Christmas 2022

 

Airing grievances is something we all do, without the occasion of the fictional Seinfeld holiday “Festivus”. It is celebrated by “airing of grievances” and enumerating one’s disappointments with others over the past year. Demonstrations of “feats of strength” around the Festivus Pole may or may not provide the “serenity now” atmosphere to the gathering of friends and family.

Wacky as it seems, every day is “Festivus” for some people.

Airing of grievances is a full-time activity for a certain disgraced criminal and former president. He treats Christmas as just another day of his year-long personal Festivus.

Here are his Christmas messages:

"The Unselect Committee’s January 6th Report is a Hoax, no different than RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA, and all of the other Scams that the Disinformation laden Democrats have been planting for years," Trump wrote. "If I weren’t leading by a lot in the Polls, against both parties, this continuation of falsehoods and lies would end quickly. I won in 2016, did much better in 2020 (RIGGED!), and the Radical Marxists don’t want to run against me or MAGA in 2024. I had almost nothing to do with January 6th. FREE SPEECH!"

 "Merry Christmas to EVERYONE, including the Radical Left Marxists that are trying to destroy our Country, the Federal Bureau of Investigation that is illegally coercing & paying Social and LameStream Media to push for a mentally disabled Democrat over the Brilliant, Clairvoyant, and USA LOVING Donald J. Trump, and, of course, The Department of Injustice, which appointed a Special 'Prosecutor' who, together with his wife and family, HATES 'Trump' more than any other person on earth. LOVE TO ALL!"

How could any Radical Left Marxist not feel the Christian love from such a Brilliant, Clairvoyant, and USA LOVING kind of Bible brandishing guy? Not even Lincoln was treated so badly, he would whine. His base of radical Right Christian nationalists have joined their Dear Leader, and embraced this manufactured and wildly false sense of persecution to the point they believe THEY are the “real victims” of racism. 

Not to be the toad in the punchbowl, but we might perhaps consider there’s something to the maxim regarding Republicans and the radical Right. “Pay attention to their actions, not their words”.

If we pay attention to the chasm between their words and actions, we’ll find the vast Land of Hypocrisy, where anger, hate, and blame are their true values. “Love to all”, not so much.

The radical Right might love their family and friends, but that’s not a characteristic of truly kind and loving people. Even a racist or sociopath can be fond of people close to him.

What do their actions say about them?

Do they care for the poor, the sick, and the homeless immigrant? Do they take away school lunches for children and food stamps for the poor? Do they support Medicare and Social Security for the elderly?

Or do they just give tax cuts to the rich and corporate donor? Do they deny women their reproductive freedom? Do they demonize any and all vulnerable and marginalized demographic, ethnic, or racial group that doesn’t fit in with conservative white nationalist Christians? Do they attack, demean, and smear people who have different religious or political beliefs?

Do they delight in the misfortunes and suffering of those “others”?

Both their words and actions reveal the answers to these questions.

The hate for immigrants from the radical Right is based on their fear of them becoming Democratic voters, and their fear of being “replaced”. Anger, hate and fear can all lead to cruelty. Deliberate cruelty has been their tactical responses to the dreaded “others”. Separating kids from parents and putting them in cages was a deliberate Republican policy. Harsh and dehumanizing treatment of them has become their default attitude and standard policy.

Hate crimes are on the rise, along with horrible mass shootings inflicted upon Mexicans, Jews, Blacks, the LGBTQ community, and progressives.

Trump’s Christmas greetings perfectly encapsulate the seething twisted rage of radical Right white nationalists for those of us outside their far Right white nationalist identity cult. “Radical Left Marxists that are trying to destroy our Country” have allied with scientists, educators, progressives and journalists that don’t agree with them. All of them are branded “enemies of the people”. Welcome to the spirit of 1933 Germany.

The angry white nationalists may not have the concentration camps yet for those they hate and fear, but that won’t stop them from inflicting as much misery as they can upon their targets.

Conservative white Christians celebrated the birth of their Savior this Christmas by presenting our Vice President their special gift of Christian love and charity. In their minds, this only serves her right for being an uppity woman of color.

From CNN:

Two busloads of migrants were dropped off in front of Vice President Kamala Harris' residence in Washington, DC, on Christmas Eve in 18 degree weather, a law enforcement source told CNN. The source said there was no one from any organization or aid group on the ground to receive them in front of the Naval Observatory, where the vice president's home is located.

"It looked like they had to call either family members or somebody else to come and pick them up, but they were standing out there, shivering with blankets for the last five to 10 minutes," the law enforcement source said.

A separate administration official confirmed the arrival and said law enforcement has estimated that approximately 50 more migrants are inbound and expected late Christmas Eve, likely after 10 p.m. ET. The initial two busloads were taken to local shelters, according to the official.

Well, THAT should certainly convince immigrants to support Republicans, amirite? It was probably Abbot of Texas again, but the entire world of Trump fans get a kick out of "owning the libs", no matter who suffers.When cruelty IS the point, then fascism is their guiding ideology. 

Shame on them. They deserve only a lump of coal today.

Merry Christmas and best regards to every Christian who is not among them.

Beliefs v Reality

 

By now most rational observers have learned false beliefs and lies can trump reality in the vast radical Right and MAGA propaganda empire. Over the past few decades a lot of their propaganda penetrated throughout mainstream media as well.

The human species’ susceptibility to cults has fascinated me for as many decades. It doesn’t take years of anthropological cult study to see what happened to the Republican Party. As it wraps itself in Christian nationalism it has a cult like hold on millions of Americans. They tend to be conservative to the degree that most authoritarian personalities will be among them.  Authoritarian followers follow their authoritarian leaders. They find a sense of belonging, unity and protection. Trump was their revered charismatic messiah, their noble, honest and infallible dear leader, sent by God to save America. He told them what to believe, and who to hate. And they believed him. And they hated who he hated.

Yeah. That’s a cult. And in a cult, beliefs trump reality. Always.

So my fascination with cults set me on course to examine the American radical Right. It’s made up of millions of evangelicals, Christian nationalists, and practically every racist hate group and neighborhood bigot across the land. And even some regular, misinformed, incurious types too. Some of whom are even decent neighbors or family.

I have to thank fellow blogger Darrell Michaels for encapsulating the radical Right ideology over the years. He was the conservative everyman. We would have lively exchanges through the Bush and Obama years. Our miniature “marketplace of ideas” was actually informative and entertaining, despite his endless stream of casting false accusations without evidence, the standard MO of the Right.

