Before Trump began rage posting his way into genocide charges the Strait was open & gas was 40% less.
As Jamelle Bouie put it recently “Forcing others to submit through the indiscriminate use of force does not really sound like war. That does sound like something else. It sounds like rape.” Trump & Hegseth MO is “the ideology of the rapist.”
Resist MAGA gangster grifter authoritarianism! Vote Sane. #VoteBlue!
Just because it turned out to be TACO Tuesday, didn't mean the whole situation isn't LOCO and FUBAR every day, Tuesdays included.
A reminder to us all...dementia is a progressive disease. Is there some small thing out there over the age of 6 who thinks this -- or something like it, or worse -- won't happen again?
Our Reality TV actor, playing POTUS on a set that mimics the White House sans the East Wing, got to beat his almighty chest and make barbaric threats to entertain the whole world. WOW! We got to watch "full civilization abuse" upfront.
I guess for the "MAGA masses still yearning to be free" it was great entertainment. They think the saw Iran finally get the avenging spanking it deserves.
For the rest of Americans and most of humanity it was appalling and humiliating.
Let's hope Trump's next episodes focus on things like AI regulation and Crypto, the health benefits of a paelo diet and golf courses. They are all bad, but limited.🙏
Israel pretended Lebanon wasn't part of the deal (note- it was) and has already killed 250+ people just since the 'ceasefire'; went into effect, mostly in the heart of Beirut (meaning, civilians).
Just like in Gaza and in the last 'ceasefire' in Lebanon before the Iran war, Israel has a different idea what that word means.
About one hour ago I learned that Israel broke the ceasefire.
Even though not a surprise, it's still shattering news.
When Meidas broke the news, subscribers overwhelmingly posted outrage at Netanyahu and Israel. Demands that the US cut off all ties with Israel.
For me this suggests that the J Street approach has failed - that. approach being constructive criticism of Israel within a framework of strong support for Israel's right to defend its existence.
For breaking the ceasefire and for its war crimes in Lebanon, more and more Americans now say Israel is a rogue, terrorist state. (Growing the number who have long said that.) Unfortunately, Israel is still in partnership with the United States. So what chance for peace.
Also, I was actually thinking earlier about the 'rogue, terrorist state' as you correctly label the US's BFF...the body count just in the past 2.5 is staggering:
(I understand you and a few people in this thread are likely aware of all this. I am not so sure about many other Contrarian readers ... )
- a bare minimum of 72,000+ killed in Gaza. The actual number, once thousands of still buried bodies and those that died from disease, starvation and other causes directly due to Israel's onslaught will likely reach 100,000 or more..and of course, this number is increasing daily, despite the 'ceasefire'
- around 4000 killed in Lebanon between Oct '23 and Nov '24..then during the 'ceasefire' which lasted until the Iran War began, Israel killed several hundred more men, women and children in Lebanon..since Feb 28th, Israel has killed at least 1500 more there, until today, when Israel killed at least 250 more in a matter of minutes, again during another so-called 'ceasefire'
- over 1000 people in the West Bank since fall 2023, more every day
- several hundred in Syria in that time period, which is barely ever reported in the US
- several hundred more in Yemen, again, barely reported here
- around 1000 people killed in the so-called '12 Day War' last year, then at least 2000 (likely a lot more) killed in Iran in the past 5 weeks along with Israel's BFF, the US
..and this does not include the several million people displaced, the assassinations, the maiming of children, the murder of journalists and health care workers, the intentional starvation, the effective annexation of land left and right, the countless injuries...
Jason, I'm not really aware. I learn a lot from you. The news I do read - even the HCR we both read - is so often from the point of view of the US and/or Israel. From time to time there might be a generalized condemnation of Israeli genocide and war crimes - but never the details that make this catastrophe human. Not sure I could bear to know as much as you do. The point for me is that the US could have stopped Israel and it didn't. So that's on me as an American. And on me to support those who lead, like you, and to do all the other political action things I can do, inadequate though they might feel.
Well thank you for your kind words, but I don't think you give yourself enough credit. I very much value your posts.
For me, and I think for you, it is so important to push back on this issue, especially in this outlet. I don't bother commenting in right wing journals (because, why?) and I also don't comment much in journals where i agree with most of their writing. The Contrarian is right in the middle, with an audience that I believe is overall intelligent and progressive (from what I can see from most, not all, of the commenters anyway), but the outlet itself has just a glaring gap in its coverage of topics related to Israel and its occupied regions and neighbors. And same for Rubin herself, clearly an intelligent and skilled writer, who even after her Never Trumper conversion still has some big gaps in her commentary.
That's not unique to this outlet of course - I would say the same of much of US media, including many progressive Substacks, like HRC's, as you correctly point out.
And, as you also mention, I think it's so crucially important to raise these topics, when the US is essentially a full partner in all these actions. It makes all of us responsible, and avoiding the topics only aids in further oppression.
I can't say I know all that much tbh, and when I read or hear actual first hand accounts from Gaza..it is so much worse than any of us know...same for the West Bank...and now Lebanon and Iran...
I think what I do is inadequate too...I hope that people raising their voices in places like this can help shift the tide, even a bit..but those I really admire are people like the Doctors Without Borders volunteers that work in hospitals in Gaza...the people on those flotillas that risk their lives to bring aid.. the Palestinian journalists who are at constant risk... and of course the ordinary people themselves who live and survive all this horror ..the least we can all do for them is continue to call out this madness and call out those who choose to ignore it, or justify it...
Trump is a psychopath and for all of these years, the media just REFUSES to treat him like one. He is no different than Manson or Bundy or Gacy. He was just born rich so his crimes look different.
But because he is simply stupid and easily manipulated, he is quite useful to the Oligarch-backed Heritage Foundation types. He gets his libertarian oligarch-friendly government and they get their vision of Gilead - a match made in Hell!
Bingo!! Trump is a symptom, not the disease. Yes, he needs to go, but unless the whole Heritage Foundation/Project 2025/Techbro oligarch infrastructure goes with him, we’ll be right back here again in a few more years.
