For some reason Democrats always feel the need to be more dignified and restrained in response to the situation. That may have worked pre-trump. We are in a whole different era now. MAGA’s, aka Republicans, don’t understand dignified much less restrained. They see those as signs of weakness.
While I think very highly of Michelle Obama, her when they go low we go high mantra doesn’t apply anymore.
It is way past time to get in the mud with them.
My suggestion to Messrs. Jeffries and Schumer is, lead, follow or get the hell out of the way.
Thanks Steven & Stephanie: What a great rap session. My problem is it really happening , I know it true. The most vile racist man in the White House creating all the chaos. The Super Bowl haft time show really upset him. He didn't notice how the teams came together and hugged each other after the game . Win, lose or draw we are all one. I just know the American spirit, resolve and grit will get you through these rough patches. I love my southern neighbors. Trump should just back off of Canada , we like it the way we are.
Let me know what you think and share it if you like. I’ll be updating my website and Facebook music site soon and then I’ll try to promote it. You’re the first national figure I’ve sent this to.
The first thing to understand is that scientists debate whether sociopaths are born that way or if their traits result from life experiences that influence their development. This discussion is framed in terms of nature or inheritance rather than maturation or life experiences.
My professional experience with sociopaths is that they have an internal mechanism that generates their condition, and they never really seek assistance with their condition. The few that I worked with came under duress from their marriage partners, who gave them an ultimatum: either go for help or leave the marriage.
By every definition, Trump is a sociopath. The definition of a sociopath is someone who has the following personality traits.
1.) They exhibit a chronic pattern of disregarding the rights, feelings, and safety of others
2.) Key symptoms include extreme manipulation, lack of remorse, impulsivity, and deceitfulness
3.) Behaviors often involve breaking social norms, violence, and irresponsible actions, sometimes covered by superficial charm
4.) Prone to violent outbursts, fights, and dangerous, risky behavior without regard for safety.
5.) Masking": Sociopaths may act charming to hide their true nature and facilitate manipulation.
6.) They tend to blame others for their own failures and often target specific individuals for mistreatment,
Besides being a sociopath, Trump has delusions of grandeur or a desire to be a part of an exclusive group of men; he also has a cleanness fetish, an eating disorder, and many forms of extreme prejudices, and an extreme misuse of women.
I have been told that the American Psychiatric Association states that they cannot make a diagnosis until they have done a psychiatric examination. As a psychologist, I have always questioned a psychiatric evaluation that lasts from 90 minutes to 6 hours. No test is performed; they must evaluate the subject's behavior and make a diagnostic classification. Now compare that with our daily observation of Trump for 6 years, and which do you think is more reliable?
We have a sociopathic lying man at the head of our government, and we have a Congress that has supported everything about this disturbed man, and we have governors who are wimps, and the question is, what are you ready to do about it?
What strikes me every time someone calls Trump a sociopath is how close the definition comes to describing so many men (and most of them *are* men) who rise to the top of U.S. industry -- and a few political and religious "leaders" as well. These people are widely -- not universally, thank heavens -- admired, praised, followed, and even elected to office. Why? Why did so many millions of Americans vote for Trump *three times*?
Several answers come to mind, all valid but none enough to really explain it. Contrary to what President Biden and others keep saying, this *is* who "we" are -- not all of us, of course, but enough to elect as president a thoroughly unworthy, unqualified hack. It's an indictment of our political system too, and how easily it's manipulated by economic power. Are we finally ready to address this? And (to borrow a question from Rabbi Hillel) "if not now, when?"
Stephanie’s “melting pot” metaphor no longer works for many—perhaps most—Americans, because there’s no shared understanding of what it means. We need clearer language and leadership that explains the why and how of building a diverse and inclusive country. Until then, simply saying racist “satire” isn’t funny won’t persuade. Unfortunately, those of us who believe and support in the vision of a diverse, inclusive and equal America will not be able to move the needle of public opinion.
I received an email to clarify my last sentence. I do need to preface the last sentence with the phrase that unless political leaders and democrats change their messaging and strategy in support of a diverse, inclusive and equal America, we may not be able to move the needle of public opinion.
Imho, the entire regime is evil. The felon only hired people that are loyal to him. He is amoral, and so are they. Somewhere I read that the reason the felon doubles down on the nasty things he does, is that he thinks that’s the way all people operate. He doesn’t get value systems that most of us hold dear. The fact that a majority of us are angry about the way his “troops” (ICE) treat immigrants and especially the children, doesn’t seem to affect him.
