As soon as SCOTUY gave him some "presidential immunity", I knew this had a high probability of occurring. To him, their decision meant he could be king.
Thanks to the slimy lickspittle Mitch McConnell the SCOTUS is MAGA Red! Speaking of Red, will the country between Canada and Mexico soon be an addition the new Putin USSR?
Of course the kids just getting to school age will learn that there really wasn’t a time the USA was part of Putin’s empire; along with knowing there was no slavery, there was no bigoted prejudice against people of color, and Elon Musk was really the President that brought us Dark Enlightenment.
When will we finally be free from Donald Trump, his criminal sociopathy, and the sycophants who enable him? It is beyond belief that we are still subjected to the toxic influence of these individuals—figures who have shown themselves to be morally bankrupt, relentlessly deceitful, and driven by self-interest at the expense of our nation’s well-being. The entire Republican Party, as it currently operates, has devolved into a machine of lies and manipulation, perpetuating a decade-long assault on truth, democracy, and basic decency.
It is exhausting to witness this endless cycle of dishonesty, propaganda, and gaslighting. Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN serve as little more than mouthpieces for this dangerous movement, spreading misinformation designed to mislead and inflame rather than inform. They have weaponized ignorance and cultivated a cult-like devotion that is tearing the fabric of our democracy apart.
We are long past the time for polite debate and political niceties. The urgency of this moment demands action. These individuals must be held accountable—legally, morally, and politically. Impeach them. Censure them. Expel them from office. Enforce the laws that exist to protect this country from authoritarianism and restore the truth in the public square.
The American people deserve better than this grotesque parody of governance. We deserve leaders who are committed to facts, integrity, and the rule of law—not demagogues bent on consolidating power through fear and lies. Until we confront this threat head-on and take decisive action, we remain at the mercy of those who view democracy not as a sacred responsibility, but as an obstacle to be trampled.
We will only be free of him if 5 Republicans in the Senate decide to support the Constitution ( I say 5 because we really only need 4 but I don't trust the Dems to all vote for impeachment). And that is not going to happen. They are all happy to see us deteriorate into a dictatorship. Well there may be one other path...enough folks in big business will decide it is not ever going to be profitable for them having him in office and they will convince those 5 folks we need (well maybe only 4 since Murkowski might be on board). I believe there is already plenty of stuff to impeach him on and the only thing that is lacking is the will of the Republican party. Supporting the ACLU is huge as they are the primary organization that is bringing suit and even attempting to hold the Supreme Court accountable for upholding the Constitution. And maybe, but I doubt it, Jusice Roberts has a big enough ego that he will defend the Constitution not because he believes in it but because he really does not want to go down in history as trump's plaything.
This is precisely what happens when a society permits lies to flourish unchecked—when the First Amendment is not exercised responsibly but abused to the extreme, with no meaningful effort to hold those accountable for weaponizing it against democracy itself. Other democratic nations, such as Australia and many across Europe, have recognized the corrosive danger of unrestricted disinformation and have implemented legal frameworks to protect public discourse from descending into chaos. The United States, however, has failed to do so, and we are now reaping the consequences.
What we are witnessing today should have been prevented during the years when Democrats held power. But they lacked the political will to take decisive action to regulate the public space in which truth and falsehood now hold equal standing. It should be understood that facts must come from credible sources—those who have spent decades in academia, in medicine, in the sciences; the same experts who have built the infrastructure of modern life: the internet, advanced technologies, medicine, and transportation. These are the people we trust to build airplanes and automobiles; yet, somehow, their expertise is dismissed in favor of conspiracy theorists and propagandists.
And this is where the fracture begins. When a society elevates voices like Fox News and its ilk, who peddle lies with ruthless efficiency, the inevitable result is social and political collapse. We are living through a soft civil war, fueled by relentless disinformation, and no one can predict where it will end. But the path we are on is unsustainable.
This abuse of free speech is not what the framers of the Constitution envisioned. Many have tried to sound the alarm, but legislative reforms to regulate media and social media remain stalled. This crisis—this deliberate poisoning of the national discourse—has been driven by Fox News and its many enablers. They have perfected the art of propaganda, drawing lessons from fascist regimes of the past, and they are motivated by greed and power at the expense of truth, decency, and democracy.
Fox News is not a legitimate news outlet. It is a propaganda machine that has brainwashed tens of millions of Americans. These people no longer listen to reason, logic, or facts. They exist in a self-reinforcing echo chamber, incapable of independent thought, and incapable of seeing the reality of what Donald Trump truly is: a criminal sociopath with no leadership ability and no qualifications to hold any public office—let alone run a country. He could not even manage a public restroom with competence.
This is the price we pay for failing to protect truth in public discourse. Until we enact serious reforms to prevent the abuse of free speech by bad actors, this crisis will only deepen. Democracy cannot survive when facts are optional and propaganda is rewarded with billions.
The New York Times recently published an Opinion piece featuring so-called "conservative" voices—though it seems these days, being conservative often means turning a blind eye to lying, stealing, cheating, and the dismantling of our republic. Regardless, I think it’s important to take a closer look at what they’re saying. I’ve posted the link, along with my comments, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts on it. Thank you!
This entire "conversation" presented by Patrick Healy and the Times columnists is an exercise in intellectual gymnastics, designed to normalize the ongoing catastrophe of Donald Trump’s influence on American politics. What’s masked as a thoughtful debate is, in reality, an echo chamber of conservative revisionism and apologetics for authoritarianism.
Let’s cut through the polite language and call it what it is.
Trump’s Popularity Among Republicans Is Not Surprising.
Ninety percent of Republicans supporting Trump is not a show of confidence—it’s a symptom of a cult of personality fueled by fear, propaganda, and misinformation. These people have been fed a steady diet of Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN lies for years. It’s not about policy; it’s about identity and grievance.
The Times panel acts like there’s a mystery here. There’s no mystery. Trump appeals to people who think the system failed them, and he weaponizes their anger. Simple.
David Brooks’ “Brokenism” Is Just a Fancy Word for Nihilism.
Brooks argues people believe everything is broken, and Trump offers them a wrecking ball. But "brokenism" isn’t a belief system; it’s an excuse for rage and destruction. Trump isn’t fixing anything. He’s gutting government institutions, empowering oligarchs, and undermining democracy. “Brokenism” is Brooks’ attempt to rationalize nihilism.
David French on Republicans Wanting Opponents to Suffer.
French at least admits that many Republicans just want to see their perceived enemies punished. That’s not politics—that’s revenge fantasy. They don’t care if policies fail as long as they “own the libs.” It’s the mentality of a bully, not a democracy.
Ross Douthat’s Reagan Worship Disguised as Populism.
Douthat claims Trump is just following Reagan-era conservatism. But Reagan’s policies already hollowed out the middle class, increased inequality, and launched the era of deregulated, corporate domination. Trump is Reagan without the polish or decency—more overtly corrupt, more authoritarian, and infinitely more dangerous.
Bret Stephens’ Praise of “Energy” Is Just Enabling Autocracy.
Stephens talks about Trump’s “energy” as if being hyperactive equals leadership. The fact that Trump is constantly stirring chaos doesn’t mean he’s effective. It means he’s destabilizing. It’s a child smashing their toys and calling it remodeling.
False Victimhood and Grievance Politics.
They repeatedly mention conservative resentment toward universities, media, and elites. Cry me a river. Most of these Republicans are elites themselves, educated at Ivy League schools, and now exploiting the very institutions they claim to despise for their personal gain. Their “victim” narrative is a fraud.
Selective Memory on Authoritarianism.
They pretend Trump’s authoritarianism is justified because of perceived overreach by Democrats during COVID. That’s absurd. Mask mandates and public health guidelines are not the same as dismantling democratic institutions, purging civil servants, and ignoring court orders. It’s not remotely comparable.
Whitewashing Trump’s First Term.
Douthat and others act like Trump’s first term was “not so bad” outside of COVID. Really? Children were put in cages. Journalists were demonized. Violence was encouraged. Environmental regulations were gutted. Diplomacy was trashed. He left allies confused and enemies emboldened. January 6th happened on his watch because of his lies. But sure, everything was fine until COVID.
Delusional Takes on the Economy.
They argue Trump is good for the economy. How? He passed massive tax cuts for billionaires, ballooned the deficit, and did nothing for working people. Manufacturing jobs didn’t flood back. He started trade wars that hurt American farmers and consumers. The stock market isn’t the economy.
Downplaying the Constitutional Crisis.
They shrug off Trump’s illegal actions—deporting people against court orders, defying rulings, firing civil servants—as no big deal. This is not normal. It’s dangerous authoritarianism. They minimize it because they’re either complicit or cowards.
Moral Relativism About Foreign Policy.
They praise Trump for “negotiating” with Putin while ignoring the betrayal of Ukraine and the erosion of NATO. Trump's admiration for dictators isn’t strategy; it’s weakness dressed up as strength. Appeasement is not leadership.
The Elon Musk Fantasies Are Laughable.
Musk is not the savior of government efficiency. He’s an erratic billionaire who can’t run X (formerly Twitter) without it turning into a digital dumpster fire. Handing him the keys to government is insanity.
Cruelty as Policy: Transgender Ban in the Military.
Some try to justify this on “readiness” grounds. Nonsense. It’s pure cruelty. Trump is targeting a vulnerable minority because it pleases his base. That’s not leadership; it’s bullying.
Glossing Over Impeachment and Lawbreaking.
They make excuses for impeaching judges or ignoring court rulings, framing it as “normal” political behavior. It’s not. It’s the death of checks and balances. They’re normalizing tyranny.
Gaslighting About Democracy.
They act like Democrats are just as bad. False equivalency. Biden isn’t perfect, but he respects democratic institutions. Trump does not. Pretending both sides are equally flawed is intellectually lazy and morally bankrupt.
💥 Conclusion: This entire discussion tries to rationalize and intellectualize a populist movement that is built on lies, fear, and resentment. Trump is not a champion of the working class. He is a criminal sociopath who’s destroying democratic norms for personal gain. The GOP isn’t a party anymore—it’s a personality cult, propped up by media propaganda and the cowardice of people like these columnists, who know better but play dumb to protect their access and relevance.
This isn’t leadership. It’s complicity.
And anyone who still supports Trump after everything we’ve witnessed is either deluded, morally bankrupt, or actively hostile to democracy.
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing out of a deep sense of frustration and concern regarding the current state of Democratic leadership—or more precisely, the absence of it—at a time when the country desperately needs vocal, principled defenders of democracy and truth.
As someone who served in a Democratic administration and maintains an insider’s perspective, I ask you candidly: Where are our leaders? Where is President Obama? Where are Secretary Clinton, President Clinton, Vice President Harris, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and the other prominent voices who once galvanized millions?
At this critical juncture—when Fox News functions as a relentless propaganda machine masquerading as journalism, when Trump and his acolytes peddle corrosive lies about the "most corrupt administration in history," and when democracy itself stands on a knife's edge—why are these powerful voices silent? The vacuum they leave behind is filled daily with disinformation, cynicism, and dangerous populist rhetoric. Their silence is both deafening and damning.
I watch President Biden—a man whose legislative achievements have been substantial, particularly in undoing the catastrophic wreckage left by the Trump administration—face a relentless smear campaign with little to no effective counterbalance from his party’s most recognizable figures. Biden’s communication strategy has failed to publicize his administration's accomplishments in a way that breaks through the noise. Consequently, the American public remains vulnerable to disinformation and manipulation.
The Clintons and the Obamas are still regarded by many as formidable leaders and skilled communicators. Barack Obama remains one of the finest orators of our time. Bill Clinton, for all his moral failings, remains a consummate political strategist. Pete Buttigieg is articulate, informed, and a rising star in Democratic politics. Yet, they remain inexplicably quiet. We are not hearing them lead the charge against the tidal wave of misinformation and authoritarian creep.
It is utterly incomprehensible that, faced with a growing fascist threat, these figures are not mounting a robust and unified defense of democratic values in every forum possible—on television, in town halls, in op-eds, and at mass rallies. Where is the moral urgency? Where is the strategic coordination? Why do we, the people who care deeply about this nation’s future, feel so abandoned by those who once inspired us?
This is not a time for cautious diplomacy or political calculation. This is a time to sound the alarm and fight with clarity and courage. And yet, with the exception of Bernie Sanders, who continues to speak truth to power (although some perceive him as too far to the left), there is an eerie and infuriating silence from the Democratic Party’s most influential leaders.
Dr. Reich, you are a principled voice and have consistently articulated the stakes we face. But why is there not a unified and forceful counteroffensive from those who once carried the banner of the Democratic Party? We are left to wonder if our leadership has either lost its nerve or is trapped in a misguided hope that civility and reason alone will save us from the abyss.
I ask you plainly: What on earth is happening? Why has this fight been abandoned to a few lone voices while the machinery of authoritarianism marches on, largely uncontested by those with the stature to command the nation’s attention?
Once fascist dictators seize power in a political vacuum, there’s very little that can be done to reverse the course—especially when they are backed by 20 to 30 million brainwashed followers. I’ve engaged with countless individuals from that group, and they simply never grasp the reality: he is their worst enemy. Yet they remain incapable of understanding it.
This is the tragic predicament of humanity—emotion consistently triumphs over reason. These individuals watch ten minutes of biased television commentary and emerge convinced they have mastered the complexities of the world: billions of lives, trillions upon trillions of dollars, and all its geopolitical intricacies reduced to simplistic slogans.
Ironically, they can spend six days obsessing over how to pick the right lottery numbers, but in ten minutes of propaganda, they believe they’ve figured out how to run an entire nation. As a species, we are in profound trouble.
I understand and appreciate his contributions, but the reality is that he was part of a Democratic administration and maintains high-level contacts within the Democratic establishment. If someone with his stature and influence can’t help motivate meaningful action, then it’s hard to see how we avoid catastrophe. Academia, particularly the Ivy League institutions, seems to be crumbling under the weight of its own contradictions. How can we continue to place our faith in academic institutions when they repeatedly fail us in moments of crisis?
History offers chilling examples: several of the leaders of the Einsatzgruppen held PhDs, and Joseph Goebbels himself earned a doctorate in philology. The medical community in Germany, supposedly dedicated to preserving life, was among the first professional groups to align itself with the Nazi regime. When things fall apart, these intellectual and professional elites are often the first to disappear or capitulate.
Meanwhile, I’m on Truth Social every night, often having my accounts banned, yet I keep returning, speaking out, and challenging the lies. I have a small following—perhaps 15 people—but I’m there, actively confronting the disinformation. And yet, I don’t see our so-called leaders engaging on that front. Where are they? Why am I, an ordinary citizen, seemingly the only one standing in the breach?
Yes, individual efforts are valuable, and I appreciate them. But collectively, this group—the academics, the politicians, the intellectuals—should have done far more. Their inaction, complacency, and cowardice have brought us to this precipice. Columbia University has already folded under pressure, as have numerous law groups. It seems as if many of these leaders are content as long as they can keep their multiple homes and luxury cars. They no longer care what happens to anyone else.
It’s disheartening to see so much education, so many resources, and so much influence squandered because basic moral courage is lacking. Without a foundation of fundamental morality, all the degrees and accolades in the world are meaningless.
And this lesson isn’t new. Philosophers and leaders have warned about this for centuries: education without ethical grounding is dangerous. Yet here we are, watching history repeat itself.
I’ve made numerous attempts to reach out to you over the years, and I’ve noticed that the only times I receive a response are when I offer you praise. I supported you when you were Secretary of Labor. As an undergraduate student, I read your books—some of which were perhaps overly lengthy, but nonetheless thought-provoking and well-argued. I believed, and still believe, you could have been an extraordinary president. At one point, I defended you against critics who dismissed your candidacy on superficial grounds, arguing that it’s not a man’s height that matters, but the power of his ideas and intellect.
