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Beatrice Moore's avatar

One of my biggest concerns about people running around masked, is that for all we know, some of the perpetrators of the more violent actions that are taking place, are masked Proud Boys or other lawless groups that support Trump and are basically doing his bidding by escalating the visual of unrest in an attempt to blame it on “The Left” or the peaceful protesters.

Carl Selfe's avatar

The Administration’s plan to escalate the peaceful protest in Los Angeles is in full swing. Militarized ICE agents attacking a macho-driven community is not wise. Nevertheless ICE was able to secure their areas with modest support from county and state Local Law Enforcement (LLE). No Federal assistance was requested; however, the Trump administration illegally mobilized and seconded the California National Guard. That was an inflammatory response fueled simultaneously with rabble-rousing malign words from xenophobic Steven Miller, racist militant Tom Homan, dog shooter Kristi Noem, and the drunk Pete Hegseth. They are all instigating turmoil and fanning the flames. If they had any peace-inducing ideas, they would STFU. I did not know where this protest will lead, but peace during protests is suggested. Stop with the rock throwing, please. Passionate is okay. I suggest just laying down in the streets. Big, heavy protestors should take a rest, as I explain. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/uninvited-trump-escalates-conflict?r=3m1bs

Mike's avatar

Just remember who didn't call out the National Guard.

Just remember, ... on 6 january 2021 when the Capitol was attacked, members of the police were assaulted and their lives, as well as the lives of elected Congressmen were threatened, Trump did nothing – nothing for hours. He just sat and watched on tv the incipient destruction of the US gov’t.

Just remember he finally said, “stand down and stand by”, and “go home, we love you”. Just remember, ...he pardoned these thugs after their adjudication, as if their actions were deserving of pardon. Just remember.... when the Gov't of the United States was being destroyed, he did nothing. There was no National Guard.

David Richardson's avatar

I sent this to Chris Hedges this morning. You might take something from it.

You can't help speaking without using religious metaphors. To me, you are a philosopher who became a journalist to make a living. I would love to hear you talk about Capitalism as a philosophy, as a god. Adam Smith explained that at the beginning. Capitalism and Virtue live in conflict, one destroys the other. It was capitalism, not Judaism, that committed genocide in Gaza. Capitalism is a philosophy, a religion, a culture that has led us to this end. Autocracy is just a byproduct. Netanyahu, Trump, Orban, and Putin are all byproducts of this illusion. We have a god-problem here as plain as Plutus! Quit talking about the "sinners" and start talking about their god, capitalism!

Elizabeth Horton's avatar

Jen,

How do I buy Contrarian merch? No notation on site for redirect.

John Brennan's avatar

The collective commentary reveals the lawlessness with which trump acts. He, indeed, is trying to get to dictatorship with high velocity. Now the Marines have been sent. This is unconstitutional; this flies in the face of military rules of engagement. We, as military personnel, do not have to obey an unlawful order. If Hagseth ordered this he is severely under-informed and has broken the law. There is no rebellion, there is no invasion, thus there is no authority for ANY of this whacko set of actions trump has taken. He needs to be impeached.

Swarl's avatar

Please, please, tell us, in detail, how Stephen Millet is orchestrating this entire run-up to a police state.