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Michael Roseman's avatar

Trump, Trump, go away

Don’t come back another day

Sit alone in your big house

With all your gold and no one else

Or move away to Putin’s land

You must be his biggest fan

He just might give you a big, fat kiss

It’s what you want, it’s what you wish

I chose Trump’s use of fear because violence, both physical and mental, and its threat, is driving many of the other choices, certainly the cowardice.

It’s part of the storm. It’s what comes of having no guardrails.

It’s who Trump is in his essence. Trump’s father terrified him and now Trump tries to terrify the world.

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Donna Maurillo's avatar

I often wonder how Trump's supporters will feel once his retribution comes for them. As long as they are not the direct targets, they can accuse us of having Trump Derangement Syndrome. I've said to those "believers" that they are on the wrong side of history, but they still refuse to see it. They continue to post, almost word-for-word, the lies and deceptions that are fed to them by Trump's machine.

Many of these are intelligent, educated people. And yet they refuse to accept the evidence presented to them that they are part of the deception and part of the destruction of their nation. It was almost laughable that the governor of Arkansas, who once was Trump's press secretary, is now finding that her personal relationship with him will not save her state from his retributions. As her constituents are wrapped in tragedy from tornadoes, even she cannot bring Trump to show any compassion or kindness to their plight. How will people like her ever explain the rationale for offering him their support? Will they continue to believe that he is their savior? Or will they reluctantly have to admit that they were duped and led by a false prophet?

To those who still believe in the words of Donald Trump, even when their own eyes tell them that their belief is wrongly placed, I wonder when his retributions will come for their own communities, their own neighborhoods, and their own homes. Will it be too late for them to join us in pushing against our own self-destruction? Or will they continue to walk blindly over the cliff because it is better to fall into an abyss than to admit that they could have been wrong?

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Michael Roseman's avatar

It’s not easy to admit that you’ve been deceived.

“What you're seeing and what you're reading is not what's happening.” — Trump

And there’s Kellyanne Conway’s “alternative facts.”

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Lark Leonard's avatar

Michael, I have to admit that I loved it (this week) when China dished it back to Trump on the topic of trade talks...."We did not talk with Trump" - Trump's "fake news" line came home to roost!

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William Farrar's avatar

I find myself in the very strange position of actually rooting for the other side, because the only way to get rid of Trumpism is to burn down America.

How many of RR's readers had to read or listen to a teacher burble on about The Man Without a Country.

This naval officer said "Damn the united states I never want to hear that word again. Well he was punished by having to live his life at sea, being transferrred from ship to ship and never having anyone mention the United States.

I think that was a bullshit story they fed us in school, but at the moment I feel like him. It is not the United States which disgusts me, itis the Republican, Libertarian, technbro, theocrats and oligarchs that run it

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Victor Kamendrowsky's avatar

The fat cats allowed themselves to be "deceived," because they thought they would enjoy some of the loot. But now nothing is certain, and they hypocrites are anxious.

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Troy Croom's avatar

You have to wonder, How is it that Joe Six-Pack doesn't suspect Trump and the billionaires of stealing the working man's hard-earned money for themselves? Trump's base is deceived because they cannot fathom that sick degree of selfishness, that bottomless pit of greed. I still can't completely wrap my head around it, as I'm quite satisfied with next to nothing. Life is good. But for how long?

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Lynnette Van Epps-Smith's avatar

Trump's note to self!

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foofaraw & Chiquita(ARF!)'s avatar

I've been wondering just how to get rid of my really bad case of TDS.

I kind of figure the same method will cure me of my very equal case of HIFLER(sic) Derangement Syndrome.

And one for Stalin.

And Mao.

And don't forget my Pol Pot Derangement Syndrome! That's a BAD one! (Personal thing about focus on torture...)

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Colin's avatar

TDS is not a medical condition. It's a set of justified emotions set off by stupidity, corruption, cruelty, and incompetence. I have it most of the time, but won't be seeing my doctor about it. Tell the fuckers that they are the ones suffering from TDS because they have put a psycho in the White House.

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Cheryl Steiger's avatar

Thank you! I have always thought that the “real” TDS is what his followers suffer from!

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foofaraw & Chiquita(ARF!)'s avatar

Well...

Hopefully, that's kinda what I just did.

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David Gardiner's avatar

How about Trump Delusion Syndrome, for those who get drawn into the agitprop narrative, Colin?

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jussmartenuf's avatar

Pol Pot, what a monster, he murdered all the educated people and was in the process of raising a totally ignorant society until North Vietnam (not the good 'ol USA) removed him from power. Our Guide in Cambodia survived because he played ignorant and his mother destroyed all of his school books before he was sent to the rice fields. North Vietnam by the way was seeking freedom from over a century of French colonial domination.

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Victor Kamendrowsky's avatar

Something like that happened in medieval China, with one emperor blaming sedition on intellectuals and their scriptures. Lenin authorize the execution of thousands of intellectuals, and the Nazis "purged" their country's libraries of "Jewish" influences. Trumpland would outlaw "secularist" as well as "woke" literature. The Catholic Church had an Index for a long time, and both Catholics and Protestants burned dissenters. This is why we have a 1st Amendment to the Constitution.

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foofaraw & Chiquita(ARF!)'s avatar

I felt him to be deserving of special mention....

Thank you.

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Paul Cesmat's avatar

Donna, I guess sarahuckabeesanders could borrow carolineleavitt's cross and pretend to be a cristian, opening her house to the homeless, feeding and caring for them in their hour of need. she could enlist tomcotton, a senatorial millionaire to help clothe, feed, and provide medical attention for the poor. hey, don't the walmartians live there in arkansas? maybe they could chip in a few nickels? naw, they don't need blue state largesse. like any good republicans, let them pull themselves up by their bootstraps.

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Shelley Arnest's avatar

I guess she FAFO she's just like the rest of us. All those lies she told for him. At least she's not Giuliani. Lol. But her state is.

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Joanne E Gillespie's avatar

Notice the cross has been absent for some time now on national tv - guessing it was burning with all the lies she was parroting.

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Donna Maurillo's avatar

I'm waiting for Little Miss Press Secretary to stop showing off her gold cross. It embarrasses me that she wears it while parroting Trump's lies.

