Brilliant essay. Simply brilliant. It reminds me of the maxim that Republicans dislike government in precisely the same way that criminals dislike policemen. As I understand it, we instituted our government with the purpose, among other ends, of removing us from a Hobbesian state of nature- homo homini lupus. We did not want to live in a society a where the strong were free to prey on the weak. But that's precisely where the perverse designers of Project 2025 and Trump's own greed would have us. And we're only six months into the transition!
Voting for a felon was never a good idea. He's turned the US into a criminal enterprise. Can the US survive 3 1/2 more years ruled by a guy who doesn't give a shit about anyone but himself?
Yes, we can survive the remainder of his term. It’s time to borrow a little (actual, real) conservative philosophy and focus on our immediate situation - family, friends, neighbors, and our inner selves. Then, Trump and Republicans must be defeated at the ballot box - 2026, 2028, and beyond.
Cease doing business with those who fund these clowns. If possible, avoid debt. If you’re comfortable with the idea, exercise your rights and arm yourself. Join any peaceful protest imaginable. Stay peaceful and respectful as much as possible.
The next president will be gifted with all the powers Trump has accumulated for himself. We are six months into a soft civil war, and when this is finished, we will need to have reconstruction. Be loud when that time comes, and hopefully we do not make the same mistakes we made after 1865. Trust that these characters will be held to account by the law.
I admire your optimism. Do you think Project 25 and trump, its vessel, made all these societal and governmental changes to have them changed by electing Dems?
I also have no faith that any of these domestic terrorists will ever see legal accountability.
Sadly, everything Paul says is a fact of life today. America is suffering from an epidemic of cynicism. Too many of us just shrug off the corruption as just another annoyance. We assert that there is nothing we can do to stop it besides dodging the obvious potholes in life.
At age 78, I have never once voted FOR president - just for the lesser of two lousy candidates. I suspect that this is a common worldview in America. Biden was the better of two lousy candidates thanks to DNC's corrupt manipulations. Then we learned that Biden was not really running the country due to senility - his staff was running things. They did a pretty good job, but I think a lot of people voted Trump due to feeling betrayed (conned?), or did not vote at all.
Will America's "greed is good" culture enable Trump to ascend to the throne of Fuhrer - deporting any who dare to oppose him? It seems to be working for Erdogan in Turkey, who has been busy arresting all of his political opponents - three this week alone. I suspect that the answer is yes. MAGA voters still do not get that they have been conned, and Red state legislatures are busy redistricting and passing laws that disenfranchise voters most likely to vote Blue in 2026.
I've thought a lot about this. If everything this regime is doing is so great, why lie about it? The answer is: Power. The perverse delight (unlight?) of one's power to make people squirm and finally expire.
And finally, while all the petty cons - the watches, meme coins, golden tennis shoes - are pure Trump, the intricacy of a power grab is mentally beyond him. So, who’s conning the conman? Heya, Russell—how’s tricks?
Brilliant essay. Simply brilliant. It reminds me of the maxim that Republicans dislike government in precisely the same way that criminals dislike policemen. As I understand it, we instituted our government with the purpose, among other ends, of removing us from a Hobbesian state of nature- homo homini lupus. We did not want to live in a society a where the strong were free to prey on the weak. But that's precisely where the perverse designers of Project 2025 and Trump's own greed would have us. And we're only six months into the transition!
Excellent article; thank you.
Voting for a felon was never a good idea. He's turned the US into a criminal enterprise. Can the US survive 3 1/2 more years ruled by a guy who doesn't give a shit about anyone but himself?
Yes, we can survive the remainder of his term. It’s time to borrow a little (actual, real) conservative philosophy and focus on our immediate situation - family, friends, neighbors, and our inner selves. Then, Trump and Republicans must be defeated at the ballot box - 2026, 2028, and beyond.
Cease doing business with those who fund these clowns. If possible, avoid debt. If you’re comfortable with the idea, exercise your rights and arm yourself. Join any peaceful protest imaginable. Stay peaceful and respectful as much as possible.
The next president will be gifted with all the powers Trump has accumulated for himself. We are six months into a soft civil war, and when this is finished, we will need to have reconstruction. Be loud when that time comes, and hopefully we do not make the same mistakes we made after 1865. Trust that these characters will be held to account by the law.
I admire your optimism. Do you think Project 25 and trump, its vessel, made all these societal and governmental changes to have them changed by electing Dems?
I also have no faith that any of these domestic terrorists will ever see legal accountability.
Sadly, everything Paul says is a fact of life today. America is suffering from an epidemic of cynicism. Too many of us just shrug off the corruption as just another annoyance. We assert that there is nothing we can do to stop it besides dodging the obvious potholes in life.
At age 78, I have never once voted FOR president - just for the lesser of two lousy candidates. I suspect that this is a common worldview in America. Biden was the better of two lousy candidates thanks to DNC's corrupt manipulations. Then we learned that Biden was not really running the country due to senility - his staff was running things. They did a pretty good job, but I think a lot of people voted Trump due to feeling betrayed (conned?), or did not vote at all.
Will America's "greed is good" culture enable Trump to ascend to the throne of Fuhrer - deporting any who dare to oppose him? It seems to be working for Erdogan in Turkey, who has been busy arresting all of his political opponents - three this week alone. I suspect that the answer is yes. MAGA voters still do not get that they have been conned, and Red state legislatures are busy redistricting and passing laws that disenfranchise voters most likely to vote Blue in 2026.
I've thought a lot about this. If everything this regime is doing is so great, why lie about it? The answer is: Power. The perverse delight (unlight?) of one's power to make people squirm and finally expire.
He lies because it’s easier than research … or thinking at all. Also, his second nature.
First nature? 😉
As always, Donald is ahead of the game.
And finally, while all the petty cons - the watches, meme coins, golden tennis shoes - are pure Trump, the intricacy of a power grab is mentally beyond him. So, who’s conning the conman? Heya, Russell—how’s tricks?
Idi Amin … but without the nifty uniform … and a sense of humor.
djt may go down as THE worst president in history; but, he will be remembered as the greatest conman, grifter in the history of the world todate.
Silly me, but wasn’t abuse of power once actionable?