But the radicalization and false beliefs he was pre-conditioned to embrace eventually set in. He was starting to suggest I was a “leftist who hates America”, and accepted without comment an accusation that I was a “racist commie”.

Inevitably he went all in for Trump and his Big Lie about a stolen 2020 election. He would reject all my requests for evidence of massive fraud or that Trump won, and banned me from his blog. I’m sure this is still the case.

Like everyone under the spell of the radical Right MAGA Madness, Darrell’s “standards” are quite flexible when it comes to Trump, his Big Lie, his coup, and his cult.

Here’s what Darrell wrote at my blog on Jan 8, 2021:

“Dave, Trump was wrong to give encouragement and a wink and a nod to the protestors and delaying any attempt to rein them back. He was complicit. Sadly this ego maniacal narcissist tarnished the myriad of good things he has done for our country with this latest escapade.”

I was surprised and impressed by his brief glimpse of reality and sound judgment. Alas, it was not to endure. Beliefs trump reality with the radical Right.

This is what Darrell wrote on May 15, 2021: “Trump instigates a riot according to the left and the media, but then I repeat myself. (He didn’t.)

We last visited our old friend Darrell fresh off his post of Fascist Fantasies.

He shared “the wisdom and wit” of a "poem" by someone he seems to hold in high regard. “I thought was brilliant and perfectly encapsulated the leftist mindset in their "religion”. 

Some samples of “The religion of the Left” as seen through their peculiar “wisdom and wit”:

“Their Sacrament is Abortion

Their Baptism is a sprinkle of mRNA

Their creed is a CRT screed

Their church fathers are Marx, Nietzsche, Sarte, Marcuse, and Foucault.”

Well, no need to add any more of this nonsense.

Darrell is on another tirade. And if it isn’t actually hate speech, it certainly has several elements of it.

With apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning:

How do I hate thee? Let me count the ways his “Thoughts on the Ruinous Mid-Term Elections” are really just his rabid screed of resentments, anger and false accusations.

“...the senile and corrupt Biden and his flying monkeys in congress”

This would be applauded at a Klan meeting, or Trump rally. It seems his values allow him to accuse a victim of dementia of corruption without evidence.

“Anything that the left wants to spend tax payers’ dollars on is covered under the Constitution’s “good and plenty” clause.  Er, I mean under the general welfare clause.  Never mind that this is so much nonsense and that anything not specifically enumerated as a right or duty of the federal government in the constitution is supposed to be reserved to the states or the people.”

Is he deliberately saying “promoting and providing for the general welfare” is nonsense, and denying there is Constitutional authority to do so. Why does he hate America and our Constitution so much? ;-)

Let’s quote some our Constitution for those who would twist its words to demonize fellow Americans, shall we?

Preamble:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

And Article 1, Section 8:

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States;

Those silly founders! Why did they go do something so stupid as to mention “general welfare” TWICE! This really upsets our radical Right fellow citizens for some reason. (Maybe we should remind him again later.)

Did the founders also “despise America”? It would seem so, in their view.  Or maybe they just didn’t know the true meanings of their words like Darrell does. “Why would the leftists care about governing in a manner faithful to the constitution when they despise America?”

To flatly state without evidence that anyone who disagrees with the radical Right means they “despise America” is hate-fueled demonization out of the fascist playbook. Again, this would elicit cheers and applause at a neo-Nazi rally, or a Trump rally.

My, they seem to have a lot in common, don’t they?

And for the record, Darrell has never offered any evidence to indicate ONE person on “the left” who says he “despises America”. But he’s fine with applying his incredibly broad and baseless accusation. This is how a bigot sees the world, though. Not that Darrell is a bigot. He just regurgitates their hateful rhetoric. It’s easier than examining evidence and facts.

“Even their previous messiah Obama was swept into office on the promise of fundamentally transforming America with “hope and change” for free stuff for everyone that towed the manifesto line.”

Ah, the less-than-subtle-red-baiting-card and dog whistles. “Free stuff“ = “Socialism”. Manifesto” = “Marxist”. We get it. Obama is a Marxist Kenyan who hates America.

“Question this and one is labelled a fascist, racist, sexist, homophobe, transphobe, xenophobe, authoritarian, blah blah blah.”

Of course, but question Trump, his Big Lie, and his cartel, or even Darrell, and one is labeled a “Leftist/Marxist/Socialist/Communist/Antifa thug who despises America.

“...doing whatever is necessary to ensure that they hold on to their power, elections be damned.  (There are ways to make sure elections always tilt to blue rather than red if the outcome is in doubt.  Just ask Kari Lake in Arizona.)”

Or ask Al Gore. We could remind him again of who perpetually whines, “Rigged! Massive voter fraud!”, and lies about winning when he lost, emboldening his radical followers like Kari Lake to deny any election they lose. Elections are only “fair” when Republicans win. Is THAT in the Constitution?

As the same whiner Trump recently wrote: “Do you throw the Presidential Election Results of 2020 OUT and declare the RIGHTFUL WINNER, or do you have a NEW ELECTION? A Massive Fraud of this type and magnitude allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution. Our great ‘Founders’ did not want, and would not condone, False & Fraudulent Elections!”

Oh, oh. Who dares ask if Darrell would side with Trump over the Constitution? I dare say Darrell would STILL vote for him. Only a truly authoritarian follower personality would support such a megalomaniacal narcissistic authoritarian leader.

“...I will simply go on about my life and try to associate with good like-minded people who appreciate what REAL old-fashioned Americans are: Those that love liberty, the constitution, and a government that protects those rights and nothing more.”

As a very “REAL old fashioned American”, albeit perhaps not a “good like-minded” one, I take this as directed at me, as he’s done so before. “Nothing more”? Someone hasn’t read, or ignores the preamble to the Constitution, and suggests the founders didn’t know the meanings of their written words. Did he just skip down to the Second Amendment and ignored the rest? Maybe all that text about GOVERNING and other powers was too boring for him?

No wonder he would prefer to ignore what was written into the dreaded Article 1, Section 8:

As mentioned earlier, let’s remind him again.

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

There’s much more, but let’s stop right there. These two clauses are enough for far Right extremists to lose their minds and bury their heads in the sand.

TAXES!  Provide for the GENERAL WELFARE..TWICE! REGULATE commerce!

Their worst nightmares are right there in Article 1, Section 8. Funny how he mentions the Constitution seven times, but never cites it’s words. Hmm. He must know something we don’t.

