18 Comments
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Thomas Locatell's avatar

I struggle to recall any instances of these hard men with soft hands glorifying the violence that it took to establish the labor movement in this country. I instantly recall the pictures of hard-hatted men giving beat-downs to protesters on Wall St during the Vietnam War. There's a lot to unpack there but I'm afraid it's above my pay grade.

Skepticat's avatar

For some reason, the Indy car race and building a stadium on the White House grounds (which part will he demolish for that site?) seem to be two of the wackiest and least-feasible charades for his birthday celebration.

Lucius's avatar

How are they going to have a race in DC? isn't the place a nightmare to drive through under normal circumstances, much less a race?

Skepticat's avatar

That was my primary point about the race. Hell, it isn't even easy to walk around DC!

M Apodaca's avatar

That’s the point: the cruelty.

Dr. Jim Salvucci's avatar

The last two paragraphs of this piece need to be carved into stone for all to see forevermore.

NanceeM's avatar

Genius composition!

Andrew's avatar

I absolutely agree, perfect summary of Trump and maga.

Selena Long's avatar

Quick primer on this subject: the book “Jesus and John Wayne.” Tells you everything you need to know.

Douglas Mackay's avatar

Spectacle not substance. Mayhem over rules. Distraction to delay justice. Celebrate killers and mock helpers. These are the core principles of MAGA. BTW, slavery comes in many shapes and sizes and, though illegal in many ways, is still considered effective for getting the most out of the weakest. MMA fighters are just a different version of the “bucks” so prized by the whip handlers of the plantation owners. Trump should be wearing the stereotypical white suit popularized by Colonel Sanders.

Judy's avatar

If muscles and violence define you as a “man” … ok, but getting yourself beat up for entertainment is pretty stupid.

Mark In Colorado's avatar

Your article made me curious about what research has been done on male focus of physical strength and the psychology behind it.

From around 2000-2015, there was an explosion of research into the obsession of male body image.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5675294/

I am surprised at how well the phenomenon is understood.

Andrew's avatar

Loved this column, some real gems in here. Also, spot on.

Patt's avatar

RFKjr

Steroids Good

Vaccines Bad

Adam's avatar

The bottom line is this is a group of closeted gay men. I’ve always believed all these bros who love WWE with it’s story lines (like the afternoon soap operas) love watching almost naked oiled up men and then MMA with almost naked men beating the shit out if each other. Then of course Dear Leaders love of YMCA and his double jerking off moves. Psychologists and psychiatrists will have decades of work with the maga cult.

M Apodaca's avatar

Thanks. So true. I always learn from you.

Here’s a Public Service Announcement. I was born and bred (as they say) in the Midwest. I’ve voted in 100+ elections in 4 states and kinda like exercising my right.

I’m currently an inhabitant of a state that recently passed some restrictions, so I checked out getting a new passport. Mine expired long enough ago that I have to reapply.

First problem: The website said click here to save time; fill out needed form online. When I clicked, I got: "Error 404 - File or directory not found. The resource you are looking for might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable.”

So I had to fill it out there on paper. My bad. Call and complain if you get that message. You need to remember all sorts of dates and names. I could do that, but why?

Second problem: The website failed to mention: No credit cards! Cash, checks or money orders only. Who’s give them cash?

Take a checkbook and fill it out in front of the clerk. Why the book rather than one check? Bureaucracy.

The people were kind and informative. I’ll go back to finish...

BUT

Especially if you’re in a red state — and can afford the $$$ — don’t wait. Even if you apply before the election, the price goes up for expedited delivery. Expedited means cutting down from weeks to … weeks.

Diana Payton's avatar

My dude. Do not denigrate drag shows by comparing the Trump admin to them.

Tracy Huebner's avatar

You should get Daniel Barkuff's opinion on this subject.