As a federal civil servant in one of the most globally recognized agencies, I can say that the tactics so far are working. As a person who spends a substantial portion of my research thinking about 'worst case scenarios', I never imagined so many people would react like sheep. I believed a lot more people would see through the chaos and take strong stands by actively and passively resisting.
Yes indeed. But the intimidation of people who speak up is also working so far. 3 folks who had enthusiastically agreed on Thursday to join with me in a tiny effort to get information to senior people bailed on Monday when we were supposed to meet.
It's quite the combination, is it not!?? We must not believe him and at the same time take him seriously, because he IS a dangerous man. A dangerous marionette on strings held by__________________ . I think I know. But who knows really?
Yes, don’t believe him but also take him seriously. And what he’s doing isn’t just bluster. There is a purpose behind every move, it’s not just “flooding the zone.” But things are not always what they appear.
And human history gives us some sense of direction, doesn't it? I mean, others like him throughout human history follow similar routes to gain control before they self-destruct leaving havoc in their wake. Havoc, regret, humiliation and with any mercy or luck, perhaps wisdom for a people, for a time.
Years ago I had a conversation with a high school German exchange student. Our family had taken him as a guest to our southern town's 4th of July community picnic and fireworks. He was watching us. Really watching. I was curious as I could not really read his face but he seemed "bemused" at our hoopla and red-white-and-blue everything. So I asked him what he was thinking. He was careful in his answer. His face was both gentle and sober. "We do not do these things in my country." I clarified, "You mean patriotism? I would have imagined Germany to have much patriotism." He looked stunned. And then looked searchingly into my eyes as he quietly answered: "No. There is too much shame around our history. The last time we had the fervor of patriotism it did not end well."
I was hit with that in the moment he looked into my eyes with that sober answer. My narrow view and naivete was shattered. And I have never forgotten it. So much so that it's a reminder I have not been able to shake as I've watched a madman rise to power using robust patriotism to rally the ignorant and the violent and the well-meaning good people. Such a collection of unsuspecting people! The American "Fuehrer" and his cronies seek a similar rule. I fear a similar end as I watch the similar means.
I think Ezra Klein’s video fits perfectly with Timothy Snyder’s first rule in “On Tyranny”. Do not obey in advance. He is trying to pretend he has powers that he does not. He is a weak leader. We can still stop him. Thanks for sharing this; I’ve been struggling these past couple weeks and feeling overwhelmed. Now I’m feeling motivated.
When my teenagers come home, and worry about what’s happening in the US (we live in Canada), I remind them of a quote from the late great Mr. Rogers with a little paraphrase for today.
Mr. Rogers said “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people that are helping.’”
I tell my teens “When you’re worried about what’s going on or what may happen, look for the resisters. They are people resisting right now.”
Then we talk about those who didn’t accept the pardon, Prime Minister Trudeau’s speech and Canada’s retaliation to the tariffs, the Danish official telling Trump to f*** off, the message from Bernie Sanders, Jon Stewart (God bless that man, he makes us laugh in times of fear and anxiety), and many more.
Spot on Kristin! This is the behavior of bully preaching from fundie evangelical world blended with fascist NPD on a global stage. At some point, this personality type, if he refuses to admit his disorders and get help, will implode in a most humiliating manner. It's only a matter of time.
Have you noticed that Mel Gibson has been appointed as an "ambassador" to Hollywood by the Orange Oaf.
Which is kind of interesting in light of an essay which described the applied politics of cruelty associated with Gibson's unspeakably vile sado-masochistic snuff/splatter movie The Passion of Christ.
The essay is titled Critical Reflections on Mel Gibson's The Passion of Christ by Rhonda Hammer & Douglas Kellner. It is featured on the UCLA School of Education & Information Studies website
As a federal civil servant in one of the most globally recognized agencies, I can say that the tactics so far are working. As a person who spends a substantial portion of my research thinking about 'worst case scenarios', I never imagined so many people would react like sheep. I believed a lot more people would see through the chaos and take strong stands by actively and passively resisting.
We need to try to turn that tide while we still can.
Yes indeed. But the intimidation of people who speak up is also working so far. 3 folks who had enthusiastically agreed on Thursday to join with me in a tiny effort to get information to senior people bailed on Monday when we were supposed to meet.
