Thank you, this was interesting. You might find my article on how President Joe Biden is undermining his own position in the fascism case against trump by cozying up to fascists worldwide interesting as well.
Thanks so much Ruth for taking me and we along on your learning,teaching, and sharing journey. I hope to help you gain a wider audience. You deserve it.
Why is the left totally obsessed with immigration? Why is a leader who protects his or her country's borders always an unforgivable sin? It's a very quaint and naive worldview that thinks racial and religious diversity leads to nothing but harmony. I've travelled extensively throughout Europe, and frequently. There are two countries that are particularly safe, clean, and beautiful. Poland and Hungary. Ask me which city I'd like to walk around in at midnight, New York or Budapest. They're obviously doing something right. But it's simply not tolerable according to the left.
Would I like to see the treatment of the gay community be more palatable in Poland and Hungary? Of course. It is a legitimate area of criticism if there is the any kind of discrimination happening.
But let them protect their borders, for goodness sake. Stop reacting with horror if their priority is their culture and their population. If you like illegal immigration, you can move to Germany or the UK or any number of countries within Europe and enjoy all the fruits of that social experiment. Let me know how it works out.
Until then, let a country like Hungary do what's right for its citizens and the preservation of its culture without labelling them "nationalist" or "far-right" as pejoratives.
Oh, and criticising George Soros is not "anti-Semitism" unless you believe Soros being Jewish is the defining aspect of his character.
The way Orban used Soros' imagery in his campaign to stir resentment at supposed humiliation - yep, pretty anti-semitic. That is not "protecting borders" or even making a rational case for border controls. That is emotional manipulation. Mill seems pretty repelled by the idea of pluralism and integration of varieties of human being and their cultures. Hiding that fear of and hostility to the different behind claims of "protecting" one own pretty clearly defines Mill's character. I personally feel more comfortable in heterogeneous environments than in ones where everyone appears to be cookie cutter images of each other with all the attendant paranoia of those that are different.
Yes, dictatorships are very clean and safe. WTF?? Recent studies have shown that undocumented immigrants are far less likely to commit crimes than citizens. And why does the right obsess about immigration as a crime when illegal border crossing in the US is a misdemeanor but are far more forgiving of felonies like tampering with witnesses, tax evasions, etc.--the types of crimes Republicans commit? Crime seems to be okay for the right as long as the criminals are Republicans. For example, recently the Missouri governor pardoned the McCloskys--the two armed clowns who admitted guilt for threatening George Floyd protesters with weapons for the "crime" of walking past their home. Is that the sort of "safe community" Republicans envision? or the "safety" of Republican legislators passing legalized murder in the form of "stand your ground" laws and increased number of firearms in as many places as possible? Or Republicans' refusing to comply with health guidelines to let half a million Americans die of a deadly illness?
Nationalism is, by its nature "far right." Claiming that a country has a "heritage" that doesn't include immigration is not only a lie, but it is considered bigotry because the group deciding on what counts as "heritage" also chooses which people are the "real" citizens. For example, many African Americans have families who were here in the US for more than a century than the Germans and Irish who immigrated here in the 1850s or the Italians in the 1900s, but descendants of these Germans, Irish, and Italians will feel more like "real citizens" than the black population. If you are defending nationalism or "preservation of culture," you are a racist who likes the ideas of racism but lack the intellectual honesty to admit that that's what you support.
You're missing the obvious fact that Hungary is going FAR beyond protecting its borders in the name of "preserving their culture and their population." Orban is stripping the rights away from anyone who doesn't meet his very narrow standards of what he calls a "true Hungarian", and is using increasingly autocratic methods to further his agenda.
People are rightfully horrified because they can see the predictable outcome of Orban's path: erasure of anyone who doesn't look, act, or think the way he says is right.