He's been a cash cow for the media and social influencers right and left. Maybe they can make money as all the crimes are uncovered over the next twenty years.
I've been saying this for years. The media rehabilitated his image with that stupid show. He complains about fake news all the time, but the truth is that the media loves him. He wouldn't exist without them.
If I recall it correctly, the Washington Post was annoyed that it lost a great deal of it's circulation after Biden got elected and the furor about Trump subsided. AND... he does make it easy for them to sell newspapers and get listeners on TV. There's always a headline story
on something awful Trump has said or done. Do you think we could call for a moratorium on Trump stories, at least once a week.. Like, Trumpless Tuesdays.
He also seems to run a hit squad of pardoned J6ers and any other thugs who love threats, carrying weapons, and waving the T**** flag. It's a scary mob.
Of all the people who helped put this lunatic into office twice, I resent the so-called Evangelical Christians most. How can they be so blind that he's as far from a messianic figure as a person can get? How can they ignore the fact he's failed in literally every business he's touched and has only maintained his wealth through juking banks and investors out of money by declaring bankruptcies and pulling off "pump and dump" schemes? How can they ignore the fact he's a sexual predator, an incurious buffoon, totally without empathy, and most recently, not well? Second behind this block of voters in my pecking order for resentment is Mitch McConnell in particularl and the gutless Republican Congress in general. They have all betrayed their oaths of office by allowing Trump to do as he pleases. And that makes them traitors. When the Democrats restore order, and they will, many of these people need to end up behind bars. I hope Trump's trial at the Hague is epic.
As a fitting end to this administration, there needs to be a Nuremberg II series of trials. War crimes and crimes against humanity need to have consequences.
I’ve said for decades that if a person has given up critical thinking for “faith”, they are easily lead to any belief. That’s the reason “faith” leaders and politicians banded together in the 70’s to create the “religious right”. And one enough “persons” get on board, it’s GROUP THINK time! Nothing like good old tribal warfare to diminish a shred of critical thinking. It’s not surprising at ALL to me.
I will still claim myself as a Christian. Oh, not one of those hand-raising, "glory to God" types. Not at all. After a childhood and early adult years of being brainwashed into believing I had to turn my monies over to them and I had to drop everything to be at a certain building, at a certain time, on a certain day, I have been saved. I am the type of Christian who practices her faith by being kind, helpful, soothing, mindful of others, caring, loving, and always putting others before myself. THAT is what I believe a real Christian should be. No Bible stomping. No constant religious metaphors. Just plain old "being" Christian. Helping one's neighbors. Treating others the way they would want to be treated. Etc. I do not trust anyone who claims to be an Evangelical Christian. I do not trust anyone who blatantly lies on a minute-by-minute basis. I do not trust our current administration to do the right thing, no matter what time of day or day of week it is. DT is an insane psychopath and needs to be removed from office, as well as his VP and all the other minions he has placed in positions of authority. This total idiocy has to stop NOW!!!!
The DJT "christians" are sullying the world of faith, making it a joke, a threat, a hideous concept to be reviled. I know that Pope Leo gets it. I'm not Catholic, but I read what he has said and continues saying. Then, there are pastors whom, if it is to be believed, support the idea of DJT as sent from God. They aren't just sullying the idea of Christianity; they are making it a seriously damaged concept. And this supposed gift from God taunts Iran by saying "Praise be to Allah," or maybe he's a secret convert. I'd believe any madness at this point.
I've thought about the creation of religion through the millennia. I see the Neanderthals and their successors living in the world of hurricanes, volcanoes erupting, droughts and disease and needing a belief that they were not alone in this vast world. The immenseness of it all had to be made understandable. There stepped in religion and belief in God. It's not religion that is at fault it is the men who use it as power over people. I will always remember a very lovely woman telling me she had to teach children the meaning of sin. To me that was the way to control their lives. Why not teach them the joy of living on this wonderful planet.
I was delighted to read that Tucker Carlson is calling Trump the anti-christ. It is a statement that I think most people cringe at, but...The Anti-Christ comes attracting people to him and then destroys us all. My Michigan-in-law, via a cousin's marriage, voted for TRUMP, believes in the war and any time we chatted on the phone, he had to hang up in time to listen to Tucker Carlson, who was spouting that Trump's election was stolen from him. I am grateful that Carlson is seeing the light.
I would suggest reading some of the material of the Poor People's Campaign, led by Rev. William Barber. He leads "moral mondays", and he and his team talk cogently about how the ChristoNazis are not Christians at all; they have been co-opted by power. Barber talks about how to engage faith according to its true foundational principles. What is occurring now is immoral and we can thank (in part) the fundamentalists who are very un-christian in their attitudes and practices -- such as being anti-women, anti-immigrant, racist, bigots.
The Democrats might restore order, but they need to present a PLAN to restore our democracy and then DO IT. They need to communicate clearly and often with the American people what actions they are taking and why. As an Indepentent, I am not enamored by their nice guy/girl persona, and business as usual approach. They come across to me as too laid-back and even lazy. Do they have fortitude and guts to do the hard work of saving our democracy, and bringing the Trump regime criminals to justice? ( I realize there are many courageous Democrats. Rally around them and let them lead!)
Trump attacked Iran, and Israel attacked Lebanon and Iran, with no justification under international law. Now Trump is saying that the 10 articles for a ceasefire that Iran proposed earlier, which he had rejected, are a good basis for negotiations. He could have simply continued negotiations in February, but according to the New York Times, Netanyahu convinced him that victory, whatever Bibi meant by that, would be "easy." Past time to invoke the 25th amendment for Trump, and as for his advisors who went along, shame on you. The American people will remember.
Thanks, so far you are the only person in this thread to even mention Israel’s part in this. If one only read Jennifer Rubin’s columns from the past several days, one wouldn’t know Israel was involved at all.
