Quick hits on today's offering -- kinda meh, as in "heard it before, whatcha gonna do?".
1) It isn't that those on the left lack anger. It is that they realize that the power of decision has been taken from them, in a system that rewards winners disproportionately. (I'm tired of hearing the word "mandate," as if it were a black-and-white …
Quick hits on today's offering -- kinda meh, as in "heard it before, whatcha gonna do?".
1) It isn't that those on the left lack anger. It is that they realize that the power of decision has been taken from them, in a system that rewards winners disproportionately. (I'm tired of hearing the word "mandate," as if it were a black-and-white 90-10 outcome, when instead it was a close presidential victory with a narrowly divided Congress and tens of millions of citizen taxpayers wanting something else). Regardless of the merits, people collectively voted for change, so that is what we all will get. The guardrails all are down now. They are okay with that. Likewise it's okay to admit that we will collectively have to deal with the fallout of it. America chose willingly to touch the hot stove. It now must feel the heat and accept the burn.
2) Like all of you, I've given this a lot of thought, and I've come around to JVL's stated position on it. There are issues that warrant taking to the streets to protest if necessary, but regarding cabinet appointments and other things that fall into the realm of the prerogative of the winners, let them burn it down if that is what they choose. But make them own it, and do not help them to reassemble or give them an exit ramp from accountability. They wanted total power. Now they will get it. They need to accept all the consequences of that. Do not help them out of that posture, even if we all must suffer some measure of hardship as American looks to Argentina and El Salvador for inspiration rather than the best and brightest within. The only way to get rid of MAGA now is to let MAGA alienate as many people as possible, with no one else to hide behind as an excuse. Buyer's remorse is now the name of the game.
3) Not sure that the current great economy thing will work for MAGA as well as people expect. I've heard from many who say that they are going into a shell on personal spending, with so much insecurity about the future, politically and otherwise (including not wanting to "reward" MAGA supporters for the win). Necessary spending only in a time of caution -- also passive resistance economically. I can see a recession on the horizon in about two years, just in time for the next midterm elections. If the game isn't rigged by then, backlash to the established order is likely.
4) Similarly not sure how many times we all have to say it, but apparently still more ... if Russia is openly applauding DJT's cabinet appointments, they are not in America's best interests. Simple math, for those who take the time to think it through and figure it out.
Musk said there is going be some really bad years in the beginning but it will work out (for the rich) after that. One would think that some really bad years would get the Republicans voted out, but maybe part of those really bad years will be elections are canceled.
Trump's admininstration could ride the high for a year or two, and massively inflate the deficit with locked in policies like tax cuts and personal changes for the next administration to inherit.
I think the most effective way to make MAGAs own it, would be for Democrats to put out a unified official statement on each nominee, and every member should stick to that exact script during press interviews and town halls, etc. The “broken record” technique from the 70s ‘assertiveness training’.
Well said. As to point one: in Trump’s world, 50.2% of the popular vote is a landslide for the pretender.
2: I agree, we need to choose and pick our battles wisely. False moves, only strengthen his hand, and lets him own the libs.
3: I agree, depending on his tariff and deportation policies, and how expansive they are will determine how long before he leads us right into a major recession that could lead to stagflation: no GDP growth and high unemployment.
4: Trump’s cabinet appointee’s were never going to be in America’s best interests. It’s essentially a big middle finger to the administration state, and lets America know he is in command.
I believe our best offense this point is no defense, until his administration becomes entirely unambiguous; in regard to his actions and policies. Until then, I think we should watch, listen, and learn. Build a winning strategy, then pounce when the timing is right!
Yes!! I think economic resistance is key. I have taught my children and taunted my mil that shopping is a political act. Whenever possible, I buy at the local thrift store, and I get groceries from the local organic farmers coop that respects and cares for their workers. I buy my coffee at local shops, never at Starbucks. The large corporations who think they can survive and thrive in this environment can be punished while we direct money to our local communities and help them thrive.
