This is a dizzying compendium (sadly) of very accurate detailed information. What do we do with it besides declaring the Republican Party a criminal enterprise? Who will listen or understand the history and implications? What part of the whole population truly comprehends what democracy requires and can provide that in time, or how many value real democracy over the pocket change they have to spend for high-priced gas and consumer items to maintain their lifestyle? We will have answers soon enough.
The Dulles Brothers by Stephen Kinzer, an xcellent book that explains why America is still hated by much of the world today. To think we could have had Adlai Stevenson instead still breaks my heart. He was too good for us.
Mr. Hartman I remember all the events you describe and I saw them as you do. Still, your masterful summary takes my breath away. I recommend your blog to everyone I can.
Many thanks for this very interesting to an outsider.
I knew a lot of it but also not a lot.
Just imagine if Gore had become President. Maybe the US would not be polluting the universe and would maybe not have had a Military Industrial Complex.
IF the people had not voted for these charlatans maybe the US would also have a decent healthcare and educational system.
Thom Hartmann outdoes Thom Hartmann on this one... Wow.
And here it is: The absolute very least everyone in America should know about the GOP. Period.
It would be a crime against democracy, truth, and humanity if this factual chronology isn't the feature story tomorrow on every major news publication/ broadcast. It's not like Thom's work is unknown to the giant media outlets, let's be real.
Because our education system has been ransacked and censored by the GOP (the PR firm which exclusively represents the monied predatory class) we stumble deaf, dumb, and blind around grimly consequential truths. Truths we must know in order to survive. Truths that can only reach the majority in an impactful way by major organizations which proclaim to do just that - keep us informed on what we need to know.
It's easy to tolerate something when you're unaware of it - until you're abruptly really aware of it.
I ask our beloved for-profit media apparatus, earn those billions for once. Publish Thom's piece. Everyone needs to know...
Excellent article Thom! I wish we could get the Republicans to read it! The Trump humpers have no problem believing complete nonsense of their own making. Unlimited greed always breeds wealth inequality which ends up in a train wreck for all of humanity except a very few. Somehow the left needs to come up with some money for commercials and start educating the right wingers with television ads if they're allowed on air. Also the left better hope that Biden is on democracies side, because at this point we don't have a choice. I strongly suspect while the right has been undermining democracy, they have actually gained control over the Democratic party. It would be wise to start growing and canning your own food this spring.
Vincent Bugliosi provided us with two very fine resources, "The Betrayal of America: How the Supreme Court Undermined the Constitution and Choose Our President", and "The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder". Mr. Bugliosi was a formidable D.A. for LA County and is well known for the prosecution of the Manson Family. He is a remarkable advocate of the rule of law. His books are certainly worth reading.
Thanks for adding so much information to our knowledge base. It is so upsetting that the undermining of this country has been going on for decades, and it’s just about complete. Even if Biden wins again, forces of evil will still find a way to do their dirty work and keep trying. I don’t know how we can win, given that they have so destroyed our educational system that students are not learning about fascism and oligarchy and sociopathic malignant narcissists. They have also taken over the media so that half the people in this country believe it’s the Democrats that will harm democracy. The Fox News crowd has been convinced that they are the patriots and that the Democrats hate America. With education taken over, and the media taken over, how the heck do we ever keep our democracy?
Holy hell what a history of bad actors, literally in Reagan's case!
It has taken a lifetime of study to get to this through-line, but you knocked it out of the park, Thom.
The Republican brain is prone to making decisions from the gut and quickly; this is the result. They may not have much of a conscience about it either, particularly in the case of the people mentioned.
At least we know what we are dealing with today. That was not the case in the past. It doesn't mean we can stop all of it, but we can try to wake people up.
Doug Not Nixon but Goldwater, this ignorant dumb ass voted for Goldwater, not because he was fascist, because at that time, the biggest threat was Communism, Goldwater simply kicked the ball to Nixon,, that was before I WOKE up.
I must remember to indicate to whom I am addressing when I comment, because the way sustack comments, my comment can appear out of order.
We need to take a strong stand against the massive number of migrants entering our borders or Trump will likely win. A Trump victory would likely be devastating to democracy here and worldwide. The migration issue is too important to ignore or underestimate. Too much is at stake!
As I remember it, it seems like the parties have sort of switched views on the immigration issue. In the 80’s Republicans said we need immigrants because Americans wouldn’t do the jobs. (Well not for what they wanted to pay).
