As Trump demands sweeping new resources in the name of war, the scale of funding raises a chilling question: is this about national security or consolidating power?
How much of this is Trump and how much of it is Hegseth/Miller? All three seem to be drifting deeper into unconstitutional territory and Hegseth's continuing purge of professional leadership at the Pentagon is profoundly troubling.
I think it is a mistake to constantly try to isolate blame to one individual in order fix blame and therefore rest easy emotionally. They are united in effort, in spite of their continual chaotic throwing their own under the bus.
It wouldn't take much research for them to learn that there are tens of millions of us proudly in opposition to this cadre of monsters. I'll make it easy for them, so they won't have to sift through five years of my criticisms. I oppose Trump with every fiber of my being because he is a corrupt criminal ogre and certifiably insane. All of his policies are inhumane and anti-democratic. He has done enough to be hanged several times over, yet I don't advocate his hanging, because I oppose the death penalty. Instead, I would punish him by forcing him to sit in a comfy chair and watch while people of all races, religions, nationalities, and sexualities live their lives in peace and harmony, untroubled by loudmouthed bigots and ignorant buffoons.
I totally agree with your description of trump policies and behavior, but not the punishment. The 25th amendment must be utilized. By overthrowing him it's the only chance we have to show the world our disapproval regain some measure of respect....
I'm afraid there aren't enough cabinet members with a spine to initiate the 25th Amendment/Section 4, or if they do, and Trump challenges it, not enough people with a spine in both Houses to approve it
He's both treasonous and a traitor, and I think he needs to face a firing squad with no mask. He needs to be an example for all future presidents and anyone else who thinks they can turn this country into a fascist one. I don't care how mentally deficient he is. He is the face of a fascist jackass, and he needs to pay for that with his life.
This coup has been in progress since the first attempt in response to the New Deal. It is well documented in the 1930s. General Smedley Butler exposing one, maybe two. The mistrial of GOP Senator Robert Taft and other congressmen after their 1939 attempt is well documented by Rachel Maddow's research of the National Archives. The largest military contractor in the world created and sponsored General Electric Theater to present the calming voice of Ronald Reagan to popularize him for future political activity to suit the interests of big business. The Powell Memo brought the Chamber of Commerse into play to get business and industry focussed on eliminating the New Deal in earnest after the Free Speach movement showed them the danger of an educated public to their agenda. The MSM silence now shows their complicity.
We can dig deep on this if you'd like. You have covered much of this in your own work.
I was replying to Ransom Rideout. Complicit would be that they don't print certain news because they agree and go along. Fear implies they don't publish certain news items because they are afraid to.
"Pre-crime center" sounds a lot like the movie "Minority Report". Very problematic.
Also, the zero-click spyware mentioned doesn't sound Russian - it sounds exactly like Israel's NSO Group's "Pegasus". I think most informed people know this. I'm not saying Russia is up to anything good - they're not. But I am saying Israel is the most likely entity responsible for releasing this technological virus into the wild. Israel is not our friend, just as Russia is not our friend.
Whatever and wherever you can increase your activity. Let them know just how much their crap is going to cost them.
We have to push-back as hard as we can. Overwhelm the systems. Say their names. Encourage your senators and representatives to do the same. Fight locating the concentration camps and detention centers in your town.
TRump's a psycho surrounded by the same. He proved it once more with his "Easter" message for the world to see. They hate what he is doing. GET LOUDER! No need to "spy" on us. We're telling these fascists to fuck-off to their faces. Thanks, Thom and Company. See you in the streets.
Alis I'd feel enthusiastic if college campuses were exploding in protests, business leaders were speaking out, Hollywood was putting out documentaries about trump's sexual, business, and mentally ill behavior. I'm worried that there is too little time and too little push back. And what percentage of our population just doesn't care?
