We should have expected Trump to make clownish picks—even for Defense, Justice and Intelligence—driven by fealty. Are there enough sane senators to stop him from dismantling the government?
Good Morning: 4am in Colorado. Where our Gov Polis shockingly endorsed Trumps RFK nomination.——-!!!!!
Anyway,——-
Not sleeping well after the barrage of incompetent appointments made by Trump as acts of control and maybe revenge?
SO———
Your words and details are right on, and I cling to this, your final paragraph:——
“I wish that was just a horror movie that bombs at the box office. But, like a horror movie, this real-life story filled with terror and dread can come to an end with the aid of good and decent people—people at every level of society who care about protecting their families, saving lives and returning to a place of calm. This real-life story is an opportunity for each of us to step up in whatever way we can to minimize the danger, beat back the horror and eventually emerge alive and triumphant.”
Has someone reminded our Jewish Colorado Gov. what RFK said about Jews and COVID? What explanation is Polis giving? And what kind of resistance is surfacing today against Polis endorsement of RFK? I hope your fellow Colorado residents loudly respond using whatever megaphones are in their possession.
I am a Coloradan and I have reposted two messages to @govofco on Threads and emailed him. I plan to keep contacting him with every new idiotic idea RFKJr has. Latest I saw is suspending cancer research -- that was reposted with him tagged. What a horror story indeed. But I won't be quiet. I forgot about Jews and COVID -- I'll remind him.
Hopefully there will be enough Senators who will recognize that acceding to Trump’s picks would take away any real power that the Senate has under the constitution, because they would at that point just be a rubber stamp to every erratic whim of their cult leader. I hope that they look at the members of Trump’s first cabinet and what those former members now say about Trump, and learn from them. No one who has sucked up to Trump has come out smelling like a rose.
If they (MAGA/R Senators) were worried about ceding power and pledging loyalty and fealty to Trump, they would have voted for impeachment on either occasion. First one was a little weaker, but the second impeachment was clear, and they voted to bend the knee. This national nightmare could and should have ended then. You think they've grown a spine since then? Sorry, but I seriously doubt that. And more than anything, I hope I'm wrong.
I’m in Ky and I’m writing McConnell today, not because he pays much attention to constituents who aren’t donors. But because he is leaving soon and may be concerned about his legacy of judicial appointments being overshadowed if the Senate rolls over and allows trump his rogues gallery Cabinet.
A lot of my neighbors in my depressingly red area not only still have their idiot signs up, they've added to them.
They are so pleased that the Reds have taken over all three branches of government, that they can't contain themselves. They're thrilled that people will be deported and that the 'libs have been owned'. Guess they showed US!!
They haven't yet noticed that their own houses are also on fire, metaphorically speaking, and that there will be no one left to put out the flames.
Martha, wasn’t there something in the old religious stories about the “Chosen People” painting their doors with Sheep’s Blood…so they would be spared when the “Angel of Death” aka,tRump, passed over their Homes? Could it be the people with the Signs know something we don’t. I have “Fluffy the Lamb” standing by just in case!
I think there is a substantial group of voters who were behind the “it’s just talk” and another group were “this is what we want” (the JFK Jr fans, Steven Bannon bros, etc.)
I started noticing references to people googling how to “change” or “switch” their votes. Out of curiosity I search and found several articles like this one saying it hit the top of google’s scale. That’s just the folks to ignorant to know it is impossible to change your vote.
Agreed. The day after the people of the UK voted for Brexit, the #1 Google search from that area was, "What is Brexit?" Seriously, you cannot make this stuff up.
Kakistocracy is a word that I learned this week—one I don’t want to live with. But it fits our country’s future with trump’s reelection and especially with his announced nominations. Kakistocracy is from two Greek words meaning “worst” and “rule” -- government by the least suitable or competent citizens of a state. I’m putting a lot of hope in the Senators to maintain their checks and balances power at this critical time.
I have to wonder if trump really goes so far as to think of upending the constitutional order of things, testing loyalties, outraging the populace, or is dealing in some sort of grade A trolling by choosing these egregious people. I am not a great political thinker but I believe trump, himself, is getting too much credit. I think his puppet masters, Bannon, Miller, Wiles, etal are making the calls and simply winding him up to sound, and feel, as if he’s made all of the decisions. These choices have completely and happily debased themselves to him. The only CV line that counts. He’s a horrible bully who is amassing his like minded crew to wreak havoc simply because of the rush and fear it causes. Trump has a feral intelligence and is excellent at propaganda, but past that I don’t think there’s anything. We lose track of the fact that he’s in this for himself, nothing more. Will the Senate cave? Absolutely.
