What makes you most anxious?
Right-wing politicians at the federal, state, and local levels, MAGA supporters, QAnon followers, book banners, radical pro-lifers, white supremacists, racists, Christian nationalist, antisemites, and those who would allow democracy in America to fail in order to make way for an autocratic, fascist, Christian fundamentalist theocracy, the Supreme Court, right-wing judges, Fox News, white-washers of history, the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, gun nuts, Bible thumpers, far-right and well-armed militia groups, and the beat goes on.
I’m not going to name names, but you know who I’m talking about.
This, That, and the Other 
Revolutions of Marquis De Lafayette |author Mike Duncan on tmr
Mike Duncan situates how his study of the Democratic revolutions of the 18th and 19th Centuries brought to the fore the role of THEE Marquis de Lafayette in these wars, traveling from revolution to revolution to deploy his expertise against the British and French ruling class. Duncan explores the patterns the revolutions of this era saw, the importance of a divided working class, and how Lafayette fits into these system, before a smaller conversation on what the revolutions of these eras actually entailed. Wrapping up with a broader discussion of revolutions, including those Duncan has written about in the past, and the systems and structures [leading to/that led to] them, situating … the current US.
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What makes you most anxious?
Dumpf becoming President. There’s no judge with the balls to put him away permanently.
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Isn’t that a pity. 😠
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Bragg’s good
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Totally agree!
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I try to keep the world out of my big bag of anxieties, but they creep in anyway. There’s a horrible lurking about climate change in the mix where I figure EVEN if we fix all the political stuff, our world is going to spit us out and we deserve it.
Meanwhile, we all wait to see if we’ve got COVID. There’s a general belief that we are all going to get it sooner or later. You cant hide forever.
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So far my wife and I have escaped, but except for us, nobody’s wearing masks anymore. They think it’s over. But it’s here to stay and is gonna get each of us at some point.
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That’s probably why all the people who never got it are finally getting it. A few people wear masks and they are required in most medical facilities — but not all. So now we are waiting to see if WE have it. What will be, will be. I think there is an inevitability about it at this point. It’s going around. You can run but you can’t (effectively) hide.
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Remember Trump answering that P.T. Barnum is a comparison that he likes for himself? I haven’t seen the movie, but I just now looked up what The Greatest Showman was based on (intuiting it was about Barnum when I saw a graphic). Released in 2017, many people find it inspiring. Sadly.
P.T. Barnum and Abraham Lincoln are both credited with having said some form of “You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” To say that either is credited with saying it would be technically correct.
Aug 31, 2016
https://www.nwaonline%5Bdot%5Dcom › aug
Actually, I will share (in an upcoming comment) that there is no record of him saying THAT.
https://quotefancy.com/quote/1083005/P-T-Barnum-You-can-fool-most-of-the-people-most-of-the-time
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I put “[dot]” in the first of the above apparent links, to make it not a link. Fail; this hack has apparently been overridden by software (not making it an actually functioning link nevertheless). Also, I said there’s “no record of him saying THAT” (by which I meant Barnum).
https://www.news-leader.com/story/opinion/readers/2015/08/20/letter-trump-candidate-pt-barnum/32063031/
Letter: Is Trump a candidate or P.T. Barnum?
Janice Bond, Springfield
Not since “The Music Man” Professor Harold Hill marched into “River City” with “76 Trombones” blaring has Iowa welcomed a flim-flam artist with such abandon.
Donald Trump is the P.T. Barnum of politics, banking on his mentor’s truism that “a sucker is born every minute!”
His gigantic ego is not as disturbing as his childish behavior, or his vindictive personality.
~
He promises that his “Art of the Deal” leverage will be his most effective weapon to mislead, find loopholes and outmaneuver his way to “make America great again.” Then, he boasts about all the people he took advantage of while working his magic.
I can only imagine what his insulting logic, applied to his deep religious faith would be: “I like Gods who don’t get crucified!”
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Amongst the text of the article below, at the website itself,
there is this information for a photograph:
President Trump during a press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda at the Three Seas Initiative Summit in Warsaw, Poland on July 6, 2017. (Photo by Karol Serewis/Gallo Images Poland/Getty Images)
President Trump, This Way to the Egress
BY MICHAEL WINSHIP | JULY 6, 2017
https://billmoyers.com/story/donald-trump-learned-pt-barnum/
Trump Bet Americans Would Like His Un-Presidential Antics.
He May Be Right. …
BY NEAL GABLER | JULY 13, 2017
~
In short, Republicanism lite [is where Democrats landed].
And then there is the analysis of [a] Times columnist … inaptly titled “What’s the Matter With Republicans?” because it really was aimed at what’s wrong with Democrats, since in his view nothing really seems to be wrong with the GOP. Republicans subscribe to traditional American values forged on the frontier, things like self-reliance and self-sufficiency, independence, loyalty, toughness and virtue; Democrats seemingly do not.
