Sheldon Whitehouse commented recently on MSNBC, that Republican Senators were expressing their unhappiness with the Hegseth nomination privately, but were not commenting to the press now because there was no up side to putting themselves publicly in the line of fire from the Trump circus.
Perhaps they will manage to block Hegseth's passage through the Senate process when it actually counts. I'd like to think their sense of self-preservation is most pronounced when they think about what could happen to America if a "non-serious," totally inexperienced man with dangerous self-control problems in several directions, who is too stupid to understand the catastrophic results of his "leadership" of our fighting forces, is nonetheless given the power to control them. The Republican Senators may be too selfish and cowardly to buck Trump in most things, but if they force him to drop Hegseth, they would be saving their own skins from a situation worse than Trump's potential narcissistic revenge.
Meanwhile, I will keep calling my political representatives in Washington to voice my extreme concern over Hegseth's incompetence for such a critical position.
Senators could if they chose to. They'd have to have the courage to stand up to their party "leaders" and insist on that as a rule but it could and can be done. Won't happen, but it's a nice thought.
Heaven forbid, Dave, that corrupt Republican Senators try to create a situation where they protect themselves from Trump's revenge tour to enable the Senate to do some good for this country.
I see no evidence that the Republicans in the Senate will block any of Trump's picks. They have been such a failure during the last 16 years that predicting a change now is a very long bet. If we are watching the demise of the republic the Republican Senate will harbor much of the blame. McConnell, Graham, Cruz, and so many others will be seen as the traitors they've been. So many opportunities to rescue the democracy, so many failures of courage and will.
C C, Thank you for writing and for your activism. Because I imagine most, if not all, of Trump’s picks will be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate, the burden, in my view, falls on us to connect with organizations whose missions, as a start, are to maintain some amount of democracy until 2026 and to achieve significant victories in the midterms, breaking Trump’s hold on Congress prior to our entering the 2028 election cycle.
I can understand some GOP senators keeping their doubts to themselves. Hopefully they will weigh the real dangers of confirming a man who is unqualified and whose personal weaknesses make him a ripe target for blackmail, domestic and foreign.
All so Trump can use the military to stop peaceful protestors. And know that their weapons will be used despite the protestors being unarmed. Remember that Trump wanted immigrants’ legs shot during his first term. AND wanted military on the border. There will be blood spilled of innocents by Trump. And MAGA will be gleeful. Trump loved the violence he saw on Jan 6,2021 and why he continued watching it on TV as he ate and ate - and smiled for hours.
What information is available re nominees for Defense Undersecretaries and Service Secretaries? If competent or quasi-competent nominees are put forward (fingers crossed), it will significantly offset the damage from a Hegseth appointment.
I wish there was be more focus on the two small nonprofits that Hegseth ran into the ground, and his behavior there that I think was reported in the New Yorker and included a whistle blower report written by more than one person.
I agree, Kate. Hegseth's firing from the nonprofits would be enough to disqualify him. Only a few of the Republican senators would hire Pete Hegseth to be their chief of staff. Yet they will hire him to be the leader of over 3,000,000 employees in the crucial Department of Defense. What's Pete got? So called good looks, experience on Fox news, a military record that, as far as anyone is saying was not distinguished for leadership and a brazen ability to lie to the camera, to seem to change his story or his posiion at a moment's notice, and no moral compass. Republicans are comfortable with craven leadership because they see that it has worked for Trump and for themselves. They, like their corporate overlords see American as stupid, uninformed and cowardly and they are doing everything they can to accentuate those qualities in the electorate.
Trump has run everything he has ever touched in the ground and he is President again. Apparently that is not viewed as a negative by the GOP. It's laughable except it is really happening. Is it my imagination or does Trump seem jolly. He has toned down the rage now that he is in. Its all sickening and I can't believe we still have to talk about him.
There is a fascinating book called "Lucky Loser" that details what you said above. It is by 2 NYT writers via extensive investigation. I thought it would be hard to read since I can't stand to even look at the president elect; but instead, it was very insightful and a really good read. It helps me to know what we are up against since it outlines an outrageous character who makes flippant decisions and carries forth. For instance - paid for a 50 story building to be built but didn't check whether the shifting sand below would support such a building. The book shows how he incredibly weasels out of nearly all his missteps. He is lucky and yet he is a loser. That is probably the most interesting part.
