Trump's cult members are bonding over all this cruelty. That too is a greed issue. They just can't get enough.
Ta-Nehisi Coates has said for them it is not about redeeming the past; it's about killing the future.
As for those of us on the left, Beto O'Rourke just explained that it is not about if we are progressive or closer to the middle---it's about if we are ready and willing to fight back.
Thanks goes to all who try to fiercely defend the truth. This is our moment! See you in the streets.
Because the Supreme Court gave him immunity and Congress refuses to lift a finger. He can do whatever he wants. His pardoned insurrectionists are regrouping into his private militia. They can kill in broad daylight and trump can keep pardoning them and no one can put a hand on him. Who would've thought this would happen in this country....
Read Chris Hedge’s article ‘The New Dark Age’ just out yesterday; it is topical and prescient at the same time, writing from the border of Palestine, he draws from history describing how civilizations are not to be resurrected for centuries.
They destroy intellectual growth wiping out science and technology gains as people turn on each other, massacre their enemy and descend into darkness. Fairly sobering account.
The political parties in America have for far too long bribed the voters by promising to do whatever and take all the money they can get in exchange only to get in power and often don’t produce what we were bribed for, or they make promises they know are not realistic. Heightened by Citizen’s United money flows into the pockets of these criminals.
He may be violating several statutes for using his office for his personal benefit and a qui tam action may/may not be viable. AI Qui tam litigation, also known as "qui tam actions," refers to lawsuits brought by private citizens on behalf of the government to recover fraudulently obtained funds. These actions are authorized under the federal False Claims Act (FCA) and are a key tool in combating government fraud.
Other theories: Is the Secretary of the Treasury a fiduciary for the taxpaying public? If the Trump crime family is committing crimes, does he have a duty to recoup funds for the Treasury?
"....a President can pardon someone convicted of murder, but only if the murder was a federal crime. The President's pardon power, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, is limited to offenses against the United States. This means state-level murder convictions are not subject to presidential pardon."
I get you Sophia. There really is nothing in his way, except impeachment/conviction. Putin does murder people and it is well known. It would be the same for Trump, he just can't pardon himself under the law for a state crime. He and Putin both know they better stay in office. It's why he ran, and of course so he could make money from the office. He IS making a "killing" with that.
Greed and hunger for power are eptitomized by Trump "foreign policy" which is actually a scam. Through "diplomacy" Trump resorts are springing up in places like Oman, Saudi Arabia, Serbia...even Viet Nam. When I was there it was at the Iron, not a Golden triangle.
Trump extorition of Pakistan may fuel war with India. We are losing a tariff war. In my substack, I document the cybergelt currency conversion play.
From Tyranny Tracker today
Trump meme coin dinner likely to include mostly non-Americans based on top $TRUMP holders
What Happened: Ahead of Trump’s private May 22 dinner for top $TRUMP memecoin holders, blockchain analysis shows that 19 of the top 25 wallets belong to foreign nationals—mostly through platforms like Binance and Singapore-based exchanges.
Why It Matters: Trump continues selling political access to foreigners through an unregulated memecoin. This isn’t just unethical—it’s a glaring national security risk. Trump is running a global pay-to-play racket, powered by crypto and zero oversight.
Source: CNBC
Breaking Down Trump’s Entanglements With Crypto
What Happened: Trump’s second term has turned crypto into a goldmine for his inner circle. His family is tied to multiple ventures—including the $TRUMP memecoin, secretive Binance investment talks, and World Liberty Financial’s UAE-backed stablecoin.
Why It Matters: This is textbook corruption. Trump is profiting from crypto while writing the rules for it—a blatant conflict of interest that erases any remaining ethical lines. He’s using the presidency as a personal business venture.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Trump the Grifter
What Happened: Trump is violating the Constitution’s emoluments clauses—taking bribes, crypto cash, and foreign favors without approval. From Qatar jets to pay-for-access dinners, the grift is nonstop.
Why It Matters: This is what the Founders tried to prevent—a president using the office to get rich. And the system’s failing to stop it.
