We have been warned! World Mental Health Coalition worldmhc.org I belong as a psychologist. VOTE to counter and end dangerous MAGA/Trump Republican madness.
Excellent article! Also, the dangling of pardons is witness tampering and some J6 defendants are now making noises about withdrawing cooperation. Donald is trying to derail the investigation now as well.
"...and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." - Article II, Section 2, Clause 1
Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. CICILLINE (for himself, Mr. TED LIEU of California, Mr. RASKIN, Mr. NADLER, and [see ATTACHED LIST of cosponsors]) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on...
RESOLUTION
Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
Resolved, That Donald John Trump, President of the United States, is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors and that the following article of impeachment be exhibited to the United States Senate:
Article of impeachment exhibited by the House of Representatives of the United States of America in the name of itself and of the people of the United States of America, against Donald John Trump, President of the United States of America, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him for high crimes and misdemeanors.
"Tyrants are always fond of bad men, because they love to be flattered, but no man who has the spirit of a freeman in him will lower himself by flattery" - Aristotle, "Politics", Book XI, written 350 B.C.E
I read your fine book "Strongmen," but I still cannot determine whether Trump has figured out all his authoritarian moves by himself, or whether others are advising him what steps to take. I recall reading that Trump kept (keeps) a book by Mussolini at his bedside, so maybe he has read Mussolini and learned that way. Maybe I'm underestimating Trump, but I have been assuming he wasn't capable on his own of figuring these things out. Does anyone have any thoughts or comments about this?
Thanks for your comment Lesley - but I would respectfully beg-to-disagree with your conclusion a little. To be living in a truly police-state environment entails far greater restrictions than we are currently living in in the USA which is nothing equal to those nations under the control of autocrats and/or dictators. For example, we don't have travel restriction between states, we don't have only state-run media, we don't have prisons and/or "re-education" camps for political prisoners, end of leader/presidential term limits (as in president "for life"), re-calling then restricting the issuance of passports, and many more examples.
So with respect - we here in the USA aren't "there" yet - but it could happen if we as citizens aren't aware and become more vigilant in guarding against and interdicting the creeping autocratic drift we are seeing as those we used to call the "fringe" are now out in the open and gaining ground.
So true. His son's comments on New York Attorney General Letitia James highlight the racism, anger, and desperation.
Separately, please do not use Mehdi Hasan's platform to make comments or interviews. He is a blatant antisemite as evidenced by his reporting on the new Amnesty International report calling Israel an apartheid state. This dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric should not be given any legitimacy. By appearing with him you give his platform legitimacy. I love your work and courage. See the danger of the far left too. History is rewritten and distorted by both the far right and the far left.
Def not as bad, however, I think police forces can target, harass, and murder a group or groups of people without consequence and with questionable due cause, sanctioned by local govt, then yes.
Surveillance on political groups as well as harassment is well established today and throughout our history by all of our national & int’l law enforcement agencies.
Lastly, Fox and OAN are state sanctioned arms of propaganda for the GOP in our govt. When the President and his admins directly influence the content, and the producers of the content directly communicate with top levels of admin, that’s gov’t prop regardless of its corporate structure that makes it look otherwise.
Ditto the ability for a small unelected group of people to direct the speech, actions, &/or platforms of a political party, govt representatives, and officials, to select nominees for highly influential positions in govt, and to write actual legislation that is passed in all levels of govt from local to national, then yes.
And when that group of people have in all of our history since the civil war limited or eliminated participation by groups of people in voting, and control the very system of government by preventing the fair representation of the people through legislation they in fact write as opposed to our actual reps, then yes, this is the rule of a nation by a small minority for their control and looting of the US- and one of their methods of the control of those who would dissent, besides disenfranchisement, is law enforcement. While the US appears not to be an authoritarian state, it actually has been by definition all along behind a facade of democracy. Benevolent authoritarianism may be a better description of the US IMHO.
What would you call what Israel is doing ? Kumbaya ? If it has feathers, waddles and quacks, it’s a duck. That’s like saying America isn’t racist. Give me a break. Mehdi is brilliant and always well researched. Ruth doesn’t need your advice. She is a brilliant, accomplished, successful educator of the highest quality. She is also an independent woman, that doesn’t need silly suggestions from a man.
