Not long after the National Guard and the alphabet soup of Federal Cops get on the streets the Proud Boy paramilitary elements will start attacking anti Trump protesters from behind their cover. The whole spectacle feeding on itself. Create more violence video then send more State Forces to respond. Its time for your close up Kyle Rittenhouse
For Andrew: You have a point that Trump is goosing the algorithm, but I see a more sinister purpose: to declare martial law next year to avoid the midterms. ICE, the Guard, et al. are just getting started. They're coming to a city near you, folks. And Trump and friends will lie and lie about crime and hell holes, all the while making his case on Fox News--and even MSNBC--that people just aren't safe without the heavy hand of the (jackbooted) law. All pretext. All part of Susie Wiles' plan. All part of holding onto power and gaining more. All part of ruining the country while Dems look on hopelessly as their clocks get cleaned. Republicans are all on message already. It's amazing the discipline those cucks have! And what have we got? Gavin Newsom showing some grit and growl in hopes it will catch on across the country. In my view the malaise will only come to an end when millions--millions--of American's hit the streets, go on strike and boycott. Shut the fucking country down!
I'm with you on hitting the streets and a national strike. If there is any hope of stopping this authoritarian freight train barreling through whatever is still left of America's democratic structure, massive (and hopefully peaceful) demonstrations of the public's unwillingness to accept what is being shoved down their throats will be necessary - and soon.
It absolutely amazes me that Americans just sit back and allow it to happen without barely a peep of protest. "No Kings" and other attempts at protest are a good start but unfortunately have not built up any sustained momentum. Much more participation is needed - especially by younger Americans who have the most to lose.
Good news. Polls show that Gen Z's who voted for Trump hate his guts now and feel betrayed. That's a hell of a cohort we can count on and their social media skills should be part of every Dem's portfolio, taking the fight to Trump and Republicans.
I got the 40k reference, Andrew. I was comparing embracing Blue MAGA conspiracies to trying to wield Chaos for good on the subreddit a few weeks back. Seeing your title gave me a little smile in these dark times.
Andrew Egger is on target when he says what Trump wants to do: "It’s making something new for the content beast: video of clashes between masked cops and D.C. residents." Trump is always looking for ways to expand his power--and also get people to stop talking about Epstein.
He'd love to invoke the Insurrection Act. What is so shocking--yes, I'm still shocked--is the silence of prominent Republicans. No matter what Trump does, they say nothing.
We make great efforts to remember Pearl Harbor day 1941 and D Day 1944 but have put J6,2021 in some memory hole. We have video of the attack on Capitol Police and the Capitol Building where all our Congress had to run into safety from a Trump mob. So tell me, was that a practice run for now sending in troops to intimidate the citizens of that city if they dare protest being taken over by a policing force created for Trump? Old time Republicans were right that we citizens need to protect ourselves from government forces used against us.
Trump's Pentagon is reported to be developing a “Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force” with weapons and riot gear, ready for instant deployment to put down civil unrest anywhere in the country, per the Washington Post.
What could make Trump and his minions expect civil unrest to be an omnipresent threat in the near future?
It's not about crime or law enforcement. It is about normalizing the deployment of federal agents and troops to large cities ( generally blue no matter what state ). We will see the same thing during the midterms but then it will be based on the pretense of "election security". But, in fact, it will be voter suppression.
Republicans who find it unseemly for Newsom (or anyone else) to act like Trump are demonstrating what non-Trumpers have been saying for years: Trump's defenders will accept and excuse all manner of absurdities and outrages from him that they would declare unacceptable if anyone else said or did the same things. And they lack either the self-awareness to realize it, or the integrity to be embarrassed by it.
I live in Northern Va as well. It seems pretty peaceful to me. Way more peaceful than DC where masked men rove the streets in bunches, armed to the teeth and assaulting people, albeit not randomly.
Before this development, DC was also pretty peaceful. Now? Maybe it will reach hellhole status soon, as I hear more armed masked men are on their way.
Your commentary is both pointed and relevant to all of us, as we continue to be bewildered as to why so many people -- including many close to us -- have and continue to support Trump.
