"Because power corrupts, society's demand for moral authority and character increases as the importance of the position increases." President John Adams
"A civilization is measured by how it treats its weakest members. Mahatma Gandhi
"The people have only as much liberty as they have intelligence to want and the courage to take." Emma Goldman
"The house is on fire, Trump/Musk is running around with matches and the GOP demands to know who called the fire department." Gary Kasparov
"This reminds me of what Kinzinger asked...Are we now suddenly the bad guys?"
Maybe not; maybe incompetent liars for the past four years may be closer to the truth. Regardless, the Dems are out of power and are apparently too clueless to look in the mirror when looking for someone to blame.
We are simply now seeing with our own eyes what we thought we (those paying attention to Trump's words and actions) would and that is that Trump is aligned with Putin instead of our own nation's interests or our allies.
This is rather a "Well Duh!" moment.
Trump has never given us a reason to think otherwise,
And you do what, exactly? Can you put more than ten words together for anything resembling a coherent argument? Didn't you say you are a nurse? That requires quite of bit of intelligence and empathy, but I don't see either here. Just a bunch of one-liners with apparently no thought put into them. Simple insults at something you consider not a human. Well, continue that belief if you wish. No problem.
Of course...Democrat policies had absolutely nothing to do with it.
Lying about border security and Biden's mental health had nothing to do with it.
A 20% aggregate inflation in four years had nothing to do with it.
Working with or coercing social media companies to suppress or ban any info on Hunter Biden's laptop had nothing to do with it.
Constant/multiple legal actions against Trump (coincidentally in an election year) had nothing to do with it.
Conducting a "coup", if you will to remove Joe Biden and installing VP Harris as the presumptive Democrat nominee...she of word salads, Venn diagrams, yellow school busses and the passage of time..that had nothing to do with it.
Now, how can there be any doubt at all that Putin has a very deep, compromising connection with Trump? Wish some muckraking news organization (The Contrarian...hint hint) could dig deep enough to know what that connection is and why Trump is so compromised. Trump acts like a Russian asset. If he acts like one—and he is so out in the open about being in the sway of Putin and now with the US vote at the UN—then he is one. When did groveling at the feet of a war criminal, an enemy of the US, become part of making america great again? When did treason become in vogue with the Republican Party?
I've just read an article in The Atlantic, by Jonathan Rauch, "One Word Describes Trump." The word Rauch uses is patrimonialism. I would love to hear Jen and Norm's discussion of this concept and the two weaknesses (read paths towards defeat) of such a governing style.
I think Rauch really hit the nail on the head using the concept of patrimonialism to describe Trump. A crime-family boss playing out on the world stage,
Yet, every underqualified candidate that has been put forward by #45/47 has made it through, even though they are risks to our National Security. And are weakening us as a nation of strength. Our nation is no longer held in esteem, but looked upon, as the likes of Russia. The Republicans in the Senate did this. And my concern is that their families have been threatened. Because I cannot for one second understand how a highly credentialed Doctor, that is now a 70 year old Senator could vote for RFK JR. without his family being at risk.
The "counteroffensive" will be on November 3, 2026...it's called an election...you lost the last one...try figuring out the "why" of the loss instead of whining for the next two years.
“Every age has its peculiar folly; some scheme, project, or phantasy into which it plunges, spurred on either by the love of gain, the necessity of excitement, or the mere force of imitation. Failing in these, it has some madness, to which it is goaded by political of religious causes, or both combined.”
― Charles Mackay, Extraordinary Popular Delusions and The Madness of Crowds, 1841
I like James Carville’s theory, that this administration will self destruct. Democrats would be wise to just let them do that but plan for the fallout. He also states that Republicans don’t govern as well as Democrats.
I remember in many Kamala Harris' speeches she kept emphasizing the fact that we are the UNITED States. it wasn't until PINO(president in name ONLY)during in his first term, his maga group started dividing us into red and blue states and we didn't stop them.
States trade with each other. Every state doesn't have the climate or labor force to support the growth of the food we eat, or the meat and dairy we consume, the grains that we depend upon for a healthy diet. When wild fires break out, ot flooding occurs, besides FEMA, and the Red Cross, people from all states join together to help others. Americans were known for their generosity. not hatred because you lived in a state that was mostly Democrat or Republican. The majority of people want our basic needs taken care of, food, clothing, and shelter, good health care, a guaranteed financial security with the money we paid into Social Security from years of hard work provided.
