I have been imagining a “debate” format between Biden and Trump. Of course Trump will refuse to debate Biden. So the “debate” would be between a live Joe Biden and a virtual Trump. The moderator will ask a question. Biden will respond live. Then the virtual Trump will “ respond” in the form of video from his actual speeches which clearly state his intentions and beliefs. This could be dramatic and show clearly the choice we have. And if the debate format can’t work, then someone get Michael Moore to make a film called “in his own words” showing what Trump is saying and intends and put those words next to Nazi images from the 30s. We need a reverse “propaganda” film that shows clearly and unambiguously what Trump is making clear with no more euphemisms or pseudo law abiding cosmetics. He is campaigning to end Democracy and turn America into a banana republic.
Thank you, Robert, for keeping us focused. Thank you for balancing the scales by suggesting a blueprint for us in what I'd like to think is an unlikely outcome of the 2024 election.
Admittedly, I was confused by the phrase “If Trump wins…” To be clear, I don’t sense Trump is running to win; I believe he’s running to take power. Reading, earlier last night, on another Substack about “details that include vetting people [as we speak] for inclusion in the shock troops Trump will use to take over the federal bureaucracy,” my perceptions, indeed, were fortified. My point is that, in my view, last time was mere practice for what likely is happening now to lay the groundwork for Trump and his allies to return to power whether or not they win enough votes. Attention should be paid.
Before the 2020 election I told a German born friend that I would vote for Hitler before I'd vote for Trump. She was shocked but I think she got my point. Even so, my gut is telling me that Trump is not going to be the nominee of the still-calling-itself-Republican Party. It would certainly help if the media is now finally waking up along with having every American get out and vote. In Marshall Rosenberg's book Nonviolent Communication he quotes George Bernanos: “I have thought for a long time now that if, some day, the increasing efficiency for the technique of destruction finally causes our species to disappear from the earth, it will not be cruelty that will be responsible for our extinction and still less, of course, the indignation that cruelty awakens and the reprisals and vengeance that it brings upon itself … but the docility, the lack of responsibility of the modern man, his base subservient acceptance of every common decree. The horrors that we have seen, the still greater horrors we shall presently see, are not signs that rebels, insubordinate, untamable men are increasing in number throughout the world, but rather that there is a constant increase in the number of obedient, docile men." Awake, America!!
Today, Robert Hubbell addresses the core of the political corruption in the United States. He describes Chief Justice John Roberts sham code of ethics that would mask the corruption of Justices receiving massive gifts that would be bribes in any other walk of life and a finds that the press is finally (I do not understand what triggers an understanding that I have previously had for months or years) that Donald Trump is as dangerous a potential dictator as Germany's Hitler was. Having said that Robert Hubbell goes a step further. While Trump's plans for ignoring constitutional limitations and imposing his will on the nation and his revenge on those he sees as enemies, Robert Hubbell shows us the way to begin planning our resistance in the unlikely possibility that Trump does get elected and begins to implement his plans.
The HCR book giveaway is such a great way to both spread knowledge and strengthen bonds among people who are separated by geography and will probably never meet in person -- Thank you for this great project!! Wanted to weigh in on how to get Richardson's books (and any others) from your public library that they don't have in their catalogs: Interlibrary Loan or ILL. I use it frequently as a card-carrying library fanatic; my library system is in a pretty big city and has a large catalog but I still find things I want to read that aren't available regularly. Ask your library how to access the ILL system; it's usually easy and gives you access to books and other materials from at least all over the country. Just another great service from a frequently under-appreciated public resource that we all must be very careful and vigilant to protect.
"Supreme Court pretends to release ethics code" made me laugh. So very true.
