I agree that we can take some faint hope in Trump's incompetence at being a dictator. In theory an incompetent dictator is preferable to a competent one.
Yes, dumb times. But not dumb times like “Dumb and Dumber “ good for a laugh. More like dumb and dumber tying balloons to a lawn chair. Only this dumb and funny has taken us all for the ride. Who will shoot the balloons?
I always remember my mother, when I was a little boy, 5 or 6 years old, when I used the word "Dumb" explaining to me that "Dumb" was a word that described a person who didn't have the physical ability to speak. That it was the result of disease or mental impairment and that it often accompanied deafness. Look it up in the dictionary. I recently (within the last 20 years) looked up the word "ignorance." We generally use it in the pejorative, but it means, simply; "not knowing." Ignorance or stupidity are the words that are the best descriptors for this administration.
Belated note - I see that John Fetterman is being vocal in his criticism of Al Green and those who supported him. At one time I had high hopes for Fetterman, but one of the many things I've learned from the Bulwark is to at least TRY not to put too much stock on any one politician. NOW, I get this feeling that Fetterman is more devoted to distinguishing himself from the rest of the Democrats than taking a principled position. Yes, I'm going with vibes, true. But let me say that if I woke up one morning to a headline that Fetterman joined the Trump administration, it would not surprise me much.
He’s a senator in Pennsylvania, where Trump support runs deep. If he’s got to be moderate to keep his constituency happy, so be it. He might be like a Manchin/Sinema, who gave Democrats a ton of grief, but usually voted with us in the end. Better than having a Republican in that seat. Besides, not all Democrats are thrilled with the lollipops and cane-waving. Independents wouldn’t like it. It looked sad and pathetic to my eyes.
You make really good points, Mary, I appreciate them and hadn't thought of it that way. Fetterman does need to take a moderate stand, and I absolutely do want him surviving Pennsylvania politics.
There is not a consensus on whether what Al Green did was good, bad or something in between. Fetterman is a great example of not everyone having to agree within the caucus. Where I personally draw the line is his going on CNN to castigate other Democrats so publicly. To me there is too much of that going on and it creates a rut of Democrats hearing that they suck; it becomes a self-defeating endless loop. They do too much in terms of exhibiting disgust for Trump. They do too little in terms of exhibiting disgust for Trump.
I'm all for figuring out what works and what doesn't work and for vigorous debate but wish it could be done internally. Maybe that is not realistic and maybe Fetterman did what he thought he needed to do. I hope Democratic leadership can unite sooner than later.
I think that Fetterman is having side effects from his stroke. TIA, traumatic brain injuries, and the like often have side effects, many of which develop later, including cognitive changes, temperament changes, including changes in behavior. I saw those with both parents for years before their deaths. Fetterman really needs to checked regularly, and should have those results available.
POS = President Orange Snake (because of his affinity for the poem "The Snake" that he does not understand) = President (gag) Donald J Trump. Watch some of the unedited videos of him. He has a definite problem with his left leg (which could be caused by his need to wear lifts), his speaking, his slurring, the shape of his mouth (Dad had seconds length strokes - could tell from the shape of his mouth, a barely noticeable droop that disappeared), his memory swings, etc.
Thank you, Eva, very interesting. I see that David Pakman had a video showing the left leg dragging AND the big bruise on his hand that is often related to an IV having been in. We have learned that we can't trust when we hear about Trump, honesty isn't a value of his.
Guys, there is only one story in the world today and the virtual infinity of other reporting is about the deckchairs on the Titanic. Democratic Ukraine and Europe are under attack from Russia, North Korea and the United States of America, the United States and democracy in the world is dying, and pro-democracy Americans seem to have decided to roll over and allow it to happen.
There is no going back to normal in 2 years or 4 years. The anti-democrats/Fascists/Nazis are consolidating their power now and the 'free press' are determined to cower, look the other way, and feed their audiences with 'ambiguity narratives'. See and hear with your eyes and ears and activate your common sense, or Maga will be in power for a generation.
Thank God for Canadians! After first trying to appease the bully they are now standing up to him. We need more of this. Hopefully Sheinbaum will now follow suit.
Oh, Sheinbaum is no dummy and both Mexico and Canada, using different tactics but coordinating closely, have rolled the US president so far. It doesn’t seem to be that difficult, and outside of his fan bubble the whole world knows it. But with respect, Sheinbaum’s duty is to protect Mexican citizens, first and foremost. It’s up to your own elected representatives to stand up to him.
RE: The $30,000 DHS Mar Lago Ad Campaign - If memory serves the $$ spent on Argentinian Trans Operas that resulted in the elimination of USAID was less than that. I expect Musk will be shutting down DHS next, right?
