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[hodge]

I think they're afraid of being primaried by alt-right candidates, as Steve Bannon is threatening to promote. Maybe some just want to hold onto their offices, but many might fear where we'd be if more alt-right people got elected. It's a no-win situation. I don't even know what we can hope for. Maybe that Flake, McCain and Corker will inspire others to be profiles in courage and somehow start a tidal wave back to what America is?

I am really getting frightened about North Korea, too. As so many foreign policy experts and diplomats have been saying, we really do need to be predictable about our policies in the world so that there are no misunderstandings. And, well, we know how Trump feels about that. He likes to say he likes being unpredictable. That is so dangerous, I can't even bear to try to wrap my head around it.

 

[scout86]

He won't win unless he forsakes his conscience.

This is the part that concerns me. If it's true, that is. I keep reminding myself that Trump didn't win the popular vote and all Republicans are not Trumpites. Sooooo, is it actually true that a Republican will lose if they aren't a Trumpite? Is it for real that the majority in his state think health care for the less than affluent is bad and the rich don't make enough money? That they think the best we can do for a leader is someone who..... This is going to turn into a rant because, near as I can tell, there are a lot of things about Trump that are just flat out a trigger for me. So I'll stop.

My point is, if the majority of people in the state of AZ like Trump so much that they'd vote this guy out of office just because he stands up to him, I find THAT disturbing.

But, @hodge , you bring up a good point. The REAL problem is that "the people" don't get to pick the candidates, the parties do. And the people who tend to vote in primaries tend to be more extreme party members. We really need to change this!

I heard a program earlier today, that was talking about the future of the Republican party and they discussed Flake. The guests said that he'd lost touch with his base. They went on and on about the Republican party going forward (Trump & co.), not the old guard (McCain & co.), are concerned about "the people" and what they want. They said that the old guard talks down to people and tells them what they 'should' think. (The host suggested that that might be a thing called "leadership", but they shot that idea down.)That being that case, I can't help but wonder why they found the need to gerrymander districts so they can win the majority of state offices, in states where the majority of voters are Republicans? Don't get me wrong, I think they did an amazing job of gaming the system and someone should have stopped it before it happened. But, if they're that all fired worried about "what the people want" shouldn't they be able to just straight up win? Shouldn't Trump have won the popular vote?

I am really getting frightened about North Korea, too

Maybe we can keep him distracted, expanding on what a wonderful job he's doing of everything and he'll forget about Korea. :speechless:

 

[UnKnown-Self]

Americans currently have a role in , “USA, The Ultimate Reality Show”.
I am not trying to be funny or even sarcastic. I find it shameful how nothing, absolutely NOTHING can threaten 45’s spotlight without feeling the wrath.
Everything that is noticeable enough to grab his attention becomes about him. This always tarnishes the actual moment. The latest example being the Gold Star Famlies.
45 is a classic abuser who derives deep pleasure from using his power to ruin.

The Abuser who not only enjoys the role without shame or guilt BUT takes pride in the role of bully. I have seen it in my parents, siblings, neighbors, doctors, bosses and spouses. I never imagined seeing it in someone who holds such immense power as the US Presidential post. Not to extend 4 years. Sooner if possible.
I don’t know what’s going to happen.
I tell myself something else I know about this type of abuser that brings me some hope and comfort. Deep.. okay, considering how shallow these beings are... Not so deep. That doesn’t change the fact they are cowards. The only difference between 45 and the other abusers in my life is lots and lots of money.

 

[Deleted member 541]

Everything about Trump scares the shit out of me. I’ve been saying for over a year now that he’s trying to turn this country into an autocratic society, and now I’m starting to hear this from news sources. So it’s a bit scarier now.

He threatens his own party, he threatens the members within his party, be it women or men, it makes no difference. He’s threatening the media to pull licenses, which I’m hoping that he doesn’t find a way around the law to actually do that.

Bannon is now even more frightening than he was when he was in the WH. He’s really starting to rally the troups. Stating that it’s now war on the GOP!!!! He is starting to split the party of the GOP, causing people to step down, leaving open seats for more radicals to step in. Roy Moore is really scary!!!!

I guess the other thing that really bothers me is the democrats are so quiet....... it’s almost as if they’ve just taken a backseat and are doing nothing. Or are they working behind the scene?????

I’m scared and frightened and getting moreso everyday, and only wish that the nightmare of Trump and Trumpism would just dissolve and go away. I’m afraid that my rights, that so many men and women have fought for and died for are now being challenged and soon will dwindle.

Scary times......

 

[hodge]

I share your fears and concerns, @She Cat. You are so not alone.

I'm kind of thinking the Dems are quiet because they may think the best strategy is to wait this horror out. It's really up to the GOPs to deal with this at the moment. And thank God, a few are rising to the occasion.