I watched the Netflix show THE LAST DAYS, with interviews of survivors, images/video from the camps and the horror that comes to life through this film. I’ve read/studied much about the Holocaust and American histories genocide of African and Indigenous communities including the massive attempt at erasure of the US’s and Canada’s Indigenous communities with children and boarding schools. We (white ppl predominantly) are learning more recently, that likely thousands of Native children went missing b/c unmarked graves are being unearthed on or near the campuses of the notorious Carlisle Sc and schools across Canada. Native elders have told the stories of the horrors inflicted on these children and their families for years, but few listened. I fear so deeply that the Tucker Carlson’s, Ingraham’s, Turning Point propagandists, Murdoch’s, Koch’s, Mercer’s, Republicans, Evangelicals, Catholics, conspiracists, malignant but financially powerful and the rest who pretend that this is overblown are chipping away at the psyche of Americans, especially children through their parents. They recite and repeat, recite and repeat, recite and repeat that learning American history as it happened is bad while cozying up to contemporary’s who reflect the bad people and leaders of American history who did bad and horrible things- Dictators, Authoritarians, thugs, murderer’s, child traffickers, thieves and abusers. I’m so worried.
Your observations , Susan, have been echoing inside since reading them. In general, I find great inspiration in the writings of James Baldwin (Eddie Glaude’s recent bio of Baldwin BEGIN AGAIN is superlative). Coupled with his clear-eyed observations of the hell of American apartheid, Baldwin never lost sight of our paths to heaven. Just read these quotes, that Glaude says Baldwin made in 1970, one year after an unsuccessful suicide attempt spawned from his great depression following the murder of Martin Luther King, Jr: hope is invented every day …. we are disasters, but we are miracles
Great question of RBG at today’s chat concerning successful pushback of authoritarian movements …. perhaps we have much to learn from the very long game that the black race has been engaged in US since their enslavement began here in 1619 …. seems important to realize there is no complete annihilation of authoritarians … but we can push back, generation after generation after generation … thanks for your inspiring insights, looking forward to your Facebook contributions
More than a few are listening, Susan, to brilliant and courageous historians like RBG, who recite and repeat accurate hopeful histories (of those who stood up to past tyrannies), to more and more people like you and me who love democracy. I’m so hopeful
I have just watched a very good video that explains the present and sadly most likely the future of the USA. The only thing stopping a totalitarian regime coming to power is people questioning and fully engaging in democracy. Watch if you dare. https://youtu.be/09maaUaRT4M
Bravo Michael. You did miss two other factors that have acted as 'guard rails' for 'we the people' and merit mention here: separation of powers and the multitudes of well intentioned and hard working folks in the bureaucracies that were much maligned by the 'far righties' if you will recall. Are there slackers, office supply crooks ? Sure, but certainly just a tiny minority, just like in any cross section of folks anywhere. But by and large, the bulk of them present an effective, formidable 'army' of democracy defenders. Next Labor Day, think fondly of the most of them.
Whoever dances with the fascists opens Pandora's box. Anal fixated fascism is an ideology heading for death. Once entrenched in the minds, it plunges an entire country into death and despair.
I watched what I could just now, Carlson commenting on baby subsidies in Hungary, for what it's worth, I thought it was pretty innocent, nothing to do with Fascism? Replenishing dwindling population with immigrants is an idea worth debating and people are totally entitled to form their own views. I am looking forward to this kind of debate in Japan as well, much better that everyone says everything that needs to be said before opening or not opening the floodgates.
It's all about the context. Democracies are also encouraging births, but Orbán has suppressed democracy - as of 2020, he rules by decree, and there is almost no press freedom. Fascist states encourage only some people to have babies, and Orbán has been open about wanting only white Christians.
Oh I see, thank you for explanation! The nature of immigration debate is that it cannot be separated from the capitalist system of labor that forces 'market disciplines' unequally and unfairly to minimum wage jobs where the immigrants will come to undercut people even more... So I think I see where people are coming from and I my favorite solution is economic democracy, worker cooperatives, etc 😄
Absolutely American fascism is coming. The Republican party is doing all it can to secure its place as the head of minority rule in this country, our democratic heritage be damned.
Racism is NOT subjective. If you consider a person's skin color (ethnicity, origins, whatever) to be more important than their character, you're a racist. Simple.
This lady is a very well known scholar on authoritarians. The reason you disagree is because you agree with their views and are more than willing to allow fascism to become the norm in the U.S.
The danger of having a sociopathic and proto-fascist role model (like Trump) as the leader of a nation is that followers tend to emulate that behavior. So we see sadistic behavior, a lack of remorse, cruelty and callousness like what we saw on Jan 6th. We are seeing a collective sociopathy and a retreat from reality ( Arizona election recount). Sociopathic role models have destroyed nations in the past (Mussolini, Hitler). They are not heros. They should not be emulated but avoided.