Just as Nunes failed at everything and is now being invited into the Trump circle. The worst characters in the worst administration in American history. And Trump knows his MAGA could never recognize who would be bad so just believe whatever Donny says, as he instructed them to do during his first term.
There are few people less fit than Lindsey Graham for the job he currently holds, his best interest should be what serves the American people not Hegseth. Since he clearly doesn’t care about that he should resign and shut his big f$@king mouth.
“Hegseth’s attorney has threatened to sue the woman for defamation if she “repeats false statements.”
I suggest a different approach to reader engagement for anyone in the legal community, pro bono representation for anyone Hegseth try’s to sue for telling the truth. I would suggest newly minted Substacker MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas, if he is unable to provide such representation I’m sure he knows who can. And would be only happy to help.
I too have been wondering whether setting up legal defense funds to help people who will be bullied by the Trump administration is a good tactic for the resistance. Seems like a good idea, but would like to hear more from more knowledgeable people. I would contribute if it appears the tactic could be effective. You would need to have a big initial push to have the desired effect. But we would be fighting against billionaires who get huge amounts of money from their investment in the trump administration
David, money definitely does not equal competence or intelligence. That's why the story of David and Goliath resonates so much. Let them spend their billions. We're smarter.
The problem is, that puts us on the "defense". I think we need to take the initiative, instead of being on the defense. Just as one example, on the legal front, all of the Democrats who have actually been defamed by various high level Republicans should go on the attack and file defamation suits themselves. Once that happens, it would be hard for the Supreme Court (and the various appellate courts) to lower the standard for finding defamation.
I appreciate the idea, but is it true that these people have not been sued because of lack of resources? The EJ Caroll lawsuit success is an incentive. Still, the nature of the defamation is very different from the typical charges coming from the right against people like Adam Schiff, since most of the claims there might be considered opinion. Republicans hardly ever name specific acts or events that can be verified as untrue. Rather they are vague claims that they repeat incessantly without penalty. Look at the scurrilous claims against General Milley. If the perpetrators are ever brought to court, they will claim it is their opinion. I do recall feeling that some people crossed the line in remarks against Colonel Vindman. I'd love to hear about claims that can clearly be distinguished as real fact and not opinion.
Pilot Adam Kinzinger says, "ever wonder why there are no sharp images of these “drones” when many people have good cameras? Because most of them are planes."
He is right... So many people clearly have never looked at the night sky before and now think it's like a conspiracy. The number of normal planes, stars or other light pollution people think is a foreign threat is insane. It's like they were told to be scared on social media, and they are now reaffirming their bias.
But on the other hand, the local and federal government response has been lame to say the least and people don't realize how good drone tech has got in the past 5 years, nor do they realize how unregulated it is. It's a legit hobby now and I guarantee there are millions of unregistered drones in the US, and it most places you can fly them up to 400 or 500 feet without any local city or town being able to stop you or even know it's happening. They can also fly with GPS now, don't need to be manually controlled, and they can be in the air for 30min at a time.
I bought one for my father-in-law a couple years ago and we flew it all over Penn States campus. Granted it was the Christmas holiday, but thinking back on it, do you know how easy it would've been to scare the local folks, if we had gotten like a couple hundred kids to coordinate with us? Every city / town in this country should have a system that monitors all protected space and tags the drone so they can track it.
Kate, As for Christine Blasey Ford, if memory serves, the FBI, in 2018, curtailed any serious investigation. If I recall correctly, none of Blasey Ford’s witnesses were permitted to testify. I believe, under the current administration, the same would not occur. Hence, I easily could get behind pro bono representation or contributing, likely beyond my means, to help fund litigation if the MAGA bullies were to follow through on their threats.
Yes, the FBI did not properly investigate Christine Blakey Ford's claim. There were also other witnesses in addition to Anita Hill that were not allowed to testify. Unless there are witnesses, rape is hard to prove. After what happened to the other two women, I would not want Hegseth's accuser to testify. The police report should be sufficient.
The confirmation hearings are run by the senate, and not the administration. I would rather see witnesses from the two non-profits.
@JennSH, My reason for writing principally was to suggest why Blasey Ford’s experience might not be replicated. As for whether the woman should testify, that’s her choice. However, if there were movement either to retain pro bono representation or donate funds to help cover likely litigation costs, I would do what I could to lend my support.