Very possible Thom. he has purged the military of all generals and admirals that are demonstrably not loyal to him, the remaining can be assumed to be in tow, loyal, or under control as they did not take up his invitation at Quantico, to leave the room if they didn't want to hear him, and are still on active duty despite the humiliation and debasement of Hegseth.
Apparently their oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic means nothing, not when it comes to their careers, promotions and in many cases religious extremism..
The enlisted oath is different from the oath of the commissioned officer, it includes obey the orders of the President and all officers appointed over me.
The man who deserted during war time. He walked away from the Alabama National Guard for over 30 days, if he wasn't George H.W. Bush's son he would have been court martialed and given a dishonorable discharge for desertion, but he was charged with AWOL, and given non judicial punishment.
He was given a direct commission by his father, then governor of Texas, as a 2nd Lt, on completion of enlisted basic training,in the Texas National Guard. He didn't even go to Officer Training School, which is only 90 days, all he learned to do was to salute and march and given a commission.
With calls starting to show up in some of the independent news of members of congress asking about invoking the 25th amendment, there might be more movement on that front behind the scenes.
If that should become more out front in the news cycles, we can bet that Trump and company will go all out to put a stop to it. What that might look like, is anyone's guess but it won't be pretty. Are we headed for a constitutional crisis? Some would argue that we already are in one right now. With the general staff of the Pentagon being purged, there may be more to this we don't know about but maybe, just maybe, some intrepid independent journalist will uncover and blow the lid off something soon. Was Trump scared of a military coup because the generals stood up to him over Iran, or the interference in those promotions? Maybe we'll find out more soon.
Whatever ends up coming out eventually, the United States is finished as a world power anymore. Few countries will trust us anymore for much of anything. It will take a while for them to diversify away but it will come. Then what?
Daniel,I know you think the fatal flaw is Epstein,but how much longer will it take to tie Trump to the rape of 15 yr olds and will it make a difference to his base? It appears that senate and house republicans don't mind being called " Nazis" ,in fact they embrace it. Fort those of us who are watching,how can we be optimistic?
Our constitutional crisis began in 2016, when voters elected a man who was already above the law, having unpaid taxes, stiffing contractors, starting a fake (unqualified) university, and already having many foreign financial entanglements that he was unwilling to terminate.
Truth is they already have their fists46yrs gripped around our political private parts. They already know who to go after. Once they gain complete power, they will with schadenfreude swagger feed us into their maw. As long as resistence remains leaderless, their success is guarenteed.
The resistance is not leaderless, but (being mostly Democrats,) it cannot decide which leaders to follow, and in that way Trump and the Republicans have successfully divided and conquered the opposition. Contrary to most of that resistance, I choose hard-line progressives, like AOL or Warren or Bernie (except for their ages.) Centrists are afraid to push most progressive programs, but that's what most people would like.
" . . . GOP grows a conscience . . or we cross our fingers or we sway in trance pleading to Jesus or we write letters to Schumer or we huff the hopium opium . . .
Notably, Democrats have spent decades reacting instead of pursuing proactive leadership. This inherently complacent posture has left the country vulnerable to exploitation and corruption. Democrats continue urging Americans to take the “high road,” even as that path leads the country into the abyss. World leaders, both allies and adversaries, apparently understand the crisis in America better than the American people.
Donald Trump’s mental condition reflects a dangerous psychological profile. Dr. Bandy X. Lee, a forensic psychiatrist and editor of "The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump" has warned, Trump exhibits traits of malignant narcissism, sociopathy, and sadism—a volatile mix when paired with power. Lee coined the term “Trump contagion” to describe how his pathology spreads through society, eroding norms and inciting violence. She and other mental health professionals invoked the “Duty to Warn” because they believe Trump’s mental instability poses a clear and present danger to public safety and national security.
But our rot lies far deeper as all three branches of our government have come under the influence of the ultra-wealthy power brokers. Their seeminly limitless wealth has given them extraordinary influence over the concept of representative democracy. As long as we pretend the system still functions as intended, we will continue our downward spiral. That’s not hyperbole—it’s the predictable outcome of a political order warped by concentrated wealth. Humanity has understood for millennia that unchecked money corrodes everything it touches.