Agree. He is as deep as a rain slick. Just goes with his consistently malevolent instincts. They just happen to look like he's trying to purposely troll when he trolls as a reflex. And for these awful, unfit picks, if the Senate repubs send them down in flames, and that's a big if, then these noms, who are so egregiously improper, will have allowed themselves to be used for theater. But we know that any who kowtow to him have no principles or self respect, so no surprise. Quite possibly these ridiculous clowns think they're up to the task.
As I mentioned elsewhere, an autocrat does not smart people in his cabinet because they may want to outsmart him for power. Unconditional loyalty is all he needs. He also prefers people with a dubious past that he can manipulate to make them dependent on him. His strategy for government seems to be a shadowy back manned with oligarchs and conservatives, who have no accountability and set policies to be executed by an incompetent Cabinet whose members do have accountability and thus are expendable. It seems he also intends to use the DOJ as his personal legal office and personal law enforcement to persecute anybody who opposes him.
For those who studied history, this must sound familiar. They also know how this will end and at what horrific price.......
Yup. That is the orange man’s MO all his life. There is also a don’t be popular aspect. He has woven into his comments about his oligarchs to be. (“Elon won’t leave. I can’t get rid of him” to the House GOP who laughed. Then the comments about Bobby being really popular - with the ‘don’t get too popular’ line as he gestured to his forehead that he was already about “here.”) Jokes that are not jokes. Same for his talk at the House GOP where members laughed nervously when he ‘joked’ about maybe not leaving after his term.
It’s funny, I came directly to the app - to your Substack - hoping there might be a new post. I didn’t even open my email. Another night of awful sleep. Non sleep. One thing I have been so mystified by personally, is why I’m so mystified. It’s not like he wasn’t clear as a damn bell the entire last four years. This is what he has been planning to do all along. And being indicted at state and federal levels - going through TRIALS - three dozen FELONY CONVICTIONS - the raid at his precious Mar-a-Lago where he had stashed boxes and boxes of secret documents belonging to the United States government - the indignities and slights he feels he so unfairly faced by the Jan 6 Committee and the televised hearings - basically all of his first term, hand-picked, closest circle of advisers, all not only withdrawing their support of him but also speaking very publicly about the dangers he would present if ever given power again …. all of that PLUS seeing Biden/Harris have the most productive and impactful Presidential term in modern history and in contrast, seeing himself ranked almost dead last of all American Presidents by every prominent historian …. his grievances piling up by the day. His frenzied, disturbed, addled, depraved fever dreams always plotting his revenge. And co-conspirators aplenty, looking to manipulate the situation to their fullest power-hungry & financial desires. He literally TOLD US ALL exactly what he would do. And Project 2025 - written by equally evil, but certainly sharper minds, told us the rest.
So why the surprise? Why does each piece of ‘breaking news’ feel like another massive blow? A massive and personal blow.
I think that all you’ve said is correct. And the people who I admire the most are all saying something along the lines of just what VP Harris said: Never give up the fight. never give up the dream. Be the light you yearn to see right now. Focus on community and connection and kindness. Acts of service to remind ourselves of our own humanity - and that of others.
The details don’t matter - but right now I have a lot of heavy things going on that have nothing to do with the election. Or more specifically, its aftermath. I was actually using the election - the great convention, the amazing rallies, all the beautiful inspiring music and young faces looking up hopefully at the first black woman that close to become the President of the United States - as distraction from all the heavy stuff. So when the bottom fell out there I simply couldn’t move under the weight of SO MUCH SADNESS. And that’s where I am. And maybe there are others feeling similarly. And somehow connecting the two - sort of thinking if she would have won, goodness and reason and common sense and decency would also have been victorious. And goodness maybe that might mean the rest of the unrelated stuff would heal, too. Both, seemingly impossible but then …. NOT! What joy! What hope! And so, conversely, when just the opposite occurred it has been very hard to place faith in much of anything. Including my own ability to ‘do my part’ and ‘be a light’.