Source: The Atlantic
‘Very disturbing’: Trump receipt of overseas gifts unprecedented, experts warn
What Happened: Trump is under fire for accepting lavish foreign bribes—including a $400 million jet from Qatar and a $2 billion crypto investment from the UAE—while his family profits from international deals.
Why It Matters: Trump is violating the Constitution’s emoluments clause, turning U.S. foreign policy into a pay-for-access scheme while national security is compromised by unchecked foreign influence.
Says the guy who fails to provide vetted data to support his claims. In classic argument/debate, accusations are as useless as ketchup on brussel sprouts. I have never heard/read Thom support warmongering, and I have been a regular since Air America. And what warmongering by Thom would ever be useful in protecting citizens from TFG? You mean a reasonable defense of the Iraeli state? I said reasonable, not genocide or anything even remotely close to what is/has happened. BB has no moral compass, and BB is in charge, with unfortunate and disgusting weaponry assistance from 'murka. Thom called for that to cease early on, except as strictly defensive uses. Any compass, moral or otherwise, is guided by information that is correct, contextually. The needle might move based upon vetted journalism. Is that why 200 or Palestinian journalists have been murdered? Where is you defense of the Gaza and Palestinians in general? Talk is worthless, words are poison. Do better, or just shut up.
This moral compass must come from the 'murkan citizenry. It is obvious that many 'leaders' in politics and biz are shallow and disgusting. If citizens do not lead themselves, they WILL become mindless followers ruled by reptile brain emotions. You are a citizen. Lead by example, Say something workable and inspiring. Get over the trivial, or past mistakes or errors in judgement. Do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. This is a moveable disaster. Stay in the present and help all others out, if that is your alleged intention. And I will assume it is.
Establishing a "morality 101 class" is not the way to revive morality in society or government. Morality is developed among the citizenry through "osmosis", through example, and through experience which allows the youngest child to live without hypocrisy, contradiction, or inordinate control. Government will only become moral when enough of the people have internalized the kind of morality that values and validates equality, autonomy, justice, empathy, authenticity, and real charity. Why have so many not been led to internalize those values at an early age, and how do we rectify the institutions and environments where children are being diverted from those values?
Says the guy who has completely ignored Biden's genocide in Gaza. THAT is the moral issue of our time, and your "I don't think it's a genocide," "Nancy Pelosi is a progressive," and "Hillary Clinton was a brilliant Secretary of State" propaganda shows where your moral compass is and has been pointing.. Your warmongering and moral compromise that was supposedly protecting us from Trump has done about as well as the Democrats themselves Thom. https://barryjkaufmando.substack.com/p/youre-next-the-blowback-for-the-spiritual
Mr. Farrar, the first impulse of the empty headed loser is to begin the endless progression of name calling and avoidance of the issues. Why don't you attempt to take on Dr. Kaufman? What are you afraid of?
I wonder how much we are accomplishing by the division between William Farrar and Dr.Kaufman. Are we creating enemies in this substack? Why are we not spending time and effort going after Kevin Roberts,Russell Voight and Musk.
There is nothing to take on. He can respond to me.. Demonstrate that he is not a Putinista, and that he really does care about genocide, like that in Uknainre and Sudan
Nay he is selective, in fact he keeps bearing a dead horse (Biden) instead of addressing the real threats (Putin and Trump)
I do find it of interest that y not only like his post, but rise to his defense.
You have that right. What has happened to Gaza is horrific, and so is what happened to Germany and Japan,Hitler, and the NAZI's were responsible for what happened to Germany and Tojo and the military were responsible for what happened to Japan.
In the same vein. HAMAS is totally responsible for what happened in Gaza, and Putin totally responsible for what is happening in Ukraine.
No if and's or buts, that Boris changes the subject, is all the evidence one needs to determine his real agenda.
If this Big Bad Busting Balls Bill goes through tRump will have succeeded in sending even more of our citizens into poverty and more of his oligarch friends into more wealth that they could ever know what to do with. Hell, it would be a full time job to even spend the interest.
