Monday, July 31, 2023
CNN content share
Check out this article:
https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/30/entertainment/tony-bennett-jason-aldean-blake-cec
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https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/30/entertainment/tony-bennett-jason-aldean-blake-cec
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Judge criticizes Trump for “overwrought” complaints about Georgia election probe - The Wall Street Journal
Judge criticizes Trump for "overwrought" complaints about Georgia election probe - The Wall Street Journal
https://apple.news/AX1C9I2A4Re6WecZTaazvlw
https://apple.news/AX1C9I2A4Re6WecZTaazvlw
Paul Reubens, Better Known As Pee-Wee Herman, Has Died At 70 After A Private Cancer Battle - BuzzFeed
Paul Reubens, Better Known As Pee-Wee Herman, Has Died At 70 After A Private Cancer Battle - BuzzFeed
https://apple.news/AjR1-Yd-8TfimiUluomwrbw
https://apple.news/AjR1-Yd-8TfimiUluomwrbw
Trump issues bizarre video threatening to 'do things to you that have never been done before'
Trump issues bizarre video threatening to 'do things to you that have never been done before'
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/20/2182463/-Trump-issues-bizarre-video-threatening-to-do-things-to-you-that-have-never-been-done-before
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/20/2182463/-Trump-issues-bizarre-video-threatening-to-do-things-to-you-that-have-never-been-done-before
They Want to Rewrite My History and I Cannot Stop Crying
They Want to Rewrite My History and I Cannot Stop Crying
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/30/2184224/-I-Am-Heart-Broken-and-Cannot-Stop-Crying
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/30/2184224/-I-Am-Heart-Broken-and-Cannot-Stop-Crying
From Louisville: Racist Neighbor Gets 9 Years In Prison For Terrorizing Interracial Couple.
From Louisville: Racist Neighbor Gets 9 Years In Prison For Terrorizing Interracial Couple.
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/31/2184257/-From-Louisville-Racist-Neighbor-Gets-9-Years-In-Prison-For-Terrorizing-Interracial-Couple
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/31/2184257/-From-Louisville-Racist-Neighbor-Gets-9-Years-In-Prison-For-Terrorizing-Interracial-Couple
As the planet burns, Heritage Foundation offers a 'roadmap' to make it burn faster
As the planet burns, Heritage Foundation offers a 'roadmap' to make it burn faster
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/28/2183808/-As-the-planet-burns-Heritage-Foundation-offers-a-roadmap-to-make-it-burn-faster
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/28/2183808/-As-the-planet-burns-Heritage-Foundation-offers-a-roadmap-to-make-it-burn-faster
‘These are not canaries in the coal mine, the canaries died a long time ago.’
'These are not canaries in the coal mine, the canaries died a long time ago.'
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/30/2184172/--These-are-not-canaries-in-the-coal-mine-the-canaries-died-a-long-time-ago
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/30/2184172/--These-are-not-canaries-in-the-coal-mine-the-canaries-died-a-long-time-ago
New 486-Legged Millipede Species Found Near Los Angeles - Smithsonian Magazine
New 486-Legged Millipede Species Found Near Los Angeles - Smithsonian Magazine
https://apple.news/AA1yzB6-lSOOt52Jxc7okOg
https://apple.news/AA1yzB6-lSOOt52Jxc7okOg
Restoring Their Voices: Pittsburgh's Vital Sanctuary for Exiled Writers | Pittsburgh Magazine
Restoring Their Voices: Pittsburgh's Vital Sanctuary for Exiled Writers | Pittsburgh Magazine
https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/restoring-their-voices-pittsburghs-vital-sanctuary-for-exiled-writers/
https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/restoring-their-voices-pittsburghs-vital-sanctuary-for-exiled-writers/
Sunday, July 30, 2023
Saturday, July 29, 2023
They endured unimaginable trauma after being refused abortion care in Texas. Now they’re suing the state. - ELLE
They endured unimaginable trauma after being refused abortion care in Texas. Now they're suing the state. - ELLE
https://apple.news/A4bQGRX2KRxe_NdpNEX7NnQ
https://apple.news/A4bQGRX2KRxe_NdpNEX7NnQ
These Christian Nationalists Want to Stone Adulterers to Death - Rolling Stone
These Christian Nationalists Want to Stone Adulterers to Death - Rolling Stone
https://apple.news/AA5Xm3VecTs-FbCZ_JDaXqg
https://apple.news/AA5Xm3VecTs-FbCZ_JDaXqg
Biologics Of “Non-Human” Origin Found At UFO Crash Sites, Government Whistleblower Tells Congress | IFLScience
Biologics Of "Non-Human" Origin Found At UFO Crash Sites, Government Whistleblower Tells Congress | IFLScience
https://www.iflscience.com/biologics-of-non-human-origin-found-at-ufo-crash-sites-government-whistleblower-tells-congress-70033
https://www.iflscience.com/biologics-of-non-human-origin-found-at-ufo-crash-sites-government-whistleblower-tells-congress-70033
Was Land Used for Manhattan Project Previously Inhabited by Hispanos Who Were Forced Out? | Snopes.com
Was Land Used for Manhattan Project Previously Inhabited by Hispanos Who Were Forced Out? | Snopes.com
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/manhattan-project-hispanos-forced-out/
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/manhattan-project-hispanos-forced-out/
Did Prince Say, 'Money Won't Buy You Happiness, But It'll Pay for the Search'? | Snopes.com
Did Prince Say, 'Money Won't Buy You Happiness, But It'll Pay for the Search'? | Snopes.com
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/prince-money-happiness-quote/
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/prince-money-happiness-quote/
Is This a Real Email From Sinead O'Connor to Piers Morgan About Meghan Markle? | Snopes.com
Is This a Real Email From Sinead O'Connor to Piers Morgan About Meghan Markle? | Snopes.com
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/sinead-oconnor-piers-morgan-meghan-markle/
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/sinead-oconnor-piers-morgan-meghan-markle/
Leaked Texts Show Andrew Tate's Alleged Trafficking Tactics - Rolling Stone
Leaked Texts Show Andrew Tate's Alleged Trafficking Tactics - Rolling Stone
https://apple.news/AOsMfsv_ARB21J-IjGSZmjA
https://apple.news/AOsMfsv_ARB21J-IjGSZmjA
Friday, July 28, 2023
Trump Privately Called His Team's Election Lies 'Crazy.' The Special Counsel Has Questions - Rolling Stone
Trump Privately Called His Team's Election Lies 'Crazy.' The Special Counsel Has Questions - Rolling Stone
https://apple.news/AWzJH-csvTdyP-qygWg3kNw
https://apple.news/AWzJH-csvTdyP-qygWg3kNw
Parents whose daughter died by suicide reach $9.1M settlement with school district - ABC News
Parents whose daughter died by suicide reach $9.1M settlement with school district - ABC News
https://apple.news/A_ba_VvMkRDqELyQlc5jQBw
https://apple.news/A_ba_VvMkRDqELyQlc5jQBw
A Black man records his white neighbors asking why he's fishing on the private lake - NBC News
A Black man records his white neighbors asking why he's fishing on the private lake - NBC News
https://apple.news/AFQf-jIqoTtG1IVd3y0JIPw
https://apple.news/AFQf-jIqoTtG1IVd3y0JIPw
'Rigged' US Tax Code Blamed as Wealthy See Major Retirement Account Gains
'Rigged' US Tax Code Blamed as Wealthy See Major Retirement Account Gains
https://www.commondreams.org/news/rigged-us-tax-code-blamed-as-wealthy-see-major-retirement-account-gains
https://www.commondreams.org/news/rigged-us-tax-code-blamed-as-wealthy-see-major-retirement-account-gains
Summer brings COVID-19 uptick amid renewed travel, socializing. How bad will it get? - Los Angeles Times
Summer brings COVID-19 uptick amid renewed travel, socializing. How bad will it get? - Los Angeles Times
https://apple.news/AQNryyXztR8GnlEBUiN0w_w
https://apple.news/AQNryyXztR8GnlEBUiN0w_w
Today's Top News For Friday, July 28, 2023
Today's Top News For Friday, July 28, 2023
https://randirhodes.substack.com/p/todays-top-news-for-fri-jul-28-2023?utm_medium=email
https://randirhodes.substack.com/p/todays-top-news-for-fri-jul-28-2023?utm_medium=email
Woman Claims Moon Has Never Been In Sky During Day: VIDEO - Comic Sands
Woman Claims Moon Has Never Been In Sky During Day: VIDEO - Comic Sands
https://www.comicsands.com/moon-sun-sky-during-day-2662491394.html
https://www.comicsands.com/moon-sun-sky-during-day-2662491394.html
Whoopi Shuts Down Conservative Outrage Over 'Barbie': VIDEO - Comic Sands
Whoopi Shuts Down Conservative Outrage Over 'Barbie': VIDEO - Comic Sands
https://www.comicsands.com/goldberg-conservative-outrage-barbie-rant-2662490451.html
https://www.comicsands.com/goldberg-conservative-outrage-barbie-rant-2662490451.html
'Perfectly Preserved' Glassware Recovered From 2,000-Year-Old Shipwreck - Smithsonian Magazine
'Perfectly Preserved' Glassware Recovered From 2,000-Year-Old Shipwreck - Smithsonian Magazine
https://apple.news/AVSE-An3XQcaGSjtRN-mVSA
https://apple.news/AVSE-An3XQcaGSjtRN-mVSA
President Johnson announces more troops to Vietnam | July 28, 1965 | HISTORY
President Johnson announces more troops to Vietnam | July 28, 1965 | HISTORY
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/johnson-announces-more-troops-to-vietnam
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/johnson-announces-more-troops-to-vietnam
14th Amendment adopted | July 28, 1868 | HISTORY
14th Amendment adopted | July 28, 1868 | HISTORY
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/14th-amendment-adopted
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/14th-amendment-adopted
July 27, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
July 27, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-27-2023?utm_medium=email
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-27-2023?utm_medium=email
Influencers Built Up Daily Harvest—Until the Startup’s Food Landed Them in the ER - Bloomberg Businessweek
Influencers Built Up Daily Harvest—Until the Startup's Food Landed Them in the ER - Bloomberg Businessweek
https://apple.news/Az7ObNNlCS-KI-5w584KgTw
https://apple.news/Az7ObNNlCS-KI-5w584KgTw
Thursday, July 27, 2023
The Loss of Faith in Self Government Has Left a Hole. We're Filling It With Toxic Waste. - Esquire
The Loss of Faith in Self Government Has Left a Hole. We're Filling It With Toxic Waste. - Esquire
https://apple.news/Abt8HWf6fScyCfkHhqHNjhA
https://apple.news/Abt8HWf6fScyCfkHhqHNjhA
Trump charged with trying to delete Mar-a-Lago surveillance footage in new indictment - The Hill
Trump charged with trying to delete Mar-a-Lago surveillance footage in new indictment - The Hill
https://apple.news/AQOQrENZqRPSE-mxlWYK4SQ
https://apple.news/AQOQrENZqRPSE-mxlWYK4SQ
Tuberville’s tales about his father in World War II have false elements - The Washington Post
Tuberville's tales about his father in World War II have false elements - The Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/26/tubervilles-tales-about-his-father-world-war-ii-have-false-elements/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/26/tubervilles-tales-about-his-father-world-war-ii-have-false-elements/
Tuberville’s tall tales about his father add to his many troubles
Tuberville's tall tales about his father add to his many troubles
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/tubervilles-tall-tales-father-add-many-troubles-rcna96614
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/tubervilles-tall-tales-father-add-many-troubles-rcna96614
Trump keeps begging Congress for a rescue that can’t happen
Trump keeps begging Congress for a rescue that can't happen
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-keeps-begging-congress-rescue-cant-happen-rcna96698
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-keeps-begging-congress-rescue-cant-happen-rcna96698
Celebrity Forensic Scientist Liable For Fabricating Evidence that Sent 2 Teens to Prison for 30 Years - People
Celebrity Forensic Scientist Liable For Fabricating Evidence that Sent 2 Teens to Prison for 30 Years - People
https://apple.news/AUYLzyFy-Sa-6Suq2ZGJMRg
https://apple.news/AUYLzyFy-Sa-6Suq2ZGJMRg
Mike Pence still hasn't qualified for Republican presidential debate
Mike Pence still hasn't qualified for Republican presidential debate
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/26/2183515/-Mike-Pence-still-hasn-t-qualified-for-Republican-presidential-debate
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/26/2183515/-Mike-Pence-still-hasn-t-qualified-for-Republican-presidential-debate
why the news blackout over Mitch McConnell? what the fuck happened to him?
why the news blackout over Mitch McConnell? what the fuck happened to him?
https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/why-the-news-blackout-over-mitch?utm_medium=email
https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/why-the-news-blackout-over-mitch?utm_medium=email
Yilin Wang on The Poetry of Qiu Jin and the Important Work of Translation - Book Riot
Yilin Wang on The Poetry of Qiu Jin and the Important Work of Translation - Book Riot
https://apple.news/A4QRZQ-v5RuybIym5CnrhdQ
https://apple.news/A4QRZQ-v5RuybIym5CnrhdQ
Sen. John Fetterman on his depression breaking point — and the culture-shifting power of his hospitalization - TIME
Sen. John Fetterman on his depression breaking point — and the culture-shifting power of his hospitalization - TIME
https://apple.news/AUuc2458WQ_mqgBnxPzUI4w
https://apple.news/AUuc2458WQ_mqgBnxPzUI4w
New slavery curriculum in Florida is latest in century of 'undermining history' - from USA TODAY
New slavery curriculum in Florida is latest in century of 'undermining history'
Florida's new curriculum for teaching slavery is the latest example of failing to properly represent the impact of slavery, according to experts.
