how to play in the sand box. He is young and I admire his positivity but worry about the cold bath in reality he is about to have!
TC, inside the eye of the Chaos you be. Those of us orbiting without your political “insider” experience surely do appreciate your insights
Love the pic!
Love this: "We're the side who won the Civil War and beat the Nazis and smashed the Japanese. Act. Like. It."
Also love this: "Never interrupt your enemy when he's making a mistake. It's bad manners."
Bannon knows how to flood
the zone, any zone, X
included, with shite. Hoping
Musk falls down in it.
Tom, may all your insights
come true. That's a great
photo of you and your gr.
nephews.
That younger one looks like he has pockets full of mischief in him. Kids' faces often tell on them.
I’m his dad. There’s a lot of mischief brewing in that kid.
Kids like that keep parents agile and on guard.
David, they're adorable! Love the personality in those faces.
Yeah, 1968, the year of the Tet Offensive. I remember it well. It was chaos where I was in Vietnam and chaos "back in the world” as we used to say. It was stupid then too, but not nearly as insanely fascist stupid as it is with Elmo and Herr Trump strutting around on stage. But you’re right, all you can do in situations like this is lock n’ load and ”cut the motherfuckers loose,” as Ken Kesey used to say. Then, after the sirens stop and things calm down, “Plant a garden in which strange plants grow and mysteries bloom.” Onward!
Wise words all. A Happier New Year, Stewart, is possible. We can do this.
Thanks Stewart!
Bannon is the one who wants to burn it all down. Muskrat just wants to resell for parts. Never bet against Bannon, he is a thug and muskrat just a spoiled bully. may they extinguish each other
I'm hoping for the same thing, Godzilla vs. Kraken, with both bleeding out after rigorous gnawing and chewing and fire breathing.
With Vlad going down as well
Turned on TV to see Rose Parade taking place two miles away. The Stealth Bomber flew over. Then the Army, Navy, Marines were taking part. In forty-five years watching the parade, this was the first time sadness dominated when seeing our military represented. It’s only Jan. 1, the monster isn’t even in office.
Read your “Thoughts on Day 1” which buoyed my spirits right up. Grateful for all you contribute TC. Happy 2025 to all.
And the game is looking pretty sad, too🫤. Come on Oregon!
Hang in there Tom, and have a much better year than 1968, by the force of your voice and reason. Grand nephews and others of that age give us the hope and strength to carry on with clarity and vigilance. Our wide community of many Substacks will be there for each other and together we are a serious force to be reconned with. Keep up the great work. We will be here too.
Saving this one to review at the end of the year if I haven't been put into an enemies' lockup. Your predictions seem likely, but the Fates and Furies always hand out surprises. I think we're stuck with Musk because he's enmeshed with our military and space program. If Bannon had all the money the Mercers could give him, it still wouldn't be enough to banish Musk. Bannon's mouth alone won't do it.
Happy Weird Year to all here, my happy place.
Suppose SpaceX was nationalized? For security reasons, you know.
I strongly suspect Musk has similar projects going in other countries to make sure he's cornered the global market. He plays globally and will be manipulating the provincial minded cur who thinks he can isolate the US from everything except outer space.
That it is, Judith. And perhaps a Happier New Year, if we keep our focus.
I agree with you Judith, muck’s money got him elected not bannon’s mouth. The H-1B visa thing will be the tell all, he can’t be on both sides of that issue, the money people he desperately wants to be with, want the visa’s, the maggots can go back to cutting his lawns, none of them are members in his clubs. If muck broke the law he’ll pardon him, bannon is going to be spending a lot of this year trying to stay out of a NY prison.
1. If they continue apace with the organizational policy of performative threats they could actually fuck up the Electoral College thing, with the duties falling upon the shoulders of the president pro tempore of the senate - Chuck Grassly! Good thing they voted out the old guy.
2. If that walking cold sore Bannon manages get Elmo deported I will buy you all a drink. Make that two.
3. I may have mentioned it here before but I missed most all of 1968 owing to my participation in a large government project in a hostile foreign land. So all references to that year get my antennae raised, though thinking about it for me personally 2025 might actually end up worse.