This is an all-hands-on-deck moment in American history, and arguably world history. The threat is real, immediate, and escalating hourly. Pretending otherwise is no longer an option. In my view, we don't have the luxury of waiting for an election that may or may not happen; or, an election that may or may not be fair.
Thom's analysis is compelling, Trump and crew are laying the groundwork to make him Der Fuhrer. We all have a decision to make - to resist or not to resist. Pens down fingers off keyboards say nothing political on the phone, attend no political meetings or rallies, make no donations. Or keep doing what you (I) have been doing. Punishments for being labeled a subversive could cause loss of retirement benefits, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. Frankly, our young, collage age people don't seem to - like care like - like they have 50 plus more years to go I've got 6-7. So if they don't give a shit why should you or I?
G2 ,I don't think not resisting is the answer. Attend political rallies,call pols although that does not seem to work very well. The rallies have to be held more than every 6 months,they are attracting more younger people,who should be concerned. Get index cards,spell out the 6 or 7 qualities of the " Nazis" and leave them everywhere.
There's no memory like experience, and today's young Americans, not having had to learn and care about the lessons of history (of even a couple of generations) are doomed to repeat it. And, of course, with constant informational propaganda, the Republicans have done all they could in the last forty plus years to make them forget.
And they are trying to do their deviltry in secret! In January the FAA announced a Temporary Flight Restriction (FDC 6/4375) that is in place until October of 2027. Basically this bars any person from flying a drone) within 3000 feet, measured horizontally, of any of the “facilities and mobile assets,” including “ground vehicle convoys and their associated escorts,” of the Departments of Defense, Energy, Justice, and Homeland Security. Violators can be subject to criminal and civil penalties, and risk having their drones seized or destroyed.
So tracking an ICE vehicle? You can be prosecuted. Whether it is enforceable is beside the point, having a show trial to terrify the public into compliance would be enough.
Many officers could have walked out of Hegseth's rant; none did! That would have been the courageous patriotic thing to do, but would you have, would I? I don't know.
I added a link to this and posted the AI image of Trump with the Capitol and fiery war waging around it to my Substack. What I wrote is not about Trump and the military. Rather it is about how we make choices in what AI images we use and how effective they can be in adding punch to our point. This is true of this Substack and all the others since Hartmann Report has started to use AI. Here's what I wrote: The Choice Before the Click: How AI is transforming political imagery—and why the real decision belongs to the person using it-hopefully in an ethical manner. >> https://halbrown.substack.com/p/the-choice-before-the-click
How much of this is Trump and how much of it is Hegseth/Miller? All three seem to be drifting deeper into unconstitutional territory and Hegseth's continuing purge of professional leadership at the Pentagon is profoundly troubling.
I think it is a mistake to constantly try to isolate blame to one individual in order fix blame and therefore rest easy emotionally. They are united in effort, in spite of their continual chaotic throwing their own under the bus.
Makes sense to me.
What difference does it make?
BTW those of us who had security clearances lived in a security fishbowl lo these many years.
It wouldn't take much research for them to learn that there are tens of millions of us proudly in opposition to this cadre of monsters. I'll make it easy for them, so they won't have to sift through five years of my criticisms. I oppose Trump with every fiber of my being because he is a corrupt criminal ogre and certifiably insane. All of his policies are inhumane and anti-democratic. He has done enough to be hanged several times over, yet I don't advocate his hanging, because I oppose the death penalty. Instead, I would punish him by forcing him to sit in a comfy chair and watch while people of all races, religions, nationalities, and sexualities live their lives in peace and harmony, untroubled by loudmouthed bigots and ignorant buffoons.
