An excellent account of one of the most disturbing times in American history, at least during my life. It is infuriating to hear descriptions of what is going on, and riveting and horrifying to watch. I will never understand such brutality and cruelty. What right do they have to do this to us? But, I guess, that is one of the points underscored by this article. With all the money being spent on lawsuits -- our money is being used to defend this administration in court (!!), as well as subsidizing those brave attorneys and groups that defend our rights in court -- I cannot help but think what good we could do for the nation and the world if we would take that money and invest it in science, public health, green energy, and programs that benefit the well-being of all citizens.
Let's not forget the intrinsic value of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness at any time as well. Since 2016, my life as part of a federal worker household, a Democrat, and a minority, has been upended. I'm later in life. I'd like to enjoy it.
Thanks to the new economy, it's doubtful I'll get to retire anytime soon, so it would be nice if I could simply enjoy my days without fearing military invasion of my area that Donald Trump has demonized--a place inhabited by voters all kinds, not just Democrats. I don't want to fear revocation of the healthcare and other approved funding I need or the rights on which I depend in a free society.
And yes, Donald, calling all Democrats the enemy and trash does wreck my pursuit of happiness. What right do you have to raise the fears of me and all other American citizens every day of our lives for 10 years on end? WE. ARE. SICK. OF IT. Yes, imagine the good that could be done if that energy were put to the purpose for which a puppet president was elected.
I'm so sorry your retirement plans have really been turned upside down -- instead of relaxation, reading, volunteering, and peace, you wake up with worries and stressors. I think that is the point, don't you? To take away our money and power, instilling fear. We cannot let him. ... You are in the thick of it, being minority and part of a federal worker household!! But this gives you key insight into what your experience is (as uncomfortable as oppression can be!), which brings power to your voice. Are there things you could do? Writing congressmen, state senators? Protesting, wearing a costume or mask -- doing so with loved ones and friends around you? Things like that can be empowering. You are not alone, and ultimately there is a Higher Power, way higher than Trump.
There are things we can all do. I suggest looking to Indivisible for action steps: nokings.org. Also, getting out in nature as much as possible, and never failing to vote in every election. Thanks for the support!
There’s something that’s just down right primitive about today’s GOP Republicans. I suspect Milton Friedman’s influence has much to do with it. It’s like they’re the branch of humankind that never evolved from fearing those not of their tribe and don’t look like them. So, they instinctively attack those they fear, aiming to best, control, or even exterminate them, even if it will result in their own demise. While homo sapiens evolved and advanced through cooperation, homo insipiens feasted on competition and show up today as GOP Republicans.
Pilots of small planes have long complained about abuses from ICE and CBP but I suppose few cared to listed because it didn't affect them. There have been numerous instances when border patrol agents - very far from any border - have detained pilots at gunpoint while their planes have been torn apart looking for drugs. None have ever been found! Then the disassembled planes need mechanics to be flown in, at great expense, and replacement parts sourced, before the aircraft are airworthy again. The government won't pay and insurance won't cover government actions and the costs can easily hit 5 digits. So pilots understand how bad it is now that this kind of disdain for citizens has been expanded and wrought on the general population.
My 2 takeaways from this post: [1] "the Trump administration, true to form, has also been invoking expansive executive law-enforcement powers.." and [2] In San Francisco, "Trump encountered the only borders he truly respects — wealth and power."
And what can counter all of this? [1] The legislative branch has to find courage and see right/wrong, and [2] Wealth and power could also find courage and see right/wrong. Otherwise all of them will one day find that they are in the same basement of horrors that this Administration of frightening clowns was allowed to institute.
I look forward to the day when Kriti Noem, Tom Homan, and Bovino are arrested for their assaults on American citizens. The Chicago police should just start arresting these people who are committing felonies against people. Why hasn't the guy who shot the priest with a pepper ball in the face been arrested? Why haven't the men and women who have thrown tear gas canisters into crowds of peaceful protesters been arrested (especially those who gassed the Chicago police)?
Well written article that opened my eyes more to the misuse of the Border Patrol and how ICE is justifying its recent changes. (A near border resident.)
We can be sure that whatever these Putin strung Trumpuppets accuse others of, like accusing Gov. Pritzger of being a terrorist, is in fact what they themselves are guilty of. The Trump regime, and its *psychophantic GOP quiet coup conspirators are the true terrorists operating on U.S. today. And they know if we’re afforded free and fair elections, they’re finished. So the pretexts, and the provocations are all about building their very own, Reichstag Fire as prelude to launch their final assault on U.S., and what remains of our democracy, constitution, and rule of law. The aging, decrepit puppet master must slobbering with glee in his bunker … *made up word that works better than “sycophant” when describing the maga minority GOP.
The ACLU has a name for the 100-Mile Border which puts two-thirds of the U.S. population — or some 213 million people — within reach of routine Border Patrol enforcement.
They call it the "Constitutionals Free Zone." You have no 4th Amendment rights.
Bovino is so far off center (whatever that may be in the present), and yet is in command of forces which should be patrolling our borders, but are instead performing (emphasis on performance) provocative and injurious assaults on (blue) American cities.
Tim is an excellent addition to the staff of The Contrarian. Very well presented facts and arguments in this article.
Along with their cult leader, Miller, Noem, Homan, Bovino and the rest are proving every day that cruelty is the ultimate point.
Excellent article, Tim. Thank you so much for cataloging what CBP has become.
An excellent account of one of the most disturbing times in American history, at least during my life. It is infuriating to hear descriptions of what is going on, and riveting and horrifying to watch. I will never understand such brutality and cruelty. What right do they have to do this to us? But, I guess, that is one of the points underscored by this article. With all the money being spent on lawsuits -- our money is being used to defend this administration in court (!!), as well as subsidizing those brave attorneys and groups that defend our rights in court -- I cannot help but think what good we could do for the nation and the world if we would take that money and invest it in science, public health, green energy, and programs that benefit the well-being of all citizens.
