The Iranian state may honor Ebrahim Raisi but he was a coward who hid behind lies and violence. His death is a moment to honor the brave Iranian women who protest the regime.
Where are our white scarves? Am I being overly dramatic when I say I am terrified of this November. I get the Trump base is unpersuadable but what about the others? How can Trump's popularity continue to increase? How can these politicians deny elections that haven't even occurred? HOw can they debase themselves by standing behind a liar, cheater and sexual assailant in court? And not just debasing themselves, but the very legal system they have taken oaths to uphold? Sorry..I'm a bit fractious today. Thanks for the continued great work, Ruth, and happy belated birthday.
"How can Trump's popularity continue to increase? How can these politicians deny elections that haven't even occurred? HOw can they debase themselves by standing behind a liar, cheater and sexual assailant in court?"
Fascist politics has the unusual ability to bamboozle people so thoroughly that their ability to distinguish fact from fiction becomes destroyed. The tribal leader polarized his followers against the outside enemy. Tribal solidarity becomes so strong that any sentiment from outside their tribe is seen as lies, while lies from within the tribe are seen as truth and sacrosanct. The goal of the fascist leader is to own peoples' minds. tRump has been extremely talented at this, as we've seen.
Steve, due to a techno glitch, I’m unable to ‘like’ the above. Allow me to thank you for your lucid, enlightening, words; so needed during these dark dystopian times. We’re in the midst, as you know, in what Dr. Bandy X Lee, MD, refers clinically as a “death spiral.” Most people are in denial about their own condition, one which contributes to this individual and collective spiral; which should be instead, at the very least, mitigated.
Hmm, perhaps we can take up wearing white scarves in sympathy with Iranian women and as a powerful symbol of resistance against Christian Nationalism and Trump's would-be Reich.
The truth? The trumpster is not gaining in popularity,. The media makes more money reporting about trump ad nauseum, so the pollsters assist them by polling those who "wish" to be polled, the maggots.
Fay….truth well spoken. I have long suspected “The Media” of doing exactly what you just said. The Trumpster doesn’t need to spend a dime on campaign funds. And why not when the media is giving it to him for free?!
The Mainstream press has more than a small roll to play in this. I discontinued my NYT subscription because I was so disgusted with the roll they are playing in walking the US into fascism. I am currently living in Europe and have joined Democrats Abroad. We are trying to plan a world wide Democrats Abroad march for democracy in the week of July 4. Marching is powerful because it is a visual demonstration that people care. If enough people march, it also forces the press to cover it.
Upon hearing the news of Raisi's untimely (yet fortuitous) demise, I couldn't help wondering how long it would take before the cowardly, authoritarian Iranian regime would try to blame Israel for the crash.
🚨
Iranian citizens, continue to bravely rise up! Win democracy & freedom for Persian people!
The world is full of out-of-touch old men old men ruling nations, although Raisi was particularly nefarious. Our only hope is our youth whose minds have not been cluttered with old ideas and their hearts remain open to the suffering of others.
Ruth, let’s also honor the Israeli and Palestinian women (men and children) slaughtered by Hamas (1200 + 250) and Zionist, fascist Israel (35k + 10k under the rubble and 1m being strategically starved, etc., to consummate the unfolding genocide. Space and time does not allow me to delve in the catastrophic disproportionate numbers . Today, my b-day, as an elder, I’m unable to celebrate while yet another
Holocaust, aka Nakba, (catastrophe) unfolds.
On “my’ day, I’m calling on Biden to resign, or await impeachment for complicity in the crime of genocide. This will allow VP Harris to assume the presidency; she is more than qualified, but held back as a woman of color; I’m assuming she has not been complicit in said crimes. Her husband is a Zionist, so is Biden; she is not. We have overlooked the role of racist, White supremacy and Western colonial settler contrived conflict/scheme; Palestinians are likely not considered as White as most Israelis who emigrated to Occupied Palestine.
For the record. I’m vehemently opposed to
fascist trump, but if Dems make the mistake of sticking fanatically to disgraced Biden, I will vote for fascist-lite Biden instead of the fascist on steroids who attempted a failed coup.
This is a time to nonviolently escalate, firmly and creatively, by any peaceful means necessary.