Another example of NYT's "And Why That's Bad News For Joe Biden" -- there's been an article above the fold for the past 24 hours stating " Democratic Aides In Congress Break With Their Bosses on Israel-Hamas War" with a subhead that reads "A wave of current and former staff members, mostly of a younger generation, are agitating for a cease-fire and speaking out against their bosses’ positions." https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/13/us/politics/democratic-aides-congress-israel-hamas.html
What the article neglects to include though is any perspective on the numbers: the 550 staffers who signed the letter represent around 3.5% of Congressional staffers, 7% if you are only looking at Democrats. So hardly the massive rebellion the article, which relies mostly on quotes from Ilhan Omar's senion advisor, would indicate.
I’ve always had a subconscious view of armed battles over a Trump win and his subsequent actions, sort of January 6 redux. But you’re right, Robert. The answer is civil disobedience on a true national scale. How American would THAT be? And we ALL could do it.
I suspect that the release of the SCOTUS "ethics code" is a sign that they were getting nervous that Senate Judiciary Democrats were getting serious--planning to subpoena Harlan Crow, Leonard Leo and someone else, and talking about a legally established code. We must not let them off the hook! They are trying to distract and throw us off the scent!
I just wrote to my Senator who sits on the Judiciary Committee to point out the weakness and insulting nature of the Code, and the need for the Senate to stay on the case. I hope others will do the same. Here's the list of members:
There are at least 2 groups of people in America who might behave differently than the planners of our national demise anticipate: the military and the oligarchs/business community. That's a lot of people and, certainly, there's great variation among them in political beliefs. But, I know that the military has in place ways for troops to disobey orders that they believe are unconstitutional, corrupt, etc., and I have no reason not to assume that in the event of some of the predicted events like the concentration camps -- would rebel. Since I also believe we're basically at this point 'owned' by the billionaire class and large corporations, I don't think they would support what the Trumpists have in mind for the country -- it's bad for business. Recently, our international credit rating was again decreased to 'negative' (I think that's right -- someone correct me if I've got some of the labels wrong) because of the GOP's inability to govern in the House. Predictably, business interests want a real 'government' that's operational and responsive to their needs and you don't get that within the narrow confines of the White Christian nationalist fascism on offer... By no means, should we count on any support from the military or business to hold back the fascists but I personally believe we might be pleasantly surprised. Esp. w/business: they've been holding back placing bets for the most part because they still think they can pull enough strings behind the scenes. If they see that their hold(s) is/are weakening? I think we'll see some changes in support for MAGA et al.
WOW! The other day you recommended that we write directly to columnists with our complaints about non-coverage of Trumps rants and fascist language. I wrote directly to the news department of the NYTImes and just got this response. They actually read my comment and answered me!!! I encourage all of your readers to write! Here is the exchange with the Times:
Tell us about it. Please be as specific as possible.
Why are you using kid gloves to cover Trump's authoritarian and dangerous rants? You are covering him as if he were a normal candidate. He is NOT normal. He shows signs of cognitive dissonance and is now spewing fascist nonsense in every speech and every post on Truth Social. We deserve better from your wonderful reporters and headline writers! I rely on the Times as my primary news source and am extremely disappointed in your election coverage.
If you’re referring to a specific article, please paste the link below:
Robert, I love the image of Trump stuck in a dark room without TV, without internet, without cheeseburgers, and without his lackeys hovering to obey his orders. Hissy-fit and tantrum time!
As Rachel Maddow pointed out last night, it is the responsibility of the Republican party to stop him. They have been afraid to do so. Hopefully they will stand up for our country soon.
I have been imagining a “debate” format between Biden and Trump. Of course Trump will refuse to debate Biden. So the “debate” would be between a live Joe Biden and a virtual Trump. The moderator will ask a question. Biden will respond live. Then the virtual Trump will “ respond” in the form of video from his actual speeches which clearly state his intentions and beliefs. This could be dramatic and show clearly the choice we have. And if the debate format can’t work, then someone get Michael Moore to make a film called “in his own words” showing what Trump is saying and intends and put those words next to Nazi images from the 30s. We need a reverse “propaganda” film that shows clearly and unambiguously what Trump is making clear with no more euphemisms or pseudo law abiding cosmetics. He is campaigning to end Democracy and turn America into a banana republic.