Not criticism- that’s completely appropriate & needed. There is much confusion about the difference between “criticism” & antisemitism. This “confusion” is especially prominent on the left. People’s antisemitism is often completely blind to them. There is a long history on the left of not acknowledging many historical facts or distorting them in order to isolate & weaken Israel. Much of what is not acknowledged or distorted has to do with Jews and is antisemitic or if you prefer Jew hatred. The “any” criticism of Israel lament is baseless. Antisemitism is frequently not obvious. Mehdi is clearly antisemitic, he’s just very articulate and dresses it up. I suggest David Hirsh’s book “Contemporary Left Antisemitism” as a start.
(Elected) political leaders can pardon people for politics related crimes??........this should not be possible in a de democracy as it is an open ended invite for corruption and coercing.......
Even reading 'Trump's second term' chills me to the bone. He's doing considerable damage right now while out of office. Incredibly, he's doing it in broad daylight. The Russians on State TV have said blatantly: He's our guy!
What further red flags does the American electorate need?? This is a Fifth Column in our midst, not business as usual.
Yet the urgency of now has yet to make a dent in the fascist armor nor quell the talk of violence if upcoming elections don't turn out the way the TrumpHumpers want. One candidate running in 2022 has suggested MAGA supporters pull the plug on voting machines if they think the vote is going sideways. And bring their guns.
Trump's desperation is obviously being elevated by the multiple investigations underway. The question is, of course, will the investigations be resolved before Trump's acolytes wriggle their way into power and corrupt the system completely? Or will the majority of Americans who still believe in a democratic Republic join the shoulder-to-shoulder fight--a coalition of strange bedfellows--making sure the usurpers are denied power, fully outed, held responsible.
I agree with everything you said Peg - but - just a point of order with all due respect intended - the USA is NOT a "democratic Republic" - it's a pure _Constitutional_ republic (Article IV, Section 4 US Constitution).
It seems at every turn we hear politicians, media hosts and guests, etc., constantly refer to "our democracy" demonstrating that they either don't know or don't understand the type of government our Founding Fathers created for us under which we all live here in the USA.
In a democracy every (qualified) citizen can vote on any and all legislative agendas (such as in ancient Greece) - but in a true Republic such as is the USA - you as a US citizen don't go to a polling/voting station every time there is new legislation proposed to be ratified or amended before Congress (so YOU don't vote on them) you instead ELECT __a representative to that FOR you__ (hopefully in concert with your directives and wishes expressed to them) which is how a Republic works.
(and note - in case you may still have doubts about our form of government in relation to how to describe it [democracy, "representative" republic, pure republic"] - the proof that YOU don't vote on legislative issues before the Senate or House of Representatives but your elected representative does it FOR you - if they vote OPPOSITE of your wishes - it isn't your vote on proposed legislation [because you didn't have one in a Republic] that counts as it would in a democracy in passing or defeating this or that legislative agenda - it's THEIRS !!)
Your comment is understandable Peg (and quite forgivable) because civics and government is no longer taught in our schools - so do your part by (1) correcting your own usage when talking about our country's government and begin speaking of it as "our Republic" and (2) gently prod others to do the same :)
Hope this helps clarify
(and CAPS or __underscore__ was not for shouting just for emphasis)
It’s not the electorate ignoring the red flags that worries and really pisses me off - it’s President Biden, VP Harris, the entire Democratic Leadership Team (Pelosi, Schumer, Hoyer, Jeffries, etc), the FBI and especially !! the DOJ.
They are all responsible for allowing America to fall to the trump/republican fascism party.
All we - those of us who give a damn about this - can do is watch as it all burns down around us or, if financially able, leave the country before it does.
For those who’ll tell me to keep the faith & protest - I already call/email/write my useless, traitorous republican congressional reps, donate to the ACLU, Democracy Docket, etc and all the other stuff - and have steadily for years - but none of it matters if the president, democrat leadership, FBI and DOJ do squat or worse, are complicit. None of my protesting has made one iota of change in 5+ years. I’ll continue but with the knowledge it no longer matters except to me that I keep trying.