However, with all due respect, I believe you—along with President Carter, President Clinton, President Obama, and other Democratic leaders—bear a measure of responsibility for where we find ourselves today. For too long, these leaders, despite their influence, failed to speak out forcefully or consistently against the growing threats to our democracy. There was no unified voice, no clarion call to action when it was most needed.
You were part of those administrations. I recognize that you spoke out, but the collective failure to galvanize a stronger response, to marshal the voices of those with prominence and power, has had consequences. And now, here we are.
We are witnessing the erosion of democratic norms, the ascendance of authoritarian populism, and an alarming indifference to truth and reason among millions of Americans. As you yourself have often pointed out, democracies are not self-sustaining; they require vigilant defense. And yet, the opportunity to defend our democratic principles when it mattered most was, in many respects, squandered.
I don’t say this lightly. I say it out of deep concern for our country’s future. I fear for our children and grandchildren. I fear for the generations to come. Perhaps it’s time for all of us to reckon with the uncomfortable truth: if we do not take stronger action now, we may well consign ourselves to repeating the darkest chapters of history.
With respect, I urge you—and all those with the platform and power to lead—to act decisively. Speak out, organize, and protect what remains of our democracy. There may still be time.
I can say over and over and over and everybody I know says same.. where the fuck are the Democrats????? I guess all their kids go to the same prep school or everyone goes the same swimming club ???? nobody gives a fuck about the country ?nobody has any morals?nobody has any balls anymore? is that the problem?????????? I have no idea what the fucking say to this !!!!.....where the fuck are the Democrats( pardon my French)
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing out of a deep sense of frustration and concern regarding the current state of Democratic leadership—or more precisely, the absence of it—at a time when the country desperately needs vocal, principled defenders of democracy and truth.
As someone who served in a Democratic administration and maintains an insider’s perspective, I ask you candidly: Where are our leaders? Where is President Obama? Where are Secretary Clinton, President Clinton, Vice President Harris, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and the other prominent voices who once galvanized millions?
At this critical juncture—when Fox News functions as a relentless propaganda machine masquerading as journalism, when Trump and his acolytes peddle corrosive lies about the "most corrupt administration in history," and when democracy itself stands on a knife's edge—why are these powerful voices silent? The vacuum they leave behind is filled daily with disinformation, cynicism, and dangerous populist rhetoric. Their silence is both deafening and damning.
I watch President Biden—a man whose legislative achievements have been substantial, particularly in undoing the catastrophic wreckage left by the Trump administration—face a relentless smear campaign with little to no effective counterbalance from his party’s most recognizable figures. Biden’s communication strategy has failed to publicize his administration's accomplishments in a way that breaks through the noise. Consequently, the American public remains vulnerable to disinformation and manipulation.
The Clintons and the Obamas are still regarded by many as formidable leaders and skilled communicators. Barack Obama remains one of the finest orators of our time. Bill Clinton, for all his moral failings, remains a consummate political strategist. Pete Buttigieg is articulate, informed, and a rising star in Democratic politics. Yet, they remain inexplicably quiet. We are not hearing them lead the charge against the tidal wave of misinformation and authoritarian creep.
It is utterly incomprehensible that, faced with a growing fascist threat, these figures are not mounting a robust and unified defense of democratic values in every forum possible—on television, in town halls, in op-eds, and at mass rallies. Where is the moral urgency? Where is the strategic coordination? Why do we, the people who care deeply about this nation’s future, feel so abandoned by those who once inspired us?
This is not a time for cautious diplomacy or political calculation. This is a time to sound the alarm and fight with clarity and courage. And yet, with the exception of Bernie Sanders, who continues to speak truth to power (although some perceive him as too far to the left), there is an eerie and infuriating silence from the Democratic Party’s most influential leaders.
Dr. Reich, you are a principled voice and have consistently articulated the stakes we face. But why is there not a unified and forceful counteroffensive from those who once carried the banner of the Democratic Party? We are left to wonder if our leadership has either lost its nerve or is trapped in a misguided hope that civility and reason alone will save us from the abyss.
I ask you plainly: What on earth is happening? Why has this fight been abandoned to a few lone voices while the machinery of authoritarianism marches on, largely uncontested by those with the stature to command the nation’s attention?
I understand and appreciate his contributions, but the reality is that he was part of a Democratic administration and maintains high-level contacts within the Democratic establishment. If someone with his stature and influence can’t help motivate meaningful action, then it’s hard to see how we avoid catastrophe. Academia, particularly the Ivy League institutions, seems to be crumbling under the weight of its own contradictions. How can we continue to place our faith in academic institutions when they repeatedly fail us in moments of crisis?
History offers chilling examples: several of the leaders of the Einsatzgruppen held PhDs, and Joseph Goebbels himself earned a doctorate in philology. The medical community in Germany, supposedly dedicated to preserving life, was among the first professional groups to align itself with the Nazi regime. When things fall apart, these intellectual and professional elites are often the first to disappear or capitulate.
Meanwhile, I’m on Truth Social every night, often having my accounts banned, yet I keep returning, speaking out, and challenging the lies. I have a small following—perhaps 15 people—but I’m there, actively confronting the disinformation. And yet, I don’t see our so-called leaders engaging on that front. Where are they? Why am I, an ordinary citizen, seemingly the only one standing in the breach?
Yes, individual efforts are valuable, and I appreciate them. But collectively, this group—the academics, the politicians, the intellectuals—should have done far more. Their inaction, complacency, and cowardice have brought us to this precipice. Columbia University has already folded under pressure, as have numerous law groups. It seems as if many of these leaders are content as long as they can keep their multiple homes and luxury cars. They no longer care what happens to anyone else.
It’s disheartening to see so much education, so many resources, and so much influence squandered because basic moral courage is lacking. Without a foundation of fundamental morality, all the degrees and accolades in the world are meaningless.
And this lesson isn’t new. Philosophers and leaders have warned about this for centuries: education without ethical grounding is dangerous. Yet here we are, watching history repeat itself.
I’ve made numerous attempts to reach out to you over the years, and I’ve noticed that the only times I receive a response are when I offer you praise. I supported you when you were Secretary of Labor. As an undergraduate student, I read your books—some of which were perhaps overly lengthy, but nonetheless thought-provoking and well-argued. I believed, and still believe, you could have been an extraordinary president. At one point, I defended you against critics who dismissed your candidacy on superficial grounds, arguing that it’s not a man’s height that matters, but the power of his ideas and intellect.
However, with all due respect, I believe you—along with President Carter, President Clinton, President Obama, and other Democratic leaders—bear a measure of responsibility for where we find ourselves today. For too long, these leaders, despite their influence, failed to speak out forcefully or consistently against the growing threats to our democracy. There was no unified voice, no clarion call to action when it was most needed.
You were part of those administrations. I recognize that you spoke out, but the collective failure to galvanize a stronger response, to marshal the voices of those with prominence and power, has had consequences. And now, here we are.
We are witnessing the erosion of democratic norms, the ascendance of authoritarian populism, and an alarming indifference to truth and reason among millions of Americans. As you yourself have often pointed out, democracies are not self-sustaining; they require vigilant defense. And yet, the opportunity to defend our democratic principles when it mattered most was, in many respects, squandered.
I don’t say this lightly. I say it out of deep concern for our country’s future. I fear for our children and grandchildren. I fear for the generations to come. Perhaps it’s time for all of us to reckon with the uncomfortable truth: if we do not take stronger action now, we may well consign ourselves to repeating the darkest chapters of history.
With respect, I urge you—and all those with the platform and power to lead—to act decisively. Speak out, organize, and protect what remains of our democracy. There may still be time.
I can say over and over and over and everybody I know says same.. where the fuck are the Democrats????? I guess all their kids go to the same prep school or everyone goes the same swimming club ???? nobody gives a fuck about the country ?nobody has any morals?nobody has any balls anymore? is that the problem?????????? I have no idea what the fucking say to this !!!!.....where the fuck are the Democrats( pardon my French)
Where are the decent Americans? I know they used to exist. I’m an independent and don’t blame just the democrats. They’re not sophisticated mobsters like many of the republicans are.
Anyone out there with integrity and in a position of power to help the country against these mob bosses?
I understand and appreciate his contributions, but the reality is that he was part of a Democratic administration and maintains high-level contacts within the Democratic establishment. If someone with his stature and influence can’t help motivate meaningful action, then it’s hard to see how we avoid catastrophe. Academia, particularly the Ivy League institutions, seems to be crumbling under the weight of its own contradictions. How can we continue to place our faith in academic institutions when they repeatedly fail us in moments of crisis?
History offers chilling examples: several of the leaders of the Einsatzgruppen held PhDs, and Joseph Goebbels himself earned a doctorate in philology. The medical community in Germany, supposedly dedicated to preserving life, was among the first professional groups to align itself with the Nazi regime. When things fall apart, these intellectual and professional elites are often the first to disappear or capitulate.
Meanwhile, I’m on Truth Social every night, often having my accounts banned, yet I keep returning, speaking out, and challenging the lies. I have a small following—perhaps 15 people—but I’m there, actively confronting the disinformation. And yet, I don’t see our so-called leaders engaging on that front. Where are they? Why am I, an ordinary citizen, seemingly the only one standing in the breach?
Yes, individual efforts are valuable, and I appreciate them. But collectively, this group—the academics, the politicians, the intellectuals—should have done far more. Their inaction, complacency, and cowardice have brought us to this precipice. Columbia University has already folded under pressure, as have numerous law groups. It seems as if many of these leaders are content as long as they can keep their multiple homes and luxury cars. They no longer care what happens to anyone else.
It’s disheartening to see so much education, so many resources, and so much influence squandered because basic moral courage is lacking. Without a foundation of fundamental morality, all the degrees and accolades in the world are meaningless.
And this lesson isn’t new. Philosophers and leaders have warned about this for centuries: education without ethical grounding is dangerous. Yet here we are, watching history repeat itself.
While I deeply respect your career as a professor and public servant, I must express my profound disappointment in the broader academic and political leadership, including yourself. The very institutions we rely upon to instill ethical leadership—our universities, law schools, and academies—have, in many cases, failed to uphold their responsibility to teach the basic principles of moral integrity and civic duty.
We see graduates from the most prestigious institutions—individuals like Ron DeSantis and J.D. Vance—who seem to lack fundamental empathy and a commitment to truth. This raises serious questions about whether our educational systems are effectively preparing leaders who act in the public's best interest.
Many of us have urged for strong, vocal leadership from those with influence, yet in critical moments, that leadership has been lacking. Silence and hesitation in the face of rising authoritarianism have contributed to the dangerous political environment we now find ourselves in. When those who have the power to speak out fail to do so, the consequences are profound.
I had hoped to see more from those who have shaped the intellectual and moral discourse of this nation. We need not only brilliant minds but courageous voices who are willing to lead the charge in defending democracy and justice.
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing out of a deep sense of frustration and concern regarding the current state of Democratic leadership—or more precisely, the absence of it—at a time when the country desperately needs vocal, principled defenders of democracy and truth.
As someone who served in a Democratic administration and maintains an insider’s perspective, I ask you candidly: Where are our leaders? Where is President Obama? Where are Secretary Clinton, President Clinton, Vice President Harris, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and the other prominent voices who once galvanized millions?
At this critical juncture—when Fox News functions as a relentless propaganda machine masquerading as journalism, when Trump and his acolytes peddle corrosive lies about the "most corrupt administration in history," and when democracy itself stands on a knife's edge—why are these powerful voices silent? The vacuum they leave behind is filled daily with disinformation, cynicism, and dangerous populist rhetoric. Their silence is both deafening and damning.
I watch President Biden—a man whose legislative achievements have been substantial, particularly in undoing the catastrophic wreckage left by the Trump administration—face a relentless smear campaign with little to no effective counterbalance from his party’s most recognizable figures. Biden’s communication strategy has failed to publicize his administration's accomplishments in a way that breaks through the noise. Consequently, the American public remains vulnerable to disinformation and manipulation.
The Clintons and the Obamas are still regarded by many as formidable leaders and skilled communicators. Barack Obama remains one of the finest orators of our time. Bill Clinton, for all his moral failings, remains a consummate political strategist. Pete Buttigieg is articulate, informed, and a rising star in Democratic politics. Yet, they remain inexplicably quiet. We are not hearing them lead the charge against the tidal wave of misinformation and authoritarian creep.
It is utterly incomprehensible that, faced with a growing fascist threat, these figures are not mounting a robust and unified defense of democratic values in every forum possible—on television, in town halls, in op-eds, and at mass rallies. Where is the moral urgency? Where is the strategic coordination? Why do we, the people who care deeply about this nation’s future, feel so abandoned by those who once inspired us?
This is not a time for cautious diplomacy or political calculation. This is a time to sound the alarm and fight with clarity and courage. And yet, with the exception of Bernie Sanders, who continues to speak truth to power (although some perceive him as too far to the left), there is an eerie and infuriating silence from the Democratic Party’s most influential leaders.
Dr. Reich, you are a principled voice and have consistently articulated the stakes we face. But why is there not a unified and forceful counteroffensive from those who once carried the banner of the Democratic Party? We are left to wonder if our leadership has either lost its nerve or is trapped in a misguided hope that civility and reason alone will save us from the abyss.
I ask you plainly: What on earth is happening? Why has this fight been abandoned to a few lone voices while the machinery of authoritarianism marches on, largely uncontested by those with the stature to command the nation’s attention?
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing out of a deep sense of frustration and concern regarding the current state of Democratic leadership—or more precisely, the absence of it—at a time when the country desperately needs vocal, principled defenders of democracy and truth.
As someone who served in a Democratic administration and maintains an insider’s perspective, I ask you candidly: Where are our leaders? Where is President Obama? Where are Secretary Clinton, President Clinton, Vice President Harris, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and the other prominent voices who once galvanized millions?
At this critical juncture—when Fox News functions as a relentless propaganda machine masquerading as journalism, when Trump and his acolytes peddle corrosive lies about the "most corrupt administration in history," and when democracy itself stands on a knife's edge—why are these powerful voices silent? The vacuum they leave behind is filled daily with disinformation, cynicism, and dangerous populist rhetoric. Their silence is both deafening and damning.
I watch President Biden—a man whose legislative achievements have been substantial, particularly in undoing the catastrophic wreckage left by the Trump administration—face a relentless smear campaign with little to no effective counterbalance from his party’s most recognizable figures. Biden’s communication strategy has failed to publicize his administration's accomplishments in a way that breaks through the noise. Consequently, the American public remains vulnerable to disinformation and manipulation.
The Clintons and the Obamas are still regarded by many as formidable leaders and skilled communicators. Barack Obama remains one of the finest orators of our time. Bill Clinton, for all his moral failings, remains a consummate political strategist. Pete Buttigieg is articulate, informed, and a rising star in Democratic politics. Yet, they remain inexplicably quiet. We are not hearing them lead the charge against the tidal wave of misinformation and authoritarian creep.
It is utterly incomprehensible that, faced with a growing fascist threat, these figures are not mounting a robust and unified defense of democratic values in every forum possible—on television, in town halls, in op-eds, and at mass rallies. Where is the moral urgency? Where is the strategic coordination? Why do we, the people who care deeply about this nation’s future, feel so abandoned by those who once inspired us?
This is not a time for cautious diplomacy or political calculation. This is a time to sound the alarm and fight with clarity and courage. And yet, with the exception of Bernie Sanders, who continues to speak truth to power (although some perceive him as too far to the left), there is an eerie and infuriating silence from the Democratic Party’s most influential leaders.
Dr. Reich, you are a principled voice and have consistently articulated the stakes we face. But why is there not a unified and forceful counteroffensive from those who once carried the banner of the Democratic Party? We are left to wonder if our leadership has either lost its nerve or is trapped in a misguided hope that civility and reason alone will save us from the abyss.
I ask you plainly: What on earth is happening? Why has this fight been abandoned to a few lone voices while the machinery of authoritarianism marches on, largely uncontested by those with the stature to command the nation’s attention?
Talking to my ejected official got me nowhere. Schumer voted to collaborate with The Orange Turd Who Would Be King. Isn’t there some action we can take when a president violates the constitution, beyond the useless act of impeachment? He doesn’t listen to that either!