We're now seeing people across the country uniting and fighting for what we earned as Americans. We are saying NO to all the cuts in these programs by 2 people who never counted on the spirit of ALL people here. We will overthrow this excuse for a government, by voting them out, and blocking them from their agenda by voting in April. It can happen if we keep up the pressure on our Congressional representatives. If they ever want to be reelected this is a wake up call for them. Keep calling their offices, it's the fastest way to get through to them.
"it wasn't until PINO(president in name ONLY)during in his first term."
Would you mind telling me who was running the country during Biden's term because it certainly wasn't Biden.
"The majority of people want our basic needs taken care of, food, clothing, and shelter, good health care, a guaranteed financial security with the money we paid into Social Security from years of hard work provided."
Is the federal government tasked with providing you food, clothing and shelter?
"We are saying NO to all the cuts in these programs by 2 people who never counted on the spirit of ALL people here."
Well, certainly not ALL people...
"Americans Want Cuts, But Not to Social Security, Education, Medicare: Poll"
"We will overthrow this excuse for a government, by voting them out, and blocking them from their agenda by voting in April. "
Do you want to see a real revolt against the entire government? Stop withholding taxes from paychecks and make everyone pay in April. We used to do that before WWII. When taxpayers see exactly what they "owe" the government, you'll see quite a fuss at every elected official in D.C and state legislatures around the country.
I agree, Hal. So much legislation could have been passed, the Dems were still acting like things were normal after that disastrous speech Biden gave. A lot of mistakes.
People are angry at both parties for not representing their constituents. We have to keep pressuring them everyday.
“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered.”
Thomas Paine began American Crisis with these famous words
The support of Putin is hard to understand - is it pictures of Trump - or his desire to win the Peace prize - or his desire to build a Moscow hotel? The voter doesn't agree - we have seen the KGB Putin at work for years and we would like him to go away.
Switzerland is already protecting his family - he should join them and retire.
What do we need to do to take Trump out of power - he is so very wrong.
He will not change history - there was an Insurrection that he supported ; no peace prize will change this.
"Because power corrupts, society's demand for moral authority and character increases as the importance of the position increases." President John Adams
"A civilization is measured by how it treats its weakest members. Mahatma Gandhi
"The people have only as much liberty as they have intelligence to want and the courage to take." Emma Goldman
"The house is on fire, Trump/Musk is running around with matches and the GOP demands to know who called the fire department." Gary Kasparov
"No puppet! No puppet! You're the puppet!" Donald Putin-licking Trump, to Hillary Clinton, October 2016.
This reminds me of what Kinzinger asked in one of his posts to get people really thinking about what is happening, which was essentially,
Are we now suddenly the bad guys?
Think about it - who are we voting with on an international stage.
"This reminds me of what Kinzinger asked...Are we now suddenly the bad guys?"
Maybe not; maybe incompetent liars for the past four years may be closer to the truth. Regardless, the Dems are out of power and are apparently too clueless to look in the mirror when looking for someone to blame.
You would need to be more specific than that.
We are simply now seeing with our own eyes what we thought we (those paying attention to Trump's words and actions) would and that is that Trump is aligned with Putin instead of our own nation's interests or our allies.
This is rather a "Well Duh!" moment.
Trump has never given us a reason to think otherwise,
"You would need to be more specific than that."
Sure, just like your post that wanted us to "think about it" without listing anything specific yourself...got it.
"...and that is that Trump is aligned with Putin instead of our own nation's interests or our allies."
And what is your specific analysis on this, other than "Well Duh"?
The USA just voted with North Korea and Russia in opposition to our allies. Did you not watch the video above they we are commenting on?
We essentially switched sides.
"The USA just voted with North Korea and Russia in opposition to our allies."
And your analysis on this is what?
"We essentially switched sides."
Maybe, but maybe there's more going on in background and in previous administrations that might have some influence on that vote
hal, this should not need to be explained to you. did I ask you if you are a bot last time you pulled this crap ?
you repeat everything......screams BOT
And you do what, exactly? Can you put more than ten words together for anything resembling a coherent argument? Didn't you say you are a nurse? That requires quite of bit of intelligence and empathy, but I don't see either here. Just a bunch of one-liners with apparently no thought put into them. Simple insults at something you consider not a human. Well, continue that belief if you wish. No problem.
