Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
I’ve been struggling these past months to cope with the ever-swelling horrors of the Trump administration. It’s increasingly difficult to wrap my head around the staggering levels of corruption, viciousness, and pure evil practiced by apparent human beings leading our government. Not to mention, the convivial corruption, viciousness, and pure evil practiced by people seemingly enraptured by the cult of trump.
How in the fuck did we get here?
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Until now, I’ve never had any direct experience with living under authoritarianism. However, through both my first and present wife I’ve learned what that life is. Although I grew up in a democracy, I now recognize the key difference between authoritarianism and democracy.
It’s all about living in fear.
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
I have been horrified by the train wreck of trump’s nominations for leadership positions in his future administration. While I did not expect much integrity or competence from anyone willing to work for trump, these cabinet posts nominees already exceed my expectations.
Both of my North Carolina senators are Republicans. So, I guess I shouldn’t expect too much of them. But in the fleeting hope that they have some integrity, I decided to write them a letter expressing my feelings. So, here is my open letter to my senators on trump’s nominees.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Just like clockwork, I’m hearing Democrats mouthing the tired old tropes of “if Trump and the Republicans screw up badly enough, people will start electing Democrats.”
Oh, Really? So, what will it take?
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Way back in 2016, after Trump “won” the presidential election through minority vote, there were a number of experts on authoritarianism speaking out on the results. One particular writer, Masha Gessen[1], summarized three principles:
Gessen was absolutely correct, and his predictions are still playing out eight years later. Especially, “Your institutions will not save you.”
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Last Thursday a jury of twelve New Yorkers decided Donald J. Trump was guilty of 34 felonies. After a lifetime of cheating, stealing, lying, manipulating, and generally being a wretched, reprehensible excuse of a human being, Trump was finally held accountable for his actions.
Since then we have been treated to wall-to-wall nonstop wails of outrage from Trump over the unfairness of being treated like any other American citizen. Even more amazing are the wails of outrage from Republicans. Amazing, because I’m so old I can remember when Republicans claimed to be the party of Law and Order.
From the pages of current news comes several examples of Republicans going up (down) in flames. I keep thinking this is like watching a movie of disaster in slow motion while cute puppy dogs run around yipping at everything and providing comic relief. It’s funny in the sense that the typical Republican official has become so wacked out they don’t even realize how crazy they sound to normal people.
Also too; how mean-spirited, cruel, and just completely out-of-touch with the norms of civilized society these folks seem. So, I feel no remorse in laughing at their self-inflicted immolation.
Four years ago today, I penned a post titled “The Last Week of Obama’s Presidency.” In that post I reflected on the eight years of the Obama administration as it came to an end, his successes and his misses. I also discussed my admiration for then-President Barak Obama as a person. In particular, I commented on how President Obama never once gave in and reacted spitefully to republican-led attacks against him no matter how vile and personal.
I continue to admire former President Obama and his family. I cannot say the same about Twice Impeached Pres*dent trump. The nicest thing I can say about trump is that Wednesday will mark the end of an error in American History.
So today, Saturday January 9, 2021, ends a week I could once never have imagined. Wednesday evening I sat in front of my TV transfixed, watching scenes of our National Capitol being overrun and trashed by rioters. Then video clips of national leaders speaking out. Then a clip of Pres*dent trump telling the rioters “Go home, I love you all.” Then more clips of rioters and a woman shot.
What a painful week for anyone who continues to love this country.
Have You Seen The Stars Tonight?
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Today is officially “No Kings Day.” This is the day we – again – protest against the monster in the White House. Now with music to fit the occasion.
I started writing this post as an angry screed against our wanna-be king trump. The music I looked for was angry music, filled with defiance and rage against the would-be two-bit penny-ante dictator and his sycophants currently running our nation. Music that would fit the mood of a national protest against Trumpism and the hate-filled monsters who’s life goals are seemingly built around destroying the lives of other people who just want to live free and build a better life for their children.
But, then, I realized I was taking the wrong road.
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Jefferson Starship No Kings trump