It is sad that such an idiot and worthless human being as Trump can motivate so many people to do so much damage and put good people in danger. It is even more sad that he actually has a chance of being re-elected. Is it lack of education, lack of family values, or something else that leads so many people to support this horrible nonsense that Trump keeps spewing? We have to find a way to stop this destructive movement before it is too late. :(
I saw, with a sort of disbelief, but not really, MTG’s screeching, hyperbolic, hateful comments. I really wanted to be able to ask her, if you don’t want to call Dr Fauci , Doctor, why would you want to call Mr Trump , President? Mr Trump told us it would be just go away by April with warmer weather, we have it under control, there are only 15 cases and they are getting better. Then he suggested to Dr Birks, that maybe a shot of disinfectant or bright light should be tried….: Dr Trump?? I wish I had the skills of Rep Crockett to whip up an appropriate one liner. MTG is verifiably despicable!! I cannot begin to imagine why anyone would want to live in her district and those that sent her to congress are also verifiably despicable !
Beautifully worded message about Fauci and Bragg. What most Americans do not realize is that Trump is backed by Russia - a powerful worldwide bully. Trump went to Russia once too often, was enamored by the gorgeous women and was hooked by Russian offers of money - at a time that the Trump Organization was bleeding and in debt. Once hooked, his life and the lives of his family are all endangered. He either jumps when Putin says jump - or he or someone in his family dies. It was only a few months after he lost the 2020 election, that Ivana Trump suddenly and mysteriously died.
The Mueller Report was sabotaged by William Barr and we have yet to understand why. He needs to be investigated along with Trump. However, after reading that report it clearly shows Trump's connections with Russians. I am not the only one who is jumping up and down and shouting about the Russian - Trump association.
I spent about 20 years living and working in dictator-led countries, but mostly in Russia. In this process I became bi-cultural. Much changed in Russia after Putin became President, but then shortly thereafter our country started this decline as well. Putin has listed the destruction of the United States - who he blames for the downfall of the USSR - as one of his major Presidential goals. His ally in this cataclysmic tyrannical movement is Trump. When we hear Greene screaming her repugnant and obnoxious verbiage, her brainwashed mind is intimidating Trump's reign of terror. And this repetitive negative thoughts, threats, words, and actions are all due to a chemical in the human brain that is released when the cult leader's actions and words are filled with hatred. It is an iterative form of social marketing, only when associated with a sect/cult it can be disastrous. I like to compare Trump to Charles Manson who in the 1970's convinced his group to commit nine carnivorous-type murders in Los Angeles. When I hear Trump mention a "bloodbath" I get chills up my spine.
As for a solution to this cycle of threats and fear unleashed by Trump, he must be incarcerated for as long as possible. His maniac and psychotic mind is only growing worse by the day and he is dangerous - to himself, to a long list of others, and to our country.
"What most Americans do not realize is that Trump is backed by Russia"
I don't know why this is true, except that the news media hasn't done their job. There is no much information out there saying the Russian government is at it again, spreading disinformation and boosting Trump.
Thank you very much, Steven, for this eloquent, cogent, and inspiring defense of principled and selfless public servants. Your pen is mightier than any any fascist sword.
To see the way Republicans are treating an apolitical, distinguished public servant like Dr. Anthony Fauci makes my blood boil. He is compelled to testify…again…or risk contempt. Once there, he is subjected to the likes of Marjorie Taylor Greene and others. The sickening smoothness of Mike Johnson creates a permission structure that I personally cannot fully comprehend.
When anyone testifies before Congress these days, they enter the ‘fact free’ zone…as the political punching bag du jour. These mud-slingers never tire of throwing lies and jabs and insults at anyone…in this case, Dr. Fauci, proving yet again, that they will stop at nothing to humiliate those who cannot retaliate or respond. The mob boss looks on coolly from his perch in Mar-a-lago; the serpent that prepares to strike, but never does. He just swallows his prey slowly as we watch them descend into his throat and beyond as he slowly digests them. He loves to recount the snake story…and no wonder.
