I am floored (and deeply horrified) that Trump might be re-elected. If this was a screenplay for a movie, people would be sneering at the implausibility. Trump getting elected again, after everything's he has done?!?
I don't want to be a conspiracy theorist, but there's got to be a "deep (international) state" that will prevent the world from heading into certain chaos. Right? First time was a mistake no one saw coming, nor expected would go so bad. The world's changed a lot since then, too. Russia is hoping for a Trump presidency that will open their way into Europe and the Middle East, and China is hoping for the same in terms of Asia. It's been done before...I mean, the whole JFK thing is still shrouded in uncertainty. Would anyone be surprised if an elderly, overweight man falls seriously ill (or is bribed with freedom to feign illness)? Heck, avoiding jail is the only reason he's even running. And without their orange god uniting them, the crazies in Congress will turn on each other (they already are). Disclaimer: these are the musings of a nervous ex-pat living on the border with Russia.
"Why is half of the nation in thrall with bullies and nincompoops? What is it about hate that so excites the American imagination? Maybe it’s simply a fault of the human species writ large."
Ultimately, as we witness an ascendant global extreme right-wing movement, I think this is the answer.
And THAT is exactly why Republicans work so hard to gut education, ban books, vilify teachers etc. They need an ignorant citizenry, one that is easily swayed and too stupid to think for themselves, to win elections. It’s the only way their “strategy” works.
Unfortunately people do have very short term memories and often vote in their self-interest. This is exactly why we need to make sure all eligible, non-Maga voters vote in every local, state and federal elections. And that we have proper security/oversight measures in place at all the polls. It’s not just the man (hopefully one day soon a woman) at the top of the ticket, we have even seen the importance of school board elections! I’ve been phonebanking for primaries and the ensuing elections ever since Obama’s first presidential campaign. It has been the bright light that kept me going thru Covid and keeps me (mostly) optimistic . I’ve called in full on red states as well as purple and blue ones and have had wonderful conversations with hundreds of voters who reinforce my faith in our citizens. If you want to experience this as well and feel like you’re making a difference, sign up for a phonebanking event with mobilize.us. You will get a short but effective training. Try it!
Over the past several years I've settled on the idea that about a third of people (any people! anywhere!) are just plain batshit crazy and will never not be batshit crazy. Sadly, this is a population that has disproportionately high power and representation.
While I am not a prognosticator and do not choose to think much of it, I would remind a reader that he is in the whole 'Oval Office' thing for one reason: that is his own benefit. He does not care about governing or legislation or legislators; he cares about the river-flow of money into his bank account.
He is also well-versed in keeping his base riled up for him and the "libtards" riled up against him. I see much of his verbosity now as not much more than an attempt at those and an attempt at distracting attention from his mounting and significant court appearances. He knows he can fool the fools who read his "truth" social media site, and he knows he cannot fool the opposing counsel or the judges in front of him.
So don't be terrified or even afraid. He loves and needs that attention to survive as much as normal humans need oxygen. He does not want to become irrelevant, but he already is. Just make sure you and your friends vote the proper way.
Let him whine and snivel about that loss again. Remember, he has only won ONE election and won that one with the help of his friends in Russia. Plus, he helped a bunch of Republicans LOSE their elections, including the Senate and almost the House.
Yes, Alyson. Me too. Michael, here’s another Spinal Tap quote you might find useful in part 2 of this article, which mirrors the thoughts of myself and my friends.
Nigel Tufnel:
It really puts perspective on things though, doesn't it?
David St. Hubbins:
Too much. There's too much fucking perspective now.
I wonder if they like live blues music in Uraguay? My internationally traveling wife thinks that’s the most stable place nearby where we might actually be welcome and prices are not unreasonable. I read of an American couple who just moved to Ecuador singing it’s praises. I also read about a wealthy couple killed and their car burned in another different central/South American country tho.
I’m once again on one of my more or less political news blackouts to preserve my sanity. It’s much more relaxing to ponder and create a list of Grateful Dead covers of blues and rock songs, throughout their different eras. I’ve never been the biggest GD fan previously, but trust me that they don’t scar you mentally like listening to the ass and his putrid followers.
I am floored (and deeply horrified) that Trump might be re-elected. If this was a screenplay for a movie, people would be sneering at the implausibility. Trump getting elected again, after everything's he has done?!?