Peg, I agree. And I'll add there's got to be a vast underground plumbing system gushing with money like a river.
I agree about shoulder-to-shoulder. At least one neutral listening/conversation with someone in the checkout line. As under-rated as it is, kindness opens many common doors.
We still inside during these times, I am reminded of the many churches, many still standing where local patriots would meet, talk, share and plan to proactively act. Often farmers in tattered work clothes.
If they can do it, we can surely reach out peaceably to listen and talk with those we may not know.
The power of listening opens many doors.
I pray for the power of the silent majority.
And continued integrity of our taxpayers' elections.
Apparently, I’ve been requested not to give fire power to the GOP. Know very clear, my original post is in line with the law. Anyone who has served, knows what that oath means. My Allegiance is to the Constitution, Democracy and our freedoms. I live in a very red area, I know what I’m dealing with. I really don’t care what they think, or if I hurt their feelings. They are destroying our country, freedoms, future and children’s opportunity. It’s time to fight back……Howard. They’re going to hate us regardless. Get in the fight, or get out of the way. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Jason Stanley, Tim Snyder, Jane Mayer, Anne Nelson, Sarah Kendzior, Jenny Cohen, Olga Lautman, so many others. Get in line Howard, time to fight.
So, the author already has Trump doing a second term [God forbid]?? Unfortunately, if he is elected to a second term, he will become our autocratic dictator!!
Indeed!
We have been warned! World Mental Health Coalition worldmhc.org I belong as a psychologist. VOTE to counter and end dangerous MAGA/Trump Republican madness.
Great article. You described trump an authoritarian dictator
Excellent article! Also, the dangling of pardons is witness tampering and some J6 defendants are now making noises about withdrawing cooperation. Donald is trying to derail the investigation now as well.
"...and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." - Article II, Section 2, Clause 1
https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-2/#II_S2
.....................................................................
117TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. RES. ll
Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. CICILLINE (for himself, Mr. TED LIEU of California, Mr. RASKIN, Mr. NADLER, and [see ATTACHED LIST of cosponsors]) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on...
RESOLUTION
Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
Resolved, That Donald John Trump, President of the United States, is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors and that the following article of impeachment be exhibited to the United States Senate:
Article of impeachment exhibited by the House of Representatives of the United States of America in the name of itself and of the people of the United States of America, against Donald John Trump, President of the United States of America, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him for high crimes and misdemeanors.
ARTICLE I: INCITEMENT OF INSURRECTION
https://cicilline.house.gov/sites/cicilline.house.gov/files/documents/ARTICLES%20-%20Final%201030%20-%20011121.pdf
What and excellent article
We are living in perilous times
Thinking of DJT:
"Tyrants are always fond of bad men, because they love to be flattered, but no man who has the spirit of a freeman in him will lower himself by flattery" - Aristotle, "Politics", Book XI, written 350 B.C.E
I read your fine book "Strongmen," but I still cannot determine whether Trump has figured out all his authoritarian moves by himself, or whether others are advising him what steps to take. I recall reading that Trump kept (keeps) a book by Mussolini at his bedside, so maybe he has read Mussolini and learned that way. Maybe I'm underestimating Trump, but I have been assuming he wasn't capable on his own of figuring these things out. Does anyone have any thoughts or comments about this?
The book DJT kept by his bedside according to his former wife Ivana, was “My New Order” – a printed collection of Adolf Hitler's speeches.
And he knew them.
"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities: - Voltaire
...and "absurdities" abounded from DJT and his WILLING political and personal enablers prior to, including, and continuing beyond January 6th, 2022 !!
Get ready for a police-state if he is re-elected
We already have one and for a very long time now!
Thanks for your comment Lesley - but I would respectfully beg-to-disagree with your conclusion a little. To be living in a truly police-state environment entails far greater restrictions than we are currently living in in the USA which is nothing equal to those nations under the control of autocrats and/or dictators. For example, we don't have travel restriction between states, we don't have only state-run media, we don't have prisons and/or "re-education" camps for political prisoners, end of leader/presidential term limits (as in president "for life"), re-calling then restricting the issuance of passports, and many more examples.