4. There will be no getting out of it now so gird those loins.
Re: #2, if so, I'll pop for some too.
Grassley was one of the planners for the Jan. 6 election interference, so his rise to the White House, even for a few days, would not bode well for Uncle Sam..... He should be on his way to Leavenworth.....which he would have been if Merrick Garland had been alive.....
All of these relics should get out of the way - sent to prison, retire, or the old fashioned bucket kicking -but they should get out of the way. I mean, I'm old, not Grassly old, but old enough to realize that the comfort of being governed by geezers is a thing of the past.
"By this time next year it will be 'a tale told by an idiot, signifying nothing.' Felon34 is the most determined moron in US political history. They're the Broken Toys who never learned to work and play well with others. We're the side who won the Civil War and beat the Nazis and smashed the Japanese. Act. Like. It." OK. I feel some hope now. This morning was a very dismal morning. Now it's going to be a better afternoon. Thanks for that.
Absolutely! We’re the side the won the Civil War, beat the Nazis, and smashed the Japanese. I feel more hopeful now.
Totally agree with you about this, TC: "Felon34 and his loyalists will take power better prepared to implement a number of malicious ideas, but will make less progress and create more chaos than they did in 2017."
But I don't think it will be as bad as many fear because our institutions for governing have grown strong over nearly 250 years. The republic can withstand arrogance and incompetence precisely because power is decentralized, and well-established procedures insures stability.
For example, the electoral college vote will be certified on January 6 whether there is a Speaker of the House or not. That's because the procedure for doing so does not require one. When the House convenes, the Clerk presides over all House business until a Speaker is chosen -- that would include transmitting the election results to the Senate. Our entire system of government is designed to continue functioning even under unforeseen circumstances.
Add in the power of a strong unified opposition, under the wise leadership of Hakeem Jeffries, and you can leave your despair at the door.
.
A most reassuring way to look at the interesting times we're about to spend another year in. Thanks Jerry.
And what about Kamala Harris? Pence seemed to be a big part of the last Jan 6 debacle.
The Vice-President of the United States, serving as President of the Senate, has only a ceremonial role with no power to affect the election results. The Constitution directs that: "The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President . . ."
On January 6, 2021, Donald Trump tried to convince Vice-president Pence that he could reject some of the Certificates, thereby depriving Joe Biden of his victory. But Mr. Pence understood that he had no such power, leading directly to the insurrectionist mob chanting "Hang Mike Pence!"
.
1968 OMG I was a junior in HS and what a time to be alive. Holy crap.
Thanks for all you do to lift us, TC.
I love the photo and seeing the family resemblances. I'd say Sam even has your facial expression. All handsome fellows.
Yes, we're going to win, for the sake of our children and generations to come.
Do we have a choice? I don't think so. Let's do it!
For sure 1968 was a primo fucked up year, but as Burl used to say “If you remember 1968, you weren’t there!”…just gotta remember that Tricky Dick managed to squeeze out a victory over Humphrey in ‘68 and buried McGovern in ‘72, but resigned in disgrace without finishing his second term. I can only wish that it happens to trump and Vance as it turned out for Nixon and Spirochete T. Agnew, but worse. History doesn’t always repeat itself, but ya never know, that’s why you roll the dice.
If the stakes weren't so serious the R's right now would be absolute comedy gold. Meanwhile the D caucus is pretty much united. Hakeem is not yet cracking the whip like Nancy SMASH! used to but I'm sure it's coming.
God, I hope you are right. We need unity and strength right now. Let's get crackin'.
The House is one place where a stand can be made. The D's only need to peel off a handful of R's to gum up the works. No hope in the Senate unfortunately (Collins will sigh but vote "aye", Murkowski will show occ. spine, but that still leaves 51.)
Wonderful picture of you and the boys!
Thank you for helping us get through the year past!
I am “ girding my loins” as someone else here said!!see today’s NYT article by the (D) congressman who thinks Donny knows how to play in the sand box. He is young and I admire his positivity but worry about the cold bath in reality he is about to have!
Happy New Year, TC. Thanks for everything.