To those who do not or will not exercise their vote in November to stop this political theater, you have my pity, my sympathy, and my indignation over your lack of understanding and disregard for the lives of countless Americans who have been killed or otherwise sacrificed in the service of democracy. Cruelty may be the point, but it is not the answer. The word of the day until the election is…VOTE.
I must admit, my emotions have been high this week. I'm angry as I watch most Republicans in Congress stand up to attack our justice system, law enforcement, and average Americans who do their duty to serve on juries. The amount of disinformation they're spreading is stunning, irresponsible, and dangerous. We even have a group of senators pledging in a letter to hold the business of the people and the government hostage because they don't like the verdict in Trump's NY election interference case. Then, more anger as I watched Greene attack Anthony Fauci with vicious and despicable lies. These kinds of vicious and mendacious attacks on all of our institutions leads me to one assumption...that these people are quite willing to destroy our country and the people who live here in their endless quest for power. Lastly, my emotions take another swing as I consider Joe Biden watching as his only living son goes on trial in federal court. Imagine the strength it took to insist he will not interfere in justice department proceedings, while expressing love and support for his son. My heart aches for him and his family. But, as you said at the end of your piece, I am going to "Let this animosity nourish your desire to work for a massive GOP defeat in November, up and down the ballot." I'm thankful for this community.
From what I now understand, Fascism is aways dictatorial, always racist, always lies in an extreme way and repeated-like propaganda, and always violent with the militarization of politics.
Looking at GOP extremist and Trump's behavior, I think the above hits the mark. I got this definition from Professor Federico Finchelstein in his new book: The Wannabe Fascists.
The far-right extremism and fascism are antithetical to democracy.
I think it's time to revive the "house un-American activities committee" but this time looking to the RIGHT where the real danger has always been.
The disdain shown to our intelligence agencies and the American people by the appointments of Perry and Jackson is appalling and disturbing. Painfully consistent with a party lead by Trump who on his first full day as POTUS gave a speech characterized by the Brennan Center with this statement: "Former CIA Dir Brennan is deeply saddened and angered at Trump’s despicable display of self-aggrandizement in front of CIA’s Memorial Wall of Agency heroes." And tangibly we saw it played out with revealing Israel secrets to the Russians in the White House, 37 counts in the Documents case, and virtually uncountable numbers of other acts of disrespect towards American interests in between.
What's missing from the consensus discourse, in the network/streaming media, social media, personal conversations?
What's missing in America today is the simple observation of what's right and what's wrong. Before the Jerry Springer Show; Before The Apprentice; Before Facebook and Twitter, our parents, teachers and friends gave us feedback when we said or did something wrong. Rage TV and rage social media provided platforms for rudeness and disrespect. Without calling it out as unacceptable in our society. The other, normal, media policy makers noticed that calling out bad behavior as "wrong" might affect their cash flow. So they report on the bad behavior/name calling/disrespect, like Marge's outrageous attacks on an honorable public servant like Dr Fauci. But none of them state that what she said and did was WRONG. This isn't a political opinion. It's an observation of plain fact.
Think back to the moral lessons of Leave It to Beaver. Think back to the major news networks in the 50s, 60, 70s, 80s and their daily coverage of crimes and lying politicians and they observed, out loud, that wrong is wrong. America has always had "rebels" in the minority who rail against the laws and norms of society. Now they are amplified and validated. This only emboldens thugs like Donald. When they should be shamed and held to account by the honorable majority.
Thanks Steven for saying it..."it will get worse before it gets better". We are in a dark place where Republicans will say and do anything in support of their supreme leader. We need to call out these lies as loud and as often as they say them.
I predict that between now and the election, President Biden and his team will be fighting back with the truth every day. The President needs to use his platform in a truthful and forceful manner, just like the last guy used it to create chaos and destroy our Democracy. Americans need to hear the truth repeated day, after day, after day.
