With me to cover some breaking news is Alon Goldenberg.
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Transcript
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SPEAKER 1
Hi, I'm Jennifer Rubin, Editor-in-Chief of The Contrarian. With me to cover some breaking news is Alon Goldenberg. He was a principal deputy at the Pentagon in the first year of the Ukrainian war, longtime advisor to presidents, vice presidents, candidates. Alon, thanks for making time for us today.
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SPEAKER 2
Great to be with you, Jen.
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SPEAKER 1
There was an extraordinary scene. And to call it unprecedented does not do it justice because it was outrageous. It was unhinged. It was humiliating for the United States. The president of the United States and the vice president of the United States staged a screaming match in the Oval Office with the president of Ukraine, President Zelensky.

Trump and Vance berate Zelensky

*Special Alert from The Contrarian*

Never before have we witnessed such a grotesque display of bullying in the Oval Office by a president and vice president of the United States. Berating a democratic ally for the temerity not to sacrifice his own country to Donald Trump’s idol, Vladimir Putin.

As the New York Times reported, “President Trump and Vice President JD Vance loudly berated President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on Friday in an explosive televised shouting match unlike any seen in the Oval Office between an American president and foreign leader in modern times.” In a scene as jaw-dropping as it was disgraceful, Trump and Vance “castigated Mr. Zelensky for not being grateful enough for U.S. support in its war with Russia and sought to strong-arm him into making a peace deal on whatever terms the Americans dictate.”

At the onset, it appeared that Vance had provoked Zelensky, drawing on old grievances from the campaign and for failing to express gratitude.

The sight of an American president so out of control, so lacking in either grace or gravitas, and so dismissive of our own security needs marked a low point in the annals of U.S. foreign policy.

I had a chance to speak with Ilan Goldenberg, Contrarian contributor and former foreign policy adviser for two presidents, who was at the Pentagon for the first year of the Ukraine war. Our conversation is featured above.

The question remains whether this is curtains for the U.S.-Ukrainian relationship or whether Zelensky, as Ilan suggested, can figure out a way to flatter and cajole Trump to resume a sane and sensible policy. For now, our greatest fears that an unhinged and irrational man-child leads the only superpower have never been more acute.

Discussion about this video

I stand with Zelensky

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I stand with Zelensky.

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THEN FUCKING DONATE TO

https://u24.gov.ua/

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Done pledged $50– who is with me?

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Donated $100.

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Done. Contributed $100.

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PERFECT! I WILL DONATE ANOTHER $100 NOW TO UKRAINE, MAKING MY DONATION TODAY $300. THANK YOU FOR ACTING! YOU HAVE DONE WHAT A REAL AMERICAN DOES: NOT JUS TALK, BUT ACT.

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DONE: THAT'S $300 TODAY.

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I did pledge 200...why not...! they deserve it more than me,,,sitting on my warm couch starring with SHOCK at CNN

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THANK YOU SO MUCH!! YOU ARE FANTASTIC, AND I'M SURE THAT YOUR DONATION WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE: JUST SEEING YOUR COMMITMENT IN BLACK AND WHITE IS SPURRING OTHERS TO DONATE!

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I'm still trying to get through. The server may be overwhelmed. All I get the splash screen as it tries to load.

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I tried to donate 50 but declined. Perhaps overwhelmed. I'll try tomorrow.

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I just tried (8:30pm Mountain Time) and it went through with no problem. I hope the fact that so many of us are doing this TODAY tells Zelensky how ashamed we are of our official representatives, and how inspired we are by Zelensky--who has more guts than most of our elected representatives. Some news articles have said that Trump and Vance "embarrassed Zelensky"--NO! They embarrassed themselves, and in some way all Americans. Zelensky is a true mensch.

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THANK YOU FOR TRYING! I HOPE YOU CAN DONATE TOMORROW.

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try really late or very early

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Same here

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THANK YOU FOR TRYING AND I HOPE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GET THROUGH TOMORROW!

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Will do

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SO GOOD! EVERY GESTURE, EVERY DOLLAR STATES OUR COMMITMENT TO DECENCY AND LOVE OF DEMOCRACY.

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ANY TIPS ON THE SITE? TYING TO DONATE

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It's really clear and easy to use as it appears on my screen. There's a yellow DONATE NOW button in the upper right-hand corner of the front page of the site and it takes you through the process. I use a card, not Paypal because I FUCKING HATE PETER THIEL, who owns Paypal.

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THANK YOU FOR TRYING!! YOU ARE TERRIFIC FOR WORKING ON DOING YOUR PART!

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pledged monthly

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WOW: GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND! YOU ARE A FINE EXAMPLE OF DEDICATION TO US ALL!!

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I’ve donated before and will again

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How about we give generously to Ukraine. And then let’s all go and buy a stack of postage-paid postcards and start a letter-writing campaign to President Musk and VP Krasnov. Don’t say anything threatening. Just a day-by-day brutally honest assessments of their behavior. This was an ambush and you know it is just the beginning. If you have rethuglican Congress Critters, let them know just how horrible their president’s behavior is. Many of them have supported Ukraine. They can’t be happy with this.

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3dEdited

While I appreciate your enthusiasm about writing postcards, writing them to the Prez and VP is a waste of time and money.

Hook yourself up with "Tony the Democrat" or "act blue" and write postcards that matter

There currently is a race for a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat and Muskrat has donated a considerable amount of money to the Republican candidate. Writing postcards to support the Democrat is something that can actually have a positive effect. If she is elected, the Democratic majority can start the redistricting process and possibly add two or three democratic seats to the US house.

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Sadly, 85% of the conservative voters who elected our current rulers watch FOX News, which has spent more than a decade puffing up Russia as some sort of hyper-masculine, anti-Woke, Christian, free-market paradise. Which is actually a misogynistic, vodka-addled dictatorship with triple the US abortion rate, that anyone with half a brain desperately wants to escape.

So when Trump recently spouted KGB talking points, like "..it was actually Ukraine that attacked Russia"--conservatives believe such drivel, because that's how FOX News spins it to them.

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YES!! THIS WAS AN AMBUSH AND IT'S DISGUSTING: THE SLIMY ORANGE TURD IS PUTIN'S BITCH. HE SHOULD BE TRIED AND CONVICTED OF TREASON. HE IS MUCH WORSE THAN BENEDICT ARNOLD. NATHAN HALE DIED FOR THIS COUNTRY; THE TURD IS MAKING $$$$$$ KILLING PEOPLE IN UKRAINE AND HERE IN THIS COUNTRY BY ELIMINATING HEALTH CARE, VACCINES, VETERANS' CARE AND THE SUICIDE HOT LINE (!!!!!!), AND SUPPORT FOR THE POOR AND ELDERLY IN SS, MEDICAID, AND SSI.

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Please stop shouting with the ALL CAPS. It is what Trump does. Thank you.

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I like this idea since my "representatives" are Cruz, Cornyn, and Arrington.

This MSNBC article notes how effective rickrolling is becoming in DJT II. https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-musk-ai-feet-video-resistance-humor-rcna193861

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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STANDING UP FOR UKRAINE! YOU HAVE TRULY PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS, AND I DEEPLY APPRECIATE YOUR DEDICATION!

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You don't need to yell at us

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YES I DO.

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Please don't. I respect your strong feelings, but for me, comments blur blur and lose attention when typed in all caps.

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Unfortunately, some of us have to pay bills and eat.

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No worries, nmgirl.

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Everyone does what they can and it's important.

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YES: AND SO DO I. THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS I'M NOT DOING BECAUSE I DONATE SO MUCH, INCLUDING DRIVING A 24-YEAR-OLD CAR INSTEAD OF BUYING ANOTHER ONE.

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This reminds me of a Monty Python skit, a competition…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VAdlkunflRs

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geeeeeesss, seriously?

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Philosopher, would Plato have yelled like this? If you were having an actual discussion around a table with us would you be as bossy? Back off.

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At least he isn't calling people with insulting epithets like amathés, aischrourgòs, androkàpraina, aphòdeuma, bdelyròs, ghastròdes and other insults in ancient Greek. (Yeah, I had to look them up. I am barely fluent in my native language. https://karavansara.live/2018/05/30/ancient-greek-insults-a-primer/ )

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YOUR ACCENTS ARE ALL WRONG.

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I AM FEMALE.

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(Taking notes)

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I took it as a rallying cry, and honestly really appreciated the kick in the pants.

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THANK YOU. I AM CONSUMED WITH RAGE AT THE SLIMY ORANGE TURD, WHO IS A TRAITOR AND SHOULD BE TRIED FOR TREASON BECAUSE HE'S PUTIN'S BITCH. I SAW LOTS OF "LIKES" FOR MY COMMENTS BUT NO ACTIONS AND IT MADE ME SICK.

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Same.

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THANK YOU. IT'S TIME TO ACT, AND I AM HAPPY TO SCREAM UNTIL PEOPLE WAKE UP AND REALIZE THAT THE SLIMY ORANGE TURD IS PUTIN'S BITCH AND GUILTY OF TREASON. HE SHOULD BE TRIED FOR TREASON.

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IF YOU HAD READ EVEN ONE PAGE OF PLATO YOU'D KNOW WHAT SOCRATES DOES AND AND HOW VICIOUS PLATO WAS TO ASSHOLES LIKE EUTHYPHRO, THRASYMACHUS, AND OTHERS.

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Not kind, Sir or Madam! A suggestion with the link (for which I am grateful) is all that was needed.

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NOPE. NOT WHEN WE ARE WATCHING ZELENSKYY ABUSED IN THE OVAL OFFICE BY A FUCKING TRAITOR, AND HIS COUNTRY SACRIFICED TO THAT TRAITOR'S LOVER PUTIN.

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Thank you, Mike Guiffre. I strongly believe that whatever our opinions, our strong feelings and our suggestions are, we can express them with appropriate language. I appreciate that you spoke out for exactly what is needed and what is appreciated. I also appreciate every person who posts comments using appropriate language. Doing so is much more meaningful.

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NOPE. WHAT IS MEANINGFUL IS NOT MINCING AROUND AND COMPLAINING ABOUT USING NAUGHTY WORDS. WHAT IS MEANINGFUL, IN THIS CRISIS, IS ACTION. PERIOD.

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This is a great idea, but please wait until after midnight to donate, as it's important not to undercut the econimic blackout, and one element of that is to not use credit cards.

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Donating to Ukraine is not undercutting the economic boycott.

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Already have...and Stork. Cool it a little bit?

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You are sounding a lot like Trump did today. You have NO IDEA what other people are doing!!! Just because they like one of your comments does not mean that is ALL they did that day.

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SO TELL ME ALL ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR DEMOCRACY THIS WEEK.

