Spring is springing.
For years I’ve wondered who “they” were. You know, “They’re coming for your guns”, “They hate Jesus”, “They are the deep state”, “They want to destroy the country”. Now we know. “They” are the MAGAts who slavishly follow Trump.
Putin wants Trump to destroy the federal government and leave everything to the states. Why? Because it’s easier to conquer one state at a time than it would be to conquer a United States. He’ll take the red states first. When you’re starving you’ll take food from anyone.
Tariffs will destroy us.
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Russia may want to conquer us politically, but China has already conquered us in the marketplace. Look at all the things you use. I bet a majority of them are made in China. If China cut off exports to the US the few things left on the shelves would be sold for hundreds of dollars. It goes to show how ridiculous the promise to bring back American manufacturing is. We can’t make many of the things we import from China, and because of our wages (which honestly should be higher) would make prices prohibitively expensive, especially for us normal people.
We haven't paid attention
Monday, March 17, 2025
Several authors have warned us in their fiction of what is happening now. It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis, Steven Jonas' The 15% Solution, and Looking Backward:2000 to 1887, written in 1888 by Edward Bellamy, are prime examples. But we haven’t learned from history or literature. So now, this.
We are no longer the United States of America. Political and ideological differences divide us.
Nor are we America. Three countries share that name.
We aren’t even North America, as that includes Canada, who must regret that association.
So who are we? What are we?
What are we becoming?
The Criminal in Chief has invoked emergency war powers. Supposedly this is geared toward Mexican gang members but don’t be surprised when it’s applied to dissidents and anyone else who displeases the emperor.
What ChatGPT has to say about fascism versus democracy
Saturday, March 8, 2025
I asked ChatGPT to present an argument supporting fascism over democracy. It sounds reasonable, even logical. This is the sort of state sponsored propaganda we can expect to encounter in the next few years. “A Call for Strength and Order in a Time of Chaos Citizens, For too long, we have been told that democracy is the highest form of government, an unquestionable good that guarantees liberty and prosperity. Yet, in practice, we have seen it descend into dysfunction, weakness, and division.
There is no "why"
Thursday, February 6, 2025
In the debate over our place in the universe and what life and consciousness are, there is one possibility that rarely gets addressed and yet is just as probable as any other hypothesis. The question “why” is in valid and has no meaning in the conversation of reality. It is because it is. No reason, no motivation, no purpose, no predetermination. This universe exists because it’s the version that became existent.
Reflections
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Despite dealing with lifelong depression, various addictions (cocaine was the worst), and a life that had no direction and thus no accomplishments, I’ve never been suicidal. I’m too curious about tomorrow. But when I see where this world is headed, I almost, almost, wish I could be. I’m an old white man. This world has been ruined by old white men. Our country is being torn apart because white men are losing their privileged status.
What does Deep Seek see as the worst case scenario for Trump’s reign?
Predicting the “worst-case scenario” for any political figure’s tenure involves a high degree of speculation and depends on various factors, including domestic policies, international relations, economic conditions, and unforeseen events. However, based on Donald Trump’s first term (2017–2021) and his stated policies and tendencies, here are some potential worst-case scenarios that critics might raise concerns about for a hypothetical second term (assuming the question refers to a future scenario):
1. Erosion of Democratic Norms and Institutions
- Worst-case scenario: Critics argue that Trump’s leadership style could further undermine democratic norms, such as press freedom, judicial independence, and checks and balances. This could include attempts to consolidate executive power, retaliate against political opponents, or interfere with electoral processes.
- Potential consequences: A weakening of democratic institutions could lead to increased polarization, erosion of public trust in government, and long-term damage to the U.S. political system.
2. Escalation of International Conflicts
- Worst-case scenario: Trump’s “America First” foreign policy and unpredictable approach to diplomacy could strain alliances (e.g., NATO, partnerships in Asia) and escalate tensions with adversarial nations (e.g., China, Iran, North Korea). A miscalculation or breakdown in diplomacy could lead to military conflict or trade wars.
- Potential consequences: Global instability, economic disruption, and a potential arms race or regional conflicts.
3. Climate Change Inaction or Regression
- Worst-case scenario: A continuation of policies that roll back environmental regulations and withdraw from international climate agreements (e.g., the Paris Accord) could exacerbate the climate crisis. Lack of U.S. leadership on climate issues might discourage global cooperation.
- Potential consequences: Accelerated global warming, more frequent natural disasters, and long-term environmental and economic damage.
4. Economic Instability
- Worst-case scenario: Policies favoring deregulation, tax cuts for the wealthy, and trade wars could lead to economic inequality, unsustainable debt levels, and market volatility. A failure to address systemic issues (e.g., healthcare costs, infrastructure) could worsen economic conditions for many Americans.