Check out this story on usatoday.com: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/07/27/historian-warns-against-floridas-slavery-curriculum/70463676007/
Sent from my iPad
Florida's new curriculum for teaching slavery is the latest example of failing to properly represent the impact of slavery, according to experts.
Check out this story on usatoday.com: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/07/27/historian-warns-against-floridas-slavery-curriculum/70463676007/
Sent from my iPad
July 26, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
July 26, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-26-2023?utm_medium=email
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-26-2023?utm_medium=email
The Rude Pundit: Because of Florida's Stop WOKE Act, You Couldn't Teach Much of Florida's African American Education Standards
The Rude Pundit: Because of Florida's Stop WOKE Act, You Couldn't Teach Much of Florida's African American Education Standards
https://rudepundit.blogspot.com/2023/07/because-of-floridas-stop-woke-act-you.html
https://rudepundit.blogspot.com/2023/07/because-of-floridas-stop-woke-act-you.html
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Right-Wing Think Tank's Climate 'Battle Plan' Wages 'War Against Our Children's Future'
Right-Wing Think Tank's Climate 'Battle Plan' Wages 'War Against Our Children's Future'
https://www.commondreams.org/news/right-wing-think-tank-anti-climate
https://www.commondreams.org/news/right-wing-think-tank-anti-climate
'Climate Upheaval': Wildfires Kill Dozens Across Mediterranean
'Climate Upheaval': Wildfires Kill Dozens Across Mediterranean
https://www.commondreams.org/news/wildfires-mediterranean-july-2023
https://www.commondreams.org/news/wildfires-mediterranean-july-2023
Trump Struggles to Find Enough Lawyers to Handle His Many Indictments - Rolling Stone
Trump Struggles to Find Enough Lawyers to Handle His Many Indictments - Rolling Stone
https://apple.news/AdtqdX4xIRfyLxT4498P3yw
https://apple.news/AdtqdX4xIRfyLxT4498P3yw
Democrats question Hunter Biden whistleblower's claim of nonpartisanship - NBC News
Democrats question Hunter Biden whistleblower's claim of nonpartisanship - NBC News
https://apple.news/A_RsrfgkbTiyWjZHtsoFx_A
https://apple.news/A_RsrfgkbTiyWjZHtsoFx_A
Sinéad O’Connor, Irish singer who rose to fame with 'Nothing Compares 2 U,' dies at 56 - NBC News
Sinéad O'Connor, Irish singer who rose to fame with 'Nothing Compares 2 U,' dies at 56 - NBC News
https://apple.news/AWiBGobSGRy2eAm0ljy_soA
https://apple.news/AWiBGobSGRy2eAm0ljy_soA
National Kill a Liberal Day - by Rich Herschlag
National Kill a Liberal Day - by Rich Herschlag
https://thebanter.substack.com/p/national-kill-a-liberal-day?utm_medium=email
https://thebanter.substack.com/p/national-kill-a-liberal-day?utm_medium=email
Biden designates a national monument honoring Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley : NPR
Biden designates a national monument honoring Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2023/07/23/1189664409/emmett-till-national-monuments-biden
https://www.npr.org/2023/07/23/1189664409/emmett-till-national-monuments-biden
How the Rich Reap Huge Tax Breaks From Private Nonprofits — ProPublica
How the Rich Reap Huge Tax Breaks From Private Nonprofits — ProPublica
https://www.propublica.org/article/how-private-nonprofits-ultrawealthy-tax-deductions-museums-foundation-art
https://www.propublica.org/article/how-private-nonprofits-ultrawealthy-tax-deductions-museums-foundation-art
Ocean temperatures around South Florida hit hot-tub levels | Reuters
Ocean temperatures around South Florida hit hot-tub levels | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/ocean-temperatures-around-south-florida-hit-hot-tub-levels-2023-07-25/
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/ocean-temperatures-around-south-florida-hit-hot-tub-levels-2023-07-25/
U.S. postal system established | July 26, 1775 | HISTORY
U.S. postal system established | July 26, 1775 | HISTORY
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/u-s-postal-system-established
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/u-s-postal-system-established
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Here's who could be indicted alongside Trump -- if DOJ decides to take down the whole conspiracy - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
Here's who could be indicted alongside Trump -- if DOJ decides to take down the whole conspiracy - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
https://www.rawstory.com/donald-trump-conspiracy-2662334884/
https://www.rawstory.com/donald-trump-conspiracy-2662334884/
A Chilling Animation Documenting the How the Atomic Bombs Were Dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
A Chilling Animation Documenting the How the Atomic Bombs Were Dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
https://laughingsquid.com/atomic-bombs-hiroshima-nagasaki/
https://laughingsquid.com/atomic-bombs-hiroshima-nagasaki/
What Should You Do If You See a Shark When Swimming | KCM
What Should You Do If You See a Shark When Swimming | KCM
https://katiecouric.com/lifestyle/travel/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-shark/
https://katiecouric.com/lifestyle/travel/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-shark/
what kind of fucked-up monster puts razor-wire booby traps in a river
what kind of fucked-up monster puts razor-wire booby traps in a river
https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/what-kind-of-fucked-up-monster-puts?utm_medium=email
https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/what-kind-of-fucked-up-monster-puts?utm_medium=email
Heat waves in US and Europe would have been 'virtually impossible' without climate change, new report finds | CNN
Heat waves in US and Europe would have been 'virtually impossible' without climate change, new report finds | CNN
https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/25/world/heat-wave-climate-change-us-china-europe-intl/index.html
https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/25/world/heat-wave-climate-change-us-china-europe-intl/index.html
Fentanyl Test Strips: A Harm Reduction Strategy
Fentanyl Test Strips: A Harm Reduction Strategy
https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/fentanyl-test-strips.html
https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/fentanyl-test-strips.html
Are we alone? House hearing seeks extraterrestrial explanations - The Hill
Are we alone? House hearing seeks extraterrestrial explanations - The Hill
https://apple.news/AeqEqeTHOQ7GsmU57tqWu-Q
https://apple.news/AeqEqeTHOQ7GsmU57tqWu-Q
Opinion: Why do I hoard more books than I could possibly read? An investigation - Los Angeles Times
Opinion: Why do I hoard more books than I could possibly read? An investigation - Los Angeles Times
https://apple.news/A3AiNzU6JQKyb-aJ3stqpcw
https://apple.news/A3AiNzU6JQKyb-aJ3stqpcw
They took blockbuster drugs for weight loss and diabetes. Now their stomachs are paralyzed - CNN
They took blockbuster drugs for weight loss and diabetes. Now their stomachs are paralyzed - CNN
https://apple.news/AUJR9sbuiSriO7ZdC4nMA9w
https://apple.news/AUJR9sbuiSriO7ZdC4nMA9w
(10) July 24, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
(10) July 24, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-24-2023?utm_medium=email
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-24-2023?utm_medium=email
Monday, July 24, 2023
Meet Marty Decole “Cole” Wagner. He is the former chairman of an Alabama Anti-abortion group, “Alliance for a Pro-Life Alabama” and was until recently employed by the Alabama State Department of Education. He always emphasized the need to protect the lives of embryos, fetuses,…
EdKrassen (@Ed Krassenstein) Tweeted: Meet Marty Decole "Cole" Wagner. He is the former chairman of an Alabama Anti-abortion group, "Alliance for a Pro-Life Alabama" and was until recently employed by the Alabama State Department of Education.
He always emphasized the need to protect the lives of embryos, fetuses,… https://twitter.com/edkrassen/status/1683462314467442689?s=51&t=A8WQwJ50eu_Uzgr6BM_Jng
He always emphasized the need to protect the lives of embryos, fetuses,… https://twitter.com/edkrassen/status/1683462314467442689?s=51&t=A8WQwJ50eu_Uzgr6BM_Jng
Damn-Giver Dispatch - July 24th, 2023
Damn-Giver Dispatch - July 24th, 2023
https://mailchi.mp/johnpavlovitz/damn-giver-dispatch-july10th-2566156?e=db6344745a
https://mailchi.mp/johnpavlovitz/damn-giver-dispatch-july10th-2566156?e=db6344745a
F**king Mondays: Barbie Wars - by Ben Cohen
F**king Mondays: Barbie Wars - by Ben Cohen
https://thebanter.substack.com/p/fking-mondays-barbie-wars?utm_medium=email
https://thebanter.substack.com/p/fking-mondays-barbie-wars?utm_medium=email
Trump issues bizarre video threatening to 'do things to you that have never been done before'
Trump issues bizarre video threatening to 'do things to you that have never been done before'
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/20/2182463/-Trump-issues-bizarre-video-threatening-to-do-things-to-you-that-have-never-been-done-before
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/20/2182463/-Trump-issues-bizarre-video-threatening-to-do-things-to-you-that-have-never-been-done-before
An Old White Man and Racism and Florida
An Old White Man and Racism and Florida
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/23/2182911/-An-Old-White-Man-and-Racism-and-Florida
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/23/2182911/-An-Old-White-Man-and-Racism-and-Florida
J6 Rioter convicted of filming women in his tanning salon.
J6 Rioter convicted of filming women in his tanning salon.