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stop yelling...... you sound like PINO and vance

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TELL ME WHAT YOU'VE DONE THIS WEEK FOR DEMOCRACY. I HAVE

1. DONATED TO UKRAINE

2. WORKED 3 PHONE BANKS IN WISCONSIN AND FLORIDA FOR 2 HOURS EACH

3. WRITTEN 50 POSTCARDS FOR WISCONSIN

4, TEXTED FOR BLACK VOTERS MATTER

5. POSTED INFORMATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT ON BLUESKY FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE ACTUALLY DOING SOMETHING

6. GOING IN THE MORNING TO A TESLA PROTEST NEAR ME, JOINING OTHER SENIORS WHO ARE IN OUR 70S, 80S, AND 90S. MADE MY SIGN, HAVE AMERICAN FLAGS TO GIVE OUT.

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Five bullet points, please.

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Try not to be so trumpesque, Philo. It's embarassing.

Also: 4 decades online has taught us a lot about screaming keyboard warriors. Try not to mark yourself so blatantly.

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Let's see: had a letter published in the paper, made the 5 calls, emailed 500 people about today's economic boycott and more...I only answered to gain the cred to say that bullying is a weak man's game. There are far better ways to motivate people.

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THAT IS FANTASTIC--EXCELLENT WORK! SO GLAD YOU ARE DOING ALL THAT.

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All caps. That reminds me of someone.

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You do know, I assume, that ‘doing for Democracy' is as much a steady and often quiet every day state of mind as it is any one or another action. It is as much about understanding and believing in this most extraordinary, most crucial, riskiest, and most complex experiment in human government ever attempted as it is about shouting about it from the rooftops.

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Would you like an email with five bulleted points? Lol

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All caps is not cool

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Attacking each other helps the opposition. Kindness, empathy, and respect are better. Your approach mirrors trump, musk, and the magas. Please avoid vitriol.

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WHAT'S EVEN BETTER IS ACTUALLY DOING SOMETHING.

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Stop screaming at people.

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You have no idea what any of these people have or have not done - which means that you are a troll.

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FUCK OFF.

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:-)

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We can send you a list at the end of the workday to see if you wont fire us.

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What makes you think I'm lazy and have a fat ass?

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I really think you need to go to the ER...low bld sugar maybe ?

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please find someone to talk to, that is not healthy

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Please turn off the All Caps. We thank you.

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I'm happily blocking the screaming, arrogant Philosopher.

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I completely understand your anger and frustration with the lack of tangible action in the non-Republican world. We need to be feeling our hair on fire, not resting in our comfort, privilege, and imagined safety. I appreciate you challenging people to WAKE UP. Hard decisions for people to make, and good for you for reminding everyone they have agency and choices. Thank you.

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I agree, disconcerting not seeing more action in my town. Texas. What could go wrong does.

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IT'S SCARY BECAUSE WE NOW ARE RULED BY AN ASSHOLE WHO IS PUTIN'S BITCH AND HE HAS COMMANDED HIS MINIONS TO ELIMINATE ALL CYBER INVESTIGATIONS INTO RUSSIAN ACTIVITIES, ALL FOREIGN INFLUENCE IN THIS COUNTRY, AND MORE (BONDI'S FIRST DAY). WE ARE NOW AN EXTENSION OF PUTIN'S RUSSIA.

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THANK YOU. I AM YELLING BECAUSE I SAW NO ONE ON HERE DOING A FUCKING THING EXCEPT LIKING POSTS. THAT IS NOT POLITICAL ACTION; THAT IS NOT BEING AN AMERICAN WITH INTEGRITY!

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What is this?

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I chipped in $150. It was a little slow at first. Hopefully they're experiencing a lot of traffic.

https://u24.gov.ua/

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YOU ARE TERRIFIC--WHAT A LOVELY DONATION!! THIS HAS GOT TO HELP UKRAINE FEEL LESS ALONE!

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Done. I was wondering where I could donate! Thank you!

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YOU'RE WELCOME. ALL I DID WAS SEARCH WITH DUCK DUCK GO AND FIND THIS SITE. YOU COULD DO THE SAME.

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Donated $100. Thanks for yelling and suggesting we do something practical. This was a shakedown of Ukraine. Zelenskyy was right. No security guarantees.

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Done- $100.

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CONGRATS! YOU ARE EXCELLENT, MAKING THIS DONATION! I DEEPLY APPRECIATE YOUR ACTION!

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Done. $100

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Done - only $50, but it's what I can afford right now. Will keep the link and do more when I can.

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Absolutely. Will donate!!

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How do I know this website is real? https://u24.gov.ua/

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The arrogance of these people - Trump and Vance and all of his choices for cabinet positions! ! I stand with Zelinski!! These fools in and around the White House. So angry. I can’t stand it. Somebody do something

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They treated Zelensky like they are treating we the people-Americans. Bullying, denigrating, disrespectful. Like the butcher, Putin. Horrid.

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That is us, jam their phones, both parties. Tesla protest tomorrow in my town, writing post cards to Florida voters now.

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Indeed, Sandra. It is a “where is Superman” moment.

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I, too.

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Some of us have very limited funds. Been donating to ACLU, Democracy Docket, several Democrats like AOC, Chris Murphy, etc

Wish I could give more!

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You do not need to explain yourself to anyone. Whatever Philosopher's problem is, it's his. Let him keep it.

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Thank you, Sandra.

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NOT A MAN, PAL.

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you sure act like one.

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Me too. 80 years old on pension.' But I gave a small amount, not thinking the amount will make a difference, but the FACT of doing it will be part of what I hope will be a tsunami of donations, so that the roar of the people here who are NOT endorsing Trump and Vance, but are SUPPORTING Zelensky will be heard!

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Done

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Not to any fund that you support. Probably a scam.

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I researched Unite24; they are a valid 501(c)3. Not a scam.

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Thank you.

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I am heartbroken for this country as I watched a true hero, Volodymyr Zelensky, endure beratement and dismissal at the hands of two bullies. Zelensky, a leader and ally to the United States, has demonstrated immense courage, even expressing his willingness to step down from his presidency if it means securing peace for his nation. Yet, he was met with hostility and disrespect by individuals more focused on power and self-interest than on global security and democratic values.

The press conference was a disgrace, an embarrassment to the United States. Our leadership is not strengthened by deception, manipulation, or bullying—it is weakened, leaving us vulnerable to those eager to exploit a fragile ego and self-serving ambitions. This is not about politics; this is about character. We teach our children not to lie, bully, or humiliate others, yet that is exactly what our president embodies and promotes.

While members of the GOP continue to prioritize their careers over the integrity of this nation, President Zelensky sat with dignity, enduring humiliation and abuse for the sake of his country. His honor stood in stark contrast to the disgraceful display of our leadership—a new low in our nation’s history.

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Things so small you need a microscope to see them:

1. The COVID-19 virus.

2. Trump's Putin-licking humility.

3. JD Vance's honor.

4. The integrity of the entire Republican Party.

Things so large you can actually see them from space:

1. The Great Pyramids at Giza

2. The Great Wall of China

3. The Great Barrier Reef

4. The Solid Titanium Balls of Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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5. the grotesque malignance of DJTrump

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4dEdited

Cruelty. They wanted Zelensky to grovel. They wanted to humiliate him. They humiliated themselves.

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Yeah. It's almost like there are two kinds of people in the world.... I find myself wondering how this awful capability of the human animal didn't lead to our extinction a zillion years ago. I also find myself loathing how hateful I have become.

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If I may rise to your defense, I think you may be confusing hatred with contempt.

I feel nothing but contempt for Trump, for his eyeliner-wearing sidekick, his many apologists and wormtongues because they're arrogant bullies who think they not only own the playground, but deserve it. The history of the world shows that those kind of people will simply take anything they like if they're not resisted. So we resist. I believe that to be right action. Hope that helps.

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I agree there are different people in terms of awareness,empathy emotions that make divisions. I do not loathe myself for hating the evil. I use that term now.

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You say it perfectly. Thanks.

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Two small men trying to look like big men. With every disgusting stunt like this, Trump and Vance look smaller and smaller. I stand with Zelenskyy!

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That's the perfect description, Diana! Both Trump and Vance will NEVER be as a big a man as Zelenskyy is. I think JD was just taking advantage of this opportunity to play big man on campus while President Musk is out of the room. This was nothing but performative assholery from both of them.

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I agree. JD was the instigator of the humiliation dumped on Zelenski. Trump then jumped in.

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Yes! I thought the exact same thing! He feels overshadowed and humiliated by Musk and is trying to weasel his way back in and look imoortant.

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Easy to see why. In most meetings, Elmo takes the floor, Trump sits there falling asleep, and nobody even remembers JD is there.

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“Elmo”. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

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Please stop repeating the Goebbels-like lie in calling Musk 'president'. He isn't and we didn't elect him. We did however, make a supreme error in electing Trump.

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It's sarcasm, Steve.

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Is it now? Okay, but t's so hard to tell today, since so many are doing it and they aren't being sarcastic.

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Except for Elmo himself, I don't think anybody really believes he's president. But that doesn't change the fact that in the ways that count, he's clearly running the show in this White House. And that's disgraceful. As you rightfully point out, nobody voted for that jackass. He has no business doing any of the things he's doing. But not one person, Trump included, will do a damned thing to stop him.

It's easy not to recognize sarcasm in posts. I'll try to remember to put an '/s' after future sarcastic posts.

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Good call all around.

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I really wonder if it was a “set up”!

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I think it was. I don't believe Trump ever had any intention of signing a deal with Ukraine because that would have forced him to side with Ukraine over Russia, and his boss in Moscow wouldn't allow it.

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JD Vance's bullying behavior was revolting. He started in on Zelensky before Trump. He's as bad as Trump.

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We must get rid of Trump AND Vance.

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It would have been a lot easier not to have elected them in the first place. Getting rid is going to be a lot harder and will take longer still. Many people were very short-sighted.

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This reflects an unengaged, ignorant electorate. They have to feel the pain and think more deeply about the country. We cannot have a democracy, and will not, if this continues.

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Only in his dreams could Vance be even half the man and leader that Zelenskyy is.

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Thank you. Too upset to write as well. Unbelievable.

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Michelle. I share your well stated ideas and feelings. Thank you for expressing them so well. It seems that everyone should agree and that official, Constitutionsl steps should be taken in proper ways by the people we pay to to represent us. I hope they all will. If anyone had a doubt before today, I do not see how they could doubt now. Since not one person can be proud of the behaviors we have witnessed, it seems that the proper, legal steps should be taken soon. We are not a country of bullies. Our citizens and our children deserve to see people who are not bullies representing us.

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It was the antithesis of an artful deal. Felon 47 and his cronies don’t deserve to be anywhere near the White House.

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Then let's do whatever it takes to get them out!

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I couldn’t agree with you more. It was an absolute disgrace and I have so much respect for President Zelenskyy.