We have to view this as a wake-up call and start fixing all of the problems that have been festering for decades and some for centuries. Equitable tax system, a reliable safety net, free education for all, eliminate racism, and just be f-ing kind to each other. Is that so hard?
Greed and hate go hand in hand. The question is why society wants this drama to play out as 85% of the people watch the what plays out. Is there some kind of moral play going on here? A deep kind of sic learning experience by society. The balance going back and forth is the norm but the threat comes when conditions are replaced to keep one side from losing by rules of the spirit of unfairness. Rules of the game must apply to both sides equally and the rights of voters must not be infringed. Fairness and good sportsman like conduct are civil necessities or results will not be taken as valid. When the rules are out of balance the culture will no longer accept results and revolts are sure to come. The threat of violence is the result of a lack of balance and fairness. The Repubs are only interested in power and do not care for the rules of society. The Dragons come.
Perhaps America’s moral compass problem is not due so much to having abandoned it as much as it is that two moral compasses are influencing Americans' worldviews and behaviors. While we call ourselves a “Christian Nation,” individuals apply the term in different ways. Over my past almost 8 decades, I have observed that there are two quite-different groups who both claim to be Christian.
Simply put, these groups are the Old Testament and the New Testament Christians. New Testament Christians focus on loving their neighbor as themselves – doing unto others that which you would want them to do unto you, and forgiving sinners. New Testament Christians justify their morality most often by citing the Gospels.
In contrast, Old Testament Christians seem to focus on dominance and conformity. Specifically, like the Israelites of the Old Testament Bible, there is an “us versus them” worldview in which they are at eternal war with oppressors with the goal of dominating them. Instead of forgiving and embracing those whom they view as repentant sinners, they deport them like God did envious Cain. Whereas Jesus embraced prostitutes and promoted forgiveness of sin, Old Testament Christians, even today, seem to endorse stoning or caging them.
Can you find any New Testament reference promoting a “greed is good” mentality? How about an assertion that your race is superior to all others?
I just don’t see the endgame. What will all the factions trying to gain money and power accomplish by destroying education, health and the very people who made them rich and powerful? No wonder they want to go to Mars. They will be rulers over nothing and no one here.
Espousing morality and holding it as the foundation from which one acts in the world are not necessarily (and perhaps rarely) related. America has always been excellent at virtue signaling — we wrap ourselves in robes of righteousness and "hold these truths to be self-evident" while the historical record tells a contradictory tale. In effect, we have been living a lie for 250 years. Were one to distill a nation's morality, one based on its actions rather than on its theology, ours would be one where oppression in pursuit of wealth and hegemony is the norm; where treaties are meant to be broken whenever profitable or convenient; where "equality "is no more than gaslighting. Were America to act on its professed virtues what a wondrous world this would be.
We (those of us who hold to free choice) have probably been working on it since the day after the first organized religion was born. We are fortunate to have lived in a time when religion wasn't necessarily shoved down the throats of the unwilling. One ,of the problems with freedom is that people get to choose (within certain parameters, i.e., no sacrificing virgins on Tuesdays) whatever they want. This includes choosing religions that make not following it a crime, at which time freedom comes down to worshipping the One True Religion or being burnt alive - compassionately, of course - in order to save our eternal souls (better to burn today than to burn forever).
At this time Christian Nationalists are like an overtightened spring; they're fervently ready to extirpate all nonbelievers in order to save This Great Nation Founded by God, Chosen Over All the Other Nations of Earth to..., etc. In this they are met with little coherent opposition; there is a distinct possibility that 29% of the population will getmtp decide what the other 71% says and does if there isn't a countering force, and one that comes into the public's eye in the immediate future.
