Joe Biden and Donald Trump have each revealed themselves in their respective quotes. Joe Biden is a man grounded in love and Donald Trump is a man grounded in hate. We all are shades of gray, but every person makes a choice of what fundamental path they will take. We see here what Joe Biden has chosen, and we also see what Trump has chosen. I’m with Joe Biden. It’s not a difficult decision.
I watched it first then watched it again with my son-in-law. Both of us were in tears. Tomorrow we'll watch it a third time with my daughter and granddaughter. Tears of relief as much as sadness. The sadness comes from the knowledge that there are so many who choose hate in this world. Happy New Year to everyone!
Robert and Jill, I have avoided everything Trump for the past 48 hours, but I did read this excerpt you included from his truth social post; it is neither shocking nor unexpected, which makes it all the more horrible. May we somehow find a way to navigate away from this madness, this insane hatred, and toward a better way of living together as Americans. I am buckled up and ridin’ with Biden all the way to November 2024.
I hope you all had a very happy and relaxing holiday.
Robert, the best that I can wish for you and yours in the New Year (because I can only imagine what is coming) is deep fulfillment and love.
For you personally, I wish and hope there can be moments of self-realization when you can know in your core who you really are, and what you mean to all of us, including those granddaughters of yours.
You are an authentic being. You have the Light. You share it well.
I'll stop now, before this starts sounding like a eulogy instead of a blessing....
Contrast is even a euphamism to describe the difference between these men and that which they stand for. Sometimes I think that it is good that Trump is getting more and more unhinged. It is so much more clear how disrespectful, hateful and destructive his thoughts are. Nobody who follows him will be able to say afterwards, 'we didn't know' (wir haben es nicht gewusst). How ugly these us versus them hate feelings are, stays in many leaders more hidden, as they are more well spoken or if you will, more clever in their populism. Biden and his administration takes the high road which is so hopeful and a great example for other governments. Here in Europe we democrats are battling the same dividing forces and follow the developments in the US eagerly. One glimmer of hope has sparked in Poland. Let's hope that others will come to their senses over time and let's hold each other's hands in the meantime.
We went to a beautiful Christmas Eve service. In the end, in a darkened chapel, each of us lit a candle and all became light. People have the power to choose light over darkness. Whether we will or not always remains to be seen.
Holy Christmas, 'er I mean, Holy sh*t. Did Trump really post that as his Christmas message? Not that I doubt you, Rob, but it is a bit of a head spinner.
Thanks, I’ve read enough as it is and I don’t need to feel sick on the day after Christmas. As Trump starts to feel crushed under all these lawsuits, the real depth of his depravity is showing.
All true. I have a very light commitment week, and I intend to spend time in my sweats baking bread and reading a novel and whatnot, unless there is some huge political headline.
I’m doing the same. I’m reading two books that I’ve put off for a while, and they have absolutely nothing to do with politics. Enjoy your week baking and restoring yourself.
Yes, and better yet I get some vacation time without the relatives! A spa day and the whole nine yards. Some self care is good, no? Hope your 2024 is a wonderful year for you
I no longer care what Trump thinks. President Biden's call to human decency should have top billing. Trump, his hate, his greed. All of that should be old news relegated once again to the dustbin of history. Let's come up with something new, please!
Agreed! I don’t need to hear another word out of Trump’s mouth or see another thing written about him to know what he is. He’s a piece of human detritus. If his MAGA loyalists can’t figure that out yet, then that’s their problem. I am not even sure that Trump has another year of life left. He looks like hell and certainly doesn’t take care of himself; his death would be a blessing not just for us, but for himself.
Now, if only one or two of them find him guilty. Personally I'm hoping for some jail time for the Orange Jesus so he can become totally unhinged and permanently committed to a facility!
Hearing Trump's rhetoric, I fear for the safety of my heroes and heroines ...the brave and beloved journalists who help us interpret daily events (sub-stack writers, reporters, commentators, guest opinion writers, newscasters ... etc.). Among a zillion reasons to work our butts off, keeping Trump out of the White House, is protecting those who've risked their own safety to keep us informed. Keeping Trump out of Office is the least we owe them!
What I find a bit discouraging is that so many of the comments here begin not with appreciation for the message President Biden delivered, but reaction to Trump's continued gospel of hate and fear. Check out the White House Christmas decorations this year and compare them with the gray Christmas deco under Melania and Trump. Christmas should be jolly, merry, and bright whether you celebrate it or not. If we become the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural democracy I would love to see, one of the benefits would be to be engaged in celebrating something all year long.