After my quick research comparing Trump to Roman insane sadist emperor Caligula, I am guessing we now need to connect him with both Hitler and Caligula. Lucky us. I once taught my law students there is such a thing as the "yuck" factor where an act isn't against a specific law, but it "shocks the consciousness of the public." Woody Allen's actions with Soon Yi is the example we usually use. So I call ENOUGH YUCK! The entire group must be thrown out in some manner, the entire history of their assault on America and the world erased and made illegal to repeat as the Germans did with Mein Kampf. But as we throttle those who pull us down into their muck, let us reaffirm our higher morals, values, virtues and re-establish them in the public arena and in our homes and schools.
"The next step in the Trumpian dictatorship is he is now moving to disrupt the 2026 elections, because he's fearing the prospect of losing the House and the Senate to the Democrats, and he fears the impeachment process starting again. So, he's made a demand on the states to turn over the identification information associated with the voter rolls. Because once they get the identification information, which is totally illegal under the Constitution, the Constitution rests authority for elections in the states in hands of the state. Once they get it, they can start intimidating, threatening, and keeping selected voters, because they will have the demographics of who would ordinarily vote for the Democrats in a state of fear and intimidation, resulting in withdrawal and not voting. The Secretary of State of Arizona has challenged him, refusing to turn over the voting rolls". --- Ralph Nader Radio Hour, Feb 7, 2026.
Let them go as low as they want to.! Will only hurt them in the long run.
Let us always go as high as we can - remembering honesty, truth, humor, the Constitution, freedom, Emma Lazarus poem, Leviticus 19:33-34: "When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them..." Am I perfect? No, but we must strive to keep Democracy alive and well - America IS the land of the free and home of the brave.
For some reason Democrats always feel the need to be more dignified and restrained in response to the situation. That may have worked pre-trump. We are in a whole different era now. MAGA’s, aka Republicans, don’t understand dignified much less restrained. They see those as signs of weakness.
While I think very highly of Michelle Obama, her when they go low we go high mantra doesn’t apply anymore.
It is way past time to get in the mud with them.
My suggestion to Messrs. Jeffries and Schumer is, lead, follow or get the hell out of the way.
really like your last sentence - have been saying this for LONG time. thanks
bingo
Thanks Steven & Stephanie: What a great rap session. My problem is it really happening , I know it true. The most vile racist man in the White House creating all the chaos. The Super Bowl haft time show really upset him. He didn't notice how the teams came together and hugged each other after the game . Win, lose or draw we are all one. I just know the American spirit, resolve and grit will get you through these rough patches. I love my southern neighbors. Trump should just back off of Canada , we like it the way we are.
Always enjoy your Substack, Steven. Here’s a song I wrote that’s available on all the major music streaming sites. Please share. Thank you.
https://gregtenoldmusic.hearnow.com/
Thx, Greg.
Let me know what you think and share it if you like. I’ll be updating my website and Facebook music site soon and then I’ll try to promote it. You’re the first national figure I’ve sent this to.
UNDERSTAND A SOCIOPATH, UNDERSTAND TRUMP
The first thing to understand is that scientists debate whether sociopaths are born that way or if their traits result from life experiences that influence their development. This discussion is framed in terms of nature or inheritance rather than maturation or life experiences.
My professional experience with sociopaths is that they have an internal mechanism that generates their condition, and they never really seek assistance with their condition. The few that I worked with came under duress from their marriage partners, who gave them an ultimatum: either go for help or leave the marriage.
By every definition, Trump is a sociopath. The definition of a sociopath is someone who has the following personality traits.
1.) They exhibit a chronic pattern of disregarding the rights, feelings, and safety of others
2.) Key symptoms include extreme manipulation, lack of remorse, impulsivity, and deceitfulness
3.) Behaviors often involve breaking social norms, violence, and irresponsible actions, sometimes covered by superficial charm
4.) Prone to violent outbursts, fights, and dangerous, risky behavior without regard for safety.
5.) Masking": Sociopaths may act charming to hide their true nature and facilitate manipulation.
6.) They tend to blame others for their own failures and often target specific individuals for mistreatment,
Besides being a sociopath, Trump has delusions of grandeur or a desire to be a part of an exclusive group of men; he also has a cleanness fetish, an eating disorder, and many forms of extreme prejudices, and an extreme misuse of women.
