maybe bc I am currently filing WWII & Korean War letters and photos - I do not see the face of leadership in any of the photos of Hegseth. I see an arrogant, brash man that appears angry vs competent; distracted versus discerning.
When he's ranting, his eyes are absolutely crazy, like he's manic (have lived with a crazy-eyed man). His strutting around and ordering the entire senior military force about how to act or get out, his castigation of Admiral Holsey, his obnoxious media statements - he's not a leader, he's a bully grandstanding pretender. Perfect for the reality tv regime.
The only "news" media I give any consideration to anymore is The Daily Show and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. If you want true honesty and journalistic integrity those are about the only shows worth watching. And they consistently dig up photos that show the true character of these ghouls.
Most other media are either MAGA suck-ups or afraid to offend anyone.
Excellent analysis of Hegseth and even more critically, of the truly shocking Trump distribution of videos for the purpose of public entertainment showing our military engaging in murder of alleged drug carriers.
The shocking way those videos are being publicized by Trump has barely been discussed. It needs to be. We don’t show, in a legitimate war, videos of our soldiers shooting soldiers. How is it that there is not widespread outcry against this horrific use of videos of people being killed by our military?
Kelly, thank you for this note. I totally agree. WE have to be the outrage because it’s awful and we cannot allow ourselves to become desensitized to this violence!
Hard to believe that people buy into the blowing up of suspected drug carrier boats and would already be accustomed to this outright murder. This is wrong in too many ways. Yet again, I can understand the Split Screen points.
Thank you Pat. It is deeply disheartening to see people becoming accustomed, as you’ve said, let alone cheering it on. We have to call it out because it’s truly violent.
I've said elsewhere, but your Split Screen feature, Azza, is one of the most unique and insightful on the Contrarian platform. It seems that every bias elevated by malefactors can be reinforced by scripted photography. This is a much more important tool of authoritarianism than most people know.
When I grew up in the 1970s, "subliminal" advertising was something we were taught to spot--ads with embedded influential veiled imagery. I haven't heard a thing about it in this century; that's why it has been allowed to creep into every realm--folks aren't paying attention. Also: it works. Sigh.
This comment made my day, my week, my year 🥹 thank you!! And to your point about subliminal messages in advertising, whew. A very important topic. Maybe I will explore that in 2026. Send your ideas, as always!!
Ah, jees, I'm your forever fan, Azza. The focus on gender bias in imagery naturally segued to every other damn bias, didn't it? But then there is also undue influence. I recently saw a documentary about the invention of deguerreotypes. Who knew image reproduction would become a weapon? Solidarity, my friend.
You’re the best. I treasure your comments and insights! What’s the name of the documentary if you don’t mind ? I’d love to watch it and learn more, sounds interesting
Really nice to back-and-forth with you. It's hard to get interaction these days; people just want to talk at you. Looking forward to your next bombshell :)
Pardon my Francais, but holy shit. These photos of Hegseth combined with the Senate's blessing make him seem like the second coming of vengeful God. All he needs now are some stone tablets and balls of fire, eh?
Great analysis. In line with Ms. Cohen’s statement that propaganda should be called out, I am going to start putting a comment on instagram that DOD’s (now DOW?) post is without evidence that anyone is a Narcoterrorist (whatever that is) and hence the whole post is propaganda and not admirable. I hope every Contrarian does the same.
The "papasraptor" moniker says everything you need to know about this cheerleader of boat bombings. So utterly desperate for a "win" from the asinine "War Department", he begs for more of same. Yeah, it's a video game. NOT.
"Hegseth appears with a serious, deliberative expression: the look of a warrior, if you will."
Appearance is in the eye of the beholder. Dress up a thug, and they're still a thug. Hegseth looks like a white-collar thug, a breaker of laws, and of people. The man is an incompetent mendacious disgrace to the office, completely lacking in honor.
It's likely that he's far more motivated, and more evil and dishonest. Lacking a moral compass and being in a position of greater power and authority than Gaetz, he is far more dangerous.
It is difficult to understand how any of the individuals in this administration can do what they do. If there is such a thing as a wrong side of the mind, they are all so afflicted.
maybe bc I am currently filing WWII & Korean War letters and photos - I do not see the face of leadership in any of the photos of Hegseth. I see an arrogant, brash man that appears angry vs competent; distracted versus discerning.
That is exactly right. Thank you for the work you do archiving that important history, Margaret!
When he's ranting, his eyes are absolutely crazy, like he's manic (have lived with a crazy-eyed man). His strutting around and ordering the entire senior military force about how to act or get out, his castigation of Admiral Holsey, his obnoxious media statements - he's not a leader, he's a bully grandstanding pretender. Perfect for the reality tv regime.