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3 bullies: the “reporter” who asked about his attire. And it’s obvious Zelensky was a good comedian, he answered them without giving an inch. And in a language that’s not his first language.

BTW, “costume” is what several languages call what men wear when they think they’re not wearing anything but what they’re supposed to.

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I have some meaningful words that can be written on those postcards. Send out one each day over the next 20 days: moron, cheat, liar, narcissist, evil, loser, rapist, felon, asshole, immigrant, snake oil salesman, antagonist, vile, stupid, pig, baby, womanizer, gold digger, orange asshole, dictator, racist, idiot, psychopathic liar, immoral, sexual predator, ugly, and once more for good measure, loser!!!

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I am wondering. Would name calling, however fitting the names are, have any effect on a bully who revels in name-calling other people? It seems that raising ire might be part of the intent.

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Nope! But it sure will keep my BP down and protect my TV screen from my throwing things at his head!!!

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3dEdited

Nancy Karan, I understand those feelings for sure! Thanks for helping me let off my own steam by reading your shared frustration and whatever the right word is. I know that my scolding them while watching the video does no good either, but it helps me and possibly lowered the blood pressure, too. Sharing here also helps. Until I found so many good people responding, including you, I felt horrible. I still do, but the good company and varied reactions make a needed difference.

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🥰🥰

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That is a fucking insulting way to ask people for donations. you are assuming no one is donating or has donated. your attitude doesn't improve things. Go away.

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Hear hear. Philosopher's yelling (caps lock stuck) and language is an uncivil turn-off.

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stop

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I read your crude comment the first 15 times you posted it, so you can stop now.

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who hit like here ??? I mean on philosopher

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I have a few days ago !!!!! it is EASY

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I stand with Zelensky. Do I hear an echo?

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Yes, I hear a million echos! Trump has shrunk to the size of a mote, and they are really really small.

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Here's another one. I stand with Ukraine. Where can we donate directly to them?

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You can go to President Zelenskyy's initiative United24. There are a jillion things you can donate to --- everything from armored personnel carriers, drones, incubators, battlesite life-saving equipment, rebuilding projects, demining, you name it.

https://u24.gov.ua/

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We have do and will continue to.

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Donated!

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Thanks. I'll do it.

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I hope someone answers this question! Where do we donate?!?!?

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Timothy Snyder has listed a number of organizations taking donations. See his latest video on Substack.

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How about we go off and be a jerk somewhere else?

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4dEdited

Philosopher,

Given that you have no idea who has done what, that you are currently in the throes of an ongoing, out-of-control outburst, that said outburst is not not an effective way to encourage folks to part with their money -- and that the goal is to actually support the people of Ukraine -- I strongly suggest you take a long break from this thread and go do A LOT of deep breathing until you can rein yourself in and return with some productive messaging.

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THROES

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Thank you for the correction, and edited to reflect such.

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I fear you're doing more harm here than the good you desire.

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What good? What evidence of it? Braying about anything incessantly and rudely isn't convincing.

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FUCK OFF YOU TWIT.

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Philosopher. I'm going to stretch this out and still think you are a reasonable person. . . . I've given all I can and if they take away my social security, I'll come and pitch a tent on your porch.

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GOOD FOR YOU! I DON'T HAVE A PORCH BECAUSE I LIVE IN A SMALL CONDO, BUT HEY--SHOW UP. I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT THOSE WHO LIVE ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND THAT'S FUELING MY IMMENSE ANGER RIGHT NOW--ALONG WITH FEARS FOR THE KIDS WHO WILL DIE OF MEASLES, FLU, COVID, AND UNTREATED CANCERS AFTER WHAT THE HHS IS DOING.

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melania, is that you ?

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Philosopher: I hear that.

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GOOD! I AM SO FULL OF FURY AT PEOPLE WHO SIT BACK AND COMMENT BUT DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING NOW, WHEN IT'S ESSENTIAL FOR EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US TO ACT AND TO DONATE IF WE CAN!! I AM PRACTICALLY BANKRUPTING MYSELF WITH DONATIONS BECAUSE THERE IS SO MUCH TERRIBLE NEED. EVERY PERSON WHO LETS OTHERS DO THE WORK, THINKING THAT THE TROUBLES WILL NEVER AFFECT HER/HIM/THEM IS PART OF THE PROBLEM AT THIS POINT.

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Philosopher

Do you talk to your mom like you talk here?

What the fuck is wrong with you?

$100 is a peanuts donation.

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Quit being so ugly to people who want to help. It's not necessary.

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And you know this how? You brand yourself with ignorance with every assumption.

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Don't let the door hit you on the ass, you jackass.

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Reported for being abusive. Take you act somewhere else.

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Thank you!

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Reported as abusive.

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Thank you Philosopher for your fervor. We appreciate your enthusiasm, but we do not allow name calling in this community as we do not believe it fosters productive dialogue or discourse.

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Do I have to report each single comment by this "philosopher" or will you take a look at all of them? These endless insults and name-calling is really not acceptable.

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You don’t know who has donated without broadcasting it like you do, humble bragging.

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Go talk to MAGA, though I will be surprised if THIS doesn't do something to move them off their behinds.

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I upgraded my subscription just so I could report you.

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That's the best way to handle trolling like this. Then make sure to block this jerk.

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GOOD!

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ARE YOU LIKE HAVING A STROKE OR SOMETHING ?

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let me guess...Yale?

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WRONG. NO IVIES FOR ME.

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AMEN!

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bot?

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It says, in your bio you're a retired Greek philosophy teacher. Did you encourage your students to speak like this? Have some respect for others and leave out the four letter words...

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bot

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This is bullying not negotiations. I’m with President Zelenskyy. He’s a great leader.

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Marilyn: Yes--and it's much less political than it is existential.

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Zelensky held his own!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I heard Zelensky walked out! They didn't kick him out. I'm sure that's what the 🍊🤡 said happened though. I STAND with Ukraine!!! ❤️🇺🇦

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Who the hell are these people…..I am embarrassed for my country.

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We elected them. With the help of the 40% or so who chose not to vote. This is now who we are. No honor, no compassion, no truth. We are at a low point in the history of our once-great nation and poised to go still lower.

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NO, IT IS NOT! There are more of us non-trump voters speaking out, and acting against the 3 bullies in charge - trump/vance/musk - we will NOT be bullied into shutting up, cowering in fear, listening to evil men who take our speech away! He can't force us to shut up, just like he's not forced Zelensky to shut up! Not even a good attempt, you lyin' SOS! Europe will stand with Ukraine, US will too!

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You misrepresent my position. See my response to Susan Shea below.

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No, "we" didn't. Not even a majority of the voters. And we need to remember that and resist.

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This is true. But "we" includes all of us. And a small plurality of those of us who chose to vote elected these creatures. Who now represent us, despicable as they so clearly are. But we do need to remember, difficult as that may be for so many of us. And resist? Definitely.

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Decidedly not, James. More people voted for someone else than voted for Trump. He's only parking his fat ass in our White House because of the vestigial organ known as the electoral college.

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Jane, what you say is true, but Agent Orange won a small plurality of the popular vote, it wasn't just the Electoral College that put him where he is. Unlike 2016. Unfortunately, he and the sewer rats that now populate his Cabinet (or is it Musk's Cabinet?) now represent us before the world. Those of us who still believe in the principles stated in our founding documents now have the duty to oppose and resist this utterly repellent regime. (Of course, "regime" is the word we use to describe any government we don't like, including our own.)

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You're correct on the plurality, but more people still voted for someone else than voted for Trump.

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This is true, Susan, but we all bear the mark of shame that the Musk/Trump regime imposes on us before the world

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From the perspective of someone from the land Down Under who has studied and read a lot on US law snd history, that someone like Trump is in power today is due to the meeting in Independence Hall in the summer of 1787. These 55 men produced what was then and remains a flawed Constitution. That Americans still revere it is mind-boggling.

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The Constitution was never meant to stay as written. The Framers knew they were writing a document for their times, but they added an amendment process to allow it to grow and change with later times and civil society demands. The electoral college is one of vestigial elements of the Constitution that's not only unnecessary, but in many cases has resulted in actual harm to the country. All that said, it remains an impressive document.

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Well said!

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You would be more effective if you dropping your own nasty language.

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The most pathetic, shameful, disgusting display of orchestrated, made-for-trash TV bullying ever to have soiled the Oval Office.

And I thought nothing could make me feel even more contempt for the Felon-in-Chief and his Maybellined Mini-Me Boy sidekick. "A day that will live in infamy" for the United States of America....

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I love Maybellined Mini-Me Boy sidekick. Just perfect!

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It’s increasingly impossible to deny Trump is Putin’s operative - astounding given that Russia is a mafia state that offers nothing any foreign business or other country wants. Maybe the deal is Putin will use nukes to gain control of all former Soviet bloc states, and Trump will get his rare earth minerals that way. The extent of Trump’s betrayal of Ukraine and western democracies is hard to overstate.

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You are right. He is reported to have been a Russian plant since the 1980's. I thought so when he was in office before, without these reports. He is not even trying to hide it anymore. He is a TRAITOR! There has to be a way to remove him from office because of this betrayal.

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Do you think his hand-picked cabinet is going to Amendment 25 him? No.

Do you think that the Republican majority Congress is going to impeach him? No.

Outside of the grim reaper, and assuming there is a presidential election in 2028, it looks as if we're stuck with this lemon of a bad choice.

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4dEdited

There's another element to today's televised Show of Disgrace that most Americans may not understand. This loop will be re-broadcast on Russian State TV 1 over and over again, endlessly repeated to drive home the "point" that Americans no longer support Zelensky.

Don't think for a second Donald Trump isn't aware of this, or that this was some kind of spontaneous show of anger. It was not. It was all *carefully planned* probably with JD Shady Lady setting the honey trap as a pretext for an orchestrated show of idiotic bullying and lying by the Liar-in-Chief.

As our former Speaker once said in 2019, "all roads with you end with Putin." Whether money or pee-pee tapes or being a recruit since the 1980s, or something else or all of the above --- one day we may find out. No longer any doubt for me, however.

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I seriously wonder if trump and his nasty handlers will be in office long enough to get those spoils. Trump is betting the ranch that he can drag the USA into the status of a failed state from which he will make money. So it depends on what removes the gaslighting glasses from people's eyes.

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We cannot wait until 2028. Trump is laying the groundwork to remain in office for a third term. We must regain both the House and Senate in 2026 to slow this travesty down until we elect a democrat to the White House in 2028.

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I doubt if Trump intends to allow elections in 2026 or 2028.

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Disgusting. Sounds like it was planned to justify dropping all pretense of maintaining a US connection to an independent Ukraine.

