It’s sad that the Republicans in Congress have sold their integrity and future to a man who has never exhibited morals or honor. A convicted felon who considers anyone not exactly like himself to be worthless.
Their oath to the Constitution was never meaningful to them if they support his policies of intimidation of documented and undocumented immigrants by thugs wearing masks to protect their identities.
Steven, I've been writing some small version of this letter in my head every day. You've given voice to all the reasons why these elected folks need to wise up and speak up, and not only for principles and decency. If they maintain this ridiculous fealty, they will be destined to ignominy, disgrace, the wrong side of history.
Please get that letter out as an op ed, in The Atlantic, The Guardian, or The New Yorker.
Wouldn’t it be remarkable if they were to rise up as one - secretly having plotted to go around the entire MAGA admin and Trump/Vance - meeting about ‘the BBB’ but instead gathering to decide how to best reclaim the GOP and quash the MAGA cult takeover of our three-coequal-branched democracy ???? Then rising up as one - all elected Republicans in the House and Senate - every last one - to reclaim the powers given to Congress by the Constitution. Clawing BACK all the money already allocated to USAID, CPB - including every single rural NPR/PBS station in this country - money for clean energy projects and public land preservation - the power of CONGRESS to declare war - and the purse strings to either fund it or not. And on and on and on. Who would look strong and powerful then? Certainly not the convicted felon and sexual abuser sitting atop his faux kingdom in order to line his pockets and keep himself out of prison.
This is a super wonderful and comprehensive list of questions for which they all have answers but refuse to acknowledge them…both the questions and the answers. I am of a mind to say that this Trump blindness on the part of lawmakers affects the entire base of Trump supporters, which in turn strengthens the danger for any leader who dares to act appropriately to defend the rule of law. Ignoring the danger does not reduce it, as we all know. We can see its escalation in ways that terrify those of us who know that such tyranny is not normal.
We protest. We write. We speak out. Yet we cannot break through the barrier. We will not break through the deception of Trump blindness until Republican lawmakers cry out in protest and in anguish over the damage Trump is doing to our democracy. We will not break through with our prayers and protests until Republican lawmakers acknowledge that none of this is normal. We will not break through this steady march of fascism until Trump’s grip on power is extinguished…by those who understand what is at stake and will pass laws against morally and legally bankrupt policies.
And let's be honest—the Powers that Be in the Democratic Party aren't much better, not calling them out on it at EVERY turn! Bernie Sanders is doing more for the Democratic Party than Schmuck Schumer's ever done—and he's an Independent!
Sadly, some politicians on both sides saw this "job" as performative... kind of like running for class president... but with perks, money and power sprinkled on top. They thought "someone else" would actually "run the country" they were there to look handsome and sexy (excuse me while I vomit)...the sorting out in congress, the judiciary & military is happening at break neck speed for those who actually know what it means to ask a soldier, judge or congress person to die for this country & democracy... and those who still think they are on stage and only have to say their lines.
Duckworth, Hirono, Smith, and Warren. These women are not in the Senate to look SEXY. Watch Duckworth grill Hegseth. See how informed and well-spoken she is.. Watch Smith confront Mike Lee before Klobuchar even thought of mentioning his disgusting drivel. Watch Hirono at any of the conformation hearings or Warren when she tries to get Republicans to understand tariffs. Be informed that Senator Richard Durbin showed a clip of Trump's mental incapacity for YEARS before the hearing TODAY on Biden's mental state. Durbin does not do this miserable job to look SEXY. He does it because of the Republican presidents who have been chiseling big chunks of our freedom from Americans.
Not sure which of the Democrats you were thinking of, but there are many more who are out with the public and railing against Trump...including Bernie Sanders. They are working. You just need to tune in.
My comment was written in the past tense... and now showing the glaring seperation of the d's pushing back.... "polite, whataboutism" days are over but there are still a few headscratching d's who seem performative.. Schumer at the top..Fetterman I do not understand at all...
I sent this to Senator Jerry Moran of KS last Sunday night, it's of a thought (Republicans doing nothing). It's a true story about Tom, who's name I didn't mention in my email to Jerry of Roger. I will be writing again this evening to my two miserable Republican senators.
Senator Moran,
Well, here we are in the middle of a mess that I knew was coming and now it is getting out of hand and none of you in congress seem willing to do a thing about it, not a peep out of anyone on the republican side.
Before I get too far, I want to relay a message and story that struck me yesterday. I have a Face Book friend who has been battling terminal cancer for the last two or three years and he has chronicled his journey with an update of his progress and or lack thereof on a regular basis, it has been an uplifting story for his friends and a humbling journey for us as well. Yesterday he posted again and made this comment.