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William Farrar's avatar

Donna. I will answer your question, with a question. What are the chance of convincing a Muslim, that Muhammad was a pedophile, or that he couldn't have written the Quran as whe was illiterate.

What are the chances of converting a Muslim to Judaism or Christianity.

What do you think were the chances of convincing one of James Jones, people that he was a fraud.or Heavens Gate, that the idea that they would reconvene on Hale Bopp was crazy.

Cultists will do anything to rationalize, intellectualize their beliefs.

If the economy fails, and they lose their livelihood, they will blame it on 21st Century Jews: The libs, the trans, the immigrants.

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Donna Maurillo's avatar

I don't know. I've never tried to convert a Muslim, even though I have Muslim friends, I've housed at least one Muslim college student in my home during the school year, and I have in-laws who grew up Muslim. My Catholic church is also friendly with the local mosque, as is the Jewish synagogue.

I don't find any rationale for converting people to my particular religion, be they Muslim, Jewish, atheist, Shinto, Druid, or anything else. (Technically I'm a practicing Catholic, but I have so many questions that I'm really agnostic... because I have no answers based on scientific evidence. But I do try to live the words of Jesus because they make a lot of sense.)

I have no interest in trying to convince someone that their religious leader was a pedophile. During the time that Mohammad was living, it was common practice to marry girls off when they started menstruation. It was a way for parents to keep girls of childbearing age away from men who would take advantage of them. The marriages typically were not consummated for a few years, however.

Mohammad's wife was older than he, she was a successful businesswoman, and Mohammad never forbade her from working, and he never kept her cloistered at home. Those practices were created by misogynistic followers... as they also were practiced by many Christians.

I have among my family and friends people who are Catholic, Presbyterian, Muslim, Jewish, Evangelical, agnostic, atheist, Pagan, Quaker, Ukrainian Orthodox, Jehovah's Witness, Russian Orthodox, Unitarian, Greek Orthodox, etc. Why would I want them to convert to my particular belief system? I certainly don't have all the answers. And I know that for every prophet that I condemn someone can point to my religious community and point out several sinners.

The point of religion (or however you define a life philosophy) should not be to tell others that they are wrong. Rather, it is to find a belief system that works for you and helps you to become your best self. Warts and all.

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Callie Roth Welstead's avatar

I love this answer. I was terribly disturbed by the original comment but did not feel adequate to the task of verbalising why. Thank you for this.

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William Farrar's avatar

Great you have Muslim Friends, but that is completely irrrelevant to my statement that you aren't going to convert a Muslim to Jew or Christiian.

As regards Mohammads wife. Your are talking to someone who has been called an Apostate by Muslims, I have studied the Quran, hadiths even the biography of Muhammad by Ibn Ishaq.

Mo's first wife was a rich widow, then he betrothed himself to a 5 year old girl (Aiysha) and took her to bed when she was 9, personally I don't think that he waited that long.

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Donna Maurillo's avatar

Can you convert a Muslim to Christianity or Judaism? Can you convert a Jew to Christianity or Muslim? Can you convert a Christian to Jew or Muslim? Of course, there are instances where this happens. But not very frequently. My cousin was Roman Catholic when she converted to Judaism. My aunt was Syrian Orthodox when she converted to Roman Catholic. So, yeah... But not often.

As for Mohammad marrying a child, this was common practice in that time and place. In fact, it was common in many other places. Why? Because life expectancy was about 30-35 years, and procreating was necessary. Remember that Jesus' mother was 14 when she was betrothed to Joseph and became pregnant.

Even today it's not unusual. I have a doll made by a 14-year-old Afghan war widow. I often wonder what happened to her.

As for being called an apostate, have Christians never called you names for being the wrong religion -- or for being atheist or agnostic? Or misrepresented what you believe in? I certainly experienced that. But... oddly, I've never been told I was on the wrong path because I wasn't Jewish or Muslim.

It sounds like you don't particularly like Muslims and believe they are a cult. Or am I reading your post incorrectly?

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William Farrar's avatar

Conversions happen all of the time, But not conversions from Islam to Judaism or Christkianity. You did not address that issue.

So you stand with Muslims in cooking up an apology for a pedophile because "it happened all of the time".

Well It happened all of the time is a perfect excuse of slavery, slaughtering entire cities. Invading countries to steal their property, including citizens.

It happened all of the time, it was the custom then, is not an excuse.

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progwoman's avatar

Interesting perspective. Thanks.

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Pamela's avatar

Yes. They are dug-in like you read about.

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Joanne E Gillespie's avatar

Unfortunately, too many of them take glee in the fact that his cruelty is causing so much pain to so many. I think many will remain steadfast even when they feel the effects of his revenge campaign.......

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Victor Kamendrowsky's avatar

They were deceived by Rupert Murdoch and his mercenaries. Fox News capitalized on long standing resentments, and then used confirmation bias to fuel fear and anger. It was like a Clint Eastwood move all along: a bunch of evil guys drive you mad with anger, and then comes the powerful, righteous man, and justice is done. You don't need competent actors for this; all you need is individuals who look attractive on TV. While the act is being performed, the billionaire's agenda is being implemented.

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Yoka's avatar

After Hitler's defeat in World War II, some Germans still kept his photo on a wall in their home. You cannot convince a blind believer.

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Michael Roseman's avatar

I wonder if one of the reasons Trump fawns over Putin is because his cold, cruel personality reminds Trump of his father.

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

You know, Michael, you might be on to something there! He could never please his father so now he is trying his best to please putin! The one man who finds the orange man laughable and a useful puppet!

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Michael Roseman's avatar

It just came to me as I was listening to the Coffee Klatch. I guess there is no way of knowing, but it does seem to fit.

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

We all know how insecure the orange man is, so it definitely fits! He wants to be worshipped and adored, but not by his maga cult. He feels those people are beneath him and doesn't care two wits about what they think. He wants high society (those that never accepted him) and leaders around the world to worship and adore him. He will never accept that these people despise him as much as the majority of Americans do!

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Michael Roseman's avatar

A very accurate assessment of his character, Peggy.