Why would we as citizens feel we can do anything at all. We can be disappeared without due process. Who will stop that my answer as we can clearly see is no one.
When will we finally be free from Donald Trump, his criminal sociopathy, and the sycophants who enable him? It is beyond belief that we are still subjected to the toxic influence of these individuals—figures who have shown themselves to be morally bankrupt, relentlessly deceitful, and driven by self-interest at the expense of our nation’s well-being. The entire Republican Party, as it currently operates, has devolved into a machine of lies and manipulation, perpetuating a decade-long assault on truth, democracy, and basic decency.
It is exhausting to witness this endless cycle of dishonesty, propaganda, and gaslighting. Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN serve as little more than mouthpieces for this dangerous movement, spreading misinformation designed to mislead and inflame rather than inform. They have weaponized ignorance and cultivated a cult-like devotion that is tearing the fabric of our democracy apart.
We are long past the time for polite debate and political niceties. The urgency of this moment demands action. These individuals must be held accountable—legally, morally, and politically. Impeach them. Censure them. Expel them from office. Enforce the laws that exist to protect this country from authoritarianism and restore the truth in the public square.
The American people deserve better than this grotesque parody of governance. We deserve leaders who are committed to facts, integrity, and the rule of law—not demagogues bent on consolidating power through fear and lies. Until we confront this threat head-on and take decisive action, we remain at the mercy of those who view democracy not as a sacred responsibility, but as an obstacle to be trampled.
This is precisely what happens when a society permits lies to flourish unchecked—when the First Amendment is not exercised responsibly but abused to the extreme, with no meaningful effort to hold those accountable for weaponizing it against democracy itself. Other democratic nations, such as Australia and many across Europe, have recognized the corrosive danger of unrestricted disinformation and have implemented legal frameworks to protect public discourse from descending into chaos. The United States, however, has failed to do so, and we are now reaping the consequences.
What we are witnessing today should have been prevented during the years when Democrats held power. But they lacked the political will to take decisive action to regulate the public space in which truth and falsehood now hold equal standing. It should be understood that facts must come from credible sources—those who have spent decades in academia, in medicine, in the sciences; the same experts who have built the infrastructure of modern life: the internet, advanced technologies, medicine, and transportation. These are the people we trust to build airplanes and automobiles; yet, somehow, their expertise is dismissed in favor of conspiracy theorists and propagandists.
And this is where the fracture begins. When a society elevates voices like Fox News and its ilk, who peddle lies with ruthless efficiency, the inevitable result is social and political collapse. We are living through a soft civil war, fueled by relentless disinformation, and no one can predict where it will end. But the path we are on is unsustainable.
This abuse of free speech is not what the framers of the Constitution envisioned. Many have tried to sound the alarm, but legislative reforms to regulate media and social media remain stalled. This crisis—this deliberate poisoning of the national discourse—has been driven by Fox News and its many enablers. They have perfected the art of propaganda, drawing lessons from fascist regimes of the past, and they are motivated by greed and power at the expense of truth, decency, and democracy.
Fox News is not a legitimate news outlet. It is a propaganda machine that has brainwashed tens of millions of Americans. These people no longer listen to reason, logic, or facts. They exist in a self-reinforcing echo chamber, incapable of independent thought, and incapable of seeing the reality of what Donald Trump truly is: a criminal sociopath with no leadership ability and no qualifications to hold any public office—let alone run a country. He could not even manage a public restroom with competence.
This is the price we pay for failing to protect truth in public discourse. Until we enact serious reforms to prevent the abuse of free speech by bad actors, this crisis will only deepen. Democracy cannot survive when facts are optional and propaganda is rewarded with billions.
The New York Times recently published an Opinion piece featuring so-called "conservative" voices—though it seems these days, being conservative often means turning a blind eye to lying, stealing, cheating, and the dismantling of our republic. Regardless, I think it’s important to take a closer look at what they’re saying. I’ve posted the link, along with my comments, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts on it. Thank you!
This entire "conversation" presented by Patrick Healy and the Times columnists is an exercise in intellectual gymnastics, designed to normalize the ongoing catastrophe of Donald Trump’s influence on American politics. What’s masked as a thoughtful debate is, in reality, an echo chamber of conservative revisionism and apologetics for authoritarianism.
Let’s cut through the polite language and call it what it is.
Trump’s Popularity Among Republicans Is Not Surprising.
Ninety percent of Republicans supporting Trump is not a show of confidence—it’s a symptom of a cult of personality fueled by fear, propaganda, and misinformation. These people have been fed a steady diet of Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN lies for years. It’s not about policy; it’s about identity and grievance.
The Times panel acts like there’s a mystery here. There’s no mystery. Trump appeals to people who think the system failed them, and he weaponizes their anger. Simple.
David Brooks’ “Brokenism” Is Just a Fancy Word for Nihilism.
Brooks argues people believe everything is broken, and Trump offers them a wrecking ball. But "brokenism" isn’t a belief system; it’s an excuse for rage and destruction. Trump isn’t fixing anything. He’s gutting government institutions, empowering oligarchs, and undermining democracy. “Brokenism” is Brooks’ attempt to rationalize nihilism.
David French on Republicans Wanting Opponents to Suffer.
French at least admits that many Republicans just want to see their perceived enemies punished. That’s not politics—that’s revenge fantasy. They don’t care if policies fail as long as they “own the libs.” It’s the mentality of a bully, not a democracy.
Ross Douthat’s Reagan Worship Disguised as Populism.
Douthat claims Trump is just following Reagan-era conservatism. But Reagan’s policies already hollowed out the middle class, increased inequality, and launched the era of deregulated, corporate domination. Trump is Reagan without the polish or decency—more overtly corrupt, more authoritarian, and infinitely more dangerous.
Bret Stephens’ Praise of “Energy” Is Just Enabling Autocracy.
Stephens talks about Trump’s “energy” as if being hyperactive equals leadership. The fact that Trump is constantly stirring chaos doesn’t mean he’s effective. It means he’s destabilizing. It’s a child smashing their toys and calling it remodeling.
False Victimhood and Grievance Politics.
They repeatedly mention conservative resentment toward universities, media, and elites. Cry me a river. Most of these Republicans are elites themselves, educated at Ivy League schools, and now exploiting the very institutions they claim to despise for their personal gain. Their “victim” narrative is a fraud.
Selective Memory on Authoritarianism.
They pretend Trump’s authoritarianism is justified because of perceived overreach by Democrats during COVID. That’s absurd. Mask mandates and public health guidelines are not the same as dismantling democratic institutions, purging civil servants, and ignoring court orders. It’s not remotely comparable.
Whitewashing Trump’s First Term.
Douthat and others act like Trump’s first term was “not so bad” outside of COVID. Really? Children were put in cages. Journalists were demonized. Violence was encouraged. Environmental regulations were gutted. Diplomacy was trashed. He left allies confused and enemies emboldened. January 6th happened on his watch because of his lies. But sure, everything was fine until COVID.
Delusional Takes on the Economy.
They argue Trump is good for the economy. How? He passed massive tax cuts for billionaires, ballooned the deficit, and did nothing for working people. Manufacturing jobs didn’t flood back. He started trade wars that hurt American farmers and consumers. The stock market isn’t the economy.
Downplaying the Constitutional Crisis.
They shrug off Trump’s illegal actions—deporting people against court orders, defying rulings, firing civil servants—as no big deal. This is not normal. It’s dangerous authoritarianism. They minimize it because they’re either complicit or cowards.
Moral Relativism About Foreign Policy.
They praise Trump for “negotiating” with Putin while ignoring the betrayal of Ukraine and the erosion of NATO. Trump's admiration for dictators isn’t strategy; it’s weakness dressed up as strength. Appeasement is not leadership.
The Elon Musk Fantasies Are Laughable.
Musk is not the savior of government efficiency. He’s an erratic billionaire who can’t run X (formerly Twitter) without it turning into a digital dumpster fire. Handing him the keys to government is insanity.
Cruelty as Policy: Transgender Ban in the Military.
Some try to justify this on “readiness” grounds. Nonsense. It’s pure cruelty. Trump is targeting a vulnerable minority because it pleases his base. That’s not leadership; it’s bullying.
Glossing Over Impeachment and Lawbreaking.
They make excuses for impeaching judges or ignoring court rulings, framing it as “normal” political behavior. It’s not. It’s the death of checks and balances. They’re normalizing tyranny.
Gaslighting About Democracy.
They act like Democrats are just as bad. False equivalency. Biden isn’t perfect, but he respects democratic institutions. Trump does not. Pretending both sides are equally flawed is intellectually lazy and morally bankrupt.
💥 Conclusion: This entire discussion tries to rationalize and intellectualize a populist movement that is built on lies, fear, and resentment. Trump is not a champion of the working class. He is a criminal sociopath who’s destroying democratic norms for personal gain. The GOP isn’t a party anymore—it’s a personality cult, propped up by media propaganda and the cowardice of people like these columnists, who know better but play dumb to protect their access and relevance.
This isn’t leadership. It’s complicity.
And anyone who still supports Trump after everything we’ve witnessed is either deluded, morally bankrupt, or actively hostile to democracy.
You guys need to read Feathers of Hope. In the House, 3 votes can change everything. Everyday, more and more Republicans are upset...today it's national secujrity. Heather Cox Richardson wrote about it.
Today they gave Musk, who does not have a security clearance, access to our most closely kept military secrwets.
A few hours ago, they threatened to close Social Secujrity.
There aren't 3 repudlickans with enough culjones to risk trumpf wrathpf, which is nauseating since messing with SocSec means certain electoral DOOM. Unless of course they've been told THEY DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ELECTIONS ANY FURTHER. (cue sustained soap opera dramatic sting)
You don't actually know that....Jerry has several candidates. So do I. 2 of 3 MAGAT House members here are former Dems. All 3 are Cuban Americans who just discovered that they and their people are DEI. They've complained about some of the immigration policies. They all oppose Putin as the friend of their enemy Cuba. IKt's up to us to pressure them.
A few hours ago Truump threatened to shut down SSA --
We havve more Canadians, most with dualk ciotizeng=ship, who payt taxes here, in their districts than live in several Canadian provinces.
Lots more...
One of our MAGA House members was born in Cuba. "The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to Herald questions about whether Cubans with I-220As were now considered a detention and deportation priority for ICE. Trump has said he wants to deport the millions of undocumented people who are in the United States. “It is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens,” Trump wrote in an executive order on his first day in office. Among the Cubans recently detained is Beatriz Monteagudo, 25, her friend Johan Ariel told the Miami Herald. The pair texted each other daily. But the last message he received from Monteagudo was March 10. The Cuban woman, who got an I-220A after entering the U.S. in January 2024, was heading to her required check-in appointment in Miramar".
This is precisely what happens when a society permits lies to flourish unchecked—when the First Amendment is not exercised responsibly but abused to the extreme, with no meaningful effort to hold those accountable for weaponizing it against democracy itself. Other democratic nations, such as Australia and many across Europe, have recognized the corrosive danger of unrestricted disinformation and have implemented legal frameworks to protect public discourse from descending into chaos. The United States, however, has failed to do so, and we are now reaping the consequences.
What we are witnessing today should have been prevented during the years when Democrats held power. But they lacked the political will to take decisive action to regulate the public space in which truth and falsehood now hold equal standing. It should be understood that facts must come from credible sources—those who have spent decades in academia, in medicine, in the sciences; the same experts who have built the infrastructure of modern life: the internet, advanced technologies, medicine, and transportation. These are the people we trust to build airplanes and automobiles; yet, somehow, their expertise is dismissed in favor of conspiracy theorists and propagandists.
And this is where the fracture begins. When a society elevates voices like Fox News and its ilk, who peddle lies with ruthless efficiency, the inevitable result is social and political collapse. We are living through a soft civil war, fueled by relentless disinformation, and no one can predict where it will end. But the path we are on is unsustainable.
This abuse of free speech is not what the framers of the Constitution envisioned. Many have tried to sound the alarm, but legislative reforms to regulate media and social media remain stalled. This crisis—this deliberate poisoning of the national discourse—has been driven by Fox News and its many enablers. They have perfected the art of propaganda, drawing lessons from fascist regimes of the past, and they are motivated by greed and power at the expense of truth, decency, and democracy.
Fox News is not a legitimate news outlet. It is a propaganda machine that has brainwashed tens of millions of Americans. These people no longer listen to reason, logic, or facts. They exist in a self-reinforcing echo chamber, incapable of independent thought, and incapable of seeing the reality of what Donald Trump truly is: a criminal sociopath with no leadership ability and no qualifications to hold any public office—let alone run a country. He could not even manage a public restroom with competence.
This is the price we pay for failing to protect truth in public discourse. Until we enact serious reforms to prevent the abuse of free speech by bad actors, this crisis will only deepen. Democracy cannot survive when facts are optional and propaganda is rewarded with billions.
The New York Times recently published an Opinion piece featuring so-called "conservative" voices—though it seems these days, being conservative often means turning a blind eye to lying, stealing, cheating, and the dismantling of our republic. Regardless, I think it’s important to take a closer look at what they’re saying. I’ve posted the link, along with my comments, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts on it. Thank you!
This entire "conversation" presented by Patrick Healy and the Times columnists is an exercise in intellectual gymnastics, designed to normalize the ongoing catastrophe of Donald Trump’s influence on American politics. What’s masked as a thoughtful debate is, in reality, an echo chamber of conservative revisionism and apologetics for authoritarianism.
Let’s cut through the polite language and call it what it is.
Trump’s Popularity Among Republicans Is Not Surprising.
Ninety percent of Republicans supporting Trump is not a show of confidence—it’s a symptom of a cult of personality fueled by fear, propaganda, and misinformation. These people have been fed a steady diet of Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN lies for years. It’s not about policy; it’s about identity and grievance.
The Times panel acts like there’s a mystery here. There’s no mystery. Trump appeals to people who think the system failed them, and he weaponizes their anger. Simple.
David Brooks’ “Brokenism” Is Just a Fancy Word for Nihilism.
Brooks argues people believe everything is broken, and Trump offers them a wrecking ball. But "brokenism" isn’t a belief system; it’s an excuse for rage and destruction. Trump isn’t fixing anything. He’s gutting government institutions, empowering oligarchs, and undermining democracy. “Brokenism” is Brooks’ attempt to rationalize nihilism.
David French on Republicans Wanting Opponents to Suffer.
French at least admits that many Republicans just want to see their perceived enemies punished. That’s not politics—that’s revenge fantasy. They don’t care if policies fail as long as they “own the libs.” It’s the mentality of a bully, not a democracy.
Ross Douthat’s Reagan Worship Disguised as Populism.
Douthat claims Trump is just following Reagan-era conservatism. But Reagan’s policies already hollowed out the middle class, increased inequality, and launched the era of deregulated, corporate domination. Trump is Reagan without the polish or decency—more overtly corrupt, more authoritarian, and infinitely more dangerous.
Bret Stephens’ Praise of “Energy” Is Just Enabling Autocracy.
Stephens talks about Trump’s “energy” as if being hyperactive equals leadership. The fact that Trump is constantly stirring chaos doesn’t mean he’s effective. It means he’s destabilizing. It’s a child smashing their toys and calling it remodeling.
False Victimhood and Grievance Politics.
They repeatedly mention conservative resentment toward universities, media, and elites. Cry me a river. Most of these Republicans are elites themselves, educated at Ivy League schools, and now exploiting the very institutions they claim to despise for their personal gain. Their “victim” narrative is a fraud.
Selective Memory on Authoritarianism.
They pretend Trump’s authoritarianism is justified because of perceived overreach by Democrats during COVID. That’s absurd. Mask mandates and public health guidelines are not the same as dismantling democratic institutions, purging civil servants, and ignoring court orders. It’s not remotely comparable.
Whitewashing Trump’s First Term.