The main ad I see when watching Bulwark and a couple further right videos on youtube is for Temu. The U.S. has the largest number of Temu app downloads. Americans love their cheap stuff, I don't really see enough people protesting like that to make a difference unless the tariffs go into effect.
Yes! That has been my plan since September. I stocked up on essentials during the Biden economy and I will cease discretionary spending during the Trump economy. As a mass movement of passive resistance, I think it could be powerful. Will we be sent to,prison for not spending money?
Yes, that is where we collectively have the most power to resist and force change -- with our purses and wallets. If enough people adjust their spending habits to the new reality of so much uncertainty and insecurity, both business and politicians will have to listen. We have a certain measure of control over their bottom line -- if we choose to use it. Accordingly, everyone, spend wisely and thoughtfully, with an eye toward what message you want to send to those who ran on the economy being so important.
Only half kidding. We SHOULD avoid the products from the companies of the big Republican donors wherever possible. Not always possible to know which these are or to find alternatives. But we should try. Uline products are among those to avoid.
I so agree with all those who have written in the comments about spending less and spending it more carefully, supporting local small business and farmers, etc.
I'm in the same camp, as I mentioned in an earlier comment. I plan to pick my battles much more carefully this time around. I'm fortunate that if basic commodities rise because of the economic turmoil that's bound to happen, I can weather it. Many of Trump's voters may not be so lucky.
All choices have consequences; I no longer see any purpose in warning of the dangers to those who choose not to listen. We often learn the hardest life lessons only when we're *not* protected from the consequences of our decisions.
I'm also moving very much into saving rather than spending mode. Completely easy decision for me to do whatever I can to protect and conserve my resources in the current climate.
The discussion that is long overdue in our culture is about how many people who claim that the economy is lousy and inflation is destroying them in fact did not do enough personally to position themselves to weather the storm. I see lots of folks who overspent for years on fun stuff no less than necessities, running up credit card debt and interest payments in kicking the can down the road, to the point of having garages that function largely as storage units, full of junk that they no longer need or use. (People from elsewhere like to say that the behavior is "so American.") They also do not do without what they really want, packing airports and planes and highways for recreational travel, dining out regularly, going to ball games, picking up the latest tech devices instead of making due with what they have, and other things that are not necessities like those eggs that they say were so important at the ballot box. As long as politicians have no magic wand, that too is a factor, and part of the choices-and-consequences issue. Then there is the impact of the free market economy, rather than politics, on pricing. But that is another discussion for another time, albeit just as relevant.
The economy was so bad, Trump was grifting his base to the tune of hundreds of millions a year—mostly to pay his legal fees. We had record consumer spending on goods and services. The stock market reached record levels; over fifty times. And wages increasing faster than inflation for the first time in 50 years.
Yup, I’m sure Trump can do better; he can’t but he’ll take credit for Biden’s performance, while trying to destroy all of his policies, and as long as Biden’s economy can hold up through Trump’s destructive policies, he’ll take full credit, and the “sheeple” will cheer and call the anointed one a miracle worker (eye roll).
The bottom line is many people who struggled under Biden, had also suffered under Trump. It’s all about messaging.
The democrats need their Correctional Captain from the movie “Cool Hand Luke”: “what we have here, is a failure to communicate!”
Plus, we need new, and young blood. No more politicians who play by the rules. This is why we lose, we always appear weak, because we are very deliberate when using the levers of presidential power. IMHO!…:)
I think that, to make them own it, as your second point says, one needs to point it out in the upcoming confirmation hearings loud and clear with good questioning of the nominees and spirited discussion in the sessions, some of which will be, or should be, at least partially shown live. Not that MAGA nuts will watch, but others will and that will spread the "they brought it, bought it and own it" requirement for the future.
You honestly think he’s going to have hearings? Never!
He’ll call a recess of Congress and force the SC to defy him. He’s watching how his own party reacts, and then he’ll be taking names, to punish anyone who challenges his authority, and gets out of line.