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/23/2182988/-J6-Rioter-serves-his-time-gets-convicted-of-filming-women-in-his-tanning-salon
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/23/2182988/-J6-Rioter-serves-his-time-gets-convicted-of-filming-women-in-his-tanning-salon
GOP, McCarthy on collision course over expunging Trump’s impeachments - The Hill
GOP, McCarthy on collision course over expunging Trump's impeachments - The Hill
https://apple.news/AZcc-POL1RjOykAanNfjICg
https://apple.news/AZcc-POL1RjOykAanNfjICg
Inside the Ron DeSantis Guantanamo Bay Doc That Showtime Didn’t Want You to See
Inside the Ron DeSantis Guantanamo Bay Doc That Showtime Didn't Want You to See
https://www.thedailybeast.com/inside-the-ron-desantis-guantanamo-bay-doc-that-showtime-didnt-want-you-to-see
https://www.thedailybeast.com/inside-the-ron-desantis-guantanamo-bay-doc-that-showtime-didnt-want-you-to-see
Sunday, July 23, 2023
Study finds radioactive materials in Pa. waterways near treatment plants linked with fracking waste
Study finds radioactive materials in Pa. waterways near treatment plants linked with fracking waste
https://witf.org/2023/07/23/study-finds-radioactive-materials-in-pa-waterways-near-treatment-plans-linked-with-fracking-waste/
https://witf.org/2023/07/23/study-finds-radioactive-materials-in-pa-waterways-near-treatment-plans-linked-with-fracking-waste/
DeSantis campaign deletes video after Nazi images found - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
DeSantis campaign deletes video after Nazi images found - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
https://www.rawstory.com/ron-desantis-delets-video/
https://www.rawstory.com/ron-desantis-delets-video/
Acosta hammers Republican after downplaying docs scandal by saying it isn't like Trump gave them to enemies - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
Acosta hammers Republican after downplaying docs scandal by saying it isn't like Trump gave them to enemies - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-documents-acosta-hammers-republican/
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-documents-acosta-hammers-republican/
Leaked transcript from canceled doc into Guantanamo Bay depicts DeSantis laughing at force-fed detainees - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
Leaked transcript from canceled doc into Guantanamo Bay depicts DeSantis laughing at force-fed detainees - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
https://www.rawstory.com/ron-desantis-force-feeding-detainees/
https://www.rawstory.com/ron-desantis-force-feeding-detainees/
holy shit, there are no “positive aspects” to slavery. what the fuck is wrong with you people
holy shit, there are no "positive aspects" to slavery. what the fuck is wrong with you people
https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/holy-shit-there-are-no-positive-aspects?utm_medium=email
https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/holy-shit-there-are-no-positive-aspects?utm_medium=email
36 Toxic In-Laws And Family Members Who Made People's Weddings About Themselves - BuzzFeed
36 Toxic In-Laws And Family Members Who Made People's Weddings About Themselves - BuzzFeed
https://apple.news/A3z9yUSFVSUeuuyK3eCyfoQ
https://apple.news/A3z9yUSFVSUeuuyK3eCyfoQ
I Don't Mean To Wedding Shame, But These May Be The 35 Tackiest Things I've Ever Seen At A Wedding - BuzzFeed
I Don't Mean To Wedding Shame, But These May Be The 35 Tackiest Things I've Ever Seen At A Wedding - BuzzFeed
https://apple.news/AM6pxH7LqQ_WccizfODlZuQ
https://apple.news/AM6pxH7LqQ_WccizfODlZuQ
Trump Unlocked a Whole New Level of Bullshitting in Iowa - The Daily Beast
Trump Unlocked a Whole New Level of Bullshitting in Iowa - The Daily Beast
https://apple.news/A5YwdACPyQK-a9JT3Kc-UTQ
https://apple.news/A5YwdACPyQK-a9JT3Kc-UTQ
Nebraska Teen Sentenced to Jail After Abortion Said She Didn't Want Child With Abusive Partner - Jezebel
Nebraska Teen Sentenced to Jail After Abortion Said She Didn't Want Child With Abusive Partner - Jezebel
https://apple.news/AHY0ryaxKR9CRxZnI_mNIng
https://apple.news/AHY0ryaxKR9CRxZnI_mNIng
Things Worth Remembering: ‘I Would Have Died for You, But I Never Had the Luck!’ | The Free Press
Things Worth Remembering: 'I Would Have Died for You, But I Never Had the Luck!' | The Free Press
https://www.thefp.com/p/douglas-murray-a-e-housman
https://www.thefp.com/p/douglas-murray-a-e-housman
2,000 people have been evacuated as a wildfire rages on the Greek island of Rhod : NPR
2,000 people have been evacuated as a wildfire rages on the Greek island of Rhod : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2023/07/23/1189655610/2-000-people-have-been-evacuated-as-a-wildfire-rages-on-the-greek-island-of-rhod
https://www.npr.org/2023/07/23/1189655610/2-000-people-have-been-evacuated-as-a-wildfire-rages-on-the-greek-island-of-rhod
NFL player’s father admits to horrible bald eagle crime
NFL player's father admits to horrible bald eagle crime
https://www.newsbreak.com/pittsburgh-pa/3098521483546-nfl-player-s-father-admits-to-horrible-bald-eagle-crime
https://www.newsbreak.com/pittsburgh-pa/3098521483546-nfl-player-s-father-admits-to-horrible-bald-eagle-crime
Pickles for 7/23/2023 | Pickles | Comics | ArcaMax Publishing
Pickles for 7/23/2023 | Pickles | Comics | ArcaMax Publishing
https://www.arcamax.com/thefunnies/pickles/s-2848651?ezine=124&lctg=KGSFo1pjJ7yIN7LNvRXbVcpgAY1NQIjz0W2jwaIMtjk&r=XtskOmUQofr769jaJu8FqVw3I8HXxcSaiB9OZUS2UMFDOjMwNTQyMTIxNjpKOjIyMjAwOTE6TDoxMjQ6Ujo2NTk5Njc6UzoyODQ4NjUxOlY6NTM
https://www.arcamax.com/thefunnies/pickles/s-2848651?ezine=124&lctg=KGSFo1pjJ7yIN7LNvRXbVcpgAY1NQIjz0W2jwaIMtjk&r=XtskOmUQofr769jaJu8FqVw3I8HXxcSaiB9OZUS2UMFDOjMwNTQyMTIxNjpKOjIyMjAwOTE6TDoxMjQ6Ujo2NTk5Njc6UzoyODQ4NjUxOlY6NTM
Doonesbury 7/23/2023 | Doonesbury | Comics | ArcaMax Publishing
Doonesbury 7/23/2023 | Doonesbury | Comics | ArcaMax Publishing
https://www.arcamax.com/thefunnies/doonesbury/s-2852396?ezine=55&lctg=KGSFo1pjJ7yIN7LNvRXbVcpgAY1NQIjz0W2jwaIMtjk&r=Ogfe-tzeq1i9dfyOdl2w39KED7ZAjG93-BbfvCoA4SBDOjMwNTQyMTIxNjpKOjIyMjIzMTU6TDo1NTpSOjkwNDQwMjpTOjI4NTIzOTY6VjoxNjg
https://www.arcamax.com/thefunnies/doonesbury/s-2852396?ezine=55&lctg=KGSFo1pjJ7yIN7LNvRXbVcpgAY1NQIjz0W2jwaIMtjk&r=Ogfe-tzeq1i9dfyOdl2w39KED7ZAjG93-BbfvCoA4SBDOjMwNTQyMTIxNjpKOjIyMjIzMTU6TDo1NTpSOjkwNDQwMjpTOjI4NTIzOTY6VjoxNjg
Non Sequitur 7/23/2023 | Non Sequitur | Comics | ArcaMax Publishing
Non Sequitur 7/23/2023 | Non Sequitur | Comics | ArcaMax Publishing
https://www.arcamax.com/thefunnies/nonsequitur/s-2852400?ezine=323&lctg=KGSFo1pjJ7yIN7LNvRXbVcpgAY1NQIjz0W2jwaIMtjk&r=ZYX3w2Ewj5pvUjkOLINKqGoPGgF8vK9OrlwpTfG1DftDOjMwNTQyMTIxNjpKOjIyMjIzMTk6TDozMjM6UjozNTE1MjM6UzoyODUyNDAwOlY6NjU
https://www.arcamax.com/thefunnies/nonsequitur/s-2852400?ezine=323&lctg=KGSFo1pjJ7yIN7LNvRXbVcpgAY1NQIjz0W2jwaIMtjk&r=ZYX3w2Ewj5pvUjkOLINKqGoPGgF8vK9OrlwpTfG1DftDOjMwNTQyMTIxNjpKOjIyMjIzMTk6TDozMjM6UjozNTE1MjM6UzoyODUyNDAwOlY6NjU
Pearls Before Swine for 7/23/2023 | Pearls Before Swine | Comics | ArcaMax Publishing
Pearls Before Swine for 7/23/2023 | Pearls Before Swine | Comics | ArcaMax Publishing
https://www.arcamax.com/thefunnies/pearlsbeforeswine/s-2852405?ezine=430&lctg=KGSFo1pjJ7yIN7LNvRXbVcpgAY1NQIjz0W2jwaIMtjk&r=yj31flFGMjixeRm2RUSwRJo2tLZ_x4O6Oa_RpPPwcKlDOjMwNTQyMTIxNjpKOjIyMjIzMjQ6TDo0MzA6Ujo4NDI3MDk6UzoyODUyNDA1OlY6NjU
https://www.arcamax.com/thefunnies/pearlsbeforeswine/s-2852405?ezine=430&lctg=KGSFo1pjJ7yIN7LNvRXbVcpgAY1NQIjz0W2jwaIMtjk&r=yj31flFGMjixeRm2RUSwRJo2tLZ_x4O6Oa_RpPPwcKlDOjMwNTQyMTIxNjpKOjIyMjIzMjQ6TDo0MzA6Ujo4NDI3MDk6UzoyODUyNDA1OlY6NjU
July 22, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
July 22, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-22-2023?utm_medium=email
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-22-2023?utm_medium=email
‘We are damned fools’: scientist who sounded climate alarm in 80s warns of worse to come - The Guardian
'We are damned fools': scientist who sounded climate alarm in 80s warns of worse to come - The Guardian
https://apple.news/AFKqvUXOjQb6WHBzjDYhcbg
https://apple.news/AFKqvUXOjQb6WHBzjDYhcbg
Saturday, July 22, 2023
They're too nervous to drink the water. And they're afraid to complain about it, too. - NBC News
They're too nervous to drink the water. And they're afraid to complain about it, too. - NBC News
https://apple.news/ArYw_s8kmTE6iTB9-SbuEdQ
https://apple.news/ArYw_s8kmTE6iTB9-SbuEdQ
this week in stupid: July 22 edition - by Jeff Tiedrich
this week in stupid: July 22 edition - by Jeff Tiedrich
https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/this-week-in-stupid-july-22-edition?utm_medium=email
https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/this-week-in-stupid-july-22-edition?utm_medium=email
The Rude Pundit: Marjorie Taylor Greene's District Owes a Lot to the New Deal and the Great Society (profanity free for the kids)
The Rude Pundit: Marjorie Taylor Greene's District Owes a Lot to the New Deal and the Great Society (profanity free for the kids)
https://rudepundit.blogspot.com/2023/07/marjorie-taylor-greenes-district-owes.html
https://rudepundit.blogspot.com/2023/07/marjorie-taylor-greenes-district-owes.html
Country Music’s Culture Wars and the Remaking of Nashville - The New Yorker
Country Music's Culture Wars and the Remaking of Nashville - The New Yorker
https://apple.news/AjBOj_IJXTF-2Xq_YbnztCw
https://apple.news/AjBOj_IJXTF-2Xq_YbnztCw
The Supreme Court Just Gave Alabama Another Shot at Experimenting With How to Kill a Man - Esquire
The Supreme Court Just Gave Alabama Another Shot at Experimenting With How to Kill a Man - Esquire
https://apple.news/AAoLyv3faTQWegQbhfqRmDA
https://apple.news/AAoLyv3faTQWegQbhfqRmDA
July 21, 2023 (Friday) - by Heather Cox Richardson
July 21, 2023 (Friday) - by Heather Cox Richardson
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-21-2023-friday?utm_medium=email
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-21-2023-friday?utm_medium=email
Friday, July 21, 2023
Caroline Ellison paid herself $22.5 million bonus around the time she estimated a more than $10 billion cash shortfall at FTX, lawsuit alleges - FORTUNE
Caroline Ellison paid herself $22.5 million bonus around the time she estimated a more than $10 billion cash shortfall at FTX, lawsuit alleges - FORTUNE
https://apple.news/AMjiCTchQQwOuZeuHID6HJg
https://apple.news/AMjiCTchQQwOuZeuHID6HJg
Nebraska Teen Sent to Jail Over Illegal Abortion - Rolling Stone
Nebraska Teen Sent to Jail Over Illegal Abortion - Rolling Stone
https://apple.news/Ag_KAaFypT_SgYhjCP9voUA
https://apple.news/Ag_KAaFypT_SgYhjCP9voUA
15 Nuclear History Sites That You Can Visit - Atlas Obscura Lists
15 Nuclear History Sites That You Can Visit - Atlas Obscura Lists
https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/nuclear-test-sites
https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/nuclear-test-sites
Lindsey Graham worries ethics bill would ‘destroy’ Supreme Court
Lindsey Graham worries ethics bill would 'destroy' Supreme Court
https://www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-house/deadline-legal-blog/lindsey-graham-destroy-supreme-court-ethics-rcna95292
https://www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-house/deadline-legal-blog/lindsey-graham-destroy-supreme-court-ethics-rcna95292
Tony Bennett, US singer with seven-decade career, dies aged 96 - The Guardian
Tony Bennett, US singer with seven-decade career, dies aged 96 - The Guardian
https://apple.news/Aeq43dT45QBmTE1s2Ks7csQ
https://apple.news/Aeq43dT45QBmTE1s2Ks7csQ
'Heinous' New Florida K-12 History Curriculum Teaches Slavery Was Beneficial for Black People
'Heinous' New Florida K-12 History Curriculum Teaches Slavery Was Beneficial for Black People
https://www.commondreams.org/news/florida-black-history
https://www.commondreams.org/news/florida-black-history
AOC Rips Twitter Claim That '99%' Of Content Is 'Healthy' - Comic Sands
AOC Rips Twitter Claim That '99%' Of Content Is 'Healthy' - Comic Sands
https://www.comicsands.com/aoc-twitter-report-healthy-content-2662304774.html
https://www.comicsands.com/aoc-twitter-report-healthy-content-2662304774.html