Anyone think his looming incarceration date drove Bannon’s energy as he & his ‘guest’ Stephen Miller screeched about Bragg and accused the GOP of insufficiently weaponizing its House committees and their subpoena power?
As a retired RN, I find myself apoplectic listening to MTG and her vile accusations. Medical science is exactly that—-a science that expands on the development of new knowledge every day. The COVID pandemic was new, and the scientists had to decide what modes of treatment, defense against the virus, and the possible effects on the population while trying to develop an effective vaccine. Fortunately, scientists had worked for years on RNA and the efficacy of its use in vaccines. Still, the need to limit the deaths due to the virus led to quarantines. Nobody knew for sure if children were immune, and their adult teachers were certainly not, so school moved to computer screens to protect our children. Retrospect includes knowledge gained in the interim, and the development and vaccination of adults allowed kids to return to the classroom. How dare a screeching idiot like MTG challenge knowledge about which she doesn’t have a clue! Dr. Fauci and the medical community did their best to keep us safe. Hindsight doesn’t happen in the moment, but after trial, error, and study of the facts. Until science can rely on crystal balls, diligence and sometimes, trial and error is what leads to the solving of a problem.
Thank you Karen. As another retired RN, it makes me physically ill to hear idiots like MTG, et al presuming they know anything about Dr. Fauci and the practice of medicine. When they try to degrade a man who’s work has literally saved millions of lives, it says far more about them and their revolting idiocy than it does about Dr. Fauci.
This country has been on a downward trajectory into abject, flaming assholery since DT decided in 2015 to run for the presidency. The republican party is drowning in their own mendacity and their startling embrace of full-fledged corruption, as has every member of the Supreme Court’s majority. The damage they’ve done will someday be legendary.
We WILL get back on track and I for one will happily celebrate when the last of the current GOP assholes never darkens the door of the U.S. Capitol again.
The inescapable irony is—many of these lying, cheating assholes tell America they are doing it in the name of religion.
The erosion of both trust and truth since Trump descended that escalator 9 years ago is immeasurable. But it has been sufficiently gradual that in these dramatic moments we can fail to acknowledge its magnitude.
A surreal interrogation on the floor of Congress. On one side: a lifetime and (from what we know) brilliant public health servant whose work has saved literally millions of lives. On the other: a screaming banshee with no qualifications whatsoever and who does no work, but whose words are driving nearly half the country further into madness. Such chilling incidents as her deranged interrogation of Dr Fauci, any one of which would have shocked the country to its senses 10 years ago, disappear into a thicket even as they dominate the news cycle for a few hours. We truly cannot see the forest for the trees.
In addition to casting our votes in November, we must find a way illustrate this fundamental transformation of our American body politic. We must craft an image and a story that can shock the country back to its senses. The MAGA cultists will not go away, but they must be relegated back to the margins-- out of both legislative chambers, insignificant to media, and out of public view.
Reading your writing here exposing how ravenous the Republican in the House are for revenge, and their repulsive lying just to punish a good man for contradicting Trumps lies, makes me nauseous and frightened for us all.
Read it twice!
I wish “everyone” could read understand and believe what is written here.
—Here is an excerpt from your post that helps inspire my hope:
“But don’t be discouraged. Let this animosity nourish your desire to work for a massive GOP defeat in November, up and down the ballot. An overwhelming Democratic victory doesn’t mean that this fascistic mindset will fade away—a big loss will likely unleash even more madness first. But this is the only path to reasserting American values, regaining the primacy of democracy and ending the belief that fear and violence is a winning strategy.”