It’s a good bet that big money still wants cheap labor along with tax cuts. Let’s hope big money is not influencing the Democratic party to let migrants in. This would push down labor costs while getting Republicans elected.
Some things that Biden could do:
Announce a temporary freeze on allowing asylum seekers to enter our border except for the most extreme cases of unjust persecution or war. This could last until the backlog of asylum cases can be greatly reduced.
Unqualified asylum seekers should be deported as soon as possible. Have a mandatory e-verify system for newly hired people. Also have a substantial fine for companies knowingly hiring illegally immigrants.
Addressing this issue is bigger than immigration itself. It affects the direction of our country and the world. Much is at stake!
I somehow missed your comments the other day. I don't know what to say, except thanks a million and you go girl! You got a big head start on me, since I didn't get active except to advance my primary mission to remove compulsory attendance laws until I was nearly your current age. I was a single parent struggling with some very difficult personal and family issues and tragedies for about a decade and I daydreamed through most of my school years for reasons which would take a while to explain. For many years I was one of those people who had decided that we are just pawns and that both parties are corrupt and what we say and do has little effect. I finally recognized that there is no excuse for remaining on the sidelines. Despite my recurring negativity and cynicism, I am an inveterate optimist. People such as yourself do matter and can have a great impact. Nevertheless, I am obliged to say it one more time. Democracy will die a slow death and possibly an accelerated death if people continue to be miseducated. You appear to believe that your education came from your schooling and "civics classes". You probably had some amazing and inspirational teachers, although I sincerely doubt that the schools deserve much credit for what you have become and have accomplished. Possibly you were the fortunate exception to the rule. The truth is that democracy must be experienced and lived and freedom must reside in the mind and body before it can be applied in one's life. To the extent it is missing in schools- which it clearly is - which is solely because of bad laws, it will be compromised and ultimately destroyed in this country. That is the message which needs to be understood, post haste.
Why Has America Tolerated Six Illegitimate GOP Presidents?
This is a dizzying compendium (sadly) of very accurate detailed information. What do we do with it besides declaring the Republican Party a criminal enterprise? Who will listen or understand the history and implications? What part of the whole population truly comprehends what democracy requires and can provide that in time, or how many value real democracy over the pocket change they have to spend for high-priced gas and consumer items to maintain their lifestyle? We will have answers soon enough.
The Dulles Brothers by Stephen Kinzer, an xcellent book that explains why America is still hated by much of the world today. To think we could have had Adlai Stevenson instead still breaks my heart. He was too good for us.
So, 38% of the names on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in DC died so that Tricky Dick might finally become a winner.
As a Vietnam Vet I just metaphorically threw up in my mouth . . . more than a little bit.
Treasonous Scum was he.
Mr. Hartman I remember all the events you describe and I saw them as you do. Still, your masterful summary takes my breath away. I recommend your blog to everyone I can.
Many thanks for this very interesting to an outsider.
I knew a lot of it but also not a lot.
Just imagine if Gore had become President. Maybe the US would not be polluting the universe and would maybe not have had a Military Industrial Complex.
IF the people had not voted for these charlatans maybe the US would also have a decent healthcare and educational system.
Seems like i's all a bit too late.
Thom Hartmann outdoes Thom Hartmann on this one... Wow.
And here it is: The absolute very least everyone in America should know about the GOP. Period.
It would be a crime against democracy, truth, and humanity if this factual chronology isn't the feature story tomorrow on every major news publication/ broadcast. It's not like Thom's work is unknown to the giant media outlets, let's be real.
Because our education system has been ransacked and censored by the GOP (the PR firm which exclusively represents the monied predatory class) we stumble deaf, dumb, and blind around grimly consequential truths. Truths we must know in order to survive. Truths that can only reach the majority in an impactful way by major organizations which proclaim to do just that - keep us informed on what we need to know.
It's easy to tolerate something when you're unaware of it - until you're abruptly really aware of it.
I ask our beloved for-profit media apparatus, earn those billions for once. Publish Thom's piece. Everyone needs to know...
Excellent article Thom! I wish we could get the Republicans to read it! The Trump humpers have no problem believing complete nonsense of their own making. Unlimited greed always breeds wealth inequality which ends up in a train wreck for all of humanity except a very few. Somehow the left needs to come up with some money for commercials and start educating the right wingers with television ads if they're allowed on air. Also the left better hope that Biden is on democracies side, because at this point we don't have a choice. I strongly suspect while the right has been undermining democracy, they have actually gained control over the Democratic party. It would be wise to start growing and canning your own food this spring.