July 20, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
July 20, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-20-2023?utm_medium=email
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-20-2023?utm_medium=email
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Trump loses bid for new trial in E. Jean Carroll case - POLITICO
Trump loses bid for new trial in E. Jean Carroll case - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/19/trump-loses-bid-new-trial-carroll-00107025
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/19/trump-loses-bid-new-trial-carroll-00107025
Trump Really Let His Freak Flag Fly at the Turning Point USA Conference - Esquire
Trump Really Let His Freak Flag Fly at the Turning Point USA Conference - Esquire
https://apple.news/ASeB4OM_ZTjulbEq5wyVozQ
https://apple.news/ASeB4OM_ZTjulbEq5wyVozQ
Oh, No! The Senate's August Recess Is In Jeopardy! - Esquire
Oh, No! The Senate's August Recess Is In Jeopardy! - Esquire
https://apple.news/A8kKIavlCSti8mx6ef_k5RA
https://apple.news/A8kKIavlCSti8mx6ef_k5RA
Trump's Lawyers Just Argued That Paying Hush Money to Stormy Daniels Was All Part of the Job - Esquire
Trump's Lawyers Just Argued That Paying Hush Money to Stormy Daniels Was All Part of the Job - Esquire
https://apple.news/ATg7L5tAtT0WJHbEuXkxTSA
https://apple.news/ATg7L5tAtT0WJHbEuXkxTSA
Women Share Gynecological Procedures They've Had Without Anesthetics, Numbing, Or Pain Meds - BuzzFeed
Women Share Gynecological Procedures They've Had Without Anesthetics, Numbing, Or Pain Meds - BuzzFeed
https://apple.news/AJx-Ygq1eQYedBWyFrqsL2A
https://apple.news/AJx-Ygq1eQYedBWyFrqsL2A
Denied an abortion for a doomed pregnancy, she tells a Texas court: “There was no mercy” - NPR
Denied an abortion for a doomed pregnancy, she tells a Texas court: "There was no mercy" - NPR
https://apple.news/ARIRjrZYVQfuZ33POkau2_Q
https://apple.news/ARIRjrZYVQfuZ33POkau2_Q
Lawyers Are Revealing The Most Shocking Case They've Worked On, And My Jaw Is On The Floor - BuzzFeed
Lawyers Are Revealing The Most Shocking Case They've Worked On, And My Jaw Is On The Floor - BuzzFeed
https://apple.news/AsiL-NGeaT2iwqfZx8X68mg
https://apple.news/AsiL-NGeaT2iwqfZx8X68mg
what the fuck is wrong with Marjorie Taylor Greene
what the fuck is wrong with Marjorie Taylor Greene
https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/what-the-fuck-is-wrong-with-marjorie?utm_medium=email
https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/what-the-fuck-is-wrong-with-marjorie?utm_medium=email
Assassination plot against Hitler fails
Assassination plot against Hitler fails
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/assassination-plot-against-hitler-fails
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/assassination-plot-against-hitler-fails
Neil Armstrong walks on moon | July 20, 1969 | HISTORY
Neil Armstrong walks on moon | July 20, 1969 | HISTORY
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/armstrong-walks-on-moon
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/armstrong-walks-on-moon
Boebert Throws Out Maite Rodriguez Green Converse Pin: VIDEO - Second Nexus
Boebert Throws Out Maite Rodriguez Green Converse Pin: VIDEO - Second Nexus
https://secondnexus.com/boebert-throws-out-uvalde-pin
https://secondnexus.com/boebert-throws-out-uvalde-pin
Summers are always hot. Here's how we know climate change is making summer 2023 hotter. - USA TODAY
Summers are always hot. Here's how we know climate change is making summer 2023 hotter. - USA TODAY
https://apple.news/A2nrfJhYHRxyO0l5GoQBZKA
https://apple.news/A2nrfJhYHRxyO0l5GoQBZKA
Woman suing Texas over abortion ban vomits on the stand in emotional reaction during hearing - NBC News
Woman suing Texas over abortion ban vomits on the stand in emotional reaction during hearing - NBC News
https://apple.news/A_vqYuHxkQXucR8VMtL0THg
https://apple.news/A_vqYuHxkQXucR8VMtL0THg
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Further Proof That Lauren Boebert Has Absolutely No Friggin' Class...
Further Proof That Lauren Boebert Has Absolutely No Friggin' Class...
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/18/2182086/-Further-Proof-That-Lauren-Boebert-Has-Absolutely-No-Friggin-Class
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/18/2182086/-Further-Proof-That-Lauren-Boebert-Has-Absolutely-No-Friggin-Class
Judge upholds $5 million jury verdict against Trump
Judge upholds $5 million jury verdict against Trump
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/19/2182175/-Judge-upholds-5-million-jury-verdict-against-Trump-rejecting-the-ex-president-s-vindication-claim
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/19/2182175/-Judge-upholds-5-million-jury-verdict-against-Trump-rejecting-the-ex-president-s-vindication-claim
Hunter Biden’s ‘laptop’ looks more and more like a politically motivated criminal scheme
Hunter Biden's 'laptop' looks more and more like a politically motivated criminal scheme
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/19/2182035/-Hunter-Biden-s-laptop-looks-more-and-more-like-a-politically-motivated-criminal-scheme
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/19/2182035/-Hunter-Biden-s-laptop-looks-more-and-more-like-a-politically-motivated-criminal-scheme
Customers Say the Newest Pop Tart Flavor Is Its Best Yet—and the Hardest to Find - Allrecipes
Customers Say the Newest Pop Tart Flavor Is Its Best Yet—and the Hardest to Find - Allrecipes
https://apple.news/AJpp96n-1QvmbOaHREFa7Uw
https://apple.news/AJpp96n-1QvmbOaHREFa7Uw
Opinion: The FDA approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill. Here's why I'm underwhelmed - Los Angeles Times
Opinion: The FDA approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill. Here's why I'm underwhelmed - Los Angeles Times
https://apple.news/AgJu1wHerR3GS0389H1FBSA
https://apple.news/AgJu1wHerR3GS0389H1FBSA
People Are Sharing The Absolute Worst Behavior They've Ever Witnessed At A Wedding, And Good Lord, It's So Messyyy - BuzzFeed
People Are Sharing The Absolute Worst Behavior They've Ever Witnessed At A Wedding, And Good Lord, It's So Messyyy - BuzzFeed
https://apple.news/Auyv8dzflSj6tRZv-iyAnzw
https://apple.news/Auyv8dzflSj6tRZv-iyAnzw
Historically bad heat wave isn’t close to over: 5 maps to make you sweat - The Washington Post
Historically bad heat wave isn't close to over: 5 maps to make you sweat - The Washington Post
https://apple.news/Ay60-HdLFQhWKSHDOfbsnzQ
https://apple.news/Ay60-HdLFQhWKSHDOfbsnzQ
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan – Hayakawa, Japan - Atlas Obscura
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan – Hayakawa, Japan - Atlas Obscura
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/nishiyama-onsen-keiunkan
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/nishiyama-onsen-keiunkan
Wisconsin Mother Callie Driskill Died from ATV Accident, Not a COVID Vaccine | Snopes.com
Wisconsin Mother Callie Driskill Died from ATV Accident, Not a COVID Vaccine | Snopes.com
https://www.snopes.com/news/2023/07/17/callie-driskill-covid-vaccine/
https://www.snopes.com/news/2023/07/17/callie-driskill-covid-vaccine/
Is the Sheer Stupidity of Republican Politics Breaking Through? | Vanity Fair
Is the Sheer Stupidity of Republican Politics Breaking Through? | Vanity Fair
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/07/sheer-stupidity-of-republican-politics
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/07/sheer-stupidity-of-republican-politics
Lisa Murkowski voices new concerns about Republican Party’s future
Lisa Murkowski voices new concerns about Republican Party's future
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/lisa-murkowski-voices-new-concerns-republican-partys-future-rcna95076
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/lisa-murkowski-voices-new-concerns-republican-partys-future-rcna95076
Why the GOP slammed a likely Trump indictment it hasn’t seen
Why the GOP slammed a likely Trump indictment it hasn't seen
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/gop-slammed-likely-trump-indictment-hasnt-seen-rcna95060
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/gop-slammed-likely-trump-indictment-hasnt-seen-rcna95060
16-year-old boy dies in accident at a Mississippi poultry plant
16-year-old boy dies in accident at a Mississippi poultry plant
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/16-year-old-boy-dies-accident-mississippi-poultry-plant-rcna94963
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/16-year-old-boy-dies-accident-mississippi-poultry-plant-rcna94963
‘We are damned fools’: scientist who sounded climate alarm in 80s warns of worse to come | Climate crisis | The Guardian
'We are damned fools': scientist who sounded climate alarm in 80s warns of worse to come | Climate crisis | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/19/climate-crisis-james-hansen-scientist-warning
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/19/climate-crisis-james-hansen-scientist-warning
Criticizing Democrats During The Rise Of Fascism
Criticizing Democrats During The Rise Of Fascism
https://thebanter.substack.com/p/criticizing-democrats-during-the?utm_medium=email
https://thebanter.substack.com/p/criticizing-democrats-during-the?utm_medium=email
A Candidate Who Is a Political Meathead and Is As Appealing As a Deer Tick Typically Has No Chance - Esquire
A Candidate Who Is a Political Meathead and Is As Appealing As a Deer Tick Typically Has No Chance - Esquire
https://apple.news/AG7GKjjffTKuf3DMcVS890Q
https://apple.news/AG7GKjjffTKuf3DMcVS890Q
It Takes Some Major Cojones to Defy the Supreme Court, But Alabama Is Doing It - Esquire
It Takes Some Major Cojones to Defy the Supreme Court, But Alabama Is Doing It - Esquire
https://apple.news/A29SjbnmDTc2EaQTKojsnDw
https://apple.news/A29SjbnmDTc2EaQTKojsnDw
Court: Time For Florida to Stop Needlessly Institutionalizing Disabled Kids - Mother Jones
Court: Time For Florida to Stop Needlessly Institutionalizing Disabled Kids - Mother Jones
https://apple.news/An28VtsQGQJW_yIyagTpL1Q
https://apple.news/An28VtsQGQJW_yIyagTpL1Q
It looks like Alabama Republicans are planning to openly defy the Supreme Court - Slate
It looks like Alabama Republicans are planning to openly defy the Supreme Court - Slate
https://apple.news/AOVucSPCERc-4C2wItU4FTQ
https://apple.news/AOVucSPCERc-4C2wItU4FTQ
The Right-Wing Backlash Against 'Barbie' Is Hilariously Flopping - Rolling Stone
The Right-Wing Backlash Against 'Barbie' Is Hilariously Flopping - Rolling Stone
https://apple.news/ALCNn09BlQly2v4k1EyDs3A
https://apple.news/ALCNn09BlQly2v4k1EyDs3A
8 Disabled & Chronically Ill Poets to Read for Disability Pride Month - Book Riot
8 Disabled & Chronically Ill Poets to Read for Disability Pride Month - Book Riot
https://apple.news/AN4CISBZiQnO6h_Ye2BdLFA
https://apple.news/AN4CISBZiQnO6h_Ye2BdLFA
Texas Women Begin Heartbreaking Testimony in Case Against State Abortion Bans - Jezebel
Texas Women Begin Heartbreaking Testimony in Case Against State Abortion Bans - Jezebel
https://apple.news/AlHQg9BveT5S3nhMioNOHaw
https://apple.news/AlHQg9BveT5S3nhMioNOHaw
Critics Pile On As Marjorie Taylor Greene Hurls Profane Insult At Trump Prosecutor - HuffPost
Critics Pile On As Marjorie Taylor Greene Hurls Profane Insult At Trump Prosecutor - HuffPost
https://apple.news/A4OFPM3jDQnWGosFTreX_3g
https://apple.news/A4OFPM3jDQnWGosFTreX_3g
She got a fantastic offer on her house. Then an ominous envelope arrived. - ProPublica
She got a fantastic offer on her house. Then an ominous envelope arrived. - ProPublica
https://apple.news/A2u_jJFRcSwmromgc58QXWQ
https://apple.news/A2u_jJFRcSwmromgc58QXWQ
Archaeologists Discover Entrance to the Zapotec Underworld Beneath a Church in Mexico - Smithsonian Magazine
Archaeologists Discover Entrance to the Zapotec Underworld Beneath a Church in Mexico - Smithsonian Magazine
https://apple.news/Av5rcZBnJTZ-aoE8hFT_WHQ
https://apple.news/Av5rcZBnJTZ-aoE8hFT_WHQ
July 18, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
July 18, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-18-2023?utm_medium=email