Let's not forget the intrinsic value of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness at any time as well. Since 2016, my life as part of a federal worker household, a Democrat, and a minority, has been upended. I'm later in life. I'd like to enjoy it.
Thanks to the new economy, it's doubtful I'll get to retire anytime soon, so it would be nice if I could simply enjoy my days without fearing military invasion of my area that Donald Trump has demonized--a place inhabited by voters all kinds, not just Democrats. I don't want to fear revocation of the healthcare and other approved funding I need or the rights on which I depend in a free society.
And yes, Donald, calling all Democrats the enemy and trash does wreck my pursuit of happiness. What right do you have to raise the fears of me and all other American citizens every day of our lives for 10 years on end? WE. ARE. SICK. OF IT. Yes, imagine the good that could be done if that energy were put to the purpose for which a puppet president was elected.
I'm so sorry your retirement plans have really been turned upside down -- instead of relaxation, reading, volunteering, and peace, you wake up with worries and stressors. I think that is the point, don't you? To take away our money and power, instilling fear. We cannot let him. ... You are in the thick of it, being minority and part of a federal worker household!! But this gives you key insight into what your experience is (as uncomfortable as oppression can be!), which brings power to your voice. Are there things you could do? Writing congressmen, state senators? Protesting, wearing a costume or mask -- doing so with loved ones and friends around you? Things like that can be empowering. You are not alone, and ultimately there is a Higher Power, way higher than Trump.
There are things we can all do. I suggest looking to Indivisible for action steps: nokings.org. Also, getting out in nature as much as possible, and never failing to vote in every election. Thanks for the support!
DHS-Defending Homan Scandals
ICE-Inciting Criminal Elements
CBP-Crime Bating Policeman
Tom Homan, (deranged)
Where Rump's pols accept bribes every day.
Tommy shouldn't be shocked
When his honesty's mocked
And the FBI takes him away.
[I know. Wishful thinking.]
GOP: Guardians Of Pedophiles.
GOP: Graft, Oppression, Punishment.
GOP: Getting Over on the People
Those work quite well too! Especially Guardians Of Pedophiles.
There’s something that’s just down right primitive about today’s GOP Republicans. I suspect Milton Friedman’s influence has much to do with it. It’s like they’re the branch of humankind that never evolved from fearing those not of their tribe and don’t look like them. So, they instinctively attack those they fear, aiming to best, control, or even exterminate them, even if it will result in their own demise. While homo sapiens evolved and advanced through cooperation, homo insipiens feasted on competition and show up today as GOP Republicans.
Pilots of small planes have long complained about abuses from ICE and CBP but I suppose few cared to listed because it didn't affect them. There have been numerous instances when border patrol agents - very far from any border - have detained pilots at gunpoint while their planes have been torn apart looking for drugs. None have ever been found! Then the disassembled planes need mechanics to be flown in, at great expense, and replacement parts sourced, before the aircraft are airworthy again. The government won't pay and insurance won't cover government actions and the costs can easily hit 5 digits. So pilots understand how bad it is now that this kind of disdain for citizens has been expanded and wrought on the general population.
The same is true for boaters sailing or motoring in coastal areas.
My 2 takeaways from this post: [1] "the Trump administration, true to form, has also been invoking expansive executive law-enforcement powers.." and [2] In San Francisco, "Trump encountered the only borders he truly respects — wealth and power."
And what can counter all of this? [1] The legislative branch has to find courage and see right/wrong, and [2] Wealth and power could also find courage and see right/wrong. Otherwise all of them will one day find that they are in the same basement of horrors that this Administration of frightening clowns was allowed to institute.
I look forward to the day when Kriti Noem, Tom Homan, and Bovino are arrested for their assaults on American citizens. The Chicago police should just start arresting these people who are committing felonies against people. Why hasn't the guy who shot the priest with a pepper ball in the face been arrested? Why haven't the men and women who have thrown tear gas canisters into crowds of peaceful protesters been arrested (especially those who gassed the Chicago police)?
Well written article that opened my eyes more to the misuse of the Border Patrol and how ICE is justifying its recent changes. (A near border resident.)
Nice picture!
6 armed and camouflaged nazi's hunting Spanish speaking people in the streets of what once was "a great republic".
And to think Spain was once a far more powerful country than the United States.
We can be sure that whatever these Putin strung Trumpuppets accuse others of, like accusing Gov. Pritzger of being a terrorist, is in fact what they themselves are guilty of. The Trump regime, and its *psychophantic GOP quiet coup conspirators are the true terrorists operating on U.S. today. And they know if we’re afforded free and fair elections, they’re finished. So the pretexts, and the provocations are all about building their very own, Reichstag Fire as prelude to launch their final assault on U.S., and what remains of our democracy, constitution, and rule of law. The aging, decrepit puppet master must slobbering with glee in his bunker … *made up word that works better than “sycophant” when describing the maga minority GOP.
The 2025 Gang wants a police state, and that's what they are getting.
The ACLU has a name for the 100-Mile Border which puts two-thirds of the U.S. population — or some 213 million people — within reach of routine Border Patrol enforcement.
They call it the "Constitutionals Free Zone." You have no 4th Amendment rights.
Excellent writing, and with his customary wit. So great to see Tim at The Contrarian after many years reading him at Rolling Stone.
Bovino is so far off center (whatever that may be in the present), and yet is in command of forces which should be patrolling our borders, but are instead performing (emphasis on performance) provocative and injurious assaults on (blue) American cities.
Interesting Bovino, Alitalia heritage, would have been target of harassment a century earlier. Must be a fan of Mussolini and we know how that ended.