At Lowes yesterday, in the parking lot here in NJ, I saw at nice big diesel F-150. Since cars and trucks from across the river in PA don't need front bumper license plates, one is free to place some creative artwork instead. Front plate area had a plate that said "Friends of Coal." My question was and is, "Is there some 'Asshole Friends Store' around where folks can get idiotic, fuck-you type merchandise for all brands of bullshit?" Maybe where we can get some "Friends of Pedophiles" or "Friends of Asshole and Nazis" gear? Oh, wait. There are. What are you accomplishing by highlighting your ignorance? "Better to be a quiet fool, than to open your mouth and prove it to everyone." Will Ferrell wore a good T-shirt on the Manning brothers game-cast last night that must be my problem. It said, "This is my First Rodeo."
It hit me hard when you said Donald’s base wanted someone on their level or below, not a person to look up to. That perfectly describes members of my family who take such glee in Donald’s insults, threats, and trashing of the Government and Media. It fits. I too am frustrated with the media with ignoring Donald’s dangerousness in favor of polls that mean nothing, Biden’s age without stating 45’s age. If I documented every time I slipped or tripped I wouldn’t get anything done.
Yes, of course. But easier said than done. I had a conversation with my 89 year old uncle during Drump’s reign where, after a question/statement about all “those illegal immigrants”, I said, “okay, stop. Stop right there. I’m gonna say one thing and one thing only and that’s as far as we’re gonna take this.” I then said, “taking children from their parents for ANY REASON and sending them away is absolutely not right and not American”. I’m not sure if the message got through or not, but that was the last we spoke “politics”.
---"Revisionist History Podcast", Season 8 Episode 1
---Rick Rubin in Conversation with Malcolm Gladwell
"What you believe in doesn’t have to be true. That doesn’t really matter. But belief has a power. Belief allows you to go farther than you thought you can go. There are voices that tell us we cannot do things and have learned we cannot do things, what is possible and what is impossible. If we accept what is possible and what is impossible then we cannot go beyond. If the wright brothers accepted, it was impossible for man to fly we still would not be flying. All of the great revolutions have happened because someone believed in something that everyone thought wasn’t possible."
We know the WWE wrestlers are actors, but millions still love watching this fake form of entertainment. The media, the Republicans love the Donald show for the ratings, the press, the belief that he and they are and are part of something greater than their reality.
Mary, thank you as always for telling truth to power and keeping it REAL for all of us!
While the new flag “trump or death” is deeply upsetting it is not the first of its kind. For years donald cultists here in Central IN have been flying black American flags. These stand for “Give No Quarter” which is a military term that means kill them all, take no prisoners. To put that in modern terms it would be “kill all non-donald cultists” or “kill all non-Republican Fascist Party members”. The right has been calling for everyone else’s death for years now. (I’m not making light of it. I take this call for death incredibly serious and have made note of which houses fly this heinous call for murdering their fellow Americans.)
One way to approach the new flag is to flip the meaning. I was recently shown it by someone who was proudly adamant about flying it from their front porch until I casually said “well, okay, if that’s how you feel but wouldn’t your family miss you?” It took a few minutes for that to sink in but once it did the look of uncertainty was worth the wait. No doubt they’ll come up with something more explicit and threatening but for now that specific flag isn’t yet on their porch.
Mary, I realize this is a tad off topic but you're the perfect person to ask this question of. You referred to your uncle as "cognitively impaired ". That definition could apply to many in the over 60-something age group. Hopefully you won't disagree with this, it is, IMHO, the poster child of understatement when referring to Donald. To me, the labeling of Donald with a very serious psychiatric condition is far more disqualifying as a contender for potus than he's brutish or vindictive or generally an asshole. It's far more dangerous than Narcissus gazing into a pond and falling in love with his reflection and having characteristics shared by Mr Bundy. Also, IMHO, he is a clear and present danger that should be nowhere near the Oval or the "football ". BTW, we really enjoyed your books! ☮️
Mary you are clear eyed and understand not only your ill uncle but the likes of Bannon, Mercers, Harlan Crow, Steven Miller and the ill informed and fascists who love this depravity and blindly follow along.
We need to remain vigilant and teach our children, and have them teach their children what democracy requires from its citizens to be healthy. For too long most Americans have been complacent. We cannot remain calm and inactive. We have to teach Civics in elementary, middle and high schools. It should be a requirement.
Thank you, Dr. Trump, for your commitment to empathy for and responsibility to humanity. In reference to your not knowing "what it is about the lives of those who continue to champion or at least tolerate Donald and this party," I hope you will consider the works of my friend and mentor cognitive scientist, linguist, and progressive activist https://george-lakoff.com. You may find his insights to the differences of the progressive and conservative brain helpful in your practice and advocacy. You can also find him at his FrameLab Substack. You may find his work empowering in helping you to bring out The Good in Us. Thanks again.
“Lying Press” (i.e. “Lügenpresse”) was the rant used by German fascists on their way to power early in the last century. Use of this term is diagnostic of a wannabe Nazi.