Here is the gaping, glaring omission in Rubin’s otherwise accurate list today:
“This is what happens when the US openly and proudly gives crucial, pivotal and bipartisan support to an ongoing genocide of an already ruthlessly oppressed people, while demanding not only no accountability whatsoever for those responsible, but demanding punishment for anyone who condemned this terror, from local level activists to ICC judges and UN representatives.”
It is impossible for someone as smart and informed as Jennifer Rubin to simply overlook this obvious fact.
In this thread. As of this morning when I posted this, that was the case (I edited comment for clarity). That has probably changed by now. Obviously some news outlets have been reporting this.
However, it remains true that The Contrarian has said next to nothing about Israel’s attacks on Lebanon.
Already today, only hours after the “ceasefire” was announced, Israel killed over 250 people in the middle of Beirut and across Lebanon.
I have not seen a word about this here, although it’s been reported widely elsewhere.
He has surrounded himself by sycophants, who include anyone who has the ability to invoke Article 25. The system was woefully unprepared for someone like Trump.
And notice... that he is committing to two more weeks of the American government taking on the $11 billion it takes to fund HIS illegal war. Does that figure in the cost of the F-16 fighter shot down - they come in at $100 million.
It's like Trump is living to discredit his degree from the Wharton School of Economics. Is he dialectic and took every suggestion backwards? He is the Bankruptcy King of America. See.. he made it as a king.
We knew long ago that he is a psychopath with no empathy whatsoever for others in his inexorable quest for unlimited power to dominate others. Psychopaths do not get better. They must be stopped by a force greater than they act with. So many people whose job it is to protect the American people from tyranny have failed and this will be noted in the history books.
Why do the legacy media outlets talk about the U.S. acceptance of Iran’s 10-point plan as if it were a negotiated settlement, when in fact it was a capitulation to Iran’s demands? The only place I have seen a summary of the 10 points we agreed to, was in The Irish Times! I was appalled to see that the U.S. agreed to leave the Strait of Hormuz in Iran’s control, allow Iran to continue working to enrich uranium, end sanctions on Iran, and in other ways bend to Iran’s desires. How can anyone see Trump as anything but an insane destroyer of our civilization?
Why have the legacy media outlets not yet published the actual agreement that both sides (allegedly) accepted? The US and Iran are both disputing what terms their 'agreement' included.
The fact is that the Strait of Hormuz is in Iran's *control* by default. The closing of the strait occurred as a direct result of Trump/Hegseth's failure to consider the consequences of starting a unilateral war with Iran. They were using the tools they had to bring pressure on the US to stop. This was not only foreseeable, but had been known for decades. Under the circumstances, it was bound to happen. Any continued negotiations will have to recognize it as a given. Other nations have aleady begun that process. But Trump, being Trump, had to make it a big fucking deal by flexing muscles he doesn't have. He always leaves an out, though. I was able to breath a little when he included the word "maybe" near the end of his blustering. And I knew that behind the scenes there would be an onslought of rational people trying to talk him down. Thanks god they succeeded. I admit I chuckled when I heard of the "two-week" standdown. Of course it is two weeks. If I were a betting person, I would bet that Hegseth will be on the way out during that period. I hope so.
Been thinking about my last comment referring to Hegseth. Since then he has embarked on a media blitz, taking up a lot of the space that Trump seems to have vacated. This scares the s--- out of me. At this point, we need to get rid of that guy.
Agreed! He has become the face of the war. Usually this president doesn't like anyone stealing his thunder. But given the president's diminished strength of mind and body and the quagmire this undertaking has become, he might be content to let Hegseth be out there.
Hegseth is out-trumping his boss. He's telling bigger whoppers with more energy. I don't think the Iranians will appreciate being taunted and condescended to by an underling, and a dumb one at that. If this president can be removed, one of the perks is that Vance will be able to replace Hegseth, and I think he would.
I am in absolute agreement about Hegspeth. I think, though, that he is doing this on his own. He's in his own fantasy world, acting as if he himself is Chief of Staff. That, I don't think, is what the Constitution meant when the founders came up with the idea that a civilian should be the Commander in Chief. In fact, this is exactly what they were trying to prevent.
I had a later discussion about the pros and cons of A.25 vs impeachment. 25 is meant short-term, and is a convoluted process to ensure that the majority agreed that the president was incapacitated. It assumes that the president would likely return, and Vance would be acting president in his place. He would not be able to change staff. Only Congressional impeachment could do that.
And that is why I think we'd be better off just going full-bore for impeachment asap. If we can do it before Jan, Vance could fill out T's term, and we can hopefully elect a more moderate (and even liberal) president. The downside is the possibility of Vance winning (I take nothing for granted), but the upside if he takes over for Trump before the end of this term, he can only run for one more term because he will have already completely more than half of a term. That's the worst case scenario. Personally, I think we're going to take the house, and maybe event the Senate with enough margin to control Congress, no matter who is President. I am an optimist, but it looks to me like enough of the American people in enough places are ready to say no more of this crap.
Annie, you may be correct about what powers an Acting President would have, and that Vance might not be able to replace Cabinet members. This distresses me! but there we are.
Article 4 suggests that while a president could be found unable to perform his duties, It seems to presume that a disability is temporary, and leaves open the door for the president to return to health and to the office. In cases of dementia, this presumption seems contrary to fact, but this Article doesn't address a disability that is permanent.
Impeachemtn, then, seems to be the preferred avenue, you are right.
Exactly, Donna, you hit it on the head. About the best we could get from it is a stalling action to divert attention to Trump's condition in the short term. But even that is tenuous because the people who have to initiate the process aren't going to. One more reason I am hoping we can win enough seats in both house and senate in the midterms. That's what we need to be working on right now.
I do keep an eye on what is going on with the people who mostly follow Trump. It's the only way to get an idea of the context of what we're up to. It only takes a few minutes to do, and the expanded sense of what other people see is worth it. I want to gag someimes though. In my daily reading, I use multiple sources because I have the time and because I'm a history/current affairs nerd.