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You can bet your bottom dollar it was planned and orchestrated. Little JD set a honey trap -- this was about as spontaneous as the German invasion of Poland in 1939.

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Planned for sure to be televised so Putin can show across his airways. Disgusting display of childish bullies. Perhaps if tRump had given the money to Zelensky instead of trying to force him to investigate Biden this war would be much different and perhaps over. So glad my Dad is not alive to see what the USA that he fought so proudly to protect has become.

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I'm thinking you're right, although I'm thinking Vance also started the shouting to rev up the instinctual nastiness of his boss and keep it whipped up.

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Pino even commented "this was good tv."

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There is no doubt in my mind that this was planned. In the pea-brained mind of the President bullying is the only way to get his way. Unless it isn’t. This was nothing more than “bad-cop, bad-cop”.

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That’s not moving people to donate, you sound like Trump. Shouting and bullying with insults.

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Not only that, but unless we have the scale of funds like a federal government does, we are sadly not going to offset trump's clear plan to abandon Ukraine financially. What we CAN do is dial up our opposition, put real pressure on our Congressional reps to step up and resist strongly, and see how Europe responds to this grotesque expression of Ugly America.

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Ellen,

Nobody wants you to beg, but it would be helpful if YOU stepped up and behaved with the decency you expect of others. You undermine your own ask when you behave in the way you've been doing throughout the comments section. And your anger is hardly an excuse for your abusive behavior.

And given your training and your current professional affiliations, I would strongly encourage you to rethink your strategy.

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Thank you for the link.

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Are you a Russian bot planted to enrage anti-trump Americans?

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"Grotesque" is a light way to put it; it was very hard to watch. The way Trump and Vance, both Russian puppets, treated President Zelenskyy, is completely abhorrent. It was nothing but bullying and the demands of man-children for respect they've done nothing to deserve.

I stand with Ukraine!

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I just watched the fiasco at the White House with Zelensky, Trump and Vance.

Never have I been so embarrassed for my country.

Never have I felt such shame to be a US citizen.

Zelensky was right to walk out after being treated so ignobly by what purports to be leadership in our country.

Then I read about what occurred previous to the meeting with Trump when enabler Lyndsey Graham said, “This is Donald Trump the dealmaker and peacemaker on display."

If Congress, particularly Republicans in Congress, don’t stand up and condemn this farce who is impersonating the leader of our country for the outrageous incompetence that he is, I have no hope for our country and I’m too old to start learning Russian. I stand with Ukraine.

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I am not embarrassed to be an American, but I am embarrassed by Trump and Vance's attempt to humiliate Zelensky--which is backfiring spectacularly. I am also embarrassed that enough of my fellow Americans insanely voted for the Trump-Vance ticket. As Republicans in Congress underwent spinalectomies, I do not expect any pushback from that group.

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WTH??? I am embarrassed by America, Trump, Vance, and musk! I truly hope Zelensky and the world know that most Americans do not agree with our current,unfortunate, administration.

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And lil’Rubio sitting there like a deer in the headlights. Guess that is what happens when your sell your soul to the devil. This was an embarrassing moment for our country.

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I was also wondering about the "absence" everywhere of the American Secretary of State. The only honorable thing Rubio can do is resign and then explain why he resigned. And no, family will not be tolerated as a reason.

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That’s very on brand for a guy who used to go foam parties.

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I have never been so ashamed of a United States President and Vice President. Trump and Vance disgraced us on the national stage today from our White House. Trump has always touted the "Art of The Deal." Obvious he never read the book that his ghostwriter wrote.

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You still haven't got it if you think Trump is just an irrational man-child. He is an agent of Putin, a thug installed by the Kremlin in the White House. That fits all the facts. Why he would tell Starmer America won't protect the U.K if attacked by Russia with nuclear weapons, why he would bully Zelensky to make peace on Putin's terms and also give Trump (and his cronies) a piece of the cake. Trump is a full-blown, thorough-going traitor who has sold out his country.

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I stand with Ukraine; I stand with Zelensky. 🇺🇦

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If we don't get rid of these Nazis, we become one with them. Muskdrumpf and Vance are disgraces to humanity.

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I stand with Zelensky. Our so-called leaders are bullies who should not be excused.

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It was a set up to make it look like Zelensky killed the deal so trump would have a way out of it. I am ashamed to be an American🤬🤬Zelensky deserves the utmost respect, he is a REAL LEADER!!!!!!

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These Mump Regime assholes are showing me how angry I can get. I admire Zelenskyy's self-control. He should have punched Vance in the mouth.

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You are wording my thoughts for me! And way better than I could!

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I am Zelenskyy

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All honest voices should start screaming impeachment right now, everywhere, and not stop until we get rid of this shame.

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I agree with you! Impeachment is the only way out of this dreadful situation! But, first, we must get Congress to awaken to the reality that THIS MUST HAPPEN! The only way is to impeach both Trump and Vance and, also, replace the Speaker of the House! Hopefully, the upcoming elections will add some more Dems to the House and make this easier!!!!

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Then we get the devil incarnate, Vance.

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Impeach him too. But one traitor at a time.

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I’ve never been more ashamed to be an American, than I am at this very moment.

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I have never seen a sitting American President and VP look so childish and foolish on a world stage.

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Bullying at its most egregious and in the Oval Office. Awful. Trump’s one man band of transactional politics and diplomacy—one can hardly call it that—will turn every interaction into bullying. A unique Trumpian diplomacy. Vance is disgustingly incomprehensible and juvenile. The disrespect was on the part of our leaders, certainly not on Zelensky’s part.

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How anyone can watch that and feel pride in our leadership is beyond me. I hope I am never more disgusted and embarrassed than I feel right now

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We somehow have to get word to Zelensky and the Ukrainians that we stand with them not Trump/Vance.

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Unfortunately this was predictable. I was not in favor of the “deal” proposed by T===p which would have allowed access to certain natural resources in Ukraine in “exchange” for the United States recovering, I believe, $50 billion to repay our country. This was nothing more than extortion. Presumably T===p would have backed away from the Putin proposal in which Ukraine would lose all of the Russian occupied territories in Ukraine and would not be able to become a NATO member. That was the “art of the deal”? I believe T===p was ready for a fight, picked by him with the intention of President Zelenskyy capitulating to T===p’s peace proposals. That the Vice President was in the room and behaved as childish as the President is a fair warning as to what we might expect if T===p was sidelined.

And yes, I stand with Zelenskyy. I applaud all of the comments which came before me and encourage others to chime in.

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I totally agree it’s like Ukraine is being extorted. I SO hope Ukraine doesn’t hand over their rare earth minerals to Trump. A few years ago Zelensky was welcomed to the White House with a standing ovation. Now they are blamed for starting the war. How the Republicans in Congress put up with this is beyond me. Especially when it seems their constituents are even getting mad.

My question is, does Ukraine have another choice? Is Europe able to provide Ukraine with what it needs to wind this war? I hope so!

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Thank you.

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Our president and vP are an embarrassment and behaved like school yard bullies. So far from diplomacy. I hope most Americans will stand up and speak out against this!

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Impeach this so called Republican administration! Sickeningly treasonous.

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Call your Congressional representatives 202 2443121. Tie up the phones. Not willing watch Trump and Vance side with Putin and risk Russians seizing Ukraine, wider war in Europe, and weaker NATO while trashing our gov, our health, our science, and our economy. Stand up NOW.

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Zelenskyy is my hero

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Shameful playground bully behavior. Vance is no statesman, he is a mental midget with a lot of ego problems. Kudos to Zelensky. Appeasement never works.

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I stand with Zelensky and Ukraine

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An utterly disgraceful performance by Trump and Vance. I am approaching my 82nd birthday and I have NEVER been ashamed of my country like I am ashamed today. Yes, it was a performance by Trump and Vance but they are representing the United States on the world stage and the rest of the world is either appalled (most of it) or delighted (Russia, China & North Korea). The president of the United States should be thanking Zelensky for fighting off the Russians on behalf of the free world. Instead, the United States is humiliated by the words and actions of our own president and vice-president. A day of disgrace for all of us!

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Thank you, heartbreaking.

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82 now and equally humiliated for our nation

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What we saw today in the White House was pure, choreographed theater of the absurd. Trump and Vance were completely transparent, and vile, in their behavior towards Zelensky. They behaved like two frat boys interviewing a pledge whom they had already decided to reject. They were rude, bullying, and they obviously gave no thought to the repercussions our country may now face as a result of their childish and practiced back-and-forth, good-guy, bad-guy show. Our country was embarrassed, and the sanctity of the oval was defiled by their presence.

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Nobody in either position of “leadership” of our country would behave those ways if they truly cared about our country or about setting admirable or acceptable examples. They acted against another country whose president we consider our friend; they also acted against us, “their own country” and against humanity as I see it.

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I too stand with Zelensky.

Trump and Vance are small, small men.

I cannot stand this any more.

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I'm horrified and embarrassed that Trump and Vance treated Zelensky so terribly.

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This was a frightening show of the two top UGLY AMERICANS and top bullies.

I bet if either of those two would meet Zelensky one-on-one, they would cower like the chicken-shits they are.

Today one has to be ashamed to be an American.

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I stand with Zelenskyy. Our President disgraced himself today.

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Say ‘thank youv’, JD? I think VZ thanked JB and the US people. Exactly what the hell has he got to thank you for?

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I don't think any respectable nation should want to make any deals with an unhinged narcissistic bully who now represents the United States of America, to our deep, deep shame. I think Zelensky should offer Ukraine mineral rights to European nations and obtain some security guarantees from them. Europe has always had most to fear from Russian aggression so to back up Zelensky [a leader I would be proud to have instead of the dreadful spectacle sullying the Oval Office] would be of use to all of them. And Mr. Zelensky, my apologies to you for what you had to endure, and my kudos to you for your forbearance during such a difficult time.

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Irene, you said that so well. Thank you.

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Just want to make sure that I am getting what I should from the Trump/Vance v. Zelensky meeting: That the almost 45 years that I spent in uniform and then as a civilian in the DOD doesn't mean squat. That my years on a NATO committee or time on the old German Border with the Cav or seeking to find ways ensure that the Long Peace in Europe continued is pretty much seriously fucking dead because a guy who wears makeup and has massive ego problems along with a pipsqueak who have bent the knee and bowed the head are now openly siding with PUTIN?

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None of the men in my family's history had bone spurs. Served since before the Revolution. I am mortified.

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Vance just demonstrated just how stupid he really is. I think Zelensky was wise not to allow trump and vance to get his minerals without a guarantee of commitment from the US.

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Trump is what Trump is. but Vance knows better yet toes Trump's line, just as he did to win his Senate seat and the nod to be vice president. It should have been obvious that Vance will do anything to win when he repeated the "eating cats and dogs" lies in the VP debate.