“In the meantime, I will trust in God and keep my powder dry.”

Trusting God is one thing, but he sounds like a Proud Boy, following Trump’s command to “Stand back and stand by”. If Trump ordered him to shoot all those “leftists who hate America”, would he do it? He seems quite prepared for just that. Such is the power of the manufactured hate in his indoctrinated belief system.

“I think perhaps not focusing on worldly things right now may be the only way we have left of saving our once great nation.”

Good idea. Let’s not focus on tax cuts for the rich, deregulating polluters and Wall Street, demonizing and punishing the “others”, and overturning elections. Or is this what really makes America great?

All I know is Darrell is very clear about hating those of us who try to listen to the message of his Savior.

Not his Republican branded Jesus, but Classic Jesus.

You can’t serve mammon and God. Render unto Caesar his taxes, Love your neighbor and your enemies. Heal the sick and feed the poor, and all those other radical socialist ideas shared by good like-minded Americans.

Isn’t it sad that, according to Darrell’s political beliefs, Jesus “hates America”?

~~~~~~~

Comments on Darrell’s “Thoughts on the Ruinous Mid-Term Elections”:

JTF: GOP needs to learn how to "ballot harvest" like the Democrats do.

Darrell M: No sir, they don't. They need to learn how to make sure that the law is followed and investigate and severely punish those found guilty of rigging the system unjustly and illegally.

Dave Dubya (Banned) to DM: Yes sir, I couldn't agree  more. They need to learn how to make sure that the law is followed, and to especially learn when their leader is breaking multiple laws, and rigging the system unjustly and illegally, like:

PAYING OFF a porn star for silence.

LYING about a stolen election.

DEMANDING GA Sec. of State: "So look. All I want to do is this. I just want to find 11,780 votes.”

DEMANDING the DOJ: “Just say the election was corrupt and leave the rest to me and the Republican congressmen.”

INCITING an armed mob to march to the Capitol to overturn the election.

PRAISING his mob of thugs after they stormed the Capitol, beat cops, terrorized Congress, and threatened to hang Mike Pence: “You’re very special. We love you.”

And:

STEALING secret govt. documents, FAILING to secure them, and LYING about returning them.

18 U.S. Code § 1924 - Unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or material

18 U.S. Code § 1505 - Obstruction of proceedings before departments, agencies, and committees

923. 18 U.S.C. § 371 - Conspiracy to Defraud the United States

DM: I am tired of his infantile ego needing to be stroked and the sometimes stupid things he says or does. That said, he did a LOT of good for the country and we would be far better off today had he remained president. 

Jerry: Trump will probably be in jail by 2024.

DM: If Trump is guilty of crimes, I am okay with that. Biden should be in prison right now for his high crimes and misdemeanors.

Despite all the evidence of Trump’s criminal acts, Darrell will give him the benefit of the doubt, and condemn Biden despite the lack of evidence. The same lack of evidence that the election was stolen from Trump and “the left hates America”.

Beliefs trump reality.

Charming Company

Maybe you remember in October Trump’s friend Kanye West announced: "I'm a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I'm going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE.”

Well, guess who’s coming to dinner at Mar-a-Lago.

West brought along another fellow MAGA traveler and pal Nick Fuentes.

Maybe you remember him from such patriotic events like the deadly “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville in August 2017, and the deadly “Stop the Steal” rally on January 6, 2021.

We know Trump had to be prompted several times to denounce the “very fine people” gathered with David Duke in Charlottesville, when he proclaimed, “We’re here to fulfill the promise of Donald Trump. That’s why we voted for him”.

Trump’s kind of people. Just like his mob that terrorized Congress and sent a hundred cops to the hospital. He praised them with, “You’re very special. We love you”.

All charming company, no doubt, and deserving of a lavish dinner party at Mar-a-Lago. Not to mention the promise of a future presidential pardon.

Feeling the stirring neurons from his primitive amygdala, Fuentes crowed to his squealing cheering toadies: “This is going to be the most racist, sexist, anti-semitic, holocaust-denying, speech in all of Dallas this weekend!”

Fuentes is known for telling Jews to, "get the fuck out of America": "You serve the devil. You serve Satan. ... I piss on your Talmud."

Nice guy, amirite? 

West, who has legally changed his name to Ye, posted a video on Twitter claiming that Trump “is really impressed with Fuentes.”

And Trump approvingly wrote of West on Truth Social. “Anyway, we got along great, he expressed no anti-Semitism, & I appreciated all of the nice things he said about me on Tucker Carlson.”

The mutual admiration is so, um, Klanish.

Lest I be accused of mis-quoting the racist neo-Nazi Trump supporter, I’ve collected a few more of his white supremacist and openly racist rhetoric.

"When it comes to the Jews, every society where shit has gone down with these people, it always goes from zero to sixty."

“The Jews had better start being nice to people like us, because what comes out of this is going to get a lot uglier for them…”

The Anti-Defamation League has a list of things we should know about Nicholas J. Fuentes:

Nicholas J. Fuentes: Five Things to Know

July 08, 2021

1) Nicholas Fuentes is a white supremacist leader and organizer and podcaster who seeks to forge a white nationalist alternative to the mainstream GOP.

2) Nicholas Fuentes believes that he is working to defend against “leftist” cultural changes that are destroying the “true America:” a white, Christian nation.

3) Fuentes has used his platforms to make numerous antisemitic and racist comments. 

4) Fuentes promoted election fraud narratives and encouraged his adherents to participate in nationwide “Stop the Steal” protests.

5) Fuentes has been embraced and praised by a spectrum of far right-wing fringe conservatives, providing him a larger platform for elevating the America First movement. 

In 2017, Fuentes began hosting his livestream show America First with Nicholas J. Fuentes, which attracted a cult-like following. Fuentes refers to these supporters as “Groypers” or the “Groyper Army,” who see their bigoted views as necessary to preserve white, European-American identity and culture. They believe that the mainstream conservative movement is just as responsible as liberals and the left for destroying white America, and that Groypers are the true future of the conservative movement.

“Our civilization is being dismantled, our people are being genocided, and conservatives can’t think past what will play well with liberal media in the next election.”

 “If you are a White male zoomer, remember that the people in power hate you and your unborn children and they will try to genocide you in your lifetime.”

"I don’t see Jews as Europeans and I don’t see them as part of Western civilization, particularly because they are not Christians.”

“Any serious person thinking about globalization and demographic changes should actually care a lot about racial differences in intelligence. But this subject doesn’t “interest” you because it’s not convenient for your trojan horse brand of kosher nationalism.”

Fuentes and other members of America First were present at the Capitol on January 6, about which Fuentes said, “This is awesome...we have been beat up and betrayed and spit on and stepped on for decades. And to see the tables turned for once was a little bit refreshing.” Fuentes was seen that day giving a speech near the Capitol encouraging his followers to “keep moving towards the Capitol – it appears we are taking the Capitol back!”

“White people founded this country. This country wouldn’t exist without white people…people are done being bullied.”

The last quote is the key to fascism. Every racist, every Nazi from Hitler to our American neo-Nazis, every white supremacist, every Proud Boy, Oath Keeper, every Klansman, and every white nationalist of every stripe (and even color) have this in common. 

They are all victims. When their Dear Leader announced his bid for the presidency he succinctly made this point. “I am a victim!”

It’s the famous, patented, all-purpose, demonizing “Victim Card” they pull out for every occasion. There can be no fascist movement without a strong sense of manufactured victimization, to incite hate for the hated “others”, minorities, immigrants, the left, democracy, and even the legal system. Of course, none ever have as much political power as the Angry White Conservatives, but equality was never in their interest. Only their power and privilege.

I don’t know about most conservatives, but most Republicans have indicated they are quite OK with this. Not a peep of condemnation.

They are what they are.

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” ~Maya Angelou

Minority Rule

James McHenry, a Maryland delegate to the Constitutional Convention wrote: 

“A lady asked Dr. (Benjamin) Franklin, Well Doctor what have we got a republic or a monarchy. A republic, replied the Doctor, if you can keep it.”  

Ideally a republic is based on one of our Declaration of Independence’s most important phrases, “consent of the governed”.

That’s not exactly what was protected in the Constitution by the founders. Minority rule, and voter rights, were for the privileged white land owners.

And minority rule is the antithesis of a republic.

It's happened before and will happen again.

Republicans can win the gerrymandered House and anti-democratic Senate with fewer overall votes than Democrats. Along with the Electoral College, these tragic errors in judgment by the founders will impair, undermine and corrupt our representative republic.

Like slavery, the founders codified these inequalities in the Constitution. (Thanks to the slave states.)

White nationalist Republicans will refuse to concede if they lose. They will howl “voter fraud” and “rigged”, as they stir more resentment, anger and hate. (The real values of the radical Right.) 

After 2000 and 2016, Republicans have become accustomed to having presidential power with a minority of votes. 

Americans STILL endure taxation and minority rule without fair representation. 

Washington DC has more people than Vermont and Wyoming combined, yet have no voice in our so-called republic. 

White nationalist Christians are not the majority, but they are louder and are more empowered than the majority.

And that's what they want. Minority rule. And they will violently revolt against the majority AGAIN, if they lose.

This is how a republic dies.

Trumpism On The Ballot

 

For the week up to the midterm elections, I’ll let the professionals have this space to remind us what Trumpism really is.