Douthat and others act like Trump’s first term was “not so bad” outside of COVID. Really? Children were put in cages. Journalists were demonized. Violence was encouraged. Environmental regulations were gutted. Diplomacy was trashed. He left allies confused and enemies emboldened. January 6th happened on his watch because of his lies. But sure, everything was fine until COVID.
Delusional Takes on the Economy.
They argue Trump is good for the economy. How? He passed massive tax cuts for billionaires, ballooned the deficit, and did nothing for working people. Manufacturing jobs didn’t flood back. He started trade wars that hurt American farmers and consumers. The stock market isn’t the economy.
Downplaying the Constitutional Crisis.
They shrug off Trump’s illegal actions—deporting people against court orders, defying rulings, firing civil servants—as no big deal. This is not normal. It’s dangerous authoritarianism. They minimize it because they’re either complicit or cowards.
Moral Relativism About Foreign Policy.
They praise Trump for “negotiating” with Putin while ignoring the betrayal of Ukraine and the erosion of NATO. Trump's admiration for dictators isn’t strategy; it’s weakness dressed up as strength. Appeasement is not leadership.
The Elon Musk Fantasies Are Laughable.
Musk is not the savior of government efficiency. He’s an erratic billionaire who can’t run X (formerly Twitter) without it turning into a digital dumpster fire. Handing him the keys to government is insanity.
Cruelty as Policy: Transgender Ban in the Military.
Some try to justify this on “readiness” grounds. Nonsense. It’s pure cruelty. Trump is targeting a vulnerable minority because it pleases his base. That’s not leadership; it’s bullying.
Glossing Over Impeachment and Lawbreaking.
They make excuses for impeaching judges or ignoring court rulings, framing it as “normal” political behavior. It’s not. It’s the death of checks and balances. They’re normalizing tyranny.
Gaslighting About Democracy.
They act like Democrats are just as bad. False equivalency. Biden isn’t perfect, but he respects democratic institutions. Trump does not. Pretending both sides are equally flawed is intellectually lazy and morally bankrupt.
💥 Conclusion: This entire discussion tries to rationalize and intellectualize a populist movement that is built on lies, fear, and resentment. Trump is not a champion of the working class. He is a criminal sociopath who’s destroying democratic norms for personal gain. The GOP isn’t a party anymore—it’s a personality cult, propped up by media propaganda and the cowardice of people like these columnists, who know better but play dumb to protect their access and relevance.
This isn’t leadership. It’s complicity.
And anyone who still supports Trump after everything we’ve witnessed is either deluded, morally bankrupt, or actively hostile to democracy.
POW! & I would sincerely suggest that this would be better suited and frankly reach more people if you were posting this on your own sub stack. Really!
I agree and I wish the Democrats could like read a resolution or something and have a role call that goes into the Congressional record where they have every Congressman/woman state is they support the rule of law which included assuring due process and obeying court orders....needs to be very specific so they can go on record as being liars....either they have to say they do not support the Constitution or they have to say they do not support trump ordering the suspension of the rule of law and not having to obey court orders. I also wish the Bar Association would start to take actions against the Senators and Congressmen/women who are clearly not supporting the rule of law.
When they had the majority, could have asked whether any were involved in insurrection. The statutory definition includes "gives aid or comfort to insurrenctionists."
It's too bad law firms like Paul Weiss are bending the knee when we need them to stand up to Trump. I too wondered about the CJ and him just signalling to Trump, I'll rule for you but you have to appeal.
Now the big question.... who is going to do it?? The Supreme Court already gave away the only power that they have. How could they have been so stupid that they did not see this coming???
Musk and Trump are classic Bad Men. In the sense that they believe the laws and rules of society do not apply to them. Trump is immune from prosecution for crimes in office (and claims immunity for all of his crimes). Trump protects Musk from prosecution for his crimes. So neither one can be held accountable for harming citizens or immigrants or old people or children or public servants. And they are doing harm every day.
The Press and the Dems expect these Bad Men to make Good Decisions, somehow. The Press and the Dems live in the world that 99.9% of us do: The Good Faith World. The World of Mutual Respect. Honest speech and fair dealing. Honor. Human rights.
How did these Bad Men obtain power that the rest of us could not? They both started with $200 million of Daddy's Money.
How do we stop the Bad Men and their handful of MAGA bought corrupted thugs? 340 million Free American Citizens will not be slaves to the crooked oligarchs. The will of the people will rise up and remove these criminals from power.
When will we finally be free from Donald Trump, his criminal sociopathy, and the sycophants who enable him? It is beyond belief that we are still subjected to the toxic influence of these individuals—figures who have shown themselves to be morally bankrupt, relentlessly deceitful, and driven by self-interest at the expense of our nation’s well-being. The entire Republican Party, as it currently operates, has devolved into a machine of lies and manipulation, perpetuating a decade-long assault on truth, democracy, and basic decency.
It is exhausting to witness this endless cycle of dishonesty, propaganda, and gaslighting. Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN serve as little more than mouthpieces for this dangerous movement, spreading misinformation designed to mislead and inflame rather than inform. They have weaponized ignorance and cultivated a cult-like devotion that is tearing the fabric of our democracy apart.
We are long past the time for polite debate and political niceties. The urgency of this moment demands action. These individuals must be held accountable—legally, morally, and politically. Impeach them. Censure them. Expel them from office. Enforce the laws that exist to protect this country from authoritarianism and restore the truth in the public square.
The American people deserve better than this grotesque parody of governance. We deserve leaders who are committed to facts, integrity, and the rule of law—not demagogues bent on consolidating power through fear and lies. Until we confront this threat head-on and take decisive action, we remain at the mercy of those who view democracy not as a sacred responsibility, but as an obstacle to be trampled.
Well said. This is life or death for our Nation. If they are not stopped it will be death for millions of our citizens. This is not a game. Although the self-styled "Dark Lord" makes it sound like a fantasy game. He is serious when he spouts his fever dreams of death to millions so his tech billionaire sponsors can gain power over the world. Watch and listen to what they want and shine a light on his insanity:
This is the message the Democrat Party should be stating in these clear terms. The truth. These are Bad Men. Evil Men. Cruel bastards who enjoy harming children and old people. Despicable. The first step. The first step. Is to tell the truth.
When SCOTUS gave him his: Presidents are immune bullshit.. the Orange Wanker thinks he’s king.. every single day.. I’m at.. WTAF now?!??! I’m really worried how we’re going to survive the Orange Wanker during the next few years AND WTF do we do if he refuses to leave the WH?? This crap is off the damn charts.. his approval rankings are tanking.. so the lemmings that voted for that douche.. how do you like his tariffs now?? Dumbassed humans.. seriously??
THIS is bullshit also! if the courts cannot do anything, these people certainly have no power to do anything either! You are wasting your time to write to a politician. What are they going to do, tell Trump that he stepped over the line and needs to get back on track???
I don't know if it is possible but the Supreme Court is going to have to reverse itself and acknowledge that they made a mistake. You cannot have complete immunity for a sitting President as there is no check in that situation. They have painted themselves into a corner that they may never get out of.
MEANWHILE, these poor people are stuck in prison with REAL gang members and others with green cards and visas as being shuttled off to who knows where??? Write your politicians....PLEASE!
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The New York Times recently published an Opinion piece featuring so-called "conservative" voices—though it seems these days, being conservative often means turning a blind eye to lying, stealing, cheating, and the dismantling of our republic. Regardless, I think it’s important to take a closer look at what they’re saying. I’ve posted the link, along with my comments, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts on it. Thank you!
This entire "conversation" presented by Patrick Healy and the Times columnists is an exercise in intellectual gymnastics, designed to normalize the ongoing catastrophe of Donald Trump’s influence on American politics. What’s masked as a thoughtful debate is, in reality, an echo chamber of conservative revisionism and apologetics for authoritarianism.
Let’s cut through the polite language and call it what it is.
Trump’s Popularity Among Republicans Is Not Surprising.
Ninety percent of Republicans supporting Trump is not a show of confidence—it’s a symptom of a cult of personality fueled by fear, propaganda, and misinformation. These people have been fed a steady diet of Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN lies for years. It’s not about policy; it’s about identity and grievance.
The Times panel acts like there’s a mystery here. There’s no mystery. Trump appeals to people who think the system failed them, and he weaponizes their anger. Simple.
David Brooks’ “Brokenism” Is Just a Fancy Word for Nihilism.
Brooks argues people believe everything is broken, and Trump offers them a wrecking ball. But "brokenism" isn’t a belief system; it’s an excuse for rage and destruction. Trump isn’t fixing anything. He’s gutting government institutions, empowering oligarchs, and undermining democracy. “Brokenism” is Brooks’ attempt to rationalize nihilism.
David French on Republicans Wanting Opponents to Suffer.
French at least admits that many Republicans just want to see their perceived enemies punished. That’s not politics—that’s revenge fantasy. They don’t care if policies fail as long as they “own the libs.” It’s the mentality of a bully, not a democracy.
Ross Douthat’s Reagan Worship Disguised as Populism.
Douthat claims Trump is just following Reagan-era conservatism. But Reagan’s policies already hollowed out the middle class, increased inequality, and launched the era of deregulated, corporate domination. Trump is Reagan without the polish or decency—more overtly corrupt, more authoritarian, and infinitely more dangerous.
Bret Stephens’ Praise of “Energy” Is Just Enabling Autocracy.
Stephens talks about Trump’s “energy” as if being hyperactive equals leadership. The fact that Trump is constantly stirring chaos doesn’t mean he’s effective. It means he’s destabilizing. It’s a child smashing their toys and calling it remodeling.
False Victimhood and Grievance Politics.
They repeatedly mention conservative resentment toward universities, media, and elites. Cry me a river. Most of these Republicans are elites themselves, educated at Ivy League schools, and now exploiting the very institutions they claim to despise for their personal gain. Their “victim” narrative is a fraud.
Selective Memory on Authoritarianism.
They pretend Trump’s authoritarianism is justified because of perceived overreach by Democrats during COVID. That’s absurd. Mask mandates and public health guidelines are not the same as dismantling democratic institutions, purging civil servants, and ignoring court orders. It’s not remotely comparable.
Whitewashing Trump’s First Term.
Douthat and others act like Trump’s first term was “not so bad” outside of COVID. Really? Children were put in cages. Journalists were demonized. Violence was encouraged. Environmental regulations were gutted. Diplomacy was trashed. He left allies confused and enemies emboldened. January 6th happened on his watch because of his lies. But sure, everything was fine until COVID.
Delusional Takes on the Economy.
They argue Trump is good for the economy. How? He passed massive tax cuts for billionaires, ballooned the deficit, and did nothing for working people. Manufacturing jobs didn’t flood back. He started trade wars that hurt American farmers and consumers. The stock market isn’t the economy.
Downplaying the Constitutional Crisis.
They shrug off Trump’s illegal actions—deporting people against court orders, defying rulings, firing civil servants—as no big deal. This is not normal. It’s dangerous authoritarianism. They minimize it because they’re either complicit or cowards.
Moral Relativism About Foreign Policy.
They praise Trump for “negotiating” with Putin while ignoring the betrayal of Ukraine and the erosion of NATO. Trump's admiration for dictators isn’t strategy; it’s weakness dressed up as strength. Appeasement is not leadership.
The Elon Musk Fantasies Are Laughable.
Musk is not the savior of government efficiency. He’s an erratic billionaire who can’t run X (formerly Twitter) without it turning into a digital dumpster fire. Handing him the keys to government is insanity.
Cruelty as Policy: Transgender Ban in the Military.
Some try to justify this on “readiness” grounds. Nonsense. It’s pure cruelty. Trump is targeting a vulnerable minority because it pleases his base. That’s not leadership; it’s bullying.
Glossing Over Impeachment and Lawbreaking.
They make excuses for impeaching judges or ignoring court rulings, framing it as “normal” political behavior. It’s not. It’s the death of checks and balances. They’re normalizing tyranny.
Gaslighting About Democracy.
They act like Democrats are just as bad. False equivalency. Biden isn’t perfect, but he respects democratic institutions. Trump does not. Pretending both sides are equally flawed is intellectually lazy and morally bankrupt.
💥 Conclusion: This entire discussion tries to rationalize and intellectualize a populist movement that is built on lies, fear, and resentment. Trump is not a champion of the working class. He is a criminal sociopath who’s destroying democratic norms for personal gain. The GOP isn’t a party anymore—it’s a personality cult, propped up by media propaganda and the cowardice of people like these columnists, who know better but play dumb to protect their access and relevance.
This isn’t leadership. It’s complicity.
And anyone who still supports Trump after everything we’ve witnessed is either deluded, morally bankrupt, or actively hostile to democracy.
What the pundit class fails to state, even though it's obvious, daily, is that stupid bad people now run the US federal government. There are smart bad people in the wings. (Vance, Musk, Yarvin, Thiel, Andreesen.) Ready to move in after the bad stupids create the next big crisis. Donald is playing with financial fire and they are letting him do it.
They watch Donald play with tariffs like toys. (Immediate price inflation.)
They watch Donald threaten to take control of the Federal Reserve and lower interest rates and print money. (Delayed but certain dollar devaluation and wage-price spiral inflation.)
They watch as Donald directs the US Treasury to invest US Dollars into fake, phony, scammy, worthless crypto tokens. This is a scam to line Donald's pockets. (Devalues the US Dollar as the world's steady reserve currency. Hyper inflation.)
When the hyper inflation hits the fan, Donald will blame everyone but himself. But it's all on his head. The New York Times and Washington Post and major news networks will claim no one could see this coming. But the 70% of adults who did not vote for him will know it was all due to his stupidity.
What's next? Vance and his tech backers to the rescue. Only the smartest and richest CEOs can solve this mess! Their Iron Heel on the peoples' neck is next. See Curtis Yarvin and his Dark Enlightenment.
Start placing wanted posters Across America, WANTED IMPEACHED and/ or JAILED With Donald John Trump Elon Musk Faces on it. For crimes that don't exist in US Constitutional Laws.
As soon as SCOTUY gave him some "presidential immunity", I knew this had a high probability of occurring. To him, their decision meant he could be king.
Nailed it!
Thanks to the slimy lickspittle Mitch McConnell the SCOTUS is MAGA Red! Speaking of Red, will the country between Canada and Mexico soon be an addition the new Putin USSR?
Of course the kids just getting to school age will learn that there really wasn’t a time the USA was part of Putin’s empire; along with knowing there was no slavery, there was no bigoted prejudice against people of color, and Elon Musk was really the President that brought us Dark Enlightenment.
A-I-A-I-oh!
Keep up the great work you all do.
There's only one person that needs impeached and that's trump.
When will we finally be free from Donald Trump, his criminal sociopathy, and the sycophants who enable him? It is beyond belief that we are still subjected to the toxic influence of these individuals—figures who have shown themselves to be morally bankrupt, relentlessly deceitful, and driven by self-interest at the expense of our nation’s well-being. The entire Republican Party, as it currently operates, has devolved into a machine of lies and manipulation, perpetuating a decade-long assault on truth, democracy, and basic decency.
It is exhausting to witness this endless cycle of dishonesty, propaganda, and gaslighting. Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN serve as little more than mouthpieces for this dangerous movement, spreading misinformation designed to mislead and inflame rather than inform. They have weaponized ignorance and cultivated a cult-like devotion that is tearing the fabric of our democracy apart.
We are long past the time for polite debate and political niceties. The urgency of this moment demands action. These individuals must be held accountable—legally, morally, and politically. Impeach them. Censure them. Expel them from office. Enforce the laws that exist to protect this country from authoritarianism and restore the truth in the public square.
The American people deserve better than this grotesque parody of governance. We deserve leaders who are committed to facts, integrity, and the rule of law—not demagogues bent on consolidating power through fear and lies. Until we confront this threat head-on and take decisive action, we remain at the mercy of those who view democracy not as a sacred responsibility, but as an obstacle to be trampled.
Enough is enough.