One sentence or one word can say much.....requires HUMAN intelligence. Both to write and to understand.
trump and dumb americans are to blame
mconnell et al
"trump and dumb americans are to blame"
Of course...Democrat policies had absolutely nothing to do with it.
Lying about border security and Biden's mental health had nothing to do with it.
A 20% aggregate inflation in four years had nothing to do with it.
Working with or coercing social media companies to suppress or ban any info on Hunter Biden's laptop had nothing to do with it.
Constant/multiple legal actions against Trump (coincidentally in an election year) had nothing to do with it.
Conducting a "coup", if you will to remove Joe Biden and installing VP Harris as the presumptive Democrat nominee...she of word salads, Venn diagrams, yellow school busses and the passage of time..that had nothing to do with it.
Just "trump and dumb americans are to blame"
Sure, whatever you say...
glad you agree
You do not seem to know what the topic is.
Video above : https://contrarian.substack.com/p/tom-malinowski-and-jen-rubin-on-us
You do not seem to have any analysis of your own.
bot
I have never been so ashamed of my country.
I dunno, eight years ago comes to mind.
There is an eerie amount of precedent for current US politics in the writings of Thomas Paine...
Now, how can there be any doubt at all that Putin has a very deep, compromising connection with Trump? Wish some muckraking news organization (The Contrarian...hint hint) could dig deep enough to know what that connection is and why Trump is so compromised. Trump acts like a Russian asset. If he acts like one—and he is so out in the open about being in the sway of Putin and now with the US vote at the UN—then he is one. When did groveling at the feet of a war criminal, an enemy of the US, become part of making america great again? When did treason become in vogue with the Republican Party?
They have fired the top JAG people who look after the military, ensuring they obey the law. What's next!?! The media needs to wake up. WTH!!!!
Get Lindsey Graham's take on this. He supposedly is a proud former JAG, no?
I've just read an article in The Atlantic, by Jonathan Rauch, "One Word Describes Trump." The word Rauch uses is patrimonialism. I would love to hear Jen and Norm's discussion of this concept and the two weaknesses (read paths towards defeat) of such a governing style.
I think Rauch really hit the nail on the head using the concept of patrimonialism to describe Trump. A crime-family boss playing out on the world stage,
Patrimonialist? Heck, cop-killer Trump is a psychopath. Here's a test everyone can take to see if you're a psychopath: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/personality/psychopathy-test
New word for me, and it makes me sad that it is a thing.
I don't like the word.....sounds like it's not that bad.....dictator,treason, oligarchy,these are the words we need to use
We must do the counteroffensive with speed. Take to the streets. Begin an economic boycott. Stop buying. Stop buying everything.
https://bit.ly/4bhzA68
I sent this to our Senators and my Representative.
I think it is time for a press conference held by:
Joe Biden
Barak Obama
Bill Clinton
George Bush
Kamala Harris
Al Gore
Mike Pence
Dick Cheney
With the Democratic Senate and Representatives behind them.
Together!!! Against the weakening and dismantling of our government and throwing away our allies. We can’t wait for two years.
Liz Cheney? Adam Kinzinger? Why are they not on your list?
And because it will have more clout if it is the top echelon from the other administrations, that have all been there.
Because they weren’t the President or VP
Nah. Concentrate on flipping a few Republicans.
Senate Republicans, like Wicker, McConnell, Tillis, Cleghorn Kennedy have called Trump a liar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaovN5mY9nQ
https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/18/politics/video/roger-wicker-john-kennedy-trump-putin-digvid
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5161804-mcconnell-trump-russia-ukraine-war/
House Bipartisan Ukraine Committee.
Bipartisan Resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives Marking the Third Year of War and Supporting Ukraine
February 24, 2025
See remarks.
https://www.wilx.com/2025/02/25/congressional-ukraine-caucus-marks-third-anniversary-russian-invasion-ukraine/
Steny Hoyer is still the greatest.
Yet, every underqualified candidate that has been put forward by #45/47 has made it through, even though they are risks to our National Security. And are weakening us as a nation of strength. Our nation is no longer held in esteem, but looked upon, as the likes of Russia. The Republicans in the Senate did this. And my concern is that their families have been threatened. Because I cannot for one second understand how a highly credentialed Doctor, that is now a 70 year old Senator could vote for RFK JR. without his family being at risk.
maybe not such a good doctor in my book.....patricia RN
could have press conf talk about threats, resign rather than vote for rfk, etc.
