… Lara Trump announced that she is “withdrawing” her name from consideration for appointment to fill Marco Rubio’s seat in the Senate, which means she was just informed by Desantis that he will not be picking her.
Funding for 9/11 first responders was also stripped out of the bill. NYC firefighters are not happy. My response? "Too damn bad. You voted for these assholes, now live with it".
It's not like he didn't tell everybody what he was going to do, & everybody had an opportunity to read Project 2025, so for those who paid no attention & voted for him anyway, I totally agree: if you voted for them, there are consequences. Problem is, it affects ALL of us, so.....thanks a lot!
We're going to hear a lot of weeping and wailing when those egg prices go through the roof and everything the nitwits thought was going to hurt the Others instead bites them in the ass. Schadenfreude, you ignorant bigoted morons.
Egg price will be a non story if the bird flue keeps on jumping species (now it is to the dairy animals) and mutating to a more threatening form to cause another pandemic. What a lucky nation we will be with the worm brain in charge of our health system.
The only joy I will experience over the next four years is watching MAGATS waking up to the suffering they caused for Americans because of THEIR votes.
It's so awful that it's come to this. I'm so full of rage I can barely breathe. I never thought that I could hate anyone as much as I hated Nixon, Reagan and the Bushes, but I guess my imagination was a bit limited. I'm 74, about to turn 75, and I loathe living in this hellhole of a country. Starting to have just a dim understanding of how it was when Hitler seized power. Intellectually understanding it doesn't come close to the gut punch I'm experiencing now.
I have one wish. I am 63 and my husband is 81. I would like both of us to be able to read a couple of obituaries: Elmo (hopefully OD'd) and the Orange Lump.
Rage has become a greater epidemic than COVID for the population of sane Americans as we enter into the second and most devastating era of tRump’s voodoo politics.
I no longer remember what it was like not to be in a constant state of rage. It's a terrible poison that's eating away at everything. I find myself re-reading histories of Nazi Germany and studies of Resistance movements during WWII to try to learn how people dealt with repression and terror. I'm afraid because I'm old and poor and have nowhere to hide or to run to.
Fury and disgust at Trump and the stupidity of so many Americans has triggered my alopecia and, gee, thanks Trumpy...I'll be going into 2025 almost as bald as he is.
They will weep and do go fund me pages knowing that the non-MAGA folks are the only ones who have compassion and will bail them out. Then they will resume their MAGA insanity once again.
Firefighters, PA steelworkers who got upset when he announced he was going to kill the Nippon Steel deal to save their jobs at US Steel, all the rest of the fucking white male working class morons who voted for him - let'm drown.
Unfortunately we're going to suffer along with them. They should all move to Russia and see how they like a truly fascist society, and leave us in peace.
I'm not surprised. Trump has been saying all along what he'll do. I hope no 9/11 First Responders voted for him. I've said it many times and I'll say it again: Trump is only out for Trump.
Exactly- retired FF as well, and the # of former coworkers who think the 🍊 mussolini is great is apalling. They asked for it, now reap the "rewards" of supporting your hero.
As a senior living on $1200/month SSI, I am devastated that I do not have any extra funds for subscriptions to the many sane and readable Substack authors. I am an educated Democrat and my only info on what’s really going on are the free parts of Substack.
I just posted something very similar, so I'm right there with ya! In the past I HAVE been able to live on SS when it was closer to $1000, but I didn't own a car & had fewer bills. Maybe SOME people are 'frugal' enough to be able to live on $1250 a month (which is what I currently get) & afford everything they need: groceries, gas & car maintenance, an occasional meal out, dental bills, etc. etc., AND be able to support worthy causes, but it only goes so far. I'm SO glad that at least I'm a minimalist & don't need much & don't need new clothes. Still........
You're "not terrified Bannon is threatening us with a good time again." And Ben, your narrative on the sordid assorted affairs going on with Trumps Republicans, how do you keep track of all the shenanigans? This one's having an affair with that one, this one as doing the adultery nasty with that one, this one is now sidelined. The guy who is Brick Suit fried all 3 of his cameras by pointing a laser light at them. Freaking hilarious what goes on off stage. And the way you sign off. Thank you so much for making the Republican/Trump sh8t show good for laughs. I don't know how you find all this out, but I'm loving it.