~~~

Duty to Warn is “an association of mental health professionals warning NOW about TrumpISM.

Many psychologists increasingly use Addiction Theory to explain the cult of Trump. The premise: Trump supporters engage compulsively, pursue rewarding stimuli, ignore adverse consequence. Like an addict. It explains why they adopt arguments that work against their own interests. One example of Trump supporters adopting an argument or taking action against their interests was not getting vaccinated. Another is sending him $. It's defiant behavior. It's compulsive. MAGA are very much addicted. The reward is owning the libs. The drug is dopamine.

Duty To Warn 

1- When we marvel or roll our eyes at Trump supporters, we're often asking the wrong question. Instead of asking: "How can they believe this nonsense?" Better we ask: "What do they get out of being part of Trumpism that makes them so willing to suppress reasoned thought?"

2- There are a lot of answers to the question of what they get out of Trumpism. First and foremost is "the need to belong." They can dislike and defy the same people, share common grievances, do stuff TOGETHER. It's a brotherhood of purpose. It's easier to "believe" than think!

3 - We're often asked if Trumpism is a cult. The short answer: YES, it is. A cult is defined by an unusual, unwavering interest or belief in a particular personality or goal, where devotion transcends reasoned thought. And when you do that, you transcend science, math, and facts

4 - But here's an important point: Trumpism changed. It's no longer a "Cult of Personality," about a man. It's about tribal contrarianism. The goal: TO WIN (and "own the libs"). When Trump himself got booed for advocating vaccines, that was a first sign of cult outgrowing man.

5 - Trumpism has become a full-on apparatus. Enablers. Amplifiers. Fox News. Talk radio. Right wing podcasts. Performative elected officials. Foreign actors, like Putin. It's spread like a plague to many millions of our most susceptible. The fearmongering alone is relentless.

6 - Culture wars. Nationalism. Demonization. Xenophobia. Perversion of words. (Does any Trump cultist understand the actual meaning of the word "evidence"?). Total politicization of EVERY issue. Lies that are shameless. In an echo chamber; with mass repetition. This - is TRUMPISM

7 - The future of OUR democracy will unfold before and during our midterm elections. We MUST not only be more plentiful at the polls, but we MUST be smarter in understanding what Trumpism is, and how to defeat it. We've got 75 (Now 6) days to jell into a highly focused, functional team.

Uplifting News

Yes, there is bad news to be dealt with in our country. We're witnessing a deeply concerning course of events these days. We are watching the toxicity of the radical white nationalist right reach a lethal level. Our democratic republic still faces it worst domestic threat. It can be difficult to believe the outcome won't be a grim darkness across the land.

Our elections and institutions are under attack by a highly mobilized radical horde. They are loyal true believers in Trump's Big Lie and see the rest of us as enemies. 

They will condone the worst incitements to violence. They'll say Trump's bloody coup was "legitimate political discourse". They'll be fine with Marjorie Taylor Greene's almost criminal lie, "I am not going to mince words with you all. Democrats want Republicans dead and they have already started the killings."

Many already say they won't accept an electoral defeat and will deny the will of the voters and try to overturn any loss. They are fascists. It's what they do.

But if their Dear Leader the Big MAGAt meets some justice, they're bound to lose some steam. 

We will have more uplifting stories and events to watch this November, especially if the Dems can hold Congress. 

Someone is already feeling very uneasy this October, and will soon be quite unhappy, no matter how the election turns out.

It's been a particularly rough week for the Orange Fuhrer. (Since he hates dogs, because they can judge character, I'll invoke the words of a cartoon canine.)