I have been told that the American Psychiatric Association states that they cannot make a diagnosis until they have done a psychiatric examination. As a psychologist, I have always questioned a psychiatric evaluation that lasts from 90 minutes to 6 hours. No test is performed; they must evaluate the subject's behavior and make a diagnostic classification. Now compare that with our daily observation of Trump for 6 years, and which do you think is more reliable?
We have a sociopathic lying man at the head of our government, and we have a Congress that has supported everything about this disturbed man, and we have governors who are wimps, and the question is, what are you ready to do about it?
What strikes me every time someone calls Trump a sociopath is how close the definition comes to describing so many men (and most of them *are* men) who rise to the top of U.S. industry -- and a few political and religious "leaders" as well. These people are widely -- not universally, thank heavens -- admired, praised, followed, and even elected to office. Why? Why did so many millions of Americans vote for Trump *three times*?
Several answers come to mind, all valid but none enough to really explain it. Contrary to what President Biden and others keep saying, this *is* who "we" are -- not all of us, of course, but enough to elect as president a thoroughly unworthy, unqualified hack. It's an indictment of our political system too, and how easily it's manipulated by economic power. Are we finally ready to address this? And (to borrow a question from Rabbi Hillel) "if not now, when?"
Agree with Stephanie about going low now! How about below the belt?
Hi Steven
I don’t mean to be greedy, but is there a transcript of your live conversations?
There are some gems that garnish the discourse that deserve repeating.
And this little explicit set of bon mots:
“…panoply of horrors to explore…”
“…in the face of a dictatorial bully and virulent racist with zero morals—the opposition must have fighters who are willing to punch back harder.”
Correct!
Polite letters to Republicans are NOT working.
There is a transcript. Not sure why you don’t see it.
Ok
Stephanie’s “melting pot” metaphor no longer works for many—perhaps most—Americans, because there’s no shared understanding of what it means. We need clearer language and leadership that explains the why and how of building a diverse and inclusive country. Until then, simply saying racist “satire” isn’t funny won’t persuade. Unfortunately, those of us who believe and support in the vision of a diverse, inclusive and equal America will not be able to move the needle of public opinion.
I received an email to clarify my last sentence. I do need to preface the last sentence with the phrase that unless political leaders and democrats change their messaging and strategy in support of a diverse, inclusive and equal America, we may not be able to move the needle of public opinion.
Imho, the entire regime is evil. The felon only hired people that are loyal to him. He is amoral, and so are they. Somewhere I read that the reason the felon doubles down on the nasty things he does, is that he thinks that’s the way all people operate. He doesn’t get value systems that most of us hold dear. The fact that a majority of us are angry about the way his “troops” (ICE) treat immigrants and especially the children, doesn’t seem to affect him.
After my quick research comparing Trump to Roman insane sadist emperor Caligula, I am guessing we now need to connect him with both Hitler and Caligula. Lucky us. I once taught my law students there is such a thing as the "yuck" factor where an act isn't against a specific law, but it "shocks the consciousness of the public." Woody Allen's actions with Soon Yi is the example we usually use. So I call ENOUGH YUCK! The entire group must be thrown out in some manner, the entire history of their assault on America and the world erased and made illegal to repeat as the Germans did with Mein Kampf. But as we throttle those who pull us down into their muck, let us reaffirm our higher morals, values, virtues and re-establish them in the public arena and in our homes and schools.
Very well said, Lynne!
"The next step in the Trumpian dictatorship is he is now moving to disrupt the 2026 elections, because he's fearing the prospect of losing the House and the Senate to the Democrats, and he fears the impeachment process starting again. So, he's made a demand on the states to turn over the identification information associated with the voter rolls. Because once they get the identification information, which is totally illegal under the Constitution, the Constitution rests authority for elections in the states in hands of the state. Once they get it, they can start intimidating, threatening, and keeping selected voters, because they will have the demographics of who would ordinarily vote for the Democrats in a state of fear and intimidation, resulting in withdrawal and not voting. The Secretary of State of Arizona has challenged him, refusing to turn over the voting rolls". --- Ralph Nader Radio Hour, Feb 7, 2026.
Let them go as low as they want to.! Will only hurt them in the long run.
Let us always go as high as we can - remembering honesty, truth, humor, the Constitution, freedom, Emma Lazarus poem, Leviticus 19:33-34: "When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them..." Am I perfect? No, but we must strive to keep Democracy alive and well - America IS the land of the free and home of the brave.
Michelle Obama, who always says she hates politics, was the absolute worst person to come up with a slogan for resistance…