We will only be free of him if 5 Republicans in the Senate decide to support the Constitution ( I say 5 because we really only need 4 but I don't trust the Dems to all vote for impeachment). And that is not going to happen. They are all happy to see us deteriorate into a dictatorship. Well there may be one other path...enough folks in big business will decide it is not ever going to be profitable for them having him in office and they will convince those 5 folks we need (well maybe only 4 since Murkowski might be on board). I believe there is already plenty of stuff to impeach him on and the only thing that is lacking is the will of the Republican party. Supporting the ACLU is huge as they are the primary organization that is bringing suit and even attempting to hold the Supreme Court accountable for upholding the Constitution. And maybe, but I doubt it, Jusice Roberts has a big enough ego that he will defend the Constitution not because he believes in it but because he really does not want to go down in history as trump's plaything.
This is precisely what happens when a society permits lies to flourish unchecked—when the First Amendment is not exercised responsibly but abused to the extreme, with no meaningful effort to hold those accountable for weaponizing it against democracy itself. Other democratic nations, such as Australia and many across Europe, have recognized the corrosive danger of unrestricted disinformation and have implemented legal frameworks to protect public discourse from descending into chaos. The United States, however, has failed to do so, and we are now reaping the consequences.
What we are witnessing today should have been prevented during the years when Democrats held power. But they lacked the political will to take decisive action to regulate the public space in which truth and falsehood now hold equal standing. It should be understood that facts must come from credible sources—those who have spent decades in academia, in medicine, in the sciences; the same experts who have built the infrastructure of modern life: the internet, advanced technologies, medicine, and transportation. These are the people we trust to build airplanes and automobiles; yet, somehow, their expertise is dismissed in favor of conspiracy theorists and propagandists.
And this is where the fracture begins. When a society elevates voices like Fox News and its ilk, who peddle lies with ruthless efficiency, the inevitable result is social and political collapse. We are living through a soft civil war, fueled by relentless disinformation, and no one can predict where it will end. But the path we are on is unsustainable.
This abuse of free speech is not what the framers of the Constitution envisioned. Many have tried to sound the alarm, but legislative reforms to regulate media and social media remain stalled. This crisis—this deliberate poisoning of the national discourse—has been driven by Fox News and its many enablers. They have perfected the art of propaganda, drawing lessons from fascist regimes of the past, and they are motivated by greed and power at the expense of truth, decency, and democracy.
Fox News is not a legitimate news outlet. It is a propaganda machine that has brainwashed tens of millions of Americans. These people no longer listen to reason, logic, or facts. They exist in a self-reinforcing echo chamber, incapable of independent thought, and incapable of seeing the reality of what Donald Trump truly is: a criminal sociopath with no leadership ability and no qualifications to hold any public office—let alone run a country. He could not even manage a public restroom with competence.
This is the price we pay for failing to protect truth in public discourse. Until we enact serious reforms to prevent the abuse of free speech by bad actors, this crisis will only deepen. Democracy cannot survive when facts are optional and propaganda is rewarded with billions.
The New York Times recently published an Opinion piece featuring so-called "conservative" voices—though it seems these days, being conservative often means turning a blind eye to lying, stealing, cheating, and the dismantling of our republic. Regardless, I think it’s important to take a closer look at what they’re saying. I’ve posted the link, along with my comments, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts on it. Thank you!
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/opinion/trump-administration-polling.html?campaign_id=60&emc=edit_na_20250321&instance_id=150658&nl=breaking-news®i_id=122853612&segment_id=194097&user_id=c45f231204762c6e5163a64b701dad5c
This entire "conversation" presented by Patrick Healy and the Times columnists is an exercise in intellectual gymnastics, designed to normalize the ongoing catastrophe of Donald Trump’s influence on American politics. What’s masked as a thoughtful debate is, in reality, an echo chamber of conservative revisionism and apologetics for authoritarianism.
Let’s cut through the polite language and call it what it is.
Trump’s Popularity Among Republicans Is Not Surprising.
Ninety percent of Republicans supporting Trump is not a show of confidence—it’s a symptom of a cult of personality fueled by fear, propaganda, and misinformation. These people have been fed a steady diet of Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN lies for years. It’s not about policy; it’s about identity and grievance.
The Times panel acts like there’s a mystery here. There’s no mystery. Trump appeals to people who think the system failed them, and he weaponizes their anger. Simple.
David Brooks’ “Brokenism” Is Just a Fancy Word for Nihilism.
Brooks argues people believe everything is broken, and Trump offers them a wrecking ball. But "brokenism" isn’t a belief system; it’s an excuse for rage and destruction. Trump isn’t fixing anything. He’s gutting government institutions, empowering oligarchs, and undermining democracy. “Brokenism” is Brooks’ attempt to rationalize nihilism.
David French on Republicans Wanting Opponents to Suffer.
French at least admits that many Republicans just want to see their perceived enemies punished. That’s not politics—that’s revenge fantasy. They don’t care if policies fail as long as they “own the libs.” It’s the mentality of a bully, not a democracy.
Ross Douthat’s Reagan Worship Disguised as Populism.
Douthat claims Trump is just following Reagan-era conservatism. But Reagan’s policies already hollowed out the middle class, increased inequality, and launched the era of deregulated, corporate domination. Trump is Reagan without the polish or decency—more overtly corrupt, more authoritarian, and infinitely more dangerous.
Bret Stephens’ Praise of “Energy” Is Just Enabling Autocracy.
Stephens talks about Trump’s “energy” as if being hyperactive equals leadership. The fact that Trump is constantly stirring chaos doesn’t mean he’s effective. It means he’s destabilizing. It’s a child smashing their toys and calling it remodeling.
False Victimhood and Grievance Politics.
They repeatedly mention conservative resentment toward universities, media, and elites. Cry me a river. Most of these Republicans are elites themselves, educated at Ivy League schools, and now exploiting the very institutions they claim to despise for their personal gain. Their “victim” narrative is a fraud.
Selective Memory on Authoritarianism.
They pretend Trump’s authoritarianism is justified because of perceived overreach by Democrats during COVID. That’s absurd. Mask mandates and public health guidelines are not the same as dismantling democratic institutions, purging civil servants, and ignoring court orders. It’s not remotely comparable.
Whitewashing Trump’s First Term.
Douthat and others act like Trump’s first term was “not so bad” outside of COVID. Really? Children were put in cages. Journalists were demonized. Violence was encouraged. Environmental regulations were gutted. Diplomacy was trashed. He left allies confused and enemies emboldened. January 6th happened on his watch because of his lies. But sure, everything was fine until COVID.
Delusional Takes on the Economy.
They argue Trump is good for the economy. How? He passed massive tax cuts for billionaires, ballooned the deficit, and did nothing for working people. Manufacturing jobs didn’t flood back. He started trade wars that hurt American farmers and consumers. The stock market isn’t the economy.
Downplaying the Constitutional Crisis.
They shrug off Trump’s illegal actions—deporting people against court orders, defying rulings, firing civil servants—as no big deal. This is not normal. It’s dangerous authoritarianism. They minimize it because they’re either complicit or cowards.
Moral Relativism About Foreign Policy.
They praise Trump for “negotiating” with Putin while ignoring the betrayal of Ukraine and the erosion of NATO. Trump's admiration for dictators isn’t strategy; it’s weakness dressed up as strength. Appeasement is not leadership.
The Elon Musk Fantasies Are Laughable.
Musk is not the savior of government efficiency. He’s an erratic billionaire who can’t run X (formerly Twitter) without it turning into a digital dumpster fire. Handing him the keys to government is insanity.
Cruelty as Policy: Transgender Ban in the Military.
Some try to justify this on “readiness” grounds. Nonsense. It’s pure cruelty. Trump is targeting a vulnerable minority because it pleases his base. That’s not leadership; it’s bullying.
Glossing Over Impeachment and Lawbreaking.
They make excuses for impeaching judges or ignoring court rulings, framing it as “normal” political behavior. It’s not. It’s the death of checks and balances. They’re normalizing tyranny.
Gaslighting About Democracy.
They act like Democrats are just as bad. False equivalency. Biden isn’t perfect, but he respects democratic institutions. Trump does not. Pretending both sides are equally flawed is intellectually lazy and morally bankrupt.
💥 Conclusion: This entire discussion tries to rationalize and intellectualize a populist movement that is built on lies, fear, and resentment. Trump is not a champion of the working class. He is a criminal sociopath who’s destroying democratic norms for personal gain. The GOP isn’t a party anymore—it’s a personality cult, propped up by media propaganda and the cowardice of people like these columnists, who know better but play dumb to protect their access and relevance.
This isn’t leadership. It’s complicity.
And anyone who still supports Trump after everything we’ve witnessed is either deluded, morally bankrupt, or actively hostile to democracy.
Well said!
Dear Dr. Reich,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing out of a deep sense of frustration and concern regarding the current state of Democratic leadership—or more precisely, the absence of it—at a time when the country desperately needs vocal, principled defenders of democracy and truth.
As someone who served in a Democratic administration and maintains an insider’s perspective, I ask you candidly: Where are our leaders? Where is President Obama? Where are Secretary Clinton, President Clinton, Vice President Harris, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and the other prominent voices who once galvanized millions?
At this critical juncture—when Fox News functions as a relentless propaganda machine masquerading as journalism, when Trump and his acolytes peddle corrosive lies about the "most corrupt administration in history," and when democracy itself stands on a knife's edge—why are these powerful voices silent? The vacuum they leave behind is filled daily with disinformation, cynicism, and dangerous populist rhetoric. Their silence is both deafening and damning.
I watch President Biden—a man whose legislative achievements have been substantial, particularly in undoing the catastrophic wreckage left by the Trump administration—face a relentless smear campaign with little to no effective counterbalance from his party’s most recognizable figures. Biden’s communication strategy has failed to publicize his administration's accomplishments in a way that breaks through the noise. Consequently, the American public remains vulnerable to disinformation and manipulation.
The Clintons and the Obamas are still regarded by many as formidable leaders and skilled communicators. Barack Obama remains one of the finest orators of our time. Bill Clinton, for all his moral failings, remains a consummate political strategist. Pete Buttigieg is articulate, informed, and a rising star in Democratic politics. Yet, they remain inexplicably quiet. We are not hearing them lead the charge against the tidal wave of misinformation and authoritarian creep.
It is utterly incomprehensible that, faced with a growing fascist threat, these figures are not mounting a robust and unified defense of democratic values in every forum possible—on television, in town halls, in op-eds, and at mass rallies. Where is the moral urgency? Where is the strategic coordination? Why do we, the people who care deeply about this nation’s future, feel so abandoned by those who once inspired us?
This is not a time for cautious diplomacy or political calculation. This is a time to sound the alarm and fight with clarity and courage. And yet, with the exception of Bernie Sanders, who continues to speak truth to power (although some perceive him as too far to the left), there is an eerie and infuriating silence from the Democratic Party’s most influential leaders.
Dr. Reich, you are a principled voice and have consistently articulated the stakes we face. But why is there not a unified and forceful counteroffensive from those who once carried the banner of the Democratic Party? We are left to wonder if our leadership has either lost its nerve or is trapped in a misguided hope that civility and reason alone will save us from the abyss.
I ask you plainly: What on earth is happening? Why has this fight been abandoned to a few lone voices while the machinery of authoritarianism marches on, largely uncontested by those with the stature to command the nation’s attention?
With urgency and respect,
Excellent write up and excellent questions. Hope Dr Reich gives insight.
Once fascist dictators seize power in a political vacuum, there’s very little that can be done to reverse the course—especially when they are backed by 20 to 30 million brainwashed followers. I’ve engaged with countless individuals from that group, and they simply never grasp the reality: he is their worst enemy. Yet they remain incapable of understanding it.
This is the tragic predicament of humanity—emotion consistently triumphs over reason. These individuals watch ten minutes of biased television commentary and emerge convinced they have mastered the complexities of the world: billions of lives, trillions upon trillions of dollars, and all its geopolitical intricacies reduced to simplistic slogans.
Ironically, they can spend six days obsessing over how to pick the right lottery numbers, but in ten minutes of propaganda, they believe they’ve figured out how to run an entire nation. As a species, we are in profound trouble.
I understand and appreciate his contributions, but the reality is that he was part of a Democratic administration and maintains high-level contacts within the Democratic establishment. If someone with his stature and influence can’t help motivate meaningful action, then it’s hard to see how we avoid catastrophe. Academia, particularly the Ivy League institutions, seems to be crumbling under the weight of its own contradictions. How can we continue to place our faith in academic institutions when they repeatedly fail us in moments of crisis?
History offers chilling examples: several of the leaders of the Einsatzgruppen held PhDs, and Joseph Goebbels himself earned a doctorate in philology. The medical community in Germany, supposedly dedicated to preserving life, was among the first professional groups to align itself with the Nazi regime. When things fall apart, these intellectual and professional elites are often the first to disappear or capitulate.
Meanwhile, I’m on Truth Social every night, often having my accounts banned, yet I keep returning, speaking out, and challenging the lies. I have a small following—perhaps 15 people—but I’m there, actively confronting the disinformation. And yet, I don’t see our so-called leaders engaging on that front. Where are they? Why am I, an ordinary citizen, seemingly the only one standing in the breach?
Yes, individual efforts are valuable, and I appreciate them. But collectively, this group—the academics, the politicians, the intellectuals—should have done far more. Their inaction, complacency, and cowardice have brought us to this precipice. Columbia University has already folded under pressure, as have numerous law groups. It seems as if many of these leaders are content as long as they can keep their multiple homes and luxury cars. They no longer care what happens to anyone else.
It’s disheartening to see so much education, so many resources, and so much influence squandered because basic moral courage is lacking. Without a foundation of fundamental morality, all the degrees and accolades in the world are meaningless.
And this lesson isn’t new. Philosophers and leaders have warned about this for centuries: education without ethical grounding is dangerous. Yet here we are, watching history repeat itself.
Dear Dr. Reich,
I’ve made numerous attempts to reach out to you over the years, and I’ve noticed that the only times I receive a response are when I offer you praise. I supported you when you were Secretary of Labor. As an undergraduate student, I read your books—some of which were perhaps overly lengthy, but nonetheless thought-provoking and well-argued. I believed, and still believe, you could have been an extraordinary president. At one point, I defended you against critics who dismissed your candidacy on superficial grounds, arguing that it’s not a man’s height that matters, but the power of his ideas and intellect.
However, with all due respect, I believe you—along with President Carter, President Clinton, President Obama, and other Democratic leaders—bear a measure of responsibility for where we find ourselves today. For too long, these leaders, despite their influence, failed to speak out forcefully or consistently against the growing threats to our democracy. There was no unified voice, no clarion call to action when it was most needed.
You were part of those administrations. I recognize that you spoke out, but the collective failure to galvanize a stronger response, to marshal the voices of those with prominence and power, has had consequences. And now, here we are.
We are witnessing the erosion of democratic norms, the ascendance of authoritarian populism, and an alarming indifference to truth and reason among millions of Americans. As you yourself have often pointed out, democracies are not self-sustaining; they require vigilant defense. And yet, the opportunity to defend our democratic principles when it mattered most was, in many respects, squandered.
I don’t say this lightly. I say it out of deep concern for our country’s future. I fear for our children and grandchildren. I fear for the generations to come. Perhaps it’s time for all of us to reckon with the uncomfortable truth: if we do not take stronger action now, we may well consign ourselves to repeating the darkest chapters of history.
With respect, I urge you—and all those with the platform and power to lead—to act decisively. Speak out, organize, and protect what remains of our democracy. There may still be time.
I can say over and over and over and everybody I know says same.. where the fuck are the Democrats????? I guess all their kids go to the same prep school or everyone goes the same swimming club ???? nobody gives a fuck about the country ?nobody has any morals?nobody has any balls anymore? is that the problem?????????? I have no idea what the fucking say to this !!!!.....where the fuck are the Democrats( pardon my French)
Dear Dr. Reich,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing out of a deep sense of frustration and concern regarding the current state of Democratic leadership—or more precisely, the absence of it—at a time when the country desperately needs vocal, principled defenders of democracy and truth.