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-18-2023?utm_medium=email
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Stunning Drone Footage of Volcano Fissure in Iceland
Stunning Drone Footage of Volcano Fissure in Iceland
https://laughingsquid.com/iceland-volcano-fissure-drone-footage/
https://laughingsquid.com/iceland-volcano-fissure-drone-footage/
Warren To Jamie Dimon On 'Bidenomics': 'Well, Boo Hoo' - Second Nexus
Warren To Jamie Dimon On 'Bidenomics': 'Well, Boo Hoo' - Second Nexus
https://secondnexus.com/warren-dimon-jp-morgan-bidenomics
https://secondnexus.com/warren-dimon-jp-morgan-bidenomics
Texas Border Agents Allegedly Laid Traps That Ensnared Miscarrying Pregnant Teen - Jezebel
Texas Border Agents Allegedly Laid Traps That Ensnared Miscarrying Pregnant Teen - Jezebel
https://apple.news/AezjUxIvGQrav0bOe4wx2EQ
https://apple.news/AezjUxIvGQrav0bOe4wx2EQ
Michigan attorney general charges 'false electors' over efforts to overturn the 2020 election - NBC News
Michigan attorney general charges 'false electors' over efforts to overturn the 2020 election - NBC News
https://apple.news/A4ufK9iGCRZiLbm7IeTtcRg
https://apple.news/A4ufK9iGCRZiLbm7IeTtcRg
Missouri Republicans Are Going to Absurd Lengths to Stop Voters from Having Their Say on Abortion - Mother Jones
Missouri Republicans Are Going to Absurd Lengths to Stop Voters from Having Their Say on Abortion - Mother Jones
https://apple.news/AjWrfmnNMRgmno9uXjnt8_w
https://apple.news/AjWrfmnNMRgmno9uXjnt8_w
U.S. soldier detained in North Korea was being sent home before bolting over border - NBC News
U.S. soldier detained in North Korea was being sent home before bolting over border - NBC News
https://apple.news/ABlfeVF1KSIy7msh3nbFSYA
https://apple.news/ABlfeVF1KSIy7msh3nbFSYA
The Rude Pundit: One Reason for a Speedy Trial for Trump: We Need to Know If He's Guilty Before Voting in 2024
The Rude Pundit: One Reason for a Speedy Trial for Trump: We Need to Know If He's Guilty Before Voting in 2024
https://rudepundit.blogspot.com/2023/07/one-reason-for-speedy-trial-for-trump.html
https://rudepundit.blogspot.com/2023/07/one-reason-for-speedy-trial-for-trump.html
Lawrence on Trump judge hearing espionage case: Never get over how outrageous this is
Lawrence on Trump judge hearing espionage case: Never get over how outrageous this is
https://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/lawrence-on-trump-judge-hearing-espionage-case-never-get-over-how-outrageous-this-is-188683845718
https://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/lawrence-on-trump-judge-hearing-espionage-case-never-get-over-how-outrageous-this-is-188683845718
Florida rocked by home insurance crisis: ‘I may have to sell up and move’ - The Guardian
Florida rocked by home insurance crisis: 'I may have to sell up and move' - The Guardian
https://apple.news/A1XjDJdCCSIK_i_6uHUozhA
https://apple.news/A1XjDJdCCSIK_i_6uHUozhA
Joe Biden Says He's Started Receiving Intelligence Briefings, Warns Russia and China Are Trying to Undermine Election
Joe Biden Says He's Started Receiving Intelligence Briefings, Warns Russia and China Are Trying to Undermine Election
https://www.newser.com/story/293754/biden-im-now-getting-intel-briefings-heres-a-warning.html
https://www.newser.com/story/293754/biden-im-now-getting-intel-briefings-heres-a-warning.html
Donald Trump promises a post-democratic second term - The Washington Post
Donald Trump promises a post-democratic second term - The Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/17/trump-second-term-democracy/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/17/trump-second-term-democracy/
Monday, July 17, 2023
DeSantis Accuses Trump of Broken Promises: VIDEO - Second Nexus
DeSantis Accuses Trump of Broken Promises: VIDEO - Second Nexus
https://secondnexus.com/desantis-trump-broken-promises-fox
https://secondnexus.com/desantis-trump-broken-promises-fox
Tucker Scrapes The Barrel, Climate Apocalypse, And MTG The Fascist
Tucker Scrapes The Barrel, Climate Apocalypse, And MTG The Fascist
https://thebanter.substack.com/p/tucker-scrapes-the-barrel-climate?utm_medium=email
https://thebanter.substack.com/p/tucker-scrapes-the-barrel-climate?utm_medium=email
‘I’m through with her’: Top Georgia GOP leader splits with Marjorie Taylor Greene - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
'I'm through with her': Top Georgia GOP leader splits with Marjorie Taylor Greene - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
https://www.rawstory.com/marjorie-taylor-greene-2662291105/
https://www.rawstory.com/marjorie-taylor-greene-2662291105/
‘Authoritarianism will be on the ballot’: experts sound alarm over NYT bombshell detailing Trump’s plans - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
'Authoritarianism will be on the ballot': experts sound alarm over NYT bombshell detailing Trump's plans - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
https://www.rawstory.com/authoritarianism-will-be-on-the-ballot-experts-sound-alarm-over-nyt-bombshell-detailing-trumps-plans-if-he-wins-in-2024/
https://www.rawstory.com/authoritarianism-will-be-on-the-ballot-experts-sound-alarm-over-nyt-bombshell-detailing-trumps-plans-if-he-wins-in-2024/
F**king Mondays: The Jewish BioWeapon? - by Ben Cohen
F**king Mondays: The Jewish BioWeapon? - by Ben Cohen
https://thebanter.substack.com/p/fking-mondays-the-jewish-bioweapon?utm_medium=email
https://thebanter.substack.com/p/fking-mondays-the-jewish-bioweapon?utm_medium=email
The Trump Administration Gave the NRA “Veto Power” Over Its Response to the Parkland Massacre, New Book Reveals - Vanity Fair
The Trump Administration Gave the NRA "Veto Power" Over Its Response to the Parkland Massacre, New Book Reveals - Vanity Fair
https://apple.news/A8HfIbUplSrC4Y53qzkuEYw
https://apple.news/A8HfIbUplSrC4Y53qzkuEYw
New evidence may back Menendez brothers' sexual abuse claims. But can it free them? - Los Angeles Times
New evidence may back Menendez brothers' sexual abuse claims. But can it free them? - Los Angeles Times
https://apple.news/At0t_WcRwR-Ki9e24I5zI1w
https://apple.news/At0t_WcRwR-Ki9e24I5zI1w
'Caught us': White House fires back at Marjorie Taylor Greene's attack on making 'life easier' - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
'Caught us': White House fires back at Marjorie Taylor Greene's attack on making 'life easier' - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
https://www.rawstory.com/caught-us-white-house-fires-back-at-marjorie-taylor-green-s-on-making-life-easier/
https://www.rawstory.com/caught-us-white-house-fires-back-at-marjorie-taylor-green-s-on-making-life-easier/
Trump pushed 'incandescently stupid' plan to send cattle over his border wall: former staffer - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
Trump pushed 'incandescently stupid' plan to send cattle over his border wall: former staffer - Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism
https://www.rawstory.com/trumps-border-wall-2662290051/
https://www.rawstory.com/trumps-border-wall-2662290051/
21 People Who Found Or Receieved THE Most Disturbing Notes, And Yeah, I'm Out - BuzzFeed
21 People Who Found Or Receieved THE Most Disturbing Notes, And Yeah, I'm Out - BuzzFeed
https://apple.news/AIgwFr24_SjSTmkEdkuNlOw
https://apple.news/AIgwFr24_SjSTmkEdkuNlOw
How Harlan Crow slashed his tax bill by taking Clarence Thomas on superyacht cruises - ProPublica
How Harlan Crow slashed his tax bill by taking Clarence Thomas on superyacht cruises - ProPublica
https://apple.news/AUgxESBV7QEuegLySWCX1bw
https://apple.news/AUgxESBV7QEuegLySWCX1bw
July 16, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
July 16, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-16-2023?utm_medium=email
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-16-2023?utm_medium=email
How Tucker's "FedEpps" conspiracy theory led to Fox News's latest legal mess
How Tucker's "FedEpps" conspiracy theory led to Fox News's latest legal mess
https://www.publicnotice.co/p/ray-epps-fox-news-lawsuit-tucker-carlson-jan-6?utm_medium=email
https://www.publicnotice.co/p/ray-epps-fox-news-lawsuit-tucker-carlson-jan-6?utm_medium=email
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Kevin McCarthy Says Defense Bill Will Prevent Disneyland From Corrupting the Troops - Rolling Stone
Kevin McCarthy Says Defense Bill Will Prevent Disneyland From Corrupting the Troops - Rolling Stone
https://apple.news/Anx9C7SIKStO_TUCjkJha5Q
https://apple.news/Anx9C7SIKStO_TUCjkJha5Q
Tucker Carlson: As Americans, 'You Have a Right to Decide Who You Hate' - Rolling Stone
Tucker Carlson: As Americans, 'You Have a Right to Decide Who You Hate' - Rolling Stone
https://apple.news/A4AkbykTgT8uV4dn5NK0C6g
https://apple.news/A4AkbykTgT8uV4dn5NK0C6g
These Black and Asian American Affirmative Action Advocates Won't Be Divided - Rolling Stone
These Black and Asian American Affirmative Action Advocates Won't Be Divided - Rolling Stone
https://apple.news/AWftl_xjuTqi5ugRGAPQKzg
https://apple.news/AWftl_xjuTqi5ugRGAPQKzg
RFK Jr.’s secret fundraising success: Republicans - POLITICO
RFK Jr.'s secret fundraising success: Republicans - POLITICO
https://apple.news/AbKsV2qubTHmuviS0Ey7NIg
https://apple.news/AbKsV2qubTHmuviS0Ey7NIg
How Bronze Age Pervert Built an Online Following and Injected Anti-Democracy, Pro-Men Ideas into the GOP - POLITICO
How Bronze Age Pervert Built an Online Following and Injected Anti-Democracy, Pro-Men Ideas into the GOP - POLITICO
https://apple.news/AnjlrppMWS-uJ5exVXZ7XFQ
https://apple.news/AnjlrppMWS-uJ5exVXZ7XFQ
Suspect in killing of 4 in Georgia is shot dead after manhunt - NBC News
Suspect in killing of 4 in Georgia is shot dead after manhunt - NBC News
https://apple.news/A-PY9YrYCQRyrRFEMDLsQhQ
https://apple.news/A-PY9YrYCQRyrRFEMDLsQhQ
Trump Cheered His Killing As 'Retribution,' Now His Family Is Suing in Court - Rolling Stone
Trump Cheered His Killing As 'Retribution,' Now His Family Is Suing in Court - Rolling Stone
https://apple.news/A5oWIi89fRyqf3RYdheHBMg
https://apple.news/A5oWIi89fRyqf3RYdheHBMg
The Most Shocking Aspect of RFK Jr.’s Anti-Semitism - The Atlantic
The Most Shocking Aspect of RFK Jr.'s Anti-Semitism - The Atlantic
https://apple.news/AghLqeVK4TIGsq2Y4CQWw3A
https://apple.news/AghLqeVK4TIGsq2Y4CQWw3A
John Kerry Testified About the Climate Agenda Before a Bunch of Climate Deniers - Esquire
John Kerry Testified About the Climate Agenda Before a Bunch of Climate Deniers - Esquire
https://apple.news/AY_pUWec-QJu2DwTM7AfAcQ
https://apple.news/AY_pUWec-QJu2DwTM7AfAcQ
Legendary French Actor And Icon Jane Birkin, Who Inspired The Birkin Bag, Has Passed Away At 76 Years Old - BuzzFeed
Legendary French Actor And Icon Jane Birkin, Who Inspired The Birkin Bag, Has Passed Away At 76 Years Old - BuzzFeed
https://apple.news/AtPd9yL8YT_aDmanIPOii8g
https://apple.news/AtPd9yL8YT_aDmanIPOii8g
'Pro-Life' Christians Killing LGBTQ Teenagers
'Pro-Life' Christians Killing LGBTQ Teenagers
https://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/10/25/pro-life-christians-killing-lgbtq-teenagers/
https://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/10/25/pro-life-christians-killing-lgbtq-teenagers/
this week in stupid: July 15 edition - by Jeff Tiedrich
this week in stupid: July 15 edition - by Jeff Tiedrich
https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/this-week-in-stupid-july-15-edition
https://www.jefftiedrich.com/p/this-week-in-stupid-july-15-edition
July 15, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
July 15, 2023 - by Heather Cox Richardson
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-15-2023?utm_medium=email
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-15-2023?utm_medium=email
Saturday, July 15, 2023
The Threat Is Real. Ignoring It Just Makes It More Likely To Happen: What Fascism Might Look Like Here
https://andrewtobias.com/the-threat-is-real-ignoring-it-just-makes-it-more-likely-to-happen-what-fascism-might-look-like-here/
The Threat Is Real. Ignoring It Just Makes It More Likely To Happen: What Fascism Might Look Like Here
Thom Hartmann asks at Raw Story:
What would America be like with 'Dear Leader' in 2024?