If YOU knew what fascism was, you'd recognize it when it was in front of your face. 50+ "executive orders", failure to enforce the border laws, lockdowns, mandates, etc. Wake UP!!!
This guy is very misinformed Why the vilification of "ANTI-FASCSITS" among Trump and the far right? Which one is it? Twisting terminology to fit their own narratives, which change on a weekly basis. No logic or coherence in their arguments.
After Tucker Carlson went on a lengthy diatribe last week about immigrants “replacing” American citizens, many called on him to resign. But one group was happy: the white nationalist website VDARE.
“This segment is one of the best things Fox News has ever aired and was filled with ideas and talking points VDARE.com pioneered many years ago,” the site tweeted on Monday. “You should watch the whole thing.”
What is so striking to me is the self-assuredness of the political position of those who support Trump's proto-fascism. There is the sense that they alone can save the nation from peril, that only they have the solutions and everyone else is somehow a traitor. It is a dangerous cocky arrogance and shows the division of fascist politics. Tucker Carlson is the epitome of this mindset.
Tucker the little chiron clearly is as unhealthy for you as the meals of his dis inheritance. Mommy issues for certain, leaving him a lap dog for any willing to pat his little head or supply a treat with/for approval. Void of any inherent intrinsic moral ethical compass. Tucker, a willing participant of the pavlovian cos play, give the little pup a bone and watch him tap dance. Good boy, good boy what he really needs is a shrink.
There is a little known connection between antisocial personality disorder (sociopathy) and fascist leadership. Fascist acolytes seem to have extreme gullibility and fantasy prone personality (FPP). The Trump voters that I know surely have this.
I don't know many Trump voters, but the ones I've met fit this description, as well -- unable to grasp nuance or complexity while living in a world of their own creation (despite what reality presents).
The similarities of Orbán's Hungary and the US, thanks to the GOP, are scary. Orbán was clever in how he went about dismantling democracy, and Poland is doing the same thing: through dismantling the courts. Businesses are behind him, just like in the US, since they benefit. The EU does nothing and looks away, while Germany reaps the financial benefits of having auto factories in Hungary. It seems to me like Carlson is just an autocrat groupie basking in the glow of being around a goon like Orbán, but I don't underestimate his megaphone or his backers!
I agree with you Ruth. America is in transition to becoming an Orban like autocracy. All the necessary pieces to create an electoral autocracy are being put in place right now all over the country. With new voter suppression laws, the counting and certification of elections will now be decided and controlled by partisan GOPer's who support Trump and his big lie. The fix is in, the game is rigged. Sadly, historians may one day look back on this period and ask why voting reform measures that protect free and fair elections, like 'For the people act' weren't enacted by Democrats when they had control of all three branches of government?
" .. are being put in place right now all over the country " Actually Gary all the pieces being placed to achieve that end (autocracy) have been placed for the most part (yes more are being placed, I agree), but the work towards this have been underway for a very long time. The opposition parties that should have caught all this, revealed it and fought it tooth and nail, have been self centered and feckless at best.
Trump hasn’t been re-elected. .. yet … and there is still time and more than a little political will to pass the “for the people act” … the fight isn’t lost yet .. and so grateful for wise, insightful voices like RBF
The so called “for the people act” is the most egregiously named act ever. It has NOTHING to do "for the people" and EVERYTHING to do with "for the Democrats".
With only 50+1 Dem votes, 'For the people act' can't be passed over a senate filibuster. Not only have Manchin and Sinema come out against reforming the filibuster but last week Biden did as well. Its a slender reed of hope to hang your hat on and probably a long shot but maybe their opposition could be posturing until after both of President Biden's key signature infrastructure bills get passed and signed into law. After which maybe then they might reconsider their previous opposition and agree to negotiate a carve out on the filibuster for voting rights?
All very reasonable, Gary …. Hopefully the slender reed of hope that flipped Georgia is not a one-off … hearing some political analysts place some hope in 2022 elections- if Dems can increase their slim majorities in House and Senate just a bit … Manchin and Sinema no longer have their veto power and even if FOR THE PEOPLE fails this year and next…. maybe passes in 2023 in time for 2024???
