Trump's latest....

[gimmethesimplelife]

It seems that Trump has been outlining his plans to weaponize the FBI against his opponents and the US military against peaceful protestors. Very scary stuff - this is the start, or at least an attempt to start an authoritarian dictatorship regime.

Astrid has already said myself and SO can go into hiding (over there) if necessary and I have places I can stay in Mexico. I am making no moves at the moment but given my utter distrust of this country I can see where a quick move may be necc depending on the election outcome. Gotta say I have never been this afraid of the United States in my life - but at least I have places to run to where I am welcome. Do you? Rob

[iris lilies]

I am so glad cousin Astrid is on the ball.

[gimmethesimplelife]

I am so glad cousin Astrid is on the ball.Snark all you want, IL. I am genuinely fearful at this point though becuause I
work long hours these days I put a good face on it. What tipped me over some kind of realization here is that DJT himself referred to some who dislike him as vermin - yes, he did use that word. And so many Americans actually consider such as acceptable. What are any sane people doing here - if Trump indeed does win things are going to slide from there. I wish this all were not so ugly. Rob

[iris lilies]

If you are truly fearful, Rob, then it *IS* a good thing FOR YOU to have the comfort of places lined up to which to flee, as we have heard so many times over the years from you. Decades, even. What about your mother, will she flee with you?

I wonder what you think about some people who are legitimately feeling some new fear that hasn’t been there before, because they are Jews? I think it’s insane that “so many Americans actually consider “ Hamas and their puppets to be reasonable.

[Yppej]

The chilling suppression of free speech and other civil liberties in recent years has come from big government allied with big tech and big pharma, primarily Democrats with a few RINOs like Charlie Baker thrown in. Trump is just a buffoon and a sideshow.

[jp1]

Trump is indeed a buffoon. And a bully. But just because his first coup attempt was as clownish and amateurish as the Beer Hall Putsch doesn't mean his second effort will be equally inept. And 40% of the voting population still love that asshole and will support him until the day he dies. Being convicted of the crimes he obviously committed will only add to his second coming of christ stature in their minds.

[bae]

I'm not terribly "afraid" at this point. I live in probably the most liberal and free county in one of the most liberal states, far far away from Washington D.C. Furthermore, I'm 20 miles off the US mainland, but a 10 minute row across the border to Canada from here :-). And even my liberal state still allows me to own firearms, speak freely, and worship as I please.


....but at least I have places to run to where I am welcome. Do you? Rob

Well. I keep ~1/2 of my assets overseas. I have a residence overseas, and a permanent residency visa in-progress which should be in my hands "shortly". I speak multiple languages, and have friends and family all over the world.

But that's just common sense.

[frugal-one]

[QUOTE=bae;430949]I'm not terribly "afraid" at this point. I live in probably the most liberal and free county in one of the most liberal states, far far away from Washington D.C. Furthermore, I'm 20 miles off the US mainland, but a 10 minute row across the border to Canada from here :-). And even my liberal state still allows me to own firearms, speak freely, and worship as I please.



Well. I keep ~1/2 of my assets overseas. I have a residence overseas, and a permanent residency visa in-progress which should be in my hands "shortly". I speak multiple languages, and have friends and family all over the world.

But that's just common sense.[/QUOTE
———————-

So in effect you too are fearful and setting yourself up for a quick escape. It may be common sense but it is difficult to do what you are doing. Those who are looking away from trump’s antics are being foolish. I’m with Rob in being fearful! There are too many sheep….

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-seeking-american-immigrants

[Rogar]

And even my liberal state still allows me to own firearms, speak freely, and worship as I please.



Well. I keep ~1/2 of my assets overseas. I have a residence overseas, and a permanent residency visa in-progress which should be in my hands "shortly". I speak multiple languages, and have friends and family all over the world.

But that's just common sense.

I imagine a disadvantage of an overseas residence is the loss of firearms freedoms. Or some might think so.

