How far can a political party take trolling as its main way of motivating voters before it turns into something like the fascist parties of Europe in the 1930s or modern-day Russia and Hungary?
All the Judge has to do the first time Trump violates the protective order is to immediately revoke his bond, and put him in jail until his trial date. And give him no access to social media or to any devises that could allow him to transmit his vitriol outside of the jail.
Yes, Mr. Hartman , You've nailed it here. Since the failure of the "Reagan Revolution" the Republicans no longer have a program acceptable to the American voter. They stand for hatred, fear, cruelty, negligence for ordinary people and favors for billionaires. Not a program which they can sell.
The Federal reserve raising interest rates to slow down inflation makes no sense with global warming.The food crops suffer the cost of food will continue to go up. With lack of healthcare and insurance the other members of society will have to foot the bill so the cost of medical will go up. Since the billionaires are no longer investing in American factories and instead buying real estate, the cost of housing will go up. Since Russia and Saudi Arabia have cut back on producing oil the price of oil is going up and that will also cause inflation. The Federal reserve is clueless or else helping to install a dictatorship for the rich in America. Probably the latter in my opinion, whileI am still free to speak it, the truth!
The upside is that the folk hit the hardest, are and will be Trump cultists. Just like the antivaxx crowd. ( I just got my 6th booster, and there is another on the way, didn't cost a thing either)
The Fed's mandate is in Title 12 USC, it is to manage the credit of the nation, not control inflation. Besides so called inflation is caused by the amassed interest on all debt, public, corporate and private. Swipe your credit card, mortgage a house, buy a boat, plane, car on credit and you are contributing to inflation, as is the government issuing T Bills and Notes.
By raising interest rates, and given that the demand for debt is inelastic these days (meaning not deterred by interest rates), the only consequence of the Fed raising interest rates is to exacerbate interest inflation (yes I am aware that chinks in the supply chain, as well as corporate greed contributes to price increase.
But the classical definition of inflation is too much money chasing too few goods, like the Germany hyperinflation of 1922). The dictionary definition is too narrow and lets the banking system off the hook, as well as corporations.
Biden should fire James Powell, and why he hasn't is another reason that I do not hold him in respect, nor trust him, just one many very bad decisions that spell the end of democracy.
Such as appointing Garland, not filling the vacancies on the Board of Governors of USPS with democratsm leaving Dejoy, a Trump humper, in charge to destroy the USPS and democracy.
Powell cut interest rates when Trump was Pres, but raises them under Biden, but weak Biden, lets this perfidy stand, when he could fire Powell.
I think the problem is Biden is just one man, who knows only so much via his history, but is inclined to respect those who call themselves the 'experts', so if he does not distrust the people who are in various positions of power he has tended to leave these 'experts' where they are. Somehow the USPS guy has escaped being removed because of the peculiar power structure in that body - I thought I had read that they were going to remove him, yet he's still there - so why ? Biden tries to temper what he does to keep that middle ground, and I think he has been fooled by those actors who sound reasonable while persuading him that there's no reason to get rid of 'good people' ! Biden is not a Leftie or extreme in any way, hence some of the things he does will upset the Left ! Very difficult to assess who is actually on your side, against who may be simply playing a cute game !!!
A couple of comments. The power structure of the board of governors of USPS is that at preseent they are split 50/50, and Dejoy and his 2nd in command have votes.
The board serves for a fixed term, I believe it is four years. After assuming office there were two vacancies. Biden filled them one with a Democrat and the other with a Republican (a decision that can't be justified, rationalized yes, but not justified.
Then in Dec 2022, two more seats became empty, and yet, not even this week has Biden even attempted to fill them with Democrats, and I predict that if he did, he would choose a Republican for one position.
Because of all things Biden is an ameliorator, a comprisimer and belong to that archaic cult of politicians, known as Bipartisan, A class of politicians that died when Reagan was President.