Speaking of political analysts, many have pointed out that the Rs can net themselves 5 or 6 seats just through partisan gerrymandering alone and thats not even taking into account historical trends that benefit the out of power party from gaining seats in off year elections. Bums me out. I don't know maybe the economic recovery, the two big infrastructure bills and a mitigating pandemic might overcome off year doldrums and the slew of new voter suppression laws?
I wrote about Hungary two years ago and said this is where the US was heading under Trump. The fact that Carlson went there speaks volumes. He's part of the international fascist movement!
I never watch Tucker Carlson but his alliance with Orbán is more dangerous than I thought. The "veneer of democracy" is particularly troubling when one considers Carlson's audience. They are like sheep to the slaughter, as witnessed by vaccine refusals. Strongmen love that they are getting a foothold in the U.S. without having to try. We have not learned from Poland and Budapest the lessons of manipulating the courts. We already have a Supreme Court that is completely unbalanced, as well as the lower courts packed with Trump appointees.
Thank you, this was interesting. You might find my article on how President Joe Biden is undermining his own position in the fascism case against trump by cozying up to fascists worldwide interesting as well.
https://shoaibsultan.substack.com/p/calling-the-kettle-black
Thanks so much Ruth for taking me and we along on your learning,teaching, and sharing journey. I hope to help you gain a wider audience. You deserve it.
BEWARE! Within the following Commentary there is a Troll.
It is recommended that he be ignored, so he is talking to himself.
Why is the left totally obsessed with immigration? Why is a leader who protects his or her country's borders always an unforgivable sin? It's a very quaint and naive worldview that thinks racial and religious diversity leads to nothing but harmony. I've travelled extensively throughout Europe, and frequently. There are two countries that are particularly safe, clean, and beautiful. Poland and Hungary. Ask me which city I'd like to walk around in at midnight, New York or Budapest. They're obviously doing something right. But it's simply not tolerable according to the left.
Would I like to see the treatment of the gay community be more palatable in Poland and Hungary? Of course. It is a legitimate area of criticism if there is the any kind of discrimination happening.
But let them protect their borders, for goodness sake. Stop reacting with horror if their priority is their culture and their population. If you like illegal immigration, you can move to Germany or the UK or any number of countries within Europe and enjoy all the fruits of that social experiment. Let me know how it works out.
Until then, let a country like Hungary do what's right for its citizens and the preservation of its culture without labelling them "nationalist" or "far-right" as pejoratives.
Oh, and criticising George Soros is not "anti-Semitism" unless you believe Soros being Jewish is the defining aspect of his character.
The way Orban used Soros' imagery in his campaign to stir resentment at supposed humiliation - yep, pretty anti-semitic. That is not "protecting borders" or even making a rational case for border controls. That is emotional manipulation. Mill seems pretty repelled by the idea of pluralism and integration of varieties of human being and their cultures. Hiding that fear of and hostility to the different behind claims of "protecting" one own pretty clearly defines Mill's character. I personally feel more comfortable in heterogeneous environments than in ones where everyone appears to be cookie cutter images of each other with all the attendant paranoia of those that are different.
Yes, dictatorships are very clean and safe. WTF?? Recent studies have shown that undocumented immigrants are far less likely to commit crimes than citizens. And why does the right obsess about immigration as a crime when illegal border crossing in the US is a misdemeanor but are far more forgiving of felonies like tampering with witnesses, tax evasions, etc.--the types of crimes Republicans commit? Crime seems to be okay for the right as long as the criminals are Republicans. For example, recently the Missouri governor pardoned the McCloskys--the two armed clowns who admitted guilt for threatening George Floyd protesters with weapons for the "crime" of walking past their home. Is that the sort of "safe community" Republicans envision? or the "safety" of Republican legislators passing legalized murder in the form of "stand your ground" laws and increased number of firearms in as many places as possible? Or Republicans' refusing to comply with health guidelines to let half a million Americans die of a deadly illness?
Nationalism is, by its nature "far right." Claiming that a country has a "heritage" that doesn't include immigration is not only a lie, but it is considered bigotry because the group deciding on what counts as "heritage" also chooses which people are the "real" citizens. For example, many African Americans have families who were here in the US for more than a century than the Germans and Irish who immigrated here in the 1850s or the Italians in the 1900s, but descendants of these Germans, Irish, and Italians will feel more like "real citizens" than the black population. If you are defending nationalism or "preservation of culture," you are a racist who likes the ideas of racism but lack the intellectual honesty to admit that that's what you support.