[Yppej]

It's more than 40% of the population - in recent polls including in battleground states Trump beats Biden.

But Biden will not step aside and no one is endorsing Phillips. The Democrats are going to keep Biden until he drops dead they did with Feinstein. If they lose they have only themselves to blame.

[bae]

So in effect you too are fearful and setting yourself up for a quick escape.


I keep a fire extinguisher in my kitchen, but I'm not "fearful" of having a kitchen fire. Merely prepared in the event one should happen. I pay for homeowner's insurance for similar reasons.

As to the likelihood of problematic levels of civil unrest and governmental zaniness here in the USA, well, I'm a statistician, and "things happen" to first-world nations with enough frequency that you'd be foolish to overlook the possibility.


I imagine a disadvantage of an overseas residence is the loss of firearms freedoms. Or some might think so.

Well, living overseas involves the potential loss of a lot of freedoms. In the UK, you don't have the same set of civil liberties as you do here in the USA. In Saudi Arabia, less so still. You pays your money, you takes your choices.

[iris lilies]

It's more than 40% of the population - in recent polls including in battleground states Trump beats Biden.

But Biden will not step aside and no one is endorsing Phillips. The Democrats are going to keep Biden until he drops dead they did with Feinstein. If they lose they have only themselves to blame.

I wouldn't take much for me to change from a glum Biden voter to a voter with the slightest of a hopeful outlook in any Democratic candidate other than the current team.

[iris lilies]

[QUOTE=bae;430949]I'm not terribly "afraid" at this point. I live in probably the most liberal and free county in one of the most liberal states, far far away from Washington D.C. Furthermore, I'm 20 miles off the US mainland, but a 10 minute row across the border to Canada from here :-). And even my liberal state still allows me to own firearms, speak freely, and worship as I please.



Well. I keep ~1/2 of my assets overseas. I have a residence overseas, and a permanent residency visa in-progress which should be in my hands "shortly". I speak multiple languages, and have friends and family all over the world.

But that's just common sense.[/QUOTE
———————-

So in effect you too are fearful and setting yourself up for a quick escape. It may be common sense but it is difficult to do what you are doing. Those who are looking away from trump’s antics are being foolish. I’m with Rob in being fearful! There are too many sheep….

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-seeking-american-immigrants

I won’t argue with people about what they are “afraid” of because fear is a feeling and we feel what we feel. So, I take Rob at his word when he uses words to describes his feelings as finding things “scary” and he is “afraid” and
he has “utter distrust.” He feels what he feels and I take that as fact.

But given the decade and a half that I have heard Rob express his fears while I observe Rob coming to no harm and, in fact, thriving in this country that he denigrates and threatens to “ flee” every so often, I won’t be petting him and propping him up in his…delusions. Feelings are not facts.

[gimmethesimplelife]

[QUOTE=frugal-one;430956]

I won’t argue with people about what they are “afraid” of because fear is a feeling and we feel what we feel. So, I take Rob at his word when he uses words to describes his feelings as finding things “scary” and he is “afraid” and
he has “utter distrust.” He feels what he feels and I take that as fact.

But given the decade and a half that I have heard Rob express his fears while I observe Rob coming to no harm and, in fact, thriving in this country that he denigrates and threatens to “ flee” every so often, I won’t be petting him and propping him up in his…delusions. Feelings are not facts.Fair enough, IL. I will make the difference this time crystal clear.

Trump is now voluntarily using language used by Hitler and the the WW2 Italian dictator whose name I never spell right. This is a new low for him and given that this society could care less whether you.live or die in good times (a reference to the inexcusable lack of US universal health care) - any such language is going to be taken ultra seriously for what it is the first time it's uttered. There is no backpacking or going back from this new low. It's the truth of America on display for the world to see. Quite revolting, no?

I don't know how this could be achieved but my hope is now that America splits in half. I am far too decent of a human being to live in the Trumper authoritarian half. So are most people I know. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

[QUOTE=iris lilies;430971]Fair enough, IL. I will make the difference this time crystal clear.