Thank you, Robert, for keeping us focused. Thank you for balancing the scales by suggesting a blueprint for us in what I'd like to think is an unlikely outcome of the 2024 election.
Admittedly, I was confused by the phrase “If Trump wins…” To be clear, I don’t sense Trump is running to win; I believe he’s running to take power. Reading, earlier last night, on another Substack about “details that include vetting people [as we speak] for inclusion in the shock troops Trump will use to take over the federal bureaucracy,” my perceptions, indeed, were fortified. My point is that, in my view, last time was mere practice for what likely is happening now to lay the groundwork for Trump and his allies to return to power whether or not they win enough votes. Attention should be paid.
Before the 2020 election I told a German born friend that I would vote for Hitler before I'd vote for Trump. She was shocked but I think she got my point. Even so, my gut is telling me that Trump is not going to be the nominee of the still-calling-itself-Republican Party. It would certainly help if the media is now finally waking up along with having every American get out and vote. In Marshall Rosenberg's book Nonviolent Communication he quotes George Bernanos: “I have thought for a long time now that if, some day, the increasing efficiency for the technique of destruction finally causes our species to disappear from the earth, it will not be cruelty that will be responsible for our extinction and still less, of course, the indignation that cruelty awakens and the reprisals and vengeance that it brings upon itself … but the docility, the lack of responsibility of the modern man, his base subservient acceptance of every common decree. The horrors that we have seen, the still greater horrors we shall presently see, are not signs that rebels, insubordinate, untamable men are increasing in number throughout the world, but rather that there is a constant increase in the number of obedient, docile men." Awake, America!!
Today, Robert Hubbell addresses the core of the political corruption in the United States. He describes Chief Justice John Roberts sham code of ethics that would mask the corruption of Justices receiving massive gifts that would be bribes in any other walk of life and a finds that the press is finally (I do not understand what triggers an understanding that I have previously had for months or years) that Donald Trump is as dangerous a potential dictator as Germany's Hitler was. Having said that Robert Hubbell goes a step further. While Trump's plans for ignoring constitutional limitations and imposing his will on the nation and his revenge on those he sees as enemies, Robert Hubbell shows us the way to begin planning our resistance in the unlikely possibility that Trump does get elected and begins to implement his plans.
John Roberts just gave us a reason for a new word: judgesplaining. It should readily fit in with similar constructions.
The HCR book giveaway is such a great way to both spread knowledge and strengthen bonds among people who are separated by geography and will probably never meet in person -- Thank you for this great project!! Wanted to weigh in on how to get Richardson's books (and any others) from your public library that they don't have in their catalogs: Interlibrary Loan or ILL. I use it frequently as a card-carrying library fanatic; my library system is in a pretty big city and has a large catalog but I still find things I want to read that aren't available regularly. Ask your library how to access the ILL system; it's usually easy and gives you access to books and other materials from at least all over the country. Just another great service from a frequently under-appreciated public resource that we all must be very careful and vigilant to protect.
"Supreme Court pretends to release ethics code" made me laugh. So very true.
Another example of NYT's "And Why That's Bad News For Joe Biden" -- there's been an article above the fold for the past 24 hours stating " Democratic Aides In Congress Break With Their Bosses on Israel-Hamas War" with a subhead that reads "A wave of current and former staff members, mostly of a younger generation, are agitating for a cease-fire and speaking out against their bosses’ positions." https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/13/us/politics/democratic-aides-congress-israel-hamas.html
What the article neglects to include though is any perspective on the numbers: the 550 staffers who signed the letter represent around 3.5% of Congressional staffers, 7% if you are only looking at Democrats. So hardly the massive rebellion the article, which relies mostly on quotes from Ilhan Omar's senion advisor, would indicate.
SCOTUS “ethics” = utter arrogance
I’ve always had a subconscious view of armed battles over a Trump win and his subsequent actions, sort of January 6 redux. But you’re right, Robert. The answer is civil disobedience on a true national scale. How American would THAT be? And we ALL could do it.