Bravo Clint
Clint, I could not have articulated it better, you are spot on .
You're missing the obvious fact that Hungary is going FAR beyond protecting its borders in the name of "preserving their culture and their population." Orban is stripping the rights away from anyone who doesn't meet his very narrow standards of what he calls a "true Hungarian", and is using increasingly autocratic methods to further his agenda.
People are rightfully horrified because they can see the predictable outcome of Orban's path: erasure of anyone who doesn't look, act, or think the way he says is right.
I watched the Netflix show THE LAST DAYS, with interviews of survivors, images/video from the camps and the horror that comes to life through this film. I’ve read/studied much about the Holocaust and American histories genocide of African and Indigenous communities including the massive attempt at erasure of the US’s and Canada’s Indigenous communities with children and boarding schools. We (white ppl predominantly) are learning more recently, that likely thousands of Native children went missing b/c unmarked graves are being unearthed on or near the campuses of the notorious Carlisle Sc and schools across Canada. Native elders have told the stories of the horrors inflicted on these children and their families for years, but few listened. I fear so deeply that the Tucker Carlson’s, Ingraham’s, Turning Point propagandists, Murdoch’s, Koch’s, Mercer’s, Republicans, Evangelicals, Catholics, conspiracists, malignant but financially powerful and the rest who pretend that this is overblown are chipping away at the psyche of Americans, especially children through their parents. They recite and repeat, recite and repeat, recite and repeat that learning American history as it happened is bad while cozying up to contemporary’s who reflect the bad people and leaders of American history who did bad and horrible things- Dictators, Authoritarians, thugs, murderer’s, child traffickers, thieves and abusers. I’m so worried.
Your observations , Susan, have been echoing inside since reading them. In general, I find great inspiration in the writings of James Baldwin (Eddie Glaude’s recent bio of Baldwin BEGIN AGAIN is superlative). Coupled with his clear-eyed observations of the hell of American apartheid, Baldwin never lost sight of our paths to heaven. Just read these quotes, that Glaude says Baldwin made in 1970, one year after an unsuccessful suicide attempt spawned from his great depression following the murder of Martin Luther King, Jr: hope is invented every day …. we are disasters, but we are miracles
Great question of RBG at today’s chat concerning successful pushback of authoritarian movements …. perhaps we have much to learn from the very long game that the black race has been engaged in US since their enslavement began here in 1619 …. seems important to realize there is no complete annihilation of authoritarians … but we can push back, generation after generation after generation … thanks for your inspiring insights, looking forward to your Facebook contributions
More than a few are listening, Susan, to brilliant and courageous historians like RBG, who recite and repeat accurate hopeful histories (of those who stood up to past tyrannies), to more and more people like you and me who love democracy. I’m so hopeful
I have just watched a very good video that explains the present and sadly most likely the future of the USA. The only thing stopping a totalitarian regime coming to power is people questioning and fully engaging in democracy. Watch if you dare. https://youtu.be/09maaUaRT4M
Bravo Michael. You did miss two other factors that have acted as 'guard rails' for 'we the people' and merit mention here: separation of powers and the multitudes of well intentioned and hard working folks in the bureaucracies that were much maligned by the 'far righties' if you will recall. Are there slackers, office supply crooks ? Sure, but certainly just a tiny minority, just like in any cross section of folks anywhere. But by and large, the bulk of them present an effective, formidable 'army' of democracy defenders. Next Labor Day, think fondly of the most of them.
Whoever dances with the fascists opens Pandora's box. Anal fixated fascism is an ideology heading for death. Once entrenched in the minds, it plunges an entire country into death and despair.
That is true...
I watched what I could just now, Carlson commenting on baby subsidies in Hungary, for what it's worth, I thought it was pretty innocent, nothing to do with Fascism? Replenishing dwindling population with immigrants is an idea worth debating and people are totally entitled to form their own views. I am looking forward to this kind of debate in Japan as well, much better that everyone says everything that needs to be said before opening or not opening the floodgates.
It's all about the context. Democracies are also encouraging births, but Orbán has suppressed democracy - as of 2020, he rules by decree, and there is almost no press freedom. Fascist states encourage only some people to have babies, and Orbán has been open about wanting only white Christians.