So with respect - we here in the USA aren't "there" yet - but it could happen if we as citizens aren't aware and become more vigilant in guarding against and interdicting the creeping autocratic drift we are seeing as those we used to call the "fringe" are now out in the open and gaining ground.
So true. His son's comments on New York Attorney General Letitia James highlight the racism, anger, and desperation.
Separately, please do not use Mehdi Hasan's platform to make comments or interviews. He is a blatant antisemite as evidenced by his reporting on the new Amnesty International report calling Israel an apartheid state. This dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric should not be given any legitimacy. By appearing with him you give his platform legitimacy. I love your work and courage. See the danger of the far left too. History is rewritten and distorted by both the far right and the far left.
Def not as bad, however, I think police forces can target, harass, and murder a group or groups of people without consequence and with questionable due cause, sanctioned by local govt, then yes.
Surveillance on political groups as well as harassment is well established today and throughout our history by all of our national & int’l law enforcement agencies.
Lastly, Fox and OAN are state sanctioned arms of propaganda for the GOP in our govt. When the President and his admins directly influence the content, and the producers of the content directly communicate with top levels of admin, that’s gov’t prop regardless of its corporate structure that makes it look otherwise.
Ditto the ability for a small unelected group of people to direct the speech, actions, &/or platforms of a political party, govt representatives, and officials, to select nominees for highly influential positions in govt, and to write actual legislation that is passed in all levels of govt from local to national, then yes.
And when that group of people have in all of our history since the civil war limited or eliminated participation by groups of people in voting, and control the very system of government by preventing the fair representation of the people through legislation they in fact write as opposed to our actual reps, then yes, this is the rule of a nation by a small minority for their control and looting of the US- and one of their methods of the control of those who would dissent, besides disenfranchisement, is law enforcement. While the US appears not to be an authoritarian state, it actually has been by definition all along behind a facade of democracy. Benevolent authoritarianism may be a better description of the US IMHO.
What would you call what Israel is doing ? Kumbaya ? If it has feathers, waddles and quacks, it’s a duck. That’s like saying America isn’t racist. Give me a break. Mehdi is brilliant and always well researched. Ruth doesn’t need your advice. She is a brilliant, accomplished, successful educator of the highest quality. She is also an independent woman, that doesn’t need silly suggestions from a man.
Yes it’s very distressing how *any* criticism of Israel’s very questionable acts is “anti-Semitic” that’s extremely disturbing.
Not criticism- that’s completely appropriate & needed. There is much confusion about the difference between “criticism” & antisemitism. This “confusion” is especially prominent on the left. People’s antisemitism is often completely blind to them. There is a long history on the left of not acknowledging many historical facts or distorting them in order to isolate & weaken Israel. Much of what is not acknowledged or distorted has to do with Jews and is antisemitic or if you prefer Jew hatred. The “any” criticism of Israel lament is baseless. Antisemitism is frequently not obvious. Mehdi is clearly antisemitic, he’s just very articulate and dresses it up. I suggest David Hirsh’s book “Contemporary Left Antisemitism” as a start.
(Elected) political leaders can pardon people for politics related crimes??........this should not be possible in a de democracy as it is an open ended invite for corruption and coercing.......
Done. ✔️
Even reading 'Trump's second term' chills me to the bone. He's doing considerable damage right now while out of office. Incredibly, he's doing it in broad daylight. The Russians on State TV have said blatantly: He's our guy!
What further red flags does the American electorate need?? This is a Fifth Column in our midst, not business as usual.
Yet the urgency of now has yet to make a dent in the fascist armor nor quell the talk of violence if upcoming elections don't turn out the way the TrumpHumpers want. One candidate running in 2022 has suggested MAGA supporters pull the plug on voting machines if they think the vote is going sideways. And bring their guns.
Trump's desperation is obviously being elevated by the multiple investigations underway. The question is, of course, will the investigations be resolved before Trump's acolytes wriggle their way into power and corrupt the system completely? Or will the majority of Americans who still believe in a democratic Republic join the shoulder-to-shoulder fight--a coalition of strange bedfellows--making sure the usurpers are denied power, fully outed, held responsible.
The unknowables are terrifying.
I agree with everything you said Peg - but - just a point of order with all due respect intended - the USA is NOT a "democratic Republic" - it's a pure _Constitutional_ republic (Article IV, Section 4 US Constitution).