Each of us must take a stand, neutrality is not an option.
Rose, would you mind providing constructive criticism? Specificity is helpful. I find generalities are not. Radical actually refers to “root.” Seeking root causes of existential threats address issues at the core rather than perpetuate the status quo, Gen conviniéndote for the elite less so for the rest of us.
When the lives of so many are gratuitously threatened due to Hatred of the Other, a key element of fascist ideology, we gave no time to disingenuously indulge in bothsidesism; trying to please the victims and the
those engage in criminal conduct. I prefer to be “radical, as I define it, as oppose to pusillanimous, milquetoast, or a hypocrite; traits that the president has chose to represents. All lives are sacred, have equal value. Biden does not value Palestinians. That should disqualify someone in or seeking public office. Your comment seems as if a personal attack; not appropriate in this platform. I know who I am and do not need you nor anyone else attempting to label me to avoid the issue before us; as I recall, the need to honor Iranian, Israeli and Palestinian women . . . Considering that the Palestinian 1948 Nakba, or catastrophe was recently commemorated, we ought to at the very least not ignore it. Palestinian women suffered then and are suffering now; this their 2nd Nakba. Why the lack of empathy, the silence, the apparent indifference?
If you persist in what appears to be personal attacks I reserve the right to ignore them and/or report them as such. As you know, some use “radical” as a pejorative; it should not be.
Dear Ruth, do not censor your intuitions. Trust them!
Where are our white scarves? Am I being overly dramatic when I say I am terrified of this November. I get the Trump base is unpersuadable but what about the others? How can Trump's popularity continue to increase? How can these politicians deny elections that haven't even occurred? HOw can they debase themselves by standing behind a liar, cheater and sexual assailant in court? And not just debasing themselves, but the very legal system they have taken oaths to uphold? Sorry..I'm a bit fractious today. Thanks for the continued great work, Ruth, and happy belated birthday.
Linda…look at how those “congresspeople” outside the Trump courthouse dressed. Trump look a likes. Suit red tie etc.
All in lock step ( goose step) behind a dictator trying to score favorite points with him. Answers a lot of your questions! Liz
That was my initial thought when I saw the clowns dressed up like Trump. New American Nazi Party
It’s so scary. It just takes your breath away!!
Linda… I totally agree.
Evidently the (thinking people) crowd drowned out the parade of sycophants speaking.
Exactly!
"How can Trump's popularity continue to increase? How can these politicians deny elections that haven't even occurred? HOw can they debase themselves by standing behind a liar, cheater and sexual assailant in court?"
Fascist politics has the unusual ability to bamboozle people so thoroughly that their ability to distinguish fact from fiction becomes destroyed. The tribal leader polarized his followers against the outside enemy. Tribal solidarity becomes so strong that any sentiment from outside their tribe is seen as lies, while lies from within the tribe are seen as truth and sacrosanct. The goal of the fascist leader is to own peoples' minds. tRump has been extremely talented at this, as we've seen.
Steve, due to a techno glitch, I’m unable to ‘like’ the above. Allow me to thank you for your lucid, enlightening, words; so needed during these dark dystopian times. We’re in the midst, as you know, in what Dr. Bandy X Lee, MD, refers clinically as a “death spiral.” Most people are in denial about their own condition, one which contributes to this individual and collective spiral; which should be instead, at the very least, mitigated.
Thanks Robert. Death spiral indeed! A collective delusion vortex that seems to be based on the Dunning-Kruger effect.
Hmm, perhaps we can take up wearing white scarves in sympathy with Iranian women and as a powerful symbol of resistance against Christian Nationalism and Trump's would-be Reich.
The truth? The trumpster is not gaining in popularity,. The media makes more money reporting about trump ad nauseum, so the pollsters assist them by polling those who "wish" to be polled, the maggots.
Fay….truth well spoken. I have long suspected “The Media” of doing exactly what you just said. The Trumpster doesn’t need to spend a dime on campaign funds. And why not when the media is giving it to him for free?!