But Biden was responsible for ignoring Hill. He was the chairman of the Judiciary Committee at the time and let Thomas be seated on SCOTUS. Only worse was Biden’s naming Garland as his Attorney General. And I am a supporter of Biden’s numerous successes during this term. But you can’t sit WEAK personnel at such important positions while Trump still in the public with so many crimes to answer for.
People forget about Biden's involvement in the travesty of the Clarence Thomas hearing. Yes, he accomplished much in his four years as president, but I can never forgive him for deciding to run for reelection. The Democratic candidate still might not have won, and it might have still been Kamala Harris, but precious time was wasted.
Prefacing this by saying: I live in Michigan, but went to visit my cousin in New Jersey this weekend; my husband is an amateur astronomer so I know my way around the night sky and its constellations; I've looked up into the night sky often enough to be able to point out the Star Link satellites as they launch, and can track the International Space Station; I'm former military so am familiar with the flying patterns of various forms of aircraft. Oh, and I love my cousins, but some of them are definitely right wing conspiracy theorists.
They have reason to question what the heck is going on in NJ. These are definitely drones-- they are distinctive because of their lights-- one white on the end of each wing, sometimes one on its body, red and green directional lights, and the way they move-- going fast, then slow, then hovering. Some of them are really big-- the one closest to us was at least 8'or more across. There are a veritable ****ton of them (we stood out in the deck and could see, with the naked eye, at least five of them, maybe more, at a time, within maybe a half mile of their backyard. Some were flying within the legal altitude (400 feet), but some were well above that, and so I'd question if they were flying legally. Some were over private property-- if not that person's own drone, that's also illegal. My cousins are close enough to a major airport that they could possibly present a risk to the planes.
Yes, conspiracy theories abound, but my cousins weren't particularly concerned about the crazy ones, except to joke about them. The ones they believed were, they could be secret service surveillance drones for Trump's properties, or commercial drones being tested by a corporation that doesn't want to report on what they're testing.
What I found most odd were that they did not fly during the day, only at night (and yes, we looked-- multiple times); and that, since the police and FAA are supposed to be able to track all legal drones with their ID chips, if they're legal, why aren't those groups publishing that informative as public record to put the concerns to rest?
In September, DOJ asserted that Sergey Kiriyenko had created some 30 internet domains to spread Russian disinformation, including on Elon Musk’s X which was formerly known as Twitter. In October, the Wall Street Journal disclosed that Musk had been in contact with Kiriyenko and Vladimir Putin which Dmitry Peskov affirmed.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergey_Kiriyenko
Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin said he had interfered in U.S. elections and would continue doing so in future, We have interfered (in U.S. elections), we are interfering and we will continue to interfere. Carefully, accurately, surgically and in our own way, as we know how to do." https://www.reuters.com/world/us/russias-prigozhin-admits-interfering-us-elections-2022-11-07/
ABC has no balls. I think what Stephanopolous said should be protected by our Freedom of Speech. It's not like Trump hasn't "misspoke" anywhere along the line. And then if they had to pay Trump, they should have said they'd pay him after he pays E. Jean Carroll!
I agree with Kate ^^. I think it was a mistake to focus on Hegseth’s sexual abuse and not on his poor management skills. Unfortunately sexual abuse is not taken seriously in this country and often gets spun into something titillating. Now the woman is question will get dragged through the mud.
TLDR; focus on lack of business skills. GOP love business.
As always, a great posting, Robert. I don't know how you come up with fresh perspectives every day!
I am more and more incensed by this rule by rich, white males (who get bonus points for being sexual predators). We've often said most eligible voters are ill informed at best, if they're even voting. WE in this group are seeing photos of Trump's desired cabinet, or of the House Committee chairs (ALL white men). We must take this opportunity to highlight that this party truly does want to return to rule by a few--they are intentionally overlooking qualified candidates and preventing a highly effective Cabinet. We deserve more.
I am also going to emphasize more that our senators look like clowns. Trump is not the only clown here. This supposed "esteemed" group of folks look like jellyfish. The world is laughing at them. In photos, they look like straight men who don't know how to speak their mind. Because they don't. Jasmine Crockett does. AOC does. Ruby Freeman does. These senators should be ashamed.