Ruh, roh! Part One:

First Durham falls flat, and now this:

DOJ Prosecutors say they now have enough evidence to charge Donald J Trump with Obstruction of Justice after investigating his theft of Top Secret/Classified Documents.

It looks like he will be charged with Obstruction of Justice.

Ruh, roh! Part Two:

A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the release of emails from John Eastman, a former Donald Trump attorney, to House investigators, saying the communications were made in furtherance of a crime related to Trump’s efforts to subvert the 2020 election.

“The emails show that President Trump knew that the specific numbers of voter fraud were wrong but continued to tout those numbers, both in court and to the public,” Judge David O. Carter wrote.

“The Court finds that these emails are sufficiently related to and in furtherance of a conspiracy to defraud the United States,” he added.

 

Obstruction of Justice AND Conspiracy to Defraud the United States.

 

Ruh, roh! Part Three:

E. Jean Carroll's attorneys have asked for Trump's DNA. 

Sure, we have our justifiable concerns and anxieties. But I would have no interest in trading all of mine for the growing fear and loathing, slowly seething within the empty heart of Don the Con. 

Spot The Bully

 

Scarlett Lewis, whose six-year-old son Jesse was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting took the stand in Alex Jones's civil trial. She said Jones is the “biggest bully I've ever faced”.

Of course he’s a bully. He portrays himself as a “tough guy” to con and frighten his dupes into giving him their money. His hateful rhetoric and participation in Trump’s coup also make him a bully. Have you noticed how bullies are almost always the people with authoritarian personalities? They’re arrogant, pushy, bossy, intimidating and rude whenever it suits their ego and agenda.

There are other indications that reveal the bullies.

How an entertainer or speaker responds to hecklers reveals their composure, or lack thereof. It also reflects the degree of decency, humor, and tolerance they may have.

How someone deals with a heckler can also indicate the presence of an authoritarian personality.

We can compare the former president and our current president for contrast in character, personality and composure.

See if you can spot the authoritarian personality, or the fascist, or if you feel neither term applies, the bully.

Biden:

“Let him go. Look, everybody’s entitled to be an idiot.”

“They’re entitled to be outrageous, this is a democracy. Good manners is nothing they’ve ever suffered from, but history and common sense tell us that opportunity, liberty and justice for all are most likely to come to pass in a democracy.”

Trump:

“Get him out! Try not to hurt him. If you do, I’ll defend you in court. Don’t worry about it.”

“I’d like to punch him in the face!”

“If you see somebody getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of them. I’ll pay the legal fees.”

“Throw them out into the cold. Don’t give them their coats. No coats! Confiscate their coats.”

Bonus response to an unruly violent audience:

After watching them beat cops and terrorize Congress for THREE hours on TV, Trump PRAISED his thugs.

"You're very special. We love you."

The same person endorsed Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Geoff Diehl with this statement:

"Geoff is a proven fighter who successfully pushes back on the ultraliberal extremists, He'll rule your state with an iron fist, and he'll do what has to be done."

"Iron fist." Cruelty is the point. Bullying is their tactic.

In 1944 George Orwell asked, What is Fascism?

Of all the unanswered questions of our time, perhaps the most important is: “What is Fascism?”

Why, then, cannot we have a clear and generally accepted definition of it? Alas! we shall not get one — not yet, anyway.

Except for the relatively small number of Fascist sympathizers, almost any English person would accept ‘bully’ as a synonym for ‘Fascist’. That is about as near to a definition as this much-abused word has come.

Can’t argue with that. All fascists are bullies, by their authoritarian nature.

Constitution, Not Con-stitution

 

With the kind indulgence of the reader, I’d like to continue my analysis of the radical Right mentality.

Our friend Darrell says in his "Constitution Day" post he loves the Constitution, and agrees it is wise that it not be “re-written”, or amended. He believes anyone who wants to do this now is deemed a “leftist who hates America”.

Let’s remember the ideals of the founders, and how they understood the need for amending the Constitution “to form a more perfect union”.

Let’s also remember the founding ideal of “consent of the governed”, and that it was horribly mitigated by systemic inequalities and anti-democratic flaws written into our Constitution. Slavery, limited right to vote, the Electoral selection for president, and the disproportionate unrepresentative Senate that obliterated the concept of one man/ one vote for our federal government.

These passages will be our reference for discussion:

Declaration of Independence, second paragraph:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Preamble to the US Constitution:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

As I previously noted, traditional definitions of words may not be accepted, and are unilaterally redefined, by the radical Right. I appended some definitions to help clear up their muddy views.

Darrell’s “Constitution Day” post quoted a conservative college’s pitch for donations:

Underlying these efforts to destroy our Constitution is the movement in American schools and universities to push a false and dishonest account of American history. This account portrays our nation as essentially racist and irredeemably unjust.

It’s no surprise, then, that a recent Rasmussen poll found that over half of President Biden’s strong supporters think the Constitution “should be mostly or completely rewritten.” 

This is outrageously dishonest radical Right dogma. Only the Right are banning and burning books, banning the teaching of the history of slavery and racism as “Marxist CRT”, and banning words referring to non-heterosexual persons. Yes, the hypocritical “victims of cancel culture” want to cancel not only educators, but the votes of 81 million Americans who voted against Trump.

An Anonymous comment informed Darrell that Thomas Jefferson agreed with over half of Biden’s supporters:

Constitution Day is the perfect time to remind everyone that Thomas Jefferson said we should rewrite the Constitution every 20 years.

In a letter written to James Madison from Paris just after the French Revolution had broken out, Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) argues that any Constitution expires after 19 years and must be renewed if it is not to become “an act of force and not of right”:

“The question Whether one generation of men has a right to bind another, seems never to have been started either on this or our side of the water… (But) between society and society, or generation and generation there is no municipal obligation, no umpire but the law of nature. We seem not to have perceived that, by the law of nature, one generation is to another as one independant nation to another… On similar ground it may be proved that no society can make a perpetual constitution, or even a perpetual law. The earth belongs always to the living generation… Every constitution, then, and every law, naturally expires at the end of 19. years. If it be enforced longer, it is an act of force and not of right.”

Darrell ignored Jefferson’s words, and defended the permanence of outdated provisions of the Constitution. Once again his extremely biased views required factual italicized corrections.