NBC News reported this week that Trump is not only still leading the GOP field, but that his margin is growing:
. . . Another national survey, reported by NBC on Monday, shows a tossup in a Trump-Biden matchup; Biden's small lead is within the margin of error.
All of which raises the question: what would America be like if Trump or a similarly fascist Republican were to take the White House in 2024? What would the dire warnings about American fascism, were they realized, mean in real life?
Louise and I have been in Spain all this week while Jefferson Smith fills in for me on my radio/TV show, and we've learned more than a little that might answer those questions.
Most Americans, when they think of fascism, think of goosestepping Nazi soldiers and death camps, and believe that system of government was totally crushed by the Allies in 1945 at the end of World War II. But Spain was fascist right up until dictator Francisco Franco's death in 1975 at the age of 82.
There are still many people here in Spain who regard the Franco time fondly; if you were on his side, supported his Falange party — later called simply "The Movement" — or were assiduously nonpolitical, life could be relatively normal.
. . . most people simply avoided politics back during Franco's time — and are still, to this day, reluctant to discuss the horrors of his regime.
. . . If you weren't political, life went on like in much of the rest of "free" Europe. People worked, went to theatre and dance clubs, raised their kids, vacationed, cared for pets, engaged in hobbies, fell in love or got divorced: as long as Franco's regime wasn't mentioned in a negative light, life was good.
Like in most fascist or neofascist countries through history and today the wealthy were the most well taken care of, but even working people and the poor enjoyed a reasonable social safety net. In 1942, Franco mandated a national healthcare insurance program, for example, and throughout his reign expanded the number of hospital beds and clinics across the country; in 1951 he led a movement through much of the Spanish speaking world to establish what something like American Social Security.
If you spoke out against his fascist movement job opportunities vanished, you could be imprisoned, or even "disappeared," as happened to tens of thousands. One of the people we spoke with here told us how the media was entirely in the bag for Franco with pro-fascist slogans and news shorts airing constantly, along with commentary praising him even interspersing music and programs on radio and TV.
Trump and his followers have given us numerous insights into how he'd transform American society to resemble something like Franco's regime. Like with Franco, loyalty to Trump and his cult was a far more important factor in rising through the ranks of government and even private industry.
Trump has promised — most recently just a few weeks ago — that he would use the awesome police powers of the federal government to target his political enemies for persecution, imprisonment, and possibly even death.
Several former DOJ officials, men Trump has suggested could lead the agency if he again becomes president, have endorsed stripping our federal police agencies of their independence and making them armed factions of Trump's movement.
Republicans don't talk about it out loud very much, unlike Nixon's man G. Gordon Liddy, who used to love on fascism back in the day when he signed memos using Hitler's SS symbol. But MAGA Republicans have a model for a future America and it grows both closer and clearer every day.
What could it be? What would it look like? How will it most likely come about?
First, and essential to American fascism, Republicans envision a strong-man Leader who will hold power for as long as he (it's almost always a "he") chooses, with the transition to the next Leader determined by The Leader himself.
This has been the primary characteristic of every fascist-type of government to emerge in the 7000-year written history of the modern world.
When Trump was running for re-election, at rallies in both Nevada and Wisconsin, he came right out and said that not only would he win the 2020 election but that he'd also be re-elected again in 2024 and 2028. He was dead serious.
Sure, our constitution says a president can only serve two terms: so did the Russian constitution, until Putin got it amended. Trump was planning the same, and his followers were — if the response at the rallies when he announced it is any indicator — ecstatic at the prospect.
That single strongman Leader, and his hand-selected toadies at every secondary or tertiary level of government, is the key to understanding everything else that happens when a country flips from democracy to oligarchy to fascism.
For example, in a fascist state the way that you as an average citizen ensure your own advancement and economic, personal, and political security is by sucking up to that one man (albeit often through one of his factotum's). You either become an acolyte/follower or you find yourself on the outside looking in.
If you think this sounds extreme, just look at today's Republican Party, which has become the prototype for how these MAGA Republicans will reinvent the United States if they gain power.
Liz Cheney spoke against Trump, and the Wyoming GOP expelled her while Trump supported a primary challenger. Four Republicans who voted to impeach Trump faced such a backlash that they decided to retire from politics: Adam Kinzinger, Anthony Gonzalez, John Katko, and Fred Upton.
Not only is fealty to The Leader required for political advancement, it's also a requirement for individual economic advancement. Employers eager for state contracts or The Leader's endorsements of their products or services demote or fire those insufficiently loyal to The Leader.
Psychologist Dr. Bandy Lee was fired from Yale University for writing that Trump was dangerously mentally ill. Schoolteacher Leah Kinyon was fired from her job for saying that "I hate Donald Trump. … He is a sexual predator. He's a literal moron." Juli Brisker was fired from her job with government contractor Akima for giving Trump's motorcade the finger.
Rebekah Jones was fired by Ron DeSantis for telling the truth about his covering up Florida Covid statistics. Florida's Orange County Health Director Dr. Raul Pino was removed for encouraging his staff to get vaccinated.
When companies defy The Leader they are brutally punished, as DeSantis is doing right now to Disney and the Tampa Bay Rays. Soon companies don't even try to stand up to The Leader, including media companies.
And now Trump mini-me DeSantis has signed legislation giving him the authority to "hold accountable" college professors, reviewing their politics every five years so those who aren't totally on board with his agenda can lose tenure and be fired. The headline at Salon says it all:
"DeSantis signs bill requiring Florida students, professors to register political views with state: Universities may lose funding if staff and students' beliefs do not satisfy Florida's GOP-run legislature."
You end up doing things on The Leader's behalf, whether you're supporting his party, working at a private corporation, or engaged in the nonprofit sector like teaching at a university or medical center.
Defying or challenging The Leader brings opprobrium; supporting The Leader is the path to career advancement. The Trump White House and DeSantis Governor's Office are filled with examples.
Everything is done for The Leader because The Leader is the state. The state and The Leader have become one.
If you challenge The Leader, you're challenging the state, and that's treason. As Marjorie Taylor Greene said of former speaker Pelosi:
"She took an oath to protect American citizens and uphold our laws. And she gives aid and comfort to our enemies who illegally invade our land. That's what treason is. And by our law, representatives and senators can be kicked out and no longer serve in our government — and it's a crime punishable by death".
Whatever the Leader says becomes the law. This is called "rule by decree" and it's where every fascist in history – including those for the thousands of years before Mussolini "invented" the word - has ended up.
The power to rule by decree goes back to the days of kings and is also embedded in our laws about the president's emergency powers. Trump came close to invoking it with an "emergency declaration" when he lost the election. General Flynn begged him to do it and "temporarily suspend the Constitution."
It now appears that the reason Trump was showing classified Iranian battle plans to reporters at Bedminister was to trash-talk General Mark Milley as "revenge" for Milley's refusing to use the military like Flynn wanted to complete the January 6th coup.
Next time, he won't be so restrained and he will have surrounded himself in advance with people like Flynn who will make it happen.
Yet, while it will change how power is distributed in our government, things will still look much the same, just like during Franco's reign here in Spain.
If a fascist like Trump or DeSantis rises to power again in the United States, there will still be all the trappings of democracy.
The House and Senate, state houses and governors, bureaucracies and political systems will remain intact. Everything looks normal on the surface.
But when you peel off the top layer, you discover that all of those people in all of those offices, whether elected or bureaucratic, are serving only one principle and one person and that is The Leader.
Be they governors, secretaries of state, United States senators, members of the US House, state representatives, or even a part-time guy working at a polling place in Michigan, they might get a call at any time from The Leader demanding that they do something for him, whether it's legal or not.
There will still be opposition parties and political candidacies in a Republican fascist America, although if any of them seriously challenges The Leader or shows the ability to disrupt the status quo, they'll be discovered to have a secret drug habit or get imprisoned for corruption or other made-up charges.
Nobody will really notice, though. People will just shrug their shoulders and assume another crook got caught. The swamp is being cleaned up.
The prosperity of the company you work for will depend in part on how well it supports the politics of The Leader. Today we see this writ large in Russia and the GOP's new role model, Hungary.
The Leader helps a few dozen oligarchs he knows are loyal to him seize control of the nation's major industries, and every smaller company in each of those industries must directly or indirectly answer to that oligarch.
Those who fail to are bought out, shut down, or simply cannot find customers or supplies because nobody will do business with them.
The industry where this is most visible at first is the media.
Some media organizations will be absorbed by the government itself, as Putin has done in Russia; others will be bought out and run by the Leader's oligarch buddies, as is the case today in Hungary and Turkey (among others).
Soon opposition voices vanish from all but the most obscure media, and those few opposing voices that are tolerated are pointed to by the Leader as proof the nation "is still an open democracy."
Jews and people of color may find a rougher time maintaining a job or staying safe from vigilantes, abuse, and discrimination but white conservatives will be just fine, particularly white conservative men. The majority of Americans, so long as they pay attention to football instead of politics, won't even notice how the nation has changed.
There will still be Christmas parties, although people celebrating Hanukkah or Muslims praying may want to pull the shades closed.
Hate crimes and murders by vigilante groups start happening with such frequency that the media doesn't bother to report them anymore.
Within a few years a little bit of every business activity in the country ends up in The Leader's pocket. And The Leader uses that revenue to enrich himself, his inner circle, and those who are part of his military entourage, his private military.
That's right: The Leader's private military.
It'd be put together like what Ron DeSantis is organizing in Florida right now, a state-sanctioned militia that answers only to The Leader, in this case DeSantis. Trump tried the same in 2020, flying 700+ Customs and Border Protection and other federal officers into Portland where they hit the streets without identification on their uniforms to beat and kidnap people protesting George Floyd's murder.