We dealing with a real life Carman from South Park! A petulant and vengeful ten year old, and everyone must respect his authority!..:)
David, it’s not defeatism. I’m not giving up, but I will pick my battles wisely.
I personally do not believe Trump will allow a hearing for his slew of unqualified, walking, talking disasters. He will challenge everyone to reel him in.
You need only understand this man’s pathology. He’s a sadist who wants to bring this entire nation to heel. In the words of Sun Tzu:
“Know thy enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles, you will never be defeated”
That’s all I’m saying David! We continually underestimate the guy, and all the people who support him; especially the billionaires.
Robert, I, too, think one needs to resist wisely. I just think that resistance needs to start at the beginning to show it will not be a cakewalk. It can taper off thereafter, but, as the saying after the Holocaust says, Fight the Beginning.
We can start from the beginning, but going after his cabinet nominees will work against us. I just believe this isn’t the hill we want to die on. Let’s watch, learn, and strategize, and pounce when the opportunity presents itself.
Robert, I said nothing about dying on this hill. I said fight the beginning, show them what is wrong, but don't stop the process (which we really can't effectively anyway), and then let them die on the hills of their own making.
Yes, point it out by all means ... but then sit back and say "But this is what the people chose to empower, so they need to accept the results. Remember that if it doesn't end well." The verbs are object and brand -- express opposition but demand accountability. The political ads will write themselves over time as long as gravity flows downward -- "HEY -- Had Enough Yet?".
I mentioned this is another comment but I'll leave it here as well: that message ain't gonna work. James Carville offered 'betrayal'. "Donald Trump promises to make voters' lives better and he betrayed them." It takes the responsibility off the voter and puts it on Trump
Quick hits on today's offering -- kinda meh, as in "heard it before, whatcha gonna do?".
1) It isn't that those on the left lack anger. It is that they realize that the power of decision has been taken from them, in a system that rewards winners disproportionately. (I'm tired of hearing the word "mandate," as if it were a black-and-white 90-10 outcome, when instead it was a close presidential victory with a narrowly divided Congress and tens of millions of citizen taxpayers wanting something else). Regardless of the merits, people collectively voted for change, so that is what we all will get. The guardrails all are down now. They are okay with that. Likewise it's okay to admit that we will collectively have to deal with the fallout of it. America chose willingly to touch the hot stove. It now must feel the heat and accept the burn.
2) Like all of you, I've given this a lot of thought, and I've come around to JVL's stated position on it. There are issues that warrant taking to the streets to protest if necessary, but regarding cabinet appointments and other things that fall into the realm of the prerogative of the winners, let them burn it down if that is what they choose. But make them own it, and do not help them to reassemble or give them an exit ramp from accountability. They wanted total power. Now they will get it. They need to accept all the consequences of that. Do not help them out of that posture, even if we all must suffer some measure of hardship as American looks to Argentina and El Salvador for inspiration rather than the best and brightest within. The only way to get rid of MAGA now is to let MAGA alienate as many people as possible, with no one else to hide behind as an excuse. Buyer's remorse is now the name of the game.
3) Not sure that the current great economy thing will work for MAGA as well as people expect. I've heard from many who say that they are going into a shell on personal spending, with so much insecurity about the future, politically and otherwise (including not wanting to "reward" MAGA supporters for the win). Necessary spending only in a time of caution -- also passive resistance economically. I can see a recession on the horizon in about two years, just in time for the next midterm elections. If the game isn't rigged by then, backlash to the established order is likely.
4) Similarly not sure how many times we all have to say it, but apparently still more ... if Russia is openly applauding DJT's cabinet appointments, they are not in America's best interests. Simple math, for those who take the time to think it through and figure it out.
Musk said there is going be some really bad years in the beginning but it will work out (for the rich) after that. One would think that some really bad years would get the Republicans voted out, but maybe part of those really bad years will be elections are canceled.