We all need to remember that it has only been a week and a half. Feels like a year but truly it was just last Tuesday night. So grace to all feeling quite lost right now. So many millions of people worked so hard and voted for VP Harris with such hope and joy and PRIDE. That isn’t erased. We aren’t erased. I think I’m afraid of being erased. But none of us will be. And I imagine that we will be joined by others who perhaps voted out of that very same fear - flipped on its head. Maybe?
I do know that love will always conquer in the end. I believe that to my very core. So all I can think is to do whatever happens to be the next loving thing. ☮️
I think what you noted is a large part of the shock we feel, not just at his winning, but that so many voted against goodness, their own interests, and with zero empathy for anyone else. That so many Americans were so easily duped by grievance politics. That real issues were subjugated or obliterated in their minds because their racism, misogyny, and xenophobia are primary in their emotional and cognitive process. That those anger-inducing convictions blinded them to not only his lengthy malfeasance and completely execrable persona, but to the positivity and visionary ideas of VP Harris and the myriad accomplishments of President Biden. Yes, for my wife and me, sadness. But also much disappointment and RAGE that so many fellow Americans are delusional, hateful, ignorant, unheeding, shallow, selfish, domineering, regressive, cruel. I don't think I will ever forgive anyone who voted for him, regardless of their reasons. We can only keep on trying to right the ship and be positive, but things will be very dark for a while. Best wishes on keeping sane to all who feel as we do.
My immediate thought as I watched the rollout of cabinet nominees: Trump's pursuing his usual "strategy" of throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. In this case "the wall" is the U.S. Senate. He's testing to see how much he can get away with, not only with the Senate but with his billionaire backers.
I wish I had your faith. I can hope and pray but these days I have no real belief that humanity's goodness is going to overcome its inherent selfishness.
Short answer to your question about the integrity of the Senate to stop this foolishness? Probably not. It starts with the new majority leader, the non-T…p pick, to assert the authority and responsibility of his caucus. T…p has already suggested he should be allowed to do this without the advice and consent of the Senate and could cut corners with a recess pass. I wrote Senator Thune imploring him to do his job and do his and the Senate’s Constitutional duty. More letters need to be written.
To what end? Please don't jeopardize your health losing your mind over the outrageous actions. The true time to resist was 11/05/2024. Little can effectively be done now. Sad reality.
My focus is always on my physical and mental health. I will always find a non-violent way to write, speak my mind, and resist the destruction of our cherished Democracy, it's who I am. My children's and grandchildren's future is under attack and I believe that many of the people who have been consumed by the propaganda and lies will have a day of reconning in the near future. I will not give up.
From my viewpoint, this election (and our times) are a setback to the women of our country. The promise of our Democracy will never be fulfilled until all people share the same freedoms and rights. This election and our times are being poisoned by the words and actions of too many "leaders" in our country who have sworn to uphold our Constitution. Join the fight to stop this.
The incredibly STARK reality check disconnects are what keep haunting me. The refrains that I keep hearing over and over are from the MAGAS that I know who proudly told me: "I really believe that (trump) is truly a great man'. and from another one: I already know what a Trump presidency is like, I lived through one - energy independence, low inflation, low unemployment, a roaring economy, and relative world peace. He may have flaws as a person, but so did Clinton, and he got to server two terms." (and this was written by a guy who considers himself very smart and the first thing that he tells people is how he is a mensa!!!) (UGH!) I was dumbstruck by BOTH of those statements when I was sent those (via email) and am still baffled by how on earth can they think those things , except their indoctrination was so utterly and completely done that they are hermetically sealed into a bubble of such ridiculous lies that these crazy appointments and dangers do not affect them at all. In fact they relish them, since it means that their 'side' won! My husband hears that (we won) refrain from his co-workers who harass him about being a democrat, choosing the wrong side, because they win - no matter WHAT they won , they just won! Their triumph may go sharply aground enough to pop their shiny bubble but when it explodes, all of us are going to suffer as elon-thewannabe tells us will happen.
Those who are trying to combat this crazy stuff are trying to go through proper channels and lawfully contain harm, but diplomacy takes time, thought and lots of courage. The best thing we can do is stay grounded in the present be aware of what opportunities arise for us to do constructive things, make connections, know what is going on and not get emmeshed with the crazy things. (This is the like the dysfunctional Karpman triangle on steriods.. there are ways to reverse it but it will take work and dedication.
