62 Comments
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Homi Hormasji's avatar

This worthless psychopath, this bag of putrid wind, thrives on attention. Now I know that he is going to occupy the highest office in the land within a week, but instead of reacting to his every taunt, let’s treat him with the contempt and disdain that he deserves. In other words, let’s simply ignore his pronouncements. Yes, we will obviously have to deal with the apparatus of state, but there is no need for us to countenance this reprehensible being and pay him any personal attention. His ego thrives on seeing how others react to him. Watch him shrivel up like a pierced balloon once he realizes that people have no fear of him.

Meredith Leonard's avatar

It would help if FOX "News" could be shuttered. They are complicit in all Trump's crimes.

CAM from πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

No one is forced to watch Fox News. People who do, do it of their own volition. If it were shuttered or outlawed, they would find another method of getting their info. Alas this is where we are now.

Meredith Leonard's avatar

Can we please move to Canada?

CAM from πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

We won’t annex you, unless the orange menace tries to pull a fast one on us. πŸ˜†

Meredith Leonard's avatar

I promise I won't take up very much space.

PS: My first vacation with my parents was to Tadoussac and around Lac Saint Jean, very long ago. Since then I've been to Churchill and L'Anse aux Meadows.

CAM from πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦'s avatar

Tadoussac must be visited at least once - the north shore of Quebec is beautiful.

Barbara Andree's avatar

I intend to only post or say that he is LYING when he says anything, not on what he's saying. Posting the truth about what he lies about is my antidote.

Homi Hormasji's avatar

That’s a great plan, Barbara. (He’ll keep you busy!)

Monet Lion's avatar

Nice fantasy, but I portend his oligarch cohorts will take over.

Meredith Leonard's avatar

Do you FOX watchers think Trump would be our next President if it weren't for FOX?

Ed Colman's avatar

As always, excellent commentary. One thing that I have noticed. The guy is in perpetual campaign mode. That’s why he’s constantly attacking his perceived opponents, to score political points. He would much rather be running than govern.

Diane in Ohio's avatar

I think he just likes to appear tough and so he acts like a schoolyard bully every day.

Richard Brody's avatar

It’s as if he was running for a lifetime position. Sickening.

Richard Brody's avatar

Thank you so much, again, for your sense of history and how it translates to current events. In my own Substack today I opined for better sources for news and suggested Substack. Your comments demonstrate exactly what Americans deserve in terms of their media experience. Thanks for keeping us informed during these most difficult times.

David J. Sharp's avatar

What terrible times this young century has seen … starting with the inconceivable 9/11. Drastic climate change disruptions - hurricanes, wildfires - four straight years of presidential horror shows (caged children!), lies, racism, misogyny; one can hardly breathe.

Teri D's avatar

God forgive me but I wouldn’t put it past him to have some people set those fires!

Carol Moore's avatar

It's terrible, isn't it, that we've come to a point when a thought like this actually crosses our minds. I wondered the same thing....

Marlene Lerner-Bigley (CA)'s avatar

Exactly what one of my friends said also. Hard to disagree with her.

AVee. (Alexia)'s avatar

Excellent essay Steven.

Diane in Ohio's avatar

Trump's lies and attacks during these fires have been despicable and I could not be more disgusted. Americans were literally fleeing for their lives, thousands have lost everything, and this is what he does. For me, I'll just add it to the list of things he does to abuse his office and power. If he gets in office and decides to withhold aid to California due to political differences, who will hold him accountable?

Dawn Kucera's avatar

Trump and Johnson want to tie policy conditions to relief funding for LA - Trump wants raising the debt ceiling to be a condition. This is monstrous.

DJHammond's avatar

For the people of California it must be heartbreaking to watch their previous lives go up in smoke.. Add the fear of Republicans already saying their help should be portioned out since it’s a Democratic state..So much for β€œgoverning for all the people.” God help us all get through the next 4 years of torture… what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right?

SPW's avatar

We’re going to have to find a way to pull together to support each other; that’s the only thing I can think of. Work within your own community. We will be finding ourselves back in the 18th Century in a lot of ways. We won’t survive otherwise.

Maryann Boyd's avatar

God I hope so!! He has no compassion for anyone or anything.

Melanie G's avatar

I had a nightmare when he won the first time. He is pure evil.

SPW's avatar

As did I. I saw him set off a dirty bomb. I’m no sure that’s not in the offing now.

David J. Sharp's avatar

Terrible times now … but great for the future historian if he survives.

gpm414's avatar

Steven, your assessments of the instincts of arsonists and Trump are spot on. The primary responsibility of the President is to serve and protect our country and every citizen in it; not just the ones he deems worthy, praise him, and enrich him. Here's a fact we can't change, he's incapable and unwilling to perform the most basic duties of being President.

And this is where we find ourselves. In a few days he will become President again, and will likely attempt to destroy and dismantle our Democracy, not unlike an arsonist who will takes pleasure in doing it. I believe that most Americans don't share his view of the world. Let's take it one day at a time and stay focused on who we are and the Democracy we believe in.

Jill Stoner's avatar

Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 comes to mind . . .

If there were a cabinet position such as "Secretary of Fire Management," Trump would be looking for someone with expertise in burning books.

Sharon C Storm's avatar

You’re absolutely correct, Steven, he is an arsonist of the worst kind. He has not one redeeming quality, and he thinks we should serve him. The president should serve the people, he is our employee.

kdsherpa's avatar

Your essay is brilliant -- and terrifying. Outstanding. "He delights in seeing things burn. He likes destruction. Fixing things is hard; destroying them is much easier." "[T]here’s nothing Trump delights in more than death and destruction and the opportunity to appear like the tough guy, the strongman who knows what to do." And finally: "Let’s remember to support the firefighters, both real and figurative."

Susan MacNeil, PhD's avatar

It’s getting more concerning day by day. Especially since democrats keep telling us what disaster is ahead, and yet do nothing to defend us. They are acting, as usual, with words but no actions. I’d think they could put in some protective measures and demand more from the FBI with the nominations. But what do I know. Something is wrong with the way they are running scared.