“Things have gone beyond what I thought would take place with Trump at the helm. Six months and he’s done everything he can to fuck the works up while thinking he’s making brilliant moves. This is America going into the tank because there are not enough sane people in the country. We had many years to see what Trump was about and still was voted in. A big win at that. The news once held my attention, now it just makes me angry and glad I’m on my way out.”
Here is a man that would rather be dead than watch what is happening to our country.
Do you know how sad this is Jerry? Well, I’ll tell you, it’s horrible and it sickens me and all of Tom’s friends as well. We are all losing not only sleep by our minds over this rotten SOB in the White House. Trump is pretending to defend the police now, but where was he on J6, sitting on his ass in his office doing absolutely nothing. Now he has pardoned all of those sentenced and jailed for insurrection. The hypocrisy of the republican party knows no bounds, none.
I don’t know how you feel about what we’re seeing, and I probably won’t know because silence it all there is from you and Roger and every other republican of record.
How sad for my friend Tom and I will pray for his peaceful transition when the time comes, and the nations transition as well away from this daily madness.
Yes, it is, and I really feel bad for Tom, whom is kind of a fixture in the KC art world. His cancer journey he has taken us all on has been quite inspiring as he describes doctor visits, treatments, drugs, and how his body has reacted to them good and bad. So, when he made that statement it really rocked me and I reached out to him and just said, "Tom I'm going to use your story in a letter to both our state representatives" and he was pleased and came back with a thumbs up. And of course, I never heard from either senator.
Some of the Congressional Republicans are true believers in what Trump is doing. Some of the Republicans are opportunists who support the Trump agenda because of the power it currently gives them, power which they fail to see is only temporary. Some of the Republicans are spineless cowards, who should resign if they are too afraid to do their job.
Thank you, Steven, for continuing to use your public platform to show us how to address our concerns. I am blessed to have democratic representatives in DC. It is also a negative in that many other representatives are not open to receive my input since they don't represent me. Your voice is so enlivening, it heartens me..
And we understand that reading a 1000+ page bill may be too time-consuming for you to do, but for God's sake, can you have your staff do so and tell you the high points? The "selfish, self-serving, stupid" bill has more goodies stuffed in than a candy store, along with a lot of little rabbit turds that look like chocolate. That's the least you can do.
Yesterday Karoline ( mouthpiece) the press secretary stated
“ I have a message directly from the president for all of you”
She then proceeded to read his words:
“Based on FACT that there is a substantial chance of negotiations that MAY or MAY NOT take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether to go within the next two weeks”
She then concluded
“ this is a quote from the president for all of you today”
It has been recognized and talked about all the irrational thinking, rambling thoughts and many rants both on line and talking in public .
The stating things as a “fact” followed by a “maybe “ it’s a form of narcissistic communication.
A search shows:
“Why this is characteristic of narcissistic communication:
Ambiguity and Control:
Narcissists often use vague or non-committal language to maintain control and avoid accountability. By introducing "maybe" after a definite statement, they create uncertainty and leave room for denial or shifting responsibility later. This keeps others off-balance and guessing, as the narcissist can later deny ever stating something as a definitive fact.
Manipulation and Deception:
Narcissistic communication can involve manipulation through ambiguity and deception. The statement "X is a definite fact, maybe..." can be a way to plant doubt or create a situation where the narcissist can later backtrack or change their story without taking responsibility. This type of communication can make the victim feel confused, insecure, and question their own perception of reality.
Need for Power:
Narcissists crave power and control in their interactions. By using this communication style, they exert dominance and keep the other person reliant on them for clarification or confirmation. “
The Republicans think he sounds normal and go along with everything that he does and says .
They most likely already had the tendencies.
Malignant narcissism and psychopathy are serious personality disorders and mental illnesses
Anyone who attaches themselves to this thinking or environment and gets sucked in also gets emotionally compromised.
As Americans we all have been in our being narcissistically ABUSED.
Excellent analysis. The "maybe and maybe not" tease, and DJT's ubiquitous "two-weeks" timeframe, were wonderfully lampooned last night by both Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert.
Your very thoughtfully written Letter to Republicans deserves to be very widely circulated in print media.
Appealing to Republicans as citizens and Americans, whose lives will also be affected by the corrupt and inhumane practices of Felon47 and the Project 2025 influencers, is an approach that has at least a small chance of being successful, and that possibility provides much needed hope for the rest of us.