I totally agree with your description of trump policies and behavior, but not the punishment. The 25th amendment must be utilized. By overthrowing him it's the only chance we have to show the world our disapproval regain some measure of respect....
I'm afraid there aren't enough cabinet members with a spine to initiate the 25th Amendment/Section 4, or if they do, and Trump challenges it, not enough people with a spine in both Houses to approve it
Alas
He's both treasonous and a traitor, and I think he needs to face a firing squad with no mask. He needs to be an example for all future presidents and anyone else who thinks they can turn this country into a fascist one. I don't care how mentally deficient he is. He is the face of a fascist jackass, and he needs to pay for that with his life.
Very well said!
This coup has been in progress since the first attempt in response to the New Deal. It is well documented in the 1930s. General Smedley Butler exposing one, maybe two. The mistrial of GOP Senator Robert Taft and other congressmen after their 1939 attempt is well documented by Rachel Maddow's research of the National Archives. The largest military contractor in the world created and sponsored General Electric Theater to present the calming voice of Ronald Reagan to popularize him for future political activity to suit the interests of big business. The Powell Memo brought the Chamber of Commerse into play to get business and industry focussed on eliminating the New Deal in earnest after the Free Speach movement showed them the danger of an educated public to their agenda. The MSM silence now shows their complicity.
We can dig deep on this if you'd like. You have covered much of this in your own work.
"MSM silence now shows their complicity," or fear.
please clarify the distinction (no need :/)
I was replying to Ransom Rideout. Complicit would be that they don't print certain news because they agree and go along. Fear implies they don't publish certain news items because they are afraid to.
Random,nice history lesson,but what is he solution?
Pay attention I guess. Put our boddies on the line. There are more of us than them.
"Pre-crime center" sounds a lot like the movie "Minority Report". Very problematic.
Also, the zero-click spyware mentioned doesn't sound Russian - it sounds exactly like Israel's NSO Group's "Pegasus". I think most informed people know this. I'm not saying Russia is up to anything good - they're not. But I am saying Israel is the most likely entity responsible for releasing this technological virus into the wild. Israel is not our friend, just as Russia is not our friend.
Psychiatry may help....
On whom, for whom?
Time to double down, friends.....
Whatever and wherever you can increase your activity. Let them know just how much their crap is going to cost them.
We have to push-back as hard as we can. Overwhelm the systems. Say their names. Encourage your senators and representatives to do the same. Fight locating the concentration camps and detention centers in your town.
TRump's a psycho surrounded by the same. He proved it once more with his "Easter" message for the world to see. They hate what he is doing. GET LOUDER! No need to "spy" on us. We're telling these fascists to fuck-off to their faces. Thanks, Thom and Company. See you in the streets.
Alis I'd feel enthusiastic if college campuses were exploding in protests, business leaders were speaking out, Hollywood was putting out documentaries about trump's sexual, business, and mentally ill behavior. I'm worried that there is too little time and too little push back. And what percentage of our population just doesn't care?
scary sad real
agreed.
Very possible Thom. he has purged the military of all generals and admirals that are demonstrably not loyal to him, the remaining can be assumed to be in tow, loyal, or under control as they did not take up his invitation at Quantico, to leave the room if they didn't want to hear him, and are still on active duty despite the humiliation and debasement of Hegseth.
Apparently their oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic means nothing, not when it comes to their careers, promotions and in many cases religious extremism..
The enlisted oath is different from the oath of the commissioned officer, it includes obey the orders of the President and all officers appointed over me.
Many of us felt the same about GWB.
The man who deserted during war time. He walked away from the Alabama National Guard for over 30 days, if he wasn't George H.W. Bush's son he would have been court martialed and given a dishonorable discharge for desertion, but he was charged with AWOL, and given non judicial punishment.
He was given a direct commission by his father, then governor of Texas, as a 2nd Lt, on completion of enlisted basic training,in the Texas National Guard. He didn't even go to Officer Training School, which is only 90 days, all he learned to do was to salute and march and given a commission.
