My grandparents fled the Cossacks in Ukraine. They managed to move to Europe. Twenty five years later they fled Nazis. My mother was 6 years old. She would not speak much about the past. She hated funerals. I would read everything to learn about her and my history. My grandparents were more talkative especially when I asked questions and specific details. I can only imagine what they would say about our horrible situation today.
I feel like I might be thinking crazy right now. Trump threatening to reclaim the panama canal just sounded like more of his posturing. Musk supporting German nazis sounded like something said for shock value. Trump's insults to Canada regarding becoming the 51st state came off as the bully he is. Putin wanting to talk about Ukraine was to be expected. Then came his statement regarding owning Greenland is just an absolute necessity. All of a sudden, my hair on my arms started to stand up. Does this really sound like a crazy man who has plans to take over the world using Musk's money and joining sides with Putin? Somebody please talk me off from this crazy ledge. I'm usually not crazy.
Imperialism is quite common in fascism, as we saw with Hitler and Mussolini. tRump is continuing this tradition with his lust for more territory.. But why? There is something in psychology known as a covetous psychopath. These people feel entitled to possess anything they want. This is why electing someone with ASPD (sociopathy/psychopathy) is such a huge mistake for any nation.
Nancy, I don't think you're crazy- unless I am, also. I watched our elections with great dread of what is possibly to come. I do follow news on Ukraine / Russia pretty closely, but I feel this is all interconnected with Trump and what is happening in the US. Trump sounds like Putin and uses similar language as Putin - "annexing" Canada? Owning or annexing Greenland? Now he wants the Panama Canal back?!
Some time ago(2022-2023), when Putin started talking about a "New World Order", basically an anti-NATO alliance of dictators, I couldn't help thinking, Trump will WANT to be in this club, of fascists and autocrats, who commit atrocities and steal with impunity. And lo and behold, now the US has a full fledged oligarchy. It's as if Trump was personally mentored by Putin. Musk also suddenly came out pro-Russia, strongly during Trump's campaign, even changing X's algorithms to favor pro-Trump, pro-Russian posts. And Musk regularly talks to Putin, supposedly. And this is in violation of our National Security interests, I'm certain.
Putin, for his part, has become more extreme in his old age, if you listen to his ideology or that of Aleksandr Dugin, they believe that World domination by Russia is inevitable, a god-bearing country that is superior over all other peoples. They govern by intimidation just like any mafia, but they act like they are inhuman monsters by any standard of cruelty.
Now I look at Russia, the poverty, the recklessness, the weakness of their economy, the submissiveness of their people, their infrastructure literally falling apart - and the genocidal death and destruction on neighboring countries - actually anywhere they invade, the same tactics are employed. So it seems a dissonance, between the rhetoric and bragging propaganda - and the actual facts.
I do worry that Trump, combining his power as head of the US together with Putin will be a terrible thing. Putin is weak now, just holding on until Trump ascends the throne. Trump will have our military might at his disposal. Putin alone could be weak enough to fall, but if Trump comes to Russia's aid? that's what I worry about - for all of us, globally. Loved the article from the Lithuanians! Anyone- any nation who has been under Russian occupation KNOWS once free, they will never submit to it again. I hear what's happening in Europe, the Russian infiltration operations, the sabotage, etc. So am I crazy, too?
Nancy, you sound like you read Jay Kuo today. A friend told me she and her husband have been in a news black out since November and will be through January. She wrote me a very upbeat holiday letter. If it were not for the political landscape she would be the most content she has been in her life, and she says that they will focus on what they can do locally, and not go crazy about the national picture.
I just wrote about the AfD today. The piece was me trying to make sense of what is going on when I am now living in Germany.
Linda, I had not read Jay Kuo prior to your post but I have since. His pot reminded me of some facts that I'd forgotten which helped me make a little more sense of things. Also, thank you for including your post. I feel much more informed regarding what is happening in Germany. I've signed up with you and look forward to reading more of your posts.
When Jay gave 3 reasons Trump might be bringing up Panama, all of them seemed simultaneously legitimate to me. The grudges for both things, and the changing the news cycle could all exist together. We know that Trump is the king of dominating the news cycle. He and Musk will be competing for that. As for grudges, I read Project 2025 in my Democrats Abroad book club group and it is filled with policy based on Trump's grudges. It is like we are all going to be women in bad marriages with the immature alcoholic violent husband, only with Trump and Musk we get two bad husbands in one.
Thank you Miss Ruth, but what can withstand greedy power? Contemporary business success depends on what they call "being nimble." Democracy is not nimble, so what does democracy have to counteract autocratic nimbleness? Or is it just perception that autocracy historically has been the political norm since before Ur? Is democracy overly susceptible to fear whereas fascism uses fear? The question I got out of your post is, how is it that Lithuania is a fearless David?
I am thinking that autocracy is going in waves right now. If you have an illiberal government you want to overthrow them for a more liberal government and vice versa because whoever is in power is getting the blame for the stress people feel from covid and now the Russian war on Ukraine. Of course in many parts of the world you have your own wars to worry about. In Syria and all over Africa there are wars.