Tomorrow should be a banner day for the news if the Matt Gaetz report is coming out and he's going to expose every Washington, DC sex scandal he can... Will anyone be surprised about anything that is revealed? LOL! Be prepared, everyone!!!
I'll bet Lara Trump is going to announce she's running for Governor of Florida... 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Steve Bannon - keep blowing smoke up everyone's ??? Doubt anything you have to say will come to fruition.
Supposedly Trump took on Musk today in his Truth Social, but you never know whether something is real or fake these days. If he didn't address him on Truth Social, then it's only a matter of time.
Not surprised anything Rand Paul does any more... I see he walked back his comments about Musk becoming the next Speaker of the House. Claims he was being funny or sarcastic or some such thing.
From what I see, Trump cannot just demand the Panama Canal be handed over to the US and make it so. Just more posturing, threats and nonsense - chest pounding... The Canal was turned over to the Panamanians and it's part of their territory and they are a sovereign nation. So don't expect this one to amount to much other than bluster either. See more on this subject here: https://substack.com/inbox/post/153491140
Trump's hotel was kicked out of Panama and the country has accused him of tax evasion. He's throwing a temper tantrum partially over those "insults" but also to distract from his failure to get the spending bill he demanded and to try to pull attention away from the Ethics Committee report on Gaetz that is being released tomorrow. Can't wait - hope it's sleazy enough that Gaetz won't even be able to run for dogcatcher.
Threatening to take back the Panama Canal is pretty ironic, considering that when Panama was part of Colombia, and Teddy Roosevelt didn't like how negotiations to build the canal were going in Bogotá, he sent the U.S. Navy to intercede and "liberate" Panama, creating a new country that was easier to deal with.
I also write articles on How the Government works, as well. Check it out. Subscriptions are free and they are only to provide you notification of new posts.
I wonder how long he’ll be allowed to stay this time. He served his purpose to get the votes but as soon as he gets in people’s faces like he did last time, he’ll be sent down the road.
“So basically Trump has now initiated conflicts with Canada, Mexico, Iran, Ukraine, the entire EU, China and Panama. And he hasn’t even taken office yet.”
I’m waiting to hear, years later of course, that US policy was changed just after a large sum of cash was withdrawn from a state-owned bank by members of the country’s spy agency and is unaccounted for since.
The only thing better than reading Ron's wrap-ups is actually hearing him dish this stuff out in his weekly "Uncovered" show with Anthony Davis. Smartest Republican in the Democratic party. Glad to have you on our side, Ron!!!
Norman Lear once took a story I told him and tweaked it a bit to make it simpler. When I called him out on it he claimed poetic license, lol. I listen to every word you say, you are my favorite journalist/commentator/truth-teller/"former" Republican. Here's to all of us making it through this effing ridiculous time with people like you and Meidas Touch making it easier. Merry Christmas!
Ron, you do seem to have some sort of secret lens into all this juicy gossip. Whatever it is, keep it coming…. there’s no better source than you! Love it! ❤️
Also, it's despicable that the Republicans tried to wipe the pediatric cancer funding out and then blame it on the Dems. And yes it got left in but from what I heard it's only 1/5 of of the amount originally designated for it.
I dearly love reading your "column,'" especially today's! You are great in rooting out the soiled laundry of what "someone" always refers to as so much BS! In reality, dirt has a tendency to wash away with good soap. Since I'm on Social Security and Teacher Retirement, I can't afford the cash to get an Open Door. This, just wanted to let you know, half a cup of good coffee, is good, even if it's cold. Have a blessed Holiday Season.
I truly wish I could be a paid subscriber, but living on SS, I've had to cut out most of my other small donations ($5) because I can't even afford those. And if the incoming administration does what they are threatening, that they'll do away with SS, Medicare & Medicaid, I'll be homeless since I rely on all three.
I'll miss the weekly posts, but I understand your reasoning.
Unless there is complete cooperation from Congress, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid aren't going anywhere.... Let your congressional leaders know what concerns you and keep writing to them and telling them. The more people that share their concerns, the more likely they'll listen.