From the column: "They are so over-the-top, so ridiculous and bad that U.S. senators will be forced to think hard about how much humiliation and slavishness they are willing to swallow by confirming them. "
Sadly, that's not going to happen. While there, hopefully, will be some Republican senators who will uphold their oath to the Constitution and not fear Trump, I think the majority won't. None of those named are qualified for their respective posts, but Trump has so overwhelmed our government that the other branches are merely observers.
Of them all, RFK Jr. is the worst. His conspiracy theories about vaccines are abhorrent. I'm old enough to have been a kid when the polio vaccine came out. My parents got it for me as soon as they could so I wouldn't end up in an iron lung. What he will do to the health services will be gross negligence.
This is an attempt to destroy our government and the country’s strength from within. Whatever the orange man says about others is what he wants to do or does do. He is happy to be the enemy within. His moves are in line with Bannon’s “deconstruction of the administrative state.”
Remember the 2016 election when we were told trump voters often took what he said seriously but not literally? It seems that was still the case in 2024. Sadly they claimed he could have done these things in his first term and did not. Oblivious to the fact that much of his worst efforts were blunted by the courts and Congress while now those guardrails are gone or severely weakened. This & general ignorance about how elections & voting work are the likely reasons that on google’s scale rating of 0-100 for what are the most popular searches “how to switch [or “change”] my vote” hit 100 on Election Day. An election where a tremendous number of voters voted early including an unusually high number of Republicans.
Oh Steve, you are so right, "this is not about building the future, but about ripping apart the world most Americans count on for safety and security.' We need to shift from wringing our hands, (these are the perfect people to do his work) and start talking about where we can staunch the blood flow, where are the pressure points in these agencies and departments we can push on? Start to look for a clear picture of what a healing and healthy United States/Earth looks like.
Many still need these descriptions of the horrors. Us who know need to get started with the hard work of regenerating a country where the government's job is to nurture Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness... or what? What should our new country nurture?
Good Morning: 4am in Colorado. Where our Gov Polis shockingly endorsed Trumps RFK nomination.——-!!!!!
Anyway,——-
Not sleeping well after the barrage of incompetent appointments made by Trump as acts of control and maybe revenge?
SO———
Your words and details are right on, and I cling to this, your final paragraph:——
“I wish that was just a horror movie that bombs at the box office. But, like a horror movie, this real-life story filled with terror and dread can come to an end with the aid of good and decent people—people at every level of society who care about protecting their families, saving lives and returning to a place of calm. This real-life story is an opportunity for each of us to step up in whatever way we can to minimize the danger, beat back the horror and eventually emerge alive and triumphant.”
Yes, We must step up
Has someone reminded our Jewish Colorado Gov. what RFK said about Jews and COVID? What explanation is Polis giving? And what kind of resistance is surfacing today against Polis endorsement of RFK? I hope your fellow Colorado residents loudly respond using whatever megaphones are in their possession.
After your comment I emailed Gov Polis and the Denver Post. Thank you
I am a Coloradan and I have reposted two messages to @govofco on Threads and emailed him. I plan to keep contacting him with every new idiotic idea RFKJr has. Latest I saw is suspending cancer research -- that was reposted with him tagged. What a horror story indeed. But I won't be quiet. I forgot about Jews and COVID -- I'll remind him.
Sigh. End flouride, the rise of tooth decay will skyrocket, particularly with kids. Try googling the effect of cavities on overall health.
Thank you.
Hopefully there will be enough Senators who will recognize that acceding to Trump’s picks would take away any real power that the Senate has under the constitution, because they would at that point just be a rubber stamp to every erratic whim of their cult leader. I hope that they look at the members of Trump’s first cabinet and what those former members now say about Trump, and learn from them. No one who has sucked up to Trump has come out smelling like a rose.
If they (MAGA/R Senators) were worried about ceding power and pledging loyalty and fealty to Trump, they would have voted for impeachment on either occasion. First one was a little weaker, but the second impeachment was clear, and they voted to bend the knee. This national nightmare could and should have ended then. You think they've grown a spine since then? Sorry, but I seriously doubt that. And more than anything, I hope I'm wrong.
I’m in Ky and I’m writing McConnell today, not because he pays much attention to constituents who aren’t donors. But because he is leaving soon and may be concerned about his legacy of judicial appointments being overshadowed if the Senate rolls over and allows trump his rogues gallery Cabinet.