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JudithMontreal's avatar

I agree, trump wants to be accepted by those who won't/don't like him. It's a failure, in part, due to his inability to bring to those relationships any commonality, particularly when it comes to; civic duty, patriotism, charity, honesty, altruism, intellect, appreciation for the arts and leadership qualifications.

He's low brow (fake gold tacky), no matter how much money he brings to the table. The mob boss with the doll on his arm. And all those stooges he surrounds himself with - dregs with low self esteem.

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

Judith, you described the orange man and his sycophants to a tee! Excellent!

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Jazz's avatar

Peggy, not just the majority of Americans!(LOL)The "red hats" in Greenland say Make America Go Away.......Canada feels the same. Each day, I'm reading a post, coming from a citizen of Germany, warning Americans about a familiar path.

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

Jazz, I know that is true and it saddens me. I hate that the orange man has alienated our allies and friends around the world. What angers me is that even though I did not ever vote for the orange man, I am tarred with the same brush as his maga cult! My fondest wish and hope is that we will get our country back from the gaping maws of these evil, power-hungry, hateful people! Keep fighting, America! It is so important to keep fighting and keep fighting hard! Stay strong and stay safe!

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Gary harmon's avatar

Good point Michael. I still think Putin has the "PEE-PEE" tapes. Cheers... GH

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Donna Maurillo's avatar

Whenever my friends had business in Russia, they knew that they should never do anything in a hotel room (or the bar, or the lobby, etc) that they didn't want to be used as blackmail. Cameras were everywhere. One friend took a shower and the steam covered the bathroom mirror... except for a small circular place in the middle. He figured that this was where the camera lens was placed.

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Shelley Arnest's avatar

Daddy issues

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Morgana's avatar

I think you might well be correct, too!

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foofaraw & Chiquita(ARF!)'s avatar

Happy Saturday!

'The survey found a two-thirds majority of voters thought Trump's tenure in office so far was "chaotic," and voters were twice as likely to say Trump's policies had hurt them personally as they were to say they helped them. A bare 50% share of voters said Trump had made the economy worse since taking office, and 55% opposed his tariff plans while 40% supported them.

Voters were also highly skeptical of Trump's efforts to seize power for the presidency: A mere 6% said the president should have the power to ignore court rulings, while 76% — including 61% of Republicans — said the president should not have that power. Only 21% thought the president should be able to eliminate programs enacted by Congress, and only 10% thought he should be able to deport U.S. citizens to El Salvador, as Trump has discussed doing."

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-presidency-latest-updates_n_68029ae0e4b01dc12d4bde68/liveblog_680be514e4b0f42cc7ebe5cc

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Michael Roseman's avatar

And the real, biting pain is still to come. Let’s see what the polls are like in two weeks, in a month, in two. Until polls that don’t show sunny admiration and love for Trump are outlawed and those pollsters arrested — or disappeared.

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foofaraw & Chiquita(ARF!)'s avatar

Hopefully, suddenly ONLY hearing wonderful things about Trump won't come as a surprise to those willing to see reality...finally.

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Leslie's avatar

Could you list the wonderful things you see about Trump?

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foofaraw & Chiquita(ARF!)'s avatar

Well...

1) He's very, very old.

2) He's too stupid to realize how stupid he is.

For his cultists? His every word, thought and action.

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Colin's avatar

If that happens it's time up for no47.

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Colin's avatar

It's essential the law is obeyed. A president who ignores a court order should be impeached. Better still have the office abolished and rely on the lawmakers choosing the leader. Then their electoral fortunes are tied directly to his behaviour. Meaning they will get rid of him if they aren't happy.

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Irishcoda's avatar

I love your poem and I hit the share button. April is poetry month, right? Have a good one, Michael.

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Michael Roseman's avatar

You too, Irishcoda. And thank you. It’s a silly, little thing, but mine own. Except for its ancestor, Rain, rain, go away . . .

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Dee of the Terrace's avatar

You gave me a smile so thanks Michael! I do enjoy do-dah and engage in it myself from time to time.

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Nancy Schwartz's avatar

Love the poem!

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Morgana's avatar

Re: Putin's kiss. With all of his misogyny and his horrid childhood, I shudder to think what T's fantasies might actually be. In fact, I know I'd never want to think what his fantasies might be!!!

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

Excellent!

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Pamela's avatar

Just as I thought. There should have been an "all of the above" choice.

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Daniel H Laemmerhirt's avatar

It's my fondest wish that The Bunkerboy goes to the New USSR. Pootin would IMMEDIATELY string it up! IN THE AIRPORT PARKING LOT!!!

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Donald Hodgins's avatar

How did we ever get to this point? A thought that crossed the minds of so many just before the end. Impending doom hides itself, for no one wants to admit their own personal extinction is at hand. The people on the Titanic looked into the darkness of the night and reluctantly accepted the fact that the North Atlantic would be their tomb. The panic of realizing another human feels life is better off without them in it, as the stench of burning human flesh lays heavy in the camp's air. The men of the Michigan's 7th on that expanse of open terrain as their commanding General uttered his last words; "Don't take any prisoners." The battle of the "Greasy Grass" serves as a warning to those who feel invincible. There are countless examples in history of men who thought they saw the light just before darkness swallowed them and all those who blindly followed their perverted intentions. We as a country are not on a ship although that sinking feeling is difficult to shake. Hitler's death camps are a distant memory, but are they really, and did George ever think all 210 men under his command would be dismembered by angry Indians after the battle of the Little BigHorn. Hindsight is always 20/20. What will be said about us after Trump? How about; "They should have known better."

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Klare K.'s avatar

Apparently, it hasn't occurred to Trump yet that there are the equivalent of LOTS of angry Indians out here who would just LOVE to dismember HIM! I wish Air Force One would fail to lift off the ground on the coming trip back home! Can't believe that finely chiseled, carved-up Melania went to the Pope's funeral as well! I wouldn't be at all surprised if the chapel (or church) didn't burst into flames . . . what with the antiChrist and his wife in tow overheating the place!

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Seldom Seen's avatar

If God were just he would reanimate the Good Pope Francis in his coffin, raise him up and have him strangle the American Antichrist from beyond. And hopefully someone would have their cellphone handy.