Excellent summary, thank you.
Vincent Bugliosi provided us with two very fine resources, "The Betrayal of America: How the Supreme Court Undermined the Constitution and Choose Our President", and "The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder". Mr. Bugliosi was a formidable D.A. for LA County and is well known for the prosecution of the Manson Family. He is a remarkable advocate of the rule of law. His books are certainly worth reading.
Thanks for adding so much information to our knowledge base. It is so upsetting that the undermining of this country has been going on for decades, and it’s just about complete. Even if Biden wins again, forces of evil will still find a way to do their dirty work and keep trying. I don’t know how we can win, given that they have so destroyed our educational system that students are not learning about fascism and oligarchy and sociopathic malignant narcissists. They have also taken over the media so that half the people in this country believe it’s the Democrats that will harm democracy. The Fox News crowd has been convinced that they are the patriots and that the Democrats hate America. With education taken over, and the media taken over, how the heck do we ever keep our democracy?
Holy hell what a history of bad actors, literally in Reagan's case!
It has taken a lifetime of study to get to this through-line, but you knocked it out of the park, Thom.
The Republican brain is prone to making decisions from the gut and quickly; this is the result. They may not have much of a conscience about it either, particularly in the case of the people mentioned.
At least we know what we are dealing with today. That was not the case in the past. It doesn't mean we can stop all of it, but we can try to wake people up.
Doug Not Nixon but Goldwater, this ignorant dumb ass voted for Goldwater, not because he was fascist, because at that time, the biggest threat was Communism, Goldwater simply kicked the ball to Nixon,, that was before I WOKE up.
I must remember to indicate to whom I am addressing when I comment, because the way sustack comments, my comment can appear out of order.
No to Trump Yes to Biden!
We need to take a strong stand against the massive number of migrants entering our borders or Trump will likely win. A Trump victory would likely be devastating to democracy here and worldwide. The migration issue is too important to ignore or underestimate. Too much is at stake!
As I remember it, it seems like the parties have sort of switched views on the immigration issue. In the 80’s Republicans said we need immigrants because Americans wouldn’t do the jobs. (Well not for what they wanted to pay).
It’s a good bet that big money still wants cheap labor along with tax cuts. Let’s hope big money is not influencing the Democratic party to let migrants in. This would push down labor costs while getting Republicans elected.
Some things that Biden could do:
Announce a temporary freeze on allowing asylum seekers to enter our border except for the most extreme cases of unjust persecution or war. This could last until the backlog of asylum cases can be greatly reduced.
Unqualified asylum seekers should be deported as soon as possible. Have a mandatory e-verify system for newly hired people. Also have a substantial fine for companies knowingly hiring illegally immigrants.
Addressing this issue is bigger than immigration itself. It affects the direction of our country and the world. Much is at stake!
Excellent article again...
wondering... given the new theory on Kennedy assassination do you think Nixon and his buddies had something to do with it?
Frances,
I somehow missed your comments the other day. I don't know what to say, except thanks a million and you go girl! You got a big head start on me, since I didn't get active except to advance my primary mission to remove compulsory attendance laws until I was nearly your current age. I was a single parent struggling with some very difficult personal and family issues and tragedies for about a decade and I daydreamed through most of my school years for reasons which would take a while to explain. For many years I was one of those people who had decided that we are just pawns and that both parties are corrupt and what we say and do has little effect. I finally recognized that there is no excuse for remaining on the sidelines. Despite my recurring negativity and cynicism, I am an inveterate optimist. People such as yourself do matter and can have a great impact. Nevertheless, I am obliged to say it one more time. Democracy will die a slow death and possibly an accelerated death if people continue to be miseducated. You appear to believe that your education came from your schooling and "civics classes". You probably had some amazing and inspirational teachers, although I sincerely doubt that the schools deserve much credit for what you have become and have accomplished. Possibly you were the fortunate exception to the rule. The truth is that democracy must be experienced and lived and freedom must reside in the mind and body before it can be applied in one's life. To the extent it is missing in schools- which it clearly is - which is solely because of bad laws, it will be compromised and ultimately destroyed in this country. That is the message which needs to be understood, post haste.
It makes my blood boil.