Trump's admininstration could ride the high for a year or two, and massively inflate the deficit with locked in policies like tax cuts and personal changes for the next administration to inherit.
Totally agree
Key takeaway: MAKE. THEM. OWN. IT.
Total agreement, Deutsch! As Colin Powell would say,"you broke, you own it" ( the lesson of pottery)
Absotively.
I think the most effective way to make MAGAs own it, would be for Democrats to put out a unified official statement on each nominee, and every member should stick to that exact script during press interviews and town halls, etc. The “broken record” technique from the 70s ‘assertiveness training’.
Well said. As to point one: in Trump’s world, 50.2% of the popular vote is a landslide for the pretender.
2: I agree, we need to choose and pick our battles wisely. False moves, only strengthen his hand, and lets him own the libs.
3: I agree, depending on his tariff and deportation policies, and how expansive they are will determine how long before he leads us right into a major recession that could lead to stagflation: no GDP growth and high unemployment.
4: Trump’s cabinet appointee’s were never going to be in America’s best interests. It’s essentially a big middle finger to the administration state, and lets America know he is in command.
I believe our best offense this point is no defense, until his administration becomes entirely unambiguous; in regard to his actions and policies. Until then, I think we should watch, listen, and learn. Build a winning strategy, then pounce when the timing is right!
IMHO!..:)
Yes!! I think economic resistance is key. I have taught my children and taunted my mil that shopping is a political act. Whenever possible, I buy at the local thrift store, and I get groceries from the local organic farmers coop that respects and cares for their workers. I buy my coffee at local shops, never at Starbucks. The large corporations who think they can survive and thrive in this environment can be punished while we direct money to our local communities and help them thrive.
The main ad I see when watching Bulwark and a couple further right videos on youtube is for Temu. The U.S. has the largest number of Temu app downloads. Americans love their cheap stuff, I don't really see enough people protesting like that to make a difference unless the tariffs go into effect.
Yes! That has been my plan since September. I stocked up on essentials during the Biden economy and I will cease discretionary spending during the Trump economy. As a mass movement of passive resistance, I think it could be powerful. Will we be sent to,prison for not spending money?
Yes, that is where we collectively have the most power to resist and force change -- with our purses and wallets. If enough people adjust their spending habits to the new reality of so much uncertainty and insecurity, both business and politicians will have to listen. We have a certain measure of control over their bottom line -- if we choose to use it. Accordingly, everyone, spend wisely and thoughtfully, with an eye toward what message you want to send to those who ran on the economy being so important.
NO NEW PILLOWS!!!
Send a message to Mike Lindell! ;-)
Only half kidding. We SHOULD avoid the products from the companies of the big Republican donors wherever possible. Not always possible to know which these are or to find alternatives. But we should try. Uline products are among those to avoid.
I so agree with all those who have written in the comments about spending less and spending it more carefully, supporting local small business and farmers, etc.
I'm in the same camp, as I mentioned in an earlier comment. I plan to pick my battles much more carefully this time around. I'm fortunate that if basic commodities rise because of the economic turmoil that's bound to happen, I can weather it. Many of Trump's voters may not be so lucky.
All choices have consequences; I no longer see any purpose in warning of the dangers to those who choose not to listen. We often learn the hardest life lessons only when we're *not* protected from the consequences of our decisions.
I'm also moving very much into saving rather than spending mode. Completely easy decision for me to do whatever I can to protect and conserve my resources in the current climate.
The discussion that is long overdue in our culture is about how many people who claim that the economy is lousy and inflation is destroying them in fact did not do enough personally to position themselves to weather the storm. I see lots of folks who overspent for years on fun stuff no less than necessities, running up credit card debt and interest payments in kicking the can down the road, to the point of having garages that function largely as storage units, full of junk that they no longer need or use. (People from elsewhere like to say that the behavior is "so American.") They also do not do without what they really want, packing airports and planes and highways for recreational travel, dining out regularly, going to ball games, picking up the latest tech devices instead of making due with what they have, and other things that are not necessities like those eggs that they say were so important at the ballot box. As long as politicians have no magic wand, that too is a factor, and part of the choices-and-consequences issue. Then there is the impact of the free market economy, rather than politics, on pricing. But that is another discussion for another time, albeit just as relevant.