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Camille Kelly's avatar

They'd just blame it on Biden.

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Jan C's avatar

Imo that will NEVER occur to him, Klare. 1. He's incapable of seeing reality. 2. His inner circle will continue to drool all over him, which is all he wants.

If someone says something he doesn't like, he ignores it or has a tantrum.

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Seldom Seen's avatar

"Greasy Grass", DH. We're grading on spelling here.

A-plus for content, though! Fun! Count me one of the Angry Injuns.

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Cindy Wiggins's avatar

I chose Trump's use of fear to intimidate for the following reason. How is it possible that Andry Hernandez Romero, a gay 31 year old makeup artist who left Venezuela in fear for his life to seek refuge and safety on the shores of America, with an appointment to seek asylum, is deported to a brutal prison in El Salvador possibly for the rest of his life? This is a question every American needs to ask. Homeland Security and ICE are out of control. The degree of cruelty in how they operate rivals that of the Nazi Gestapo and the likes of Joseph Goebbels. Neither his family nor his lawyers have been able to speak to him or learn how he is.

I am sick to my core that this is what America has become. The Statue of Liberty has no right to remain standing because America is no longer the land of the free. The question is whether or not it will remain the home of the brave. There are a lot of cowards so far, mainly very rich quislings. I am in mourning for America and for all the victims of Trump's cruel, lawless regime. It is becoming the norm. No one is safe.

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JudithMontreal's avatar

Just to remind everyone; trump couldn't have committed any of these horrors without hundreds of enablers over the last decade. Of particular mention, republican lawmakers, currying favor or deluded by the reflection of the fake gold aura he emanates.

Republicans could STOP the carnage tomorrow. They don't. They are also deeply, inextricably complicit in every 'crime' and every death (USAID) that occurs since this monster has slimmed his way into the WH.

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Cindy Wiggins's avatar

Their best before date expired long ago. There will be desserts - just desserts in 2026. We will make it so.

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Michael Roseman's avatar

Painfully true. I wonder if Andry Hernandez Romero is still alive.

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Cindy Wiggins's avatar

It hurts to think about what he must be going through.

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Rich Penc's avatar

Agreed. I'm pretty certain that I, and we all, know what motivated that guy to come to this country.

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Gary harmon's avatar

Thanks Cindy. On May 1, 1945, with the help of their SS Guards, Joseph and Magda Goebbels murdered their six children and then committed suicide. Throughout history tyrants have shown themselves to be able to do their worst right up until the last minute.

Just saying... GH

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Cindy Wiggins's avatar

Alas. T'is to weep.

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Susan Iwanisziw's avatar

Well said.

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Marc Nevas's avatar

I think that what we will experience next Is a cabinet so overcome with infighting for power and position that as a working group they will lose the ability to work together. In the photo ops we see smiling faces, but behind those smiles lies murderous intent.

Trump has chosen a pack of hungry jackals to sit on his cabinet and as they experience frustration at the lack of attention from their leader, they will attempt to devour each other rendering the cabinet useless. A cabinet is formed to advise the President but in this case it is the other way around. Trump tells them what to think and what to do. A room full of overblown egos looking for approval from the king will inevitably dissolve into chaos.

Trump is dumb. One of his Wharton professors stated “Donald Trump was the dumbest goddam student I ever had.” He may know how to manipulate others, he does have an insatiable appetite for power and wealth, but he lacks the ability to lead and to govern. This is why I believe that the reign of Trump administration will be short; they will eat themselves up from the inside until there is no firm foundation to prop the government up.

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Marc Nevas's avatar

Jacob Knutson of Democracy Docket wrote, "Trump suffered at least 11 legal setbacks this week as judges blocked Trump from gutting the Voice of America media outlet, blocked the administration from removing people in Colorado and New York under the Alien Enemies Act, ordered the administration to comply with discovery requests from Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s lawyers, told the Department of Education not to implement anti-DEI measures, blocked Trump’s executive order about elections, stopped the administration from impounding money from cities that don’t comply with its mass deportation orders, and blocked the administration from ending collective bargaining rights for federal workers.” (From Heather Cox Richardson)

With this many obstacles being thrown in the path of the Trump administration, the pressure will become immense leading to finger pointing and attempts to assign blame. Trump will lose even more cognitive functioning as a result. The first one hundred days are over and so is the momentum of what seemed to be an unstoppable catastrophe. It will blow up in the faces of all involved. And now it is up to us to create a viable plan to replace this dystopian nightmare and carry us to the future.

Remember, the original meaning of the world “Apocalypse” is to uncover that which was hidden often followed by a sense of revelation. And now we see the extent of what had previously been hidden. Sooner than we think will be the opportunity to create something better for us and all of humanity.

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

Marc, what you said about it being time to create a viable plan to replace this dystopian nightmare is probably the most important issue to work on! It won't be enough to stop this regime, we have to be ready with a plan that everyone can get behind. We have to have a "mouthpiece" so to speak that will educate the majority about this plan. Someone that the majority will actually listen to! Our plan should include working towards an Economic Democracy, ending Citizens United, reinstating the departments and programs this regime has taken a wrecking ball to and building better, stronger guardrails to ensure this type of thing does not happen again! Our plan should be beneficial to ALL Americans, not just the few at the top. That will be a tall order for sure; however, without a viable working plan, we will be sitting ducks for someone even crueler, meaner, more hateful and angry to step in and take over! I do not know if the Democrats would be able to do that as their approval is so low right now. Perhaps Independents could lead the way on this one?

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Thom's avatar

There will come a time when the pendulum will swing back through the middle and when that time comes, there will be limited time to install stronger guardrails to prevent this sort of takeover from reoccurring. I believe we have emerging leaders to take on that fight and I think there will be more that will make their presence known.

I remain optimistic and I hope we don't have to wait for the mid-terms to see that change, but I fear it may take that long.

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

Excellent point!

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Callie Roth Welstead's avatar

Hi Peggy - I think Bernie and AOC have shown themselves to be good candidates for the 'mouthpiece assignment.