I honor all the comments that precede mine. Some of them eagerly urge Americans to flee to other countries. Others who have done so pat themselves on the back for having done so. But in a sense, this is rather presumptuous to assume that Americans can just jump ship, especially when most of them have never even left the USA even to visit other nations as a tourist. It isn't like moving from Utah to Arizona. You are talking about an exit that may require a lot more planning and financial ability than Americans in general possess. In that sense, such admonitions to escape can come across as elitist. I am 73 (in 2 weeks) and the only full time caregiver for my partner of 48 years who has Parkinsons, Alzheimers, AFIB and COPD. He is in a wheel chair. What country do you advise us to flee to, the South of France perhaps? I am not trying to be snippy, but fleeing the USA simply is not a viable option for most Americans. We are talking about the average "peasant" family now having only $400 in savings. Oh yes, let's flee to Wales and open a pub!! Oh, what a zany funny Britcom life we will have with the standard Britcom zany and eccentric neighbors who take us into their hearts after we've totally screwed our own country. Come on. Get real.
Are we really expected to believe that Trump is sweating polls or markets? That would be a marked shift from his narcissistic idiocy. Dictators simply don’t care about these things nor do they care about the people, especially the ones who didn’t vote for them.
Once Wall Street calls for selling stocks, Felon Trump will take notice. His fortune is tied to Truth Social and his Cryptocurrency. Sell is not something he wants to hear.
So DHS can spend $200 million on an ad campaign? How much does DHS spend on Noem's hair and makes for her glamours appearances at ICE immigration busts? I note that she's always camera ready with hair extensions and filler....
I agree that we can take some faint hope in Trump's incompetence at being a dictator. In theory an incompetent dictator is preferable to a competent one.
Yes, dumb times. But not dumb times like “Dumb and Dumber “ good for a laugh. More like dumb and dumber tying balloons to a lawn chair. Only this dumb and funny has taken us all for the ride. Who will shoot the balloons?
I have to admit I thought Musk's kid talking smack to POTUS was pretty funny.
Thank you for saying that about Rep. Green! I appreciated, respected and was proud that he did that.
I always remember my mother, when I was a little boy, 5 or 6 years old, when I used the word "Dumb" explaining to me that "Dumb" was a word that described a person who didn't have the physical ability to speak. That it was the result of disease or mental impairment and that it often accompanied deafness. Look it up in the dictionary. I recently (within the last 20 years) looked up the word "ignorance." We generally use it in the pejorative, but it means, simply; "not knowing." Ignorance or stupidity are the words that are the best descriptors for this administration.
Bill- When you are to the left of Tom Suozzi, I know the apocalypse is upon us.
Belated note - I see that John Fetterman is being vocal in his criticism of Al Green and those who supported him. At one time I had high hopes for Fetterman, but one of the many things I've learned from the Bulwark is to at least TRY not to put too much stock on any one politician. NOW, I get this feeling that Fetterman is more devoted to distinguishing himself from the rest of the Democrats than taking a principled position. Yes, I'm going with vibes, true. But let me say that if I woke up one morning to a headline that Fetterman joined the Trump administration, it would not surprise me much.
He’s a senator in Pennsylvania, where Trump support runs deep. If he’s got to be moderate to keep his constituency happy, so be it. He might be like a Manchin/Sinema, who gave Democrats a ton of grief, but usually voted with us in the end. Better than having a Republican in that seat. Besides, not all Democrats are thrilled with the lollipops and cane-waving. Independents wouldn’t like it. It looked sad and pathetic to my eyes.
You make really good points, Mary, I appreciate them and hadn't thought of it that way. Fetterman does need to take a moderate stand, and I absolutely do want him surviving Pennsylvania politics.
There is not a consensus on whether what Al Green did was good, bad or something in between. Fetterman is a great example of not everyone having to agree within the caucus. Where I personally draw the line is his going on CNN to castigate other Democrats so publicly. To me there is too much of that going on and it creates a rut of Democrats hearing that they suck; it becomes a self-defeating endless loop. They do too much in terms of exhibiting disgust for Trump. They do too little in terms of exhibiting disgust for Trump.
I'm all for figuring out what works and what doesn't work and for vigorous debate but wish it could be done internally. Maybe that is not realistic and maybe Fetterman did what he thought he needed to do. I hope Democratic leadership can unite sooner than later.
I think that Fetterman is having side effects from his stroke. TIA, traumatic brain injuries, and the like often have side effects, many of which develop later, including cognitive changes, temperament changes, including changes in behavior. I saw those with both parents for years before their deaths. Fetterman really needs to checked regularly, and should have those results available.
POS as well.
You raise an excellent point, Eva, thank you. TIA - I have a little experience with someone in our family and your reminder is timely and accurate.