Ah yes....the morality card....the "last resort of a colonial power." The Puritans brought this dogmatic belief system to our shores and we've been trying to prove it for decades. Everyone jumps on their favorite "morality bandwagon" just as Trump jumps on his "greed bandwagon" to proselytize to the immoral ones who must need their insight. Now Project 2025 and the backers seek to institutionalize their morality into our laws and cultural experiences. What they don't understand is that a broad spectrum of beliefs is necessary for souls to make individual determinations about one's soul / spirit destiny...both physically and spiritually. Karma is the law of the Universe and Sacred Laws based on how the Natural World and the Universe function are the true guidelines to one's morality. Ever since the Garden of Eden where mankind chose Knowledge over the presence of Divine Knowing as its pursuit of essence, good versus evil has ruled the planet and morality has been the fashionable way to address this core issue. What is currently breaking in our world goes far beyond morality. It is a complete demolition of an old structure that serves no one. Hold on....the Light is coming.
Professor Hartmann, you really say it perfectly well. You know so much and see so much, it must be painful. Hearing Louise’s voice might help, though, because she sure can sing and write. Just everything you said and say is exactly right. How did we fall so far? The Reagan gop and everybody else have I’m afraid killed our democracy. The a hole will pull the plug.
Moment of Truth
Trump's cult members are bonding over all this cruelty. That too is a greed issue. They just can't get enough.
Ta-Nehisi Coates has said for them it is not about redeeming the past; it's about killing the future.
As for those of us on the left, Beto O'Rourke just explained that it is not about if we are progressive or closer to the middle---it's about if we are ready and willing to fight back.
Thanks goes to all who try to fiercely defend the truth. This is our moment! See you in the streets.
There is an emoluments clause in the constitution that prohibits all his money grabbing. Why is it not being invoked?
Because the Supreme Court gave him immunity and Congress refuses to lift a finger. He can do whatever he wants. His pardoned insurrectionists are regrouping into his private militia. They can kill in broad daylight and trump can keep pardoning them and no one can put a hand on him. Who would've thought this would happen in this country....
Read Chris Hedge’s article ‘The New Dark Age’ just out yesterday; it is topical and prescient at the same time, writing from the border of Palestine, he draws from history describing how civilizations are not to be resurrected for centuries.
They destroy intellectual growth wiping out science and technology gains as people turn on each other, massacre their enemy and descend into darkness. Fairly sobering account.
The political parties in America have for far too long bribed the voters by promising to do whatever and take all the money they can get in exchange only to get in power and often don’t produce what we were bribed for, or they make promises they know are not realistic. Heightened by Citizen’s United money flows into the pockets of these criminals.
As #45 he was sued by Maryland and DC for the Trump DC hotel. It was dismissed after he lost the election in that the clause applies only to sitting presidents. He has since sold the hotel. https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/donald-trump-qatar-emoluments-clause-constitution/
He may be violating several statutes for using his office for his personal benefit and a qui tam action may/may not be viable. AI Qui tam litigation, also known as "qui tam actions," refers to lawsuits brought by private citizens on behalf of the government to recover fraudulently obtained funds. These actions are authorized under the federal False Claims Act (FCA) and are a key tool in combating government fraud.
Other theories: Is the Secretary of the Treasury a fiduciary for the taxpaying public? If the Trump crime family is committing crimes, does he have a duty to recoup funds for the Treasury?
None of the people in the trump cabinet were put there to do their duty....
From AI Overview, Sophia:
"....a President can pardon someone convicted of murder, but only if the murder was a federal crime. The President's pardon power, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, is limited to offenses against the United States. This means state-level murder convictions are not subject to presidential pardon."
Well thank you for this but who does AI says will stop him from doing anything he wants? He's ignoring the Supreme Court, so?
I get you Sophia. There really is nothing in his way, except impeachment/conviction. Putin does murder people and it is well known. It would be the same for Trump, he just can't pardon himself under the law for a state crime. He and Putin both know they better stay in office. It's why he ran, and of course so he could make money from the office. He IS making a "killing" with that.
Truly unbelievable....
Because no congressperson will invoke it. Under penalty of death or destruction.
A civil war is better than a fascist trump -run government, that employs people like Steven Miller.
Great heading to a well written article. Bravo!!
When greed replaces justice, and cruelty becomes policy, democracy dies not in darkness—but in plain sight, cheered on by those in power…
How's your moral compass regarding Biden's genocide in Gaza? https://barryjkaufmando.substack.com/p/democracy-dies-in-darkness-but-we
How is yours on Bush's in Iraq?