As someone who served in a Democratic administration and maintains an insider’s perspective, I ask you candidly: Where are our leaders? Where is President Obama? Where are Secretary Clinton, President Clinton, Vice President Harris, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and the other prominent voices who once galvanized millions?
At this critical juncture—when Fox News functions as a relentless propaganda machine masquerading as journalism, when Trump and his acolytes peddle corrosive lies about the "most corrupt administration in history," and when democracy itself stands on a knife's edge—why are these powerful voices silent? The vacuum they leave behind is filled daily with disinformation, cynicism, and dangerous populist rhetoric. Their silence is both deafening and damning.
I watch President Biden—a man whose legislative achievements have been substantial, particularly in undoing the catastrophic wreckage left by the Trump administration—face a relentless smear campaign with little to no effective counterbalance from his party’s most recognizable figures. Biden’s communication strategy has failed to publicize his administration's accomplishments in a way that breaks through the noise. Consequently, the American public remains vulnerable to disinformation and manipulation.
The Clintons and the Obamas are still regarded by many as formidable leaders and skilled communicators. Barack Obama remains one of the finest orators of our time. Bill Clinton, for all his moral failings, remains a consummate political strategist. Pete Buttigieg is articulate, informed, and a rising star in Democratic politics. Yet, they remain inexplicably quiet. We are not hearing them lead the charge against the tidal wave of misinformation and authoritarian creep.
It is utterly incomprehensible that, faced with a growing fascist threat, these figures are not mounting a robust and unified defense of democratic values in every forum possible—on television, in town halls, in op-eds, and at mass rallies. Where is the moral urgency? Where is the strategic coordination? Why do we, the people who care deeply about this nation’s future, feel so abandoned by those who once inspired us?
This is not a time for cautious diplomacy or political calculation. This is a time to sound the alarm and fight with clarity and courage. And yet, with the exception of Bernie Sanders, who continues to speak truth to power (although some perceive him as too far to the left), there is an eerie and infuriating silence from the Democratic Party’s most influential leaders.
Dr. Reich, you are a principled voice and have consistently articulated the stakes we face. But why is there not a unified and forceful counteroffensive from those who once carried the banner of the Democratic Party? We are left to wonder if our leadership has either lost its nerve or is trapped in a misguided hope that civility and reason alone will save us from the abyss.
I ask you plainly: What on earth is happening? Why has this fight been abandoned to a few lone voices while the machinery of authoritarianism marches on, largely uncontested by those with the stature to command the nation’s attention?
With urgency and respect,
I understand and appreciate his contributions, but the reality is that he was part of a Democratic administration and maintains high-level contacts within the Democratic establishment. If someone with his stature and influence can’t help motivate meaningful action, then it’s hard to see how we avoid catastrophe. Academia, particularly the Ivy League institutions, seems to be crumbling under the weight of its own contradictions. How can we continue to place our faith in academic institutions when they repeatedly fail us in moments of crisis?
History offers chilling examples: several of the leaders of the Einsatzgruppen held PhDs, and Joseph Goebbels himself earned a doctorate in philology. The medical community in Germany, supposedly dedicated to preserving life, was among the first professional groups to align itself with the Nazi regime. When things fall apart, these intellectual and professional elites are often the first to disappear or capitulate.
Meanwhile, I’m on Truth Social every night, often having my accounts banned, yet I keep returning, speaking out, and challenging the lies. I have a small following—perhaps 15 people—but I’m there, actively confronting the disinformation. And yet, I don’t see our so-called leaders engaging on that front. Where are they? Why am I, an ordinary citizen, seemingly the only one standing in the breach?
Yes, individual efforts are valuable, and I appreciate them. But collectively, this group—the academics, the politicians, the intellectuals—should have done far more. Their inaction, complacency, and cowardice have brought us to this precipice. Columbia University has already folded under pressure, as have numerous law groups. It seems as if many of these leaders are content as long as they can keep their multiple homes and luxury cars. They no longer care what happens to anyone else.
It’s disheartening to see so much education, so many resources, and so much influence squandered because basic moral courage is lacking. Without a foundation of fundamental morality, all the degrees and accolades in the world are meaningless.
And this lesson isn’t new. Philosophers and leaders have warned about this for centuries: education without ethical grounding is dangerous. Yet here we are, watching history repeat itself.
Dear Dr. Reich,
I’ve made numerous attempts to reach out to you over the years, and I’ve noticed that the only times I receive a response are when I offer you praise. I supported you when you were Secretary of Labor. As an undergraduate student, I read your books—some of which were perhaps overly lengthy, but nonetheless thought-provoking and well-argued. I believed, and still believe, you could have been an extraordinary president. At one point, I defended you against critics who dismissed your candidacy on superficial grounds, arguing that it’s not a man’s height that matters, but the power of his ideas and intellect.
However, with all due respect, I believe you—along with President Carter, President Clinton, President Obama, and other Democratic leaders—bear a measure of responsibility for where we find ourselves today. For too long, these leaders, despite their influence, failed to speak out forcefully or consistently against the growing threats to our democracy. There was no unified voice, no clarion call to action when it was most needed.
You were part of those administrations. I recognize that you spoke out, but the collective failure to galvanize a stronger response, to marshal the voices of those with prominence and power, has had consequences. And now, here we are.
We are witnessing the erosion of democratic norms, the ascendance of authoritarian populism, and an alarming indifference to truth and reason among millions of Americans. As you yourself have often pointed out, democracies are not self-sustaining; they require vigilant defense. And yet, the opportunity to defend our democratic principles when it mattered most was, in many respects, squandered.
I don’t say this lightly. I say it out of deep concern for our country’s future. I fear for our children and grandchildren. I fear for the generations to come. Perhaps it’s time for all of us to reckon with the uncomfortable truth: if we do not take stronger action now, we may well consign ourselves to repeating the darkest chapters of history.
With respect, I urge you—and all those with the platform and power to lead—to act decisively. Speak out, organize, and protect what remains of our democracy. There may still be time.
I can say over and over and over and everybody I know says same.. where the fuck are the Democrats????? I guess all their kids go to the same prep school or everyone goes the same swimming club ???? nobody gives a fuck about the country ?nobody has any morals?nobody has any balls anymore? is that the problem?????????? I have no idea what the fucking say to this !!!!.....where the fuck are the Democrats( pardon my French)
Where are the decent Americans? I know they used to exist. I’m an independent and don’t blame just the democrats. They’re not sophisticated mobsters like many of the republicans are.
Anyone out there with integrity and in a position of power to help the country against these mob bosses?
I understand and appreciate his contributions, but the reality is that he was part of a Democratic administration and maintains high-level contacts within the Democratic establishment. If someone with his stature and influence can’t help motivate meaningful action, then it’s hard to see how we avoid catastrophe. Academia, particularly the Ivy League institutions, seems to be crumbling under the weight of its own contradictions. How can we continue to place our faith in academic institutions when they repeatedly fail us in moments of crisis?
History offers chilling examples: several of the leaders of the Einsatzgruppen held PhDs, and Joseph Goebbels himself earned a doctorate in philology. The medical community in Germany, supposedly dedicated to preserving life, was among the first professional groups to align itself with the Nazi regime. When things fall apart, these intellectual and professional elites are often the first to disappear or capitulate.
Meanwhile, I’m on Truth Social every night, often having my accounts banned, yet I keep returning, speaking out, and challenging the lies. I have a small following—perhaps 15 people—but I’m there, actively confronting the disinformation. And yet, I don’t see our so-called leaders engaging on that front. Where are they? Why am I, an ordinary citizen, seemingly the only one standing in the breach?
Yes, individual efforts are valuable, and I appreciate them. But collectively, this group—the academics, the politicians, the intellectuals—should have done far more. Their inaction, complacency, and cowardice have brought us to this precipice. Columbia University has already folded under pressure, as have numerous law groups. It seems as if many of these leaders are content as long as they can keep their multiple homes and luxury cars. They no longer care what happens to anyone else.
It’s disheartening to see so much education, so many resources, and so much influence squandered because basic moral courage is lacking. Without a foundation of fundamental morality, all the degrees and accolades in the world are meaningless.
And this lesson isn’t new. Philosophers and leaders have warned about this for centuries: education without ethical grounding is dangerous. Yet here we are, watching history repeat itself.
Dr. Reich,
While I deeply respect your career as a professor and public servant, I must express my profound disappointment in the broader academic and political leadership, including yourself. The very institutions we rely upon to instill ethical leadership—our universities, law schools, and academies—have, in many cases, failed to uphold their responsibility to teach the basic principles of moral integrity and civic duty.
We see graduates from the most prestigious institutions—individuals like Ron DeSantis and J.D. Vance—who seem to lack fundamental empathy and a commitment to truth. This raises serious questions about whether our educational systems are effectively preparing leaders who act in the public's best interest.
Many of us have urged for strong, vocal leadership from those with influence, yet in critical moments, that leadership has been lacking. Silence and hesitation in the face of rising authoritarianism have contributed to the dangerous political environment we now find ourselves in. When those who have the power to speak out fail to do so, the consequences are profound.
I had hoped to see more from those who have shaped the intellectual and moral discourse of this nation. We need not only brilliant minds but courageous voices who are willing to lead the charge in defending democracy and justice.
Dear Dr. Reich,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing out of a deep sense of frustration and concern regarding the current state of Democratic leadership—or more precisely, the absence of it—at a time when the country desperately needs vocal, principled defenders of democracy and truth.
As someone who served in a Democratic administration and maintains an insider’s perspective, I ask you candidly: Where are our leaders? Where is President Obama? Where are Secretary Clinton, President Clinton, Vice President Harris, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and the other prominent voices who once galvanized millions?
At this critical juncture—when Fox News functions as a relentless propaganda machine masquerading as journalism, when Trump and his acolytes peddle corrosive lies about the "most corrupt administration in history," and when democracy itself stands on a knife's edge—why are these powerful voices silent? The vacuum they leave behind is filled daily with disinformation, cynicism, and dangerous populist rhetoric. Their silence is both deafening and damning.
I watch President Biden—a man whose legislative achievements have been substantial, particularly in undoing the catastrophic wreckage left by the Trump administration—face a relentless smear campaign with little to no effective counterbalance from his party’s most recognizable figures. Biden’s communication strategy has failed to publicize his administration's accomplishments in a way that breaks through the noise. Consequently, the American public remains vulnerable to disinformation and manipulation.
The Clintons and the Obamas are still regarded by many as formidable leaders and skilled communicators. Barack Obama remains one of the finest orators of our time. Bill Clinton, for all his moral failings, remains a consummate political strategist. Pete Buttigieg is articulate, informed, and a rising star in Democratic politics. Yet, they remain inexplicably quiet. We are not hearing them lead the charge against the tidal wave of misinformation and authoritarian creep.
It is utterly incomprehensible that, faced with a growing fascist threat, these figures are not mounting a robust and unified defense of democratic values in every forum possible—on television, in town halls, in op-eds, and at mass rallies. Where is the moral urgency? Where is the strategic coordination? Why do we, the people who care deeply about this nation’s future, feel so abandoned by those who once inspired us?
This is not a time for cautious diplomacy or political calculation. This is a time to sound the alarm and fight with clarity and courage. And yet, with the exception of Bernie Sanders, who continues to speak truth to power (although some perceive him as too far to the left), there is an eerie and infuriating silence from the Democratic Party’s most influential leaders.
Dr. Reich, you are a principled voice and have consistently articulated the stakes we face. But why is there not a unified and forceful counteroffensive from those who once carried the banner of the Democratic Party? We are left to wonder if our leadership has either lost its nerve or is trapped in a misguided hope that civility and reason alone will save us from the abyss.
I ask you plainly: What on earth is happening? Why has this fight been abandoned to a few lone voices while the machinery of authoritarianism marches on, largely uncontested by those with the stature to command the nation’s attention?
With urgency and respect,
Dear Dr. Reich,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing out of a deep sense of frustration and concern regarding the current state of Democratic leadership—or more precisely, the absence of it—at a time when the country desperately needs vocal, principled defenders of democracy and truth.
As someone who served in a Democratic administration and maintains an insider’s perspective, I ask you candidly: Where are our leaders? Where is President Obama? Where are Secretary Clinton, President Clinton, Vice President Harris, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and the other prominent voices who once galvanized millions?
At this critical juncture—when Fox News functions as a relentless propaganda machine masquerading as journalism, when Trump and his acolytes peddle corrosive lies about the "most corrupt administration in history," and when democracy itself stands on a knife's edge—why are these powerful voices silent? The vacuum they leave behind is filled daily with disinformation, cynicism, and dangerous populist rhetoric. Their silence is both deafening and damning.
I watch President Biden—a man whose legislative achievements have been substantial, particularly in undoing the catastrophic wreckage left by the Trump administration—face a relentless smear campaign with little to no effective counterbalance from his party’s most recognizable figures. Biden’s communication strategy has failed to publicize his administration's accomplishments in a way that breaks through the noise. Consequently, the American public remains vulnerable to disinformation and manipulation.
The Clintons and the Obamas are still regarded by many as formidable leaders and skilled communicators. Barack Obama remains one of the finest orators of our time. Bill Clinton, for all his moral failings, remains a consummate political strategist. Pete Buttigieg is articulate, informed, and a rising star in Democratic politics. Yet, they remain inexplicably quiet. We are not hearing them lead the charge against the tidal wave of misinformation and authoritarian creep.
It is utterly incomprehensible that, faced with a growing fascist threat, these figures are not mounting a robust and unified defense of democratic values in every forum possible—on television, in town halls, in op-eds, and at mass rallies. Where is the moral urgency? Where is the strategic coordination? Why do we, the people who care deeply about this nation’s future, feel so abandoned by those who once inspired us?
This is not a time for cautious diplomacy or political calculation. This is a time to sound the alarm and fight with clarity and courage. And yet, with the exception of Bernie Sanders, who continues to speak truth to power (although some perceive him as too far to the left), there is an eerie and infuriating silence from the Democratic Party’s most influential leaders.
Dr. Reich, you are a principled voice and have consistently articulated the stakes we face. But why is there not a unified and forceful counteroffensive from those who once carried the banner of the Democratic Party? We are left to wonder if our leadership has either lost its nerve or is trapped in a misguided hope that civility and reason alone will save us from the abyss.
I ask you plainly: What on earth is happening? Why has this fight been abandoned to a few lone voices while the machinery of authoritarianism marches on, largely uncontested by those with the stature to command the nation’s attention?
With urgency and respect,
MoveOn.Org gives the figure 3.5 million protesters/objectors to defeat Trumps dictatorship. Aprox 1 million were in the Womens March.
34,000 for OAC/Saunders is a good start.........protesting for the future of freedom and democracy is now the peoples full time job.
Russia cannot defeat a small nation.......they need USA to defeat Ukraine!! Sad but true.
Talking to my ejected official got me nowhere. Schumer voted to collaborate with The Orange Turd Who Would Be King. Isn’t there some action we can take when a president violates the constitution, beyond the useless act of impeachment? He doesn’t listen to that either!
Join the National Day of Protest on April 5
Protest while it's still legal.
Click on this link to register to attend a protest in your area:
https://handsoff2025.com/?SQF_SOURCE=indivisible
Unfortunately April 2nd is the day that Trump will basically collapse the world economy so we'll see how the fifth goes.
Am in Texas …Republican all the way..,My Representative n Senate Republicans !! You think they’ll take a note of anything I have to Say???😞
Nearly Half your neighbors will. And all those Fired govt employees.
And all those Seniors
And all those cut off assistance
And all those closed Rural Hospital staff
All those caregivers.
All those Religious needs distribution centers.
And all those grain Farmers
And all those bankrupting importers
And all those truckers with nothing to haul
And all those closed schools or schools without competent teachers.
And all those whose spouse was shipped off to Concentration Camps.
BUT, YES. Not the Rich and Not Typical Right Wing Ego Texans.