Biden knows a lot history, he has been in politics before millenials were born, and spent over 30 years in the Senate, actually bragging about his mentors, two open racists, James Eastland and Strom Thurmond.
Those were who mentored him. Truth is that Senators make poor presidents, they do not know how to govern, all they know is how to dicker and compromise with the opposition.
Governors on the other hand know how to govern, and aren't afraid (take FDR for example, no compromiser he, unfortunately the two governors running for the Republican ticket are fascist inclined, Chris Christy and Rhonda Santis.
The Democrats have their own progressive governors, like Jan Inslee D-WA and Gretchen Whitmer. Katie Hobbs, GavinNewsome CEO's corporations, business men, lawyers should never be presidential candidates.
Granted Biden is not a leftie. I only call Tankies and Marxists lefties, but Biden is not even a progressive, He is middle of the road, with conservative values and inclinations. He is sentimental in his attraction to old line, Pre Trump conservativses, because these are the people he grew up with, politically, in the senate. He compromised with them constantly, because he has no core values. He couldn't, because compromising with the "devil" makes you an associate of the devil, just as the good cop is a myth, if there were such, then there would be no bad cops.
Well said. My Father always maintained that Senators made bad Presidents because they were wielding power through compromise. This is exactly Biden's weakness along with the Corporate nurturing that the Democratic Party Leaders are addicted to. To get a Party that's actually responsive to the needs of the American People, only candidates who refuse Corporate and Billionaire donations are needed.
Yes, I agree with Thom on his points regarding the right winger mentality. They hate anyone not similar to themselves and are bullies when it comes to anyone in their trailer trash life who they perceive as different or weaker. Any progressive advances such as women having full reproductive freedom, or POC having full economic advances and voting rights, or LGBTQ freedoms to live their lives without being killed for their very existence is threatening to them in their narrow hate filled world view. They are pathetic, dangerous and need to be deprogrammed. Fox Noise needs to be fined and sued into oblivion for their spewing of BS 24/7 and the damage they have inflicted on American viewers.
Roger on suing Fox, there are so many harmed by Fox, including liberal, democracy. I believe there is just cause for the government to sue Fox, and what Fox does is not free speech, which is itself a myth,
Both left and right have used the trope "Free speech" to justify their bans, blocks, and cancellations.
The 1st amendment says very clearly, That Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The key word in the 1st Amendment is Congress. It does not include Universities, which that elitist, arese hole, selfish libertarian Bill Maher constantly claims he is a victim of. (Disinvited from performing at University of California, Berkeley.
I don't agree wit h their motive, he constantly speaks of bee keeper suits (the abaya, Chador, nigab, burka that Muslim are forced to wear, not to mention their brutality, While I agree with their motive, and I do, I disagree with their action, then again I do understand, because silence is consent.
Trump does not have the unfettered right of speech, as he claims. His speech is doing grave harm to the United States of America, and thus can be limited by a judge
It is a long document . Here is his letter of introduction
Letter from the Surgeon General
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy
19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States
When I first took office as Surgeon General in 2014, I didn’t view loneliness as a public health concern. But that was before I embarked on a cross-country listening tour, where I heard stories from my fellow Americans that surprised me.
People began to tell me they felt isolated, invisible, and insignificant. Even when they couldn’t put their finger on the word “lonely,” time and time again, people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, from every corner of the country, would tell me, “I have to shoulder all of life’s burdens by myself,” or “if I disappear tomorrow, no one will even notice.”
It was a lightbulb moment for me: social disconnection was far more common than I had realized.
In the scientific literature, I found confirmation of what I was hearing. In recent years, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness.1-3 And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic cut off so many of us from friends, loved ones, and support systems, exacerbating loneliness and isolation.
Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day,4 and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity. And the harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished.
Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an opportunity, and an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis. This Surgeon General’s Advisory shows us how to build more connected lives and a more connected society.