The blame is indeed the media coverage, shaped to give us a point of view that supports profits, and not facts. And in service of the agenda of those who have designed this parasitic environment, founded on greed and immorality, whose only desire is to continue to subjugate those who they are bleeding dry in dollars and spirit.
When you have blinders on, you simply put your nose down and stay on the trail.
When you are made fearful of your own countrymen and women, you close down and stay in your fortress.
When your base, primitive-brain, fear of the "other" is provoked, your defense of family, community, language and religion, rises in protective anger.
I've realized that the motivation for supporting Trump is this rage -- against those who have gained unwanted advantage, permission and benefits. Rage at the politicians who have allowed this to happen, and the fueling of this resentment of the "other". Now we are meant to fight the modern-day predator, not in reality an animal, but cited as an animal by nature -- the primitive, unintelligent, lesser human born of another "race", or religion, who has been given an underserved power and place over them in society. Or simply put, anger at the "hand that life has dealt them".
And then the marketing of Trump as savior, admired for his bluntness, spoken in crass words and cruel deeds, dripping in fury, colored green in envy. And while he punishes the undeserving, the lazy, the "unpatriotic", Trump has granted these same supporters a new control over their daily lives. "I can shoot someone on Fifth Ave..." And now you can too. French fries too cold? Shoot the teenaged cashier. Line to long -- start cursing, pushing to the front. Cars double-parked? Play chicken with the car coming towards you. Red light? Stop sign? Your're kidding me!
Change history as its taught, and written to reflect how wonderful my people are and have been, and how my community has always done what its right. And stamp my religion as the only official and patriotic one.
That newspapers are no longer print mediums, so the walk to the newsstand to pick up a paper to read over morning cover no longer factors into one's day. We are less part of a community, and more isolated as we have become reduced to the audience of a distant feed of news. We have few, if any, free press outlets to rely on. That so many publishers, media companies, tv/cable outlets have capitulated to the administration, seals the fate of actual investigative or even factual reporting. Entertainment conglomerates bank on the knowledge that bad news doesn't sell as well as happy talk, -- and deals need to be made -- so they are glad to cow-tow to the wants of an administration who also will accept no criticism.
I fear that it is not simply an economic free-fall that will wake-up the Trump/MAGA crowd. The every-day MAGA crowd has always felt economically deprived, as well as underserved by their government. Their fury has blinded them to reality, and the media continues to find new targets for them now that it has been unleashed and legitimized.
My thought is that as the "immigration crackdown" comes to their neighborhood -- masked and arrogant forces removing neighbors, baby-sitters, cleaners, construction workers, waitresses, legal and American citizens, even them -- if their skin color, or even accent is not correct, the tide may begin to turn.
Perhaps the media will show the many people protesting -- and not just on weekends -- and we can build a coalition for ethics in democracy.
What is more chilling, and sad, than seeing military vehicles lined up in front of the Washington monument.
Trump has never looked like a bigger chump than at his press conference in Alaska. He looked old and beaten. Somehow no one told him that this meeting was not a just a TV program.
1) Do nothing and slowly lose (especially if you are relying on the people to spontaneously do something in resistance)
2) Talk a big game but do nothing (results as 1 above);
3) Start trying things out and see what works while making a lot of noise about it--adjust as thngs progress--you might still fail, but there is at least some chance at success.
Trying things comes with the possibility of personal costs, which is why (right now) people (politicians) aren't trying things... so the secret police will come for you later when you have zero chance to resist or you can set an example/motivate/lead NOW.
Illiberalism succeeds because everyone stands around waiting for morality and "common sense" to break out and it never does.
Given that Trump is a coward, if you push back hard enough he will cave or backtrack (of course, he will try again later if you then rest on your laurels).
Andrew Egger writes that we live in an "incredibly stupid age". Can Artificial Intelligence slow our descent into madness?
