Thank you for a wonderful, information-filled post! I love the quote from your friend, Katie: "And a fight is already lost if it’s never fought." That sentence should be on everyone's lips as we fight the corruption and grift, lies, bullying, and demagoguery. Thanks to all of the Contrarians who are at the forefront, along with many others, to save our country!
It's all so baffling and terrifying that it makes me want to put my fingers in my ears and sing la-la-la. Thank you, Norm, for giving me some hope to wake up to. Please, take good care of yourself!!
PS - I must say I'm aghast at Hegseth's clueless quotation of Pulp Fiction. How many will notice?? Or care?
Listening to Hegseth is nauseating as well as worrisome. That such an numpty is in charge of one of the largest militaries in the world is terrifying. That he thinks that he acts as "an instrument of God" is an equal concern. A toady for the demented president presents no confidence either.
Addendum: 'Numpty' may be too kind. 'bampot' is closer to accurate.
So who is going to chuck him out; the Rethuglican congress? As long as he keeps doing Trump's loyal bidding, he will remain in office no matter how badly he bungles the Iran war and the rest of our military "adventures".
The 120th Congress is going to be so so busy with hearings, investigations, proposals for impeachment… just as dizzying as all the EO's that came out since 1/1/25.
You're probably right. I have no social media, never had, so I can only imagine the noise! But I'd like to see some change actually come of all that clever blahblah. I fear that too many people are satisfied knowing that many others think just like they do (and that works both ways). So they can go about their day, feeling smug and understood by the choir. Sorry: it's no longer enough! :-(
It's definitely comforting to know that many others feel the way I do (and "laughter is the best medicine") but I would never consider myself smug. I keep well informed, and participate in numerous political activities, especially postcard writing.
And as for the choir, I judge its size by what I read in actual reporting. I'm fully aware that while 99% of my friends feel the same way I do (and also are extremely politically active) that is not how the country feels.
Oh dear. Remember the Golden Bough... it's been a long time away from Queens College... But the concept was that only a small percentage of the world's people's lives change... as the rest keep up to the same old, same old. We have to take heart and make it known who we are and that whatever numbers we have, we are the leaders... whose thoughts will shape the future.
We all need comic relief BECAUSE we understand and stay up on what's happening. So if someone is smug about their meme, that's okay, they contributed to giving me a much-needed belly laugh so I can de-stress and resist another day.
I love The Contrarian and every essay you post. All your writers. And of course all your legal battles to save our democracy. I know what a deal we’re getting for being a paying subscriber. You do terrific work and I thank you!
But also read today that Tegna and Nexstar are claiming "Too late - we already merged a month ago!" to tell the judge who just ruled against it to go pound sand. I hope the judge and any higher courts will insist they roll it back since it is clearly an illegal merger.
Re Hungary, I'm wondering where the money came from for Hungary to subsidize CPAC. The whole deal stinks to me. Round and round the money goes. Where it came from nobody knows? Or where it actually ends up?
That "too late" remark smacks of the MO of this entire administration.
I remember years ago in NYC, overnight someone took a wrecking ball to a building (that housed the New Yorker) that was under review to become an historic landmark.
Then there is the east wing. I'm sure they consider it fait accompli, but I would love to see a proposal to have it restored. The French restored Notre Dame Cathedral; the east wing should be easy enough.
The East Wing should also be restored with Trump's personal funds as he was the one who illegally destroyed it - you break it, you pay for it. He should also be responsible for the clean-up of the wreckage of the building that he directed to be dumped in East Potomac Park.
For where money comes from and where is goes, consider the Latin 'cui bono' (who benefits?). That's where to start looking. Money rarely changes hands without resulting in some beneficial action to at least one of the parties involved.
The steel for the catering hall is being donated .. I should keep notes to say whom.... but you know he is expecting first class treatment of whatever he needs from his Orangeness.
Thanks for the informative article on the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. This isn't the first anti-democracy merger of the Trump era, but if enough pressure mounts from the public and state attorneys general, it could be the last, especially if, as we all hope, the Dems take control of the house and possibly the senate in November.