Why would we as citizens feel we can do anything at all. We can be disappeared without due process. Who will stop that my answer as we can clearly see is no one.
When will we finally be free from Donald Trump, his criminal sociopathy, and the sycophants who enable him? It is beyond belief that we are still subjected to the toxic influence of these individuals—figures who have shown themselves to be morally bankrupt, relentlessly deceitful, and driven by self-interest at the expense of our nation’s well-being. The entire Republican Party, as it currently operates, has devolved into a machine of lies and manipulation, perpetuating a decade-long assault on truth, democracy, and basic decency.
It is exhausting to witness this endless cycle of dishonesty, propaganda, and gaslighting. Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN serve as little more than mouthpieces for this dangerous movement, spreading misinformation designed to mislead and inflame rather than inform. They have weaponized ignorance and cultivated a cult-like devotion that is tearing the fabric of our democracy apart.
We are long past the time for polite debate and political niceties. The urgency of this moment demands action. These individuals must be held accountable—legally, morally, and politically. Impeach them. Censure them. Expel them from office. Enforce the laws that exist to protect this country from authoritarianism and restore the truth in the public square.
The American people deserve better than this grotesque parody of governance. We deserve leaders who are committed to facts, integrity, and the rule of law—not demagogues bent on consolidating power through fear and lies. Until we confront this threat head-on and take decisive action, we remain at the mercy of those who view democracy not as a sacred responsibility, but as an obstacle to be trampled.
Enough is enough.
All exactly 💯 it's time everyone steps up.
This is precisely what happens when a society permits lies to flourish unchecked—when the First Amendment is not exercised responsibly but abused to the extreme, with no meaningful effort to hold those accountable for weaponizing it against democracy itself. Other democratic nations, such as Australia and many across Europe, have recognized the corrosive danger of unrestricted disinformation and have implemented legal frameworks to protect public discourse from descending into chaos. The United States, however, has failed to do so, and we are now reaping the consequences.
What we are witnessing today should have been prevented during the years when Democrats held power. But they lacked the political will to take decisive action to regulate the public space in which truth and falsehood now hold equal standing. It should be understood that facts must come from credible sources—those who have spent decades in academia, in medicine, in the sciences; the same experts who have built the infrastructure of modern life: the internet, advanced technologies, medicine, and transportation. These are the people we trust to build airplanes and automobiles; yet, somehow, their expertise is dismissed in favor of conspiracy theorists and propagandists.
And this is where the fracture begins. When a society elevates voices like Fox News and its ilk, who peddle lies with ruthless efficiency, the inevitable result is social and political collapse. We are living through a soft civil war, fueled by relentless disinformation, and no one can predict where it will end. But the path we are on is unsustainable.
This abuse of free speech is not what the framers of the Constitution envisioned. Many have tried to sound the alarm, but legislative reforms to regulate media and social media remain stalled. This crisis—this deliberate poisoning of the national discourse—has been driven by Fox News and its many enablers. They have perfected the art of propaganda, drawing lessons from fascist regimes of the past, and they are motivated by greed and power at the expense of truth, decency, and democracy.
Fox News is not a legitimate news outlet. It is a propaganda machine that has brainwashed tens of millions of Americans. These people no longer listen to reason, logic, or facts. They exist in a self-reinforcing echo chamber, incapable of independent thought, and incapable of seeing the reality of what Donald Trump truly is: a criminal sociopath with no leadership ability and no qualifications to hold any public office—let alone run a country. He could not even manage a public restroom with competence.
This is the price we pay for failing to protect truth in public discourse. Until we enact serious reforms to prevent the abuse of free speech by bad actors, this crisis will only deepen. Democracy cannot survive when facts are optional and propaganda is rewarded with billions.
The New York Times recently published an Opinion piece featuring so-called "conservative" voices—though it seems these days, being conservative often means turning a blind eye to lying, stealing, cheating, and the dismantling of our republic. Regardless, I think it’s important to take a closer look at what they’re saying. I’ve posted the link, along with my comments, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts on it. Thank you!
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/opinion/trump-administration-polling.html?campaign_id=60&emc=edit_na_20250321&instance_id=150658&nl=breaking-news®i_id=122853612&segment_id=194097&user_id=c45f231204762c6e5163a64b701dad5c
This entire "conversation" presented by Patrick Healy and the Times columnists is an exercise in intellectual gymnastics, designed to normalize the ongoing catastrophe of Donald Trump’s influence on American politics. What’s masked as a thoughtful debate is, in reality, an echo chamber of conservative revisionism and apologetics for authoritarianism.
Let’s cut through the polite language and call it what it is.
Trump’s Popularity Among Republicans Is Not Surprising.
Ninety percent of Republicans supporting Trump is not a show of confidence—it’s a symptom of a cult of personality fueled by fear, propaganda, and misinformation. These people have been fed a steady diet of Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN lies for years. It’s not about policy; it’s about identity and grievance.
The Times panel acts like there’s a mystery here. There’s no mystery. Trump appeals to people who think the system failed them, and he weaponizes their anger. Simple.
David Brooks’ “Brokenism” Is Just a Fancy Word for Nihilism.
Brooks argues people believe everything is broken, and Trump offers them a wrecking ball. But "brokenism" isn’t a belief system; it’s an excuse for rage and destruction. Trump isn’t fixing anything. He’s gutting government institutions, empowering oligarchs, and undermining democracy. “Brokenism” is Brooks’ attempt to rationalize nihilism.
David French on Republicans Wanting Opponents to Suffer.
French at least admits that many Republicans just want to see their perceived enemies punished. That’s not politics—that’s revenge fantasy. They don’t care if policies fail as long as they “own the libs.” It’s the mentality of a bully, not a democracy.
Ross Douthat’s Reagan Worship Disguised as Populism.
Douthat claims Trump is just following Reagan-era conservatism. But Reagan’s policies already hollowed out the middle class, increased inequality, and launched the era of deregulated, corporate domination. Trump is Reagan without the polish or decency—more overtly corrupt, more authoritarian, and infinitely more dangerous.
Bret Stephens’ Praise of “Energy” Is Just Enabling Autocracy.
Stephens talks about Trump’s “energy” as if being hyperactive equals leadership. The fact that Trump is constantly stirring chaos doesn’t mean he’s effective. It means he’s destabilizing. It’s a child smashing their toys and calling it remodeling.
False Victimhood and Grievance Politics.
They repeatedly mention conservative resentment toward universities, media, and elites. Cry me a river. Most of these Republicans are elites themselves, educated at Ivy League schools, and now exploiting the very institutions they claim to despise for their personal gain. Their “victim” narrative is a fraud.
Selective Memory on Authoritarianism.
They pretend Trump’s authoritarianism is justified because of perceived overreach by Democrats during COVID. That’s absurd. Mask mandates and public health guidelines are not the same as dismantling democratic institutions, purging civil servants, and ignoring court orders. It’s not remotely comparable.
Whitewashing Trump’s First Term.
Douthat and others act like Trump’s first term was “not so bad” outside of COVID. Really? Children were put in cages. Journalists were demonized. Violence was encouraged. Environmental regulations were gutted. Diplomacy was trashed. He left allies confused and enemies emboldened. January 6th happened on his watch because of his lies. But sure, everything was fine until COVID.
Delusional Takes on the Economy.
They argue Trump is good for the economy. How? He passed massive tax cuts for billionaires, ballooned the deficit, and did nothing for working people. Manufacturing jobs didn’t flood back. He started trade wars that hurt American farmers and consumers. The stock market isn’t the economy.
Downplaying the Constitutional Crisis.
They shrug off Trump’s illegal actions—deporting people against court orders, defying rulings, firing civil servants—as no big deal. This is not normal. It’s dangerous authoritarianism. They minimize it because they’re either complicit or cowards.
Moral Relativism About Foreign Policy.
They praise Trump for “negotiating” with Putin while ignoring the betrayal of Ukraine and the erosion of NATO. Trump's admiration for dictators isn’t strategy; it’s weakness dressed up as strength. Appeasement is not leadership.
The Elon Musk Fantasies Are Laughable.
Musk is not the savior of government efficiency. He’s an erratic billionaire who can’t run X (formerly Twitter) without it turning into a digital dumpster fire. Handing him the keys to government is insanity.
Cruelty as Policy: Transgender Ban in the Military.
Some try to justify this on “readiness” grounds. Nonsense. It’s pure cruelty. Trump is targeting a vulnerable minority because it pleases his base. That’s not leadership; it’s bullying.
Glossing Over Impeachment and Lawbreaking.
They make excuses for impeaching judges or ignoring court rulings, framing it as “normal” political behavior. It’s not. It’s the death of checks and balances. They’re normalizing tyranny.
Gaslighting About Democracy.
They act like Democrats are just as bad. False equivalency. Biden isn’t perfect, but he respects democratic institutions. Trump does not. Pretending both sides are equally flawed is intellectually lazy and morally bankrupt.
💥 Conclusion: This entire discussion tries to rationalize and intellectualize a populist movement that is built on lies, fear, and resentment. Trump is not a champion of the working class. He is a criminal sociopath who’s destroying democratic norms for personal gain. The GOP isn’t a party anymore—it’s a personality cult, propped up by media propaganda and the cowardice of people like these columnists, who know better but play dumb to protect their access and relevance.
This isn’t leadership. It’s complicity.
And anyone who still supports Trump after everything we’ve witnessed is either deluded, morally bankrupt, or actively hostile to democracy.
When? We need to ask trump's vascular system.
You guys need to read Feathers of Hope. In the House, 3 votes can change everything. Everyday, more and more Republicans are upset...today it's national secujrity. Heather Cox Richardson wrote about it.
Today they gave Musk, who does not have a security clearance, access to our most closely kept military secrwets.
A few hours ago, they threatened to close Social Secujrity.
This stuff is happening hourly.
Exactly 💯 but they are acting like we have no chance to stop these evil vile pos.
See below.
There aren't 3 repudlickans with enough culjones to risk trumpf wrathpf, which is nauseating since messing with SocSec means certain electoral DOOM. Unless of course they've been told THEY DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ELECTIONS ANY FURTHER. (cue sustained soap opera dramatic sting)
You don't actually know that....Jerry has several candidates. So do I. 2 of 3 MAGAT House members here are former Dems. All 3 are Cuban Americans who just discovered that they and their people are DEI. They've complained about some of the immigration policies. They all oppose Putin as the friend of their enemy Cuba. IKt's up to us to pressure them.
A few hours ago Truump threatened to shut down SSA --
We havve more Canadians, most with dualk ciotizeng=ship, who payt taxes here, in their districts than live in several Canadian provinces.
Lots more...
One of our MAGA House members was born in Cuba. "The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to Herald questions about whether Cubans with I-220As were now considered a detention and deportation priority for ICE. Trump has said he wants to deport the millions of undocumented people who are in the United States. “It is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens,” Trump wrote in an executive order on his first day in office. Among the Cubans recently detained is Beatriz Monteagudo, 25, her friend Johan Ariel told the Miami Herald. The pair texted each other daily. But the last message he received from Monteagudo was March 10. The Cuban woman, who got an I-220A after entering the U.S. in January 2024, was heading to her required check-in appointment in Miramar".
Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article302373304.html#storylink=cpy
This is precisely what happens when a society permits lies to flourish unchecked—when the First Amendment is not exercised responsibly but abused to the extreme, with no meaningful effort to hold those accountable for weaponizing it against democracy itself. Other democratic nations, such as Australia and many across Europe, have recognized the corrosive danger of unrestricted disinformation and have implemented legal frameworks to protect public discourse from descending into chaos. The United States, however, has failed to do so, and we are now reaping the consequences.
What we are witnessing today should have been prevented during the years when Democrats held power. But they lacked the political will to take decisive action to regulate the public space in which truth and falsehood now hold equal standing. It should be understood that facts must come from credible sources—those who have spent decades in academia, in medicine, in the sciences; the same experts who have built the infrastructure of modern life: the internet, advanced technologies, medicine, and transportation. These are the people we trust to build airplanes and automobiles; yet, somehow, their expertise is dismissed in favor of conspiracy theorists and propagandists.
And this is where the fracture begins. When a society elevates voices like Fox News and its ilk, who peddle lies with ruthless efficiency, the inevitable result is social and political collapse. We are living through a soft civil war, fueled by relentless disinformation, and no one can predict where it will end. But the path we are on is unsustainable.
This abuse of free speech is not what the framers of the Constitution envisioned. Many have tried to sound the alarm, but legislative reforms to regulate media and social media remain stalled. This crisis—this deliberate poisoning of the national discourse—has been driven by Fox News and its many enablers. They have perfected the art of propaganda, drawing lessons from fascist regimes of the past, and they are motivated by greed and power at the expense of truth, decency, and democracy.
Fox News is not a legitimate news outlet. It is a propaganda machine that has brainwashed tens of millions of Americans. These people no longer listen to reason, logic, or facts. They exist in a self-reinforcing echo chamber, incapable of independent thought, and incapable of seeing the reality of what Donald Trump truly is: a criminal sociopath with no leadership ability and no qualifications to hold any public office—let alone run a country. He could not even manage a public restroom with competence.
This is the price we pay for failing to protect truth in public discourse. Until we enact serious reforms to prevent the abuse of free speech by bad actors, this crisis will only deepen. Democracy cannot survive when facts are optional and propaganda is rewarded with billions.
The New York Times recently published an Opinion piece featuring so-called "conservative" voices—though it seems these days, being conservative often means turning a blind eye to lying, stealing, cheating, and the dismantling of our republic. Regardless, I think it’s important to take a closer look at what they’re saying. I’ve posted the link, along with my comments, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts on it. Thank you!
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/opinion/trump-administration-polling.html?campaign_id=60&emc=edit_na_20250321&instance_id=150658&nl=breaking-news®i_id=122853612&segment_id=194097&user_id=c45f231204762c6e5163a64b701dad5c
This entire "conversation" presented by Patrick Healy and the Times columnists is an exercise in intellectual gymnastics, designed to normalize the ongoing catastrophe of Donald Trump’s influence on American politics. What’s masked as a thoughtful debate is, in reality, an echo chamber of conservative revisionism and apologetics for authoritarianism.
Let’s cut through the polite language and call it what it is.
Trump’s Popularity Among Republicans Is Not Surprising.
Ninety percent of Republicans supporting Trump is not a show of confidence—it’s a symptom of a cult of personality fueled by fear, propaganda, and misinformation. These people have been fed a steady diet of Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN lies for years. It’s not about policy; it’s about identity and grievance.
The Times panel acts like there’s a mystery here. There’s no mystery. Trump appeals to people who think the system failed them, and he weaponizes their anger. Simple.
David Brooks’ “Brokenism” Is Just a Fancy Word for Nihilism.
Brooks argues people believe everything is broken, and Trump offers them a wrecking ball. But "brokenism" isn’t a belief system; it’s an excuse for rage and destruction. Trump isn’t fixing anything. He’s gutting government institutions, empowering oligarchs, and undermining democracy. “Brokenism” is Brooks’ attempt to rationalize nihilism.
David French on Republicans Wanting Opponents to Suffer.
French at least admits that many Republicans just want to see their perceived enemies punished. That’s not politics—that’s revenge fantasy. They don’t care if policies fail as long as they “own the libs.” It’s the mentality of a bully, not a democracy.
Ross Douthat’s Reagan Worship Disguised as Populism.
Douthat claims Trump is just following Reagan-era conservatism. But Reagan’s policies already hollowed out the middle class, increased inequality, and launched the era of deregulated, corporate domination. Trump is Reagan without the polish or decency—more overtly corrupt, more authoritarian, and infinitely more dangerous.
Bret Stephens’ Praise of “Energy” Is Just Enabling Autocracy.
Stephens talks about Trump’s “energy” as if being hyperactive equals leadership. The fact that Trump is constantly stirring chaos doesn’t mean he’s effective. It means he’s destabilizing. It’s a child smashing their toys and calling it remodeling.
False Victimhood and Grievance Politics.