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Vance likes $$$

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Vance does not know better. He's a venture capitalist bought and put in place by South Afrikan Peter Theil. There is no normalcy to the administration.

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I agree that Thiel bought and put him into place. However, J. D. Vance will do whatever and say whatever he thinks will ingratiate himself to Trump and the oligarchs.

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I am not surprised Trump is a low-class bully, lacking in political or social skills.

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America has an embarrassment of bitches.

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Jennifer, can you please let us know where we can send a message to President Zelensky (that he is sure to receive) that we support and admire him and apologize for our pathetic, disgusting ignorant bully of a president and his devious, slimy VP?

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This site was posted above:

https://u24.gov.ua/

I wholeheartedly stand with Ukraine and will donate tomorrow (not using credit cards today).

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Thank you, Cricket Halsey, for sharing that information so kindly.

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Slava Ukraini!

I stand with Zelenskyy.

🇺🇦

Those little -men are a stain on the US.

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It was also reported that an unauthorized press agent from Russia was let into the meeting. It took a while before he was told to leave. This is unbelievable.

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To hear that this occurred is almost unbelievable. However, having seen past actions by this administration, makes it sadly believable. I am ashamed to have these people as our elected officials.

Let us continue to push back and stand for what is right. Slava Ukraine!

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"Vance provoked Zelensky"??? Vance might have tried - and it would be fair to say that Vance provoked the altercation. However, the person Vance "provoked" was not Zelensky but Trump. Zelensky never took the bait and remained contained throughout. Obviously the only "man" in the room.

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WE NEED A MAJOR MARCH ON WASHINGTON ASAP!!!

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It was so inconceivable that any other POTUS would have acted this way, at least in public, to an ally. I have always been with Ukraine and Zelinsky, as the majority of this country still is. We should not allow him to concede to Putin, and I'm sure Biden or Obama would NEVER have asked for their precious minerals. They are defending US against the push of Putin, or at least we thought they were. Little did most of us realize the enemy was always within on this score. Besides, Trump will find a way to confiscate some of those minerals for himself or Musk. We HAVE to get him out!!! He is going to get us into a war with our own allies, if he doesn't just hand us over to Putin.

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By our constitutionally legal ways and with both faithful and renewed backbones in our system of checks and balances, yes we must act swiftly and thoroughly. How we ever can restore our country’s face and position with the rest of the world is something we must learn, T. Lawrence. Thank you for sharing.

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What a disgrace! There are not strong enough words to describe how utterly disgusting and disgraceful the behavior by Trump and Vance was. Presidential/vice presidential behavior it certainly was not! They both sounded like Putin's owned and controlled thugs. Thuggery is not diplomacy.

And where was the secretary of state's voice in all of this. Rubio is a coward and should resign. But he won't. He's a power hungry weakling.

I stand with Zelensky. I am so proud of how he held his ground and continues to fight for his country. I hope he keeps it up and doesn't allow Putin and these thugs to steal his country.

Stand strong President Zelensky!

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I stand with Zelensky, and my fervent wish is that he gives a one-fingered to salute to the cretins Trump and Vance. Speaking as a Canadian, I suspect that Trump's angling for Ukrainian minerals has a dual purpose - satisfy his overlord Putin, and stick it to Canada. I cannot wait for March 4, when Canada shows what we are made of.

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For everyone who is appalled by this situation, please consider supporting Ukraine directly. In a recent post Timothy Snyder suggested the following organizations:

United 24 (the Ukrainian state platform for donations, with many excellent projects) https://u24.gov.ua/

Come Back Alive (Ukrainian NGO that supports soldiers) https://savelife.in.ua/en/

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I called my elected reps and told them in no uncertain terms how I felt about how Zelensky was being treated.

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This was so appalling to watch. We really need to hear from the Democrats in Congress about this. They cannot stay silent on this matter.

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Thank you for this alert! I appreciate The Contrarian so much!!!!!

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Ditto!

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What pissed Vance and Trump off, was Zelensky correctly pointing out that they already had a peace deal, in 2019, that Putin broke and that Putin, therefore, could not be trusted.

He was simply pointing out that we have already been there and done that.

And Trump and Vance went off the rails based on this simple factual statement.

He also pointed out that the invasion by Russia started in 2014, and that the war, in reality has lasted though 3 presidents and now Trump again.

Trump does not want his base to know this.

Trump and the GOP tell their base that in invasion first began under Biden.

Trump wants people to think that the war started under Biden and does not want his base to know that Putin did not back down under Trump's first term, and even broke the agreement signed in 2019. There has been a battle on the border for over a decade.

Vance and Trump were yelling because they are desperate for their base not to hear the truth and likely because they had found out that Zelensky would not go along with whatever hair brained scheme Trump was offering.

Also, we have not given them over 300 billion, it is closer to 110 billion and the EU has now given more..

It seems to me that Trump and Vance had already cooked up something with Putin and could not get Zelensky on board and were furious that their plan did not work.

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I watched the video and it made me feel sick. Vance has the demeanor of a coercive abuser. He and Trump acted like mob bullies and without any sense of shame.

My God, this is not my country right now.

I stand 100% with Zelensky. The other two are vile deplorables. And yes, Marco is out of his depth.

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I stand with Zelenskyy and Ukraine

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Republicans who support Trump and Musk are traitors who have sold out, probably long ago. How many Americans remember that Republican Representatives made a pilgrimage to the Kremlin on July 4, 2018 - a few months before the mid-term elections? If you don't think that had to do with getting Russian money for their campaigns - think again. Why do you think Mitch McConnell refused to join Obama and Democrats in a bipartisan denunciation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election? That was AFTER seeing the evidence... Do you believe that Trump's dirty Russian money laundered in his apartments to rescue him from bankruptcy carried no strings?

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Today I can honestly say that I am ashamed to call myself an American.

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The two people who should be ashamed are Trump and Vance, as well as all of their supporters in Congress and the U.S.

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Slava Ukraini

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This must have been a set up to show cause to go against Ukraine. Mobster tactics. A disgrace on America

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I stand with Zelensky.

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I just read everyones comments on the bullying that went on in the White House Oval office. It made me sick. It was grotesque, and shameful and what is worse they were trying to gaslight Zelenksy. It was sick. Disturbing to watch as a reality.......what can we do to show Zelensky we are not of this twisted mindset.

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I feel so spitting angry right now after watching the mob boss and his gaslighter acting with such cruelty. I stand with President Zelensky! I stand with Ukraine! I stand with NATO! 🇺🇦🇺🇸

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Now waiting for congressional Republicans to avoid/dismiss/spin/hide from this disaster.

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What a disgrace! No manners, no dignity, no morals. I am so embarrassed for our country. Will this wake up anyone in the GOP? So many of us support Ukraine.

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Truly shocking display, even for an aspiring mob boss.

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Mr. Goldenberg made a very important observation- that Vance started the berating and then trump jumped in. This whole event was a planned performance meant to to show Putin that they will do anything for him. The Kremlin and state t.v. have gone wild over this.

Zelenskyy was brought here under false pretenses so that trump/vance could publicly humiliate him. Vance was probably the mastermind and because trump is so easily manipulated, he eagerly joined in.

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Embarrassing and tragic

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could this have been a planned show for Trump to look strong in front of the media? Vance was clearly ready to start hammering on Zelensky.

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Their behavior did not make them look strong, despite any interpretation

they might want to put on it. That type of behavior only makes a person look weak, and in turn, it makes our country look weak, rude, cruel, and disgusting. I am sorry for everyone adversely affected, everyone who has been wronged, and for whatever honor our country has held until that point. We must have necessary majorities in our other two branches of government to uphold our country’s honor and to do their Constitutional duties pronto and with thorough effectiveness. They will know what to do. It is up to them now.

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This is so embarrassing. I just want crawl in a hole someplace and cover my face. Bad thing is, Trump and crew would already be in there as they dug the hole for us all.

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Can we create a US birth certificate for Zelensky and make HIM our president. Pretty sure he'd identify as male from birth. Not at all clear how trump and jd identify from birth. pampered dog? Hyena? Vulture? Termite?

That trump spew was all his bile, all his lies, What does Hunter Biden's laptop have to do with anything at all.

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I imagine this was planned as Trump wants to make it look like Zelenskyy does not want peace when the reality is that Trump cannot control Putin (we know it is Putin controlling Trump…) and Putin cannot agree to peace. It is appalling what just occurred and even more appalling that our elected congress does nothing and swallows the re-write right before our eyes. The emperor truly has no clothes. Let’s see if he berates the sheiks about their clothing.

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America is in the Twilight Zone. A calamitous day for the U.S. Don't expect a peep out of the Republicans. I extend two firm middle fingers to all of the idiots who voted for him.

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Time for Americans to stand with Europe, Ukraine, and STAND UP TO THIS BULLY in the WH! #notmypresident #USAHATESBULLIES #STANDWITHZELENSKY,NOTTRUMP

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I stand with Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people to live in peace and security, coming from a grandchild of an Ukrainian immigrant

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I have to say it: Fuck trump.

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Zelenskyy had the courage to stand up for his country. No one in this country is standing for US‼️ EVERYONE is treating 47 and his kind like they are gods. Zelenskyy spoke to our trash administration like men speak to men.

Let’s make Zelenskyy our president!!

Someone who will speak for our working people- our seniors - our disabled- our starving children- bc all in Washington treat this trash administration like they are gods and gods They are not‼️

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I cried

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FF-PINO and his Sidekick are just despicable and shameless in ruining our country and destroying our alliances worldwide. Definitely stand with Ukraine but how to repair this breach today? I’m just heartbroken.

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You know what is particularly embarrassing? In front of the entire world, two pathetic wussies like Trump and Vance thinking they are “scary bullies” to a man who has not only been bullied by Putin, the entire Russian army and threats of nuclear annihilation for three years, but has quite literally put his own life on the line for his country.

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Could you encourage people to write to President Zelensky?

He needs to understand that the White House does not represent the majority of Americans. Today, many Americans feel more embarrassed than ever before.

Write to:

Ukraine Embassy

240 East 49th Street,

New York, NY 10017

Ukrainian Embassy

gc_usn@mfa.gov.ua

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Thanks for this...I was just thinking the same thing.

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Trump & Vance tag team Zelensky in a staged beatdown by bullies in the oval office.

Winner - Zelensky.

Embarrassed on the world stage - The United States at the hands of 2 losers, Trump & Vance.

Slava Ukraine.

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I have never been so proud of anyone in my life as I am for Zelinsky in this moment.

Here's the Trump code for what he said: (screaming at Zelinsky!) you won't buckle down and give in to my extortion and intimidation tactics! You cannot do WHAT I DO. How dare you not bow down and kiss my ring!