- Potential consequences: A recession, increased poverty, and social unrest.
5. Social Division and Civil Unrest
- Worst-case scenario: Trump’s rhetoric and policies could further polarize the country along racial, cultural, and political lines. This could exacerbate tensions, leading to widespread protests, violence, or even domestic terrorism.
- Potential consequences: A deeply fractured society, loss of social cohesion, and challenges to national unity.
6. Public Health Crises
- Worst-case scenario: A lack of federal coordination and skepticism toward science (as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic) could hinder responses to future public health emergencies. Cuts to healthcare programs or environmental regulations could also worsen health outcomes.
- Potential consequences: Higher mortality rates, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and economic disruption.
7. Undermining of Global Leadership
- Worst-case scenario: A continued retreat from multilateralism and international organizations (e.g., WHO, UN) could diminish U.S. influence globally. This could create a power vacuum filled by authoritarian regimes like China or Russia.
- Potential consequences: A less stable international order and diminished U.S. ability to shape global outcomes.
8. Erosion of Civil Liberties
- Worst-case scenario: Policies targeting immigration, free speech, or minority groups could lead to violations of civil liberties. Expanded executive power and surveillance could further threaten individual rights.
- Potential consequences: A less free and inclusive society, with long-term harm to marginalized communities.
9. Technological and Cybersecurity Risks
- Worst-case scenario: A lack of investment in cybersecurity or failure to regulate emerging technologies (e.g., AI, social media) could leave the U.S. vulnerable to cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and technological misuse.
- Potential consequences: National security threats, economic disruption, and societal manipulation.
10. Legacy of Long-Term Damage
- Worst-case scenario: A combination of the above factors could leave the U.S. and the world in a more precarious position, with lasting damage to democratic institutions, international relations, and the environment.
- Potential consequences: A diminished U.S. role on the global stage and a more unstable, unequal, and unsustainable future.
It’s important to note that these scenarios are speculative and represent concerns raised by critics. Supporters of Trump might argue that his policies could lead to positive outcomes, such as economic growth, stronger national security, and a more assertive U.S. presence globally. The actual trajectory would depend on a wide range of factors, including congressional dynamics, global events, and public response.
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde's comments at the inauguration that pissed of DJT
Thursday, January 23, 2025
“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country. We’re scared now. The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals. They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals.
Last thoughts at the end of American democracy
Sunday, January 19, 2025
If Muskrat was willing to spend so much money buying the shit show that will be the Grump presidency, it doesn’t speak well for his business acumen. We can’t even claim to have the best government money can buy. From here on I pledge to be less devoted to the concept of a united states and more willing to entertain the notion of letting the South secede. Values are more important than tradition.
Evening Thoughts 1-13-25
Monday, January 13, 2025
I sincerely respect the integrity of those journalists resigning from their companies in protest over their owner’s obsequence with Trump’s comments. But I have to wonder what took them so long. Were they hoping the papers would change course? Were they unaware of the destruction Trump will cause? Science is us asking questions for which we currently have no answers. Religion is (pretending they) have answers that cannot be questioned. I’m not afraid of not knowing.
72% of the world lives under a dictatorship.
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Capitalism has given us a world in which we cannot compete with billionaire oligarchs. Our one opportunity to keep them at bay, if only slightly, is activism. Resistance and revolution. We can’t fight them on their terms, we have to bring them down with the weapons we posses.
Christmas 2024
Monday, December 23, 2024
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I have a couple of videos in which Charlie Chaplin and Rod Serling remind us of what we face after the gifts have been opened and the meal eaten. Treason tis' the reason for the season. youtu.be/J7GY1Xg6X… youtu.be/gbp1du33l…
24 hour time
Friday, November 29, 2024
I blame this on my cold, not being old. I took a shot of night-time cold medicine around noon. I woke up at 5, but 5 what? It was dark outside. I’m not senile…yet. It was now I realized that none of my “Digital Assistants” showed AM or PM. I quit using 24 hour time a while ago, thinking that I was just trying to relive my military days. It never fails to impress a civilian when you can instantly translate 24 hour time to AM/PM.
Thanksgiving 2024
Thursday, November 28, 2024
I can’t imagine anything to be thankful for this year. Trump was elected, the democratic republic appears doomed, humanity still can’t live in harmony with nature, and to top it off I’ve just learned that I have to move in 6 months from the living arrangements I’ve enjoyed for a decade. I’m not pitying myself, just assessing reality.
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 →
Was Mike Flynn as MAGA as he is now when he was leading the DIA? If he was, how much damage did he do? What did he offer other nations? How much espionage did he do?
The end game of capitalism has brought about the end game of democracy.