A lot of my neighbors in my depressingly red area not only still have their idiot signs up, they've added to them.
They are so pleased that the Reds have taken over all three branches of government, that they can't contain themselves. They're thrilled that people will be deported and that the 'libs have been owned'. Guess they showed US!!
They haven't yet noticed that their own houses are also on fire, metaphorically speaking, and that there will be no one left to put out the flames.
Martha, wasn’t there something in the old religious stories about the “Chosen People” painting their doors with Sheep’s Blood…so they would be spared when the “Angel of Death” aka,tRump, passed over their Homes? Could it be the people with the Signs know something we don’t. I have “Fluffy the Lamb” standing by just in case!
I think there is a substantial group of voters who were behind the “it’s just talk” and another group were “this is what we want” (the JFK Jr fans, Steven Bannon bros, etc.)
I started noticing references to people googling how to “change” or “switch” their votes. Out of curiosity I search and found several articles like this one saying it hit the top of google’s scale. That’s just the folks to ignorant to know it is impossible to change your vote.
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-how-change-vote-election-day-1984939
Agreed. The day after the people of the UK voted for Brexit, the #1 Google search from that area was, "What is Brexit?" Seriously, you cannot make this stuff up.
OMG. Chatter about leaving the EU had dragged on so long. Makes me wonder if it the new Brexit name or if they never thought about the repercussions.
Kakistocracy is a word that I learned this week—one I don’t want to live with. But it fits our country’s future with trump’s reelection and especially with his announced nominations. Kakistocracy is from two Greek words meaning “worst” and “rule” -- government by the least suitable or competent citizens of a state. I’m putting a lot of hope in the Senators to maintain their checks and balances power at this critical time.
I have to wonder if trump really goes so far as to think of upending the constitutional order of things, testing loyalties, outraging the populace, or is dealing in some sort of grade A trolling by choosing these egregious people. I am not a great political thinker but I believe trump, himself, is getting too much credit. I think his puppet masters, Bannon, Miller, Wiles, etal are making the calls and simply winding him up to sound, and feel, as if he’s made all of the decisions. These choices have completely and happily debased themselves to him. The only CV line that counts. He’s a horrible bully who is amassing his like minded crew to wreak havoc simply because of the rush and fear it causes. Trump has a feral intelligence and is excellent at propaganda, but past that I don’t think there’s anything. We lose track of the fact that he’s in this for himself, nothing more. Will the Senate cave? Absolutely.
Agree. He is as deep as a rain slick. Just goes with his consistently malevolent instincts. They just happen to look like he's trying to purposely troll when he trolls as a reflex. And for these awful, unfit picks, if the Senate repubs send them down in flames, and that's a big if, then these noms, who are so egregiously improper, will have allowed themselves to be used for theater. But we know that any who kowtow to him have no principles or self respect, so no surprise. Quite possibly these ridiculous clowns think they're up to the task.
Does this idiocy come under the theory that a President is above the law? Criminal in theory, criminal in fact.
As I mentioned elsewhere, an autocrat does not smart people in his cabinet because they may want to outsmart him for power. Unconditional loyalty is all he needs. He also prefers people with a dubious past that he can manipulate to make them dependent on him. His strategy for government seems to be a shadowy back manned with oligarchs and conservatives, who have no accountability and set policies to be executed by an incompetent Cabinet whose members do have accountability and thus are expendable. It seems he also intends to use the DOJ as his personal legal office and personal law enforcement to persecute anybody who opposes him.
For those who studied history, this must sound familiar. They also know how this will end and at what horrific price.......
Yup. That is the orange man’s MO all his life. There is also a don’t be popular aspect. He has woven into his comments about his oligarchs to be. (“Elon won’t leave. I can’t get rid of him” to the House GOP who laughed. Then the comments about Bobby being really popular - with the ‘don’t get too popular’ line as he gestured to his forehead that he was already about “here.”) Jokes that are not jokes. Same for his talk at the House GOP where members laughed nervously when he ‘joked’ about maybe not leaving after his term.