I HOPE that Democracy Defenders Action is working with congressional Dems on writing and passing anti-trust legislation aimed at splitting up the corporate media [and social media] consolidations we're seeing now. Thanks for all you do to defend our democracy, Norm Eisen. Also, Katie Phang is one helluva lawyer!! Her argumentation at that hearing was superb!
Thank you Norm. While Jen's columns provide the information about the Trump onslaught of our democracy, your group is the battling group of The Contrarian. Together, it is serving a history making protector of American democracy. Thank you. If Hungary had an equivalent unit, Victor Orban would not have lasted 16 years.
I just read that Hungary is roughly the size of Indiana. So I look at it like one state on its own endured 16 years of authoritarian rule. But we are 50 states, and it takes more to cow all of us for that long, it takes less time for Americans in 50 states to get the picture, mobilize and fight back. Our size and number of states is something we definitely have going for us, and here's praying that the midterms send the wannabe dictator regime to the dustbin.
The best thing is we are showing the world that the people do have power, in spite of a president who the Republicans and the Supreme Court. allow him to do whatever folly he desires.
This might be the great gift Donald is giving the world... Fight back!
Jamelle Bouie NYT 3/25/26: "If you can set aside both the unconstitutionality and the immorality of President Trump’s unprovoked...it is hard not to be bewildered by the utter lack of real planning, or even basic strategic thinking, that has gone into it.”
GOP normalizes sociopathy & serial criminality of the Chosen One. Resist depraved, demented, gangster grifter authoritarianism! Vote Sane. #VoteBlue!
Trump is systematically dismantling the USA in a rapid fire emulation of Orban's decade plus attempt to dismantle Hungary and the European Union. Both these men are UI's of Putin.
Paul Krugman's post today is a really solid analysis of how Orban lost an election he had rigged. It is also clear that he can repeat Putin's dodge to retain power after his term expired. Orban is likely to return to power via the office of the President of Hungary.
"Media consolidation has already weakened one of America’s most vital global industries — one that has long shaped culture and connected people around the world.”"
This is a significant observation of fact. Thanks to Mr. Eisen, the letter signators, and all who seen the danger of the latest media merger. Not only is creativity a victim, but also the honest and factual dissemination of news. Too much in the hands of too few isn't conducive to freedom of the press, which is fast becoming an anachronism today. We need to vigorously enforce anti-trust regulations as well as the 39% rule govering media concentration/consolidation.
I have a file on my computer named DUMP TRUMP. In it I have a copy of the picture of the Orange Menace, dressed and acting like Jesus. I don't have one of him as the Pope, that was last year I think.
Leave it to California to screw up so badly in a year when Democrats are winning. Mess this up and we can kiss those CA electoral college votes goodbye under a Republican governor. This is why the country won't be lectured by CA. They gave us Reagan after all.
What an amazing group of people you are! I cannot thank you enough for all you do in fighting for our democracy and for our rights. Norm, Jennifer and all the Contrarians bring us hope every day!!
Thank you for a wonderful, information-filled post! I love the quote from your friend, Katie: "And a fight is already lost if it’s never fought." That sentence should be on everyone's lips as we fight the corruption and grift, lies, bullying, and demagoguery. Thanks to all of the Contrarians who are at the forefront, along with many others, to save our country!
It's all so baffling and terrifying that it makes me want to put my fingers in my ears and sing la-la-la. Thank you, Norm, for giving me some hope to wake up to. Please, take good care of yourself!!
PS - I must say I'm aghast at Hegseth's clueless quotation of Pulp Fiction. How many will notice?? Or care?
Listening to Hegseth is nauseating as well as worrisome. That such an numpty is in charge of one of the largest militaries in the world is terrifying. That he thinks that he acts as "an instrument of God" is an equal concern. A toady for the demented president presents no confidence either.
Addendum: 'Numpty' may be too kind. 'bampot' is closer to accurate.
And yet he still "functions" in that role..