None of these criticisms is new. In fact, they are pretty hoary. But they actually seem a lot less persuasive now that Donald Trump is in the White House. There has never been a president whose values are so antithetical to traditional American ones — never one less self-reliant, loyal, tough, disciplined, religious or virtuous — so the argument doesn’t hold much water to me.
I want to suggest something else entirely that helps explain the love for Republicans and Trump in the supposedly old-fashioned precincts of the South, Midwest and West. I want to suggest that beneath or beside these so-called “traditional” frontier values — which we ourselves promote so self-aggrandizingly — there’s another set of values, no less American, and probably much more so. According to some historians, they, too, were forged on the frontier as a form of survival.
They have nothing to do with the Protestant ethic — quite the contrary. They are not values of virtue but of success, promoting deception and the fast con, easy cash, hustling and the love of money. If the first set of values might be called “Algeresque,” after Horatio Alger, the popular 19th-century American author who wrote stories about poor ragamuffins rising to great wealth through hard work, this second set might be called “Barnumesque,” after P. T. Barnum, the 19th-century promoter, hoaxster and circus impresario, who played on his countrymen’s gullibility.
As Michael Winship wrote on this site recently in astutely pointing to Trump’s hucksterism, Trump is a chip off of P.T. Barnum’s block. I’d like to focus here on something else: Unfortunately, he isn’t the only one.
Of course, no one wants to come right out and say that America is a land of hustlers, least of all politicians and pundits. It is a kind of sacrilege. Everyone prefers the Alger scenario of social mobility, which historian Henry Steele Commager described as one in which “opportunities lie all about you; success is material and is the reward of virtue and work.” This is one of the bulwarks of America. To say otherwise is to engage in class warfare, and class warfare, we are often told by conservatives, is a betrayal of American exceptionalism.
But as much a bulwark as this is, just about everyone also knows it isn’t exactly true — even, it turns out, Horatio Alger himself. “He constantly preached that success was to be won through virtue and hard work,” writes his most perspicacious biographer, John Tebbel, “but his stories tell us just as constantly that success is actually the result of fortuitous circumstance.” Or luck, so long as you aren’t lucky enough to be born rich. Those idlers — the Trumps of the world — are Alger’s villains.
Perhaps it was because the American dream was so riddled with inconsistencies, contradictions and outright lies that Americans constructed (and lived) an alternative in which success goes not to the industrious but to the insolent. This is the thesis of historian Walter McDougall’s provocative story of the early republic, Freedom Just Around the Corner. As he writes, it is the unexceptionalism of so many Americans that really makes America exceptional.
“To suggest that Americans are, among other things, prone to be hustlers,” McDougall notes, “is simply to acknowledge Americans have enjoyed more opportunity to pursue their ambitions by foul means or fair, than any other people in history.” And: “Americans take it for granted that ‘everyone’s got an angle,’ except maybe themselves.” This idea, that you succeed through grift and guile, has …
{… dawned on me (Marleen) rather late, but before Drumpf. I found it’s oppressive presence in my individual life experiences at approximately exactly the same time as the 2000 political scene was playing out, then both parallel onward as we headed into Iraq based on lies.}
~
Trump has gambled that many Americans would enjoy his unpresidential, con-man antics. He hasn’t entirely won that gamble. Most Americans don’t. But there are enough who do, especially among Republicans, to let him wreak havoc. After all those years of our hearing Algeresque bromides, President Barnum is now in charge, and he is working hard to reveal America as one great big con game.
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https://billmoyers.com/story/president-trump-impeachment/
Back when P.T Barnum displayed his many wonders to the millions who visited his American Museum in New York City — everything and everyone from tiny General Tom Thumb to the bogus Fiji Mermaid (a monkey’s head and torso stitched to the tail of a fish) — he noticed that many ticket holders, each of whom had paid a quarter apiece, were spending far too much time loitering and gawking at the exhibits. So he had signs posted that read, “This way to the egress.” Thinking they were going to see yet another of Barnum’s curiosities, sightseers followed the signs and were startled to find themselves out on the street.
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My own application of this song:
Riverside (of Poland): “I’m done with you”
So you’ve always been on my side
You’ve always been my “friend”
…….
You have to make me aware
Tell me I lost my way
You are not my judge
You are not my God
You are not my own CEO
Why don’t you simply shut your mouth
And take your poison from my soul
Far away
Why do you want to tell me what to do?
Who do you think you are?
Do you not realise it’s my choice, it’s my life
Yeah, draw me a chart, make an action plan, outline a strategy
Educate me, cause I clearly
Don’t undеrstand
And you’re so clever
You arе not my judge
You are not my God
You are not my own CEO
Why don’t you simply shut your mouth
And take your poison from my soul
Far away
Far away
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20 years on, should George W.