It is sad that such an idiot and worthless human being as Trump can motivate so many people to do so much damage and put good people in danger. It is even more sad that he actually has a chance of being re-elected. Is it lack of education, lack of family values, or something else that leads so many people to support this horrible nonsense that Trump keeps spewing? We have to find a way to stop this destructive movement before it is too late. :(
I saw, with a sort of disbelief, but not really, MTG’s screeching, hyperbolic, hateful comments. I really wanted to be able to ask her, if you don’t want to call Dr Fauci , Doctor, why would you want to call Mr Trump , President? Mr Trump told us it would be just go away by April with warmer weather, we have it under control, there are only 15 cases and they are getting better. Then he suggested to Dr Birks, that maybe a shot of disinfectant or bright light should be tried….: Dr Trump?? I wish I had the skills of Rep Crockett to whip up an appropriate one liner. MTG is verifiably despicable!! I cannot begin to imagine why anyone would want to live in her district and those that sent her to congress are also verifiably despicable !
I cannot imagine why she was elected.
Simple…because hundreds of thousands of Republicans in her CD believe her stupidity. Ridiculous eh?
Yes. And there are southerners who are still fighting the Civil War.
Beautifully worded message about Fauci and Bragg. What most Americans do not realize is that Trump is backed by Russia - a powerful worldwide bully. Trump went to Russia once too often, was enamored by the gorgeous women and was hooked by Russian offers of money - at a time that the Trump Organization was bleeding and in debt. Once hooked, his life and the lives of his family are all endangered. He either jumps when Putin says jump - or he or someone in his family dies. It was only a few months after he lost the 2020 election, that Ivana Trump suddenly and mysteriously died.
The Mueller Report was sabotaged by William Barr and we have yet to understand why. He needs to be investigated along with Trump. However, after reading that report it clearly shows Trump's connections with Russians. I am not the only one who is jumping up and down and shouting about the Russian - Trump association.
I spent about 20 years living and working in dictator-led countries, but mostly in Russia. In this process I became bi-cultural. Much changed in Russia after Putin became President, but then shortly thereafter our country started this decline as well. Putin has listed the destruction of the United States - who he blames for the downfall of the USSR - as one of his major Presidential goals. His ally in this cataclysmic tyrannical movement is Trump. When we hear Greene screaming her repugnant and obnoxious verbiage, her brainwashed mind is intimidating Trump's reign of terror. And this repetitive negative thoughts, threats, words, and actions are all due to a chemical in the human brain that is released when the cult leader's actions and words are filled with hatred. It is an iterative form of social marketing, only when associated with a sect/cult it can be disastrous. I like to compare Trump to Charles Manson who in the 1970's convinced his group to commit nine carnivorous-type murders in Los Angeles. When I hear Trump mention a "bloodbath" I get chills up my spine.
As for a solution to this cycle of threats and fear unleashed by Trump, he must be incarcerated for as long as possible. His maniac and psychotic mind is only growing worse by the day and he is dangerous - to himself, to a long list of others, and to our country.
Elizabeth
www.democrazy2020.org
"What most Americans do not realize is that Trump is backed by Russia"
I don't know why this is true, except that the news media hasn't done their job. There is no much information out there saying the Russian government is at it again, spreading disinformation and boosting Trump.
Thank you very much, Steven, for this eloquent, cogent, and inspiring defense of principled and selfless public servants. Your pen is mightier than any any fascist sword.
Very kind, John. Thanks as always.
To see the way Republicans are treating an apolitical, distinguished public servant like Dr. Anthony Fauci makes my blood boil. He is compelled to testify…again…or risk contempt. Once there, he is subjected to the likes of Marjorie Taylor Greene and others. The sickening smoothness of Mike Johnson creates a permission structure that I personally cannot fully comprehend.
When anyone testifies before Congress these days, they enter the ‘fact free’ zone…as the political punching bag du jour. These mud-slingers never tire of throwing lies and jabs and insults at anyone…in this case, Dr. Fauci, proving yet again, that they will stop at nothing to humiliate those who cannot retaliate or respond. The mob boss looks on coolly from his perch in Mar-a-lago; the serpent that prepares to strike, but never does. He just swallows his prey slowly as we watch them descend into his throat and beyond as he slowly digests them. He loves to recount the snake story…and no wonder.