Oh I see, thank you for explanation! The nature of immigration debate is that it cannot be separated from the capitalist system of labor that forces 'market disciplines' unequally and unfairly to minimum wage jobs where the immigrants will come to undercut people even more... So I think I see where people are coming from and I my favorite solution is economic democracy, worker cooperatives, etc 😄
Absolutely American fascism is coming. The Republican party is doing all it can to secure its place as the head of minority rule in this country, our democratic heritage be damned.
exactly. Living in Texas we have it right now.
Arizona is right behind, with a bunch of crybaby fascists trying to overturn the election here. Like all fascism, it is nothing but fantasy.
He's both racist and a fascist
That's an easy comeback, as you I'm sure know racism is subjective. You have to take the overall history of his statements into account and get a consensus among experts. https://www.mediamatters.org/tucker-carlson/tucker-carlsons-descent-white-supremacy-timeline, https://www.newsweek.com/tucker-carlson-loses-advertising-disney-tmobile-papa-johns-1510171, https://www.thedailybeast.com/fox-news-staffers-erupt-over-tucker-carlsons-racism-say-bosses-created-a-white-supremacist-cell, https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/09/media/adl-letter-fox-news-tucker-carlson/index.html. As you can see, I'm not alone in my description of this man.
Racism is NOT subjective. If you consider a person's skin color (ethnicity, origins, whatever) to be more important than their character, you're a racist. Simple.
This lady is a very well known scholar on authoritarians. The reason you disagree is because you agree with their views and are more than willing to allow fascism to become the norm in the U.S.
Fascism is what the Biden regime is issuing in...
What in Heavens name are you saying? Are you just Fishing? Perhaps you need a lesson in what Authoritarianism/Fascism is.
You speak as though you actually know what fascism is. Please define.
The danger of having a sociopathic and proto-fascist role model (like Trump) as the leader of a nation is that followers tend to emulate that behavior. So we see sadistic behavior, a lack of remorse, cruelty and callousness like what we saw on Jan 6th. We are seeing a collective sociopathy and a retreat from reality ( Arizona election recount). Sociopathic role models have destroyed nations in the past (Mussolini, Hitler). They are not heros. They should not be emulated but avoided.
Oh, but the Biden regime is NOT fascist??? SMH...
No it is not. Perhaps you might read How Fascism Works, Twilight of Democracy, How Democracies Die, The Death of Democracy.
If you knew what fascism was, you would realize that fascism is a far right concept, not left.
If YOU knew what fascism was, you'd recognize it when it was in front of your face. 50+ "executive orders", failure to enforce the border laws, lockdowns, mandates, etc. Wake UP!!!
Why don't you go where your commentary is actually helpful.
I fear you're here just to vent your Anger.
Why do you even come to this forum, to be a gadfly and rub peoples' faces in your post-truth nonsense?
This guy is very misinformed Why the vilification of "ANTI-FASCSITS" among Trump and the far right? Which one is it? Twisting terminology to fit their own narratives, which change on a weekly basis. No logic or coherence in their arguments.
Are you getting paid in rubles?
Are you a moron?
I vehemently disagree with everything you wrote about about Tucker Carlson ...and here is why.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/tucker-carlson-white-nationalist-vdare-b1830829.html
After Tucker Carlson went on a lengthy diatribe last week about immigrants “replacing” American citizens, many called on him to resign. But one group was happy: the white nationalist website VDARE.
“This segment is one of the best things Fox News has ever aired and was filled with ideas and talking points VDARE.com pioneered many years ago,” the site tweeted on Monday. “You should watch the whole thing.”
You're quite welcome to disagree and show the world your ignorance...
Did you even take a look at VDARE? Or you more interested in calling people morons and ignorant?
What is so striking to me is the self-assuredness of the political position of those who support Trump's proto-fascism. There is the sense that they alone can save the nation from peril, that only they have the solutions and everyone else is somehow a traitor. It is a dangerous cocky arrogance and shows the division of fascist politics. Tucker Carlson is the epitome of this mindset.
"proto fascism"??? What do you call the Biden regime????
You seem to be afflicted with the Backfire Effect, postmodernism, the Dunning-Kruger Effect, post-truth and motivated reasoning all at the same time.