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Putin is strong arming Trump. That’s why DJT is bullying Zelenskyy. Vance is garbage. He definitely has shown to be the racist he is. Rubio is a joke and the United States is an embarrassment to the world. Why would any of our allies even want to trust us?

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OMG! We must defend Ukraine from Putin&trump. Can the “leader of the free world” actually betray all of us this way? Well,I guess he showed us. And we appear to be relatively defenseless even with the Constitutional tools we have available. SCOTUS has already been bought and sold. My Republican Congressperson,Juan Ciscomani, is a mindless,fake Christian trumpanzee. Both of my Democratic Senators voted for Marco Rubio and some of the other trumpanzee stooges. Reflecting on it, I believe they may have stopped doing so after they heard from their constituents who strenuously disagree with that move. But they really have no power. Our state Attorney General is one of the most courageous leaders we’ve had and joined the suit against the administration for withholding funding.

Poor Zelenskyy. I stand with him. It hurts me that magas have no conscience, and I have little voice. My favorite protest sign: Fake Christians - Real Evil.

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I can't imagine how our other allies will respond to this outrage. We are a pariah on the world stage.

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I wish I could have warned Zelensky from the start to NEVER trust him. He’s a liar and double crosser. There’s a reason he’s a convicted felon.

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Trump and Vane did their make-believe dance of demonstrating to the world that Zelencky was the one who destroyed Trump's meeting with Putin. When, in fact, Trump knew that he could never or never have any way of getting Putin to agree to a cease-fire. This was Trump's way of saving face and not having to admit that he had no way to get Putin to agree to a cease-fire.

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I’m so disgusted by this display of narcissism, childish behavior, and support for putin. What a sick set of leaders we have right now.

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I stand with Zelensky and the Ukrainian people. Trumps allegiance to Vladimir Putin is in indefensible display. I hope we Americans can find a way to fund Ukraine. And I hope Zelensky keeps his return flight information from the Trump thugs🤞🤮

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After today’s unhinged performance, I attempted to contact Huizenga (R) Michigan. I was directed to his website to send a comment, voicemail was not an option.😵‍💫

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Did you try calling his local office in Michigan? You might actually reach a real person there, or be able to leave a message. That's what I did last week when I tried to connect with Mitch McConnell. Wound up calling his Lexington KY office and was able to record a message.

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Rubio would only have repeated MAGA lies if he had spoken. 🤬

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Their behavior is appalling! I'm with Zelensky.

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Shameful a thousand times over.

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Lowest point ever!!

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Trump and Vance came across as crude egotistical thugs. All Americans should feel a deep sense of shame that our leaders were so offensive and abusive to the head of a country invaded by Russia simply because he and his country refuse to surrender to Russia, and also to Donald Trump, Putin's puppet.

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Horrifying. Performative. Staged from beginning to end. A malignant demonstration of how thoroughly Donald and JD (and Elon) have transformed the US into a vassal state of Russia; of how thoroughly the abandonment of decency, democracy and diplomacy characterize this nation's foreign policy as well as its domestic policy.

Grotesque. A betrayal from beginning to end, and the worst thing about it after the abandonment of diplomatic principle and the betrayal of an ally was the bully-boy, staged, smirking gang violence aspect of it. The president has always been one for kicking a man when he was down, so long as there were plenty of others around to make sure he himself wouldn't risk a bruise. He was safely nestled in a friendly group of allies and bodyguards directing a staged assault on one lone, brave man.

One might call it (in honor of one of Mr. Trump's heroes) Andrew Tate Diplomacy.

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Zelensky didn't kiss the king's ring or pull on his forelock enough, so Trump and Vance did the only thing they know how to do: they totally disrespected a courageous leader and showed how absolutely craven and immoral they are. I hope Zelensky doesn't allow his country to be extorted by the corrupt Trump Administration.

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What kind of world are we living in when the President of the United States of America teams up with the Vice President of the United States to browbeat and berate the leader of another sovereign nation who has come AT THEIR SPECIFIC REQUEST to negotiate terms of a treaty of alliance? My late father, Herman T. Skofield was, for decades, a Foreign Service Officer of the United States of America. He served as a diplomat in four countries and knew that the way of diplomacy is one of tact, respect, and honest talk. I'm ashamed of the current administration's thuggish ignorance of diplomatic respect, dignity and decency. Zelensky was entirely not to blame for what happened in the Oval Office today. Donald Trump and J.D. Vance should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. I am. I stand with Zelensky and the people of Ukraine.

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This is typical mob boss behavior: The Don and his second in command ganging up on their victim. The language coming out of the mouth of the Dear Leader sounds like dialogue from The Godfather. This administration, from top to bottom, is an indelible disgrace. How dare they???

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I told someone at the White House switchboard how disgraceful this was this morning. Of course the White House comment line was shutdown. I fear that Trump is going to secretly arm Russia with military equipment.

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I was sickened and disgusted with Trump and Vance in that meeting! Poor President Zelenskyy! So far, every message and post from other world leaders have denounced Trump and Vance. Even Putin’s sidekick expressed surprise. Then Lindsey Graham and other Republicans sided with Trump and Vance. Graham said he had told President Zelenskyy to be sure to praise Trump before entering the talk about U.S. assistance. Now Graham is saying that Zelenskyy needs to “apologize profusely.” This is just surreal!

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Trump and Vance are both deplorable. Ignorant and nasty- Vance is as bad as Trump. President Zelensky is a hero and should not cater to their outrageous behavior. Zelensky has thanked the US many times for our support. I am ashamed of our country-

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I stand with Zelensky and Ukraine.

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maybe time for somebody managing THE CONTRARIAN get PHILOSOPHER off to let other people to have a civilized conversation?

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tamar, I think they should call for a wellness check.....

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Tamar, I keep reporting for abusive language. One comment was removed so far!

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Jennifer Rubin: I don't trust the jerk below who repeats and repeats the instruction as to where to donate to the Ukrainians, complete with foul and abusive language. Please give us an accurate source for donations!!!! I trust you.

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I agree. Though I would be happy to donate to Ukraine, the behavior of this poster who goes by "Philosopher" is not someone I would trust.

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I keep reporting Philosopher for chronic verbal abuse. Hopefully they will do something about it.

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Philosopher needs to stand down-some serious emotional issues here.

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President Zelenskyy, please accept an apology from an American citizen who is sorry that anyone vising the White House would be treated in such a manner.

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I am not a hating person, but I hate trump...and vance...and musk. They think they are all powerful but they show how weak they are because they bully everyone, and we all know the bully is the weakest link.

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I watched in disbelief and horror. I immediately called my two senators and representative and left messages that I had just watched the meeting and was ashamed and horrified that the president and vice president had behaved more like children on a playground than president and vice president and asked each of them to talk with their colleagues in Congress and all of Congress to apologize to President Zelensky. I am still feeling in shock and horror at the awful and inappropriate behavior.

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So deeply ashamed as an American. I feel close to tears. I never thought I would see such a display of public bullying by my president towards the leader of another country. The vulgarity and crudeness of his and Vance’s behavior is staggering and plays right into Putin’s hand.

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Those two enormous jerks, one who dodged his own military service with a bogus claim of bone spurs, treated a wartime president who's been fighting for three years to save his country like some kind of school boy who needs to show deference is disgusting beyond belief.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a hero whose name will be remembered and celebrated long after those two posers are gone. Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

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I stand with Zelenskyy. Trump, Vance, and Rubio too disgraced themselves in front of the whole world. I'm glad the minerals deal fell through and I hope it stays that way. Trump will never hold up his end of a deal. He doesn't believe in give and take, he only believes in take.

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I stand with Zelenskyy and have already written to my Congresswoman and both Senators requesting that they respond to this horrifying spectacle. My embarrassment at being an American grows daily.

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I have watched this video and I watched the interaction in the Oval Office. I 100% agree it was atrocious and despicable. I disagree with Ilan’s take on how Zelenskyy should play this I think he should give Trump and Vance the 🖕and move on with Europe. If he doesn’t realize the US doesn’t have his back now, he never will. Better to be with those committed to their survival than those committed to plundering his nation, even if they are in a weaker position.

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We need more Stand with Ukraine demonstrations and / or included with other demonstrations.

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THEY NEED MORE DONATIONS, FOR FUCK'S SAKE:

https://u24.gov.ua/

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I stand with Ukraine 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

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Trump, you are a small small man.

And shrinking rapidly.

Character matters.

Ashamed for our country.

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Once again Trump/vance embarrass the United States. My heart sinks

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My heart is broken! What a shameful display of disrespect by our "leaders". I hope Volodymyr Zelensky knows that Donald Trump & JD Vance do not represent most Americans. I stand with him & the Ukrainian people now & always!! Also, can I just say how embarrassed I am that JD Vance is a fellow Ohioan?

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I have never been so ashamed of the US Government. The trio of trump, musk & vance makes the worst of our previous presidents saints in comparison!

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How utterly pathetic and embarrassing. I also stand with Zelensky. Trump and Vance owe Zelensky an apology (which we know won’t happen. They ambushed a foreign leader.

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I have never seen or heard anything more disgusting and unAmerican I my life!! The insanity raging in our government must be stopped because there is more than oligarchy to fear.

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Manchurian candidates, Russian agents, historically shameful & depraved...Trump, Musk & MAGA, in their vision of gangster government & kleptocracy, believe that democracy is for sale & that they've bought control of the US government...that Trump, Musk & their MAGA oligarchs can act with impunity. Threats of retribution & prosecution for those who would uphold the rule of law are intended to silence opposition & compel obedience in advance.

Who has seized control of ~20% of federal payment & employment control systems with his illegal hackers? Musk with tens of billions in government contracts & companies that paid zero taxes...who has promised pain for the middle class & needy while he enriches techno kleptacrats like himself & other uber wealthy authoritarians. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QXQWHdSMcM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czhj3L4y5hw

The battles for democracy & the rule of law will require resilient resistance…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNIv4Nz6_oA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBhR99pdHps

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Glad Zelenskyy got out of the WH relatively unscathed and WITHOUT signing the DJT extortion agreement for minerals. Now let the NATO countries unfreeze Putin's 200+ billions and finance a decisive victory for Ukraine!

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Called all of my representatives and told them that Trump and Vance’s behavior was unacceptable. I also highlighted that it’s never acceptable to threaten WWIII.

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Zelensky was a calm and strong lion... DJT and Vance were like screaming hyenas flinging spittle, which boomeranged back in their faces.

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I have called the offices of Gillibrand, Schumer, Jefferies and my representative Morelle expressing my outrage at Trump and Vance's shameful bullying of President Zelenskyy and demanding that all of the Democratic representatives and senators immediately call out Trump and Vance and make it clear that is not acceptable behavior. Zelenskyy was the only one in the room with any dignity and I hated seeing him treated that way.