I know which country I want my great nieces and nephews to grow up in too. A country of love, hope, and kindness. Not the rot-infested world Trump glorifies. I’ll be working hard next year here in ME to see that Biden gets reelected and that my world is a safe, peaceful one. We’ll be starting with an Anti-Gun Rally on January 3 at the ME State House to open up our legislative session.
MTG has loudly proclaimed herself to be a Christian, something that I personally see as a mockery of the faith, considering how she conducts both her public and private life. But who am I to judge?
However, if being 'swatted' is upsetting for her, as I suspect it would be for anyone, perhaps she would find comfort in a few words from the book that's supposed to be the bedrock of her faith:
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7
I agree with you. MtG and Co are a mockery of their faith. I don't think it is judgmental to say that. I think we should say that loudly and clearly because is true and because not saying it is hurtful to a lot of folks out there who are too polite or cowed to say so.
Remember back several years when the Evangelical right proclaimed him a "Baby Christian"? 50% correct, a baby in a 77 year old body with mentality arrested at toddler level and deteriorating. Can't be bothered mentioning Baby Jesus.
It’s interesting that you say that because many years ago, I became involved in a discussion about this contrast with some conservative acquaintances. Nearly every one of them believed that Pottersville was preferable to Bedford Falls because it was a place of freedom and commerce. I think of that conversation every Christmas season.
Ahhh yes, the conservative view of some folks that there is never enough of something...(for just oneself). You must to hoard it to be safe. Money, love, fame ... if you win it,..it comes and goes in a minute, Where's the real stuff in life to cling to? Sharing makes everything possible... love transforms want to plenty. It's a kind of magic that the world needs right now... and always.
I think the MAGAts have gone beyond the pale. It seems to me that it would take divine intervention to turn them from the path of hate and destruction.
It would take a miracle, and the Republican Fascist Party has outlawed miracles. (Paraphrasing Senior Ferrari in Casablanca)
Tim Alberta, contributor to the Atlantic and author of the just released book, THE KINGDOM ,THE POWER AND THE GLORY tries to explain the cognitive dissonance between the religiosity of the Evangelical population at large and the apparent support they have for a nihilist like Trump. His premise is that the Evangelicals view liberal thought as "coming for them and their church" and therefore see voting for Trump as a last chance to save our country and their church. Since there is no exclusive right to saving our country, I suggest everyone on the other side of that adopt the same notion. Amongst the informed, who far outnumber the Evangelicals, we should come to the polls with the same mission and the same intensity. THIS MAY BE OUR LAST CHANCE TO SAVE OUR COUNTRY! JUST DO IT!
Joe Biden and Donald Trump have each revealed themselves in their respective quotes. Joe Biden is a man grounded in love and Donald Trump is a man grounded in hate. We all are shades of gray, but every person makes a choice of what fundamental path they will take. We see here what Joe Biden has chosen, and we also see what Trump has chosen. I’m with Joe Biden. It’s not a difficult decision.
You say that like rational people grounded in reality should be the norm... Oh, don't we all wish it were.
Wishing is just the start. That needs to be followed up with all hands on deck to win big in 2024.
Let's make it so.
William, I agree with you.
As they say, it's a no-brainer.
I watched it first then watched it again with my son-in-law. Both of us were in tears. Tomorrow we'll watch it a third time with my daughter and granddaughter. Tears of relief as much as sadness. The sadness comes from the knowledge that there are so many who choose hate in this world. Happy New Year to everyone!
I so agree with you William. I am with the side of peace!
Well said, William. I’ll second that!
Robert and Jill, I have avoided everything Trump for the past 48 hours, but I did read this excerpt you included from his truth social post; it is neither shocking nor unexpected, which makes it all the more horrible. May we somehow find a way to navigate away from this madness, this insane hatred, and toward a better way of living together as Americans. I am buckled up and ridin’ with Biden all the way to November 2024.
I hope you all had a very happy and relaxing holiday.
Robert, the best that I can wish for you and yours in the New Year (because I can only imagine what is coming) is deep fulfillment and love.
For you personally, I wish and hope there can be moments of self-realization when you can know in your core who you really are, and what you mean to all of us, including those granddaughters of yours.
