29 Comments

I love this one, Ruth. You really get into the weeds.

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Fabulously written. So well explained. TOP!! It's all there, in black-and-white print, and Cinemascope Technicolor!! THANK YOU!

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When we remember, DeSantis is funded by Russian oligarchs who like that he represents a weaker more easily controlled authoritarian leader--we’re in a better position to understand his methods.

The weak idiots who undermine democracy cannot be allowed to buy their way into leadership positions.

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Pay for play exclusive cannot be allowed as an election strategy.

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Money in politics is a cancer that's killing our democracy.

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Which Russian oligarchs? Totally believe Rus funding is going on but curious as to which oligarch is Vlad pulling off the shelf.

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The money comes from both foreign and domestic sources. Both want to replace democracy with oligarchy.

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Loved the history Ruth. I try not to make too many predictions because they are just that. I believe that De Santis is on a path for self destruction lng before he ever announces his potential run for President. He thought he was bring Disney to its knees and we all saw how that worked out.

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Don't mess with the mouse!!

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founding

Wonderful, insightful,. Thanks.

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DeSatan is insufferable, so far from being someone that anyone in their right mind would want to see doing anything more than pushing a broom. The fact that so many of the MSM fawn all over him just adds to the distaste so many of us feel. Hopefully his forays into the real world will break him, as he's not prepared emotionally to deal with anything other than a carefully orchestrated reality. Another clown show, just a different clown. The money he sucks up can't be put to more harmful purposes. ;-)

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I loved this piece. I wish everyone would read this.

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Terrific piece, Ruth. The clown show continues.

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I still don’t think we have seen who we are looking for yet. We won’t have to guess, or view weaknesses, when that individual emerges. I do not think our collective vision of history, will prepare us for what is to come. I keep waiting for the unexpected. Perhaps, the timing is still not correct. There is still a missing piece. I have some personal thoughts, but certainly don’t want to be questioned by the FBI. For now, we continue to watch the unfolding of history, as our gracious Dr. of Authoritarianism points us to deeper aspects to watch for. Thanks Ruth.

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April 25, 2023
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Exactly what I said. If we allow our minds to explore scenario’s, some of them might be taken the wrong way. When speaking of politicians and possibilities, it is best to be conservative in speech. I believe I was very clear.

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The Disney situation is such fodder for cartoonists. And campaign cartoonists. Professor Ruth your link to your essay on Special Olympics too, shows the heart of the man.

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Disney audiences, Disney cartoons and the 'white boots' photo should be enough visuals for the election. Visuals speak volumes to busy fellow Americans. Thank you Ruth for this depth and oh-so-pertinent examples of the 1920s/ 1930s when leaders tried to extend their influence & breadth into other countries. Is this government business or personal?

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if personal business, I guess he uses vacation time.

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Trying to be more extreme than MAGA to win their hearts and votes? Will his campaign photo ops include breakfast with KimJungUn? Or maybe a Red Square market stroll in Moscow on the Fourth of July?

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Great essay Ruth !

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Another brilliant piece, Ruth!

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Ruth- you really knocked it out of the park with this one! A home run that caused me to drop my phone when I read your reference to DeSantis’ campaign ad posted by his wife on Twitter Nov 4, 2022. Upon closer examination the brief article included by Mary Papenfuss in the HUFFPOST: “ Holy Hell: On the Eighth Day, God Made Ron De Santis” describing how on the 8th day of Creation God asked RDS to be his “protector”. There are few scriptural references to an “8th day of creation”. The main one being from Leviticus 12;3, in which God asks Moses to circumcise all the boy infants. There is some medical validity to this time- 8 days post birth an infants clotting factors have reached 100%. Earlier than that date infants may be given a shot of Vit K to prevent bleeding.

Sooooo to say creation occurred past the 6th day ( the 7th day was for rest) is scriptural ignorance and an affront to our Jewish and Christian heritage. To spread this nonsense and pure propaganda is blasphemy by stating “God needs a protector….” HUH!!!!?? My clergy colleagues and many other clergy and non clergy folks in FL mounted a campaign to remove it from the media.

I’m told the ad has not been shown since he became Guv. BUT if he runs for prez I’m afraid it will resurface again!

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Meatball Ron has a glass jaw. Bullies can dish it out but can't take it. People and businesses should leave Florida in droves.

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