When the private militia is created at the federal level it'll become a substantial national military force with hundreds of thousands of soldiers under The Leader's direct command. Hitler's was called the SS and answered only to The Leader himself. Mussolini and Franco had theirs, as Putin, Erdoğan, el-Sisi, bin Salman, and others do today.
Citing "national security," The Leader's private militia will have an undisclosed and therefore vast budget. Outside of times it's called on to intimidate people or make a public display of power, it'll largely operate in secret.
Its members won't have to obey the law because, as agents of The Leader who's above the law, they are, too. If they have to kill somebody, there will be no investigation unless it's to cover up the crime. If they need to make somebody disappear, that person disappears. At first it'll be done by stochastic terrorism: lone wolf actors not directly connected to The Leader but answering his general call to punish political evildoers.
Just ask Nancy Pelosi or Mike Pence.
The Leader's oligarch buddies and their media machine, along with his well-indoctrinated followers, promote a law-and-order crime ideology that results in high levels of incarceration, heavily militarized police, and a disregard for the general rights of the average citizen, particularly racial and religious minorities.
As "future dystopian" as all this may sound, there are more governments in the world run this way today than there are democracies. It's "normal."
Once established it's almost impossible to dislodge without a crisis like the death of The Leader or an actual revolution. Just ask any Russian. Or Spaniards who were alive in 1975.
Some of the governments around the world that are structured like this were democracies that turned fascist, like Russia, Turkey, and Hungary. But many have been this way for centuries, including the hereditary kingdoms in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
So, how do the democratic countries that make the transition to fascism allow that to happen? And what is life like in those countries, both during and after the time that it's happened?
We can't say we weren't warned by our own people, our own politicians, the most senior members of our own institutional power structure.
In a speech that was hysterically criticized by Republicans and Fox "News" pundits, President Obama in December of 2017 came right out and said it:
"You have to tend to this garden of democracy, otherwise things can fall apart fairly quickly. And we've seen societies where that happens."
Yes, the former President of the United States invoked Nazi Germany six years ago while Donald Trump was President, adding:
"Now, presumably, there was a ballroom in Vienna in the late 1920s or '30s that looked and seemed as if it ― filled with the music and art and literature and the science that was emerging ― would continue into perpetuity.
"And then," President Obama said, "60 million people died. And the entire world was plunged into chaos."
The warnings have been there all along. I wrote of this in 2005, quoting Mayer and going off on Bush and the PATRIOT Act as the prequel to fascism.
Americans have been shouting about it lately, in venues like The New York Times and Madeline Albright's book and from legislators like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
And now the President of the United States warns Americans that a fascist movement within our own nation is at our door, and will either be soundly defeated in the next election or will seize power and end our form of government:
"What we're seeing now is the beginning or the death knell of an extreme MAGA philosophy," Biden told a group of Democratic donors. "It's not just Trump, it's the entire philosophy that underpins the — I'm going to say something, it's like semi-fascism."
His comment got only a passing mention in the news.
But, still, how do we know? Is there a sudden proclamation by The Leader that the nation is now "officially fascist"?
After World War II, a Chicago reporter named Milton Mayer struggled to understand how Hitler was able to flip one of the world's most stable democracies into fascism.
An American Jew of German ancestry and a brilliant writer, Mayer went to Germany seven years after Hitler's fall and befriended 10 "average Germans," asking each how the Nazis rose to power in an otherwise civilized nation.
His book, They Thought They Were Free, is his story of that experience. Intertwined through it — first published in 1955 — are repeated overt and subtle warnings to future generations of Americans: to us, today.
A German professor who made it through the war by avoiding politics told Mayer:
"But of course this isn't the way it happens. In between come all the hundreds of little steps, some of them imperceptible, each of them preparing you not to be shocked by the next. Step C is not so much worse than Step B, and, if you did not make a stand at Step B, why should you at Step C? And so on to Step D.
"And one day, too late, your principles, if you were ever sensible of them, all rush in upon you. The burden of self-deception has grown too heavy, and some minor incident, in my case my little boy, hardly more than a baby, saying 'Jew swine,' collapses it all at once, and you see that everything, everything, has changed and changed completely under your nose."
In the next election, many of us will no longer be able to know if our voices, our attempts to vote, will actually decide who leads our nation.
Many Americans will show up at the polls to discover they are no longer registered to vote. Many of our mail-in ballots will be "challenged" by Republican vote observers and we won't learn about it until after the election is long over.
Five Republicans on the Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that you can be purged from the voting rolls on a whim. In the majority of US states Republicans can take over electoral precincts, install their people (as we just learned they are doing right now) and run them under whatever rules they want.
Already in some states when the GOP inflicts 10-hour lines to vote on people in Democratic districts, for example, and you go to jail if you bring them water. If you make a mistake on your voting registration or ballot, or help another person register to vote, in multiple Red states the governors can choose to send you to prison for five years or more.
Somehow, of the many people from both parties who are busted for this, it seems only the Democrats end up going to prison.
And yet everything seems "normal." As Mayer's professor friend told him, when the Leader finally seizes control of all the levers of power from political to economic to spiritual, everything changes but everything also stays the same:
"The world you live in — your nation, your people — is not the world you were in at all. The forms are all there, all untouched, all reassuring, the houses, the shops, the jobs, the mealtimes, the visits, the concerts, the cinema, the holidays.
"But the spirit, which you never noticed because you made the lifelong mistake of identifying it with the forms, is changed.
"Now you live in a world of hate and fear, and the people who hate and fear do not even know it themselves; when everyone is transformed, no one is transformed. Now you live in a system which rules without responsibility even to God."
We're already quite a ways down this road, which is why both our media and our democracy have been rated by numerous international groups as being "at risk" or similar designations.
Voter suppression, gerrymandering, the proliferation of phony media selling rightwing propaganda as "news," armed militias on our streets (and the GOP recruiting them for "election monitors") are the visible tip of the proverbial iceberg.
"How is this to be avoided, among ordinary men, even highly educated ordinary men?" Mayer's friend asked rhetorically.
And, without the benefit of a previous, recent, and well-remembered fascistic regime to refer to, Mayer had to candidly answer:
"Frankly, I do not know."
That was 1954; this is 2023. We now know.
We know how the poisonous hate that animates fascism seeps into a society because we saw it ourselves during the 4 years of the Trump administration.
We're watching it in Red states across the country as MAGA Republicans replace honorable Republicans like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger.
We know how easily a government can be toppled and how close we came on January 6, 2021: if just five Republicans hadn't refused to go along with Trump we'd be in this fascist dystopia today.
MAGA Republicans across the country are calling for a Franco-like government as you're reading these words. They believe so long as they're loyal to Leader and Party everything will be good for them and theirs, and, generally speaking, they're right.
As President Biden said last year:
"We can't take democracy for granted any longer. … Make no mistake. Democracy is on the ballot."
The only way we can avoid repeating the experience of Spain, Germany, Hungary, Russia, and Chile (among others) is to overwhelmingly repudiate — defeat — Trump's and the MAGA Republicans' movement at the polls.
And the first step to that is to wake up everybody we know.
Pass it on.
If you've seen Leopoldstadt, we're arguably someplace between Act III and Act IV -- with the power to give the play a happy ending.
And if you can afford to help, click here.
Sent from my iPad
The Threat Is Real. Ignoring It Just Makes It More Likely To Happen: What Fascism Might Look Like Here
Thom Hartmann asks at Raw Story:
What would America be like with 'Dear Leader' in 2024?
NBC News reported this week that Trump is not only still leading the GOP field, but that his margin is growing:
. . . Another national survey, reported by NBC on Monday, shows a tossup in a Trump-Biden matchup; Biden's small lead is within the margin of error.
All of which raises the question: what would America be like if Trump or a similarly fascist Republican were to take the White House in 2024? What would the dire warnings about American fascism, were they realized, mean in real life?
Louise and I have been in Spain all this week while Jefferson Smith fills in for me on my radio/TV show, and we've learned more than a little that might answer those questions.
Most Americans, when they think of fascism, think of goosestepping Nazi soldiers and death camps, and believe that system of government was totally crushed by the Allies in 1945 at the end of World War II. But Spain was fascist right up until dictator Francisco Franco's death in 1975 at the age of 82.
There are still many people here in Spain who regard the Franco time fondly; if you were on his side, supported his Falange party — later called simply "The Movement" — or were assiduously nonpolitical, life could be relatively normal.
. . . most people simply avoided politics back during Franco's time — and are still, to this day, reluctant to discuss the horrors of his regime.
. . . If you weren't political, life went on like in much of the rest of "free" Europe. People worked, went to theatre and dance clubs, raised their kids, vacationed, cared for pets, engaged in hobbies, fell in love or got divorced: as long as Franco's regime wasn't mentioned in a negative light, life was good.
Like in most fascist or neofascist countries through history and today the wealthy were the most well taken care of, but even working people and the poor enjoyed a reasonable social safety net. In 1942, Franco mandated a national healthcare insurance program, for example, and throughout his reign expanded the number of hospital beds and clinics across the country; in 1951 he led a movement through much of the Spanish speaking world to establish what something like American Social Security.
If you spoke out against his fascist movement job opportunities vanished, you could be imprisoned, or even "disappeared," as happened to tens of thousands. One of the people we spoke with here told us how the media was entirely in the bag for Franco with pro-fascist slogans and news shorts airing constantly, along with commentary praising him even interspersing music and programs on radio and TV.
Trump and his followers have given us numerous insights into how he'd transform American society to resemble something like Franco's regime. Like with Franco, loyalty to Trump and his cult was a far more important factor in rising through the ranks of government and even private industry.
Trump has promised — most recently just a few weeks ago — that he would use the awesome police powers of the federal government to target his political enemies for persecution, imprisonment, and possibly even death.
Several former DOJ officials, men Trump has suggested could lead the agency if he again becomes president, have endorsed stripping our federal police agencies of their independence and making them armed factions of Trump's movement.
Republicans don't talk about it out loud very much, unlike Nixon's man G. Gordon Liddy, who used to love on fascism back in the day when he signed memos using Hitler's SS symbol. But MAGA Republicans have a model for a future America and it grows both closer and clearer every day.
What could it be? What would it look like? How will it most likely come about?
First, and essential to American fascism, Republicans envision a strong-man Leader who will hold power for as long as he (it's almost always a "he") chooses, with the transition to the next Leader determined by The Leader himself.
This has been the primary characteristic of every fascist-type of government to emerge in the 7000-year written history of the modern world.
When Trump was running for re-election, at rallies in both Nevada and Wisconsin, he came right out and said that not only would he win the 2020 election but that he'd also be re-elected again in 2024 and 2028. He was dead serious.
Sure, our constitution says a president can only serve two terms: so did the Russian constitution, until Putin got it amended. Trump was planning the same, and his followers were — if the response at the rallies when he announced it is any indicator — ecstatic at the prospect.
That single strongman Leader, and his hand-selected toadies at every secondary or tertiary level of government, is the key to understanding everything else that happens when a country flips from democracy to oligarchy to fascism.
For example, in a fascist state the way that you as an average citizen ensure your own advancement and economic, personal, and political security is by sucking up to that one man (albeit often through one of his factotum's). You either become an acolyte/follower or you find yourself on the outside looking in.
If you think this sounds extreme, just look at today's Republican Party, which has become the prototype for how these MAGA Republicans will reinvent the United States if they gain power.
Liz Cheney spoke against Trump, and the Wyoming GOP expelled her while Trump supported a primary challenger. Four Republicans who voted to impeach Trump faced such a backlash that they decided to retire from politics: Adam Kinzinger, Anthony Gonzalez, John Katko, and Fred Upton.
Not only is fealty to The Leader required for political advancement, it's also a requirement for individual economic advancement. Employers eager for state contracts or The Leader's endorsements of their products or services demote or fire those insufficiently loyal to The Leader.
Psychologist Dr. Bandy Lee was fired from Yale University for writing that Trump was dangerously mentally ill. Schoolteacher Leah Kinyon was fired from her job for saying that "I hate Donald Trump. … He is a sexual predator. He's a literal moron." Juli Brisker was fired from her job with government contractor Akima for giving Trump's motorcade the finger.