You are an authentic being. You have the Light. You share it well.
I'll stop now, before this starts sounding like a eulogy instead of a blessing....
So beautifully written and true.
Thank you Robert and Gus both.
Gus, this is beautiful, and I agree with every word of it.
I vote for vision Biden!
The contrast between the vision and aspirations for the future tell you everything you need to know.
Agreed. Contrast is clarifying. Contrast assists in “knowing what is wanted”.
Contrast is even a euphamism to describe the difference between these men and that which they stand for. Sometimes I think that it is good that Trump is getting more and more unhinged. It is so much more clear how disrespectful, hateful and destructive his thoughts are. Nobody who follows him will be able to say afterwards, 'we didn't know' (wir haben es nicht gewusst). How ugly these us versus them hate feelings are, stays in many leaders more hidden, as they are more well spoken or if you will, more clever in their populism. Biden and his administration takes the high road which is so hopeful and a great example for other governments. Here in Europe we democrats are battling the same dividing forces and follow the developments in the US eagerly. One glimmer of hope has sparked in Poland. Let's hope that others will come to their senses over time and let's hold each other's hands in the meantime.
Thanks, Robert, for your journalism.
We went to a beautiful Christmas Eve service. In the end, in a darkened chapel, each of us lit a candle and all became light. People have the power to choose light over darkness. Whether we will or not always remains to be seen.
He really is Sauron.
Well...not as smart as Sauron.
Sauron was eventually a loser. Smart loser, dumb loser, the operative noun is "loser."
Sometimes smart isn't everything. Sometimes being a flawed human being with a big heart and a willingness to learn from mistakes is enough.
Indeed, he is the Dark Lord, Sauron!
OMG... yes.
Holy Christmas, 'er I mean, Holy sh*t. Did Trump really post that as his Christmas message? Not that I doubt you, Rob, but it is a bit of a head spinner.
And remember that Robert excluded a portion of it, so it was probably far worse than what we’ve read.
Much, much worse. The man is truly demented.
The man is filled with hate which says it all.
It was. I read the whole thing yesterday, sadly.
Much, much worse. So ugly, and so Trump. Merry Christmas at the start and end, with pure vile in between.
Thanks, I’ve read enough as it is and I don’t need to feel sick on the day after Christmas. As Trump starts to feel crushed under all these lawsuits, the real depth of his depravity is showing.
All true. I have a very light commitment week, and I intend to spend time in my sweats baking bread and reading a novel and whatnot, unless there is some huge political headline.
I’m doing the same. I’m reading two books that I’ve put off for a while, and they have absolutely nothing to do with politics. Enjoy your week baking and restoring yourself.
See my reply to Susan Miller. Same to you!
Yes, and better yet I get some vacation time without the relatives! A spa day and the whole nine yards. Some self care is good, no? Hope your 2024 is a wonderful year for you
I no longer care what Trump thinks. President Biden's call to human decency should have top billing. Trump, his hate, his greed. All of that should be old news relegated once again to the dustbin of history. Let's come up with something new, please!
Agreed! I don’t need to hear another word out of Trump’s mouth or see another thing written about him to know what he is. He’s a piece of human detritus. If his MAGA loyalists can’t figure that out yet, then that’s their problem. I am not even sure that Trump has another year of life left. He looks like hell and certainly doesn’t take care of himself; his death would be a blessing not just for us, but for himself.
Now, if only one or two of them find him guilty. Personally I'm hoping for some jail time for the Orange Jesus so he can become totally unhinged and permanently committed to a facility!
I find any equation between DT and Jesus an abomination. There are so many but even as a not particularly religious person, that one gags me the most.
agree, simply CANNOT pair the subhuman anti-Christ with Jesus. And I am not particularly religious either.
I'm glad I didn't read it all. He is a boring old hate-filled neo-Nazi bigot. What else could one possibly expect?
Agreed. But it was Biden's message, delivered quietly, that moved me to tears and to continue to take action to defeat Trump and his likes.
Hearing Trump's rhetoric, I fear for the safety of my heroes and heroines ...the brave and beloved journalists who help us interpret daily events (sub-stack writers, reporters, commentators, guest opinion writers, newscasters ... etc.). Among a zillion reasons to work our butts off, keeping Trump out of the White House, is protecting those who've risked their own safety to keep us informed. Keeping Trump out of Office is the least we owe them!