Darrell’s response to Jefferson:

~~~~

 Anonymous, Madison and our other founders provided a way to change that constitution through the amendment process when necessary. It was intentionally made to be rather difficult so it would not be altered for light and transient reasons based on foolish trends or fashions of the moment.

(Ironically Darrell borrows terms from the Declaration of Independence: “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.”

Are his ideas of “Light and transient reasons based on foolish trends or fashions” like abolition of slavery, equal rights for Blacks, voter rights for Blacks and Women, popular vote for Senators, Equal rights for women? All these “Light and transient reasons based on foolish trends or fashions” were strongly opposed by conservatives. THIS is why they love having our Constitutional changes dependent upon the minority power of the Senate and lily white conservative state governments. They have NEVER supported equal rights, and fair representative by the majority of voters in elections. They bitterly resent those who demand such reforms. This is also why they support the treasonous lies and attacks on our democracy by Donald Trump.)

Further, the constitution itself was written so as to LIMIT government, while enshrining citizens' rights. (Wrong. It outlined government duties and processes. The authors enshrined the rights of wealthy white people as “citizens”. NOT all Americans.) ONLY those things written in the constitution are the responsibilities of the government. (OK, yes. Just ignore the parts about Constitutional taxes, regulation of commerce, and provision for the general welfare, amirite?) All other rights and responsibilities belong with the states or the people. (Those words are NOT from the Constitution. “States rights” are what allowed slavery, discrimination, systemic racism, and denying women their reproductive freedom. Conservatives have ALWAYS wanted to limit the rights of minorities and women. That’s NOT what the 9th Amendment protects.

The US Constitution: Amendment 9

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.)

No wonder the left wants to "re-write" and scrap our constitution. (See what I mean? The Constitution has been historically “re-written” by amendments to abolish slavery, allow fair representation, direct vote for senators, civil liberties, voter rights, and civil rights. All were OPPOSED by conservatives.)

It restricts leftism. (“Leftism” means protected rights, democracy and equality. It also supports Constitutional taxes, regulation of commerce, and provision for the general welfare that Darrell calls “hating America”.)

As Obama said, it is a document of "negative liberties". Negative, because it restricted him from using government to do much more than what it was legally entitled to do. It was a impediment to him "fundamentally transforming America".

(“Negative liberty is the absence of obstacles, barriers or constraints. One has negative liberty to the extent that actions are available to one in this negative sense. Positive liberty is the possibility of acting — or the fact of acting — in such a way as to take control of one’s life and realize one’s fundamental purposes.” 

Obama was referring to precedent, and what the Warren Supreme Court interpreted. Darrell also voted for the criminal who said Obama was a foreign usurper. What Obama said:

“The Supreme Court never ventured into the issues of redistribution of wealth, and of more basic issues such as political and economic justice in society… [The Supreme Court] didn’t break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution, at least as it’s been interpreted, and the Warren Court interpreted in the same way, that generally the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties. [It] says what the states can’t do to you. [It] says what the federal government can’t do to you, but [it] doesn’t say what the federal government or state government must do on your behalf.”)

Nowadays we ignore it altogether. (No evidence provided.) That is why a charlatan and crook accepting bribes in the form of business transactions from China, Russia, and Ukraine can sit in the White House now. (No evidence cited.) It is just one of myriads of reasons why he should be impeached too. (Again, no evidence. Darrell forgot about “Russia, if you’re listening...” Trump Tower Moscow, Deutsche Bank, illegally paying off porn stars, cronies meeting with Russians, giving secrets to Russians in the Oval Office, siding with Putin in Helsinki, extorting Ukraine to interfere against his opponent, lying about winning the election, inciting an angry mob to obstruct a Constitutional proceeding, to overturn the election, and praising his thugs for terrorizing Congress and brutally beating cops. Never mind the billions Kushner got from the Saudis and millions raked in by “advisor” Ivanka. Trump paid his daughter Ivanka $747,622 for 'consulting,' then deducted it from his taxes. All noble and pure in the Trump Cult.)

Indeed I can respect and support "liberals" as defined by the current usage of the term, even when I disagree with them. It is the leftists that HATE our country and want to dismantle it; not liberals. Leftists have no use for liberals that are not fully supportive of their agenda, while us conservatives are deemed as outright fascists. (Darrell initially condemned, and then refused to condemn, Trump for inciting a violent mob to interfere with Congress and beat cops, and after watching them for three hours doing just that on TV, praising his violent mob of thugs. How is that  NOT fascist?  It’s those “leftists” that are the real fascists in his disordered mind.)

~~~~

Definitions for grounding in reality:

“Liberalism” from Oxford:

1. willingness to respect or accept behaviour or opinions different from one's own; openness to new ideas.

2. a political and social philosophy that promotes individual rights, civil liberties, democracy, and free enterprise.

 

“Left (Ideology)” from Britannica:

Left, in politics, the portion of the political spectrum associated in general with egalitarianism and popular or state control of the major institutions of political and economic life. The term dates from the 1790s, when in the French revolutionary parliament the socialist representatives sat to the presiding officer’s left. Leftists tend to be hostile to the interests of traditional elites, including the wealthy and members of the aristocracy, and to favour the interests of the working class (see proletariat). They tend to regard social welfare, governmental programs that provide assistance to those in need, as the most important goal of government. Socialism is the standard leftist ideology in most countries of the world; communism is a more radical leftist ideology.

“Right (Ideology)” from Britannica:

Right, portion of the political spectrum associated with conservative political thought. The term derives from the seating arrangement of the French revolutionary parliament (c. 1790s) in which the conservative representatives sat to the presiding officer’s right. In the 19th century the term applied to conservatives who supported authority, tradition, and property. In the 20th century a divergent, radical form developed that was associated with fascism.

To simplify, the American Left is the democratic socialism of Bernie Sanders. The American radical Right is the fascism of Donald Trump.

Authoritarian Authority

 

If you take a broad overview of their propaganda, you'll find the radical Right authoritarians will routinely and arrogantly assume the unilateral authority to redefine any term to fit their agenda.

Slime merchant and sleazy husband Newt Gingrich and propagandist Frank Luntz made it their standard operating procedure.

African Americans used the term "woke" to mean awareness of racial injustice and inequality. It is just the latest word the radical White Right stole and redefined as a slur.

A few more examples:

Estate tax = "Death tax"

Journalists and News media = when “liberal media” wasn’t sufficient, "fake news" and “enemy of the people”.