If we fail to do so, we will pay an ever-increasing price in the form of our individual and collective health and well-being. And we will continue to splinter and divide until we can no longer stand as a community ora country. Instead of coming together to take on the great challenges before us, we will further retreat to our corners—angry, sick, and alone.
Leaders have stood up—- not from our legislators but from an ABA creating a task force of the most brilliant, eloquent attorneys, who are devoted to America and tonthe Justice system, that ensures the Rule of Law will prevail!
The time has come to counter the non-stop lies that are accompanying this crucial indictment.
The public must have the facts from a reliable source! At last.
Leadership!
Judge Michael Ludwig and former Homeland Security director Jeb Johnstone head the ABA task force:”; our homeland security is at risk by the radicalization promoted by domestic extremists, and prompted by media coverage of the loudest voices— and by social networks owned by billionaires who are enabling them.
Our people are being drowned in a tsunami of disinformation from the domestic enemies who own the media, and the Information Technology.
And the ‘mouth’ is out there —?screaming the lie about how The Government is coming for our Freedom of Speech.
No, they are coming for You,Donnie!
The time has come to counter the non-stop lies that are accompanying this crucial indictment.
The public must have the facts from a reliable source!
A TASK FORCE is now ready to take action… not just to inform the public of the facts… which they will do!!!
We would love a short specific list of the things most likely to make a difference that we can preferably do from our homes. Perhaps you have one that we missed? Thanks for all you do!!
Look around at your local community and get involved. Support the Community News bill, that was proposed last month by House Reps. Claudia Tenney, a New York Republican, and Suzan DelBene, a Washington Democrat. Call your Congressmen. Local journalism is important. Let them spend all their time blowing hot air while we shspe a better Country.
Fascists seize power when they convince the majority of citizens that the government they have been sabotaging for years no longer functions for the masses. But as R.O. Paxton points out in The "Anatomy of Fascism," fascists are only in it for the power. They could care less about governing. (That explains why Florida is going to hell in a handbasket while their governor runs for Fuhrer.)
2024 looks like the fork in our road to democracy. MAGA is just another word for Nazi. But in the late1930s, lots of Americans embraced Nazism. The question remains as to whether our institutions will continue to function once (not if) the coordinated violence restarts. We can thank our military for refusing to be Trump's storm troopers on Jan 6. But, soon, thanks to a draft-dodging ex-football coach, none of our services will have a confirmed chief. That is not about abortion, it is about trying to weaken the military's coordination to stop the next coup. Since the top MAGA leaders have little or no experience in uniform, they may be in for a second disappointment come election time.
We would never have realized the depth of what was going on in the GOP if it were not for the Troll In Chief. Literally there's no platform, just hatred and meanness along with bullying anyone that disagrees with them and trying to cheat people out of their vote.
Well there is one less person in Utah threatening to murder folks. Thinking it's "fun" to use the internet to troll and show-off your "babies" or "toys" has consequences. First the FBI will monitor and assess, then they come to talk, and when they show up with a search warrant it's time to comply. Old, frail, mouthy, and ARMED---see what being a Trump MEGA MAGA troll got him. Mr. Robertson will not be voting in 2024.
My heart goes out to those FBI agents---it's a dirty job, but someone has to do it when a threat becomes reality. They probably didn't go to work hoping to shoot someone, and no doubt the paperwork is hell.
I had a few additional thoughts to further support my previous post about putting Trump in jail. In addition, the Judge should assign Trump to a maximum security prison because his crazy MAGA cult followers may try to break in the prison to free Trump. Also, I’d put Trump in a cell block with alleged murderers, rapists, and other unsavory characters. The Secret Service protecting Trump would have a very difficult assignment keeping Trump safe. Maybe Trump wouldn’t.have to worry about his incoming court cases because he would be dead.
All the Judge has to do the first time Trump violates the protective order is to immediately revoke his bond, and put him in jail until his trial date. And give him no access to social media or to any devises that could allow him to transmit his vitriol outside of the jail.