To those who do not or will not exercise their vote in November to stop this political theater, you have my pity, my sympathy, and my indignation over your lack of understanding and disregard for the lives of countless Americans who have been killed or otherwise sacrificed in the service of democracy. Cruelty may be the point, but it is not the answer. The word of the day until the election is…VOTE.
I must admit, my emotions have been high this week. I'm angry as I watch most Republicans in Congress stand up to attack our justice system, law enforcement, and average Americans who do their duty to serve on juries. The amount of disinformation they're spreading is stunning, irresponsible, and dangerous. We even have a group of senators pledging in a letter to hold the business of the people and the government hostage because they don't like the verdict in Trump's NY election interference case. Then, more anger as I watched Greene attack Anthony Fauci with vicious and despicable lies. These kinds of vicious and mendacious attacks on all of our institutions leads me to one assumption...that these people are quite willing to destroy our country and the people who live here in their endless quest for power. Lastly, my emotions take another swing as I consider Joe Biden watching as his only living son goes on trial in federal court. Imagine the strength it took to insist he will not interfere in justice department proceedings, while expressing love and support for his son. My heart aches for him and his family. But, as you said at the end of your piece, I am going to "Let this animosity nourish your desire to work for a massive GOP defeat in November, up and down the ballot." I'm thankful for this community.
Steven,
From what I now understand, Fascism is aways dictatorial, always racist, always lies in an extreme way and repeated-like propaganda, and always violent with the militarization of politics.
Looking at GOP extremist and Trump's behavior, I think the above hits the mark. I got this definition from Professor Federico Finchelstein in his new book: The Wannabe Fascists.
The far-right extremism and fascism are antithetical to democracy.
I think it's time to revive the "house un-American activities committee" but this time looking to the RIGHT where the real danger has always been.
Lincoln was right: you can fool some of the people all of the time. Apparently a lot more of them than he’d suspected.
"Many people are gullible, and we can expect this to continue.”
— P.T. Barnum
The disdain shown to our intelligence agencies and the American people by the appointments of Perry and Jackson is appalling and disturbing. Painfully consistent with a party lead by Trump who on his first full day as POTUS gave a speech characterized by the Brennan Center with this statement: "Former CIA Dir Brennan is deeply saddened and angered at Trump’s despicable display of self-aggrandizement in front of CIA’s Memorial Wall of Agency heroes." And tangibly we saw it played out with revealing Israel secrets to the Russians in the White House, 37 counts in the Documents case, and virtually uncountable numbers of other acts of disrespect towards American interests in between.
What's missing from the consensus discourse, in the network/streaming media, social media, personal conversations?
What's missing in America today is the simple observation of what's right and what's wrong. Before the Jerry Springer Show; Before The Apprentice; Before Facebook and Twitter, our parents, teachers and friends gave us feedback when we said or did something wrong. Rage TV and rage social media provided platforms for rudeness and disrespect. Without calling it out as unacceptable in our society. The other, normal, media policy makers noticed that calling out bad behavior as "wrong" might affect their cash flow. So they report on the bad behavior/name calling/disrespect, like Marge's outrageous attacks on an honorable public servant like Dr Fauci. But none of them state that what she said and did was WRONG. This isn't a political opinion. It's an observation of plain fact.
Think back to the moral lessons of Leave It to Beaver. Think back to the major news networks in the 50s, 60, 70s, 80s and their daily coverage of crimes and lying politicians and they observed, out loud, that wrong is wrong. America has always had "rebels" in the minority who rail against the laws and norms of society. Now they are amplified and validated. This only emboldens thugs like Donald. When they should be shamed and held to account by the honorable majority.
Thanks Steven for saying it..."it will get worse before it gets better". We are in a dark place where Republicans will say and do anything in support of their supreme leader. We need to call out these lies as loud and as often as they say them.
I predict that between now and the election, President Biden and his team will be fighting back with the truth every day. The President needs to use his platform in a truthful and forceful manner, just like the last guy used it to create chaos and destroy our Democracy. Americans need to hear the truth repeated day, after day, after day.
Does anyone know when Bannon will be incarcerated? Asking for a friend…..