What I find a bit discouraging is that so many of the comments here begin not with appreciation for the message President Biden delivered, but reaction to Trump's continued gospel of hate and fear. Check out the White House Christmas decorations this year and compare them with the gray Christmas deco under Melania and Trump. Christmas should be jolly, merry, and bright whether you celebrate it or not. If we become the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural democracy I would love to see, one of the benefits would be to be engaged in celebrating something all year long.
I wanna be first in line for his deportation camps.
I know which country I want my great nieces and nephews to grow up in too. A country of love, hope, and kindness. Not the rot-infested world Trump glorifies. I’ll be working hard next year here in ME to see that Biden gets reelected and that my world is a safe, peaceful one. We’ll be starting with an Anti-Gun Rally on January 3 at the ME State House to open up our legislative session.
Good for you!!!!
Marjorie Traitor Goon got "swatted" this morning - for the 8th time, she says. A couple other MAGAts got similar "Holiday greetings."
Not good. We must not become them.
MTG has loudly proclaimed herself to be a Christian, something that I personally see as a mockery of the faith, considering how she conducts both her public and private life. But who am I to judge?
However, if being 'swatted' is upsetting for her, as I suspect it would be for anyone, perhaps she would find comfort in a few words from the book that's supposed to be the bedrock of her faith:
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7
I agree with you. MtG and Co are a mockery of their faith. I don't think it is judgmental to say that. I think we should say that loudly and clearly because is true and because not saying it is hurtful to a lot of folks out there who are too polite or cowed to say so.
Mrs. Betty Bowers wrote, "Donald can't stop thinking about himself long enough to even mention the Baby Jesus on his birthday. Sad."
He's gotten an "appropriate" response to his bottomless self-pity. You can see as much as you might want here (but put on your hip waders first):
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trumps-christmas-messages-spark-avalanche-jokes-memes-1855380
I love the meme of him as the Grinch.
I love Mrs. Betty Bowers!
Same!
Remember back several years when the Evangelical right proclaimed him a "Baby Christian"? 50% correct, a baby in a 77 year old body with mentality arrested at toddler level and deteriorating. Can't be bothered mentioning Baby Jesus.
That’s a grave insult to the Grinch.
He's a boring old soul trying to compete with a jolly old elf.
He doesn't have a soul, and he doesn't reflect in mirror.
It's a choice. Bedford Falls or Pottersville. Calling all angels. ❤️😇🎶
It’s interesting that you say that because many years ago, I became involved in a discussion about this contrast with some conservative acquaintances. Nearly every one of them believed that Pottersville was preferable to Bedford Falls because it was a place of freedom and commerce. I think of that conversation every Christmas season.
Ahhh yes, the conservative view of some folks that there is never enough of something...(for just oneself). You must to hoard it to be safe. Money, love, fame ... if you win it,..it comes and goes in a minute, Where's the real stuff in life to cling to? Sharing makes everything possible... love transforms want to plenty. It's a kind of magic that the world needs right now... and always.
Wow...
Well, that darkened my day, though I'm sure it wasn't intentional.
We have always known this and the courts will not help us so our resolve must be to work toward the November vote. Thanks Robert!
OMG. There couldn’t be a starker contrast.
I think the MAGAts have gone beyond the pale. It seems to me that it would take divine intervention to turn them from the path of hate and destruction.
It would take a miracle, and the Republican Fascist Party has outlawed miracles. (Paraphrasing Senior Ferrari in Casablanca)
And yet, look what happened to Ilsa and Victor in the end.
And today's thoughts on Christmas and religion.
Tim Alberta, contributor to the Atlantic and author of the just released book, THE KINGDOM ,THE POWER AND THE GLORY tries to explain the cognitive dissonance between the religiosity of the Evangelical population at large and the apparent support they have for a nihilist like Trump. His premise is that the Evangelicals view liberal thought as "coming for them and their church" and therefore see voting for Trump as a last chance to save our country and their church. Since there is no exclusive right to saving our country, I suggest everyone on the other side of that adopt the same notion. Amongst the informed, who far outnumber the Evangelicals, we should come to the polls with the same mission and the same intensity. THIS MAY BE OUR LAST CHANCE TO SAVE OUR COUNTRY! JUST DO IT!
I found Alberta's book remarkable. Painful to read at times, but remarkable.