It’s irritating to see Trump supporters & organizations being described as “clowns” and “circuses”. Real clowns and circuses are entertaining. There is nothing funny about the Trump cast of characters.
I have all dem senators and congressmen. I ask friends in red states if I can use their address to write their red reps. We should be able to contact those who have the power to affect our lives so profoundly and yet you need their state zip code. If you don’t have a friend in particular state maybe you are thinking of buying a house you found on Zillow… jes sayin we need to reach all who affect our lives and wellbeing.
There are groups within those states that are developing resistance strategies for the Trump2 era. I suggest getting in touch with them and ask how you can help. Above all, make sure that what you say and do doesn't get in their way or reflect on them.
I live in NJ where my neighbors have reported dozens of sightings. I myself have not seen any, but I dont feel threatened. It seems impossible that the US military does NOT know what they are. It sure seems possible that ELON is doing this as a distraction. He is truly a vile human being. I am concerned at what we are going to be subjected to.
The nomination abominations must be stopped at all costs. Our senators need to hear from us on this matter. A letter to senators is included in this post. Download, add senator’s name, and your name and address. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/nomination-abominations?r=3m1bs
Sheldon Whitehouse commented recently on MSNBC, that Republican Senators were expressing their unhappiness with the Hegseth nomination privately, but were not commenting to the press now because there was no up side to putting themselves publicly in the line of fire from the Trump circus.
Perhaps they will manage to block Hegseth's passage through the Senate process when it actually counts. I'd like to think their sense of self-preservation is most pronounced when they think about what could happen to America if a "non-serious," totally inexperienced man with dangerous self-control problems in several directions, who is too stupid to understand the catastrophic results of his "leadership" of our fighting forces, is nonetheless given the power to control them. The Republican Senators may be too selfish and cowardly to buck Trump in most things, but if they force him to drop Hegseth, they would be saving their own skins from a situation worse than Trump's potential narcissistic revenge.
Meanwhile, I will keep calling my political representatives in Washington to voice my extreme concern over Hegseth's incompetence for such a critical position.
Well stated. If only senators could vote by secret ballot, much of our worries would be over.
Senators could if they chose to. They'd have to have the courage to stand up to their party "leaders" and insist on that as a rule but it could and can be done. Won't happen, but it's a nice thought.
Surely you jest.
About which part, that they could or that they won't?
Heaven forbid, Dave, that corrupt Republican Senators try to create a situation where they protect themselves from Trump's revenge tour to enable the Senate to do some good for this country.
Pity that there isn't a Laughing Hysterically emoji on Substack.
They were elected to REPRESENT US. As such, their dealings must be public. But they are cowards.
I see no evidence that the Republicans in the Senate will block any of Trump's picks. They have been such a failure during the last 16 years that predicting a change now is a very long bet. If we are watching the demise of the republic the Republican Senate will harbor much of the blame. McConnell, Graham, Cruz, and so many others will be seen as the traitors they've been. So many opportunities to rescue the democracy, so many failures of courage and will.
C C, Thank you for writing and for your activism. Because I imagine most, if not all, of Trump’s picks will be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate, the burden, in my view, falls on us to connect with organizations whose missions, as a start, are to maintain some amount of democracy until 2026 and to achieve significant victories in the midterms, breaking Trump’s hold on Congress prior to our entering the 2028 election cycle.
Thanks for this post, CC; very encouraging.
I can understand some GOP senators keeping their doubts to themselves. Hopefully they will weigh the real dangers of confirming a man who is unqualified and whose personal weaknesses make him a ripe target for blackmail, domestic and foreign.
All so Trump can use the military to stop peaceful protestors. And know that their weapons will be used despite the protestors being unarmed. Remember that Trump wanted immigrants’ legs shot during his first term. AND wanted military on the border. There will be blood spilled of innocents by Trump. And MAGA will be gleeful. Trump loved the violence he saw on Jan 6,2021 and why he continued watching it on TV as he ate and ate - and smiled for hours.
What information is available re nominees for Defense Undersecretaries and Service Secretaries? If competent or quasi-competent nominees are put forward (fingers crossed), it will significantly offset the damage from a Hegseth appointment.