Anyone think his looming incarceration date drove Bannon’s energy as he & his ‘guest’ Stephen Miller screeched about Bragg and accused the GOP of insufficiently weaponizing its House committees and their subpoena power?
https://www.axios.com/2024/05/14/steve-bannon-prison-sentence-doj-request
I just saw that he is to self report on or before July 1, 2024. It’s about time!!!
As a retired RN, I find myself apoplectic listening to MTG and her vile accusations. Medical science is exactly that—-a science that expands on the development of new knowledge every day. The COVID pandemic was new, and the scientists had to decide what modes of treatment, defense against the virus, and the possible effects on the population while trying to develop an effective vaccine. Fortunately, scientists had worked for years on RNA and the efficacy of its use in vaccines. Still, the need to limit the deaths due to the virus led to quarantines. Nobody knew for sure if children were immune, and their adult teachers were certainly not, so school moved to computer screens to protect our children. Retrospect includes knowledge gained in the interim, and the development and vaccination of adults allowed kids to return to the classroom. How dare a screeching idiot like MTG challenge knowledge about which she doesn’t have a clue! Dr. Fauci and the medical community did their best to keep us safe. Hindsight doesn’t happen in the moment, but after trial, error, and study of the facts. Until science can rely on crystal balls, diligence and sometimes, trial and error is what leads to the solving of a problem.
Thank you Karen. As another retired RN, it makes me physically ill to hear idiots like MTG, et al presuming they know anything about Dr. Fauci and the practice of medicine. When they try to degrade a man who’s work has literally saved millions of lives, it says far more about them and their revolting idiocy than it does about Dr. Fauci.
This country has been on a downward trajectory into abject, flaming assholery since DT decided in 2015 to run for the presidency. The republican party is drowning in their own mendacity and their startling embrace of full-fledged corruption, as has every member of the Supreme Court’s majority. The damage they’ve done will someday be legendary.
We WILL get back on track and I for one will happily celebrate when the last of the current GOP assholes never darkens the door of the U.S. Capitol again.
The inescapable irony is—many of these lying, cheating assholes tell America they are doing it in the name of religion.
You are absolutely right Susan! They are leading us into a combination of autocracy and theocracy!
The erosion of both trust and truth since Trump descended that escalator 9 years ago is immeasurable. But it has been sufficiently gradual that in these dramatic moments we can fail to acknowledge its magnitude.
A surreal interrogation on the floor of Congress. On one side: a lifetime and (from what we know) brilliant public health servant whose work has saved literally millions of lives. On the other: a screaming banshee with no qualifications whatsoever and who does no work, but whose words are driving nearly half the country further into madness. Such chilling incidents as her deranged interrogation of Dr Fauci, any one of which would have shocked the country to its senses 10 years ago, disappear into a thicket even as they dominate the news cycle for a few hours. We truly cannot see the forest for the trees.
In addition to casting our votes in November, we must find a way illustrate this fundamental transformation of our American body politic. We must craft an image and a story that can shock the country back to its senses. The MAGA cultists will not go away, but they must be relegated back to the margins-- out of both legislative chambers, insignificant to media, and out of public view.
Steven
Reading your writing here exposing how ravenous the Republican in the House are for revenge, and their repulsive lying just to punish a good man for contradicting Trumps lies, makes me nauseous and frightened for us all.
Read it twice!
I wish “everyone” could read understand and believe what is written here.
—Here is an excerpt from your post that helps inspire my hope:
“But don’t be discouraged. Let this animosity nourish your desire to work for a massive GOP defeat in November, up and down the ballot. An overwhelming Democratic victory doesn’t mean that this fascistic mindset will fade away—a big loss will likely unleash even more madness first. But this is the only path to reasserting American values, regaining the primacy of democracy and ending the belief that fear and violence is a winning strategy.”
Thanks for the Hope
💙🇺🇸
Thank you, Steven, and all the extremely cogent comments your writing has fostered. We definitely have a village here fighting the bullies.