So who is going to chuck him out; the Rethuglican congress? As long as he keeps doing Trump's loyal bidding, he will remain in office no matter how badly he bungles the Iran war and the rest of our military "adventures".
The 120th Congress is going to be so so busy with hearings, investigations, proposals for impeachment… just as dizzying as all the EO's that came out since 1/1/25.
From your mind to a hopeful upcoming reality.
He just thinks he does. He's playing a part. Like they all are.
"How many will notice? Or care?"
A whole lot of people, if my feed is any indication (which it might not be, but anyway...) I think it ended up on late night comedy, for one thing.
I've seen some great memes, including one with Travolta and Thurman dancing, with the caption "this is my favorite scene from the Bible."
Many more people than you think will care!! Me and mine included.
I think anyone who has the slightest amount of political awareness already knows about it! What a total idiot he is. The memes are rampant 😆
You're probably right. I have no social media, never had, so I can only imagine the noise! But I'd like to see some change actually come of all that clever blahblah. I fear that too many people are satisfied knowing that many others think just like they do (and that works both ways). So they can go about their day, feeling smug and understood by the choir. Sorry: it's no longer enough! :-(
It's definitely comforting to know that many others feel the way I do (and "laughter is the best medicine") but I would never consider myself smug. I keep well informed, and participate in numerous political activities, especially postcard writing.
And as for the choir, I judge its size by what I read in actual reporting. I'm fully aware that while 99% of my friends feel the same way I do (and also are extremely politically active) that is not how the country feels.
Oh dear. Remember the Golden Bough... it's been a long time away from Queens College... But the concept was that only a small percentage of the world's people's lives change... as the rest keep up to the same old, same old. We have to take heart and make it known who we are and that whatever numbers we have, we are the leaders... whose thoughts will shape the future.
We all need comic relief BECAUSE we understand and stay up on what's happening. So if someone is smug about their meme, that's okay, they contributed to giving me a much-needed belly laugh so I can de-stress and resist another day.
You do have a point. Belly laughs definitely help! I just get frustrated when people think that posting memes is enough resistance.
I don't know anyone who thinks that.
I'm curious to know on what you base your opinion, since, as you say, you do not participate in social media
I love The Contrarian and every essay you post. All your writers. And of course all your legal battles to save our democracy. I know what a deal we’re getting for being a paying subscriber. You do terrific work and I thank you!
But also read today that Tegna and Nexstar are claiming "Too late - we already merged a month ago!" to tell the judge who just ruled against it to go pound sand. I hope the judge and any higher courts will insist they roll it back since it is clearly an illegal merger.
Re Hungary, I'm wondering where the money came from for Hungary to subsidize CPAC. The whole deal stinks to me. Round and round the money goes. Where it came from nobody knows? Or where it actually ends up?
That "too late" remark smacks of the MO of this entire administration.
I remember years ago in NYC, overnight someone took a wrecking ball to a building (that housed the New Yorker) that was under review to become an historic landmark.
Then there is the east wing. I'm sure they consider it fait accompli, but I would love to see a proposal to have it restored. The French restored Notre Dame Cathedral; the east wing should be easy enough.
The East Wing should also be restored with Trump's personal funds as he was the one who illegally destroyed it - you break it, you pay for it. He should also be responsible for the clean-up of the wreckage of the building that he directed to be dumped in East Potomac Park.
Oh, my God. You give me hope.
I've been thinking of how soon we can have it taken down again.
But you're idea is fabulous. Norm, can you start that peition for us?
For where money comes from and where is goes, consider the Latin 'cui bono' (who benefits?). That's where to start looking. Money rarely changes hands without resulting in some beneficial action to at least one of the parties involved.
The steel for the catering hall is being donated .. I should keep notes to say whom.... but you know he is expecting first class treatment of whatever he needs from his Orangeness.
And what favors are to be expected from the donors? The whole thing will reek of corruption.
Thanks for the informative article on the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. This isn't the first anti-democracy merger of the Trump era, but if enough pressure mounts from the public and state attorneys general, it could be the last, especially if, as we all hope, the Dems take control of the house and possibly the senate in November.
