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George Berberian's avatar

And now he's declared himself "king" while issuing more executive orders to have independent agencies report to him. It's really maddening!

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Ted's avatar
Feb 20Edited

Strange and very trumpish. Call himself a king and accuse Zelensky of being a dictator. The contradictions Donnie makes is comical.

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Susan Stone's avatar

His whole world is upside down and backwards. If you can look at things from that perspective, you will see why what he says makes sense to trump.

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Sherri's avatar

He does this daily (?) and I call it transference whether then thing intends it or not (I'd also call it something Freudian and not a slip).

I think I stopped finding his shit comical some time ago. I still have a cartoon of the noose for Pence but now I've just taken on a different view of it. It's a cartoon and very real. I'm not dinging you at all I just loathe the blob with lack of empathy, knowledge, and compassion (because cruelty is the point). Even the faces on the news have changes and that took me aback.

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Jack A. Roe's avatar

How can any of this be legal? I don’t understand this at all.

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Sherri's avatar

A lot of it isn't. But you flood everything you can so where do you focus and where do you start? As you're looking, another flood of lies come out Now go back and read from the start of this.

It's where we are and it's part of fascism and authoritarians to "flood the zone" and keep everyone off balance. That's what I see. Lightening speed coup completion.

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Steve Rasmussen's avatar

His "king" declaration is expected, as he views himself as a demigod. His grandiose self image is fairly common among sociopaths. He has a Dark Tetrad Personality (sadism, sociopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism) which makes him a monster.

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Liddie m's avatar

If he finds himself and his plans in danger he will try to declare an emergency and declare martial law. We must be smart about how we resist.

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Michael G Baer's avatar

What would be the smart way to resist, if he can declare martial law on a whim?

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Liddie m's avatar

Not obeying in advance? Not giving in to hopelessness and fear.small acts of kindness to each other. Not losing our humanity to this current condition of being overwhelmed with his executive orders etc. That's my best thought on it.

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TLO's avatar

I would usually agree with you. I'll see how the courts deal with things, but I suspect we may be disappointed in them. I doubt we'll be left with anything but massive protest. Trump equates silence as approval or compliance. He wouldn't care about kindness if it hit him in the face. He's said it often: suckers and losers.

As for MAGA and showing them kindness? I always am kind to people in general. But know that many of MAGA like what Trump is doing because they WANT to see those they hate or disapprove of harmed. Trump has enabled a real ugliness in our country, and it's reaching down to our youth. So be kind, yes. But be ready to stand up and be loud when called to. Trump will not go easily, and he's not afraid to break the law. Many of his followers -I'd say a great many of them - approve of this about him.

I really hope I'm wrong, but signs are not looking good.

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Liddie m's avatar

It's difficult to know what to d in this onslaught of EOs and the the constant vitriol and lies from djt. I'm involved with my local democratic community and try to stay informed and positive.Sometimes I give in to the negative emotions . I feel like I'm in the book 1984 and participating in the 2 minutes hate people are required to go to , in order to show their hate for the" enemy" and their loyalty to big brother. We are in the upside down. But we know we have to be better than hateful. We have to stick to the truth and keep putting one foot in front of the other.:)

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Michael G Baer's avatar

Recently I read a post that defined the difference between ignorant and stupid. Ignorant is not knowing something. Stupid is willful ignorance. It has shifted my thinking that MAGA is willfully ignorant. They say stupid things and they don't care if they are right are wrong. Abducting alleged drug gangs without due process is fine because it doesn't matter about the constitution or what innocent people might get harmed or killed because "illegal aliens"

Then today I read another one: It can be very difficult to win a debate with a smart person. It is impossible to win a debate with a stupid person.

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Jack A. Roe's avatar

I like the not obeying idea. What if he gave an order and nobody followed it?

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Sherri's avatar

I'm sure not giving in to acts of kindness. Can't say much about the other.