Scott Dworkin's Substack has a nice list of every Senator and Representative for each state and you click on that link and it provides a template letter that you can edit to customize and send. Very handy and there is power in numbers of letters and emails that those elected officials receive!
I'm a bit better off than you are but basically in the same boat. I don't own a car and don't need much in the way of new clothes since I'm retired and I don't go out much, preferring to cook at home. I spend what little spare money I have on subscriptions to a few good progressive newsletters like this one, and on used books. Can't live without books. Of course, if the fascists destroy Social Security I'll be homeless also. Somehow, though, I don't think the Republicans are going to be able to do in Social Security, not if they want to be re-elected.
I'm in a similar spot, I have two donations, that I'm going to try to maintain. I got a whole $25 added to my check,but much of the increase went for Medicare. Hopefully they'll leave us old people alone.
Funding for 9/11 first responders was also stripped out of the bill. NYC firefighters are not happy. My response? "Too damn bad. You voted for these assholes, now live with it".
It's not like he didn't tell everybody what he was going to do, & everybody had an opportunity to read Project 2025, so for those who paid no attention & voted for him anyway, I totally agree: if you voted for them, there are consequences. Problem is, it affects ALL of us, so.....thanks a lot!
We're going to hear a lot of weeping and wailing when those egg prices go through the roof and everything the nitwits thought was going to hurt the Others instead bites them in the ass. Schadenfreude, you ignorant bigoted morons.
Egg price will be a non story if the bird flue keeps on jumping species (now it is to the dairy animals) and mutating to a more threatening form to cause another pandemic. What a lucky nation we will be with the worm brain in charge of our health system.
The only joy I will experience over the next four years is watching MAGATS waking up to the suffering they caused for Americans because of THEIR votes.
It's so awful that it's come to this. I'm so full of rage I can barely breathe. I never thought that I could hate anyone as much as I hated Nixon, Reagan and the Bushes, but I guess my imagination was a bit limited. I'm 74, about to turn 75, and I loathe living in this hellhole of a country. Starting to have just a dim understanding of how it was when Hitler seized power. Intellectually understanding it doesn't come close to the gut punch I'm experiencing now.
I have one wish. I am 63 and my husband is 81. I would like both of us to be able to read a couple of obituaries: Elmo (hopefully OD'd) and the Orange Lump.
You and me and hundreds of thousands of fellow non-MAGA Americans!!!
Your post reminded me of this:
“I've never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure.” Clarence Darrow, American lawyer (04/1857-03/1938)
Rage has become a greater epidemic than COVID for the population of sane Americans as we enter into the second and most devastating era of tRump’s voodoo politics.
I no longer remember what it was like not to be in a constant state of rage. It's a terrible poison that's eating away at everything. I find myself re-reading histories of Nazi Germany and studies of Resistance movements during WWII to try to learn how people dealt with repression and terror. I'm afraid because I'm old and poor and have nowhere to hide or to run to.
Fury and disgust at Trump and the stupidity of so many Americans has triggered my alopecia and, gee, thanks Trumpy...I'll be going into 2025 almost as bald as he is.
They will weep and do go fund me pages knowing that the non-MAGA folks are the only ones who have compassion and will bail them out. Then they will resume their MAGA insanity once again.
caused FOR THEMSELVES. there, fixed it
Exactly. CRY HARDER. Choke on your vote for President Musk and Trump.
Yep. We warned them.
No deviled eggs for Christmas.......
Firefighters, PA steelworkers who got upset when he announced he was going to kill the Nippon Steel deal to save their jobs at US Steel, all the rest of the fucking white male working class morons who voted for him - let'm drown.
Maggots sold their souls, finances, famiiles..future to Fox News lies an bullshit.
Let them suffer.
Unfortunately we're going to suffer along with them. They should all move to Russia and see how they like a truly fascist society, and leave us in peace.
Sad, but true....Maga was sent to earth to drag humanity into the gutter
From your lips to God's ears. I'd even be willing to make a donation for plane tickets.
Just. Can. Not. Disagree. 🎯
And so they will. Amen.
I'm not surprised. Trump has been saying all along what he'll do. I hope no 9/11 First Responders voted for him. I've said it many times and I'll say it again: Trump is only out for Trump.