At Lowes yesterday, in the parking lot here in NJ, I saw at nice big diesel F-150. Since cars and trucks from across the river in PA don't need front bumper license plates, one is free to place some creative artwork instead. Front plate area had a plate that said "Friends of Coal." My question was and is, "Is there some 'Asshole Friends Store' around where folks can get idiotic, fuck-you type merchandise for all brands of bullshit?" Maybe where we can get some "Friends of Pedophiles" or "Friends of Asshole and Nazis" gear? Oh, wait. There are. What are you accomplishing by highlighting your ignorance? "Better to be a quiet fool, than to open your mouth and prove it to everyone." Will Ferrell wore a good T-shirt on the Manning brothers game-cast last night that must be my problem. It said, "This is my First Rodeo."
Sometimes I read what is going on in US politics, and I just despair...
It hit me hard when you said Donald’s base wanted someone on their level or below, not a person to look up to. That perfectly describes members of my family who take such glee in Donald’s insults, threats, and trashing of the Government and Media. It fits. I too am frustrated with the media with ignoring Donald’s dangerousness in favor of polls that mean nothing, Biden’s age without stating 45’s age. If I documented every time I slipped or tripped I wouldn’t get anything done.
Thank you Mary - You are the beacon of light in the darkness - Bless you.
“Donald is a fraud.” He’s deceiving his followers.
The only people who benefit from him are millionaires and billionaires.
He doesn’t care about people who need to work to earn a living. Please feel free to use my words. Best to leave my name out.
“Recently, ‘Trump or Death’ flags started making an appearance. Now, what?”
Well, they’re asking for it. They won’t be missed.
Yes, of course. But easier said than done. I had a conversation with my 89 year old uncle during Drump’s reign where, after a question/statement about all “those illegal immigrants”, I said, “okay, stop. Stop right there. I’m gonna say one thing and one thing only and that’s as far as we’re gonna take this.” I then said, “taking children from their parents for ANY REASON and sending them away is absolutely not right and not American”. I’m not sure if the message got through or not, but that was the last we spoke “politics”.
---"Revisionist History Podcast", Season 8 Episode 1
---Rick Rubin in Conversation with Malcolm Gladwell
"What you believe in doesn’t have to be true. That doesn’t really matter. But belief has a power. Belief allows you to go farther than you thought you can go. There are voices that tell us we cannot do things and have learned we cannot do things, what is possible and what is impossible. If we accept what is possible and what is impossible then we cannot go beyond. If the wright brothers accepted, it was impossible for man to fly we still would not be flying. All of the great revolutions have happened because someone believed in something that everyone thought wasn’t possible."
We know the WWE wrestlers are actors, but millions still love watching this fake form of entertainment. The media, the Republicans love the Donald show for the ratings, the press, the belief that he and they are and are part of something greater than their reality.
Mary, thank you as always for telling truth to power and keeping it REAL for all of us!
I shared 5x with Twitter. Keep These Coming: Truth And Reality Penetrates Lies and Grift. Your Fan John
While the new flag “trump or death” is deeply upsetting it is not the first of its kind. For years donald cultists here in Central IN have been flying black American flags. These stand for “Give No Quarter” which is a military term that means kill them all, take no prisoners. To put that in modern terms it would be “kill all non-donald cultists” or “kill all non-Republican Fascist Party members”. The right has been calling for everyone else’s death for years now. (I’m not making light of it. I take this call for death incredibly serious and have made note of which houses fly this heinous call for murdering their fellow Americans.)
One way to approach the new flag is to flip the meaning. I was recently shown it by someone who was proudly adamant about flying it from their front porch until I casually said “well, okay, if that’s how you feel but wouldn’t your family miss you?” It took a few minutes for that to sink in but once it did the look of uncertainty was worth the wait. No doubt they’ll come up with something more explicit and threatening but for now that specific flag isn’t yet on their porch.
Mary, I realize this is a tad off topic but you're the perfect person to ask this question of. You referred to your uncle as "cognitively impaired ". That definition could apply to many in the over 60-something age group. Hopefully you won't disagree with this, it is, IMHO, the poster child of understatement when referring to Donald. To me, the labeling of Donald with a very serious psychiatric condition is far more disqualifying as a contender for potus than he's brutish or vindictive or generally an asshole. It's far more dangerous than Narcissus gazing into a pond and falling in love with his reflection and having characteristics shared by Mr Bundy. Also, IMHO, he is a clear and present danger that should be nowhere near the Oval or the "football ". BTW, we really enjoyed your books! ☮️
Did congress sneak in a raise for themselves?
Love this and you, thank you!
Burning It Down IS What They WANT.
Mary you are clear eyed and understand not only your ill uncle but the likes of Bannon, Mercers, Harlan Crow, Steven Miller and the ill informed and fascists who love this depravity and blindly follow along.
We need to remain vigilant and teach our children, and have them teach their children what democracy requires from its citizens to be healthy. For too long most Americans have been complacent. We cannot remain calm and inactive. We have to teach Civics in elementary, middle and high schools. It should be a requirement.
Keep up the good work and again, Thank YOU.
Thank you, Dr. Trump, for your commitment to empathy for and responsibility to humanity. In reference to your not knowing "what it is about the lives of those who continue to champion or at least tolerate Donald and this party," I hope you will consider the works of my friend and mentor cognitive scientist, linguist, and progressive activist https://george-lakoff.com. You may find his insights to the differences of the progressive and conservative brain helpful in your practice and advocacy. You can also find him at his FrameLab Substack. You may find his work empowering in helping you to bring out The Good in Us. Thanks again.
A reminder:
“Lying Press” (i.e. “Lügenpresse”) was the rant used by German fascists on their way to power early in the last century. Use of this term is diagnostic of a wannabe Nazi.