I wish there was be more focus on the two small nonprofits that Hegseth ran into the ground, and his behavior there that I think was reported in the New Yorker and included a whistle blower report written by more than one person.
I agree, Kate. Hegseth's firing from the nonprofits would be enough to disqualify him. Only a few of the Republican senators would hire Pete Hegseth to be their chief of staff. Yet they will hire him to be the leader of over 3,000,000 employees in the crucial Department of Defense. What's Pete got? So called good looks, experience on Fox news, a military record that, as far as anyone is saying was not distinguished for leadership and a brazen ability to lie to the camera, to seem to change his story or his posiion at a moment's notice, and no moral compass. Republicans are comfortable with craven leadership because they see that it has worked for Trump and for themselves. They, like their corporate overlords see American as stupid, uninformed and cowardly and they are doing everything they can to accentuate those qualities in the electorate.
Trump has run everything he has ever touched in the ground and he is President again. Apparently that is not viewed as a negative by the GOP. It's laughable except it is really happening. Is it my imagination or does Trump seem jolly. He has toned down the rage now that he is in. Its all sickening and I can't believe we still have to talk about him.
There is a fascinating book called "Lucky Loser" that details what you said above. It is by 2 NYT writers via extensive investigation. I thought it would be hard to read since I can't stand to even look at the president elect; but instead, it was very insightful and a really good read. It helps me to know what we are up against since it outlines an outrageous character who makes flippant decisions and carries forth. For instance - paid for a 50 story building to be built but didn't check whether the shifting sand below would support such a building. The book shows how he incredibly weasels out of nearly all his missteps. He is lucky and yet he is a loser. That is probably the most interesting part.
Just as Nunes failed at everything and is now being invited into the Trump circle. The worst characters in the worst administration in American history. And Trump knows his MAGA could never recognize who would be bad so just believe whatever Donny says, as he instructed them to do during his first term.
There are few people less fit than Lindsey Graham for the job he currently holds, his best interest should be what serves the American people not Hegseth. Since he clearly doesn’t care about that he should resign and shut his big f$@king mouth.
“Hegseth’s attorney has threatened to sue the woman for defamation if she “repeats false statements.”
I suggest a different approach to reader engagement for anyone in the legal community, pro bono representation for anyone Hegseth try’s to sue for telling the truth. I would suggest newly minted Substacker MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas, if he is unable to provide such representation I’m sure he knows who can. And would be only happy to help.
I too have been wondering whether setting up legal defense funds to help people who will be bullied by the Trump administration is a good tactic for the resistance. Seems like a good idea, but would like to hear more from more knowledgeable people. I would contribute if it appears the tactic could be effective. You would need to have a big initial push to have the desired effect. But we would be fighting against billionaires who get huge amounts of money from their investment in the trump administration
Is Mark Elias’ Democracy Docket moving in this direction with lawyers from across the country?
David, money definitely does not equal competence or intelligence. That's why the story of David and Goliath resonates so much. Let them spend their billions. We're smarter.
Elias should assess this and call lawyers to the table willing to volunteer
What about potential counter-suits: attacking the attackers, rather than just defending?
The problem is, that puts us on the "defense". I think we need to take the initiative, instead of being on the defense. Just as one example, on the legal front, all of the Democrats who have actually been defamed by various high level Republicans should go on the attack and file defamation suits themselves. Once that happens, it would be hard for the Supreme Court (and the various appellate courts) to lower the standard for finding defamation.
I appreciate the idea, but is it true that these people have not been sued because of lack of resources? The EJ Caroll lawsuit success is an incentive. Still, the nature of the defamation is very different from the typical charges coming from the right against people like Adam Schiff, since most of the claims there might be considered opinion. Republicans hardly ever name specific acts or events that can be verified as untrue. Rather they are vague claims that they repeat incessantly without penalty. Look at the scurrilous claims against General Milley. If the perpetrators are ever brought to court, they will claim it is their opinion. I do recall feeling that some people crossed the line in remarks against Colonel Vindman. I'd love to hear about claims that can clearly be distinguished as real fact and not opinion.
I was thinking the same thing.
Orion has been my favorite constellation since I was a girl.
Pilot Adam Kinzinger says, "ever wonder why there are no sharp images of these “drones” when many people have good cameras? Because most of them are planes."