Trump is now voluntarily using language used by Hitler and the the WW2 Italian dictator whose name I never spell right. This is a new low for him and given that this society could care less whether you.live or die in good times (a reference to the inexcusable lack of US universal health care) - any such language is going to be taken ultra seriously for what it is the first time it's uttered. There is no backpacking or going back from this new low. It's the truth of America on display for the world to see. Quite revolting, no?

I don't know how this could be achieved but my hope is now that America splits in half. I am far too decent of a human being to live in the Trumper authoritarian half. So are most people I know. Rob

PS If I'm able to get out of the US - I still worry for so many other people I know who.also deserve better than authoritarianism. Are you yourself not worth better than being a subject of an authoritarian fascist lacking socialized medicine state, IL?Only.you can answer that - I merely pose the question.

[frugal-one]

I keep a fire extinguisher in my kitchen, but I'm not "fearful" of having a kitchen fire. Merely prepared in the event one should happen. I pay for homeowner's insurance for similar reasons.

As to the likelihood of problematic levels of civil unrest and governmental zaniness here in the USA, well, I'm a statistician, and "things happen" to first-world nations with enough frequency that you'd be foolish to overlook the possibility.



Well, living overseas involves the potential loss of a lot of freedoms. In the UK, you don't have the same set of civil liberties as you do here in the USA. In Saudi Arabia, less so still. You pays your money, you takes your choices.

As you stated earlier, you are just now getting “your ducks lined up in a row” so if need be you can escape the US. Obviously you are fearful something may transpire more now otherwise you would have done this a long time ago. I’ve also looked at leaving the US but financially I don’t think the few countries I would consider would consider me as a viable transplant, unfortunately.

[frugal-one]

It's more than 40% of the population - in recent polls including in battleground states Trump beats Biden.

But Biden will not step aside and no one is endorsing Phillips. The Democrats are going to keep Biden until he drops dead they did with Feinstein. If they lose they have only themselves to blame.


Easy to criticize. What do you suggest?

[Yppej]

Easy to criticize. What do you suggest?

I keep watching for Phillips events so I can go hear him speak. So far they haven't fit with my work schedule, but I am seeing a lot of his TV ads. I don't know why more Democrats don't get behind him. Like do they really want Joe Mansin to run and throw the election to Trump for sure?

[catherine]

If I had to put money on it today, I would put it on Trump winning the election, I'm sorry to say. Too many stars are aligned in his favor, whether we like it or not.

[jp1]

If I had to put money on it today, I would put it on Trump winning the election, I'm sorry to say. Too many stars are aligned in his favor, whether we like it or not.

Polls this far out are meaningless. Polls a year out from the 2020 election were equally bleak for democrats. Even in the summer of 2020 they weren't great for biden. But ultimately the election became a referendum on trump so trump lost. Currently a whole lot of voters aren't focused on trump or the election that is still a year away. Trump can channel his inner Mussolimi and call Democrats vermin and it barely makes the news. But once election season begins in earnest and people start paying attention again they will remember why they hated that ugly shitbag and once again he will, at best, get votes in the low-mid 40% range of the popular vote. Plus we have four more years of majority repulbican voters entering eternal non-voting status and four more years of young folks who strongly vote democratic entering the electorate, and abortion, a never ending loser for republicans, to influence people's voting choice.

Sure, lots of people don't want trump but wish there was someone besides biden as the alternative. But when push comes to shove the election will be about trump versus biden and just like last time a lot of people will vote for biden because he's "normal" and won't send America into authoritarian chaos and disaster the way a second trump presidency would.

[Yppej]

The economy is worse under Biden and he could also start World War III.

[LDAHL]

I would say there’s about a seventy percent probability of another Biden term, provided there are no mental lapses so blatant that even the media can’t paper over before next November. I think Trump is just too damaged and preoccupied with lawfare. Maybe an outside chance a figure like Nikki Haley can make a series of deals and become the GOP front runner.

