Which says about 1/3 of voting-eligible Americans failed to vote (a higher number than registered voters; higher percents of registered voters have been voting and the number of registered voters has been increasing steadily too, with lots of new voters as they turn 18). Maybe the more significant number, though, was the several million Biden voters who apparently did not vote at all in 2024.
As Ruth Ben-Ghiat says, one of the first tasks of a strong man is to make corruption and crime safe -- at least for his followers. They are also following the playbook of Curtis Yarvin. He invented the "RAGE" approach and other takeover strategies. "RAGE" stands for "Retire All Government Employees." Thiel, Vance, Bannon and Musk are Yarvin disciples.
I respect Angus King. He voted with Schumer. He posted his reasoning on his website. I disagree with him but he's the one with the experience and information and thinks it was the better of two evils. I hope he's right.
Both stances make sense. If we are honest, I think there was no clear right or wrong. What we do need to do at this point is figure out what it means to fight back effectively as Rome burns, even if we do not always agree on the day-to-day decisions. We also need to know what we are fighting FOR. I’d like to believe that we are fighting for the survival of our Constitution. Let’s unite on this, rather than shredding each other to bits over the particulars. Please.
I am not a leftist. I'm an independent who almost always voted 3rd party with a couple exceptions for a Republican here and a Democrat there. Your premise for this article is highly questionable. And the party that would be responsible for shutting the government down would be the Republicans, since they control the executive and legislative branches of government. Schumer and nine other Democratic Senators were weak and wrong. Full stop.
And, because this is Trump, it became deeply weird, as he compared the attacks against him to those faced “the great Alphonse Capone, the legendary Scarface.”
Whether or not this was good politics or bad politics, only the future will tell us. However, one thing that it did prove is Chuck Schumer is the wrong person to be the leader of the Democrats in the Senate. He saw what Mitch McConnell did during the first 6 years of the Obama administration and failed to do the same thing during this administration. The brand is toxic to most Americans, like it or not. This is a country that seemingly thinks it is better to be "strong and wrong" rather than "right, but weak." Unless the Democrats put in someone who projects strength, we are doomed to be run roughshod over by the party that does have 3 full time echo chambers approving any/everything that "Fearless Leader" says and does. Being "normal" at this stage of America is not a prudent strategy.
The thing I keep in mind is that Trump/Musk and the Banana Republicans are only two procedural votes away from changing the rules of cloture (the filibuster) so that it won't apply to any CR because the rationale would be that a CR represents a critical stabilizing tool until a budget can be negotiated.
"The Schumer Shutdown" would become viral everywhere, regurgitated by the media and Republicans are already in the mindset that they don't care how much damage can be done as long as it can be attached to the Democrats. This means the shutdown could have gone on for months, not just days or weeks, until Democrats surrendered anyway to stop the bleeding.
And a government shut down would also give Trump/Musk even more tools and opportunities with which to vandalize the government.
Friday's disgusting display at The Department of Justice was nothing more than a trump rally. A sad, sick rally. Thank you for the pictures of the boys!
Republicans are excellent at politics. Democrats do well with policy and governance. This was one of those knives to a gunfight things, where the Dems just didn't have the courage or the guns to fight for a negotiation. I think the Dems need to hire Never Trump Republican political consultants to teach them game. Friday was a sad, sad day.
If the government is shutdown for an extended period, can the President declare Marshal Law and fund the government? Who knows!
Which says about 1/3 of voting-eligible Americans failed to vote (a higher number than registered voters; higher percents of registered voters have been voting and the number of registered voters has been increasing steadily too, with lots of new voters as they turn 18). Maybe the more significant number, though, was the several million Biden voters who apparently did not vote at all in 2024.
As Ruth Ben-Ghiat says, one of the first tasks of a strong man is to make corruption and crime safe -- at least for his followers. They are also following the playbook of Curtis Yarvin. He invented the "RAGE" approach and other takeover strategies. "RAGE" stands for "Retire All Government Employees." Thiel, Vance, Bannon and Musk are Yarvin disciples.