He is right... So many people clearly have never looked at the night sky before and now think it's like a conspiracy. The number of normal planes, stars or other light pollution people think is a foreign threat is insane. It's like they were told to be scared on social media, and they are now reaffirming their bias.
But on the other hand, the local and federal government response has been lame to say the least and people don't realize how good drone tech has got in the past 5 years, nor do they realize how unregulated it is. It's a legit hobby now and I guarantee there are millions of unregistered drones in the US, and it most places you can fly them up to 400 or 500 feet without any local city or town being able to stop you or even know it's happening. They can also fly with GPS now, don't need to be manually controlled, and they can be in the air for 30min at a time.
I bought one for my father-in-law a couple years ago and we flew it all over Penn States campus. Granted it was the Christmas holiday, but thinking back on it, do you know how easy it would've been to scare the local folks, if we had gotten like a couple hundred kids to coordinate with us? Every city / town in this country should have a system that monitors all protected space and tags the drone so they can track it.
Poor Larry Hogan will probably never live this down. Thanks for the photo of a much beloved and easily recognized constellation.
The woman Hegseth sexually assaulted needs a gofundme, where can I donate?
I don't think her testimony would help. I have memories of Anita Hill and Christine Blakey Ford.
And Joni Ernst is a current example of being steam-rolled
Listen to the The Daily today for a full account of exactly what pressuring Joni Ersnt looks like. It’s feral as the interviewee describes.
Kate, As for Christine Blasey Ford, if memory serves, the FBI, in 2018, curtailed any serious investigation. If I recall correctly, none of Blasey Ford’s witnesses were permitted to testify. I believe, under the current administration, the same would not occur. Hence, I easily could get behind pro bono representation or contributing, likely beyond my means, to help fund litigation if the MAGA bullies were to follow through on their threats.
Yes, the FBI did not properly investigate Christine Blakey Ford's claim. There were also other witnesses in addition to Anita Hill that were not allowed to testify. Unless there are witnesses, rape is hard to prove. After what happened to the other two women, I would not want Hegseth's accuser to testify. The police report should be sufficient.
The confirmation hearings are run by the senate, and not the administration. I would rather see witnesses from the two non-profits.
Are you suggesting the woman testify against Hegseth before the inauguration?
@JennSH, My reason for writing principally was to suggest why Blasey Ford’s experience might not be replicated. As for whether the woman should testify, that’s her choice. However, if there were movement either to retain pro bono representation or donate funds to help cover likely litigation costs, I would do what I could to lend my support.
But Biden was responsible for ignoring Hill. He was the chairman of the Judiciary Committee at the time and let Thomas be seated on SCOTUS. Only worse was Biden’s naming Garland as his Attorney General. And I am a supporter of Biden’s numerous successes during this term. But you can’t sit WEAK personnel at such important positions while Trump still in the public with so many crimes to answer for.
People forget about Biden's involvement in the travesty of the Clarence Thomas hearing. Yes, he accomplished much in his four years as president, but I can never forgive him for deciding to run for reelection. The Democratic candidate still might not have won, and it might have still been Kamala Harris, but precious time was wasted.
Prefacing this by saying: I live in Michigan, but went to visit my cousin in New Jersey this weekend; my husband is an amateur astronomer so I know my way around the night sky and its constellations; I've looked up into the night sky often enough to be able to point out the Star Link satellites as they launch, and can track the International Space Station; I'm former military so am familiar with the flying patterns of various forms of aircraft. Oh, and I love my cousins, but some of them are definitely right wing conspiracy theorists.
They have reason to question what the heck is going on in NJ. These are definitely drones-- they are distinctive because of their lights-- one white on the end of each wing, sometimes one on its body, red and green directional lights, and the way they move-- going fast, then slow, then hovering. Some of them are really big-- the one closest to us was at least 8'or more across. There are a veritable ****ton of them (we stood out in the deck and could see, with the naked eye, at least five of them, maybe more, at a time, within maybe a half mile of their backyard. Some were flying within the legal altitude (400 feet), but some were well above that, and so I'd question if they were flying legally. Some were over private property-- if not that person's own drone, that's also illegal. My cousins are close enough to a major airport that they could possibly present a risk to the planes.