My husband does what you do. I can't although when I've heard snippets, I'm always amazed at the lies told seriously, mimicking gravitas. They are all like Karoline the press secretary.
I "liked" your comment, Mary, because I agree that this president is an insane destroyer. I can't agree, though, to your seeming suggestion (i might be misreading you) that Iran should not be allowed to enrich uranium or control the Strait. They are a sovereign nation whose sovereignty has been attacked. There is a long history of why Iranians are anti-American. Just as there is a long history of why America is critical of Iran's ingernational violence. America has bullied its way to domination over the assets of many other nations, Iran included.
I think that the White House Press Office is attempting to suppress the true story of the pilot's rescue to respect Trump’s modesty.
The rumors being circulated around the White House are that Trump was secretly parachuted into the parched and baren mountains of Iran with the aid of a handful of 82nd Airborne troops to discretely extract the downed pilot before the savage Iranian army could get to him.
Laden down with grenades and with a bayonette in his mouth, Trump slung the pilot over his back and grabbed onto a rope lowered by an Army helicopter to spirit both of them away to safety.
Due to Trump’s almost fanatical modesty, his heroism is being cloaked in secrecy so as not to embarrass and demean what the U.S. Army division in the region should have done on their own. Fortunately, our President set an example to them.
This singular act of heroism by our President warrants the construction of a prominent (gold encrusted) monument to his valor that can be admired and worshipped throughout the country.
It should not go unnoticed that had our President not have a bone spur in his foot, which prevented his military service during the Vietnam war, he would have personally carried the fallen pilot on foot across the border to safety.
Let us all thank and praise whoever in the White House Press office leaked this true account of Trump’s bravery.
This is very funny and I would normally be laughing hysterically but today my sense of humor, actually most of my emotions, are a bit blunted. That this evil little man can wield so much power is truly terrifying.
The version I heard was that Trump was piloting one of the "Little Bird" choppers while mowing down the enemy with a minigun he was holding in his other hand...
Thank you. What will be left of our country when Trump and his supporters finish with it? The Iran disaster is not the end, but a harbinger of things yet to come unless America wakes up.
It’s mind boggling that the most appallingly dangerous demented president cannot be removed by either impeachment or 25A. Both of those remedies require a functioning government of people with integrity, and we don’t have that.
What Jen describes but fails to conclude is that we are where we are today due to moral rot in america the last 20 years. "Rules for thee and not for me" is the root of maga, 30% of america morally bankrupt. Two supreme court judges take regular bribes while 3 supreme court judges lied about settle law during senate confirmation hearings... i am tired of living in an episode of the Twilight Zone!
Their goal is a society and leadership like Viktor Orban in Hungary which is why jd vance was there campaigning. Ever see a us vice president campaign for a foreigner before and yet he complains about outside election interference in america???
How much more insanity are we going to put up with? Past time for a general strike if congress won't act.
Thank you for this. Bob Dylan was right, 'You're gonna have to serve somebody.' And Jesus said 'You can't serve two masters.' Trump serves power and money and sex. Anyone following him, sadly, is doing the same.
Jen, your words are so powerful and accurate. Again, I ask, what else can we as humans living under these conditions do to help this along? Many of us are willing to do much more than protest but don't know what. Thanks
Understand your frustration.!! Unfortunately our ability to effect change is far less than the horror show around us. But keep writing those cards, making those calls, signing those petitions, donating and marching, whenever you can, talking sense to MAGAS (if they let you), putting big signs in your yard, and boycotting Trump supporters like Amazon, Walmart, Marshall's, Home Depot, etc. And of course, vote if you're allowed! (Another issue, alas.)
It hurts at first, but you can actually survive without seeing everything on Prime, and you can get your stuff from the original source and even (gasp!) wait a week or so for it. The fact is that each of our efforts, however small, can make a difference -- together, they do add up. If there's a more dramatic solution, I suspect it will require further dismantlement of our country. Otherwise I fear our patience and faith is required.
We need to become more French. The French take to the streets, stop traffic, go on strike, disrupt the functioning of the community until the community, then the government, listen. We Americans are too attached to our comfort and convenience.
Before Trump began rage posting his way into genocide charges the Strait was open & gas was 40% less.
As Jamelle Bouie put it recently “Forcing others to submit through the indiscriminate use of force does not really sound like war. That does sound like something else. It sounds like rape.” Trump & Hegseth MO is “the ideology of the rapist.”
Resist MAGA gangster grifter authoritarianism! Vote Sane. #VoteBlue!
Turned into another TACO Tuesday. 2 week reprieve.
As I type, oil prices dropped 14% since last night.
The magic word is still EPSTEIN.
No question, this is Trump's way of distracting everyone from Epstein.
The Epstein coverup is still waiting in the wings for the encore. It will happen.
Just because it turned out to be TACO Tuesday, didn't mean the whole situation isn't LOCO and FUBAR every day, Tuesdays included.
A reminder to us all...dementia is a progressive disease. Is there some small thing out there over the age of 6 who thinks this -- or something like it, or worse -- won't happen again?
You bet!
Interesting that both the president and the SecDef have been charge with rape even in their pre-WH days.
It’s a feature, not a bug.
So is telling fantastic lies and throwing tantrums.
Also both cheated on first wife with second wife, and second wife with third wife. Funny how that works!
Birds of a feather.
I've been thinking the same thing. I can see a book, "The Art of Mind F*cking."
Our Reality TV actor, playing POTUS on a set that mimics the White House sans the East Wing, got to beat his almighty chest and make barbaric threats to entertain the whole world. WOW! We got to watch "full civilization abuse" upfront.
I guess for the "MAGA masses still yearning to be free" it was great entertainment. They think the saw Iran finally get the avenging spanking it deserves.
For the rest of Americans and most of humanity it was appalling and humiliating.