I think the likeliest outcome will be Biden’s handlers rolling him out a a sort of animatronic figure for 3-4 years. Sort of like the last years of the Wilson Administration.

[Alan]

Astrid has already said myself and SO can go into hiding (over there) if necessary and I have places I can stay in Mexico. I am making no moves at the moment but given my utter distrust of this country I can see where a quick move may be necc depending on the election outcome. Gotta say I have never been this afraid of the United States in my life - but at least I have places to run to where I am welcome. Do you? Rob
I guess you're in good company since I hear that both Barbara Streisand and Cher are planning to leave the country if Trump is re-elected, although I'm pretty sure they've both made that promise before without following through. Sometimes it's hard to distinguish between real commitments and ideological virtue signaling, I guess time will tell.

[gimmethesimplelife]

I guess you're in good company since I hear that both Barbara Streisand and Cher are planning to leave the country if Trump is re-elected, although I'm pretty sure they've both made that promise before without following through. Sometimes it's hard to distinguish between real commitments and ideological virtue signaling, I guess time will tell.I take it then that you find the military being weaponized against peaceful protestors is acceptable to you? That Trump weaponizing the FBI and the DOJ to prosecute his opponents is acceptable to you? That Trump referring to those on the left as "vermin" - yes he did use this word twice. This is acceptable to you?

You get to believe as you wish, Alan. All I'm going to say is this country is getting too 1930's Germany for me. I deserve better as do most people I know. Your acceptance of Trump's wanna be dictator rhetoric? The nicest thing I can say is I now strongly hope this country splits up - it's too much for me to be surrounded by people who accept Trump's latest and it can't be easy for such people to be surrounded by the likes of me.

I no longer believe it's in this country's best interests to remain intact. Do you believe another 4 years of Trump would hasten such a split - truly a gift for us all? Personally with Cher's and Striesand's money, they could live wherever they please. What is important is that the little people who are not authoritarian types have a quick safe exit from this country/mentality that has been so monstrous in the past (I refer you to my Homeland - a former authoritarian nation, and it's involvement in the Holocaust).....little people need access to some way to flee - or some rough schedule of this country's split. Business as usual no longer works - Trump crossed major lines with his new authoritarian plans - what eventual monstrous evil will said plans accelerate to?

At any rate, no snark to you, Alan. I wish you and yours a good life in the half of America I could never live in. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

The economy is worse under Biden and he could also start World War III.Opposed to Trump dismantling the rule of law/US society as we know it to create an authoritarian state with minimal rights for the peons? I'll take Biden to protect basic human rights for $500, Mr. Trebek. Rob

[catherine]

I would say there’s about a seventy percent probability of another Biden term, provided there are no mental lapses so blatant that even the media can’t paper over before next November. I think Trump is just too damaged and preoccupied with lawfare. Maybe an outside chance a figure like Nikki Haley can make a series of deals and become the GOP front runner.

I think the likeliest outcome will be Biden’s handlers rolling him out a a sort of animatronic figure for 3-4 years. Sort of like the last years of the Wilson Administration.

I hope you're right! I would like to see Nikki Haley as the front runner for sure. I think she performed wonderfully in the debates. While I don't agree with her on core GOP issues (abortion, healthcare, corporate tax), I think she is reasonable, respectable, can seemingly stand up to her detractors sharply but with poise.

[Alan]

I take it then that you find the military being weaponized against peaceful protestors is acceptable to you? That Trump weaponizing the FBI and the DOJ to prosecute his opponents is acceptable to you? That Trump referring to those on the left as "vermin" - yes he did use this word twice. This is acceptable to you?
LOL, I stopped paying attention to things Trump says some time ago so I'm not sure if I find whatever you're referencing to be acceptable or not. I did read somewhere that he's suggested that if it's acceptable to weaponize the DOJ and various states AG's against him then it might be justified to return the favor. Is that what you're referencing? If not, let me know what he's said and I'll let you know what I think without you having to speculate.