It’s funny, I came directly to the app - to your Substack - hoping there might be a new post. I didn’t even open my email. Another night of awful sleep. Non sleep. One thing I have been so mystified by personally, is why I’m so mystified. It’s not like he wasn’t clear as a damn bell the entire last four years. This is what he has been planning to do all along. And being indicted at state and federal levels - going through TRIALS - three dozen FELONY CONVICTIONS - the raid at his precious Mar-a-Lago where he had stashed boxes and boxes of secret documents belonging to the United States government - the indignities and slights he feels he so unfairly faced by the Jan 6 Committee and the televised hearings - basically all of his first term, hand-picked, closest circle of advisers, all not only withdrawing their support of him but also speaking very publicly about the dangers he would present if ever given power again …. all of that PLUS seeing Biden/Harris have the most productive and impactful Presidential term in modern history and in contrast, seeing himself ranked almost dead last of all American Presidents by every prominent historian …. his grievances piling up by the day. His frenzied, disturbed, addled, depraved fever dreams always plotting his revenge. And co-conspirators aplenty, looking to manipulate the situation to their fullest power-hungry & financial desires. He literally TOLD US ALL exactly what he would do. And Project 2025 - written by equally evil, but certainly sharper minds, told us the rest.
So why the surprise? Why does each piece of ‘breaking news’ feel like another massive blow? A massive and personal blow.
I think that all you’ve said is correct. And the people who I admire the most are all saying something along the lines of just what VP Harris said: Never give up the fight. never give up the dream. Be the light you yearn to see right now. Focus on community and connection and kindness. Acts of service to remind ourselves of our own humanity - and that of others.
The details don’t matter - but right now I have a lot of heavy things going on that have nothing to do with the election. Or more specifically, its aftermath. I was actually using the election - the great convention, the amazing rallies, all the beautiful inspiring music and young faces looking up hopefully at the first black woman that close to become the President of the United States - as distraction from all the heavy stuff. So when the bottom fell out there I simply couldn’t move under the weight of SO MUCH SADNESS. And that’s where I am. And maybe there are others feeling similarly. And somehow connecting the two - sort of thinking if she would have won, goodness and reason and common sense and decency would also have been victorious. And goodness maybe that might mean the rest of the unrelated stuff would heal, too. Both, seemingly impossible but then …. NOT! What joy! What hope! And so, conversely, when just the opposite occurred it has been very hard to place faith in much of anything. Including my own ability to ‘do my part’ and ‘be a light’.
We all need to remember that it has only been a week and a half. Feels like a year but truly it was just last Tuesday night. So grace to all feeling quite lost right now. So many millions of people worked so hard and voted for VP Harris with such hope and joy and PRIDE. That isn’t erased. We aren’t erased. I think I’m afraid of being erased. But none of us will be. And I imagine that we will be joined by others who perhaps voted out of that very same fear - flipped on its head. Maybe?
I do know that love will always conquer in the end. I believe that to my very core. So all I can think is to do whatever happens to be the next loving thing. ☮️
I think what you noted is a large part of the shock we feel, not just at his winning, but that so many voted against goodness, their own interests, and with zero empathy for anyone else. That so many Americans were so easily duped by grievance politics. That real issues were subjugated or obliterated in their minds because their racism, misogyny, and xenophobia are primary in their emotional and cognitive process. That those anger-inducing convictions blinded them to not only his lengthy malfeasance and completely execrable persona, but to the positivity and visionary ideas of VP Harris and the myriad accomplishments of President Biden. Yes, for my wife and me, sadness. But also much disappointment and RAGE that so many fellow Americans are delusional, hateful, ignorant, unheeding, shallow, selfish, domineering, regressive, cruel. I don't think I will ever forgive anyone who voted for him, regardless of their reasons. We can only keep on trying to right the ship and be positive, but things will be very dark for a while. Best wishes on keeping sane to all who feel as we do.
My immediate thought as I watched the rollout of cabinet nominees: Trump's pursuing his usual "strategy" of throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. In this case "the wall" is the U.S. Senate. He's testing to see how much he can get away with, not only with the Senate but with his billionaire backers.
I wish I had your faith. I can hope and pray but these days I have no real belief that humanity's goodness is going to overcome its inherent selfishness.
Totally agree and totally depressed..😔
Short answer to your question about the integrity of the Senate to stop this foolishness? Probably not. It starts with the new majority leader, the non-T…p pick, to assert the authority and responsibility of his caucus. T…p has already suggested he should be allowed to do this without the advice and consent of the Senate and could cut corners with a recess pass. I wrote Senator Thune imploring him to do his job and do his and the Senate’s Constitutional duty. More letters need to be written.
Yes! Excellent suggestion!! Letters/(emails?) to Thune.
