Gov Whitmer gets schooled by Trump-Dems be warned

Gov. Whitmer tried her "I agree with some of Trump tariffs but" approach and got slapped on her face

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/disaster-gretchen-whitmers-talk-tariffs-meeting-trump-anger-fellow-dem-rcna200530

Some Dems still do not get it. What is it about total opposition that these Dems don't understand. We see this with Schumer, Durbin and others. Slotkin 's response to Trump address talked more about Reagan and Bush than about Dems

Do these ass kissing Dems don't get it? MAGA GOP is not your old Constitution loving GOP. Trump made Whitmer stand by him as he signed executive orders after orders and her presence gave the photo op of bipartisanship.

"I understand why you voted for Trump but" approach does not work. Hello Dems, fight like Jasmine from Texas

Is Trump using the Disaster Capitalism Playbook? I think he is

Introduction to Disaster Capitalism

Naomi Klein’s “The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism” argues that economic policies are manipulated during times of crisis. This strategy, labeled “disaster capitalism,” thrives on exploiting shocks like wars or natural disasters. Klein illuminates how this practice unfolds, particularly in vulnerable nations. The book begins with Klein’s revealing account of Iraq and draws parallels with other significant events like Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in Sri Lanka. The core concept highlights the ethical costs of transforming economies during periods of collective trauma.

Case Studies and Real-World Impact
Through multiple case studies, Klein drives home her points with stark evidence. In Chile, the application of these shock tactics led to immense suffering. The military coup in 1973 allowed Friedman’s principles to reshape the economy radically. The result was the erosion of democracy and the rise of income inequality. Similar patterns emerged in Argentina, Iraq, and New Orleans. Each instance demonstrates a shared theme: crises are artillery in a warfare of economic predation. The book compiles the grim details of these events to underscore the catastrophic outcomes of disaster capitalism.

The Psychological Connection
The connection between psychological trauma and economic policies emerges vividly in the book. Klein discusses experimental psychological treatments designed to erase individuals’ pasts through shock therapy. This idea correlates with economic shock treatment, wherein populations, stripped of their agency and stability, succumb to aggressive market reforms. The dual implications of torture—both human and economic—haunt Klein’s narrative, revealing a chilling parallel. Ultimately, she suggests that the devastation wrought upon individuals mirrors the devastation experienced at a national level during economic crises.

Conclusion and Call to Action
Klein concludes her exploration with a stark warning against complacency. She argues that awareness and activism are crucial to fight back against disaster capitalism. By paying attention to institutions, governments, and corporations that exploit tragedy, societies can begin to reclaim their rights. Her book serves as both an indictment and a call to arms for those who care about justice and ethical governance. Klein emphasizes that people have the power to influence policies, and collective resistance against these systemic injustices can spark significant change.

Dems have a long way to go

We have a long way to go. The following poll shows the challenge.

Poll on Trump's 2025 joint address to Congress finds large majority of viewers approve - CBS News

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-speech-joint-address-congress-poll-2025/

Yes, it is heavily weighed towards the GOP. But Dems are paying for the long silence, as I see it. Putting lot of Dems who cannot speak in charge of top positions is probably the reason for this. To be frank, I have not seen non stop pushback from most Dems. It is still just a few. I know people disagree but following tradition and not saying much as Trump burns down the country is not serving the Obamas or Biden's or Clintons well. Yes. George Bush, the idiot, says he is retired.

Dem leaders, please adopt Crocket, AOC, Sanders, Murphy, Raskin approach and oppose everything the fascist does.

A place for Kansas Resistance, also for others

Time for Dems to hear out Arab voters who have buyers remorse

Yes, I hate Rashida Tlaib for misleading Arab voters. She has put them at risk. If they protest about Gaza, Arab voters risk shipped to Guantanamo. I have no doubt. I don't like Arab voters against Harris. They brought it on themselves. However, ethnic cleansing in Gaza is going to be real. On balance, I am willing to hear out and welcome back. I am assuming they will never go back to the Orange Turd or Jill Stein ever again. As far as Rashida is concerned, I give her no sympathy for misleading. Arab voters need someone more responsible than Rashida or Ihlan Omar. Omar is sometimes too racist for me. On our side, that Netanyahu hug by Biden was fatal. Now, Netanyahu is having Trump do his bidding. Wow!

Josh Shapiro and Whitmer needs to show up

We are noticing the two are awfully quiet. Arizona has joined the 20 Dem states to fight Trump. Notice the two important ones not saying a word. This is an example of lack of leadership and guts. IC you want to save democracy, you have to be in the fight

Why I'm not watching the Super Bowl - Emil Guillermo writes

We need more people to say what he says:

Basically, he says: I’m not watching. I am preoccupied with the other big game in America.

The Super Bowl for Democracy.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/why-i-m-not-watching-the-super-bowl/ar-AA1yFE28?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=ASTS&cvid=78b2f13f35d9424daba56c3f425531c3&ei=13

I am not watching the Super Bowl this weekend.

And I have a rooting interest.

Nikko Remigio is a Filipino American punt returner for the Chiefs, who can turn the momentum of a game in an instant.

If the Chiefs’ defense holds up and the Eagles can’t “tush push” for another four downs, they’ll be forced to kick. And then all eyes will be on Remigio to run it back and provide a spark. A Filipino American/Asian American from Cal, who then starred at Fresno State? I may watch whenever he gets a touch.

Otherwise, I’m not watching. I am preoccupied with the other big game in America.

The Super Bowl for Democracy.

Make no mistake, Team Constitution is on the ropes against Trump Deux, back with a vengeance with more than an assist from the Musk/DOGE team, exposed this week for their nationalistic and racist tendencies.