Tucker the little chiron clearly is as unhealthy for you as the meals of his dis inheritance. Mommy issues for certain, leaving him a lap dog for any willing to pat his little head or supply a treat with/for approval. Void of any inherent intrinsic moral ethical compass. Tucker, a willing participant of the pavlovian cos play, give the little pup a bone and watch him tap dance. Good boy, good boy what he really needs is a shrink.
Just come out with it Marilyn and say what you really feel.. lol ! Perfect analysis of Tuck the schmuck ! Well said.
There is a little known connection between antisocial personality disorder (sociopathy) and fascist leadership. Fascist acolytes seem to have extreme gullibility and fantasy prone personality (FPP). The Trump voters that I know surely have this.
You must not know many Trump supporters. EVERY Biden supporter has FPP in spades.
I don't know many Trump voters, but the ones I've met fit this description, as well -- unable to grasp nuance or complexity while living in a world of their own creation (despite what reality presents).
The similarities of Orbán's Hungary and the US, thanks to the GOP, are scary. Orbán was clever in how he went about dismantling democracy, and Poland is doing the same thing: through dismantling the courts. Businesses are behind him, just like in the US, since they benefit. The EU does nothing and looks away, while Germany reaps the financial benefits of having auto factories in Hungary. It seems to me like Carlson is just an autocrat groupie basking in the glow of being around a goon like Orbán, but I don't underestimate his megaphone or his backers!
I agree with you Ruth. America is in transition to becoming an Orban like autocracy. All the necessary pieces to create an electoral autocracy are being put in place right now all over the country. With new voter suppression laws, the counting and certification of elections will now be decided and controlled by partisan GOPer's who support Trump and his big lie. The fix is in, the game is rigged. Sadly, historians may one day look back on this period and ask why voting reform measures that protect free and fair elections, like 'For the people act' weren't enacted by Democrats when they had control of all three branches of government?
" .. are being put in place right now all over the country " Actually Gary all the pieces being placed to achieve that end (autocracy) have been placed for the most part (yes more are being placed, I agree), but the work towards this have been underway for a very long time. The opposition parties that should have caught all this, revealed it and fought it tooth and nail, have been self centered and feckless at best.
Trump hasn’t been re-elected. .. yet … and there is still time and more than a little political will to pass the “for the people act” … the fight isn’t lost yet .. and so grateful for wise, insightful voices like RBF
The so called “for the people act” is the most egregiously named act ever. It has NOTHING to do "for the people" and EVERYTHING to do with "for the Democrats".
With only 50+1 Dem votes, 'For the people act' can't be passed over a senate filibuster. Not only have Manchin and Sinema come out against reforming the filibuster but last week Biden did as well. Its a slender reed of hope to hang your hat on and probably a long shot but maybe their opposition could be posturing until after both of President Biden's key signature infrastructure bills get passed and signed into law. After which maybe then they might reconsider their previous opposition and agree to negotiate a carve out on the filibuster for voting rights?
All very reasonable, Gary …. Hopefully the slender reed of hope that flipped Georgia is not a one-off … hearing some political analysts place some hope in 2022 elections- if Dems can increase their slim majorities in House and Senate just a bit … Manchin and Sinema no longer have their veto power and even if FOR THE PEOPLE fails this year and next…. maybe passes in 2023 in time for 2024???
Speaking of political analysts, many have pointed out that the Rs can net themselves 5 or 6 seats just through partisan gerrymandering alone and thats not even taking into account historical trends that benefit the out of power party from gaining seats in off year elections. Bums me out. I don't know maybe the economic recovery, the two big infrastructure bills and a mitigating pandemic might overcome off year doldrums and the slew of new voter suppression laws?
I wrote about Hungary two years ago and said this is where the US was heading under Trump. The fact that Carlson went there speaks volumes. He's part of the international fascist movement!
I never watch Tucker Carlson but his alliance with Orbán is more dangerous than I thought. The "veneer of democracy" is particularly troubling when one considers Carlson's audience. They are like sheep to the slaughter, as witnessed by vaccine refusals. Strongmen love that they are getting a foothold in the U.S. without having to try. We have not learned from Poland and Budapest the lessons of manipulating the courts. We already have a Supreme Court that is completely unbalanced, as well as the lower courts packed with Trump appointees.