So true. I love your phrase “reality tv regime” — a perfect encapsulation
The only "news" media I give any consideration to anymore is The Daily Show and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. If you want true honesty and journalistic integrity those are about the only shows worth watching. And they consistently dig up photos that show the true character of these ghouls.
Most other media are either MAGA suck-ups or afraid to offend anyone.
Really good points. We must as readers and viewers stand up to the bias!
Excellent analysis of Hegseth and even more critically, of the truly shocking Trump distribution of videos for the purpose of public entertainment showing our military engaging in murder of alleged drug carriers.
The shocking way those videos are being publicized by Trump has barely been discussed. It needs to be. We don’t show, in a legitimate war, videos of our soldiers shooting soldiers. How is it that there is not widespread outcry against this horrific use of videos of people being killed by our military?
Kelly, thank you for this note. I totally agree. WE have to be the outrage because it’s awful and we cannot allow ourselves to become desensitized to this violence!
Hard to believe that people buy into the blowing up of suspected drug carrier boats and would already be accustomed to this outright murder. This is wrong in too many ways. Yet again, I can understand the Split Screen points.
Thank you Pat. It is deeply disheartening to see people becoming accustomed, as you’ve said, let alone cheering it on. We have to call it out because it’s truly violent.
I have never liked Hegseth there was always something off about him. He’s so full of himself it’s nauseating. And I agree a well-gestated Matt Gaetz.
Exactly right Michelle
I've said elsewhere, but your Split Screen feature, Azza, is one of the most unique and insightful on the Contrarian platform. It seems that every bias elevated by malefactors can be reinforced by scripted photography. This is a much more important tool of authoritarianism than most people know.
When I grew up in the 1970s, "subliminal" advertising was something we were taught to spot--ads with embedded influential veiled imagery. I haven't heard a thing about it in this century; that's why it has been allowed to creep into every realm--folks aren't paying attention. Also: it works. Sigh.
This comment made my day, my week, my year 🥹 thank you!! And to your point about subliminal messages in advertising, whew. A very important topic. Maybe I will explore that in 2026. Send your ideas, as always!!
Ah, jees, I'm your forever fan, Azza. The focus on gender bias in imagery naturally segued to every other damn bias, didn't it? But then there is also undue influence. I recently saw a documentary about the invention of deguerreotypes. Who knew image reproduction would become a weapon? Solidarity, my friend.
You’re the best. I treasure your comments and insights! What’s the name of the documentary if you don’t mind ? I’d love to watch it and learn more, sounds interesting
It's this Canadian Broadcasting show about artisans who make all kinds of artifacts the old way, "History in the Making." Fascinating. On Prime: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0C6WXFLYL/ref=atv_dp_season_select_s1?jic=8%7CEgNhbGw%3D
Really nice to back-and-forth with you. It's hard to get interaction these days; people just want to talk at you. Looking forward to your next bombshell :)
Pardon my Francais, but holy shit. These photos of Hegseth combined with the Senate's blessing make him seem like the second coming of vengeful God. All he needs now are some stone tablets and balls of fire, eh?
I agree: holy shit!
Great analysis. In line with Ms. Cohen’s statement that propaganda should be called out, I am going to start putting a comment on instagram that DOD’s (now DOW?) post is without evidence that anyone is a Narcoterrorist (whatever that is) and hence the whole post is propaganda and not admirable. I hope every Contrarian does the same.
I love this idea holly! We should flood their Instagram comments section. At least that is one type of historical record.
The "papasraptor" moniker says everything you need to know about this cheerleader of boat bombings. So utterly desperate for a "win" from the asinine "War Department", he begs for more of same. Yeah, it's a video game. NOT.
"Hegseth appears with a serious, deliberative expression: the look of a warrior, if you will."
Appearance is in the eye of the beholder. Dress up a thug, and they're still a thug. Hegseth looks like a white-collar thug, a breaker of laws, and of people. The man is an incompetent mendacious disgrace to the office, completely lacking in honor.
He's like a more well-gestated Matt Gaetz, isn't he?
It's likely that he's far more motivated, and more evil and dishonest. Lacking a moral compass and being in a position of greater power and authority than Gaetz, he is far more dangerous.
Agree. I don’t understand how he can treat killing so lightly. It’s awful.
It is difficult to understand how any of the individuals in this administration can do what they do. If there is such a thing as a wrong side of the mind, they are all so afflicted.
Yes. Sadly.
Impeach Pete Hegseth! He is laughable, except that he's a serious disaster.
Very scary indeed