[frugal-one]

The economy is worse under Biden and he could also start World War III.

In your opinion… nothing supports this.

[frugal-one]

LOL, I stopped paying attention to things Trump says some time ago so I'm not sure if I find whatever you're referencing to be acceptable or not. I did read somewhere that he's suggested that if it's acceptable to weaponize the DOJ and various states AG's against him then it might be justified to return the favor. Is that what you're referencing? If not, let me know what he's said and I'll let you know what I think without you having to speculate.

That is the problem….. suppose you will vote for him then too.

[gimmethesimplelife]

That is the problem….. suppose you will vote for him then too.Thank You, Frugal One. You obviously get it. Just remember - we are far from being alone. Rob

[Alan]

That is the problem….. suppose you will vote for him then too.
I think it is important to know the context of things all politicians say and was hoping gimme could provide an actual quote for review and consideration rather than a blanket opinion statement. I think the real problem is that not enough people do.

As for your supposition, rest assured I'm hoping I don't have to.

[Rogar]

I hope you're right! I would like to see Nikki Haley as the front runner for sure. I think she performed wonderfully in the debates. While I don't agree with her on core GOP issues (abortion, healthcare, corporate tax), I think she is reasonable, respectable, can seemingly stand up to her detractors sharply but with poise.

Nikki Haley talks out of both sides of her mouth about climate change and is basically in the drill baby drill school of thought. There are worse in the running. I'd say she has some leadership charisma over most of the others.

I think Christie is the best communicator. When he talks you don't get the feeling that he's talking a bunch of political double talk. Or at least he gives that impression.

[jp1]

I find it fascinating that people who supposedly care about the future of this country would stop paying attention to what the front runner for the nomination of one of our main political parties says. I guess we really didn’t learn anything from WWII after all.

The sad part is that those same people who have stopped listening to one of our presidential front runners as he shares his detailed plans for authoritarian fascism in the very unfortunate event that he gets elected again also claim to be the saviors of freedom and worry for the future of our country after they’re dead. LOL.

[jp1]

In his various announcements for what a second trump administration would look like trump has made it clear that he understands why his first administration failed to successfully overthrow the government and keep him in power. The problem was that certain key people, such as Mike Pence, had more loyalty to the country than to Donald Trump. Trump has made it quite clear that when picking people for positions of extreme power next time he will not make that mistake again. It will entirely be an administration of suck ups like Rudy Giuliani.

[frugal-one]

I think it is important to know the context of things all politicians say and was hoping gimme could provide an actual quote for review and consideration rather than a blanket opinion statement. I think the real problem is that not enough people do.

As for your supposition, rest assured I'm hoping I don't have to.

I can’t imagine EVER voting for trump unless you are into dictatorships!

[catherine]

Nikki Haley talks out of both sides of her mouth about climate change and is basically in the drill baby drill school of thought. There are worse in the running. I'd say she has some leadership charisma over most of the others.

I think Christie is the best communicator. When he talks you don't get the feeling that he's talking a bunch of political double talk. Or at least he gives that impression.

As he was my governor when I was in NJ, I am slightly biased toward him. I respect Republicans who can successfully govern blue states. My VT governor deserves the same respect--Phil Scott. And I like that Christie doesn't give a rat's a$$ about the MAGA crowd--he just tells it as he sees it.

But he has no chance of getting through the primary--probably because he is so anti-Trump--so I think Haley is the next best thing.

[Simone]

I keep watching for Phillips events so I can go hear him speak. I don't know why more Democrats don't get behind him.

Jeppy, I saw Phillips on Bill Maher and thought he was bright, had a good sense of humor, spoke well (except for an annoying, to me, quirk about referring to others as his "brothers and sisters"), knew the issues, was playing in my court, etc.

