While truth is somewhat subjective, there are still objective realities that combine to create solid versions of truth. You do this so well, Charlie! I am heartbroken, angry and disgusted. But I am not passive. I was heartened by the nationwide protests today. (I worked, but many relatives and friends participated - including in the frigid air of the upper Midwest.) There are more coming, as well as various boycotts meant to harm (if only temporarily) the complicit. I write, I call, I post, I talk, I will not give up. Whether it makes a difference or not, we can still choose to behave with courage and a sense of ethics, because this is who we choose to be. And I am grateful for the Substack communities that encourage each other and give voice to our deepest feelings.
I don't think it is a "better than this" moment in fact. I'm writing in haste so hope someone will articulate my thought better than I'm about to, but the child telling Trump to shush and then decorating the Resolute desk with the contents of his nose is emblematic of this moment in history. The lack of respect for traditions and the office of the president, if not the current holder of that office. The ignorant willingness to despoil and disfigure all that we hold dear through these 249 years of our Republic. The disrespect and disregard for the rules that form the boundaries and foundarion of our communities. Musk's child is being brought up with a reverance and respect for nothing and no one, as is clear both from his presence and from the way he was allowed to behave. To me, therefore, this moment captures, in ironic palimpsest, with the person of Trump being the target of the disrespect just as Trump himself has disrespected the United States, a future in which, if it unfolds as it has started, the United States of old becomes merely the desk on which the oligarchs unburden their nostrils, leaving the gooey detritus as a reminder of what we have lost.
The booger story is wonderful. Thanks for sharing, a respite from the madness. I'm fantasizing a convo between Trump and Elon in which Elon defends his kids and threatens Trump with being X-ed out. That would be beautiful, Elon attempting his own coup against Trump. My money (and his) would be on Elon.
When I look at that photograph of Musk's mini-me, I can't help but think about how f***ed up that poor child will be as he grows up. Can you imagine growing up and knowing you're the subject of that famous picture? He should never have been exposed to that situation. And at four he is spouting the same nastiness that's probably directed at him. He'll probably be every bit as damaged as Trump was by his family.
Everyday daggers hit my heart when I read of some horrific things 47 is doing or has recently ordered that I missed. I read all day long about the destruction of our country but I can’t keep up! All of it is heartbreaking 💔
Ok but what it is about conservatism that got us to this point? I have voted since Nixon. I watched as conservatives lost the culture wars. Was nothing learned? And re government - don't most voters support Social Security? And locally don't most support local public schools?
So isn't conservatism as it exists a pile of horseshit?
Thus, lie to the rubes to get their votes then move on?
Thank you, Mr. Sykes, for providing a link to Ms. Sassoon's memo to the Attorney General. It is, indeed, and excellent read. This is what I expect from a professional and competent federal prosecutor; logical, well-supported, and clear. It will be our loss if Ms. Sassoon and many equally competent federal prosecutors make the ultimate decision to resign.
This was truly the most pitiful display and iconic moment for DJT’s presidency.
While truth is somewhat subjective, there are still objective realities that combine to create solid versions of truth. You do this so well, Charlie! I am heartbroken, angry and disgusted. But I am not passive. I was heartened by the nationwide protests today. (I worked, but many relatives and friends participated - including in the frigid air of the upper Midwest.) There are more coming, as well as various boycotts meant to harm (if only temporarily) the complicit. I write, I call, I post, I talk, I will not give up. Whether it makes a difference or not, we can still choose to behave with courage and a sense of ethics, because this is who we choose to be. And I am grateful for the Substack communities that encourage each other and give voice to our deepest feelings.
It’s notable that X is better dressed than Elon!
Kamala Harris told Trump Putin and others were laughing at him but they're laughing at all of us now.
I don't think it is a "better than this" moment in fact. I'm writing in haste so hope someone will articulate my thought better than I'm about to, but the child telling Trump to shush and then decorating the Resolute desk with the contents of his nose is emblematic of this moment in history. The lack of respect for traditions and the office of the president, if not the current holder of that office. The ignorant willingness to despoil and disfigure all that we hold dear through these 249 years of our Republic. The disrespect and disregard for the rules that form the boundaries and foundarion of our communities. Musk's child is being brought up with a reverance and respect for nothing and no one, as is clear both from his presence and from the way he was allowed to behave. To me, therefore, this moment captures, in ironic palimpsest, with the person of Trump being the target of the disrespect just as Trump himself has disrespected the United States, a future in which, if it unfolds as it has started, the United States of old becomes merely the desk on which the oligarchs unburden their nostrils, leaving the gooey detritus as a reminder of what we have lost.
The brat spoke more sense from behind the desk than the orange clown will ever speak.
And the brat spoke no sense at all.
This is gold-no pun intended🤣🤣🤣
The booger story is wonderful. Thanks for sharing, a respite from the madness. I'm fantasizing a convo between Trump and Elon in which Elon defends his kids and threatens Trump with being X-ed out. That would be beautiful, Elon attempting his own coup against Trump. My money (and his) would be on Elon.
Nose picking, finger in the ear and elsewhere, the Musk new line of designer uniform of Oval Office decorum .
https://youtu.be/EJR1H5tf5wE?si=n97smPMIcQfNV5PW
When I look at that photograph of Musk's mini-me, I can't help but think about how f***ed up that poor child will be as he grows up. Can you imagine growing up and knowing you're the subject of that famous picture? He should never have been exposed to that situation. And at four he is spouting the same nastiness that's probably directed at him. He'll probably be every bit as damaged as Trump was by his family.
Everyday daggers hit my heart when I read of some horrific things 47 is doing or has recently ordered that I missed. I read all day long about the destruction of our country but I can’t keep up! All of it is heartbreaking 💔
I'm not better than this either.
I used to be...
Hard to believe its not even a month.
Don't think we can survive 24 of them.
PS my poem.of choice here is Second Coming, Yeats.
So much manure passing through the rotating blades!
I feel that the most shameful episode is the Impending Munich-level betrayal of Ukraine.
Likely the Germans won’t allow Trump and Putin to disgrace that town again.
They might have to settle for Yalta!
Ok but what it is about conservatism that got us to this point? I have voted since Nixon. I watched as conservatives lost the culture wars. Was nothing learned? And re government - don't most voters support Social Security? And locally don't most support local public schools?
So isn't conservatism as it exists a pile of horseshit?
Thus, lie to the rubes to get their votes then move on?
Thank you, Mr. Sykes, for providing a link to Ms. Sassoon's memo to the Attorney General. It is, indeed, and excellent read. This is what I expect from a professional and competent federal prosecutor; logical, well-supported, and clear. It will be our loss if Ms. Sassoon and many equally competent federal prosecutors make the ultimate decision to resign.
RIP, this glorious superpower. Not even a month.