Great minds. I published "Follow the Money" on my Substack yesterday. https://danielsolomon.substack.com/p/follow-the-money?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=742145&post_id=163884339&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=zc69i&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
Greed and hunger for power are eptitomized by Trump "foreign policy" which is actually a scam. Through "diplomacy" Trump resorts are springing up in places like Oman, Saudi Arabia, Serbia...even Viet Nam. When I was there it was at the Iron, not a Golden triangle.
Trump extorition of Pakistan may fuel war with India. We are losing a tariff war. In my substack, I document the cybergelt currency conversion play.
From Tyranny Tracker today
Trump meme coin dinner likely to include mostly non-Americans based on top $TRUMP holders
What Happened: Ahead of Trump’s private May 22 dinner for top $TRUMP memecoin holders, blockchain analysis shows that 19 of the top 25 wallets belong to foreign nationals—mostly through platforms like Binance and Singapore-based exchanges.
Why It Matters: Trump continues selling political access to foreigners through an unregulated memecoin. This isn’t just unethical—it’s a glaring national security risk. Trump is running a global pay-to-play racket, powered by crypto and zero oversight.
Source: CNBC
Breaking Down Trump’s Entanglements With Crypto
What Happened: Trump’s second term has turned crypto into a goldmine for his inner circle. His family is tied to multiple ventures—including the $TRUMP memecoin, secretive Binance investment talks, and World Liberty Financial’s UAE-backed stablecoin.
Why It Matters: This is textbook corruption. Trump is profiting from crypto while writing the rules for it—a blatant conflict of interest that erases any remaining ethical lines. He’s using the presidency as a personal business venture.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Trump the Grifter
What Happened: Trump is violating the Constitution’s emoluments clauses—taking bribes, crypto cash, and foreign favors without approval. From Qatar jets to pay-for-access dinners, the grift is nonstop.
Why It Matters: This is what the Founders tried to prevent—a president using the office to get rich. And the system’s failing to stop it.
Source: The Atlantic
‘Very disturbing’: Trump receipt of overseas gifts unprecedented, experts warn
What Happened: Trump is under fire for accepting lavish foreign bribes—including a $400 million jet from Qatar and a $2 billion crypto investment from the UAE—while his family profits from international deals.
Why It Matters: Trump is violating the Constitution’s emoluments clause, turning U.S. foreign policy into a pay-for-access scheme while national security is compromised by unchecked foreign influence.
Source: The Guardian
To be clear, the entire Repugnican Party is complicit in Donvict’s corruption, invertebrate/compliant Democrats only fractionally less so.
However, the entire Democratic Party is also complicit in tolerating it, are they not?
It’s a function of Party power structure. I’m a fan of ranked choice voting and, of course, getting money the hell out of politics.
Says the guy who fails to provide vetted data to support his claims. In classic argument/debate, accusations are as useless as ketchup on brussel sprouts. I have never heard/read Thom support warmongering, and I have been a regular since Air America. And what warmongering by Thom would ever be useful in protecting citizens from TFG? You mean a reasonable defense of the Iraeli state? I said reasonable, not genocide or anything even remotely close to what is/has happened. BB has no moral compass, and BB is in charge, with unfortunate and disgusting weaponry assistance from 'murka. Thom called for that to cease early on, except as strictly defensive uses. Any compass, moral or otherwise, is guided by information that is correct, contextually. The needle might move based upon vetted journalism. Is that why 200 or Palestinian journalists have been murdered? Where is you defense of the Gaza and Palestinians in general? Talk is worthless, words are poison. Do better, or just shut up.
This moral compass must come from the 'murkan citizenry. It is obvious that many 'leaders' in politics and biz are shallow and disgusting. If citizens do not lead themselves, they WILL become mindless followers ruled by reptile brain emotions. You are a citizen. Lead by example, Say something workable and inspiring. Get over the trivial, or past mistakes or errors in judgement. Do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. This is a moveable disaster. Stay in the present and help all others out, if that is your alleged intention. And I will assume it is.