Yes, conspiracy theories abound, but my cousins weren't particularly concerned about the crazy ones, except to joke about them. The ones they believed were, they could be secret service surveillance drones for Trump's properties, or commercial drones being tested by a corporation that doesn't want to report on what they're testing.
What I found most odd were that they did not fly during the day, only at night (and yes, we looked-- multiple times); and that, since the police and FAA are supposed to be able to track all legal drones with their ID chips, if they're legal, why aren't those groups publishing that informative as public record to put the concerns to rest?
You are mostly correct about your media discussions
There are a group of presenters at MSNBC that deserve a shout out for their courage and not showing fealty to the president elect.
Agree. Lawrence O'Donnell, Rachel Maddow, Chris Hayes, Joy Reid, and Alex Wagner
And Nicole Wallace and Alicia Menendez
Should be top priority.
In September, DOJ asserted that Sergey Kiriyenko had created some 30 internet domains to spread Russian disinformation, including on Elon Musk’s X which was formerly known as Twitter. In October, the Wall Street Journal disclosed that Musk had been in contact with Kiriyenko and Vladimir Putin which Dmitry Peskov affirmed.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergey_Kiriyenko
Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin said he had interfered in U.S. elections and would continue doing so in future, We have interfered (in U.S. elections), we are interfering and we will continue to interfere. Carefully, accurately, surgically and in our own way, as we know how to do." https://www.reuters.com/world/us/russias-prigozhin-admits-interfering-us-elections-2022-11-07/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_interference_in_the_2024_United_States_elections
ABC has no balls. I think what Stephanopolous said should be protected by our Freedom of Speech. It's not like Trump hasn't "misspoke" anywhere along the line. And then if they had to pay Trump, they should have said they'd pay him after he pays E. Jean Carroll!
ABC has only the “profit lens” to view their world, very narrow and very self-serving. Profits above country.
I agree with Kate ^^. I think it was a mistake to focus on Hegseth’s sexual abuse and not on his poor management skills. Unfortunately sexual abuse is not taken seriously in this country and often gets spun into something titillating. Now the woman is question will get dragged through the mud.
TLDR; focus on lack of business skills. GOP love business.
As always, a great posting, Robert. I don't know how you come up with fresh perspectives every day!
I am more and more incensed by this rule by rich, white males (who get bonus points for being sexual predators). We've often said most eligible voters are ill informed at best, if they're even voting. WE in this group are seeing photos of Trump's desired cabinet, or of the House Committee chairs (ALL white men). We must take this opportunity to highlight that this party truly does want to return to rule by a few--they are intentionally overlooking qualified candidates and preventing a highly effective Cabinet. We deserve more.
I am also going to emphasize more that our senators look like clowns. Trump is not the only clown here. This supposed "esteemed" group of folks look like jellyfish. The world is laughing at them. In photos, they look like straight men who don't know how to speak their mind. Because they don't. Jasmine Crockett does. AOC does. Ruby Freeman does. These senators should be ashamed.
My calls to my senators today: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lR1ezQehPk5icFExO8WaiWNBngmcDohq5bSYfXuj5-0/edit?usp=sharing
Please watch your words, folks.
It’s irritating to see Trump supporters & organizations being described as “clowns” and “circuses”. Real clowns and circuses are entertaining. There is nothing funny about the Trump cast of characters.
I have all dem senators and congressmen. I ask friends in red states if I can use their address to write their red reps. We should be able to contact those who have the power to affect our lives so profoundly and yet you need their state zip code. If you don’t have a friend in particular state maybe you are thinking of buying a house you found on Zillow… jes sayin we need to reach all who affect our lives and wellbeing.
There are groups within those states that are developing resistance strategies for the Trump2 era. I suggest getting in touch with them and ask how you can help. Above all, make sure that what you say and do doesn't get in their way or reflect on them.
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I live in NJ where my neighbors have reported dozens of sightings. I myself have not seen any, but I dont feel threatened. It seems impossible that the US military does NOT know what they are. It sure seems possible that ELON is doing this as a distraction. He is truly a vile human being. I am concerned at what we are going to be subjected to.
Elon IS vile! I wish he'd send himself to Mars, because he'd never be coming back.
The nomination abominations must be stopped at all costs. Our senators need to hear from us on this matter. A letter to senators is included in this post. Download, add senator’s name, and your name and address. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/nomination-abominations?r=3m1bs