I don't want to be a conspiracy theorist, but there's got to be a "deep (international) state" that will prevent the world from heading into certain chaos. Right? First time was a mistake no one saw coming, nor expected would go so bad. The world's changed a lot since then, too. Russia is hoping for a Trump presidency that will open their way into Europe and the Middle East, and China is hoping for the same in terms of Asia. It's been done before...I mean, the whole JFK thing is still shrouded in uncertainty. Would anyone be surprised if an elderly, overweight man falls seriously ill (or is bribed with freedom to feign illness)? Heck, avoiding jail is the only reason he's even running. And without their orange god uniting them, the crazies in Congress will turn on each other (they already are). Disclaimer: these are the musings of a nervous ex-pat living on the border with Russia.
"Why is half of the nation in thrall with bullies and nincompoops? What is it about hate that so excites the American imagination? Maybe it’s simply a fault of the human species writ large."
Ultimately, as we witness an ascendant global extreme right-wing movement, I think this is the answer.
You and Mrs. MIB took the words right out of my mouth. Now kindly insert Valium.
And for the luvva God, everybody, VOTE BLUE. Across the board.
"half of the country is willing to welcome back the twice-impeached, currently indicted Trump back with open arms. How is such a thing possible?"
Half of all Americans have below average IQ.
They're probably functionally illiterate, too...
Most Americans have NEVER completed a single non-fiction book after they left school.
PROVE ME WRONG 😭
My niece went to USC for a semester, doing an exchange from her university here in Australia and she said it was easier than her high school.
And THAT is exactly why Republicans work so hard to gut education, ban books, vilify teachers etc. They need an ignorant citizenry, one that is easily swayed and too stupid to think for themselves, to win elections. It’s the only way their “strategy” works.
Unfortunately people do have very short term memories and often vote in their self-interest. This is exactly why we need to make sure all eligible, non-Maga voters vote in every local, state and federal elections. And that we have proper security/oversight measures in place at all the polls. It’s not just the man (hopefully one day soon a woman) at the top of the ticket, we have even seen the importance of school board elections! I’ve been phonebanking for primaries and the ensuing elections ever since Obama’s first presidential campaign. It has been the bright light that kept me going thru Covid and keeps me (mostly) optimistic . I’ve called in full on red states as well as purple and blue ones and have had wonderful conversations with hundreds of voters who reinforce my faith in our citizens. If you want to experience this as well and feel like you’re making a difference, sign up for a phonebanking event with mobilize.us. You will get a short but effective training. Try it!
Over the past several years I've settled on the idea that about a third of people (any people! anywhere!) are just plain batshit crazy and will never not be batshit crazy. Sadly, this is a population that has disproportionately high power and representation.
My bit of wisdom. Bi-partisan insanity. This is a national sickness and no vaccine available. Welcome to modern American politics.
While I am not a prognosticator and do not choose to think much of it, I would remind a reader that he is in the whole 'Oval Office' thing for one reason: that is his own benefit. He does not care about governing or legislation or legislators; he cares about the river-flow of money into his bank account.
He is also well-versed in keeping his base riled up for him and the "libtards" riled up against him. I see much of his verbosity now as not much more than an attempt at those and an attempt at distracting attention from his mounting and significant court appearances. He knows he can fool the fools who read his "truth" social media site, and he knows he cannot fool the opposing counsel or the judges in front of him.
So don't be terrified or even afraid. He loves and needs that attention to survive as much as normal humans need oxygen. He does not want to become irrelevant, but he already is. Just make sure you and your friends vote the proper way.
Let him whine and snivel about that loss again. Remember, he has only won ONE election and won that one with the help of his friends in Russia. Plus, he helped a bunch of Republicans LOSE their elections, including the Senate and almost the House.
It's like the adrenalin from a boxing match....bloody the nation, bloody our legacy, bloody our ideals.
Yeah. I'm terrified.
Yes, Alyson. Me too. Michael, here’s another Spinal Tap quote you might find useful in part 2 of this article, which mirrors the thoughts of myself and my friends.
Nigel Tufnel:
It really puts perspective on things though, doesn't it?
David St. Hubbins:
Too much. There's too much fucking perspective now.
I wonder if they like live blues music in Uraguay? My internationally traveling wife thinks that’s the most stable place nearby where we might actually be welcome and prices are not unreasonable. I read of an American couple who just moved to Ecuador singing it’s praises. I also read about a wealthy couple killed and their car burned in another different central/South American country tho.
I’m once again on one of my more or less political news blackouts to preserve my sanity. It’s much more relaxing to ponder and create a list of Grateful Dead covers of blues and rock songs, throughout their different eras. I’ve never been the biggest GD fan previously, but trust me that they don’t scar you mentally like listening to the ass and his putrid followers.