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

Callie, I agree with you; however, there are many that still would not get behind them fearing they are too far "left" instead of listening and understanding the message they are providing! I love what they have to say and agree with it 100% but not everyone will!

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Callie Roth Welstead's avatar

Agreed.

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Victor Kamendrowsky's avatar

How about this appeal: a return to sanity.

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Ron Harold's avatar

Robert Reich, I challenge you and your readers to read this and explain why Democrats are supporting Trump's "sovereign wealth fund" he plans to use to make his "stable coins" official U.S. currency? You're the great economist Robert, so PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY DEMOCRATS SUPPORT TRUMP'S NEW "SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND!"

https://pro.paradigmnewsletters.org/p/awn_birthright_0325/PAWN5356/Full?

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Donna Maurillo's avatar

Don't click. It's a sales pitch for bitcoin.

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Marc Nevas's avatar

TROLL

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

Perhaps they support it because it will increase their wealth as well?

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Ron Harold's avatar

you dumb bitch, fuck your trump-loving ass.

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Marc Nevas's avatar

TROLL ALERT

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Dr. Ruben S Cedeño's avatar

I like the question, can’t wait for the response ,

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Ron Harold's avatar

you're deeply committed to sucking Trump's butthole.

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Marc Nevas's avatar

TROLL ALERT!

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Ron Harold's avatar

Perhaps you could go fuck yourself, trump-loving bitch!

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Marc Nevas's avatar

TROLL ALERT!

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Gail Segreto's avatar

I think that administration failures are not a problem for a dictator. Many dictators have completely destroyed their country and still Rule. And all these legal setbacks mean nothing if he does not comply. And if he does not comply, who is going to force him? That’s the bottom line who is going to force him? Because he now has control of all enforcement agencies. I’ve said here before that short of a military action to end the coup and recapture the White House, I see this slogging on for a very long time. It grieves me deeply.

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Victor Kamendrowsky's avatar

Yes, Gail. Look at Myanmar.

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Ron Harold's avatar

Robert Reich, I challenge you and your readers to read this and explain why Democrats are supporting Trump's "sovereign wealth fund" he plans to use to make his "stable coins" official U.S. currency? You're the great economist Robert, so PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY DEMOCRATS SUPPORT TRUMP'S NEW "SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND!"

https://pro.paradigmnewsletters.org/p/awn_birthright_0325/PAWN5356/Full?

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Donna Maurillo's avatar

It's a pitch for bitcoin. Don't click.

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Ron Harold's avatar

you dumb bitch!

I'm trying to WARN YOU AND OTHERS about Trump's $150 trillion sovereign wealth fund!!!!!!! Trump put it on the White House website...right here: I'm asking Robert Reich to comment on it!!!!!! I'm not fucking endorsing it !!!!

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/a-plan-for-establishing-a-united-states-sovereign-wealth-fund/

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Marc Nevas's avatar

TROLL ALERT! DO NOT ENGAGE WITH TROLLS!!

Click on the three buttons to the right of it’s name and report it each time it posts.

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Ron Harold's avatar

fuck you up your stupid asshole!

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Susan Iwanisziw's avatar

Geez, if this is the sort of person you are, we should ignore you.

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Marc Nevas's avatar

TROLL ALERT DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS

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Dee of the Terrace's avatar

I live to see that.

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John Miller's avatar

I agree with you Marc; except I don't give them credit for the intelligence and cunning of a pack of jackals. But that will probably lead to even more internal dissention. I hope they devour each other quickly. Vance is part of the cabinet, so that's good. Musk is not, but he seems to be doing a great job of eating himself lately.

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Michele's avatar

Yes,the cabinet is useless, or should I say inept. Yes, the cabinet sycophants are fanatically cruel, but also they are unqualified in every sense of the word. But at this point, I am grateful at how dumb they all are, because every single mistake they make renders one more crack in their attempt at authoritarianism, and one better chance for us to gain more time and more solidarity to regain our democracy. More cracks...more time...

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GrrlScientist 🇺🇦's avatar

Professor Reich: i voted "how cowardice encourages tyranny" because this is the bigger lesson we can learn from this episode of history. (the other poll responses are also true, but very specific to this time and age.)

To comment on your discussion of Pope Francis ... yes, he was a flawed pope and flawed person, but at least he had the courage to speak truth to power, and that he actually cared about those of us who no one else cares about. (that said, i saw the film, the two popes, and was impressed! great film and it helped me to appreciate pope francis.)

i'm deeply concerned about how the US government is in the midst of a firestorm of incompetence and cruelty. every time i think agent orange cannot stoop any further, i learn that he's committed another act of cruelty ... for example, yesterday, the regime deported A TWO YEAR OLD US CITIZEN TO HONDURAS. more here: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/25/us-citizen-deportation-donald-trump-00311631

after that despicable act, i lack all words ...

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

GrrlScientist, I voted for how cowardice encourages tyranny as well. We cannot afford to give in to our fears right now. We must keep fighting as hard as we can!

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Donna Maurillo's avatar

I voted for that, too. I'm so angry with the cowards in Washington...

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John Lake's avatar

Heather Lofthouse said, "They're getting a high off of the cruelty." That sums it all up. CRUELTY is the one word that describes the tRump Regime.

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Michael Roseman's avatar

Very true! Cruelty is the point. For Trump, for Musk, for Vance, for Junior, for all of them.

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Ronald Podell's avatar

Yes. Because the cruelty is power. They are sadistic but empty emotionally. Power is self affirmation.

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Joseph H Ladarski's avatar

Heather Lofthouse can see exactly what it is.

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Michael Miller's avatar

The only real weapon Trump has is fear. He can’t use the law because he is usually the one breaking it! Fear of retaliation. Fear of financial ruin. Fear of endless lawsuits. Fear of public humiliation. As soon as people, corporations, universities, law firms and countries universally fight back, he’s done. He has no other weapons.

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Michael Roseman's avatar

Exactly.

“We cannot play ostrich. Democracy just cannot flourish amid fear. Liberty cannot bloom amid hate. Justice cannot take root amid rage.” — Thurgood Marshall

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Joseph H Ladarski's avatar

We need a stronger grass roots. 3.5%.