Steven, every one of your questions clearly illustrates what has happened to the Republican members of Congress. Their silence, lack of courage, and fear is on display every day. It's destroying our Democracy. As spoken to Joe McCarthy, "Sir, have you no shame".
For most people, knowing the difference between right and wrong is foundational to their personal character. I believe it's also part of the moral fabric of what America has stood for since our founders fought and died for our independence and freedom as a country. None of us are perfect, but our character and belief in what is right for the America we want to live in, is being tested like never before. The country I have loved my whole life is becoming something I no longer recognize or believe in. Here's my question for all of us, what are you going to do about it while we still can? What kind of country do you want to live in? Democracy will die in silence.
The Republican Party is no more. Rump is not acting as a President. He is a star in his own personal reality show, going for ratings as a master of chaos. He is governing by whimsy, not based on any reasoned, logical or legitimate policies. GOP congressional members are desperately trying to hold onto their power so continue to play along in this farce.
I'm glad you posted this, Steven, but I'm becoming so cynical that I think these people are beyond redemption. They are the worst of the worst, the kind of people who would sit in the back of the class in school and disrupt everything. (Some readers might think those people are redeemable and maybe they are, but they sure didn't feel like that to me.) Somehow the criminals and bullies have taken over the country, and I'm damned if I can understand how this could happen. For all of my life--75 years now--I thought I was watching progress being made. Obviously I was wrong. I don't know how to process any of this, I just don't.
Yes, of course it is. We have to keep issues in front of people no matter how futile things seem. I know. Sorry to be such a downer. The cruelty and stupidity are really getting to me.
Bring it, Steve.
"The only people who are mad at you for speaking the truth are those who are living a lie." - Frida Kahlo
It’s sad that the Republicans in Congress have sold their integrity and future to a man who has never exhibited morals or honor. A convicted felon who considers anyone not exactly like himself to be worthless.
Their oath to the Constitution was never meaningful to them if they support his policies of intimidation of documented and undocumented immigrants by thugs wearing masks to protect their identities.
That precious Oath meant absolutely nothing to them..other than some nice photos.
Steven, I've been writing some small version of this letter in my head every day. You've given voice to all the reasons why these elected folks need to wise up and speak up, and not only for principles and decency. If they maintain this ridiculous fealty, they will be destined to ignominy, disgrace, the wrong side of history.
Please get that letter out as an op ed, in The Atlantic, The Guardian, or The New Yorker.
Me too
Perfect!! Please send this to all Repubs.. Well done!!👍
Can’t hurt to ask.
Wouldn’t it be remarkable if they were to rise up as one - secretly having plotted to go around the entire MAGA admin and Trump/Vance - meeting about ‘the BBB’ but instead gathering to decide how to best reclaim the GOP and quash the MAGA cult takeover of our three-coequal-branched democracy ???? Then rising up as one - all elected Republicans in the House and Senate - every last one - to reclaim the powers given to Congress by the Constitution. Clawing BACK all the money already allocated to USAID, CPB - including every single rural NPR/PBS station in this country - money for clean energy projects and public land preservation - the power of CONGRESS to declare war - and the purse strings to either fund it or not. And on and on and on. Who would look strong and powerful then? Certainly not the convicted felon and sexual abuser sitting atop his faux kingdom in order to line his pockets and keep himself out of prison.
Can’t hurt to ask.
Great Netflix movie
This is a super wonderful and comprehensive list of questions for which they all have answers but refuse to acknowledge them…both the questions and the answers. I am of a mind to say that this Trump blindness on the part of lawmakers affects the entire base of Trump supporters, which in turn strengthens the danger for any leader who dares to act appropriately to defend the rule of law. Ignoring the danger does not reduce it, as we all know. We can see its escalation in ways that terrify those of us who know that such tyranny is not normal.
We protest. We write. We speak out. Yet we cannot break through the barrier. We will not break through the deception of Trump blindness until Republican lawmakers cry out in protest and in anguish over the damage Trump is doing to our democracy. We will not break through with our prayers and protests until Republican lawmakers acknowledge that none of this is normal. We will not break through this steady march of fascism until Trump’s grip on power is extinguished…by those who understand what is at stake and will pass laws against morally and legally bankrupt policies.
The entire Republican Party has committed suicide.
"As Justice Arthur Goldberg declared in a 1963 Supreme Court case, the Constitution 'is not a suicide pact. '"
Sadly, they haven't fallen over dead yet.
And let's be honest—the Powers that Be in the Democratic Party aren't much better, not calling them out on it at EVERY turn! Bernie Sanders is doing more for the Democratic Party than Schmuck Schumer's ever done—and he's an Independent!