... the paternalistic parenting of a tool
They "monitored" us as if we were the enemy.....
FISA court. Computer chips in our IDs.....
The Chinese military was aware of that and stole our identities in 2014......
Members of congress also took an oath. Apparently it doesn’t mean shit.
There was a time when a man's word meant something, spit on the hand and shake hands and the deal was done.
Those were the days my friend.
With calls starting to show up in some of the independent news of members of congress asking about invoking the 25th amendment, there might be more movement on that front behind the scenes.
If that should become more out front in the news cycles, we can bet that Trump and company will go all out to put a stop to it. What that might look like, is anyone's guess but it won't be pretty. Are we headed for a constitutional crisis? Some would argue that we already are in one right now. With the general staff of the Pentagon being purged, there may be more to this we don't know about but maybe, just maybe, some intrepid independent journalist will uncover and blow the lid off something soon. Was Trump scared of a military coup because the generals stood up to him over Iran, or the interference in those promotions? Maybe we'll find out more soon.
Whatever ends up coming out eventually, the United States is finished as a world power anymore. Few countries will trust us anymore for much of anything. It will take a while for them to diversify away but it will come. Then what?
A lot of Congressional Dems say Republicans privately are waiting for the right moment to bolt.
We need to pressure/convince Republicans.
IMHO the fatal flaw is Epstein. Nobody wants to be associated with, identified with child predators.
Daniel,I know you think the fatal flaw is Epstein,but how much longer will it take to tie Trump to the rape of 15 yr olds and will it make a difference to his base? It appears that senate and house republicans don't mind being called " Nazis" ,in fact they embrace it. Fort those of us who are watching,how can we be optimistic?
The professional Republicans don't give a shit about the base.
Our constitutional crisis began in 2016, when voters elected a man who was already above the law, having unpaid taxes, stiffing contractors, starting a fake (unqualified) university, and already having many foreign financial entanglements that he was unwilling to terminate.
um...We aren't "headed for a constitutional crisis" -- we're IN IT.
then the world moves on, and the American Century will have been its last gasp.
Truth is they already have their fists46yrs gripped around our political private parts. They already know who to go after. Once they gain complete power, they will with schadenfreude swagger feed us into their maw. As long as resistence remains leaderless, their success is guarenteed.
The resistance is not leaderless, but (being mostly Democrats,) it cannot decide which leaders to follow, and in that way Trump and the Republicans have successfully divided and conquered the opposition. Contrary to most of that resistance, I choose hard-line progressives, like AOL or Warren or Bernie (except for their ages.) Centrists are afraid to push most progressive programs, but that's what most people would like.
YESsss: "As long as resistence remains leaderless, their success is guarenteed."
sigh...
Mssrs. Hartmann & Snyder are both batting 1.000.
He's Chaos incarnate: Domestically. Internationally.
Putin's halfwitted clone was a helluva price to pay for his hardcore misogyny and race hate.
We [esp. "leaders"] need to stop staring at the headlights as they get larger, brighter.
We are not deer.
Beware the skid marks left in the Pentagon. They remain for a reason.
Keep a keen eye on his 13-year-old-loving mushroom.
Watch his pussy-grabbing hands.
And lock up the tactical nukes.
Referencing Putin's "Police Statehood for Dummies" playbook is how to predict this abomination from Queens.
VOTE !!! Now more than ever.
# Send Too Tall Boron and Erratic Eric to either Strait.
You are wise to question this! Let’s hope the GOP grows a conscience in the next week.
" . . . GOP grows a conscience . . or we cross our fingers or we sway in trance pleading to Jesus or we write letters to Schumer or we huff the hopium opium . . .
ha-ha-ha....
Notably, Democrats have spent decades reacting instead of pursuing proactive leadership. This inherently complacent posture has left the country vulnerable to exploitation and corruption. Democrats continue urging Americans to take the “high road,” even as that path leads the country into the abyss. World leaders, both allies and adversaries, apparently understand the crisis in America better than the American people.