I’m wondering if high school libraries in my area have a copy of Heather’s book. I’ll see if I can find out and provide a copy if not.
I suspect that the release of the SCOTUS "ethics code" is a sign that they were getting nervous that Senate Judiciary Democrats were getting serious--planning to subpoena Harlan Crow, Leonard Leo and someone else, and talking about a legally established code. We must not let them off the hook! They are trying to distract and throw us off the scent!
I just wrote to my Senator who sits on the Judiciary Committee to point out the weakness and insulting nature of the Code, and the need for the Senate to stay on the case. I hope others will do the same. Here's the list of members:
Majority Members (11)
Durbin, Richard J. (IL), Chairman
Whitehouse, Sheldon (RI)
Klobuchar, Amy (MN)
Coons, Christopher A. (DE)
Blumenthal, Richard (CT)
Hirono, Mazie K. (HI)
Booker, Cory A. (NJ)
Padilla, Alex (CA)
Ossoff, Jon (GA)
Welch, Peter (VT)
Butler, Laphonza R. (CA)
Minority Members (10)
Graham, Lindsey (SC), Ranking Member
Grassley, Chuck (IA)
Cornyn, John (TX)
Lee, Mike (UT)
Cruz, Ted (TX)
Hawley, Josh (MO)
Cotton, Tom (AR)
Kennedy, John (LA)
Tillis, Thom (NC)
Blackburn, Marsha (TN)
There are at least 2 groups of people in America who might behave differently than the planners of our national demise anticipate: the military and the oligarchs/business community. That's a lot of people and, certainly, there's great variation among them in political beliefs. But, I know that the military has in place ways for troops to disobey orders that they believe are unconstitutional, corrupt, etc., and I have no reason not to assume that in the event of some of the predicted events like the concentration camps -- would rebel. Since I also believe we're basically at this point 'owned' by the billionaire class and large corporations, I don't think they would support what the Trumpists have in mind for the country -- it's bad for business. Recently, our international credit rating was again decreased to 'negative' (I think that's right -- someone correct me if I've got some of the labels wrong) because of the GOP's inability to govern in the House. Predictably, business interests want a real 'government' that's operational and responsive to their needs and you don't get that within the narrow confines of the White Christian nationalist fascism on offer... By no means, should we count on any support from the military or business to hold back the fascists but I personally believe we might be pleasantly surprised. Esp. w/business: they've been holding back placing bets for the most part because they still think they can pull enough strings behind the scenes. If they see that their hold(s) is/are weakening? I think we'll see some changes in support for MAGA et al.
Hi Robert,
WOW! The other day you recommended that we write directly to columnists with our complaints about non-coverage of Trumps rants and fascist language. I wrote directly to the news department of the NYTImes and just got this response. They actually read my comment and answered me!!! I encourage all of your readers to write! Here is the exchange with the Times:
Good Morning,
Thank you for writing to the newsroom. You may be interested in this article that we published yesterday: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/13/us/politics/trump-vermin-rhetoric-fascists.html
Aidan Gardiner, news assistant
Your submission:
Tell us about it. Please be as specific as possible.
Why are you using kid gloves to cover Trump's authoritarian and dangerous rants? You are covering him as if he were a normal candidate. He is NOT normal. He shows signs of cognitive dissonance and is now spewing fascist nonsense in every speech and every post on Truth Social. We deserve better from your wonderful reporters and headline writers! I rely on the Times as my primary news source and am extremely disappointed in your election coverage.
If you’re referring to a specific article, please paste the link below:
Trump's Veterans Day comments
Robert, I love the image of Trump stuck in a dark room without TV, without internet, without cheeseburgers, and without his lackeys hovering to obey his orders. Hissy-fit and tantrum time!
As Rachel Maddow pointed out last night, it is the responsibility of the Republican party to stop him. They have been afraid to do so. Hopefully they will stand up for our country soon.