Russia turning to North Korea to prop up each other’s failing states, also points out the disturbing reality that their military forces - and the world once feared Russia- are neither superior … nor successful.
Your encouragement and support are just what I needed to hear today...Thank you so much....I am 68 years old and feeling the emotions of early childhood trauma which caused my mother to have to flee to protect her physical safety as well as mine...Events on the national and world stage are triggering the memories of my mother's abuse and causing fear to arise and to be honest, despair...I am glad you will be making this journey with me and I am so grateful to you for your tireless efforts on behalf of all of us...
Please consider signing this petition that would provide green cards to DACA recipients. Brought to the US as small children by their parents, these people never knew another homeland outside of the US.
The American people have lost the living memory of WWII and to a certain extent, the Cold War. That's where we come in. Historical truth is a powerful thing.
Thank you for highlighting the strength of the Baltic people. My Latvian mother and her family fled the Soviets in 1944. I’ve been inspired lifelong by how they have endured and hope they continue to—despite incoming madness in US.
My mother's grandparents left Lithuania for America in the late 19th century. From what I have been told, they left primarily to avoid being drafted into the Russian army. I did not know my great-grandparents, but if my grandparents and great aunts and uncles that I did know are any indication of the strength and resilience of the Baltic peoples, the Russians are in for another bad outcome if they decide to try what they tried in Ukraine. I hope the same can be true for me. Just to note, the other half of my heritage is Irish. 💛💚❤☘
Life has a funny way of bringing outcomes against expectations. For example I consider that another four years of Muffin may give Republicans an opportunity to jettison him.
My grandparents fled the Cossacks in Ukraine. They managed to move to Europe. Twenty five years later they fled Nazis. My mother was 6 years old. She would not speak much about the past. She hated funerals. I would read everything to learn about her and my history. My grandparents were more talkative especially when I asked questions and specific details. I can only imagine what they would say about our horrible situation today.
I feel like I might be thinking crazy right now. Trump threatening to reclaim the panama canal just sounded like more of his posturing. Musk supporting German nazis sounded like something said for shock value. Trump's insults to Canada regarding becoming the 51st state came off as the bully he is. Putin wanting to talk about Ukraine was to be expected. Then came his statement regarding owning Greenland is just an absolute necessity. All of a sudden, my hair on my arms started to stand up. Does this really sound like a crazy man who has plans to take over the world using Musk's money and joining sides with Putin? Somebody please talk me off from this crazy ledge. I'm usually not crazy.
Imperialism is quite common in fascism, as we saw with Hitler and Mussolini. tRump is continuing this tradition with his lust for more territory.. But why? There is something in psychology known as a covetous psychopath. These people feel entitled to possess anything they want. This is why electing someone with ASPD (sociopathy/psychopathy) is such a huge mistake for any nation.
Nancy, I don't think you're crazy- unless I am, also. I watched our elections with great dread of what is possibly to come. I do follow news on Ukraine / Russia pretty closely, but I feel this is all interconnected with Trump and what is happening in the US. Trump sounds like Putin and uses similar language as Putin - "annexing" Canada? Owning or annexing Greenland? Now he wants the Panama Canal back?!
Some time ago(2022-2023), when Putin started talking about a "New World Order", basically an anti-NATO alliance of dictators, I couldn't help thinking, Trump will WANT to be in this club, of fascists and autocrats, who commit atrocities and steal with impunity. And lo and behold, now the US has a full fledged oligarchy. It's as if Trump was personally mentored by Putin. Musk also suddenly came out pro-Russia, strongly during Trump's campaign, even changing X's algorithms to favor pro-Trump, pro-Russian posts. And Musk regularly talks to Putin, supposedly. And this is in violation of our National Security interests, I'm certain.
Putin, for his part, has become more extreme in his old age, if you listen to his ideology or that of Aleksandr Dugin, they believe that World domination by Russia is inevitable, a god-bearing country that is superior over all other peoples. They govern by intimidation just like any mafia, but they act like they are inhuman monsters by any standard of cruelty.
Now I look at Russia, the poverty, the recklessness, the weakness of their economy, the submissiveness of their people, their infrastructure literally falling apart - and the genocidal death and destruction on neighboring countries - actually anywhere they invade, the same tactics are employed. So it seems a dissonance, between the rhetoric and bragging propaganda - and the actual facts.
I do worry that Trump, combining his power as head of the US together with Putin will be a terrible thing. Putin is weak now, just holding on until Trump ascends the throne. Trump will have our military might at his disposal. Putin alone could be weak enough to fall, but if Trump comes to Russia's aid? that's what I worry about - for all of us, globally. Loved the article from the Lithuanians! Anyone- any nation who has been under Russian occupation KNOWS once free, they will never submit to it again. I hear what's happening in Europe, the Russian infiltration operations, the sabotage, etc. So am I crazy, too?
Nancy, you sound like you read Jay Kuo today. A friend told me she and her husband have been in a news black out since November and will be through January. She wrote me a very upbeat holiday letter. If it were not for the political landscape she would be the most content she has been in her life, and she says that they will focus on what they can do locally, and not go crazy about the national picture.