Establishing a "morality 101 class" is not the way to revive morality in society or government. Morality is developed among the citizenry through "osmosis", through example, and through experience which allows the youngest child to live without hypocrisy, contradiction, or inordinate control. Government will only become moral when enough of the people have internalized the kind of morality that values and validates equality, autonomy, justice, empathy, authenticity, and real charity. Why have so many not been led to internalize those values at an early age, and how do we rectify the institutions and environments where children are being diverted from those values?
Says the guy who has completely ignored Biden's genocide in Gaza. THAT is the moral issue of our time, and your "I don't think it's a genocide," "Nancy Pelosi is a progressive," and "Hillary Clinton was a brilliant Secretary of State" propaganda shows where your moral compass is and has been pointing.. Your warmongering and moral compromise that was supposedly protecting us from Trump has done about as well as the Democrats themselves Thom. https://barryjkaufmando.substack.com/p/youre-next-the-blowback-for-the-spiritual
There you go again, living the past, It is the only tool you have to beat your Putin Drum
Boris.
How you whine about Genocide in Gaza,. but when it come to Genocide elsewheres, like Sudan and especially Ukraine, Your dead silent.
Tell us who you really are Barry, don't keep us guessing and surmising.
Other that you are a hypocrite and a phony.
Mr. Farrar, the first impulse of the empty headed loser is to begin the endless progression of name calling and avoidance of the issues. Why don't you attempt to take on Dr. Kaufman? What are you afraid of?
I wonder how much we are accomplishing by the division between William Farrar and Dr.Kaufman. Are we creating enemies in this substack? Why are we not spending time and effort going after Kevin Roberts,Russell Voight and Musk.
BTW, despite fact that you launched your own ad himinem at me (hypercritical), I did answer your comment rationally
There is nothing to take on. He can respond to me.. Demonstrate that he is not a Putinista, and that he really does care about genocide, like that in Uknainre and Sudan
Nay he is selective, in fact he keeps bearing a dead horse (Biden) instead of addressing the real threats (Putin and Trump)
I do find it of interest that y not only like his post, but rise to his defense.
Bird's of a feather and all that
PA opposes Hamas, but you don't.
You have that right. What has happened to Gaza is horrific, and so is what happened to Germany and Japan,Hitler, and the NAZI's were responsible for what happened to Germany and Tojo and the military were responsible for what happened to Japan.
In the same vein. HAMAS is totally responsible for what happened in Gaza, and Putin totally responsible for what is happening in Ukraine.
No if and's or buts, that Boris changes the subject, is all the evidence one needs to determine his real agenda.
If this Big Bad Busting Balls Bill goes through tRump will have succeeded in sending even more of our citizens into poverty and more of his oligarch friends into more wealth that they could ever know what to do with. Hell, it would be a full time job to even spend the interest.
We have to view this as a wake-up call and start fixing all of the problems that have been festering for decades and some for centuries. Equitable tax system, a reliable safety net, free education for all, eliminate racism, and just be f-ing kind to each other. Is that so hard?
Greed and hate go hand in hand. The question is why society wants this drama to play out as 85% of the people watch the what plays out. Is there some kind of moral play going on here? A deep kind of sic learning experience by society. The balance going back and forth is the norm but the threat comes when conditions are replaced to keep one side from losing by rules of the spirit of unfairness. Rules of the game must apply to both sides equally and the rights of voters must not be infringed. Fairness and good sportsman like conduct are civil necessities or results will not be taken as valid. When the rules are out of balance the culture will no longer accept results and revolts are sure to come. The threat of violence is the result of a lack of balance and fairness. The Repubs are only interested in power and do not care for the rules of society. The Dragons come.
Perhaps America’s moral compass problem is not due so much to having abandoned it as much as it is that two moral compasses are influencing Americans' worldviews and behaviors. While we call ourselves a “Christian Nation,” individuals apply the term in different ways. Over my past almost 8 decades, I have observed that there are two quite-different groups who both claim to be Christian.