Rebekah Jones was fired by Ron DeSantis for telling the truth about his covering up Florida Covid statistics. Florida's Orange County Health Director Dr. Raul Pino was removed for encouraging his staff to get vaccinated.
When companies defy The Leader they are brutally punished, as DeSantis is doing right now to Disney and the Tampa Bay Rays. Soon companies don't even try to stand up to The Leader, including media companies.
And now Trump mini-me DeSantis has signed legislation giving him the authority to "hold accountable" college professors, reviewing their politics every five years so those who aren't totally on board with his agenda can lose tenure and be fired. The headline at Salon says it all:
"DeSantis signs bill requiring Florida students, professors to register political views with state: Universities may lose funding if staff and students' beliefs do not satisfy Florida's GOP-run legislature."
You end up doing things on The Leader's behalf, whether you're supporting his party, working at a private corporation, or engaged in the nonprofit sector like teaching at a university or medical center.
Defying or challenging The Leader brings opprobrium; supporting The Leader is the path to career advancement. The Trump White House and DeSantis Governor's Office are filled with examples.
Everything is done for The Leader because The Leader is the state. The state and The Leader have become one.
If you challenge The Leader, you're challenging the state, and that's treason. As Marjorie Taylor Greene said of former speaker Pelosi:
"She took an oath to protect American citizens and uphold our laws. And she gives aid and comfort to our enemies who illegally invade our land. That's what treason is. And by our law, representatives and senators can be kicked out and no longer serve in our government — and it's a crime punishable by death".
Whatever the Leader says becomes the law. This is called "rule by decree" and it's where every fascist in history – including those for the thousands of years before Mussolini "invented" the word - has ended up.
The power to rule by decree goes back to the days of kings and is also embedded in our laws about the president's emergency powers. Trump came close to invoking it with an "emergency declaration" when he lost the election. General Flynn begged him to do it and "temporarily suspend the Constitution."
It now appears that the reason Trump was showing classified Iranian battle plans to reporters at Bedminister was to trash-talk General Mark Milley as "revenge" for Milley's refusing to use the military like Flynn wanted to complete the January 6th coup.
Next time, he won't be so restrained and he will have surrounded himself in advance with people like Flynn who will make it happen.
Yet, while it will change how power is distributed in our government, things will still look much the same, just like during Franco's reign here in Spain.
If a fascist like Trump or DeSantis rises to power again in the United States, there will still be all the trappings of democracy.
The House and Senate, state houses and governors, bureaucracies and political systems will remain intact. Everything looks normal on the surface.
But when you peel off the top layer, you discover that all of those people in all of those offices, whether elected or bureaucratic, are serving only one principle and one person and that is The Leader.
Be they governors, secretaries of state, United States senators, members of the US House, state representatives, or even a part-time guy working at a polling place in Michigan, they might get a call at any time from The Leader demanding that they do something for him, whether it's legal or not.
There will still be opposition parties and political candidacies in a Republican fascist America, although if any of them seriously challenges The Leader or shows the ability to disrupt the status quo, they'll be discovered to have a secret drug habit or get imprisoned for corruption or other made-up charges.
Nobody will really notice, though. People will just shrug their shoulders and assume another crook got caught. The swamp is being cleaned up.
The prosperity of the company you work for will depend in part on how well it supports the politics of The Leader. Today we see this writ large in Russia and the GOP's new role model, Hungary.
The Leader helps a few dozen oligarchs he knows are loyal to him seize control of the nation's major industries, and every smaller company in each of those industries must directly or indirectly answer to that oligarch.
Those who fail to are bought out, shut down, or simply cannot find customers or supplies because nobody will do business with them.
The industry where this is most visible at first is the media.
Some media organizations will be absorbed by the government itself, as Putin has done in Russia; others will be bought out and run by the Leader's oligarch buddies, as is the case today in Hungary and Turkey (among others).
Soon opposition voices vanish from all but the most obscure media, and those few opposing voices that are tolerated are pointed to by the Leader as proof the nation "is still an open democracy."
Jews and people of color may find a rougher time maintaining a job or staying safe from vigilantes, abuse, and discrimination but white conservatives will be just fine, particularly white conservative men. The majority of Americans, so long as they pay attention to football instead of politics, won't even notice how the nation has changed.
There will still be Christmas parties, although people celebrating Hanukkah or Muslims praying may want to pull the shades closed.
Hate crimes and murders by vigilante groups start happening with such frequency that the media doesn't bother to report them anymore.
Within a few years a little bit of every business activity in the country ends up in The Leader's pocket. And The Leader uses that revenue to enrich himself, his inner circle, and those who are part of his military entourage, his private military.
That's right: The Leader's private military.
It'd be put together like what Ron DeSantis is organizing in Florida right now, a state-sanctioned militia that answers only to The Leader, in this case DeSantis. Trump tried the same in 2020, flying 700+ Customs and Border Protection and other federal officers into Portland where they hit the streets without identification on their uniforms to beat and kidnap people protesting George Floyd's murder.
When the private militia is created at the federal level it'll become a substantial national military force with hundreds of thousands of soldiers under The Leader's direct command. Hitler's was called the SS and answered only to The Leader himself. Mussolini and Franco had theirs, as Putin, Erdoğan, el-Sisi, bin Salman, and others do today.
Citing "national security," The Leader's private militia will have an undisclosed and therefore vast budget. Outside of times it's called on to intimidate people or make a public display of power, it'll largely operate in secret.
Its members won't have to obey the law because, as agents of The Leader who's above the law, they are, too. If they have to kill somebody, there will be no investigation unless it's to cover up the crime. If they need to make somebody disappear, that person disappears. At first it'll be done by stochastic terrorism: lone wolf actors not directly connected to The Leader but answering his general call to punish political evildoers.
Just ask Nancy Pelosi or Mike Pence.
The Leader's oligarch buddies and their media machine, along with his well-indoctrinated followers, promote a law-and-order crime ideology that results in high levels of incarceration, heavily militarized police, and a disregard for the general rights of the average citizen, particularly racial and religious minorities.
As "future dystopian" as all this may sound, there are more governments in the world run this way today than there are democracies. It's "normal."
Once established it's almost impossible to dislodge without a crisis like the death of The Leader or an actual revolution. Just ask any Russian. Or Spaniards who were alive in 1975.
Some of the governments around the world that are structured like this were democracies that turned fascist, like Russia, Turkey, and Hungary. But many have been this way for centuries, including the hereditary kingdoms in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
So, how do the democratic countries that make the transition to fascism allow that to happen? And what is life like in those countries, both during and after the time that it's happened?
We can't say we weren't warned by our own people, our own politicians, the most senior members of our own institutional power structure.
In a speech that was hysterically criticized by Republicans and Fox "News" pundits, President Obama in December of 2017 came right out and said it:
"You have to tend to this garden of democracy, otherwise things can fall apart fairly quickly. And we've seen societies where that happens."
Yes, the former President of the United States invoked Nazi Germany six years ago while Donald Trump was President, adding:
"Now, presumably, there was a ballroom in Vienna in the late 1920s or '30s that looked and seemed as if it ― filled with the music and art and literature and the science that was emerging ― would continue into perpetuity.
"And then," President Obama said, "60 million people died. And the entire world was plunged into chaos."
The warnings have been there all along. I wrote of this in 2005, quoting Mayer and going off on Bush and the PATRIOT Act as the prequel to fascism.
Americans have been shouting about it lately, in venues like The New York Times and Madeline Albright's book and from legislators like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
And now the President of the United States warns Americans that a fascist movement within our own nation is at our door, and will either be soundly defeated in the next election or will seize power and end our form of government:
"What we're seeing now is the beginning or the death knell of an extreme MAGA philosophy," Biden told a group of Democratic donors. "It's not just Trump, it's the entire philosophy that underpins the — I'm going to say something, it's like semi-fascism."
His comment got only a passing mention in the news.
But, still, how do we know? Is there a sudden proclamation by The Leader that the nation is now "officially fascist"?
After World War II, a Chicago reporter named Milton Mayer struggled to understand how Hitler was able to flip one of the world's most stable democracies into fascism.
An American Jew of German ancestry and a brilliant writer, Mayer went to Germany seven years after Hitler's fall and befriended 10 "average Germans," asking each how the Nazis rose to power in an otherwise civilized nation.
His book, They Thought They Were Free, is his story of that experience. Intertwined through it — first published in 1955 — are repeated overt and subtle warnings to future generations of Americans: to us, today.
A German professor who made it through the war by avoiding politics told Mayer:
"But of course this isn't the way it happens. In between come all the hundreds of little steps, some of them imperceptible, each of them preparing you not to be shocked by the next. Step C is not so much worse than Step B, and, if you did not make a stand at Step B, why should you at Step C? And so on to Step D.
"And one day, too late, your principles, if you were ever sensible of them, all rush in upon you. The burden of self-deception has grown too heavy, and some minor incident, in my case my little boy, hardly more than a baby, saying 'Jew swine,' collapses it all at once, and you see that everything, everything, has changed and changed completely under your nose."
In the next election, many of us will no longer be able to know if our voices, our attempts to vote, will actually decide who leads our nation.
Many Americans will show up at the polls to discover they are no longer registered to vote. Many of our mail-in ballots will be "challenged" by Republican vote observers and we won't learn about it until after the election is long over.
Five Republicans on the Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that you can be purged from the voting rolls on a whim. In the majority of US states Republicans can take over electoral precincts, install their people (as we just learned they are doing right now) and run them under whatever rules they want.
Already in some states when the GOP inflicts 10-hour lines to vote on people in Democratic districts, for example, and you go to jail if you bring them water. If you make a mistake on your voting registration or ballot, or help another person register to vote, in multiple Red states the governors can choose to send you to prison for five years or more.
Somehow, of the many people from both parties who are busted for this, it seems only the Democrats end up going to prison.
And yet everything seems "normal." As Mayer's professor friend told him, when the Leader finally seizes control of all the levers of power from political to economic to spiritual, everything changes but everything also stays the same:
"The world you live in — your nation, your people — is not the world you were in at all. The forms are all there, all untouched, all reassuring, the houses, the shops, the jobs, the mealtimes, the visits, the concerts, the cinema, the holidays.
"But the spirit, which you never noticed because you made the lifelong mistake of identifying it with the forms, is changed.
"Now you live in a world of hate and fear, and the people who hate and fear do not even know it themselves; when everyone is transformed, no one is transformed. Now you live in a system which rules without responsibility even to God."
We're already quite a ways down this road, which is why both our media and our democracy have been rated by numerous international groups as being "at risk" or similar designations.
Voter suppression, gerrymandering, the proliferation of phony media selling rightwing propaganda as "news," armed militias on our streets (and the GOP recruiting them for "election monitors") are the visible tip of the proverbial iceberg.
"How is this to be avoided, among ordinary men, even highly educated ordinary men?" Mayer's friend asked rhetorically.
And, without the benefit of a previous, recent, and well-remembered fascistic regime to refer to, Mayer had to candidly answer:
"Frankly, I do not know."
That was 1954; this is 2023. We now know.
We know how the poisonous hate that animates fascism seeps into a society because we saw it ourselves during the 4 years of the Trump administration.
We're watching it in Red states across the country as MAGA Republicans replace honorable Republicans like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger.
We know how easily a government can be toppled and how close we came on January 6, 2021: if just five Republicans hadn't refused to go along with Trump we'd be in this fascist dystopia today.
MAGA Republicans across the country are calling for a Franco-like government as you're reading these words. They believe so long as they're loyal to Leader and Party everything will be good for them and theirs, and, generally speaking, they're right.
As President Biden said last year:
"We can't take democracy for granted any longer. … Make no mistake. Democracy is on the ballot."
The only way we can avoid repeating the experience of Spain, Germany, Hungary, Russia, and Chile (among others) is to overwhelmingly repudiate — defeat — Trump's and the MAGA Republicans' movement at the polls.
And the first step to that is to wake up everybody we know.
Pass it on.
If you've seen Leopoldstadt, we're arguably someplace between Act III and Act IV -- with the power to give the play a happy ending.
And if you can afford to help, click here.
Sent from my iPad
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