Looking for clarification on what you meant by "POS as well." Just curious.
POS = President Orange Snake (because of his affinity for the poem "The Snake" that he does not understand) = President (gag) Donald J Trump. Watch some of the unedited videos of him. He has a definite problem with his left leg (which could be caused by his need to wear lifts), his speaking, his slurring, the shape of his mouth (Dad had seconds length strokes - could tell from the shape of his mouth, a barely noticeable droop that disappeared), his memory swings, etc.
Thank you, Eva, very interesting. I see that David Pakman had a video showing the left leg dragging AND the big bruise on his hand that is often related to an IV having been in. We have learned that we can't trust when we hear about Trump, honesty isn't a value of his.
Forgot about the bruises.
The president likes his name on stuff. Wouldn’t it be fun to name all of his accomplishment:
Trump Recession
Trump Unemployment
Trump Measles Outbreak – each death – another Trump Measles Death
Trump Retaliatory Tariffs
Trump Government Shutdown
A blind man waiving his cane & shouting not to cut Medicaid is the kind of galvanizing action we need.
Guys, there is only one story in the world today and the virtual infinity of other reporting is about the deckchairs on the Titanic. Democratic Ukraine and Europe are under attack from Russia, North Korea and the United States of America, the United States and democracy in the world is dying, and pro-democracy Americans seem to have decided to roll over and allow it to happen.
There is no going back to normal in 2 years or 4 years. The anti-democrats/Fascists/Nazis are consolidating their power now and the 'free press' are determined to cower, look the other way, and feed their audiences with 'ambiguity narratives'. See and hear with your eyes and ears and activate your common sense, or Maga will be in power for a generation.
Thank God for Canadians! After first trying to appease the bully they are now standing up to him. We need more of this. Hopefully Sheinbaum will now follow suit.
Oh, Sheinbaum is no dummy and both Mexico and Canada, using different tactics but coordinating closely, have rolled the US president so far. It doesn’t seem to be that difficult, and outside of his fan bubble the whole world knows it. But with respect, Sheinbaum’s duty is to protect Mexican citizens, first and foremost. It’s up to your own elected representatives to stand up to him.
"It’s up to your own elected representatives to stand up to him."
Yeah... That ain't gonna happen, unfortunately.
RE: The $30,000 DHS Mar Lago Ad Campaign - If memory serves the $$ spent on Argentinian Trans Operas that resulted in the elimination of USAID was less than that. I expect Musk will be shutting down DHS next, right?
I honor all the comments that precede mine. Some of them eagerly urge Americans to flee to other countries. Others who have done so pat themselves on the back for having done so. But in a sense, this is rather presumptuous to assume that Americans can just jump ship, especially when most of them have never even left the USA even to visit other nations as a tourist. It isn't like moving from Utah to Arizona. You are talking about an exit that may require a lot more planning and financial ability than Americans in general possess. In that sense, such admonitions to escape can come across as elitist. I am 73 (in 2 weeks) and the only full time caregiver for my partner of 48 years who has Parkinsons, Alzheimers, AFIB and COPD. He is in a wheel chair. What country do you advise us to flee to, the South of France perhaps? I am not trying to be snippy, but fleeing the USA simply is not a viable option for most Americans. We are talking about the average "peasant" family now having only $400 in savings. Oh yes, let's flee to Wales and open a pub!! Oh, what a zany funny Britcom life we will have with the standard Britcom zany and eccentric neighbors who take us into their hearts after we've totally screwed our own country. Come on. Get real.
Blessings to you and your partner, William.
And I agree with you about leaving this country. My husband and I certainly could not afford to do so, if we even wanted to.
Sometimes I'm glad I live in flyover country....the ad buy from DHS is one reason why.
I liked your support for Al Green. I've been posting today "Al Green spoke out loudly and was censured. BE AL GREEN!"
Are we really expected to believe that Trump is sweating polls or markets? That would be a marked shift from his narcissistic idiocy. Dictators simply don’t care about these things nor do they care about the people, especially the ones who didn’t vote for them.
Once Wall Street calls for selling stocks, Felon Trump will take notice. His fortune is tied to Truth Social and his Cryptocurrency. Sell is not something he wants to hear.
Trump cares a LOT about the market AND the polls. He thinks they're all about HIM!
So DHS can spend $200 million on an ad campaign? How much does DHS spend on Noem's hair and makes for her glamours appearances at ICE immigration busts? I note that she's always camera ready with hair extensions and filler....
And here she is on a work-related trip to the border between Vermont and Canada displaying her incredibly ignorant self: https://www.sherbrookerecord.com/haskell-library-responds-to-kristi-noems-51st-state-remark/