Let's hope Trump's next episodes focus on things like AI regulation and Crypto, the health benefits of a paelo diet and golf courses. They are all bad, but limited.🙏
I agree. Entertainment for MAGA masses, yes. For the rest of us. No.
Nice. I miss Mr. Bouie since I lost faith in the NYT.
Well, the ceasefire lasted about 5 seconds.
Israel pretended Lebanon wasn't part of the deal (note- it was) and has already killed 250+ people just since the 'ceasefire'; went into effect, mostly in the heart of Beirut (meaning, civilians).
Just like in Gaza and in the last 'ceasefire' in Lebanon before the Iran war, Israel has a different idea what that word means.
About one hour ago I learned that Israel broke the ceasefire.
Even though not a surprise, it's still shattering news.
When Meidas broke the news, subscribers overwhelmingly posted outrage at Netanyahu and Israel. Demands that the US cut off all ties with Israel.
For me this suggests that the J Street approach has failed - that. approach being constructive criticism of Israel within a framework of strong support for Israel's right to defend its existence.
For breaking the ceasefire and for its war crimes in Lebanon, more and more Americans now say Israel is a rogue, terrorist state. (Growing the number who have long said that.) Unfortunately, Israel is still in partnership with the United States. So what chance for peace.
I am still
Waiting for even a mention of Israel’s carnage in Lebanon by The Contrarian.
Also, I was actually thinking earlier about the 'rogue, terrorist state' as you correctly label the US's BFF...the body count just in the past 2.5 is staggering:
(I understand you and a few people in this thread are likely aware of all this. I am not so sure about many other Contrarian readers ... )
- a bare minimum of 72,000+ killed in Gaza. The actual number, once thousands of still buried bodies and those that died from disease, starvation and other causes directly due to Israel's onslaught will likely reach 100,000 or more..and of course, this number is increasing daily, despite the 'ceasefire'
- around 4000 killed in Lebanon between Oct '23 and Nov '24..then during the 'ceasefire' which lasted until the Iran War began, Israel killed several hundred more men, women and children in Lebanon..since Feb 28th, Israel has killed at least 1500 more there, until today, when Israel killed at least 250 more in a matter of minutes, again during another so-called 'ceasefire'
- over 1000 people in the West Bank since fall 2023, more every day
- several hundred in Syria in that time period, which is barely ever reported in the US
- several hundred more in Yemen, again, barely reported here
- around 1000 people killed in the so-called '12 Day War' last year, then at least 2000 (likely a lot more) killed in Iran in the past 5 weeks along with Israel's BFF, the US
..and this does not include the several million people displaced, the assassinations, the maiming of children, the murder of journalists and health care workers, the intentional starvation, the effective annexation of land left and right, the countless injuries...
Jason, I'm not really aware. I learn a lot from you. The news I do read - even the HCR we both read - is so often from the point of view of the US and/or Israel. From time to time there might be a generalized condemnation of Israeli genocide and war crimes - but never the details that make this catastrophe human. Not sure I could bear to know as much as you do. The point for me is that the US could have stopped Israel and it didn't. So that's on me as an American. And on me to support those who lead, like you, and to do all the other political action things I can do, inadequate though they might feel.
Well thank you for your kind words, but I don't think you give yourself enough credit. I very much value your posts.
For me, and I think for you, it is so important to push back on this issue, especially in this outlet. I don't bother commenting in right wing journals (because, why?) and I also don't comment much in journals where i agree with most of their writing. The Contrarian is right in the middle, with an audience that I believe is overall intelligent and progressive (from what I can see from most, not all, of the commenters anyway), but the outlet itself has just a glaring gap in its coverage of topics related to Israel and its occupied regions and neighbors. And same for Rubin herself, clearly an intelligent and skilled writer, who even after her Never Trumper conversion still has some big gaps in her commentary.
That's not unique to this outlet of course - I would say the same of much of US media, including many progressive Substacks, like HRC's, as you correctly point out.
And, as you also mention, I think it's so crucially important to raise these topics, when the US is essentially a full partner in all these actions. It makes all of us responsible, and avoiding the topics only aids in further oppression.
I can't say I know all that much tbh, and when I read or hear actual first hand accounts from Gaza..it is so much worse than any of us know...same for the West Bank...and now Lebanon and Iran...
I think what I do is inadequate too...I hope that people raising their voices in places like this can help shift the tide, even a bit..but those I really admire are people like the Doctors Without Borders volunteers that work in hospitals in Gaza...the people on those flotillas that risk their lives to bring aid.. the Palestinian journalists who are at constant risk... and of course the ordinary people themselves who live and survive all this horror ..the least we can all do for them is continue to call out this madness and call out those who choose to ignore it, or justify it...
'Israel ' is a different idea than the name was originally supposed to mean
Trump is a psychopath and for all of these years, the media just REFUSES to treat him like one. He is no different than Manson or Bundy or Gacy. He was just born rich so his crimes look different.
But because he is simply stupid and easily manipulated, he is quite useful to the Oligarch-backed Heritage Foundation types. He gets his libertarian oligarch-friendly government and they get their vision of Gilead - a match made in Hell!
Bingo!! Trump is a symptom, not the disease. Yes, he needs to go, but unless the whole Heritage Foundation/Project 2025/Techbro oligarch infrastructure goes with him, we’ll be right back here again in a few more years.
Check him out on the Hare list for psychopathy just using what we all have as public knowledge. It's fairly defining.
He's been a cash cow for the media and social influencers right and left. Maybe they can make money as all the crimes are uncovered over the next twenty years.
I've been saying this for years. The media rehabilitated his image with that stupid show. He complains about fake news all the time, but the truth is that the media loves him. He wouldn't exist without them.
If I recall it correctly, the Washington Post was annoyed that it lost a great deal of it's circulation after Biden got elected and the furor about Trump subsided. AND... he does make it easy for them to sell newspapers and get listeners on TV. There's always a headline story
on something awful Trump has said or done. Do you think we could call for a moratorium on Trump stories, at least once a week.. Like, Trumpless Tuesdays.