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ASBermant's avatar

As noted above, economic boycotts, work stoppages, government shutdowns and possibly, even tax rebellion are some of the tools we can use.

https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/can-civil-resistance-work-violent-coups/

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John B's avatar

I agree to use all of them. I also think the DEMS in House and Senate MUST oppose everything and I MEAN EVERYTHING that this administration is attempting to do and call them out continually on the promises that inevitably will not be kept. The DEMS must become the obnoxious GOP in their tactics - NO POLICY CRAP because that will not get anyone's attention in this time.

The problem is MUSK has likely stolen all the tax and payment data which may now be weaponized unless the courts order otherwise BUT then Trump and his minions already have stated essentially they will not obey a court order. We are dealing with a bunch of criminals who have been voted or confirmed into power by a 49.5% to 48.5% popular vote - a 1.5% margin of support; and this must continually be stated in the media that are prepared to stand up; the main stream media has already caved into not speaking the truth because of fear of financial or other repurcussions; and billionaire oligarchs have granted theri support so as not to be targeted and so as to profit from their support.

This site seems well able to educate those who listen to the content, in the ways in which the authoritarian tactics of the administration will inevitably unfold in the days to come.

This substack is an educated audience and somehow the wise words of many contributors must be spread far and wide across your country.

Best wishes from a Canadian who has lost any faith and TRUST in America due to the current adminstration's scathing turn on it long standing allies and democracies around the world. America will wear this badge of disgrace for a long time unless the people speak in no uncertain terms that they will not support or stand for the truly stupid and dangerous policies being propounded .... America your moment of truth has arrived...SILENCE IS NOT AN OPTION . . . remember your history and world history ... British Prime Minister Chamberlain met with Hitler shortly before WW2 to try to appease him and sign a peace pact BUT within a year Hitler disregarded that pice of paper and went to war against Britain. Do not thnk that authoritarian tactics will be different in your country...they are playing out quickly in front of everyone's eyes. America you are better than this!

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Michael G Baer's avatar

He called himself a King today. This is a coup. Send in the Marines.

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Ted's avatar

Or start a war to appeal to nationalism, and any critic will be labeled, “ Radical left Marxist that hates ‘merica!”

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John B's avatar

That is a very real possibility for the reason you mention.

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Cathy 98280's avatar

I can’t help wondering if the military will actually support his bonkers plans

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John B's avatar

I also wonder how the military will respond. Will be obey the commander and chief or will they somehow figure out that to do so in the circumstances will breach their oath to the constitution. It is critical that political leaders and even general public speak with one voice against the authoritarian act, which will declarean emergency and impose, strict measures or punitive measures against any of the population that opposes the fake emergency.

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TLO's avatar
Feb 20Edited

This is something I wonder about, too. I feel that Pete Hegseth, like Trump, may bring out the worst in the military. I imagine there will be plenty of decent within, but who has the power?

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Michael G Baer's avatar

Thats the bottom line, an oath to the constitution versus a commander in chief who is shredding the constitution. Where will the allegiance of the military be on this fundamental question. The fate of our country will be determined by that answer. If you know military people this is a conversation that needs to respectfully happen.

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TLO's avatar

The media is a real weak link. Mainstream, anyway.

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Ted's avatar

I have a questions for Dr Dirsus, How Tyrants Fall: And How Nations Survive in this age of Surveillance Capital?

Do his theories hold in this new age, where big tech has captured a third of the population and a dominate political party?

Will the fall come like the Orange Revolution in Ukraine? Will it be from a domestic economic collapse? Or from domestic unrest/protest that turns violent? Or will it be a long external war with so many American casualties like Vietnam?

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Susan Stone's avatar

I live right on the border with Mexico, and though I've heard about people crossing the border, nothing has changed where I am. I don't have a problem with immigrants. I happen to be the daughter of one, and I saw with my father and I see every day what good immigrants can do for a country, for a community. I'm sick of the scare tactics.