I HOPE that Democracy Defenders Action is working with congressional Dems on writing and passing anti-trust legislation aimed at splitting up the corporate media [and social media] consolidations we're seeing now. Thanks for all you do to defend our democracy, Norm Eisen. Also, Katie Phang is one helluva lawyer!! Her argumentation at that hearing was superb!
Thank you Norm. While Jen's columns provide the information about the Trump onslaught of our democracy, your group is the battling group of The Contrarian. Together, it is serving a history making protector of American democracy. Thank you. If Hungary had an equivalent unit, Victor Orban would not have lasted 16 years.
I just read that Hungary is roughly the size of Indiana. So I look at it like one state on its own endured 16 years of authoritarian rule. But we are 50 states, and it takes more to cow all of us for that long, it takes less time for Americans in 50 states to get the picture, mobilize and fight back. Our size and number of states is something we definitely have going for us, and here's praying that the midterms send the wannabe dictator regime to the dustbin.
Diversification reduces risk, just like a portfolio.
The best thing is we are showing the world that the people do have power, in spite of a president who the Republicans and the Supreme Court. allow him to do whatever folly he desires.
This might be the great gift Donald is giving the world... Fight back!
Jamelle Bouie NYT 3/25/26: "If you can set aside both the unconstitutionality and the immorality of President Trump’s unprovoked...it is hard not to be bewildered by the utter lack of real planning, or even basic strategic thinking, that has gone into it.”
GOP normalizes sociopathy & serial criminality of the Chosen One. Resist depraved, demented, gangster grifter authoritarianism! Vote Sane. #VoteBlue!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEok_seAdi4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b14mceqC8xI
Trump is systematically dismantling the USA in a rapid fire emulation of Orban's decade plus attempt to dismantle Hungary and the European Union. Both these men are UI's of Putin.
*Undemocratic Intelligence.
Paul Krugman's post today is a really solid analysis of how Orban lost an election he had rigged. It is also clear that he can repeat Putin's dodge to retain power after his term expired. Orban is likely to return to power via the office of the President of Hungary.
I read that and take comfort that Maygar is very well aware of the problem and, one hopes, will figure out a solution before Orban gets a chance.
Me, too, but I am also concerned that he will become another Orban.
"Media consolidation has already weakened one of America’s most vital global industries — one that has long shaped culture and connected people around the world.”"
This is a significant observation of fact. Thanks to Mr. Eisen, the letter signators, and all who seen the danger of the latest media merger. Not only is creativity a victim, but also the honest and factual dissemination of news. Too much in the hands of too few isn't conducive to freedom of the press, which is fast becoming an anachronism today. We need to vigorously enforce anti-trust regulations as well as the 39% rule govering media concentration/consolidation.
It's been said that the Orange Menace's fight with the Pope is actually a proxy for a fight with God, a turf war in mob-speak.
As should be obvious by now, his stubby fingers are too short to box with God.
yeah, since God (the real one) can smote one w/a glance
I have a file on my computer named DUMP TRUMP. In it I have a copy of the picture of the Orange Menace, dressed and acting like Jesus. I don't have one of him as the Pope, that was last year I think.
The Pope one is still on the web but harder to find because of the current news.
Try here, for example:
https://www.reddit.com/r/CatholicWomen/comments/1kdsoh7/why_dont_i_see_more_catholic_outrage_against/#lightbox
So proud of our work, Norm!
Leave it to California to screw up so badly in a year when Democrats are winning. Mess this up and we can kiss those CA electoral college votes goodbye under a Republican governor. This is why the country won't be lectured by CA. They gave us Reagan after all.
What do you mean "Leave it to California?" It is the result of one man's misbehavior.
Besides, it ain't gonna happen. We're smart enough to figure it out and we will. No effing Republican is going to take this state.
What an amazing group of people you are! I cannot thank you enough for all you do in fighting for our democracy and for our rights. Norm, Jennifer and all the Contrarians bring us hope every day!!
Grateful for ALL Contrarians!! What amazing work you all are doing!
Thank you thank you thank you!!!