Bombing always makes a president more popular. Just wait.
They are not swining yet!
Sadly, some politicians on both sides saw this "job" as performative... kind of like running for class president... but with perks, money and power sprinkled on top. They thought "someone else" would actually "run the country" they were there to look handsome and sexy (excuse me while I vomit)...the sorting out in congress, the judiciary & military is happening at break neck speed for those who actually know what it means to ask a soldier, judge or congress person to die for this country & democracy... and those who still think they are on stage and only have to say their lines.
Duckworth, Hirono, Smith, and Warren. These women are not in the Senate to look SEXY. Watch Duckworth grill Hegseth. See how informed and well-spoken she is.. Watch Smith confront Mike Lee before Klobuchar even thought of mentioning his disgusting drivel. Watch Hirono at any of the conformation hearings or Warren when she tries to get Republicans to understand tariffs. Be informed that Senator Richard Durbin showed a clip of Trump's mental incapacity for YEARS before the hearing TODAY on Biden's mental state. Durbin does not do this miserable job to look SEXY. He does it because of the Republican presidents who have been chiseling big chunks of our freedom from Americans.
They are true warriors for the USA
You are absolutely correct I should have written "some ploliticians" I corrected...thank you for pointing it out...
Not sure which of the Democrats you were thinking of, but there are many more who are out with the public and railing against Trump...including Bernie Sanders. They are working. You just need to tune in.
My comment was written in the past tense... and now showing the glaring seperation of the d's pushing back.... "polite, whataboutism" days are over but there are still a few headscratching d's who seem performative.. Schumer at the top..Fetterman I do not understand at all...
“Money for nothing and their chicks for free…”. Mr. Smith Goes To Washington was a joke.
This sums up what appears to be the motivation for running for Congress. So sad and dangerous that we have come to this.
I sent this to Senator Jerry Moran of KS last Sunday night, it's of a thought (Republicans doing nothing). It's a true story about Tom, who's name I didn't mention in my email to Jerry of Roger. I will be writing again this evening to my two miserable Republican senators.
Senator Moran,
Well, here we are in the middle of a mess that I knew was coming and now it is getting out of hand and none of you in congress seem willing to do a thing about it, not a peep out of anyone on the republican side.
Before I get too far, I want to relay a message and story that struck me yesterday. I have a Face Book friend who has been battling terminal cancer for the last two or three years and he has chronicled his journey with an update of his progress and or lack thereof on a regular basis, it has been an uplifting story for his friends and a humbling journey for us as well. Yesterday he posted again and made this comment.
“Things have gone beyond what I thought would take place with Trump at the helm. Six months and he’s done everything he can to fuck the works up while thinking he’s making brilliant moves. This is America going into the tank because there are not enough sane people in the country. We had many years to see what Trump was about and still was voted in. A big win at that. The news once held my attention, now it just makes me angry and glad I’m on my way out.”
Here is a man that would rather be dead than watch what is happening to our country.
Do you know how sad this is Jerry? Well, I’ll tell you, it’s horrible and it sickens me and all of Tom’s friends as well. We are all losing not only sleep by our minds over this rotten SOB in the White House. Trump is pretending to defend the police now, but where was he on J6, sitting on his ass in his office doing absolutely nothing. Now he has pardoned all of those sentenced and jailed for insurrection. The hypocrisy of the republican party knows no bounds, none.
I don’t know how you feel about what we’re seeing, and I probably won’t know because silence it all there is from you and Roger and every other republican of record.
How sad for my friend Tom and I will pray for his peaceful transition when the time comes, and the nations transition as well away from this daily madness.
I am sad for our friends and ourselves…the daily madness is killing off America.
Yes, it is, and I really feel bad for Tom, whom is kind of a fixture in the KC art world. His cancer journey he has taken us all on has been quite inspiring as he describes doctor visits, treatments, drugs, and how his body has reacted to them good and bad. So, when he made that statement it really rocked me and I reached out to him and just said, "Tom I'm going to use your story in a letter to both our state representatives" and he was pleased and came back with a thumbs up. And of course, I never heard from either senator.
Since I am currently in Florida…it is a true waste of time to contact the “representatives”…. They only serve THEMSELVES.
Some of the Congressional Republicans are true believers in what Trump is doing. Some of the Republicans are opportunists who support the Trump agenda because of the power it currently gives them, power which they fail to see is only temporary. Some of the Republicans are spineless cowards, who should resign if they are too afraid to do their job.
Where does that leave the rest of them?
All Congressional Republicans fall into one, or more, of these groups. There are no "rest of them."