Not long after the National Guard and the alphabet soup of Federal Cops get on the streets the Proud Boy paramilitary elements will start attacking anti Trump protesters from behind their cover. The whole spectacle feeding on itself. Create more violence video then send more State Forces to respond. Its time for your close up Kyle Rittenhouse
For Andrew: You have a point that Trump is goosing the algorithm, but I see a more sinister purpose: to declare martial law next year to avoid the midterms. ICE, the Guard, et al. are just getting started. They're coming to a city near you, folks. And Trump and friends will lie and lie about crime and hell holes, all the while making his case on Fox News--and even MSNBC--that people just aren't safe without the heavy hand of the (jackbooted) law. All pretext. All part of Susie Wiles' plan. All part of holding onto power and gaining more. All part of ruining the country while Dems look on hopelessly as their clocks get cleaned. Republicans are all on message already. It's amazing the discipline those cucks have! And what have we got? Gavin Newsom showing some grit and growl in hopes it will catch on across the country. In my view the malaise will only come to an end when millions--millions--of American's hit the streets, go on strike and boycott. Shut the fucking country down!
I'm with you on hitting the streets and a national strike. If there is any hope of stopping this authoritarian freight train barreling through whatever is still left of America's democratic structure, massive (and hopefully peaceful) demonstrations of the public's unwillingness to accept what is being shoved down their throats will be necessary - and soon.
It absolutely amazes me that Americans just sit back and allow it to happen without barely a peep of protest. "No Kings" and other attempts at protest are a good start but unfortunately have not built up any sustained momentum. Much more participation is needed - especially by younger Americans who have the most to lose.
Good news. Polls show that Gen Z's who voted for Trump hate his guts now and feel betrayed. That's a hell of a cohort we can count on and their social media skills should be part of every Dem's portfolio, taking the fight to Trump and Republicans.
Andrew, a very insightful and focused article. I think you are spot-on; it's all about the optics and the attention economy.
Jeez I love you guys. 💕
I got the 40k reference, Andrew. I was comparing embracing Blue MAGA conspiracies to trying to wield Chaos for good on the subreddit a few weeks back. Seeing your title gave me a little smile in these dark times.
I see why Trump needs more troops. It seems to take at least 6 ICE or whatever agents they are to take one unarmed man or woman down and arrest them.
Andrew Egger is on target when he says what Trump wants to do: "It’s making something new for the content beast: video of clashes between masked cops and D.C. residents." Trump is always looking for ways to expand his power--and also get people to stop talking about Epstein.
He'd love to invoke the Insurrection Act. What is so shocking--yes, I'm still shocked--is the silence of prominent Republicans. No matter what Trump does, they say nothing.
There is much to think about in today's Morning Shots but I come away with one big thought: Karma cannot come quickly enough for Laura Loomer.
I'm not really too religious - but I sure hope the Lord brings down retribution on Laura Loomer.
That is one evil woman.
We make great efforts to remember Pearl Harbor day 1941 and D Day 1944 but have put J6,2021 in some memory hole. We have video of the attack on Capitol Police and the Capitol Building where all our Congress had to run into safety from a Trump mob. So tell me, was that a practice run for now sending in troops to intimidate the citizens of that city if they dare protest being taken over by a policing force created for Trump? Old time Republicans were right that we citizens need to protect ourselves from government forces used against us.
Trump's Pentagon is reported to be developing a “Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force” with weapons and riot gear, ready for instant deployment to put down civil unrest anywhere in the country, per the Washington Post.
What could make Trump and his minions expect civil unrest to be an omnipresent threat in the near future?
It's not about crime or law enforcement. It is about normalizing the deployment of federal agents and troops to large cities ( generally blue no matter what state ). We will see the same thing during the midterms but then it will be based on the pretense of "election security". But, in fact, it will be voter suppression.
Republicans who find it unseemly for Newsom (or anyone else) to act like Trump are demonstrating what non-Trumpers have been saying for years: Trump's defenders will accept and excuse all manner of absurdities and outrages from him that they would declare unacceptable if anyone else said or did the same things. And they lack either the self-awareness to realize it, or the integrity to be embarrassed by it.
I live in Northern Va as well. It seems pretty peaceful to me. Way more peaceful than DC where masked men rove the streets in bunches, armed to the teeth and assaulting people, albeit not randomly.