Progressive = "communist"

Democrat ="Socialist/communist/fascist"

Constitutional taxation = "Theft/Tyranny”

Constitutional provision for the general welfare =  "socialism/communism”

Constitutional public education = "Socialism"

Constitutional public healthcare = "socialism/communism"

Constitutional regulation of commerce =  "socialism”

Constitutional safety nets, Social Security, Medicare, etc. =  "socialism/communism”

Fair elections =  "Rigged elections"

Democracy = "Mob rule"

Masks and vaccinations = "Fascism"

“Woke”= Anything that annoys the radical Right, especially discussions of racial injustice and inequality.

In August 2020, Luntz was asked what the defining principles of the Republican Party were, to which he responded, "You know, I don’t have a history of dodging questions. But I don’t know how to answer that. There is no consistent philosophy."

I would suggest an answer.

Yes, there is a consistent “philosophy”.

Coddling the rich, pandering to religious bigots, and undermining truth, elections, democracy and the will of the majority. 

As with the terms above, examples abound.

Fascist Fantasies

My old buddy Darrell Michaels is back to blogging.

Readers may remember when Darrell banned me from his blog for saying “hateful” things. (It was fine for someone to call me a “racist commie”, though.)

I admit to being snarky in response to his outrageous claims. I must have angered him, or made him uncomfortable with facts.

But I admit I missed Darrell. He always inspired me. I’m so happy he’s back to vent his anger, resentments, scapegoating and misunderstanding of almost every issue.

He’s rather upset by President Biden calling election-denying, rioting Trumpists “semi-fascists”.

Mah stars! This triggered a pandemic of pearl-clutching. Please pass the smelling salts.

So Darrell had to respond to this outrage, and expounded on the hypothetical idea, “If I Were a Fascist Bent on Destroying America...”

He means Democrats. As everyone on the far Right will tell you, “Democrats are destroying America”.

He’s so upset, he’s taken a new direction in his attacks on Democrats. For he is a righteous man

Democrats are no longer communists, but fascists. Or they are fascists, socialists, communists, anarchists, arsonists, or are of any other ideology that hates America, or opposes Trump. It’s all the same thing to them.

Confused? Don’t be. The radical Right has always assumed authority to unilaterally define terms to suit their mood and agenda. Democracy is now a bad thing for a republic. Minority rule that denies rights is better than majority rule with minority rights. Trump is an honest, but very unfairly persecuted, patriot. White conservatives are the real victims of racism, etc.