Yes, Mr. Hartman , You've nailed it here. Since the failure of the "Reagan Revolution" the Republicans no longer have a program acceptable to the American voter. They stand for hatred, fear, cruelty, negligence for ordinary people and favors for billionaires. Not a program which they can sell.
The Federal reserve raising interest rates to slow down inflation makes no sense with global warming.The food crops suffer the cost of food will continue to go up. With lack of healthcare and insurance the other members of society will have to foot the bill so the cost of medical will go up. Since the billionaires are no longer investing in American factories and instead buying real estate, the cost of housing will go up. Since Russia and Saudi Arabia have cut back on producing oil the price of oil is going up and that will also cause inflation. The Federal reserve is clueless or else helping to install a dictatorship for the rich in America. Probably the latter in my opinion, whileI am still free to speak it, the truth!
The upside is that the folk hit the hardest, are and will be Trump cultists. Just like the antivaxx crowd. ( I just got my 6th booster, and there is another on the way, didn't cost a thing either)
The Fed's mandate is in Title 12 USC, it is to manage the credit of the nation, not control inflation. Besides so called inflation is caused by the amassed interest on all debt, public, corporate and private. Swipe your credit card, mortgage a house, buy a boat, plane, car on credit and you are contributing to inflation, as is the government issuing T Bills and Notes.
By raising interest rates, and given that the demand for debt is inelastic these days (meaning not deterred by interest rates), the only consequence of the Fed raising interest rates is to exacerbate interest inflation (yes I am aware that chinks in the supply chain, as well as corporate greed contributes to price increase.
But the classical definition of inflation is too much money chasing too few goods, like the Germany hyperinflation of 1922). The dictionary definition is too narrow and lets the banking system off the hook, as well as corporations.
Biden should fire James Powell, and why he hasn't is another reason that I do not hold him in respect, nor trust him, just one many very bad decisions that spell the end of democracy.
Such as appointing Garland, not filling the vacancies on the Board of Governors of USPS with democratsm leaving Dejoy, a Trump humper, in charge to destroy the USPS and democracy.
Powell cut interest rates when Trump was Pres, but raises them under Biden, but weak Biden, lets this perfidy stand, when he could fire Powell.
I think the problem is Biden is just one man, who knows only so much via his history, but is inclined to respect those who call themselves the 'experts', so if he does not distrust the people who are in various positions of power he has tended to leave these 'experts' where they are. Somehow the USPS guy has escaped being removed because of the peculiar power structure in that body - I thought I had read that they were going to remove him, yet he's still there - so why ? Biden tries to temper what he does to keep that middle ground, and I think he has been fooled by those actors who sound reasonable while persuading him that there's no reason to get rid of 'good people' ! Biden is not a Leftie or extreme in any way, hence some of the things he does will upset the Left ! Very difficult to assess who is actually on your side, against who may be simply playing a cute game !!!
A couple of comments. The power structure of the board of governors of USPS is that at preseent they are split 50/50, and Dejoy and his 2nd in command have votes.
The board serves for a fixed term, I believe it is four years. After assuming office there were two vacancies. Biden filled them one with a Democrat and the other with a Republican (a decision that can't be justified, rationalized yes, but not justified.
Then in Dec 2022, two more seats became empty, and yet, not even this week has Biden even attempted to fill them with Democrats, and I predict that if he did, he would choose a Republican for one position.
Because of all things Biden is an ameliorator, a comprisimer and belong to that archaic cult of politicians, known as Bipartisan, A class of politicians that died when Reagan was President.
Biden knows a lot history, he has been in politics before millenials were born, and spent over 30 years in the Senate, actually bragging about his mentors, two open racists, James Eastland and Strom Thurmond.
Those were who mentored him. Truth is that Senators make poor presidents, they do not know how to govern, all they know is how to dicker and compromise with the opposition.