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We are NOT Russia and I will never 👎 be okay with todays disrespect of another nations President! The maggots trump and Vance should be tried for treason this IS NOT the American way….

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I am horrified by the behavior of DT and JDV. It was shameful. We are now on the wrong side of history. It's a sad, sad day indeed.

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4dEdited

Nytimes says Zelensky left w/o signing not that he was kicked out. I am glad. Zelensky has pride and dignity. He was not going to allow Trumpvance to lie to get a surrender deal.

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"Grotesque"is an excellent word to describe what happened. We know who the heroes in the room were. I look at the portraits on the wall and can see George Washington saying to Ben Franklin "I'm horrified" and Ben answering "So are the rest of us."

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I stand with Zelensky. I am furious that the pretend president and his hillbilly sidekick openly baited and disrespected the president of another country. And now we have the surprising (not) development that unnamed US officials are suggesting that Zelensky should resign so that Ukraine can have a good relationship with Trump. Right. The only relationship Trump wants is one in which Putin owns a Ukraine that has been wiped from the face of the earth.

No appeasement of dictators at home or abroad.

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Read the NYT account. It’s clear there’s no peace to be had even when Zelensky was ready to deal with a threatening so called “peacemaker” decidedly on Russia/Putin’s side. Trump Vance Putin are looking for a surrender from Ukraine plus public gratefulness based on a lie about who is at fault in this war. Trump and Vance disgraced the office they hold and our country.

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I stand with Zelensky!!! I am humiliated by TRUMP he is such an embarrassment to the United States of America! He doesn't allow the Press that we need in the White House so the real questions can be answered. Trump planned to make this meeting chaotic so Putin could give him a pat on the back! Simply the most disgusting thing I've witnessed in my Lifetime!

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How about we start to bang pots and pans for Zelensky and Ukraine at 9 pm eastern 7 pm Pacific like we did for the covid nurses?

We can do this coast to coast.

I have almost zero social media presence, can someone else who does, get this started?

Every night we should make a scene and and an unbelievable amount of noise.

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Utterly humiliating for the US. To treat Zelensky, ZELENSKY, who Trumples is blatantly attempting to blackmail, and who has been through hell as he watches his people die and Ukrainian children kidnapped by the thousands, to treat that man like a naughty child is one of the most shameful things I’ve seen Rump do. I am SO ANGRY right now, and I want desperately to help the Ukrainian people. The guy leading our country has no honor, and no love for his people. He’s a sociopath and a bully.

Thank you for the interview and the space to vent.

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One of the most disgusting displays of immature bullying behavior I’ve ever witnessed. A shameful day for America.

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I could not make that U24 link work; and the fact that it is promoted by someone who seems to be a ranter makes me hesitate. I have been donating to a Ukrainian group I know is legit:

https://ukrfreedomfund.org/

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It’s beyond appalling. I’m ashamed for our country. I’ve just donated, but wish there were something more I could do. I’m in Baltimore, and I’m ready to drive down to DC right now to demonstrate my support at the embassy, if that would do any good.

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Я прошу вибачення за нашого президента та віце-президента. їх виростили вовки.

I apologize for our President and vice President. They were raised by wolves.

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Zelenskyy should have WALKED out of that "meeting." He'll get no help from the Felon and the Nazi VP. We may have to start a "GO FUND ME" account for Ukraine.

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Well, that was a hot mess but for this administration hit messes are the "coin of the realm"! I have to wonder how all this is going to end? Yesterday, I thought maybe Medicare would be restructured so that the lifesaving cancer drug that I take might not be covered. Or with 50% of the Social Security work force being fired that my checks would get "lost in the mail" even though they are automatically deposited in my bank account!

Now, I have to wonder what the international community is going to do. I wonder if the 'stable genius' even knows that Britain & France have nukes of their own.

This country is being run by fools, criminals & spoiled children. Oh & eggs are still expensive!!!!

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I do not agree that flattering Trump is the only option. The only way you get a bully to stop bullying is to fight back and make him back down. Zelensky needs to do that with the rest of the world backing him. I am absolutely MORTIFIED at the actions of Trump and Vance. They should be so embarrassed but as bullies… they will be proud. If I were Zelensky or his handlers, I would have gotten up and walked out.

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JD Vance 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

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I am so sad about this. Sad for Zelensky and Ukraine and our allies. Good for Zelensky for not signing the deal. Trump is a terrible deal maker. We need to shout this from the rooftops. Look at the horrible deals he has handed to America. He gives no one a fair shake. I stand with Ukraine. I stand with what is good about us and pray we can find our way back to the light. Thanks for all you guys are doing!

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Your endless bleating is useless - our little $10 donations are not going to make a difference to Ukraine.

Come up with something useful to say, otherwise just be quiet.

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What idiots we have elected to rule us. The “art” of the deal exposed as mafia-style threats and extortion. The contrast between Zelenskyy, the man and the president, to our two moronic bullies, is priceless.

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I think I might have to invent a new word to express the disgust I'm feeling atm.

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I stand with Zelensky and his country. And agree - it’s time to donate.

Check out UNITED 24

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Once more, with feeling: I stand with Zelensky and the Ukraine! One of the most disgusting displays I have ever seen.

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I am applauded at DJT and JD - their behavior is well beneath their offices - I am embarrassed, discussed, and sadden by this display of crap! This administration is evil and corrupt!

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In essence:

“Dis here is a really nice country youse has got! It would be a shame if some power-crazed perp should drop nukes on it! All we’re askin’ for is a little compensation an’ gratitude in retoin fer what we’re doin’ for youse!”

Cheatolini complains about extortion but then joins with the extortionist in Moscow.

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Fuck Flattery. That is bending the knee to the Fascist.

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I missed the bullying chapter in The Art of the Deal.

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Think of a cornered animal, and you have Donald Trump. I appreciated earlier posters’ likening T and V as dogs. The analogy goes a lot farther. For a while after seeing the video clip, I was depressed. But then I saw what had really happened: Trump’s self-concept got the better of him: he let loose with his limited vocabulary of growls and barks and the less effective he was in intimidating President Zelenskyy the angrier he became, and the more cornered. The world has ample evidence that Trump is a duplicitous dealer and can not be trusted. And Vance, who is nothing more than a rooster in the barnyard, displayed precisely the kind of “masculinity” he peddles. He’s all mouth and beard, and he is the only reason I don’t hope Trump dies in office. Here’s my objective: root for justice and humanity, not our country. “Nationalism” and religious tribalism writ large is why hundreds of thousands have died or lost their homes in Ukraine, Gaza, and many other places. And for reasons we can only guess at, Republicans sit in their separate corner, mute. The U.S. has done this before, and the results have included Jim Crow, lynchings, the unchallenged rise of Hitler….Zelenskyy was correct in reminding Trump that we have “a nice ocean” between us and troubles. And so we can bark in our corner as if threatened, playing at being tough, not knowing what toughness is.

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IMPEACH, IMPEACH, IMPEACH! And, while we're at it, throw their stupid asses out of DC!!!

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This was absolutely shameful. I am embaarassed to be an American today. I have spent some time in Europe as a professor; I feel like I need to write an open letter to everyone I know.

Dr. Lynda Stone, Distinguished Professor Emerita, UNC Chape Hill.

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Cannot tell you how grateful we are for The Contrarian being such an important, vital and courageous voice. Truth peppered with much needed humor. The UN vote and disgraceful and disturbing meeting today at the White House left me left me more infuriated and heartsick since Trump (and Musk) “took office.” I look forward every day to reading and listening to all things “Contrarian”. Thank you!

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Zelensky showed more integrity, patriotism for his country, and willingness to stand up bullies than a single Republican Senator or Representative. Yes, this will mean that Trump will double down on Zelensky, but bending the knee and giving away his country was not an option for Zelensky.

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Shameful. However bad you/we imagine TrumpVanceMusk will make America, it will be much much worse.

I stand with Ukraine. I stand with Europe. I love America, and because I do, I oppose this administration completely.

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How much longer will real patriots tolerate this embarrassment?

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I refuse to watch that *&%$. Reading about it is bad enough.

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I totally get that!!!

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Why are so many of the headlines like this one? "Trump and Vance Berate Zelensky" puts the focus on Trump and Vance. Why not "Zelensky Stands Up to Trump and Vance"?

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I have been living in the USA for 30 years. I feel heartbroken for this country. Congress , grow some dignity and honor and IMPEACH.

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Vance is a sick, sick psychopath who could easily be a serial killer. Peter Thiel’s dancing bear.

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This was authored by Tom Nichols, a staff writer for The Atlantic, and Tom’s article is spot-on, worth sharing with everyone you know. Speaking frankly, both Trump and JD Vance are utterly disgusting people. To put it succinctly:

• TRUMP IS A LIAR, A CON AND A FRAUD.

• TRUMP IS PUTIN’S PUPPET.

• TRUMP IS A RUSSIAN ASSET.

• TRUMP IS A TRAITOR.

• TRUMP IS AMERICA’S DISGRACE.

“A SET UP”

Leave aside, if only for a moment, the utter boorishness with which President Donald Trump and Vice President J. D. Vance treated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House today. Also leave aside the spectacle of American leaders publicly pummeling a friend as if he were an enemy. All of the ghastliness inflicted on Zelensky today should not obscure the geopolitical reality of what just happened: The president of the United States ambushed a loyal ally, presumably so that he can soon make a deal with the dictator of Russia to sell out a European nation fighting for its very existence.

Trump’s advisers have already declared the meeting a win for “putting America first,” and his apologists will likely spin and rationalize this shameful moment as just a heated conversation—the kind of thing that in Washington-speak used to be called a “frank and candid exchange.” But this meeting reeked of a planned attack, with Trump unloading Russian talking points on Zelensky (such as blaming Ukraine for risking global war), all of it designed to humiliate the Ukrainian leader on national television and give Trump the pretext to do what he has indicated repeatedly he wants to do: side with Russian President Vladimir Putin and bring the war to an end on Russia’s terms. Trump is now reportedly considering the immediate end of all military aid to Ukraine because of Zelensky’s supposed intransigence during the meeting.

Vance’s presence at the White House also suggests that the meeting was a setup. Vance is usually an invisible backbencher in this administration, with few duties other than some occasional trolling of Trump’s critics. (The actual business of furthering Trump’s policies is apparently now Elon Musk’s job.) This time, however, he was brought in to troll not other Americans, but a foreign leader. Marco Rubio—in theory, America’s top diplomat—was also there, but he sat glumly and silently while Vance pontificated like an obnoxious graduate student.