The economy was so bad, Trump was grifting his base to the tune of hundreds of millions a year—mostly to pay his legal fees. We had record consumer spending on goods and services. The stock market reached record levels; over fifty times. And wages increasing faster than inflation for the first time in 50 years.
Yup, I’m sure Trump can do better; he can’t but he’ll take credit for Biden’s performance, while trying to destroy all of his policies, and as long as Biden’s economy can hold up through Trump’s destructive policies, he’ll take full credit, and the “sheeple” will cheer and call the anointed one a miracle worker (eye roll).
The bottom line is many people who struggled under Biden, had also suffered under Trump. It’s all about messaging.
The democrats need their Correctional Captain from the movie “Cool Hand Luke”: “what we have here, is a failure to communicate!”
Plus, we need new, and young blood. No more politicians who play by the rules. This is why we lose, we always appear weak, because we are very deliberate when using the levers of presidential power. IMHO!…:)
As JVL was fond of pointing out, air travel and boat sales were at all time highs during this supposedly terrible Biden economy.
I think that, to make them own it, as your second point says, one needs to point it out in the upcoming confirmation hearings loud and clear with good questioning of the nominees and spirited discussion in the sessions, some of which will be, or should be, at least partially shown live. Not that MAGA nuts will watch, but others will and that will spread the "they brought it, bought it and own it" requirement for the future.
You honestly think he’s going to have hearings? Never!
He’ll call a recess of Congress and force the SC to defy him. He’s watching how his own party reacts, and then he’ll be taking names, to punish anyone who challenges his authority, and gets out of line.
We dealing with a real life Carman from South Park! A petulant and vengeful ten year old, and everyone must respect his authority!..:)
I understand your frustration, but do not share your defeatism.
David, it’s not defeatism. I’m not giving up, but I will pick my battles wisely.
I personally do not believe Trump will allow a hearing for his slew of unqualified, walking, talking disasters. He will challenge everyone to reel him in.
You need only understand this man’s pathology. He’s a sadist who wants to bring this entire nation to heel. In the words of Sun Tzu:
“Know thy enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles, you will never be defeated”
That’s all I’m saying David! We continually underestimate the guy, and all the people who support him; especially the billionaires.
Robert, I, too, think one needs to resist wisely. I just think that resistance needs to start at the beginning to show it will not be a cakewalk. It can taper off thereafter, but, as the saying after the Holocaust says, Fight the Beginning.
We can start from the beginning, but going after his cabinet nominees will work against us. I just believe this isn’t the hill we want to die on. Let’s watch, learn, and strategize, and pounce when the opportunity presents itself.
Based on his judgment, it won’t be long…:)
Robert, I said nothing about dying on this hill. I said fight the beginning, show them what is wrong, but don't stop the process (which we really can't effectively anyway), and then let them die on the hills of their own making.
Fair enough! I pretty much agree with you, so you’ll get no argument from me…:)
🥂👍
I agree; hearings would put objections on record. There will be no hearings and GOP will accept it.
Yes, point it out by all means ... but then sit back and say "But this is what the people chose to empower, so they need to accept the results. Remember that if it doesn't end well." The verbs are object and brand -- express opposition but demand accountability. The political ads will write themselves over time as long as gravity flows downward -- "HEY -- Had Enough Yet?".
I mentioned this is another comment but I'll leave it here as well: that message ain't gonna work. James Carville offered 'betrayal'. "Donald Trump promises to make voters' lives better and he betrayed them." It takes the responsibility off the voter and puts it on Trump