Governors on the other hand know how to govern, and aren't afraid (take FDR for example, no compromiser he, unfortunately the two governors running for the Republican ticket are fascist inclined, Chris Christy and Rhonda Santis.
The Democrats have their own progressive governors, like Jan Inslee D-WA and Gretchen Whitmer. Katie Hobbs, GavinNewsome CEO's corporations, business men, lawyers should never be presidential candidates.
Granted Biden is not a leftie. I only call Tankies and Marxists lefties, but Biden is not even a progressive, He is middle of the road, with conservative values and inclinations. He is sentimental in his attraction to old line, Pre Trump conservativses, because these are the people he grew up with, politically, in the senate. He compromised with them constantly, because he has no core values. He couldn't, because compromising with the "devil" makes you an associate of the devil, just as the good cop is a myth, if there were such, then there would be no bad cops.
Well said. My Father always maintained that Senators made bad Presidents because they were wielding power through compromise. This is exactly Biden's weakness along with the Corporate nurturing that the Democratic Party Leaders are addicted to. To get a Party that's actually responsive to the needs of the American People, only candidates who refuse Corporate and Billionaire donations are needed.
Yes, I agree with Thom on his points regarding the right winger mentality. They hate anyone not similar to themselves and are bullies when it comes to anyone in their trailer trash life who they perceive as different or weaker. Any progressive advances such as women having full reproductive freedom, or POC having full economic advances and voting rights, or LGBTQ freedoms to live their lives without being killed for their very existence is threatening to them in their narrow hate filled world view. They are pathetic, dangerous and need to be deprogrammed. Fox Noise needs to be fined and sued into oblivion for their spewing of BS 24/7 and the damage they have inflicted on American viewers.
Roger on suing Fox, there are so many harmed by Fox, including liberal, democracy. I believe there is just cause for the government to sue Fox, and what Fox does is not free speech, which is itself a myth,
Both left and right have used the trope "Free speech" to justify their bans, blocks, and cancellations.
The 1st amendment says very clearly, That Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The key word in the 1st Amendment is Congress. It does not include Universities, which that elitist, arese hole, selfish libertarian Bill Maher constantly claims he is a victim of. (Disinvited from performing at University of California, Berkeley.
I don't agree wit h their motive, he constantly speaks of bee keeper suits (the abaya, Chador, nigab, burka that Muslim are forced to wear, not to mention their brutality, While I agree with their motive, and I do, I disagree with their action, then again I do understand, because silence is consent.
Trump does not have the unfettered right of speech, as he claims. His speech is doing grave harm to the United States of America, and thus can be limited by a judge
they take ovate of this!
OUR EPIDEMIC OF LONLINESS AND ISOLATION
https--www.hhs.gov-sites-default-files-surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf?utm_source=su…
It is a long document . Here is his letter of introduction
Letter from the Surgeon General
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy
19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States
When I first took office as Surgeon General in 2014, I didn’t view loneliness as a public health concern. But that was before I embarked on a cross-country listening tour, where I heard stories from my fellow Americans that surprised me.
People began to tell me they felt isolated, invisible, and insignificant. Even when they couldn’t put their finger on the word “lonely,” time and time again, people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, from every corner of the country, would tell me, “I have to shoulder all of life’s burdens by myself,” or “if I disappear tomorrow, no one will even notice.”
It was a lightbulb moment for me: social disconnection was far more common than I had realized.
In the scientific literature, I found confirmation of what I was hearing. In recent years, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness.1-3 And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic cut off so many of us from friends, loved ones, and support systems, exacerbating loneliness and isolation.
Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day,4 and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity. And the harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished.
Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an opportunity, and an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis. This Surgeon General’s Advisory shows us how to build more connected lives and a more connected society.