With my remarks italicized, let’s learn how the radical Right Trump Cult views “fascism”.

~~~~

If I Were a Fascist Bent on Destroying America

If I were a fascist or even a semi-fascist and wanted to destroy our democratic republic and eradicate the freedoms that our constitution was formed in order to protect, how could I best go about doing so?

Well, I would first want to take over our education system in order to indoctrinate our kids into believing that they live in an unjust and racist nation that brings nothing but ruin to others throughout the world. (Not happening. The straw man fallacy is his friend.) I would ignore teaching them of the United States history where we overcame so many great sins, like slavery and women’s inequality in rights.(The radical Right is banning teaching the history of slavery and racism, falsely labeling it “CRT”)  I would bury the truth of how the United States fought and buried hundreds of thousands of men in defense against the true fascism of Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, and Mussolini’s Italy. (Where is WWII history “buried”?) I surely wouldn’t tell of the largesse in charity and foreign aid given to nations throughout the world, especially in times of disaster.  No, that would go against the woke narrative.(He thinks the “woke narrative” opposes financial aid?)  Oh, and I’d erase college debt for the rich that went to college and put the burden on the tax payers that chose not to go, as they couldn’t afford it. (He thinks public education is “fascism”?)

I would champion that I was a member of the party of science (Because pollution contributes to climate change?)  and then explain how gender is fluid and boys can actually be women and dominate girls’ sports, walk around naked in girls’ shower rooms, and any complaining about that or the man’s ability to menstruate or become pregnant would immediately be mocked and shut down with cries of transphobia. (Can he name ONE Democrat proposing boys take showers with schoolgirls?)

Which leads to the next thing that I would do, which would be to weaken and eventually destroy the traditional nuclear family. (Because Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh and Trump and their TEN wives exemplify the “traditional nuclear family”?)  It is just another form of patriarchal oppression designed to keep women and children in their places, even though I would ignore the fact that my supreme court justice would be unable to define what a woman was. (The women on the court actually know they are women.)

Next, I would raise taxes on the “rich” and on corporations that “don’t pay their fair share” in order to appease the ignorant and greedy among us.  (For “defense against true fascism”: In 1944-45, “the most progressive tax years in U.S. history,” the 94% rate applied to any income above $200,000, $2.4 million in 2009 dollars, given inflation. In World War Two, tax law revisions increased the numbers of “those paying some income taxes” from 7% of the U.S. population (1940) to 64% by 1944. ) I sure wouldn’t let it be known that the top 1% of income earners pay nearly 40% of the federal tax burden while only making 20% of the national income.  I would never tell that the bottom 50% of income earners pay 3% of the overall federal tax burden.  Oh, and I wouldn’t let the foolish know that corporations simply pass the cost of corporate taxes onto their customers via higher prices for their goods and services.  I’d certainly never point out the waste, fraud, and abuse of our federal revenues by our congress and president to fund things never intended and often forbidden in our constitution.  But I would definitely add 87000 more IRS agents to bring in additional revenue anyway. (So Constitutional taxation is also “fascism?)

I would abandon our non-woke allies, (What is “non-woke” anyway?) especially those that have fought and died beside us, like the myriads of good people we left behind in Afghanistan along with not too few Americans.  I would ignore the only stable democracy and friend in the Middle East and champion the creation of a terrorist state right beside Israel with a divided Jerusalem as their respective capitals. (Never happened. The US has always supported Israel. In September 2016, under Obama, the two governments signed a new ten-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on military aid covering FY2019 to FY2028.)  I would give the terrorist mullahs of Iran whatever they wanted in exchange for proven empty promises of not building nuclear weapons. (Diplomacy for arms reduction with monitoring is fascism?).

I would sacrifice America’s energy independence by fiat so that inefficient and woefully inadequate “green technologies” could be subsidized by tax payers and thus create enormous inflation in energy costs.  (Because Biden is to blame for global inflation, and climate change is a “hoax”?) Of course, those cost would be transmitted on down to the necessary goods we need as the price of creating them and transporting them to market skyrocket accordingly.(Corporate profits, especially energy, are at record highs.)

I would collude with like-minded fascist politicians, media outlets, and social media CEOs to ensure that only my narrative of the good I am doing was promulgated to the ignorant masses.  I would ensure that any contrary opinion, especially if backed by evidence, was censored at best or ridiculed as false information and ironically as propaganda at worst. (Hmm. The old “Fake News!” whine. Regurgitating only pro-Trump and GOP propaganda by FOX(R), OAN. NewsMax would meet that standard.)

Continuing, I would point out that the constitution is a “document of negative liberties” that restricts the benevolence of our federal government from taking the steps necessary to take care of us all from womb to the tomb.  Assuming one makes it out of the womb alive, that is. (Actually the Constitution LITERALLY provides for federal taxes, regulation of commerce, and provision for the general welfare.)

I would find non-existent rights in the constitution to kill our unborn and decry the ruin of democracy as the court sends the issue back to the people of the United States to actually vote on the issue. ( Women’s reproductive freedom be damned, ALL must follow MY religion.) All the while, I would take firmly existing rights that the constitution clearly states are rights of all Americans and restrict them to my own benefit.  Freedom of speech would be curtailed if it was offensive and be branded as hate speech. (Death threats should be legal, or it’s “fascism”?)  Owning any firearm greater than a musket would be curtailed as a tool of violent extremists, (Straw man again. Modern assault weapons for racists, teenagers and untrained idiots is the issue.) while ignoring the actual violent extremists who burn down our neighborhoods in mostly peaceful protests. (BLM and Floyd protests were largely peaceful, data confirms. In CCC data collected from May 2020 to June 2021, 94% of protests involved no participant arrests, 97.9% involved no participant injuries, 98.6% involved no injuries to police, and 96.7% involved no property damage.) I’d defund the police too, but ensure that a social worker shows up to handle any hostile but misunderstood ne’er do well. (Um. Fascism is by nature a police state.) Religious liberties would continue to be ignored and restricted. (Because the Constitution demands everyone must conform to a conservative’s religion?)

I would ensure that laws were enforced and evidence fabricated against my enemies while turning a blind eye to the law breaking by those whom agree with my fascism. (Trump’s coup was “legitimate political discourse, NOT a fascist Putsch?) I’d weaponize the FBI and make sure that those with the temerity to rise up against me would be brought low with the full might of the federal government. (Like firing the FBI director for investigating foreign interference in an election? Like hiring his replacement for condemning the investigation? Like telling the FBI to interfere with an election by lying, “Just say it was corrupt and leave the rest to me and the Republican representatives”?)

While I understand that America is a fascist, racist, sexist, homo-phobic nation,(Meaning Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and anti-immigrant Trumpists?) I would still open the borders to those foolish enough to still want to come here. (Last I checked people are still being turned away, and record amounts of drugs seized.)  I wouldn’t ask about their vaccination status, let alone their criminal record as I welcome the drug traffickers, human smugglers, and terrorists into our nation with open arms. (Who does this? Another straw man.)  This does not excuse citizens from not being vaccinated as per my fascist mandates, mind you!  (Aha! I knew it! Vaccinations are the same as Hitler’s Final Solution!)

I would do all of this to unite this nation while pointing out that those that disagree with me are violent extremists bent on destroying our way of life. (From the guy who cannot blame Trump for sending an angry mob to overturn our election. He sees Trump as a “patriot” after he watched TV and waited for THREE hours, as his mob terrorized Congress  and beat cops. And only when he saw them fail to overturn the election, did he repeat his Big Lie and PRAISE his thugs with, “You’re very special. We love you”. Fascists love projection.)

Yep, if I were a fascist extremist this is the very formula I would use to take this country down a few notches as I sought to fundamentally transform it, so help me God. 

Oops… just and expression.  God has no place in this Amerika.  I’d continue to make sure of that too. (Again, Americans must obey only conservative religious beliefs, regardless that it is specifically proscribed in our Constitution and First Amendment.)

Euripides said, “Those whom the gods destroy, they first make mad.”  Well, I don’t know if Biden is mad or just in the final throes of dementia and terminal senility.  All of that said, if I am a semi-fascist according to him, one cannot help but wonder what that makes him. Complete destruction of our liberties in this great American experiment cannot come fast enough for the real fascists in our government evidently. (Darrell must ignore Trump and the violent mob he PRAISED for trying to overturn the election for him. Ignore his demonizing immigrants, Mexicans and Muslims. Ignore him saying “Like it or not, we are becoming a communist country. That’s what’s happening. The radical left democrat communist party.” Ignore Trump for saying, “Hitler did some good things.” Hitler banned abortion too. Ask the vast majority of American women if they agree with Trump, the Radical Right, and Hitler.)

~~~~

Yes indeed. The radical Right has always assumed authority to unilaterally define terms to suit their mood and agenda.

It appears “fascism” means exactly the same thing as “woke” to the radical Right. ANYTHING that annoys them, and EVERYTHING they disagree with, is “woke fascism”. And it’s the exact same thing as communism and democratic socialism.

By now it’s clear. There is only One Rule for the Right. It’s OK if they do it. They expanded their rule from Nixon’s adage, “It’s not illegal if the president does it.”

Now “It’s OK if you’re a Republican”, or IOKIYR.

Trump can do no wrong. He can only be wronged.  

If you’re against Trump, you’re a fascist. Or communist. Or whatever. This is how simplistic, hateful and willfully ignorant this Trump cult mentality has become.

Now if I were a fascist:

I would refuse to rent to Black people and demand the death penalty for exonerated Black men charged with murder for being in Central Park.

I would tell angry white people the Black President wasn’t born a real American, and was an illegitimate president. I would certainly demonize journalists, educators, Blacks, Mexicans, Muslims and immigrants.

I’d called for the imprisonment of my 2016 election opponent and lie about winning in 2020.

I would accuse any news media that didn't praise and support me as being "fake news" and the "enemy of the people".

I would summon an angry mob to Washington DC to obstruct Congress from their Constitutional duty to certify the election.

I would welcome an armed crowd, saying, “They’re not here to hurt me”. I would tell the mob I would march to the capitol with them and “fight like hell to stop the steal”.

I would then watch my mob terrorize Congress and beat cops, sending dozens to the hospital.

I would watch them for three hours on TV and do nothing to stop them until I knew they would fail to overturn the election.

I would then tell my thugs "We had an election that was stolen”, and PRAISE them by saying, “You're very special. We love you." 

I’d praise Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping.

I would idolize Putin, and praise him as a “genius” after he invaded Ukraine and slaughtered human beings to make Ukraine part of Russia.

I would also make sure I stole some national secrets to buy favors or to sell to interested parties.

There seems to be a pattern here.

But when Putsch comes to shove, what do I know about being a fascist?