The Washington Post has lost a lot more readers since going full maga.
He also seems to run a hit squad of pardoned J6ers and any other thugs who love threats, carrying weapons, and waving the T**** flag. It's a scary mob.
Agreed
Of all the people who helped put this lunatic into office twice, I resent the so-called Evangelical Christians most. How can they be so blind that he's as far from a messianic figure as a person can get? How can they ignore the fact he's failed in literally every business he's touched and has only maintained his wealth through juking banks and investors out of money by declaring bankruptcies and pulling off "pump and dump" schemes? How can they ignore the fact he's a sexual predator, an incurious buffoon, totally without empathy, and most recently, not well? Second behind this block of voters in my pecking order for resentment is Mitch McConnell in particularl and the gutless Republican Congress in general. They have all betrayed their oaths of office by allowing Trump to do as he pleases. And that makes them traitors. When the Democrats restore order, and they will, many of these people need to end up behind bars. I hope Trump's trial at the Hague is epic.
As a fitting end to this administration, there needs to be a Nuremberg II series of trials. War crimes and crimes against humanity need to have consequences.
as does treason
I’ve said for decades that if a person has given up critical thinking for “faith”, they are easily lead to any belief. That’s the reason “faith” leaders and politicians banded together in the 70’s to create the “religious right”. And one enough “persons” get on board, it’s GROUP THINK time! Nothing like good old tribal warfare to diminish a shred of critical thinking. It’s not surprising at ALL to me.
I will still claim myself as a Christian. Oh, not one of those hand-raising, "glory to God" types. Not at all. After a childhood and early adult years of being brainwashed into believing I had to turn my monies over to them and I had to drop everything to be at a certain building, at a certain time, on a certain day, I have been saved. I am the type of Christian who practices her faith by being kind, helpful, soothing, mindful of others, caring, loving, and always putting others before myself. THAT is what I believe a real Christian should be. No Bible stomping. No constant religious metaphors. Just plain old "being" Christian. Helping one's neighbors. Treating others the way they would want to be treated. Etc. I do not trust anyone who claims to be an Evangelical Christian. I do not trust anyone who blatantly lies on a minute-by-minute basis. I do not trust our current administration to do the right thing, no matter what time of day or day of week it is. DT is an insane psychopath and needs to be removed from office, as well as his VP and all the other minions he has placed in positions of authority. This total idiocy has to stop NOW!!!!
The DJT "christians" are sullying the world of faith, making it a joke, a threat, a hideous concept to be reviled. I know that Pope Leo gets it. I'm not Catholic, but I read what he has said and continues saying. Then, there are pastors whom, if it is to be believed, support the idea of DJT as sent from God. They aren't just sullying the idea of Christianity; they are making it a seriously damaged concept. And this supposed gift from God taunts Iran by saying "Praise be to Allah," or maybe he's a secret convert. I'd believe any madness at this point.
fret not, religion has been a joke and scam for millennia
I've thought about the creation of religion through the millennia. I see the Neanderthals and their successors living in the world of hurricanes, volcanoes erupting, droughts and disease and needing a belief that they were not alone in this vast world. The immenseness of it all had to be made understandable. There stepped in religion and belief in God. It's not religion that is at fault it is the men who use it as power over people. I will always remember a very lovely woman telling me she had to teach children the meaning of sin. To me that was the way to control their lives. Why not teach them the joy of living on this wonderful planet.
I was delighted to read that Tucker Carlson is calling Trump the anti-christ. It is a statement that I think most people cringe at, but...The Anti-Christ comes attracting people to him and then destroys us all. My Michigan-in-law, via a cousin's marriage, voted for TRUMP, believes in the war and any time we chatted on the phone, he had to hang up in time to listen to Tucker Carlson, who was spouting that Trump's election was stolen from him. I am grateful that Carlson is seeing the light.
ONE light, anyway ...
I would suggest reading some of the material of the Poor People's Campaign, led by Rev. William Barber. He leads "moral mondays", and he and his team talk cogently about how the ChristoNazis are not Christians at all; they have been co-opted by power. Barber talks about how to engage faith according to its true foundational principles. What is occurring now is immoral and we can thank (in part) the fundamentalists who are very un-christian in their attitudes and practices -- such as being anti-women, anti-immigrant, racist, bigots.
The Democrats might restore order, but they need to present a PLAN to restore our democracy and then DO IT. They need to communicate clearly and often with the American people what actions they are taking and why. As an Indepentent, I am not enamored by their nice guy/girl persona, and business as usual approach. They come across to me as too laid-back and even lazy. Do they have fortitude and guts to do the hard work of saving our democracy, and bringing the Trump regime criminals to justice? ( I realize there are many courageous Democrats. Rally around them and let them lead!)
YES.
There are too many enablers, on both sides of the aisle, to name but we the people cannot wait any longer for impeachment NOW!!!
I'd like to see the "enabler" list from each party and compare the numbers.
the only similarity of trump and Jesus is that they both have messy hair...
Trump attacked Iran, and Israel attacked Lebanon and Iran, with no justification under international law. Now Trump is saying that the 10 articles for a ceasefire that Iran proposed earlier, which he had rejected, are a good basis for negotiations. He could have simply continued negotiations in February, but according to the New York Times, Netanyahu convinced him that victory, whatever Bibi meant by that, would be "easy." Past time to invoke the 25th amendment for Trump, and as for his advisors who went along, shame on you. The American people will remember.
Thanks, so far you are the only person in this thread to even mention Israel’s part in this. If one only read Jennifer Rubin’s columns from the past several days, one wouldn’t know Israel was involved at all.
Here is the gaping, glaring omission in Rubin’s otherwise accurate list today:
“This is what happens when the US openly and proudly gives crucial, pivotal and bipartisan support to an ongoing genocide of an already ruthlessly oppressed people, while demanding not only no accountability whatsoever for those responsible, but demanding punishment for anyone who condemned this terror, from local level activists to ICC judges and UN representatives.”