Before this development, DC was also pretty peaceful. Now? Maybe it will reach hellhole status soon, as I hear more armed masked men are on their way.
Your commentary is both pointed and relevant to all of us, as we continue to be bewildered as to why so many people -- including many close to us -- have and continue to support Trump.
The blame is indeed the media coverage, shaped to give us a point of view that supports profits, and not facts. And in service of the agenda of those who have designed this parasitic environment, founded on greed and immorality, whose only desire is to continue to subjugate those who they are bleeding dry in dollars and spirit.
When you have blinders on, you simply put your nose down and stay on the trail.
When you are made fearful of your own countrymen and women, you close down and stay in your fortress.
When your base, primitive-brain, fear of the "other" is provoked, your defense of family, community, language and religion, rises in protective anger.
I've realized that the motivation for supporting Trump is this rage -- against those who have gained unwanted advantage, permission and benefits. Rage at the politicians who have allowed this to happen, and the fueling of this resentment of the "other". Now we are meant to fight the modern-day predator, not in reality an animal, but cited as an animal by nature -- the primitive, unintelligent, lesser human born of another "race", or religion, who has been given an underserved power and place over them in society. Or simply put, anger at the "hand that life has dealt them".
And then the marketing of Trump as savior, admired for his bluntness, spoken in crass words and cruel deeds, dripping in fury, colored green in envy. And while he punishes the undeserving, the lazy, the "unpatriotic", Trump has granted these same supporters a new control over their daily lives. "I can shoot someone on Fifth Ave..." And now you can too. French fries too cold? Shoot the teenaged cashier. Line to long -- start cursing, pushing to the front. Cars double-parked? Play chicken with the car coming towards you. Red light? Stop sign? Your're kidding me!
Change history as its taught, and written to reflect how wonderful my people are and have been, and how my community has always done what its right. And stamp my religion as the only official and patriotic one.
That newspapers are no longer print mediums, so the walk to the newsstand to pick up a paper to read over morning cover no longer factors into one's day. We are less part of a community, and more isolated as we have become reduced to the audience of a distant feed of news. We have few, if any, free press outlets to rely on. That so many publishers, media companies, tv/cable outlets have capitulated to the administration, seals the fate of actual investigative or even factual reporting. Entertainment conglomerates bank on the knowledge that bad news doesn't sell as well as happy talk, -- and deals need to be made -- so they are glad to cow-tow to the wants of an administration who also will accept no criticism.
I fear that it is not simply an economic free-fall that will wake-up the Trump/MAGA crowd. The every-day MAGA crowd has always felt economically deprived, as well as underserved by their government. Their fury has blinded them to reality, and the media continues to find new targets for them now that it has been unleashed and legitimized.
My thought is that as the "immigration crackdown" comes to their neighborhood -- masked and arrogant forces removing neighbors, baby-sitters, cleaners, construction workers, waitresses, legal and American citizens, even them -- if their skin color, or even accent is not correct, the tide may begin to turn.
Perhaps the media will show the many people protesting -- and not just on weekends -- and we can build a coalition for ethics in democracy.
What is more chilling, and sad, than seeing military vehicles lined up in front of the Washington monument.
Trump has never looked like a bigger chump than at his press conference in Alaska. He looked old and beaten. Somehow no one told him that this meeting was not a just a TV program.
Your choices are:
1) Do nothing and slowly lose (especially if you are relying on the people to spontaneously do something in resistance)
2) Talk a big game but do nothing (results as 1 above);
3) Start trying things out and see what works while making a lot of noise about it--adjust as thngs progress--you might still fail, but there is at least some chance at success.
Trying things comes with the possibility of personal costs, which is why (right now) people (politicians) aren't trying things... so the secret police will come for you later when you have zero chance to resist or you can set an example/motivate/lead NOW.
Illiberalism succeeds because everyone stands around waiting for morality and "common sense" to break out and it never does.
Given that Trump is a coward, if you push back hard enough he will cave or backtrack (of course, he will try again later if you then rest on your laurels).