But he'd be our first Jewish president in a time when rabid antisemitism is again on the rise. Here's what happened in his first town hall in NH. And I wish you had been there reporting because the YouTube live stream was taken offline, possibly by the Phillips people:

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/11/dean-phillips-town-hall-unravels-israel-gaza

So I wonder if the Democrats, already seeming to be uncertain and frightened, would risk backing him.

Too bad. He's up for the challenge.

[jp1]

I think it is important to know the context of things all politicians say and was hoping gimme could provide an actual quote for review and consideration rather than a blanket opinion statement. I think the real problem is that not enough people do.



Personally I’d love to hear you justify and explain how we didn’t hear what we all heard in trump’s recent vermin statement.

[Tybee]

Nikki Haley was my governor in SC and she was a very good governor. I would vote for her if I had to vote for a Republican.

[Yppej]

Jeppy, I saw Phillips on Bill Maher and thought he was bright, had a good sense of humor, spoke well (except for an annoying, to me, quirk about referring to others as his "brothers and sisters"), knew the issues, was playing in my court, etc.

But he'd be our first Jewish president in a time when rabid antisemitism is again on the rise. Here's what happened in his first town hall in NH. And I wish you had been there reporting because the YouTube live stream was taken offline, possibly by the Phillips people:

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/11/dean-phillips-town-hall-unravels-israel-gaza

So I wonder if the Democrats, already seeming to be uncertain and frightened, would risk backing him.

Too bad. He's up for the challenge.

Thank you for posting. I hadn't heard about the controversy at that event.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Personally I’d love to hear you justify and explain how we didn’t hear what we all heard in trump’s recent vermin statement.Thank You, jp1. I wanted to post something similar in reply but I just couldn't deal with it. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

LOL, I stopped paying attention to things Trump says some time ago so I'm not sure if I find whatever you're referencing to be acceptable or not. I did read somewhere that he's suggested that if it's acceptable to weaponize the DOJ and various states AG's against him then it might be justified to return the favor. Is that what you're referencing? If not, let me know what he's said and I'll let you know what I think without you having to speculate.The problem here, one that to yours truly is beyond horrific and is a glaring advertisement that the United States is no longer good enough for decent people - Austria too was guilty of not listening, not looking, not observing when Germany took them over at the cost of untold thousands of Austrian deaths. Why the free pass to a politician using Hilterian dictator rhetoric? The willfull ingnoring of the increasing instability/authoritarian behavior Trump is spewing - the letting Trump get away with this evil and inhumane language/ And what does this say about you, personally, that you, like most Austrians were, are willing to look the other way? Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

I can’t imagine EVER voting for trump unless you are into dictatorships!This is why I no longer believe that the United States is best served through remaining intact. These authoritarian types truly need their own nation in which they can get away with such behavior provided that their border is open and porous from those who might get a clue internally and wish to flee to the other side. (What's that saying - come to the Human Rights side, we have cookies). Rob

[Alan]

Personally I’d love to hear you justify and explain how we didn’t hear what we all heard in trump’s recent vermin statement.
Sorry to reply to this late but I've been kinda busy the past few days preparing to meander south for the winter. I also hadn't heard anything about a "vermin statement" until just a few hours ago when I read about the outrage over Trump using a term that Hitler also used, and all of a sudden all the talk here about dictators, Nazi's, fascists and such sort of made sense in a convoluted sort of way. I can only hope that Hitler never said anything about ice cream, cause I really like ice cream.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Sorry to reply to this late but I've been kinda busy the past few days preparing to meander south for the winter. I also hadn't heard anything about a "vermin statement" until just a few hours ago when I read about the outrage over Trump using a term that Hitler also used, and all of a sudden all the talk here about dictators, Nazi's, fascists and such sort of made sense in a convoluted sort of way. I can only hope that Hitler never said anything about ice cream, cause I really like ice cream.It's funny how one's life experiences shape their older years, no? For your part you are aware of the Dictatorship/Hilterian rhetoric and it seems to be absolutely no big deal to you (please correct me if I am wrong).