👍👍
The Mainstream press has more than a small roll to play in this. I discontinued my NYT subscription because I was so disgusted with the roll they are playing in walking the US into fascism. I am currently living in Europe and have joined Democrats Abroad. We are trying to plan a world wide Democrats Abroad march for democracy in the week of July 4. Marching is powerful because it is a visual demonstration that people care. If enough people march, it also forces the press to cover it.
Yes, honor those who are deserving!
In the words of one of America’s congressional female Judas Iscariot - One Down
Love it!
Amen, Joyce!
Authoritarianism is cowardice clinging to power.
Upon hearing the news of Raisi's untimely (yet fortuitous) demise, I couldn't help wondering how long it would take before the cowardly, authoritarian Iranian regime would try to blame Israel for the crash.
🚨
Iranian citizens, continue to bravely rise up! Win democracy & freedom for Persian people!
Not long!
The world is full of out-of-touch old men old men ruling nations, although Raisi was particularly nefarious. Our only hope is our youth whose minds have not been cluttered with old ideas and their hearts remain open to the suffering of others.
Incisive essay, Ruth. Thanks, and keep writing and speaking truth to power!
Thanks Ron!
Ruth, let’s also honor the Israeli and Palestinian women (men and children) slaughtered by Hamas (1200 + 250) and Zionist, fascist Israel (35k + 10k under the rubble and 1m being strategically starved, etc., to consummate the unfolding genocide. Space and time does not allow me to delve in the catastrophic disproportionate numbers . Today, my b-day, as an elder, I’m unable to celebrate while yet another
Holocaust, aka Nakba, (catastrophe) unfolds.
On “my’ day, I’m calling on Biden to resign, or await impeachment for complicity in the crime of genocide. This will allow VP Harris to assume the presidency; she is more than qualified, but held back as a woman of color; I’m assuming she has not been complicit in said crimes. Her husband is a Zionist, so is Biden; she is not. We have overlooked the role of racist, White supremacy and Western colonial settler contrived conflict/scheme; Palestinians are likely not considered as White as most Israelis who emigrated to Occupied Palestine.
For the record. I’m vehemently opposed to
fascist trump, but if Dems make the mistake of sticking fanatically to disgraced Biden, I will vote for fascist-lite Biden instead of the fascist on steroids who attempted a failed coup.
This is a time to nonviolently escalate, firmly and creatively, by any peaceful means necessary.
Each of us must take a stand, neutrality is not an option.
You sound a little bit radical yourself. Could it be your gender?
Rose, would you mind providing constructive criticism? Specificity is helpful. I find generalities are not. Radical actually refers to “root.” Seeking root causes of existential threats address issues at the core rather than perpetuate the status quo, Gen conviniéndote for the elite less so for the rest of us.
When the lives of so many are gratuitously threatened due to Hatred of the Other, a key element of fascist ideology, we gave no time to disingenuously indulge in bothsidesism; trying to please the victims and the
those engage in criminal conduct. I prefer to be “radical, as I define it, as oppose to pusillanimous, milquetoast, or a hypocrite; traits that the president has chose to represents. All lives are sacred, have equal value. Biden does not value Palestinians. That should disqualify someone in or seeking public office. Your comment seems as if a personal attack; not appropriate in this platform. I know who I am and do not need you nor anyone else attempting to label me to avoid the issue before us; as I recall, the need to honor Iranian, Israeli and Palestinian women . . . Considering that the Palestinian 1948 Nakba, or catastrophe was recently commemorated, we ought to at the very least not ignore it. Palestinian women suffered then and are suffering now; this their 2nd Nakba. Why the lack of empathy, the silence, the apparent indifference?
If you persist in what appears to be personal attacks I reserve the right to ignore them and/or report them as such. As you know, some use “radical” as a pejorative; it should not be.
Ruth…. Your article says it all! Perfect!
Especially the title!!!!
I come not to praise Raisi but to bury him.
You're probably on vacation and don't want to meet a reader, but I live in San Seb. PM me if you'd like to have a coffee. I'll buy.
I don't use Substack messages (too many other message platforms) but I will email you
This is our world in a few short years if we don't show up in November. Thank you for this essay about the women who continue to fight
Fantastic, as usual, Ruth! Keep on publishing, keep on talking, keep on making “good trouble” whatever you do!
The world is a better place with the Butcher of Tehran gone.