With the progression of time comes the advancement of civilization. trump has called for the reemergence of neanderthals.
I will not accept this, each of us must find our way to resist.
To what end? Please don't jeopardize your health losing your mind over the outrageous actions. The true time to resist was 11/05/2024. Little can effectively be done now. Sad reality.
My focus is always on my physical and mental health. I will always find a non-violent way to write, speak my mind, and resist the destruction of our cherished Democracy, it's who I am. My children's and grandchildren's future is under attack and I believe that many of the people who have been consumed by the propaganda and lies will have a day of reconning in the near future. I will not give up.
From my viewpoint, this election (and our times) are a setback to the women of our country. The promise of our Democracy will never be fulfilled until all people share the same freedoms and rights. This election and our times are being poisoned by the words and actions of too many "leaders" in our country who have sworn to uphold our Constitution. Join the fight to stop this.
The incredibly STARK reality check disconnects are what keep haunting me. The refrains that I keep hearing over and over are from the MAGAS that I know who proudly told me: "I really believe that (trump) is truly a great man'. and from another one: I already know what a Trump presidency is like, I lived through one - energy independence, low inflation, low unemployment, a roaring economy, and relative world peace. He may have flaws as a person, but so did Clinton, and he got to server two terms." (and this was written by a guy who considers himself very smart and the first thing that he tells people is how he is a mensa!!!) (UGH!) I was dumbstruck by BOTH of those statements when I was sent those (via email) and am still baffled by how on earth can they think those things , except their indoctrination was so utterly and completely done that they are hermetically sealed into a bubble of such ridiculous lies that these crazy appointments and dangers do not affect them at all. In fact they relish them, since it means that their 'side' won! My husband hears that (we won) refrain from his co-workers who harass him about being a democrat, choosing the wrong side, because they win - no matter WHAT they won , they just won! Their triumph may go sharply aground enough to pop their shiny bubble but when it explodes, all of us are going to suffer as elon-thewannabe tells us will happen.
Those who are trying to combat this crazy stuff are trying to go through proper channels and lawfully contain harm, but diplomacy takes time, thought and lots of courage. The best thing we can do is stay grounded in the present be aware of what opportunities arise for us to do constructive things, make connections, know what is going on and not get emmeshed with the crazy things. (This is the like the dysfunctional Karpman triangle on steriods.. there are ways to reverse it but it will take work and dedication.
From the column: "They are so over-the-top, so ridiculous and bad that U.S. senators will be forced to think hard about how much humiliation and slavishness they are willing to swallow by confirming them. "
Sadly, that's not going to happen. While there, hopefully, will be some Republican senators who will uphold their oath to the Constitution and not fear Trump, I think the majority won't. None of those named are qualified for their respective posts, but Trump has so overwhelmed our government that the other branches are merely observers.
Of them all, RFK Jr. is the worst. His conspiracy theories about vaccines are abhorrent. I'm old enough to have been a kid when the polio vaccine came out. My parents got it for me as soon as they could so I wouldn't end up in an iron lung. What he will do to the health services will be gross negligence.
This is an attempt to destroy our government and the country’s strength from within. Whatever the orange man says about others is what he wants to do or does do. He is happy to be the enemy within. His moves are in line with Bannon’s “deconstruction of the administrative state.”
Remember the 2016 election when we were told trump voters often took what he said seriously but not literally? It seems that was still the case in 2024. Sadly they claimed he could have done these things in his first term and did not. Oblivious to the fact that much of his worst efforts were blunted by the courts and Congress while now those guardrails are gone or severely weakened. This & general ignorance about how elections & voting work are the likely reasons that on google’s scale rating of 0-100 for what are the most popular searches “how to switch [or “change”] my vote” hit 100 on Election Day. An election where a tremendous number of voters voted early including an unusually high number of Republicans.
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-how-change-vote-election-day-1984939
Oh Steve, you are so right, "this is not about building the future, but about ripping apart the world most Americans count on for safety and security.' We need to shift from wringing our hands, (these are the perfect people to do his work) and start talking about where we can staunch the blood flow, where are the pressure points in these agencies and departments we can push on? Start to look for a clear picture of what a healing and healthy United States/Earth looks like.
Many still need these descriptions of the horrors. Us who know need to get started with the hard work of regenerating a country where the government's job is to nurture Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness... or what? What should our new country nurture?