If we fail to do so, we will pay an ever-increasing price in the form of our individual and collective health and well-being. And we will continue to splinter and divide until we can no longer stand as a community ora country. Instead of coming together to take on the great challenges before us, we will further retreat to our corners—angry, sick, and alone.
Yes Ms. Schwartz, one century ago the brilliant French father of Sociology coined a term for it "Anomie."
At last. Today…
Leaders have stood up—- not from our legislators but from an ABA creating a task force of the most brilliant, eloquent attorneys, who are devoted to America and tonthe Justice system, that ensures the Rule of Law will prevail!
The time has come to counter the non-stop lies that are accompanying this crucial indictment.
The public must have the facts from a reliable source! At last.
Leadership!
Judge Michael Ludwig and former Homeland Security director Jeb Johnstone head the ABA task force:”; our homeland security is at risk by the radicalization promoted by domestic extremists, and prompted by media coverage of the loudest voices— and by social networks owned by billionaires who are enabling them.
Our people are being drowned in a tsunami of disinformation from the domestic enemies who own the media, and the Information Technology.
And the ‘mouth’ is out there —?screaming the lie about how The Government is coming for our Freedom of Speech.
No, they are coming for You,Donnie!
The time has come to counter the non-stop lies that are accompanying this crucial indictment.
The public must have the facts from a reliable source!
A TASK FORCE is now ready to take action… not just to inform the public of the facts… which they will do!!!
They’re suing !
Who?
Good question!
I can’t wait
Hi Thom,
We would love a short specific list of the things most likely to make a difference that we can preferably do from our homes. Perhaps you have one that we missed? Thanks for all you do!!
Look around at your local community and get involved. Support the Community News bill, that was proposed last month by House Reps. Claudia Tenney, a New York Republican, and Suzan DelBene, a Washington Democrat. Call your Congressmen. Local journalism is important. Let them spend all their time blowing hot air while we shspe a better Country.
Fascists seize power when they convince the majority of citizens that the government they have been sabotaging for years no longer functions for the masses. But as R.O. Paxton points out in The "Anatomy of Fascism," fascists are only in it for the power. They could care less about governing. (That explains why Florida is going to hell in a handbasket while their governor runs for Fuhrer.)
2024 looks like the fork in our road to democracy. MAGA is just another word for Nazi. But in the late1930s, lots of Americans embraced Nazism. The question remains as to whether our institutions will continue to function once (not if) the coordinated violence restarts. We can thank our military for refusing to be Trump's storm troopers on Jan 6. But, soon, thanks to a draft-dodging ex-football coach, none of our services will have a confirmed chief. That is not about abortion, it is about trying to weaken the military's coordination to stop the next coup. Since the top MAGA leaders have little or no experience in uniform, they may be in for a second disappointment come election time.
We would never have realized the depth of what was going on in the GOP if it were not for the Troll In Chief. Literally there's no platform, just hatred and meanness along with bullying anyone that disagrees with them and trying to cheat people out of their vote.
Well there is one less person in Utah threatening to murder folks. Thinking it's "fun" to use the internet to troll and show-off your "babies" or "toys" has consequences. First the FBI will monitor and assess, then they come to talk, and when they show up with a search warrant it's time to comply. Old, frail, mouthy, and ARMED---see what being a Trump MEGA MAGA troll got him. Mr. Robertson will not be voting in 2024.
My heart goes out to those FBI agents---it's a dirty job, but someone has to do it when a threat becomes reality. They probably didn't go to work hoping to shoot someone, and no doubt the paperwork is hell.
I had a few additional thoughts to further support my previous post about putting Trump in jail. In addition, the Judge should assign Trump to a maximum security prison because his crazy MAGA cult followers may try to break in the prison to free Trump. Also, I’d put Trump in a cell block with alleged murderers, rapists, and other unsavory characters. The Secret Service protecting Trump would have a very difficult assignment keeping Trump safe. Maybe Trump wouldn’t.have to worry about his incoming court cases because he would be dead.