I think of Timothy Snyder’s words: “Be as courageous as you can.”
Yep. The effort involved distributing copies of On Tyranny to folks.
I am so very grateful for you. Your Connections have become a lifeline for me. THANK YOU!
I am an atheist who found one column on Christian Nationalism and subscribed. Glad
you're expanding your focus. (Is that a contradiction?)
Once again. THANK YOU!!!!!! You have helped me understand and ward off panic and give me something positive to do.
Thank you for this.
It's quite the combination, is it not!?? We must not believe him and at the same time take him seriously, because he IS a dangerous man. A dangerous marionette on strings held by__________________ . I think I know. But who knows really?
Yes, don’t believe him but also take him seriously. And what he’s doing isn’t just bluster. There is a purpose behind every move, it’s not just “flooding the zone.” But things are not always what they appear.
And human history gives us some sense of direction, doesn't it? I mean, others like him throughout human history follow similar routes to gain control before they self-destruct leaving havoc in their wake. Havoc, regret, humiliation and with any mercy or luck, perhaps wisdom for a people, for a time.
Years ago I had a conversation with a high school German exchange student. Our family had taken him as a guest to our southern town's 4th of July community picnic and fireworks. He was watching us. Really watching. I was curious as I could not really read his face but he seemed "bemused" at our hoopla and red-white-and-blue everything. So I asked him what he was thinking. He was careful in his answer. His face was both gentle and sober. "We do not do these things in my country." I clarified, "You mean patriotism? I would have imagined Germany to have much patriotism." He looked stunned. And then looked searchingly into my eyes as he quietly answered: "No. There is too much shame around our history. The last time we had the fervor of patriotism it did not end well."
I was hit with that in the moment he looked into my eyes with that sober answer. My narrow view and naivete was shattered. And I have never forgotten it. So much so that it's a reminder I have not been able to shake as I've watched a madman rise to power using robust patriotism to rally the ignorant and the violent and the well-meaning good people. Such a collection of unsuspecting people! The American "Fuehrer" and his cronies seek a similar rule. I fear a similar end as I watch the similar means.
I had similar conversations with Germans when I was an exchange student in the 90s. “Don’t you know how dangerous this is?” they said.
wow. Thanks so much for sharing this story.
appreciate you all and this community!
Thank you! Chin up! Amen!
THANK YOU!!
Thank you!
This is great! Thank you for sharing!
I think Ezra Klein’s video fits perfectly with Timothy Snyder’s first rule in “On Tyranny”. Do not obey in advance. He is trying to pretend he has powers that he does not. He is a weak leader. We can still stop him. Thanks for sharing this; I’ve been struggling these past couple weeks and feeling overwhelmed. Now I’m feeling motivated.
When my teenagers come home, and worry about what’s happening in the US (we live in Canada), I remind them of a quote from the late great Mr. Rogers with a little paraphrase for today.
Mr. Rogers said “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people that are helping.’”
I tell my teens “When you’re worried about what’s going on or what may happen, look for the resisters. They are people resisting right now.”
Then we talk about those who didn’t accept the pardon, Prime Minister Trudeau’s speech and Canada’s retaliation to the tariffs, the Danish official telling Trump to f*** off, the message from Bernie Sanders, Jon Stewart (God bless that man, he makes us laugh in times of fear and anxiety), and many more.
Spot on Kristin! This is the behavior of bully preaching from fundie evangelical world blended with fascist NPD on a global stage. At some point, this personality type, if he refuses to admit his disorders and get help, will implode in a most humiliating manner. It's only a matter of time.
Have you noticed that Mel Gibson has been appointed as an "ambassador" to Hollywood by the Orange Oaf.
Which is kind of interesting in light of an essay which described the applied politics of cruelty associated with Gibson's unspeakably vile sado-masochistic snuff/splatter movie The Passion of Christ.
The essay is titled Critical Reflections on Mel Gibson's The Passion of Christ by Rhonda Hammer & Douglas Kellner. It is featured on the UCLA School of Education & Information Studies website
His very toxic his-story repeating itself!
Many thanks as always