For my part I am seeing a period of roughtly a year to save save save save save as with this wanna be dictactor potentially returning to power - has this country even earned my presence? And yes, I do realize that I am not the most successful nor ambitious person out there - I am not someone another country will leap on other than for a retirement visa, likely - but the United States under dictator leadership is not to be borne. As a decent human being, should Trump be reelected, The United States truly is no longer good enough for me.

Its looking more and more like Mexico - which would be the most practical and easiest transition for me plus I'd have ready made family across Mexico. But I'm digressing once again - my point?

That which you see as no big deal to me is A HUGE UTTERLY NON NEGOTIABLE DEAL. I owe it to all those murdered by my ancestors in WW2 - there is no excuse for me to stay in such a country. To remain is to signal approval and I'm not capable of such. I'm just too decent of a human being.

I will say one thing, Alan - you get to view this any way you care to, such is your right. I see your take of this being no big deal as a very effective advertisement that this country truly is too polarized and needs to split up somehow. I believe it would be for the best for both sides in this equation. Rob

[Alan]

It's funny how one's life experiences shape their older years, no? For your part you are aware of the Dictatorship/Hilterian rhetoric and it seems to be absolutely no big deal to you (please correct me if I am wrong).

For my part I am seeing a period of roughtly a year to save save save save save as with this wanna be dictactor potentially returning to power - has this country even earned my presence? And yes, I do realize that I am not the most successful nor ambitious person out there - I am not someone another country will leap on other than for a retirement visa, likely - but the United States under dictator leadership is not to be borne. As a decent human being, should Trump be reelected, The United States truly is no longer good enough for me.

Its looking more and more like Mexico - which would be the most practical and easiest transition for me plus I'd have ready made family across Mexico. But I'm digressing once again - my point?

That which you see as no big deal to me is A HUGE UTTERLY NON NEGOTIABLE DEAL. I owe it to all those murdered by my ancestors in WW2 - there is no excuse for me to stay in such a country. To remain is to signal approval and I'm not capable of such. I'm just too decent of a human being.

I will say one thing, Alan - you get to view this any way you care to, such is your right. I see your take of this being no big deal as a very effective advertisement that this country truly is too polarized and needs to split up somehow. I believe it would be for the best for both sides in this equation. Rob

Thanks for that Rob, but it's not very helpful to me in trying to understand what makes you feel this way. It's not Trump because you've been making these same general statements for the past 15 or so years and you've absolutely ignored my recent request to tell me what exactly was said or done to trigger this latest round of "the US is not good enough for me" virtue signaling.

You may be right that I think this (whatever it is) is no big deal, but that's only because it's been going on for so long and for so many different reasons. I'm sorry in case you may find this response crass or in-sensitive to your fears and that is absolutely not my intention. This may just be a case of neither of us being able to understand the other.

[jp1]

A double deflection Alan! I’m super impressed! And also saddened that you actually think you’re a defender of freedom when the reality is that you’re totally ok with fascism as long as it’s team red doing the fascing. But thanks for confirming. I won’t bother with my futile efforts of trying to get you to engage anymore since it’s clear that you actually don’t really want to beyond making jokes about the authoritarian thug that may become our last president.

[frugal-one]

A double deflection Alan! I’m super impressed! And also saddened that you actually think you’re a defender of freedom when the reality is that you’re totally ok with fascism as long as it’s team red doing the fascing. But thanks for confirming. I won’t bother with my futile efforts of trying to get you to engage anymore since it’s clear that you actually don’t really want to beyond making jokes about the authoritarian thug that may become our last president.

Alan quits listening to what trump says because, as usual, his head is in the sand…. yet he probably will vote for him based solely on trump’s republican party affiliation. Sadly, trump is truly not a republican….