Curious what Jon Stewart will say about this as he is a top advocate
Same, girl, same.
Exactly- retired FF as well, and the # of former coworkers who think the 🍊 mussolini is great is apalling. They asked for it, now reap the "rewards" of supporting your hero.
As a senior living on $1200/month SSI, I am devastated that I do not have any extra funds for subscriptions to the many sane and readable Substack authors. I am an educated Democrat and my only info on what’s really going on are the free parts of Substack.
I just posted something very similar, so I'm right there with ya! In the past I HAVE been able to live on SS when it was closer to $1000, but I didn't own a car & had fewer bills. Maybe SOME people are 'frugal' enough to be able to live on $1250 a month (which is what I currently get) & afford everything they need: groceries, gas & car maintenance, an occasional meal out, dental bills, etc. etc., AND be able to support worthy causes, but it only goes so far. I'm SO glad that at least I'm a minimalist & don't need much & don't need new clothes. Still........
I'm so sorry my friend. This country is completely on its head. There are no more words.
Let’s just be glad we have access to at least a portion of the articles posted on Substack
Ron Filipkowski is a treasure. Best news summaries I have ever seen.
Yes, just remarkable, so refreshing, and SO reassuring right now -- TY Ron and Meidas!!!
You're "not terrified Bannon is threatening us with a good time again." And Ben, your narrative on the sordid assorted affairs going on with Trumps Republicans, how do you keep track of all the shenanigans? This one's having an affair with that one, this one as doing the adultery nasty with that one, this one is now sidelined. The guy who is Brick Suit fried all 3 of his cameras by pointing a laser light at them. Freaking hilarious what goes on off stage. And the way you sign off. Thank you so much for making the Republican/Trump sh8t show good for laughs. I don't know how you find all this out, but I'm loving it.
Page Six
Thank you Colleen! Merry Christmas!
A full plate. Can't believe how much you got in here.
Tomorrow should be a banner day for the news if the Matt Gaetz report is coming out and he's going to expose every Washington, DC sex scandal he can... Will anyone be surprised about anything that is revealed? LOL! Be prepared, everyone!!!
I'll bet Lara Trump is going to announce she's running for Governor of Florida... 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Steve Bannon - keep blowing smoke up everyone's ??? Doubt anything you have to say will come to fruition.
Supposedly Trump took on Musk today in his Truth Social, but you never know whether something is real or fake these days. If he didn't address him on Truth Social, then it's only a matter of time.
Not surprised anything Rand Paul does any more... I see he walked back his comments about Musk becoming the next Speaker of the House. Claims he was being funny or sarcastic or some such thing.
From what I see, Trump cannot just demand the Panama Canal be handed over to the US and make it so. Just more posturing, threats and nonsense - chest pounding... The Canal was turned over to the Panamanians and it's part of their territory and they are a sovereign nation. So don't expect this one to amount to much other than bluster either. See more on this subject here: https://substack.com/inbox/post/153491140
Trump's hotel was kicked out of Panama and the country has accused him of tax evasion. He's throwing a temper tantrum partially over those "insults" but also to distract from his failure to get the spending bill he demanded and to try to pull attention away from the Ethics Committee report on Gaetz that is being released tomorrow. Can't wait - hope it's sleazy enough that Gaetz won't even be able to run for dogcatcher.
Threatening to take back the Panama Canal is pretty ironic, considering that when Panama was part of Colombia, and Teddy Roosevelt didn't like how negotiations to build the canal were going in Bogotá, he sent the U.S. Navy to intercede and "liberate" Panama, creating a new country that was easier to deal with.
I didn't know that! Thanks for the mini history lesson. 🙂
If you'd like to read more about the Panama Canal, I wrote an article on my substsack:
The Panama Canal: https://substack.com/home/post/p-153491140
m
I also write articles on How the Government works, as well. Check it out. Subscriptions are free and they are only to provide you notification of new posts.
Bannon will huff and puff and blow the House down.
I wonder how long he’ll be allowed to stay this time. He served his purpose to get the votes but as soon as he gets in people’s faces like he did last time, he’ll be sent down the road.
Yes, well, we must remember how Mexico paid for the wall ...