All are accounted for. Every last one of them.
Thank you, Steven, for continuing to use your public platform to show us how to address our concerns. I am blessed to have democratic representatives in DC. It is also a negative in that many other representatives are not open to receive my input since they don't represent me. Your voice is so enlivening, it heartens me..
Lovely to hear. Thx.
And we understand that reading a 1000+ page bill may be too time-consuming for you to do, but for God's sake, can you have your staff do so and tell you the high points? The "selfish, self-serving, stupid" bill has more goodies stuffed in than a candy store, along with a lot of little rabbit turds that look like chocolate. That's the least you can do.
Yesterday Karoline ( mouthpiece) the press secretary stated
“ I have a message directly from the president for all of you”
She then proceeded to read his words:
“Based on FACT that there is a substantial chance of negotiations that MAY or MAY NOT take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether to go within the next two weeks”
She then concluded
“ this is a quote from the president for all of you today”
It has been recognized and talked about all the irrational thinking, rambling thoughts and many rants both on line and talking in public .
The stating things as a “fact” followed by a “maybe “ it’s a form of narcissistic communication.
A search shows:
“Why this is characteristic of narcissistic communication:
Ambiguity and Control:
Narcissists often use vague or non-committal language to maintain control and avoid accountability. By introducing "maybe" after a definite statement, they create uncertainty and leave room for denial or shifting responsibility later. This keeps others off-balance and guessing, as the narcissist can later deny ever stating something as a definitive fact.
Manipulation and Deception:
Narcissistic communication can involve manipulation through ambiguity and deception. The statement "X is a definite fact, maybe..." can be a way to plant doubt or create a situation where the narcissist can later backtrack or change their story without taking responsibility. This type of communication can make the victim feel confused, insecure, and question their own perception of reality.
Need for Power:
Narcissists crave power and control in their interactions. By using this communication style, they exert dominance and keep the other person reliant on them for clarification or confirmation. “
The Republicans think he sounds normal and go along with everything that he does and says .
They most likely already had the tendencies.
Malignant narcissism and psychopathy are serious personality disorders and mental illnesses
Anyone who attaches themselves to this thinking or environment and gets sucked in also gets emotionally compromised.
As Americans we all have been in our being narcissistically ABUSED.
Excellent analysis. The "maybe and maybe not" tease, and DJT's ubiquitous "two-weeks" timeframe, were wonderfully lampooned last night by both Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert.
Yes, I watch both of them
I thought last week this was very well done by him in talking about immigration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXd20VDrLII
Your very thoughtfully written Letter to Republicans deserves to be very widely circulated in print media.
Appealing to Republicans as citizens and Americans, whose lives will also be affected by the corrupt and inhumane practices of Felon47 and the Project 2025 influencers, is an approach that has at least a small chance of being successful, and that possibility provides much needed hope for the rest of us.
Thank you, Steven!
Steven, every one of your questions clearly illustrates what has happened to the Republican members of Congress. Their silence, lack of courage, and fear is on display every day. It's destroying our Democracy. As spoken to Joe McCarthy, "Sir, have you no shame".
For most people, knowing the difference between right and wrong is foundational to their personal character. I believe it's also part of the moral fabric of what America has stood for since our founders fought and died for our independence and freedom as a country. None of us are perfect, but our character and belief in what is right for the America we want to live in, is being tested like never before. The country I have loved my whole life is becoming something I no longer recognize or believe in. Here's my question for all of us, what are you going to do about it while we still can? What kind of country do you want to live in? Democracy will die in silence.
The Republican Party is no more. Rump is not acting as a President. He is a star in his own personal reality show, going for ratings as a master of chaos. He is governing by whimsy, not based on any reasoned, logical or legitimate policies. GOP congressional members are desperately trying to hold onto their power so continue to play along in this farce.
I'm glad you posted this, Steven, but I'm becoming so cynical that I think these people are beyond redemption. They are the worst of the worst, the kind of people who would sit in the back of the class in school and disrupt everything. (Some readers might think those people are redeemable and maybe they are, but they sure didn't feel like that to me.) Somehow the criminals and bullies have taken over the country, and I'm damned if I can understand how this could happen. For all of my life--75 years now--I thought I was watching progress being made. Obviously I was wrong. I don't know how to process any of this, I just don't.
This is dispiriting stuff, I agree, Paula. I just felt it was important to assert what we should expect.
Yes, of course it is. We have to keep issues in front of people no matter how futile things seem. I know. Sorry to be such a downer. The cruelty and stupidity are really getting to me.