It is impossible for someone as smart and informed as Jennifer Rubin to simply overlook this obvious fact.
The "only person"? Nobody anywhere else has mentioned Israel's role? https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/08/world/middleeast/iran-ceasefire-lebanon-israel-hezbollah.html
In this thread. As of this morning when I posted this, that was the case (I edited comment for clarity). That has probably changed by now. Obviously some news outlets have been reporting this.
However, it remains true that The Contrarian has said next to nothing about Israel’s attacks on Lebanon.
Already today, only hours after the “ceasefire” was announced, Israel killed over 250 people in the middle of Beirut and across Lebanon.
I have not seen a word about this here, although it’s been reported widely elsewhere.
And unfortunately, the Iranian people (or at least, the terrorists among them) will also remember. This "war" will go on for a looooong time.
He has surrounded himself by sycophants, who include anyone who has the ability to invoke Article 25. The system was woefully unprepared for someone like Trump.
Also the Crown Prince's and Saudi Arabia's role in this war:
https://www.thenation.com/article/world/iran-war-saudi-arabia-trump/#
You and the NYT forgot to mention Saudi Arabia.
What? The Times said something negative about Trump? Hard to believe after reading some of the comments here.
And notice... that he is committing to two more weeks of the American government taking on the $11 billion it takes to fund HIS illegal war. Does that figure in the cost of the F-16 fighter shot down - they come in at $100 million.
It's like Trump is living to discredit his degree from the Wharton School of Economics. Is he dialectic and took every suggestion backwards? He is the Bankruptcy King of America. See.. he made it as a king.
We knew long ago that he is a psychopath with no empathy whatsoever for others in his inexorable quest for unlimited power to dominate others. Psychopaths do not get better. They must be stopped by a force greater than they act with. So many people whose job it is to protect the American people from tyranny have failed and this will be noted in the history books.
Looking at you, McConnell and Roberts.
What history books? Or even, what books?
😣
Why do the legacy media outlets talk about the U.S. acceptance of Iran’s 10-point plan as if it were a negotiated settlement, when in fact it was a capitulation to Iran’s demands? The only place I have seen a summary of the 10 points we agreed to, was in The Irish Times! I was appalled to see that the U.S. agreed to leave the Strait of Hormuz in Iran’s control, allow Iran to continue working to enrich uranium, end sanctions on Iran, and in other ways bend to Iran’s desires. How can anyone see Trump as anything but an insane destroyer of our civilization?
Why have the legacy media outlets not yet published the actual agreement that both sides (allegedly) accepted? The US and Iran are both disputing what terms their 'agreement' included.
Thanks to The Irish Times for its reporting!
The fact is that the Strait of Hormuz is in Iran's *control* by default. The closing of the strait occurred as a direct result of Trump/Hegseth's failure to consider the consequences of starting a unilateral war with Iran. They were using the tools they had to bring pressure on the US to stop. This was not only foreseeable, but had been known for decades. Under the circumstances, it was bound to happen. Any continued negotiations will have to recognize it as a given. Other nations have aleady begun that process. But Trump, being Trump, had to make it a big fucking deal by flexing muscles he doesn't have. He always leaves an out, though. I was able to breath a little when he included the word "maybe" near the end of his blustering. And I knew that behind the scenes there would be an onslought of rational people trying to talk him down. Thanks god they succeeded. I admit I chuckled when I heard of the "two-week" standdown. Of course it is two weeks. If I were a betting person, I would bet that Hegseth will be on the way out during that period. I hope so.
Been thinking about my last comment referring to Hegseth. Since then he has embarked on a media blitz, taking up a lot of the space that Trump seems to have vacated. This scares the s--- out of me. At this point, we need to get rid of that guy.
Agreed! He has become the face of the war. Usually this president doesn't like anyone stealing his thunder. But given the president's diminished strength of mind and body and the quagmire this undertaking has become, he might be content to let Hegseth be out there.
Hegseth is out-trumping his boss. He's telling bigger whoppers with more energy. I don't think the Iranians will appreciate being taunted and condescended to by an underling, and a dumb one at that. If this president can be removed, one of the perks is that Vance will be able to replace Hegseth, and I think he would.
I am in absolute agreement about Hegspeth. I think, though, that he is doing this on his own. He's in his own fantasy world, acting as if he himself is Chief of Staff. That, I don't think, is what the Constitution meant when the founders came up with the idea that a civilian should be the Commander in Chief. In fact, this is exactly what they were trying to prevent.
I had a later discussion about the pros and cons of A.25 vs impeachment. 25 is meant short-term, and is a convoluted process to ensure that the majority agreed that the president was incapacitated. It assumes that the president would likely return, and Vance would be acting president in his place. He would not be able to change staff. Only Congressional impeachment could do that.
And that is why I think we'd be better off just going full-bore for impeachment asap. If we can do it before Jan, Vance could fill out T's term, and we can hopefully elect a more moderate (and even liberal) president. The downside is the possibility of Vance winning (I take nothing for granted), but the upside if he takes over for Trump before the end of this term, he can only run for one more term because he will have already completely more than half of a term. That's the worst case scenario. Personally, I think we're going to take the house, and maybe event the Senate with enough margin to control Congress, no matter who is President. I am an optimist, but it looks to me like enough of the American people in enough places are ready to say no more of this crap.
Annie, you may be correct about what powers an Acting President would have, and that Vance might not be able to replace Cabinet members. This distresses me! but there we are.
Article 4 suggests that while a president could be found unable to perform his duties, It seems to presume that a disability is temporary, and leaves open the door for the president to return to health and to the office. In cases of dementia, this presumption seems contrary to fact, but this Article doesn't address a disability that is permanent.
Impeachemtn, then, seems to be the preferred avenue, you are right.
Exactly, Donna, you hit it on the head. About the best we could get from it is a stalling action to divert attention to Trump's condition in the short term. But even that is tenuous because the people who have to initiate the process aren't going to. One more reason I am hoping we can win enough seats in both house and senate in the midterms. That's what we need to be working on right now.