They will screw up everything. And put their collective heads in a noose.
"We must do the counteroffensive with speed..."
The "counteroffensive" will be on November 3, 2026...it's called an election...you lost the last one...try figuring out the "why" of the loss instead of whining for the next two years.
“Every age has its peculiar folly; some scheme, project, or phantasy into which it plunges, spurred on either by the love of gain, the necessity of excitement, or the mere force of imitation. Failing in these, it has some madness, to which it is goaded by political of religious causes, or both combined.”
― Charles Mackay, Extraordinary Popular Delusions and The Madness of Crowds, 1841
I like James Carville’s theory, that this administration will self destruct. Democrats would be wise to just let them do that but plan for the fallout. He also states that Republicans don’t govern as well as Democrats.
DONALD TRUMP IS A RUSSIAN ASSET, AND HAS BEEN FOR DECADES. WHEN WILL AMERICA WAKE UP TO THAT FACT ?
I remember in many Kamala Harris' speeches she kept emphasizing the fact that we are the UNITED States. it wasn't until PINO(president in name ONLY)during in his first term, his maga group started dividing us into red and blue states and we didn't stop them.
States trade with each other. Every state doesn't have the climate or labor force to support the growth of the food we eat, or the meat and dairy we consume, the grains that we depend upon for a healthy diet. When wild fires break out, ot flooding occurs, besides FEMA, and the Red Cross, people from all states join together to help others. Americans were known for their generosity. not hatred because you lived in a state that was mostly Democrat or Republican. The majority of people want our basic needs taken care of, food, clothing, and shelter, good health care, a guaranteed financial security with the money we paid into Social Security from years of hard work provided.
We're now seeing people across the country uniting and fighting for what we earned as Americans. We are saying NO to all the cuts in these programs by 2 people who never counted on the spirit of ALL people here. We will overthrow this excuse for a government, by voting them out, and blocking them from their agenda by voting in April. It can happen if we keep up the pressure on our Congressional representatives. If they ever want to be reelected this is a wake up call for them. Keep calling their offices, it's the fastest way to get through to them.
"it wasn't until PINO(president in name ONLY)during in his first term."
Would you mind telling me who was running the country during Biden's term because it certainly wasn't Biden.
"The majority of people want our basic needs taken care of, food, clothing, and shelter, good health care, a guaranteed financial security with the money we paid into Social Security from years of hard work provided."
Is the federal government tasked with providing you food, clothing and shelter?
"We are saying NO to all the cuts in these programs by 2 people who never counted on the spirit of ALL people here."
Well, certainly not ALL people...
"Americans Want Cuts, But Not to Social Security, Education, Medicare: Poll"
https://www.newsweek.com/americans-want-cuts-not-social-security-education-medicare-poll-2031627
"Where US adults think the government is spending too much, according to AP-NORC polling"
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/us-adults-government-spending-ap-norc-polling-118817706
"7 in 10 Voters Support $1T DOGE Spending Cuts"
https://www.usconstitution.net/voter-support-for-1t-spending-cuts/?utm_msg=20250224&utm_other=q_
"We will overthrow this excuse for a government, by voting them out, and blocking them from their agenda by voting in April. "
Do you want to see a real revolt against the entire government? Stop withholding taxes from paychecks and make everyone pay in April. We used to do that before WWII. When taxpayers see exactly what they "owe" the government, you'll see quite a fuss at every elected official in D.C and state legislatures around the country.
I agree, Hal. So much legislation could have been passed, the Dems were still acting like things were normal after that disastrous speech Biden gave. A lot of mistakes.
People are angry at both parties for not representing their constituents. We have to keep pressuring them everyday.
“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered.”
Thomas Paine began American Crisis with these famous words
The support of Putin is hard to understand - is it pictures of Trump - or his desire to win the Peace prize - or his desire to build a Moscow hotel? The voter doesn't agree - we have seen the KGB Putin at work for years and we would like him to go away.
Switzerland is already protecting his family - he should join them and retire.
What do we need to do to take Trump out of power - he is so very wrong.
He will not change history - there was an Insurrection that he supported ; no peace prize will change this.