This may not bring much comfort, but I try to find comfort in it, and I am certain Flake had this passage in mind:

"A little patience, and we shall see the reign of witches pass over, their spells dissolve, and the people, recovering their true sight, restore their government to its true principles. It is true that in the meantime we are suffering deeply in spirit, and incurring the horrors of a war and long oppressions of enormous public debt… And if we feel their power just sufficiently to hoop us together, it will be the happiest situation in which we can exist. If the game runs sometimes against us at home we must have patience till luck turns, and then we shall have an opportunity of winning back the principles we have lost, for this is a game where principles are at stake."

—Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Taylor, June 4, 1798

(Not to insult modern-day witches)

 

[Deleted member 41765]

Thank you for not insulting me @hodge ;)

At this point I think my fear is transforming into numbness, which is, in turn, scaring me!! @She Cat

 

[scout86]

I guess the other thing that really bothers me is the democrats are so quiet

I can't help but wonder how many of them are trying to figure out how to appeal to Trump's base. Because, for a lot of these people, in both parties, it's all about "winning", it's not about the country.

I still think the extremists are a minority. Seems like they're a minority that could gain power though. So I think it's important to let your elected representatives know what you think. For the benefit of the ones with principles, I'm sure it would be nice to know there are voters who have their back. For the benefit of the ones who are more interested in which way they wind is blowing, it might give them a different idea about that, and they might even find a backbone.

 

[hodge]

@scout86, I've tried writing to Colin. I don't know that it makes a difference to him. He seems to enjoy looking at me during times he's been out here (ugh, yeah, he's like that), but doesn't particularly like what I have to say. But at least we know Amy and Al are principled senators who will do the right thing.

 

[Deleted member 541]

@scout86 I agree that the radicals are a minoroity, BUT!!!! The issue is the way that the states voting is set up now. Jerrymandering!!!! That’s the real problem. All the radicals LIVE in the states where there are unfair voting districts, so it give a hand to Trump. We have got to FIX the unfair voting districts and fix them fast...

I also agree that a lot of politicians are there for a career and and more for themselves and not the country.

OMG!!!! News flash.... Border Patrol has just DETAINED a 10 year old girl, that has Cerbral Palsy and she JUST had surgery..... REALLY?????? OMG a 10yr old, like she is a national security threat or something.... How can they do this????? Just sickening.....

 

[UnKnown-Self]

I fear complacency is a large part of the problem. Politicians don't see people, they see votes.
I was never interested much in politics. I never considered myself smart enough to understand.
Well, 45 proved that theory mistaken.
Now I am beyond interested, I'm obsessed. I sense danger and sensing danger was what my developing self was learning when others my age played peek-a-boo. My philosophy is to keep an eye on 45.
Bannon talks openly in a way that says 45 discusses matters with him. Now That is a dangerous man.
The media doesn't help. Instead of Breaking News they should have a running scroll at the bottom of the screen. It would be a running commentary of all the lies of 45. Then they could talk about things of substance and sometimes it might be something NOT about 45!
Let's accept he has challenges. Truth, facts, empathy, not possible. It is no longer a shocking story. The media is giving him a platform. They are reacting to him, which is just what 45 wants. The media has to find a way around this and take their control back.

Congress is just hanging in there. Waiting for IT to go away. Complacency. Some have spoke out. We have to speak out as well. We cannot afford complacency any longer.
Too many of our systems are antiquated and need radical change.
Healthcare, Our SCHOOL SYSTEM, roads, bridges, Our infrastructure and transportation. Did I mention our school system?
I tried to watch the debate with Sanders and the other guy. I had to turn it off. It was nothing but bickering. Bickering is a waste of time and I won't waste mine watching it.
It's seems to be contagious, this 45 ignorance and intolerance.
That's the scary part.

 

[hodge]

Holy moly! Wow, wow, wow: Exclusive: First charges filed in Mueller investigation - CNNPolitics

I can't wait to see the perp walk!!!

 

[joeylittle]

For anyone who wants to be having a general Trump-Is-The-Root-Of-All-Evil conversation - I strongly encourage you to start a group PM in order to do so.

It is one thing to discuss events and how the govt/society react to them. Talking critically (or favorably) about all the individuals involved, including Trump - that’s what this thread exists for.

But general back-and-forth about how Trump is or is not ruining the country, a narcissist, or even the savior of us all - that kind of posting devolves so easily into what I’d call trolling. It’s inflammatory, and the end result has proven repeatedly to be posting that results in thread locking, thread bans, site bans.

That’s not useful for anyone.

Exercise self-control on this thread - be proactive about staying topic-focused, and do not allow the topic to become a general re-hash of your feelings about the results of the election.

Thank you. If you have questions - first, re-read the first post in this thread. If you still have questions, open a help ticket.