[Alan]

Alan quits listening to what trump says because, as usual, his head is in the sand….
LOL, I've been told that several times. Wait, that was you! I've been told that several times by you. I'm sure you wouldn't tell me that more than once if you didn't care about me, so thanks for that.


yet he probably will vote for him based solely on trump’s republican party affiliation. Sadly, trump is truly not a republican….
You're right, Trump is not a real republican, at least in my eyes. I think he's always been an opportunist Democrat as I've mentioned here several times over the last 6 or 7 years. I think he's also a narcissist who struggles with feelings of low self esteem while constantly battling with his huge ego.
That said, I don't think he's a fascist or wannabe dictator as some of you insist he is, although the only good thing I can honestly say about him is that at least he's not a social or political leftist. I also think that if democrats didn't use 90% of their political capital trying to destroy him, he'd be a political non-starter at this point so I'll always resent the democrats a bit for keeping him relevant, so please don't expect me to reward them with my vote.

[frugal-one]

That is a joke Alan. Republicans are the ones promoting the hitler wanna be. You, on the other hand, are refusing to see what is right in front of you. Don’t listen and perhaps it will go away seems to be your creed now. Seems to be the way of voting republicans these days which will be the downfall of our democracy!

[gimmethesimplelife]

That is a joke Alan. Republicans are the ones promoting the hitler wanna be. You, on the other hand, are refusing to see what is right in front of you. Don’t listen and perhaps it will go away seems to be your creed now. Seems to be the way of voting republicans these days which will be the downfall of our democracy!Interestingly enough, Alan seems to be ailing with what many Austrians did during and after Anshluss - the disease of not seeing or hearing or understanding and perhaps this horrible mistake will all go away? A real drain on those of us who know instinctively that life just does not work like that. But I must say this is indeed interesting in one way - I never thought I'd see Alan as having Austrian attributes. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

A double deflection Alan! I’m super impressed! And also saddened that you actually think you’re a defender of freedom when the reality is that you’re totally ok with fascism as long as it’s team red doing the fascing. But thanks for confirming. I won’t bother with my futile efforts of trying to get you to engage anymore since it’s clear that you actually don’t really want to beyond making jokes about the authoritarian thug that may become our last president.Thank You, jp1. I could not have said this any better myself and this needed to be said. At least I'm not entirely alone on this one here and for that much I'm glad. Rob

[herbgeek]

Is anyone listening to what the MAGA inner circle is saying? Here's one who may be up for Attorney General: https://www.mediamatters.org/google/mike-davis-were-gonna-put-kids-cages-its-gonna-be-glorious https://www.mediaite.com/news/lawyer-touted-as-trumps-next-attorney-general-threatens-to-arrest-and-deport-msnbc-host-in-bigoted-screed/

[rosarugosa]

Is anyone listening to what the MAGA inner circle is saying? Here's one who may be up for Attorney General: https://www.mediamatters.org/google/mike-davis-were-gonna-put-kids-cages-its-gonna-be-glorious https://www.mediaite.com/news/lawyer-touted-as-trumps-next-attorney-general-threatens-to-arrest-and-deport-msnbc-host-in-bigoted-screed/

Wow, that's enough to give a person nightmares.

[Rogar]

Reality and Trump's campaign platform will no doubt be different, but he seems to want a 10% tariff on all imports. Guess who will pay for that. I still wonder what happened with his import tariffs on Canadian steel and imported pork. He made it like it was some big deal at the time.

One can assume that the AG will have to have congressional approval. Maybe that will prevent some sort of pseudo-nazi.

[jp1]

One can assume that the AG will have to have congressional approval. Maybe that will prevent some sort of pseudo-nazi.

Or he'll just appoint an "acting" AG as he did so often the first time around and democrats will have to challenge the legitimacy of such "appointment" while that person runs roughshod over the constitution.

[Rogar]

Good point. I'd forgotten about Nixon's rotating cast of AGs in his final days in office.

[littlebittybobby]

Okay---in order to affect a regime change, President Trump ought to start building tiny houses all over the country, getting his family into the act. This will garner the fence-sitter vote . Yup. Thanks mee.