Ah, so Charlie is honest! (I knew that). I thought Josh got the "penumbra of fear" phrase from YOU. Evidently not. Fabulous phrase.
I respect Angus King. He voted with Schumer. He posted his reasoning on his website. I disagree with him but he's the one with the experience and information and thinks it was the better of two evils. I hope he's right.
Thanks Charlie. Oy such times. I can’t believe it. Hug your doggies for all of us followers. Stay sane.♥️
Many years ago, I read a Robert Heinlein book titled: I Will Fear No Evil. It’s a futuristic look at what a society could become.
At that time, it was a fantasy.. … but now, it seems to be coming true.
Scary as hell!
Both stances make sense. If we are honest, I think there was no clear right or wrong. What we do need to do at this point is figure out what it means to fight back effectively as Rome burns, even if we do not always agree on the day-to-day decisions. We also need to know what we are fighting FOR. I’d like to believe that we are fighting for the survival of our Constitution. Let’s unite on this, rather than shredding each other to bits over the particulars. Please.
I think the problem is we see no democratic leader ship standing up to lead anywhere but down. With few exceptions. And no plan.
This was my comment for Joe Kein...
I am not a leftist. I'm an independent who almost always voted 3rd party with a couple exceptions for a Republican here and a Democrat there. Your premise for this article is highly questionable. And the party that would be responsible for shutting the government down would be the Republicans, since they control the executive and legislative branches of government. Schumer and nine other Democratic Senators were weak and wrong. Full stop.
And, because this is Trump, it became deeply weird, as he compared the attacks against him to those faced “the great Alphonse Capone, the legendary Scarface.”
At least he is comparing himself to peers.
Whether or not this was good politics or bad politics, only the future will tell us. However, one thing that it did prove is Chuck Schumer is the wrong person to be the leader of the Democrats in the Senate. He saw what Mitch McConnell did during the first 6 years of the Obama administration and failed to do the same thing during this administration. The brand is toxic to most Americans, like it or not. This is a country that seemingly thinks it is better to be "strong and wrong" rather than "right, but weak." Unless the Democrats put in someone who projects strength, we are doomed to be run roughshod over by the party that does have 3 full time echo chambers approving any/everything that "Fearless Leader" says and does. Being "normal" at this stage of America is not a prudent strategy.
Mike Brock is a hell of a writer. The Bulwark should recruit him.
The thing I keep in mind is that Trump/Musk and the Banana Republicans are only two procedural votes away from changing the rules of cloture (the filibuster) so that it won't apply to any CR because the rationale would be that a CR represents a critical stabilizing tool until a budget can be negotiated.
"The Schumer Shutdown" would become viral everywhere, regurgitated by the media and Republicans are already in the mindset that they don't care how much damage can be done as long as it can be attached to the Democrats. This means the shutdown could have gone on for months, not just days or weeks, until Democrats surrendered anyway to stop the bleeding.
And a government shut down would also give Trump/Musk even more tools and opportunities with which to vandalize the government.
Donald J. Trump is waging war against American democracy;
A perpetual “Ruling Party” versus “Opposition Party”.
The fascism IS REAL and it is American.
Every MAGA accusation is really a confession.
Trump HAS WEAPONIZED THE DOJ!
The oath is “without fear or favor”.
Trump’s rule is “ONLY fear and favor”.
This is 110% Full-Blown FASCISM.
It is not "if".
I am telling you that you have already picked a side.
Friday's disgusting display at The Department of Justice was nothing more than a trump rally. A sad, sick rally. Thank you for the pictures of the boys!
Republicans are excellent at politics. Democrats do well with policy and governance. This was one of those knives to a gunfight things, where the Dems just didn't have the courage or the guns to fight for a negotiation. I think the Dems need to hire Never Trump Republican political consultants to teach them game. Friday was a sad, sad day.
Agreed!!!!!