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Ronald Podell's avatar

Largely true. But not many people can overcome their fear. He is powerless when he is not feared or admired.

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I. B. D. Woods's avatar

Trump’s First 100 Daze?

“The Art of the Steal”

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Jeffrey T Filipov's avatar

I have always imagined that the word republican is the same as the word stop.

They just wanna stop everything and they don’t like progress and they don’t understand new things until they are the ones doing it, which is why I called them slow Democrats ha ha

Anyway, this got me thinking of a way to resist and so here we go

It has to be a bigger thing like in the old black-and-white movie, “The Day the Earth Stood Still”

I have an idea I am calling THE DRIVE IN.

I need up to 50 people. Minimum.

This is the idea :

On a specific day at a specific time 50 people in 50 different vehicles will all be on the same highway like say Route 128 somewhere in Massachusetts like Woburn or whatever where it’s pretty busy. (That’s always a busy spot in my area so a similar part of a higheay can be selected in any state)

At one point the lead vehicles which will probably be trucks are going to slowly be in each lane side-by-side and then slowly come to a halt right in the highway. It will slow everything down to a complete stop.

The other people behind these vehicles will all be with us. And we all get out holding signs or saying things that basically come to.

We will not move until Trump is removed. (Maybe someone tells like all the hospitals to use alternate roads that day)

At the same time, we need a News organization or two and people who are really really good at getting things to go viral on social media.

This could catch on all over the place and anyone watching it might do the same thing at the same time. In fact, maybe we should get more people and try to coordinate it over a couple of states at the same time.

We could let emergency vehicles go through, but we have to be prepared to be out there for a long time so you bring coolers and food and water and be prepared to get arrested and spend some time in jail. But if it works in enough people just stop everything Maybe it works.

Pamphlets with demands are handed out in stuck traffic. Signs are made to put up showing what this is. Even off a bridge if needed. And all the news and radio outlets are notified by people helping who we need to start it.

Thoughts welcome

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

Jeffrey, this should happen in all states across this country! That's what John Lewis would call "good trouble"!

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Jeffrey T Filipov's avatar

Well, then, I guess we need some help organizing it and planning it out. You can even have a way where the people in the lead vehicles can get out and quickly get into other vehicles and change their clothing and act like passengers who don’t know what’s going on, but those other vehicles are also brought in by us and they are just behind Vehicles so while they support it, they did not start it in there for the arrest will be minimal, but I have no idea. It’s a lot of planning with this so we really wanna do it. We have to talk.

Also, the demand could be something more available and reasonable like we will sit here in our vehicles and block traffic in all of these states until the Republican Party and peaches Donald Trump or something like that

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

Jeffrey, I think if you took this strategy to organizations like People Power United or Indivisible or one of those large organizations that work on the protests, they could help you with organizing and planning.

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Jeffrey T Filipov's avatar

I have always wondered who are the people behind things that just happen around me and so how do I reach these groups? Will they actually speak to me just one guy?

Feeling powerless is not fun

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

You keep at it, Jeffrey! Keep contacting them until someone will listen to you! Perhaps talk to Professor Reich and ask for his advice on how to talk with these people. Someone will listen eventually, just keep at it!

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Jeffrey T Filipov's avatar

I need help and that takes time and it’s inconvenient and we all have lives to live. Of course I will try but a lot of this feels like one of those situations where you’re just out of college and your parents happen to know someone in charge of a company and so they introduce you to that person and here’s the owner of the company talking to you and you’re just a kid that wants to work there and he tells you Résumé directly to him. And then you do it thinking that this will help you get a job and then he tells you that he sent it down to HR and you could contact them and see what they say.

This exact scenario happened to me about five times in the early days of coming out of college and it usually produced absolutely no results. I did get called in by one company, but the HR person was jealous that I was friendly with the owner and they ended up not getting the job there anyways. So it was a complete waste of time. Unless the people who run these organizations are willing to talk directly to someone like me then I’m gonna be banging on a lot of doors and spending a lot of time before I can get anything going and it’s just gonna be as frustrating as trying to talk sense into a Trump fan

I realize that a lot of these organizations might get a lot of messages from a lot of crazy people too, but like I said, I’m gonna need some help

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Michael Roseman's avatar

Maybe even better if it happened in more than one state at the same time.

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Jeffrey T Filipov's avatar

Correct. That would be more effective. So all we need is 50 people per state or maybe more so we could do several highways in these state states.

Now you’re probably gonna get arrest, arrested and definitely towed and obviously once there’s no traffic in front of you this will be where the state police come however, some of them might agree with you.

There’s gonna be a point where things like that are gonna change too. Where are the people who are running the services have to make a choice

The big concern with this is the fact that they are going to be emergencies and this will direct disrupt the ability for emergency vehicles to get to places so you could be held liable so a lot more thinking has to get done, but if this is well organized, it could be effective because once something like this starts, it can take hold and actually have it effect Only if everyone participates

But there have been plenty times when I’ve wanted to take my truck with my work trailer and just slow down on the highway and stop

I remember the funny scene in the movie stripes were Bill Murray did that with his taxi and just got out and let the old lady who was his customer grab her luggage and leave. He left his taxi on a bridge in New York and walked away.

But in this case, it wouldn’t be for fun and there would be big signs that explained things, and we would stand there as long as possible, holding them up

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Gail Segreto's avatar

Well, it would have great impact and be quite newsworthy, it’s still just another protest. Trump will simply delight in the excuse to arrest all these people. He will talk again about the derangement syndrome and make it into the exact opposite of what it was intended. This man, this horrible creature is not going to leave until he is forced. Votes are not gonna get rid of them. Courts are not gonna get rid of them. Only a forceful takedown of the entire White House is going to get rid of him. That must be followed by a purge of the traitors from Congress. We cannot make the same mistake as was during reconstruction. After the Civil War, they allowed the traitors to be part of the government. And because they were never truly crushed, their disgusting, intention and values were never purged. Of course that’s not gonna happen and we are going to slog through many years of cruel oppression. I certainly hope that those with a brighter outlook are correct..