Bush be on trial for Iraq | MSNBC
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WATCH HEROS Stand Up to Iraq War Machine
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‘I don’t know how to explain the war to myself.’
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This is about two thirds of an email that came from my insurance company, today (with the rest offering a link, to watch an official ceremony, then ending with a direct thank you). I wonder why we can’t find a place of comprehension — on a large enough scale in our country to do better in this area — that doesn’t blame the drafted troops but doesn’t decide not to blame or question anyone. There are enough people alive to remember our escapade in Vietnam (etc.) to have put forth skepticism of later violent adventures, even now.
Fifty years have passed since the final American military forces left Vietnam and our remaining prisoners of war were returned. Even after the passage of five decades, we still owe these veterans a large debt of gratitude.
During the conflict, political controversy and disagreement were sadly misdirected toward those who had admirably served our nation. When these brave warriors returned from Vietnam, they received neither a hero’s welcome nor appreciation for their service that they deserved, but instead got apathy, anger and hate. Disappointingly, many were left to struggle alone with self-doubt, shame and the memories of those left behind.
After their wartime service ended, these unsung heroes went to work, served in government and became involved in their communities. Vietnam War-era veterans went on to lead Fortune 500 companies, direct Oscar-winning films, create a prominent computer-programming language, map the human genome and many other outstanding accomplishments. Today, there are approximately 6 million living veterans from the Vietnam era – more than 30% of America’s veteran population.
March 29 – National Vietnam War Veterans Day – is dedicated to these heroes.
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How Neil Young Came to
Write OHIO After Kent State
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🤯 He’s coming forth, here, as more positive (in 2004) or less challenging (or more hopeful or naive) than the way the introduction (almost thirteen years later) I quoted comes off (in my opinion). Yet, it might be more challenging in a way to me, personally; and it’s my habit to entertain such. Actually… by the end, he gets more real. Much of what was already quoted is in the first 24 minutes.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?181954-1/freedom-corner
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https://www.fpri.org/article/2004/04/freedom-just-around-the-corner-an-excerpt/
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Don’t forget Ron Desantis. Be very afraid America if you have not yet realized how dangerous he is. One of his latest stunts was a mandatory order that all female student/athletes in Florida High Schools & Colleges to start recoding their menstrual cycles in order to compete in sports. I kid you not. Fortunately it was voted down but it shows you the lengths he is going to just to see what he can get voted in. Take a look at what he has got passed right here: – https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a42888929/ron-desantis-banned-list/
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Yes, he is very dangerous and I’m pretty sure he’s going to win the GOP nomination for a run in 2024 and may even win the general election and be our next president (or our first dictator).
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😡
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I’m not even American, and all those names have given me PTSD. I swear! Being off Twitter I haven’t heard much about them. I had forgotten about them for a bit =/ Oh well, life goes on, lol
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I could agree with that list.
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Yup! Agree 100 percent with all of this, Fandango!
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https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/WhctKKZPCQBBcPlVGqJVxtVnqcvVGzKjZmstBxWGgBqxBtLRgLZxssZkqnGtXMKDBbmXXCl
(New York Jewish Week) — Congregants lined up in the morning cold outside the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in the Upper West Side as the dawn broke Tuesday. Many of them held signs in support of Israel as well as supplies for the long day ahead as they boarded a large tour bus headed for Washington, D.C.. “This is an important act of unity and solidarity,” Rabbi Dalia Samansky told the passengers as the bus slowly made its way toward the March for Israel rally at the National Mall, as tens of thousands of other Jews from around the country headed toward the event.
A liberal Jewish cantor, Daniel Singer, then played a rendition of “Tefilat haderech,” or “A prayer for the road,” on an acoustic guitar. The congregants said they were inspired to make the long, trafficky trip to the rally to support the hostages held by Hamas, publicly back Israel, and take a stand against antisemitism as anti-Jewish discrimination surges in New York and elsewhere amid the fallout from the war. After event organizers announced a historic turnout of nearly 300,000 people at the rally, the participants said the event had bolstered their spirits and made a powerful statement in support of Jewish solidarity and Israel’s cause.
The group of marchers included amazingly, even some Stephen Wise Reform Jewish synagogue members, who occasionally even attend public services. The contingent ranged in age from high schoolers to the elderly. But also included several family groups. Reported that lady “Rabbi”, Ammiel Hirsch, of Stephen Wise Reform said: “I’m joining because I see the scary rise of antisemitism and I’ve been talking to people, and it’s just heartbreaking.” Despite the fact that Liberal Judaism has a long tradition of disgrace which actually encourages Jewish assimilation and intermarriage. And has an anti-Israel platform that more closely resembles to that of Neturei Karta.