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Ted's avatar

Steven Hassan did a really good presentation on manipulating fear to control people. I’m more worried about pardoned j6’ers and tonight McVeighs than an immigrant threat that doesn’t exist.

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Dissident's avatar

Everyone here reading these elucidating essays knows the urgent truth of these warnings. We see that these maneuvers—through EO’s, in social media posts, in Fox state tv appearances, and, importantly, his contempt for the constitution and unapologetic, enthusiastic embrace of Putin, Orban, AfD, and the Musk-aligned fascistic technocrats—perfectly track these historical precedents. It is imperative in my view that we help enlighten others who do not yet recognize, appreciate, and understand the imminent nature of this moment, it’s magnitude, it’s dire consequences. Thank you, Dr. Ben-Ghiat. I intend to share your essays with as many readers as possible. 🗽

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Liddie m's avatar

I agree. Sharing info and expressing our opinions with others helps us to resist

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TLO's avatar

We've been hearing from Trump that he's saving the nation, and he alone can do so since he came on the scene.

I think it's a bit suspect that JD and many Republicans are now using the rhetoric of "the enemy within' even internationally. Branding anything not right leaning as 'illiberal'. It's getting a little frightening how often this is coming up, and after I read your post I'm wondering if its a bit of foreshadowing, or preparing for the crackdown when the protests get massive. And they will.

Do the actual Republican leaders understand that Russia already is in control of a portion of the land with Ukraine's rare earth minerals? Do they understand that Putin's goal with Ukraine was their grain and their minerals? With this, Russia would have a huge monopoly of the grain market throughout the world as well as a hefty % of the minerals that are in demand and worth so much. A HUGE disadvantage for American Farmers, a potential blow to our economy as well as Ukraines, if they're allowed to get healthy again.

I've always thought Putin's primary interest was the marketable natural resources that Ukraine had, and how much that would help Russia itself. Why work within your own country when you can kill and steal from another?

I simply don't understand how Russia helps any of our national interests, as Trump and Republicans seem so determined to align us with them. It's easy to understand Trump's motivation. What isn't easy to understand is the Republicans in Congress and their motivations. Are they allowing personal fear of one or two men to prevent them from doing what is best for this country, or do they agree with all of Trump's craziness?

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Gordon's avatar

Thank you Ruth for another compelling essay. I attended the rally at the U.S. Capitol on Presidents’ Day. I was disappointed that no politicians showed up, but there were a lot of activists there. As our country begins to sink like the Titanic, these protests will get bigger and louder out of necessity. RE: the imminent Russia debacle and Trump’s most egregious lies: (accusing Zelenskyy of being a dictator and that UKRAINE initiated the war): if that doesn’t create some Republican push-back, I don’t know what will. There’s never been a a better display of spineless invertebrates as the Republicans in Congress!! I can’t believe we’re now living through this….mayday mayday….

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Lynn Holmes's avatar

Thanks for clarifying this underpinning and backhanded justification for state of emergency. Helps me to understand why and what is going on.

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ASBermant's avatar

This is exactly what we need to be aware of. . . .especially as street protests gain momentum. The protests must remain peaceful under all circumstances - even when his MAGA supporters inflame or attack protesters.

Do not forget Trump tried to use the military to stop the George Floyd protests. Thankfully, the military refused. Now, with a obedient lackey leading the DoD and a purge underway, the military could respond very differently. We may be facing our own Tiananmen Square event on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Expect Trump to use (or create) the slightest excuse to claim a state of emergency, apply the Insurrection Act and claim that he can use the military (under the exception to the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878) to stop what he'll falsely claim is an "insurrection" when, in truth, it's Americans exercising their Constitutional right to "peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

We need to be prepared with other oppositional tools: noncooperation, civil resistance, economic boycotts, work stoppages, government shutdowns and possibly, even tax rebellion.