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Jeffrey T Filipov's avatar

Sadly, I agree with you pretty much 100% and I think that nothing will stop him but what you said. My thing would at least stop Commerce, which is different than all the other protests so far. We have to make it inconvenient to go anywhere. As long as things are still easily done a majority of people are just gonna do those things instead of get out there and actually do something that matters. The one hand you don’t want to get violent or force people to do anything, but on the other hand, you have to force people to do something to get the engines going. Too many people think it’s not that bad or not yet or that he would never do this or never do that or that we should live with it and then there are so many people who think we are supposed to live with it and there’s nothing we can do so we just have to comply or die. It’s well crafted in that fashion, which is very annoying. This is why I don’t think Trump is stupid, but he’s definitely sinister and so yes, we have to come up with a way to get rid of this guy completely and All who support him and everything you said about the Civil War

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Rich Penc's avatar

The opposite of progressive is regressive. While "progressives" are being demonized constantly, why on earth would anyone choose to be regressive?

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Gail Segreto's avatar

Is the white fear of being a minority. That’s all it is that’s all I’ve ever been. Fear of the black man fear of the brown man. Fear of anything that’s not exactly like their little clan.

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Ronald Podell's avatar

Fear is only one element. The biggest motivation is the unconscious envy! They want the good treatment and help they believe the dems bestow on minorities.

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Jeffrey T Filipov's avatar

This is correct.

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Jeffrey T Filipov's avatar

Because we all must remember the mindset of these crazy people. They may be suffering, but as long as they perceive, you suffering more if they feel good about themselves. This is the sickness and this is why mental health is so important.

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Fay Wells's avatar

Suppose that a small group infiltrates 3 Mile Island and locks themselves inside control room. Unless their demands are met, water to cooling tower is shut off

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Klare K.'s avatar

Very bad idea, Fay. You should remove that as a suggestion. Messing with nuclear energy is a very dumb suggestion.

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Fay Wells's avatar

Dumber than electing a criminal as President?

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steve reed's avatar

try again

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Gail Segreto's avatar

. Proxy attack is not going to work. Not if it’s cars blocking a highway or a group taking over a nuclear plant. A direct attack on the actual enemy of the constitution is the solution that nobody wants to admit.

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Camille Kelly's avatar

You'll never get in, they have instructions to shoot unauthorized people.

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Fay Wells's avatar

Perhaps someone with authorization goes in first

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Jeffrey T Filipov's avatar

I like your style, but this is a lot more dangerous in case anything goes wrong, and the people are not qualified or trained in these kinds of scientific places. But it would definitely send a message.

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Fay Wells's avatar

Certainly, a lot of innocent people would be hurt if things went wrong, so the people in question would need to be experts in their field

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steve reed's avatar

support this news org and your state affiliate

https://statesnewsroom.com/

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Michael Roseman's avatar

Professor Reich’s anguish in today’s Coffee Klatch about what is happening and how close we are to a dictatorship is so papable. Even painful. And yet, hearing him give voice to what so many of us are thinking somehow gives me comfort and hope. Intellectually, I know I am not alone, I know we are not alone, but Professor Reich helps me feel that truth. Thank you, Robert.

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

Well said! Professor Reich's ability to state what we are all thinking and feeling is one of his most admirable traits!

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Patti's avatar

Professor Reich is my "Gov. Cuomo during Covid"... he is a big help to me emotionally!

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MJ Pramik's avatar

Do something somebody!!!

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Donna Maurillo's avatar

We are the "somebody" that should be doing something. How many of us have written letters to the editor? Or better, postcards and phone calls to our legislators? Or even better, participated in public rallies to show the rest of the nation and the rest of the world that not all of us are easily led? How many of us have stepped forward to make this fight a priority?

I am too old to worry about my own future. I'm in my eighth decade, now approaching my ninth. My worries are for my children and my grandchildren and for the others who come after them. When people ask why I do this, I point to the future and tell them that I'm doing this for the ones who will live with the results of my actions or my lack of actions.

I was proud of my father for fighting against the Nazis, watching as his colleagues were injured or killed. I was proud of the French Resistance as they took on the advancing armies from Germany. I was proud of the American revolutionaries who fought for the idea of a democratic republic instead of a monarchy.

We all admire these people and imagine that we would have done the same thing. But in reality, too many of us are afraid to act. And for that lack of courage, they will find themselves living with the awful results of their choice.

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

Donna, I can relate to what you have so eloquently said! I am old and I won't be around to see how this will all play out. I am fighting so hard for my grandchildren and future generations. I want them to grow up in my America - the land of the free and the home of the brave! I want them to learn about how very close we came to losing all that we hold dear in this country and how average, everyday American citizens brought this regime to a screeching halt! I am fighting this hard because my pops and granddads gave their lives to service to our country! They didn't die in service; however, they were prepared to do that. Their courage fills me with pride and gives me the nerve to stand up to these evil bullies! C'mon, America! Write those letters and postcards, sign those petitions, make those phone calls and get out there and protest every single time you can! We are in this fight together!

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Donna Maurillo's avatar

You are my heroine! I find that it's mostly people our age at these rallies. What happened to the young people? The college kids? The parents of young kids? Why do we have to repeat what we did in the Sixties and Seventies?

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

Because we can, Donna! We may be battle worn, but we know how to stand up for what is right! We follow John Lewis's advice and get into "good trouble"! I fear that young people are too involved in social media and don't have time to get involved. Some college kids are protesting but not nearly the number that did back in our day. Parents are too busy trying to keep a roof over their heads and feed their families to get involved in politics. What is sad is the young people, college kids and parents of young kids do not truly understand what is at stake here. So, we fight on, Donna! Stay strong and stay safe!

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Patti's avatar

I'm with you ladies! A 70 year old "good trouble" maker. Stay Strong!

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

WooHoo! We "old ladies" can still get the job done!

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steve reed's avatar

Its your children and grandchildren who have the most skin in the game. They should be doing something.Maybe you can help them to see this if they do not.

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Victor Kamendrowsky's avatar

Where are our Gretas? The kids in Montana won an astonishing victory. It has to be emulated in every state.

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MJ Pramik's avatar

Thanks for all you’ve done and are doing.

My daily practice: meditation and signing at least 5 petitions a day. And smile and speak hello to each immigrant I meet.