Zelensky objected, as he should have, when the vice president castigated the Ukrainian president for not showing enough personal gratitude to Trump. And then in a moment of immense hypocrisy, Vance told Zelensky that it was “disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media.” But baiting Zelensky into fighting in front of the media was likely the plan all along, and Trump and Vance were soon both yelling at Zelensky. (“This is going to be great television,” Trump said during the meeting.) The president at times sounded like a Mafia boss—“You don’t have the cards”; “you’re buried there”—but in the end, he sounded like no one so much as Putin himself as he hollered about “gambling with World War III,” as if starting the biggest war in Europe in nearly a century was Zelensky’s idea.

After the meeting, Trump dismissed the Ukrainian leader and then issued a statement that could only have pleased Moscow:

I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.

Trump might as well have dictated this post on Truth Social before the meeting, because Zelensky didn’t stand a chance of having an actual discussion at the White House. When he showed Trump pictures of brutalized Ukrainian soldiers, Trump shrugged. “That’s tough stuff,” he muttered. Perhaps someone told Zelensky that Trump doesn’t read much, and reacts to images, but Trump, uncharacteristically, seems to have been determined to stay on message and pick a fight.

Vance, for his part, fully inhabited the role of a smarmy talk-show sidekick, jumping in to make sure the star got the support he needed while slamming one of the guests. The vice president is an unserious man who tries to insert himself into serious moments, but this time the stakes were much higher than the usual dustups with the media or congressional Democrats. He chuckled as Brian Glenn, a journalist from the right-wing channel Real America’s Voice who is reportedly dating Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, asked Zelensky the tough and incisive question of why he had not worn a suit in the Oval Office. (Perhaps he’ll ask Musk why he wore a hat and T-shirt to a Cabinet meeting, but I doubt it.)

The sheer rudeness shown to a foreign guest and friend of the United States was (to use a word) deplorable as a matter of manners and grace, but worse, Trump and Vance acted like a couple of online Kremlin sock puppets instead of American leaders. They pushed talking points that they either knew or should have known were wrong. Even if Zelensky were as fluent and capable in English as Winston Churchill, he would never have been able to rebut the flood of falsehoods. No, the U.S. has not given Ukraine $350 billion; yes, Zelensky has repeatedly expressed his thanks to America and to Trump; no, Zelensky was not attacking the administration. The Ukrainian leader did his best to stand up to the bullying, but Trump and Vance were playing to the cameras and the MAGA gallery at home.

Vance showed how dedicated he was to point-scoring rather than policy making with an observation so shallow that he was lucky that Zelensky was too off-balance to call him out for it. To emphasize Ukraine’s perilous situation, Vance noted that Zelensky was sending conscripts to the front lines, as if this was an unprecedented policy that only the most desperate regime would dare enact. Zelensky said that all nations at war have problems, but he might have pointed out to Vance that Ukraine is fighting for its very existence, while the United States has dragged conscripts to places far from home—including Korea and Vietnam—to fight against troops supported by the Kremlin.

Today’s meeting and America’s shameful vote in the United Nations on Monday confirmed that the United States is now aligned with Russia and against Ukraine, Europe, and most of the planet. I felt physically sick watching the president of the United States yell at a brave ally, fulminating in the Oval Office as if he were an addled old man shaking his fist at a television. Zelensky has endured tragedies, and risked his life, in ways that men such as Trump and Vance cannot imagine. (Vance served as a public-relations officer in the most powerful military in the world; he has never had to huddle in a bunker during a Russian bombardment.) I am ashamed for my nation; even if Congress acts to support and aid Ukraine, it cannot restore the American honor lost today.

But no matter how disgusted anyone might be at Trump and Vance’s behavior, the strategic reality is that this meeting is a catastrophe for the United States and the free world. America’s alliances are now in danger, and should be: Trump is openly, and gleefully, betraying everything America has tried to defend since the defeat of the Axis 80 years ago. The entire international order of peace and security is now in danger, as Russian autocrats, after slaughtering innocent people for three years, look forward to enjoying the spoils of their invasion instead of standing trial for their crimes. (Shortly after Trump dismissed Zelensky from the White House, Putin’s homunculus, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, postedon X: “The insolent pig finally got a proper slap down in the Oval Office.”)

Friday, February 28, 2025, will go into the history books as one of the grimmest days in American diplomacy, the beginning of a long-term disaster that every American, every U.S. ally, and anyone who cares about the future of democracy will have to endure. With the White House’s betrayal of Ukraine capping a month of authoritarian chaos in America, Putin, along with other dictators around the world, can finally look at Trump with confidence and think: one of us.

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At what point can we just... refuse to comply with anything the Federal government tells us to do? Call me a traitor, whatever, but these fascist fools don't deserve my tax dollars and it is irresponsible of me to yield them up.

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The evidence is that children who are unloved and bullied are more likely to become bullies. Trump called Bishop Budde ungracious for making an appeal for mercy because he himself is ungracious. He has called so many women nasty because he himself is nasty. We have heard it so often that he projects onto others what he himself is. I grieve for the children, adolescents, and young adults who are harmed by his policies, but who also have him and his henchmen as models. It is, indeed, sad.

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Zelensky looked strong.

Vance looked petty.

Trump looked weak.

It's a good thing Zelensky left without signing that mineral "deal".

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I don't want to flatter Trump. He is an evil, evil man

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It was the most disgusting display of unprofessional and undiplomatic behaviour I have ever seen. And to see vance sucking up to the so-called president was downright embarrassing. The only dignified person in that room was Zelensky and big time kudos to him for holding his temper and behaving as a true leader of people.

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I'm with Zelensky. That oaf The Grifter and his lackey no-nothing VP have embarrased our nation around the world. Please donate to the candidates running for House special elections in NY-21, FL-1, and FL-6. Those are red districts, but The Grifter has betrayed so many people in those districts, people who voted for him probably three times, that they're probably ready to flip. We win the House back, we can put the brakes on legislative agendas and regain investigative and even impeachment powers. There's a smoking gun, or two, or three, or a hundred out there on The Grifter, something that would make even the Senate have to cut him loose. I guarantee you he's in Russia's back pocket. I've donated to all three Democrats and to two other funds that are supporting them.

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"All the world's a stage. . ." planned and rehearsed! Director: V. Putin

Follow the MONEY! If Zelensky will not sell out his country's wealth to us, we will join up with Russia and steal Ukraine's wealth. We are no more than a bandit with a gun. This "you don't hold the cards" crap is an effort to make a deal with the Ukraine because there is more money in that deal than with Putin. This is who you and I are today, America! This is an effort by our "autocrat" to have us see ourselves in that light. It worked in Russia, so why not here?

"All the world's a stage,

And all the men and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances, . . . "

~Shakespeare As You Like It

That's the world we are living in 2025!

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Planned, rehearsed, and FLOPPED!!

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The state of Ohio is missing it's moron.

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This is mortifying and embarrassing.

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I am putting up a yard sign in my DC front yard: We stand with Ukraine.

Let's plaster our neighborhoods!!!

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Philosopher is spamming the thread. Is he real or has some electric bug invaded this discussion?

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either a bot, or someone in crisis

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I stand with Zelensky. Never have I seen the meme of the ugly American so vividly displayed in real life for all the world to see.

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Beyond horrified by Trump and JD's treatment of President Zelensky this morning! Ukraine was invaded. Putin is the brutal aggressor! Will Republicans in Congress ever stand up? Have called several Republican Senators who have supported Ukraine in the past...but not feeling hopeful. I stand with Zelensky and the Ukrainian people!

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Trump needs to be admitted to a mental health facility immediately. This man is in full dementia rage and is a danger to every one of us!

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Unconscionable and unforgivable. Traitorous Putin boot-lickers. Impeach Trump and Vance now!

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Would Vance be an improvement? Or Johnson? We've elected the monkeys to run the zoo.

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I have never been so embarrassed to be an American, such childish, malicious, and disrespectful behavior from Trump and Vance...both are pathetic and desperate bullies. If either one of them ever bothered to get their heads out of their butts they would know that President Zelenskyy has continuously worked for peace and constantly expressed his gratitude for all the help Ukraine has received. I hope that President Zelenskyy knows that Trump and Vance don't speak for all Americans and that so many of us are ashamed of their behavior. I would also like to thank him for doing what so many members of the GOP can't seem to do, and that is to stand up to them, to speak the truth to them and to call them on their lies. How embarrassing for us to be represented by such foolish and disreputable individuals. Thank you President Zelenskyy for being such a stellar example of what a REAL leader is; keep the faith; you are not alone. And once again, so many Americans apologize for you having to endure such immature and unprofessional behavior.

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tRump and Vance are vile & disgusting humans. They should rot in hell.

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Trump and Vance behavior with Zelensky today was atrocious (nothing new, I guess). Can you imagine FDR or Truman berating Winston Churchill, demanding that Britain pay the U.S. back for its support in WWII.

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This exchange just removed any doubt that the Gigantic Orange Shitpile is desperate to get a Nobel Peace Prize, because, well you know, that black guy got one.

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I stand with Zelensky. Embarrassing! These are not statesmen or stateswomen, they are nothing good, they’re every bad behavior and bad choice in the book, it is astounding to me that these thugs are being allowed to stand at all in our government in any way. They show us again and again how unfit and harmful they truly are. Where is the action to remove them now on the part of every congressperson and senator and representative, at once. Thank you Supreme Court! Not.

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I would like to hope that Republicans in Congress would stand up for justice, equity or even the Constitution, but they are sheep and they will not.

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shameful behavior, trump and vance!

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This was an attack by 2 bullies that gas lite Zelenskyy!

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I stand with Zelensky, Vance is just as big an idiot as TRUMP

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Only one person in the room demonstrated real courage. I stand by Zelensky, and appalled at the lack of control from PINO and Vice-Pino. This demonstration of attempts at bullying is outrageous.

I'm glad Zelensky didn't back down from the truth, although it was hard to hear over the berating by Orange Menace and Beardo Weirdo.

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If I were Japan, South Korea or Taiwan, I would be looking to cut a deal with a) Europe, b) Australia/New Zealand, or 3) China. The USA is now just a piratical, extortionate, rogue state as will remain so as long as Trump and Vance live. Our world standing is below Hungary, nearly where Russia is. Next: an invasion of Mexico?

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Trump is used to everyone caving to him as evidenced by the GOP many of the US billionaires..

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A unified Congress needs to push back on Trump for unilaterally upending 80 years of alliances, treaties and friendships. This is not about politics. It is about who we are as Americans. We are Not Allies of Russia or Putin.

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Donated $100 to https://u24.gov.ua/ Zelenxkyy's official site. If 2 more people will give $100 each, I will MATCH THEIR DONATIONS.

DO IT!!

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Done!

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Will donate $100 right now to match your donation--thank you!!

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Done! Matched your generous donation--thank you so much!!

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President Zelensky is such an admirable, brave, great leader. I admire him. It seems to me he was set up so DJT could look tough to his buddy Putin. Trump needs to be impeached and removed. He violates his oath in countless ways. To call DJT a traitor is an understatement.

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