Assimilated Reform, Maxine Albert, now sings a different tune: “People are telling me that they’re not wearing anything that identifies them as Jewish.” “It scares me and I want to stand up,” she added. Ms “rabbi” Rabbi Samansky said the rally came as many congregants felt increasing pressure over their support for Israel, as many activists clamor for Israel to accept a ceasefire with Hamas and the memory of the terror group’s Oct. 7 atrocities fade from the public discourse. Many of the congregants also felt isolated and abandoned by their former allies on the left due to the lack of a condemnation for antisemitism, Samansky added.
“A lot of our congregants are really struggling with their own place in the world, their own place in the social justice world that they have believed and been a part of for so long, while also dealing with their fear of being Jewish right now,” she said. “More and more congregants are saying, ‘Should I wear my star? Should I have my mezuzah be so prominent?’” “It’s so important to be at this [rally] to say we have a right to be Jewish, we have a right to be proud to be Jewish, we have a right to support Israel, and Israel has a right to be proud and to defend itself,” she said.
Several congregants said that the defaced and ripped up hostage posters around New York City were a reminder of the hostility around them, and some compared the tense atmosphere in the city to the rising antisemitism in prewar Europe. A number of attendees also cited the hostile atmosphere on college campuses as a worrying harbinger for the future. “When I was growing up, it was [shortly] after the Holocaust, so antisemitism wasn’t considered to be mainstream. It had to be hidden,” said Joyce Goldwyn-Spencer. Now, she said, “so much time has passed and they have the excuse of using Israel, blaming Israel.” “I think there is a sense of awakening,” said congregant Debra Warren, saying some U.S. Jews had become aware of “the Jew hatred that’s probably been simmering under the surface that’s now bubbled above the surface.”
Alas, these Reform Liberal Judaism “rabbis”, fail to connect the dots between Jewish assimilation and intermarriage – to the return of mass Jewish antisemitism. The Reform platform which promotes “Social Justice”, but dismally fails to warn the Jewish people that assimilation and intermarriage violates the 2nd Sinai commandment. Jewish worship of avoda zarah, the Prime First Cause of antisemitism in the world today.
The congregants firmly backed Israel’s need to defeat Hamas while mourning the Palestinian victims. But continue to blame Jerusalem, (Not in our Name, sorry excuse) for the toxic Dhimmi/Jewish discourse surrounding the conflict. The ignorance of the Israeli government for its lack of nuance, refusal to surrender and transform the 6 Day ’67 War into a national defeat before victorious Arab armies, (according to the words of Nasser). The poor understanding of radical right-wing Government over “complex issues” at play. The Liberal Jewish demand to divide both Israel and Jerusalem into two separate states and make a forced population transfer of Jewish settler populations living in Samaria.
After the five-hour drive, the Reform synagogue’s bus pulled into a parking lot at FedEx Field in North Englewood, Maryland, some nine miles east of the National Mall. The congregants spilled onto the asphalt to join throngs of other Jews and allies; the Stephen Wise group mostly broke apart as they mixed in with the thousands who made their way to the rally via shuttle, subway, taxi and on foot.
The masses in attendance at the rally included secular Jews and non-Jews, Haredim, school groups in matching shirts and Israelis navigating the crowds in Hebrew. Youths from the Chabad movement manned a tent, putting tefillin on passersby and handing out yellow balloons to high schoolers as young men wearing kippot danced in a circle nearby. Many in the crowd, framed on the lawn between the White House and the Washington Monument, carried U.S. and Israeli flags and photos of hostages.
The crowd fell silent as families of the captives spoke, with some in the audience breaking into tears. The crowd size — likely the largest Jewish gathering in U.S. history — was a powerful message for the congregation. Several assimilated Reform congregants said the support from public officials and non-Jews inspired confidence, despite the growing antisemitism plague. “I never thought that we would need to do this [protest] but the time is now so I’m glad to be there,” said Reform congregant Michael Sherman, adding that he was cheered by “Jews putting arms around each other, helping each other — secular, Orthodox.”
On the way back to the parking lot, young Israelis and Haredim alighted on the subway together as a group of high schoolers sang. The Stephen Wise delegation boarded the bus back to New York, and the cantor, Singer, played “Oseh Shalom” as two teenagers passed out bags of chocolate chip cookies to the weary congregants. “This isn’t 1939. We’re not going to stay silent in the face of antisemitism. We are going to stand up, we are going to protect ourselves and be proud of who we are,” Samansky said. “We’re determined to continue speaking out and being present and reminding the world that we are here and we have the right to be here.” The complete and utter silence over the disaster of Jewish assimilation and intermarriage – the elephant in the china closet – totally ignored.
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