Team Constitution has been mostly silent, except for a symbolic 30-hour talkathon in the Senate to stop the ascendency of Russell Vought, the architect of Project 2025 who is now head of the Office of Management and Budget. Another crony, another nail in the coffin of democracy.

We said it was going to happen and it is. With a vengeance.

This is different from the past, when you’d say to your Trump friend/relative/acquaintance after say the Muslim Ban, or a COVID bleaching talk, if we had come to the limit of our tolerance. And they would simply continue their support.

But we are at a whole new level.

In just two weeks, in the eyes of the world, America has turned from a strong, freedom-loving superpower into a country of self-doubt, chaos and confusion.

We were the country that upheld the rule of law. And now have people doing things that are illegal, and certainly unconstitutional, forcing judges to ultimately rule.

It’s a pre-monarchy. We’re being cowed, divided and bullied by our own president, a fledgling autocrat intent on making a government of one.

Deep state? It’s the people

And the first to go, the federal workers, the people that make the country run. Those of us who’ve lived in DC know how snow days work. Essential workers only. Only this Trump purge is taking out the essential folks too. Whole departments even, one by one. The CIA? The Department of Justice? Those spared are the loyalists who will pledge allegiance to Trump.
If you are a federal worker about to be fired or put on leave, essentially forced out for doing your job too well as a professional loyal only to the Constitution and the American people, I feel for you. You are what makes this country run. Deep state? You are the blood and bone.

Now Trump’s turned you into pawns.

Thank goodness for the remaining judges who will act as speed bumps as the Trump Cybertruck runs roughshod overall.

One Trump apologist, Rep. Mike Turner (R./Ohio) is an ardent appeaser who goes on the news to assure that Trump and Musk aren’t “running amok.”

“They’re reviewing systems that we need to understand what reforms to put in place,” he told CNN.

But do they have to do it all at once? Checks and balance? There are none.

Part of the tactic is turning all America into a governmental disaster zone first by making the system dysfunctional. Trump and his oligarchs will be insulated, but everyone else will be impacted.

America is being remade in Trump’s scowling image. We are becoming a mean and small America.

USAID

It’s the kind of America that can’t afford the generosity and humanity of aid to the poor.

A judge on Friday has stopped the complete dismantling of USAID for now.

But Musk calls it a criminal operation and Trump nods in agreement. So is it criminal to stop malaria? Disease outbreaks from dysentery? The reversal of HIV in children?

Ending USAID means people will go hungry, get sick and even die.

And America doesn’t care?

One former state department rep put the cuts in perspective. USAID is less than one percent of the federal budget. If the budget were $1,000 dollars, that’s like cutting six cents.

That’s how small America is being. And while USAID is seen currently as more critical in developing areas like Africa, our Asian ancestral lands like the Philippines have also received relatively smaller amounts, estimated at $5 billion since 1961, much of it recently to fight the effects of climate change.

In the case of the Philippines, the ending of funding would be bittersweet, considering the country was made in the image of American democracy, and suffered through the indignity of being America’s first colony.

USAID is just part of the big heap of Trump/Musk that keeps piling up each week, weighing down on the government they intend to weaken till it breaks.

And then Trump rides in as the cavalry to save it?

It’s time for people to stand up and be heard.

Trump does respect public opinion. And already, people are noticing the smell he’s brought on. Will the Musk alliance change? Polls show that Musk, the unelected, is opposed by 53 percent of the electorate, according to Quinnipiac.

That may help slow down the Cybertruck as wrecking ball, but it will take a solid defense of Democracy to hold and push back.

Judges are but a speed bump for now holding off firings, shut-offs of federal funding domestically and abroad; and just at the last minute, restricting access of the Treasury to Musk’s DOGErs.

But if Trump/Musk is ever forced to punt, America could use a spark like Nikko Remigio to run it back and change the momentum for our country.

That’s the real game we’re in now.

The Super Bowl for Democracy.

Emil Guillermo is an award-winning journalist and commentator. He writes for the Inquirer.net’s US Channel. He’s written a weekly “Amok” column on Asian American issues since 1995.

Watch his micro-talk show “Emil Amok’s Takeout/What Does an Asian American Think?” on www.YouTube.com/emilamok1 Or join him on http://www.patreon.com/emilamok

We had warned Rashida, now what

Today Trump pretty much wanted ethnic cleansing of Gaza. He wants all Gazans to move out so that US can take over to develop

We all had warned Rashida she is betraying her own, Arabs, and our country by encouraging a vote against Harris. We had warned Trump will raze Gaza to ground to build parking for Trump hotels.

Now. If there are protests, watch him round up protesters to send to Gitmo.

Laptog Fetterman transformation is complete

He is the only Dem to vote for election denier Bondi. Traitor. Remember he was trying to gain our pity and money because he was sick?:

What small contribution can we do to hurt oligarchy and Trump

As a citizen in red Kansas, I am limited in what I can do. Generally. I tend to write/focus on senators and Congressmen outside my state to get anything, if at all.

Myself and my wife have decided to do our best to not support the Tech Bros and MAGA oligarchy. We fully know that there are limitations. I may be supporting MAGA without even my knowledge. Are my retirement funds invested in MAGA companies? So, the first thing we noticed is, we have to do away with Amazon Prime membership. Yes. I will miss a few movies and football but, maybe, I can just pay for a few games. Will see. We are exploring ditching Walmart and going for Target. I hope more experienced DUers, who are up with this, to advice what we can avoid. I know I cannot influence much but I want to do my best.