I recommend:

https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/can-civil-resistance-work-violent-coups/

https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/resource/the-anti-coup/

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Jack A. Roe's avatar

Trump made himself head of the Kennedy Center for the Arts and he closed the Kennedy Library. Is he jealous that JFK had more sex than he did and never had to pay hush money like he did? I wonder.

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Pamela Tanton's avatar

Could also be mad at the Kennedy family for their recent statements when RFK Jr. was in the spotlight. Especially Caroline.

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Robert Jaffee's avatar

“Whatever the specific prompt or excuse for the state of emergency, one master narrative holds: the action is always taken in the name of “saving the nation” from whatever invented threat is most compelling at that place and time.”

In this case, we have a dilemma. It’s not just having a king, or more aptly, a MAD king, who exemplifies the metaphor, “The Emperor No Clothes!” But we’re also seeing remnants of the 1933 Business Plot, by the 20th Century Robber Barons; to overthrow the government. We’re being attacks from two fronts!

Additionally, we have no idea what his private army of newly freed militias are up to. What’s clear is they “a get out of jail free card, to commit mayhem with impunity for Trump, and they have infiltrated every aspect of law enforcement (local, and federal—FBI) and the Republican Party, which makes these domestic terrorists agents of the state. Furthermore, republicans have made it impossible to even study the issue over the years.

Even worse, it’s been quiet at the Pentagon. Forget Musk’s misdirection and distraction with DOGE; they are about to fire every General and flag officer who has any relationship with Biden, the Democratic Party, and especially, the TRUTH!

Additionally, keep an eye on these religious institutions that have access to the Whitehouse; specifically, The Fellowship or the Family. Their influence in politics has grown since Reagan. And this is the same group that has been lobbying foreign governments to have a death penalty for the LGBTQ community (for decades), as well as being a big part of the anti-abortion and contraceptive movement in this country. Good times!..:)

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Michael G Baer's avatar

too quiet at the pentagon...

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Michael G Baer's avatar

Thank you kathleen mary. It is important to review the history of Ukraine occupation over the last 15 years.

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Socratez's avatar

I think our greatest emergency is Trump!! He’s a Putin sycophant! The citizens here must collectively rise up against his tyrannical regime!

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Diane Monaco's avatar

There are some additional “States of Emergency” that are mostly overlooked, quite often hidden and downright shrouded in lies. These emergency situations are at the state level in GOP controlled statehouses such as in Texas, Ohio, and elsewhere that routinely crush the right of local people to govern themselves.

In Texas, detrimental lies are pushed involving school vouchers. Parents are incentivized to take their children out of public schools for private schools and when this happens public school lose money. When students leave public schools the funding for that child leaves too.

GOP state leaders push investment in private school vouchers (less-accountable school options). Critics say this increased spending hurts public school funds, since there isn’t enough money for all types of schools.

In Ohio, public school districts are losing funds, while charters, private schools or less-accountable schools are gaining funds that can be used in many ways including taking them out of the funds. Failing to fully fund public schools while increasing funding for less-accountable education alternatives disregards the needs of the vast majority of students who are served by public schools. Ohio widened eligibility for its largest private school voucher program to every family in the state. This caused state spending on vouchers to balloon from $595 million in the 2023-2024 school year to nearly $1 billion last school year.

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SmallMouse's avatar

Yes unfortunately I think there will be a “state of emergency” declared (real, manufactured or just perceived) in the next 60-90 days. Just a feeling based on past performance of this administration. It’s all mind boggling. My USA. I can’t believe it.

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Peter's avatar

Emperor Dipshit crowned himself in his illegal edict ending NYC congestion pricing. If NYC had a mayor who was not in the Emperor's pocket or a governor with a spine, they would tell King Donnie the Mad to f'k off and keep congestion pricing in place. It's popular. It is working. It has greatly improved life in NYC. And this act of rebellion might just be the spark that starts the fire

that ends this reign of terror.

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