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Michael Roseman's avatar

That thought screams inside my brain every day. Morning, noon and night. Every hour. Almost every minute.

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

MJ, I have screamed this so many times! Maybe I am naive, but I keep looking for someone to actually do something to stop this horrible nightmare!

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Gail Segreto's avatar

I did have a thought that what we needed is some sort of a superhero to come save the day. With some sort of epic underdog, transformed into a hero. But with that thought, it seems clear to me that any of the names we already know, are not that hero

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Peggy Freeman's avatar

I know, Gail! Even with the fighters we have like Bernie, AOC, Elizabeth, Jasmine, Cory and others, I do not thinks that everyone will rally behind them! I don't know who that person will be, but I do hope he/she emerges soon!

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Gail Segreto's avatar

I think the military and Congress should change their oath. Because they certainly don’t take it seriously with regard to defending the constitution against domestic enemies.,

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A Glass-1/8th-Full Perspective's avatar

FDR gave us the New Deal

DJT is saddling us with #TheRawDeal

And it’s going to get more raw every day like having to go through all your old underwear before the next laundry day.

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Klare K.'s avatar

Trump IS old underwear, old, smelly, yellowed, soiled underwear! Wish they'd keep him in Rome . . . Wish they'd issue him an invite to the Lion's den and show him how it works!

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Dee of the Terrace's avatar

Those are the reasons that the WH will have to be fumigated when he is gone.

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Camille Kelly's avatar

They should be detaining Melania coming back as an immigrant with ties to a criminal, but we all know it's do as I say, not as I do for them.

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Ron Harold's avatar

Robert Reich, I challenge you and your readers to read this and explain why Democrats are supporting Trump's "sovereign wealth fund" he plans to use to make his "stable coins" official U.S. currency? You're the great economist Robert, so PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY DEMOCRATS SUPPORT TRUMP'S NEW "SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND!"

https://pro.paradigmnewsletters.org/p/awn_birthright_0325/PAWN5356/Full?

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Donna Maurillo's avatar

Don't even click that link. It's a sales pitch for bitcoin.

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Shelley Dickerson's avatar

There are trolls everywhere!

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Richard M. Wolff's avatar

All of the above.

Still about 1.5 months until the midterms.

More than 3.5 years until the presidential election.

He is already selling 2028 hats.

How much further will the Republicans allow him to change the rules concerning elections?

A Dutch historian who has written a book about the FDR years said this morning in an interview on Dutch radio that it looks like American isolationism is more the norm than the image of the USA reaching out to the world to protect democracy.

On 4 May we have our ceremonies to remember the sacrifices the Dutch endured during the German occupation.

The Dutch were not all resistance fighters. The Netherlands had about the highest number of deportations per number of people in Europe by the Germans.

We pay special attention to the role Americans had in freeing the Netherlands 80 years ago. A lot of very young American men are buried in Dutch soil.

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phil vandervaart's avatar

you are correct, sir although it was the canadian army that marched north from normandy to liberate holland, the american casualties came from market garden battle (a bridge too far) in the east of holland, and yes there was a lot of support for nazis within holland the dutch had thier own collaborationist police called the green police, they are the ones that pointed out the jews and socialists and arrested anne frank. my father was in dutch underground i was born in dehague 8 years after war, too many stories to tell here

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Ron Harold's avatar

Robert Reich, I challenge you and your readers to read this and explain why Democrats are supporting Trump's "sovereign wealth fund" he plans to use to make his "stable coins" official U.S. currency? You're the great economist Robert, so PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY DEMOCRATS SUPPORT TRUMP'S NEW "SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND!"

https://pro.paradigmnewsletters.org/p/awn_birthright_0325/PAWN5356/Full?

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Marc Nevas's avatar

TROLL

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Donna Maurillo's avatar

Sales pitch. Don't click.

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Cyndi Magill's avatar

Hi Folks...and one more thing....the arrest of a judge?? Are you kidding me? No one is safe. This country is going to hell in a hand basket....

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William Porter's avatar

I woke up this morning, pulled on some clothes, and went outside to fetch the newspapers. My local paper headlined on the front page the story about the arrest by the FBI of Hero Of The People Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, accusing her of helping a man evade immigration authorities. She is being charged with "concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest" and obstructing or impeding a proceeding. My first reaction was that we need a modern day Paul Revere to ride through every hamlet and village shouting "The ICE are coming! The ICE are coming! To arms! to arms!". The New York Times ran the story on the front page at the fold and in the continuation on an inside page quoted Trump minion Attorney General Pam Blondie-Brain as saying to Fox News that when someone obstructs justice by "escorting a criminal defendant out a back door, it will not be tolerated". I'm sorry, Pam Bird-Brain, but Judge Dugan did not escort a convicted criminal (like Pam's boss, felon Trump) out a back door. The person sought by the ICE abductors was not convicted in Dugan's court of any crime. She merely attempted to thwart the stalking thugs lurking outside the door of her courtroom who planned to seize the presumed innocent defendant in order to haul him off into what she feared would be oblivion. And the ICE agents did not have a criminal warrant signed by a Federal judge. The ICE kidnappers only had a flimsy "administrative warrant" signed by an ICE flunky. The federal charging document asserted that federal agents said that Judge Dugan was "visibly upset and had a confrontational, angry demeanor". You betcha. If I were the judge, I think that I would be a little bit more than just upset and a little bit more than just confrontational and angry. I would be livid. I would be shouting at the top of my lungs. I would be screaming at the m*****r-f**king goons until my face turned red. I would be making a real scene. I would not civilly tell them "This is the sort of impertinence up with which I WILL NOT put!"

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Paula Dean Coykendall's avatar

Robert and Heather - I can't explain why, exactly, but the Coffee Klatch has become my 'most essential' podcast/Substack ❤️! I look forward to seeing you two - and the possibility of seeing Michael - every week, and I'm never disappointed. You reassure me that I have not lost what's left of my poor, abused brain.

The community here is my favorite, too!

We should definitely consider May 1st to be "May Day" for America: both as an SOS and as a celebration of rebirth.

Peace, Love and Flowers!

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