They repeatedly mention conservative resentment toward universities, media, and elites. Cry me a river. Most of these Republicans are elites themselves, educated at Ivy League schools, and now exploiting the very institutions they claim to despise for their personal gain. Their “victim” narrative is a fraud.
Selective Memory on Authoritarianism.
They pretend Trump’s authoritarianism is justified because of perceived overreach by Democrats during COVID. That’s absurd. Mask mandates and public health guidelines are not the same as dismantling democratic institutions, purging civil servants, and ignoring court orders. It’s not remotely comparable.
Whitewashing Trump’s First Term.
Douthat and others act like Trump’s first term was “not so bad” outside of COVID. Really? Children were put in cages. Journalists were demonized. Violence was encouraged. Environmental regulations were gutted. Diplomacy was trashed. He left allies confused and enemies emboldened. January 6th happened on his watch because of his lies. But sure, everything was fine until COVID.
Delusional Takes on the Economy.
They argue Trump is good for the economy. How? He passed massive tax cuts for billionaires, ballooned the deficit, and did nothing for working people. Manufacturing jobs didn’t flood back. He started trade wars that hurt American farmers and consumers. The stock market isn’t the economy.
Downplaying the Constitutional Crisis.
They shrug off Trump’s illegal actions—deporting people against court orders, defying rulings, firing civil servants—as no big deal. This is not normal. It’s dangerous authoritarianism. They minimize it because they’re either complicit or cowards.
Moral Relativism About Foreign Policy.
They praise Trump for “negotiating” with Putin while ignoring the betrayal of Ukraine and the erosion of NATO. Trump's admiration for dictators isn’t strategy; it’s weakness dressed up as strength. Appeasement is not leadership.
The Elon Musk Fantasies Are Laughable.
Musk is not the savior of government efficiency. He’s an erratic billionaire who can’t run X (formerly Twitter) without it turning into a digital dumpster fire. Handing him the keys to government is insanity.
Cruelty as Policy: Transgender Ban in the Military.
Some try to justify this on “readiness” grounds. Nonsense. It’s pure cruelty. Trump is targeting a vulnerable minority because it pleases his base. That’s not leadership; it’s bullying.
Glossing Over Impeachment and Lawbreaking.
They make excuses for impeaching judges or ignoring court rulings, framing it as “normal” political behavior. It’s not. It’s the death of checks and balances. They’re normalizing tyranny.
Gaslighting About Democracy.
They act like Democrats are just as bad. False equivalency. Biden isn’t perfect, but he respects democratic institutions. Trump does not. Pretending both sides are equally flawed is intellectually lazy and morally bankrupt.
💥 Conclusion: This entire discussion tries to rationalize and intellectualize a populist movement that is built on lies, fear, and resentment. Trump is not a champion of the working class. He is a criminal sociopath who’s destroying democratic norms for personal gain. The GOP isn’t a party anymore—it’s a personality cult, propped up by media propaganda and the cowardice of people like these columnists, who know better but play dumb to protect their access and relevance.
This isn’t leadership. It’s complicity.
And anyone who still supports Trump after everything we’ve witnessed is either deluded, morally bankrupt, or actively hostile to democracy.
POW! & I would sincerely suggest that this would be better suited and frankly reach more people if you were posting this on your own sub stack. Really!
Every member of Congress who is a lawyer needs to be asked whether they accept the rule of law.
Here are the House members. https://clerk.house.gov/documents/Lawyers.pdf
51 Senators (51% of the Senate) hold law degrees.
Check out shared government. Only takes 3 House votes to change everything. Feathers of Hope.
I agree and I wish the Democrats could like read a resolution or something and have a role call that goes into the Congressional record where they have every Congressman/woman state is they support the rule of law which included assuring due process and obeying court orders....needs to be very specific so they can go on record as being liars....either they have to say they do not support the Constitution or they have to say they do not support trump ordering the suspension of the rule of law and not having to obey court orders. I also wish the Bar Association would start to take actions against the Senators and Congressmen/women who are clearly not supporting the rule of law.
They can.
When they had the majority, could have asked whether any were involved in insurrection. The statutory definition includes "gives aid or comfort to insurrenctionists."
All well and good Justice Robby - but why don't you revoke his immunity and actually make the orange fool follow the law or else?
Muskrat isn't even an elected official so I am still perplexed as to how he can get away with all the fraud and nothing is being done...
Folks who are going to be calling their members of Congress - we have scripts/sample language for emails for you to use at @roganslist: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sx0KHvFsIv7pnEO186WH94BwRe3MPmSPafsuOQLQ-Es/edit?usp=sharing
DONE!
It's too bad law firms like Paul Weiss are bending the knee when we need them to stand up to Trump. I too wondered about the CJ and him just signalling to Trump, I'll rule for you but you have to appeal.
That Treasonous and should be removed immediately, it’s also a Dictatorship
Now the big question.... who is going to do it?? The Supreme Court already gave away the only power that they have. How could they have been so stupid that they did not see this coming???
Read Feathers of Hope.
Musk and Trump are classic Bad Men. In the sense that they believe the laws and rules of society do not apply to them. Trump is immune from prosecution for crimes in office (and claims immunity for all of his crimes). Trump protects Musk from prosecution for his crimes. So neither one can be held accountable for harming citizens or immigrants or old people or children or public servants. And they are doing harm every day.
The Press and the Dems expect these Bad Men to make Good Decisions, somehow. The Press and the Dems live in the world that 99.9% of us do: The Good Faith World. The World of Mutual Respect. Honest speech and fair dealing. Honor. Human rights.
How did these Bad Men obtain power that the rest of us could not? They both started with $200 million of Daddy's Money.
How do we stop the Bad Men and their handful of MAGA bought corrupted thugs? 340 million Free American Citizens will not be slaves to the crooked oligarchs. The will of the people will rise up and remove these criminals from power.
When will we finally be free from Donald Trump, his criminal sociopathy, and the sycophants who enable him? It is beyond belief that we are still subjected to the toxic influence of these individuals—figures who have shown themselves to be morally bankrupt, relentlessly deceitful, and driven by self-interest at the expense of our nation’s well-being. The entire Republican Party, as it currently operates, has devolved into a machine of lies and manipulation, perpetuating a decade-long assault on truth, democracy, and basic decency.
It is exhausting to witness this endless cycle of dishonesty, propaganda, and gaslighting. Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN serve as little more than mouthpieces for this dangerous movement, spreading misinformation designed to mislead and inflame rather than inform. They have weaponized ignorance and cultivated a cult-like devotion that is tearing the fabric of our democracy apart.
We are long past the time for polite debate and political niceties. The urgency of this moment demands action. These individuals must be held accountable—legally, morally, and politically. Impeach them. Censure them. Expel them from office. Enforce the laws that exist to protect this country from authoritarianism and restore the truth in the public square.
The American people deserve better than this grotesque parody of governance. We deserve leaders who are committed to facts, integrity, and the rule of law—not demagogues bent on consolidating power through fear and lies. Until we confront this threat head-on and take decisive action, we remain at the mercy of those who view democracy not as a sacred responsibility, but as an obstacle to be trampled.
Enough is enough.
Well said. This is life or death for our Nation. If they are not stopped it will be death for millions of our citizens. This is not a game. Although the self-styled "Dark Lord" makes it sound like a fantasy game. He is serious when he spouts his fever dreams of death to millions so his tech billionaire sponsors can gain power over the world. Watch and listen to what they want and shine a light on his insanity:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcSil8NeQq8&t=2622s
This is the message the Democrat Party should be stating in these clear terms. The truth. These are Bad Men. Evil Men. Cruel bastards who enjoy harming children and old people. Despicable. The first step. The first step. Is to tell the truth.
When SCOTUS gave him his: Presidents are immune bullshit.. the Orange Wanker thinks he’s king.. every single day.. I’m at.. WTAF now?!??! I’m really worried how we’re going to survive the Orange Wanker during the next few years AND WTF do we do if he refuses to leave the WH?? This crap is off the damn charts.. his approval rankings are tanking.. so the lemmings that voted for that douche.. how do you like his tariffs now?? Dumbassed humans.. seriously??
THIS is bullshit also! if the courts cannot do anything, these people certainly have no power to do anything either! You are wasting your time to write to a politician. What are they going to do, tell Trump that he stepped over the line and needs to get back on track???
I don't know if it is possible but the Supreme Court is going to have to reverse itself and acknowledge that they made a mistake. You cannot have complete immunity for a sitting President as there is no check in that situation. They have painted themselves into a corner that they may never get out of.
MEANWHILE, these poor people are stuck in prison with REAL gang members and others with green cards and visas as being shuttled off to who knows where??? Write your politicians....PLEASE!
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Is anyone listening if we do state our dissatisfaction? What a shit show this whole administration is.
The New York Times recently published an Opinion piece featuring so-called "conservative" voices—though it seems these days, being conservative often means turning a blind eye to lying, stealing, cheating, and the dismantling of our republic. Regardless, I think it’s important to take a closer look at what they’re saying. I’ve posted the link, along with my comments, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts on it. Thank you!
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/opinion/trump-administration-polling.html?campaign_id=60&emc=edit_na_20250321&instance_id=150658&nl=breaking-news®i_id=122853612&segment_id=194097&user_id=c45f231204762c6e5163a64b701dad5c
This entire "conversation" presented by Patrick Healy and the Times columnists is an exercise in intellectual gymnastics, designed to normalize the ongoing catastrophe of Donald Trump’s influence on American politics. What’s masked as a thoughtful debate is, in reality, an echo chamber of conservative revisionism and apologetics for authoritarianism.
Let’s cut through the polite language and call it what it is.
Trump’s Popularity Among Republicans Is Not Surprising.
Ninety percent of Republicans supporting Trump is not a show of confidence—it’s a symptom of a cult of personality fueled by fear, propaganda, and misinformation. These people have been fed a steady diet of Fox News, Breitbart, Newsmax, and OAN lies for years. It’s not about policy; it’s about identity and grievance.
The Times panel acts like there’s a mystery here. There’s no mystery. Trump appeals to people who think the system failed them, and he weaponizes their anger. Simple.
David Brooks’ “Brokenism” Is Just a Fancy Word for Nihilism.
Brooks argues people believe everything is broken, and Trump offers them a wrecking ball. But "brokenism" isn’t a belief system; it’s an excuse for rage and destruction. Trump isn’t fixing anything. He’s gutting government institutions, empowering oligarchs, and undermining democracy. “Brokenism” is Brooks’ attempt to rationalize nihilism.
David French on Republicans Wanting Opponents to Suffer.
French at least admits that many Republicans just want to see their perceived enemies punished. That’s not politics—that’s revenge fantasy. They don’t care if policies fail as long as they “own the libs.” It’s the mentality of a bully, not a democracy.
Ross Douthat’s Reagan Worship Disguised as Populism.
Douthat claims Trump is just following Reagan-era conservatism. But Reagan’s policies already hollowed out the middle class, increased inequality, and launched the era of deregulated, corporate domination. Trump is Reagan without the polish or decency—more overtly corrupt, more authoritarian, and infinitely more dangerous.
Bret Stephens’ Praise of “Energy” Is Just Enabling Autocracy.
Stephens talks about Trump’s “energy” as if being hyperactive equals leadership. The fact that Trump is constantly stirring chaos doesn’t mean he’s effective. It means he’s destabilizing. It’s a child smashing their toys and calling it remodeling.
False Victimhood and Grievance Politics.
They repeatedly mention conservative resentment toward universities, media, and elites. Cry me a river. Most of these Republicans are elites themselves, educated at Ivy League schools, and now exploiting the very institutions they claim to despise for their personal gain. Their “victim” narrative is a fraud.
Selective Memory on Authoritarianism.
They pretend Trump’s authoritarianism is justified because of perceived overreach by Democrats during COVID. That’s absurd. Mask mandates and public health guidelines are not the same as dismantling democratic institutions, purging civil servants, and ignoring court orders. It’s not remotely comparable.
Whitewashing Trump’s First Term.
Douthat and others act like Trump’s first term was “not so bad” outside of COVID. Really? Children were put in cages. Journalists were demonized. Violence was encouraged. Environmental regulations were gutted. Diplomacy was trashed. He left allies confused and enemies emboldened. January 6th happened on his watch because of his lies. But sure, everything was fine until COVID.
Delusional Takes on the Economy.
They argue Trump is good for the economy. How? He passed massive tax cuts for billionaires, ballooned the deficit, and did nothing for working people. Manufacturing jobs didn’t flood back. He started trade wars that hurt American farmers and consumers. The stock market isn’t the economy.
Downplaying the Constitutional Crisis.
They shrug off Trump’s illegal actions—deporting people against court orders, defying rulings, firing civil servants—as no big deal. This is not normal. It’s dangerous authoritarianism. They minimize it because they’re either complicit or cowards.
Moral Relativism About Foreign Policy.
They praise Trump for “negotiating” with Putin while ignoring the betrayal of Ukraine and the erosion of NATO. Trump's admiration for dictators isn’t strategy; it’s weakness dressed up as strength. Appeasement is not leadership.
The Elon Musk Fantasies Are Laughable.
Musk is not the savior of government efficiency. He’s an erratic billionaire who can’t run X (formerly Twitter) without it turning into a digital dumpster fire. Handing him the keys to government is insanity.
Cruelty as Policy: Transgender Ban in the Military.
Some try to justify this on “readiness” grounds. Nonsense. It’s pure cruelty. Trump is targeting a vulnerable minority because it pleases his base. That’s not leadership; it’s bullying.
Glossing Over Impeachment and Lawbreaking.
They make excuses for impeaching judges or ignoring court rulings, framing it as “normal” political behavior. It’s not. It’s the death of checks and balances. They’re normalizing tyranny.
Gaslighting About Democracy.
They act like Democrats are just as bad. False equivalency. Biden isn’t perfect, but he respects democratic institutions. Trump does not. Pretending both sides are equally flawed is intellectually lazy and morally bankrupt.
💥 Conclusion: This entire discussion tries to rationalize and intellectualize a populist movement that is built on lies, fear, and resentment. Trump is not a champion of the working class. He is a criminal sociopath who’s destroying democratic norms for personal gain. The GOP isn’t a party anymore—it’s a personality cult, propped up by media propaganda and the cowardice of people like these columnists, who know better but play dumb to protect their access and relevance.
This isn’t leadership. It’s complicity.
And anyone who still supports Trump after everything we’ve witnessed is either deluded, morally bankrupt, or actively hostile to democracy.
What the pundit class fails to state, even though it's obvious, daily, is that stupid bad people now run the US federal government. There are smart bad people in the wings. (Vance, Musk, Yarvin, Thiel, Andreesen.) Ready to move in after the bad stupids create the next big crisis. Donald is playing with financial fire and they are letting him do it.
They watch Donald play with tariffs like toys. (Immediate price inflation.)
They watch Donald threaten to take control of the Federal Reserve and lower interest rates and print money. (Delayed but certain dollar devaluation and wage-price spiral inflation.)
They watch as Donald directs the US Treasury to invest US Dollars into fake, phony, scammy, worthless crypto tokens. This is a scam to line Donald's pockets. (Devalues the US Dollar as the world's steady reserve currency. Hyper inflation.)
When the hyper inflation hits the fan, Donald will blame everyone but himself. But it's all on his head. The New York Times and Washington Post and major news networks will claim no one could see this coming. But the 70% of adults who did not vote for him will know it was all due to his stupidity.
What's next? Vance and his tech backers to the rescue. Only the smartest and richest CEOs can solve this mess! Their Iron Heel on the peoples' neck is next. See Curtis Yarvin and his Dark Enlightenment.
Start placing wanted posters Across America, WANTED IMPEACHED and/ or JAILED With Donald John Trump Elon Musk Faces on it. For crimes that don't exist in US Constitutional Laws.
Hey, Mango Mussolini said in an interview that Roberts didn't actually name him, so what was said has nothing to do with him! Amirite?
Amirite?
Is that like Amway?