It seems at every turn we hear politicians, media hosts and guests, etc., constantly refer to "our democracy" demonstrating that they either don't know or don't understand the type of government our Founding Fathers created for us under which we all live here in the USA.
In a democracy every (qualified) citizen can vote on any and all legislative agendas (such as in ancient Greece) - but in a true Republic such as is the USA - you as a US citizen don't go to a polling/voting station every time there is new legislation proposed to be ratified or amended before Congress (so YOU don't vote on them) you instead ELECT __a representative to that FOR you__ (hopefully in concert with your directives and wishes expressed to them) which is how a Republic works.
(and note - in case you may still have doubts about our form of government in relation to how to describe it [democracy, "representative" republic, pure republic"] - the proof that YOU don't vote on legislative issues before the Senate or House of Representatives but your elected representative does it FOR you - if they vote OPPOSITE of your wishes - it isn't your vote on proposed legislation [because you didn't have one in a Republic] that counts as it would in a democracy in passing or defeating this or that legislative agenda - it's THEIRS !!)
Your comment is understandable Peg (and quite forgivable) because civics and government is no longer taught in our schools - so do your part by (1) correcting your own usage when talking about our country's government and begin speaking of it as "our Republic" and (2) gently prod others to do the same :)
Hope this helps clarify
(and CAPS or __underscore__ was not for shouting just for emphasis)
It’s not the electorate ignoring the red flags that worries and really pisses me off - it’s President Biden, VP Harris, the entire Democratic Leadership Team (Pelosi, Schumer, Hoyer, Jeffries, etc), the FBI and especially !! the DOJ.
They are all responsible for allowing America to fall to the trump/republican fascism party.
All we - those of us who give a damn about this - can do is watch as it all burns down around us or, if financially able, leave the country before it does.
For those who’ll tell me to keep the faith & protest - I already call/email/write my useless, traitorous republican congressional reps, donate to the ACLU, Democracy Docket, etc and all the other stuff - and have steadily for years - but none of it matters if the president, democrat leadership, FBI and DOJ do squat or worse, are complicit. None of my protesting has made one iota of change in 5+ years. I’ll continue but with the knowledge it no longer matters except to me that I keep trying.
Peg, I agree. And I'll add there's got to be a vast underground plumbing system gushing with money like a river.
I agree about shoulder-to-shoulder. At least one neutral listening/conversation with someone in the checkout line. As under-rated as it is, kindness opens many common doors.
We still inside during these times, I am reminded of the many churches, many still standing where local patriots would meet, talk, share and plan to proactively act. Often farmers in tattered work clothes.
If they can do it, we can surely reach out peaceably to listen and talk with those we may not know.
The power of listening opens many doors.
I pray for the power of the silent majority.
And continued integrity of our taxpayers' elections.
The unknowables are terrifying.
You’re right about the money - I recommend Dark Money by Jane Mayer.
You’re also correct about kindness & continuing to try.
Apparently, I’ve been requested not to give fire power to the GOP. Know very clear, my original post is in line with the law. Anyone who has served, knows what that oath means. My Allegiance is to the Constitution, Democracy and our freedoms. I live in a very red area, I know what I’m dealing with. I really don’t care what they think, or if I hurt their feelings. They are destroying our country, freedoms, future and children’s opportunity. It’s time to fight back……Howard. They’re going to hate us regardless. Get in the fight, or get out of the way. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Jason Stanley, Tim Snyder, Jane Mayer, Anne Nelson, Sarah Kendzior, Jenny Cohen, Olga Lautman, so many others. Get in line Howard, time to fight.
BRAVO!
!! Right there with you Art!
💕💕🙏
Thank you for your clear and true heart allegiance and oath to the Constitution. That is our common bond~~
Great analysis. History teaches us almost literally
So, the author already has Trump doing a second term [God forbid]?? Unfortunately, if he is elected to a second term, he will become our autocratic dictator!!
I was shocked about that too.
Dynasty
Lawrence Tribe on MSNBC suggested to AG Garland all the laws Trump broke in his recent speech.
Anyone think Garland listened? I don’t.
Woe to us if he didn't.