Simply put, these groups are the Old Testament and the New Testament Christians. New Testament Christians focus on loving their neighbor as themselves – doing unto others that which you would want them to do unto you, and forgiving sinners. New Testament Christians justify their morality most often by citing the Gospels.
In contrast, Old Testament Christians seem to focus on dominance and conformity. Specifically, like the Israelites of the Old Testament Bible, there is an “us versus them” worldview in which they are at eternal war with oppressors with the goal of dominating them. Instead of forgiving and embracing those whom they view as repentant sinners, they deport them like God did envious Cain. Whereas Jesus embraced prostitutes and promoted forgiveness of sin, Old Testament Christians, even today, seem to endorse stoning or caging them.
Can you find any New Testament reference promoting a “greed is good” mentality? How about an assertion that your race is superior to all others?
Even that arch-cynic Richard Nixon can't compete in amorality/immorality with trump and his enablers
I just don’t see the endgame. What will all the factions trying to gain money and power accomplish by destroying education, health and the very people who made them rich and powerful? No wonder they want to go to Mars. They will be rulers over nothing and no one here.
Espousing morality and holding it as the foundation from which one acts in the world are not necessarily (and perhaps rarely) related. America has always been excellent at virtue signaling — we wrap ourselves in robes of righteousness and "hold these truths to be self-evident" while the historical record tells a contradictory tale. In effect, we have been living a lie for 250 years. Were one to distill a nation's morality, one based on its actions rather than on its theology, ours would be one where oppression in pursuit of wealth and hegemony is the norm; where treaties are meant to be broken whenever profitable or convenient; where "equality "is no more than gaslighting. Were America to act on its professed virtues what a wondrous world this would be.
Robert, it has taken 250 years and throwing off the shackles of organized religion, but at last we are truly working on it!
Sorry, this somehow got lost in the maelstrom.
We (those of us who hold to free choice) have probably been working on it since the day after the first organized religion was born. We are fortunate to have lived in a time when religion wasn't necessarily shoved down the throats of the unwilling. One ,of the problems with freedom is that people get to choose (within certain parameters, i.e., no sacrificing virgins on Tuesdays) whatever they want. This includes choosing religions that make not following it a crime, at which time freedom comes down to worshipping the One True Religion or being burnt alive - compassionately, of course - in order to save our eternal souls (better to burn today than to burn forever).
At this time Christian Nationalists are like an overtightened spring; they're fervently ready to extirpate all nonbelievers in order to save This Great Nation Founded by God, Chosen Over All the Other Nations of Earth to..., etc. In this they are met with little coherent opposition; there is a distinct possibility that 29% of the population will getmtp decide what the other 71% says and does if there isn't a countering force, and one that comes into the public's eye in the immediate future.
Ah yes....the morality card....the "last resort of a colonial power." The Puritans brought this dogmatic belief system to our shores and we've been trying to prove it for decades. Everyone jumps on their favorite "morality bandwagon" just as Trump jumps on his "greed bandwagon" to proselytize to the immoral ones who must need their insight. Now Project 2025 and the backers seek to institutionalize their morality into our laws and cultural experiences. What they don't understand is that a broad spectrum of beliefs is necessary for souls to make individual determinations about one's soul / spirit destiny...both physically and spiritually. Karma is the law of the Universe and Sacred Laws based on how the Natural World and the Universe function are the true guidelines to one's morality. Ever since the Garden of Eden where mankind chose Knowledge over the presence of Divine Knowing as its pursuit of essence, good versus evil has ruled the planet and morality has been the fashionable way to address this core issue. What is currently breaking in our world goes far beyond morality. It is a complete demolition of an old structure that serves no one. Hold on....the Light is coming.
We became a democracy to spite the Puritans.
Professor Hartmann, you really say it perfectly well. You know so much and see so much, it must be painful. Hearing Louise’s voice might help, though, because she sure can sing and write. Just everything you said and say is exactly right. How did we fall so far? The Reagan gop and everybody else have I’m afraid killed our democracy. The a hole will pull the plug.