I agree. The reporting makes it all seem normal. If we want straight, non-sane washing reporting, tune in to Rachel or Lawrence.
I do keep an eye on what is going on with the people who mostly follow Trump. It's the only way to get an idea of the context of what we're up to. It only takes a few minutes to do, and the expanded sense of what other people see is worth it. I want to gag someimes though. In my daily reading, I use multiple sources because I have the time and because I'm a history/current affairs nerd.
My husband does what you do. I can't although when I've heard snippets, I'm always amazed at the lies told seriously, mimicking gravitas. They are all like Karoline the press secretary.
I "liked" your comment, Mary, because I agree that this president is an insane destroyer. I can't agree, though, to your seeming suggestion (i might be misreading you) that Iran should not be allowed to enrich uranium or control the Strait. They are a sovereign nation whose sovereignty has been attacked. There is a long history of why Iranians are anti-American. Just as there is a long history of why America is critical of Iran's ingernational violence. America has bullied its way to domination over the assets of many other nations, Iran included.
Charlie Sykes cited the Wall Street Journal.
THE TRUE STORY OF THE RESCUE OF OUR PILOT IN IRAN
I think that the White House Press Office is attempting to suppress the true story of the pilot's rescue to respect Trump’s modesty.
The rumors being circulated around the White House are that Trump was secretly parachuted into the parched and baren mountains of Iran with the aid of a handful of 82nd Airborne troops to discretely extract the downed pilot before the savage Iranian army could get to him.
Laden down with grenades and with a bayonette in his mouth, Trump slung the pilot over his back and grabbed onto a rope lowered by an Army helicopter to spirit both of them away to safety.
Due to Trump’s almost fanatical modesty, his heroism is being cloaked in secrecy so as not to embarrass and demean what the U.S. Army division in the region should have done on their own. Fortunately, our President set an example to them.
This singular act of heroism by our President warrants the construction of a prominent (gold encrusted) monument to his valor that can be admired and worshipped throughout the country.
It should not go unnoticed that had our President not have a bone spur in his foot, which prevented his military service during the Vietnam war, he would have personally carried the fallen pilot on foot across the border to safety.
Let us all thank and praise whoever in the White House Press office leaked this true account of Trump’s bravery.
This is very funny and I would normally be laughing hysterically but today my sense of humor, actually most of my emotions, are a bit blunted. That this evil little man can wield so much power is truly terrifying.
Thanks Franca. You're so right.
I hope the WH doesn’t adopt this noble tale without due acknowledgement of your wit.
Thanks Susan.
All in spite of those life threatening bone spurs!
Yes. It's amazing, isn't it?
Be careful what you write. Before you know it, the mainstream media will pick it up. I can hear it now: Sources say..... (with a serious tone)
At last, an article about the President of the United States that sparks gaiety and laughter.
This was posted somewhere before, but is worth reading again. It's great satire.
Thanks Steve. Yes, I also posted it on other Substacks.
The version I heard was that Trump was piloting one of the "Little Bird" choppers while mowing down the enemy with a minigun he was holding in his other hand...
Thank you. What will be left of our country when Trump and his supporters finish with it? The Iran disaster is not the end, but a harbinger of things yet to come unless America wakes up.
Encouraging news! Susan Collins is reportedly "concerned". /s
And said with furrowed brow, I'm sure....
Aww!
And clutching her pearls...
It’s mind boggling that the most appallingly dangerous demented president cannot be removed by either impeachment or 25A. Both of those remedies require a functioning government of people with integrity, and we don’t have that.
Exactly.
What Jen describes but fails to conclude is that we are where we are today due to moral rot in america the last 20 years. "Rules for thee and not for me" is the root of maga, 30% of america morally bankrupt. Two supreme court judges take regular bribes while 3 supreme court judges lied about settle law during senate confirmation hearings... i am tired of living in an episode of the Twilight Zone!
Their goal is a society and leadership like Viktor Orban in Hungary which is why jd vance was there campaigning. Ever see a us vice president campaign for a foreigner before and yet he complains about outside election interference in america???
How much more insanity are we going to put up with? Past time for a general strike if congress won't act.
Excellent article, Jen-thank you!
Thank you for this. Bob Dylan was right, 'You're gonna have to serve somebody.' And Jesus said 'You can't serve two masters.' Trump serves power and money and sex. Anyone following him, sadly, is doing the same.
"Trump’s religious zealotry advocating war crimes is the inevitable result”
Trump’s only religion and his only zealotry is Trump. The rest is all for show. He would have been the first one tossed out of the temple.
Can we make this a mandatory read for all please?
Jen, your words are so powerful and accurate. Again, I ask, what else can we as humans living under these conditions do to help this along? Many of us are willing to do much more than protest but don't know what. Thanks
I'm with you, I crave action that will have impact beyond protests, phone calls, and postcards. What in the world to do?
Understand your frustration.!! Unfortunately our ability to effect change is far less than the horror show around us. But keep writing those cards, making those calls, signing those petitions, donating and marching, whenever you can, talking sense to MAGAS (if they let you), putting big signs in your yard, and boycotting Trump supporters like Amazon, Walmart, Marshall's, Home Depot, etc. And of course, vote if you're allowed! (Another issue, alas.)
It hurts at first, but you can actually survive without seeing everything on Prime, and you can get your stuff from the original source and even (gasp!) wait a week or so for it. The fact is that each of our efforts, however small, can make a difference -- together, they do add up. If there's a more dramatic solution, I suspect it will require further dismantlement of our country. Otherwise I fear our patience and faith is required.
Critical thinking is also a requirement. Acceptance is acquiescence.
We need to become more French. The French take to the streets, stop traffic, go on strike, disrupt the functioning of the community until the community, then the government, listen. We Americans are too attached to our comfort and convenience.
This is a terrific, albeit grim, summary of where we are and how we got here. How do we get this out beyond the echo chamber?