Donald Trump’s mental condition reflects a dangerous psychological profile. Dr. Bandy X. Lee, a forensic psychiatrist and editor of "The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump" has warned, Trump exhibits traits of malignant narcissism, sociopathy, and sadism—a volatile mix when paired with power. Lee coined the term “Trump contagion” to describe how his pathology spreads through society, eroding norms and inciting violence. She and other mental health professionals invoked the “Duty to Warn” because they believe Trump’s mental instability poses a clear and present danger to public safety and national security.
But our rot lies far deeper as all three branches of our government have come under the influence of the ultra-wealthy power brokers. Their seeminly limitless wealth has given them extraordinary influence over the concept of representative democracy. As long as we pretend the system still functions as intended, we will continue our downward spiral. That’s not hyperbole—it’s the predictable outcome of a political order warped by concentrated wealth. Humanity has understood for millennia that unchecked money corrodes everything it touches.
This is an all-hands-on-deck moment in American history, and arguably world history. The threat is real, immediate, and escalating hourly. Pretending otherwise is no longer an option. In my view, we don't have the luxury of waiting for an election that may or may not happen; or, an election that may or may not be fair.
Thom's analysis is compelling, Trump and crew are laying the groundwork to make him Der Fuhrer. We all have a decision to make - to resist or not to resist. Pens down fingers off keyboards say nothing political on the phone, attend no political meetings or rallies, make no donations. Or keep doing what you (I) have been doing. Punishments for being labeled a subversive could cause loss of retirement benefits, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. Frankly, our young, collage age people don't seem to - like care like - like they have 50 plus more years to go I've got 6-7. So if they don't give a shit why should you or I?
G2 ,I don't think not resisting is the answer. Attend political rallies,call pols although that does not seem to work very well. The rallies have to be held more than every 6 months,they are attracting more younger people,who should be concerned. Get index cards,spell out the 6 or 7 qualities of the " Nazis" and leave them everywhere.
...and don't forget bill boards, which everyone on the roads must see.
Thanks David. Good thoughts about the index cards.
There's no memory like experience, and today's young Americans, not having had to learn and care about the lessons of history (of even a couple of generations) are doomed to repeat it. And, of course, with constant informational propaganda, the Republicans have done all they could in the last forty plus years to make them forget.
And they are trying to do their deviltry in secret! In January the FAA announced a Temporary Flight Restriction (FDC 6/4375) that is in place until October of 2027. Basically this bars any person from flying a drone) within 3000 feet, measured horizontally, of any of the “facilities and mobile assets,” including “ground vehicle convoys and their associated escorts,” of the Departments of Defense, Energy, Justice, and Homeland Security. Violators can be subject to criminal and civil penalties, and risk having their drones seized or destroyed.
So tracking an ICE vehicle? You can be prosecuted. Whether it is enforceable is beside the point, having a show trial to terrify the public into compliance would be enough.
They have the capacity to monitor virtually all communications.
Who is OUR army when Tramp rallies (and Hegseth, with Miller, commands) their well funded nut-zi brown shirts brigades? Who is our General Eisenhower?
Many officers could have walked out of Hegseth's rant; none did! That would have been the courageous patriotic thing to do, but would you have, would I? I don't know.
I added a link to this and posted the AI image of Trump with the Capitol and fiery war waging around it to my Substack. What I wrote is not about Trump and the military. Rather it is about how we make choices in what AI images we use and how effective they can be in adding punch to our point. This is true of this Substack and all the others since Hartmann Report has started to use AI. Here's what I wrote: The Choice Before the Click: How AI is transforming political imagery—and why the real decision belongs to the person using it-hopefully in an ethical manner. >> https://halbrown.substack.com/p/the-choice-before-the-click
It's about all he can do. He's certainly not a leader.