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
“So basically Trump has now initiated conflicts with Canada, Mexico, Iran, Ukraine, the entire EU, China and Panama. And he hasn’t even taken office yet.”
OMG my head is going to explode.
Just added Denmark to the list - he's trying to buy Greenland again. The fun never stops in MAGAville.
Wish I had a rolleyes to put up here. That man just doesn't know when to shut up.
I’m waiting to hear, years later of course, that US policy was changed just after a large sum of cash was withdrawn from a state-owned bank by members of the country’s spy agency and is unaccounted for since.
You wouldn't be talking about 10 million cash from Egypt by any chance?
Wait, wait, wait. There's trouble in paradise? Who would have thought? 😂
Tom Hanks should suit Elon over his defamation.
Why the hell is Mushmouth going after Tom Hanks?!
Tom Hanks? WTH? How'd Felon get him mixed up in this insanity?
"Jeff Bezos is spending more money on his wedding ceremony next weekend than he did to buy the Washington Post."
That's trickle-down economics for you.
It's not every day that a mega millionaire marries his
I would love to subscribe but I'm on a Social Security budget. Sorry for both of us.
I'm in the same situation; I do share though and I hope it helps spread the word because I find the MeidasTouch in all its forms to be worth it.
The only thing better than reading Ron's wrap-ups is actually hearing him dish this stuff out in his weekly "Uncovered" show with Anthony Davis. Smartest Republican in the Democratic party. Glad to have you on our side, Ron!!!
Former. I switched parties the day after J6.
Norman Lear once took a story I told him and tweaked it a bit to make it simpler. When I called him out on it he claimed poetic license, lol. I listen to every word you say, you are my favorite journalist/commentator/truth-teller/"former" Republican. Here's to all of us making it through this effing ridiculous time with people like you and Meidas Touch making it easier. Merry Christmas!
These daily Midas recap posts are the best! Informative while being entertaining. Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Ron, you do seem to have some sort of secret lens into all this juicy gossip. Whatever it is, keep it coming…. there’s no better source than you! Love it! ❤️
Also, it's despicable that the Republicans tried to wipe the pediatric cancer funding out and then blame it on the Dems. And yes it got left in but from what I heard it's only 1/5 of of the amount originally designated for it.
I dearly love reading your "column,'" especially today's! You are great in rooting out the soiled laundry of what "someone" always refers to as so much BS! In reality, dirt has a tendency to wash away with good soap. Since I'm on Social Security and Teacher Retirement, I can't afford the cash to get an Open Door. This, just wanted to let you know, half a cup of good coffee, is good, even if it's cold. Have a blessed Holiday Season.
I truly wish I could be a paid subscriber, but living on SS, I've had to cut out most of my other small donations ($5) because I can't even afford those. And if the incoming administration does what they are threatening, that they'll do away with SS, Medicare & Medicaid, I'll be homeless since I rely on all three.
I'll miss the weekly posts, but I understand your reasoning.
Unless there is complete cooperation from Congress, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid aren't going anywhere.... Let your congressional leaders know what concerns you and keep writing to them and telling them. The more people that share their concerns, the more likely they'll listen.
Scott Dworkin's Substack has a nice list of every Senator and Representative for each state and you click on that link and it provides a template letter that you can edit to customize and send. Very handy and there is power in numbers of letters and emails that those elected officials receive!
And calls if it is one of those 11th hour push to vote something in that would be detrimental or devastating and very hurtful to "We the People..."
I'm a bit better off than you are but basically in the same boat. I don't own a car and don't need much in the way of new clothes since I'm retired and I don't go out much, preferring to cook at home. I spend what little spare money I have on subscriptions to a few good progressive newsletters like this one, and on used books. Can't live without books. Of course, if the fascists destroy Social Security I'll be homeless also. Somehow, though, I don't think the Republicans are going to be able to do in Social Security, not if they want to be re-elected.
Fortunately, there are some Reps who have enough sense to realize they are going to need their constituents long after the orange menace is gone ...
I'm in a similar spot, I have two donations, that I'm going to try to maintain. I got a whole $25 added to my check,but much of the increase went for Medicare. Hopefully they'll leave us old people alone.
They won't leave us alone. We are disposable.