I just wrote about the AfD today. The piece was me trying to make sense of what is going on when I am now living in Germany.
https://lindaweide.substack.com/p/the-afd-in-germany?r=f0qfn
I am currently in the US, but go back and forth between the two countries. As a woman with Brown skin I always have my alarm detector on for fascists.
Linda, I had not read Jay Kuo prior to your post but I have since. His pot reminded me of some facts that I'd forgotten which helped me make a little more sense of things. Also, thank you for including your post. I feel much more informed regarding what is happening in Germany. I've signed up with you and look forward to reading more of your posts.
Thank you for your support Nancy.
When Jay gave 3 reasons Trump might be bringing up Panama, all of them seemed simultaneously legitimate to me. The grudges for both things, and the changing the news cycle could all exist together. We know that Trump is the king of dominating the news cycle. He and Musk will be competing for that. As for grudges, I read Project 2025 in my Democrats Abroad book club group and it is filled with policy based on Trump's grudges. It is like we are all going to be women in bad marriages with the immature alcoholic violent husband, only with Trump and Musk we get two bad husbands in one.
Thank you Miss Ruth, but what can withstand greedy power? Contemporary business success depends on what they call "being nimble." Democracy is not nimble, so what does democracy have to counteract autocratic nimbleness? Or is it just perception that autocracy historically has been the political norm since before Ur? Is democracy overly susceptible to fear whereas fascism uses fear? The question I got out of your post is, how is it that Lithuania is a fearless David?
I am thinking that autocracy is going in waves right now. If you have an illiberal government you want to overthrow them for a more liberal government and vice versa because whoever is in power is getting the blame for the stress people feel from covid and now the Russian war on Ukraine. Of course in many parts of the world you have your own wars to worry about. In Syria and all over Africa there are wars.
Russia turning to North Korea to prop up each other’s failing states, also points out the disturbing reality that their military forces - and the world once feared Russia- are neither superior … nor successful.
Your encouragement and support are just what I needed to hear today...Thank you so much....I am 68 years old and feeling the emotions of early childhood trauma which caused my mother to have to flee to protect her physical safety as well as mine...Events on the national and world stage are triggering the memories of my mother's abuse and causing fear to arise and to be honest, despair...I am glad you will be making this journey with me and I am so grateful to you for your tireless efforts on behalf of all of us...
Hands Across AMERICA —- 1986
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hands_Across_America
What a great idea! Instead of marching, this would send a signal of unity against oligarchs and tyrants. 🤓
Please consider signing this petition that would provide green cards to DACA recipients. Brought to the US as small children by their parents, these people never knew another homeland outside of the US.
https://www.change.org/p/urge-the-government-to-grant-green-cards-to-daca-recipients
Done. Thank you
Thank you Deborah!
The American people have lost the living memory of WWII and to a certain extent, the Cold War. That's where we come in. Historical truth is a powerful thing.
"Historical truth is a powerful thing."
And this is why fascists try to smash the truth. It conflicts with their fantasy. They love to modify history to suit their needs.
Those of us who lived through the cold war haven't forgotten. But a huge number of Americans idon'thave that memory.
Agreed, but the possibility of tapping into their memories of J621 can have the same effect: Power.
glad the surgery apparently went smoothly. the incident in the 'posh' cafe drove home how interpersonal relationships are corrupted in autocracies.
“One third of Lithuanians were wiped out”. An entire 1/3 of a country’s population. I’m not sure we Americans really grasp the significance of WW2.
Or any other war, for that matter.
Thank you Ruth for being a
bukwark for freedom.
Thank you for highlighting the strength of the Baltic people. My Latvian mother and her family fled the Soviets in 1944. I’ve been inspired lifelong by how they have endured and hope they continue to—despite incoming madness in US.
My mother's grandparents left Lithuania for America in the late 19th century. From what I have been told, they left primarily to avoid being drafted into the Russian army. I did not know my great-grandparents, but if my grandparents and great aunts and uncles that I did know are any indication of the strength and resilience of the Baltic peoples, the Russians are in for another bad outcome if they decide to try what they tried in Ukraine. I hope the same can be true for me. Just to note, the other half of my heritage is Irish. 💛💚❤☘
Validating others -respectful of their dignity - is a win for both people, individuals or groups
Thanks for the link to the full Linkedin post. It also contained this interesting quote about being oppressed:
"There's no justice, just accidental mercy."
As the MAGA saber rattling, follow the money and how the consequences for Americans.
Starts Mapping where your kids may have to die to make President Musk even richer
https://thedemlabs.org/2024/12/23/mapping-where-your-kids-may-have-to-die-to-make-president-musk-even-richer/
Good one. His chest is hairless in the image that pops up with the China discussion. Do you suppose he is training to be an Olympic swimmer?
We'll see who ends up dead!😡
Life has a funny way of bringing outcomes against expectations. For example I consider that another four years of Muffin may give Republicans an opportunity to jettison him.