As a Canadian, and probably like most other people in the "Free World" outside the USA, I have long objected to the grating term "Leader of the Free World". The US President is the leader of the US. Period.
Same here James, and apologies to Paula R. and her fellow Canadians. We are close friends with a couple that live near Calgary and are in regular contact about the flow of garbage coming out of America these days. It is embarrassing and shameful.
It used to mean a great deal. But over time, with so many costly, serious American blunders and false assumptions about the world (Vietnam, Iraq and WMD), we ourselves steadily undermined the term. Then one day, a charlatan came by and robbed it of its last moral meaning.
Yet past American resolve did keep hundreds of millions free and made the world a safer place after the War. And we did indeed '"bear any burden, pay any price" for that policy. At the onset of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, President DeGaulle of France was briefed on the Soviet weapons our satellites had uncovered in Cuba, and was asked did he want to see the photographs. DeGaulle just waved the question away, saying "the word of the President of the United States is good enough for me." I doubt anyone will ever say that of any American President ever again.
My point is that while, as you say, it meant a great deal and probably still means a great deal to millions of Americans, to people outside the US, it is fairly condescending, suggesting that without the US, all other democracies would be deprived of oxygen. And for Canadians, the current administration's reference to Canada as the 51st state echoes "Leader of the Free World". Perhaps try to see the term from a non-American perspective.
From an American with close friends in Canada, I agree with your point. With this idiot who thinks he's a king ruining, not running, our country, I can only hope and pray that Canada will not take all his rhetoric as if coming from real Americans but only from the sicko who thinks he's in charge. Go Canada!!
I see your point. But after WW II there was the US, who had emerged as the leader of the allies probably due to the strength of our military and our industrial might compared to a devastated Europe and smaller allies. And there was the USSR, grabbing control; of eastern and central Europe. Both had "the Bomb". One was for democracy and one was for a fascist communism. If I'm not mistaken this is how the label started. I agree that it is now a relic of bygone years. Go Canada!
Your point is valid and perhaps looking back, using the term "First among equals" may have been the better choice, and temporary at that. I think far too many Americans simply have no idea how fortunate we were not having our territory (populace/infrastructure/ industry, etc.) partially or totally destroyed by war. While most of our allies were trying/focusing on accomplishing the near impossible task of rebuilding their entire society, Americans had the "luxury" of taking the lead in the moment. I still see that gap in awareness in my travels, where so many people throughout the world see Americans as narrow minded, and at times simply clueless.
I think it's also critical to remember that the only time NATO's Article 5 was invoked was after 9/11. There were no conditions placed on America by our allies for that as far as I am aware. It was genuine and not transactional. We should recognize and cherish that.
To say nothing of the times Canadians were there for us. How many remember that the Canadian Embassy in Tehran forged Canadian identities for 7 American diplomats who found refuge there and then smuggled them out of Iran? Did every Republican forget Juno Beach and all the planes that landed at St Johns on 9/11, and the hospitality shown to strangers by Canadians who took them in?
What Trump is trying to pull with Canada should make every American's blood boil with rage. You just do not treat friends who shielded you, hid you, fought and bled with you, welcomed you, like this.
DT is doing all of this shit vs Canada because of his failed businesses there, as well as his disrespect for Trudeau, who he thought he could bully. They hate him, and have made that very clear over the years. It's a revenge tour for him, nothing more, nothing less. He's met his match with Carney, who has millions of more cogent world-wide experience in business and finance that the jerks does, has not run the corporations he's been in charge of into the ground, and has no problem standing up to this goon with diplomacy, tact, strength and firmness. Trump will no way, no how prevail in Canada.
Exactly. Now Trump wants his hugely-expensive, golden, missile-deflecting dome when the US has barely been touched by foreign aggression (Pearl Harbor & Sept 11th), compared to the bombing and occupation of so many countries.
In my experience, Americans are known for their arrogance, their attitude that they are better than everyone else. That is my experience as an American, who has traveled the world. Our arrogance has only gotten worse since the beginning of this new administration. Our neighbors and all the other nations in the world deserve better from us.
It's true that there have been some bad presidents, but there was always some redeeming feature. Not this time. He bought and cheated his way into this.
After this administration's atrocious performance, the US should never again try to claim that undeserved title. FTR, there's nothing wrong with being a partner among allies, which is where all the pro-democracy countries should align. When one country claims to be the first among equals, there are no equals.
Theresa, we claimed such title because it's the American century and the Pax Americana right after WW2. The world was destroyed almost to the ground and the great powers before that war, England, France and Germany had invested all they had in fighting that war.
The US was practically untouched and at the peak of it industrial capacity. 80 years after the end of WW2, we are fighting fascism again, this time at home. Hopefully this short post helps you seeing the forest and not just a tree or two.
Very true. American together with allies, won WW2, no doubt, and the Euros never forgot that. Just go to Normandy and you will see roadside signs thanking Americans, postings at the American Cemetery, etc. But the America of 1945 with Eisenhower and FDR at the helm is NOT the same now, nowhere near. Different era, different generation for sure, different, frankly far more competent and fearless people in charge who fully recognized the dangers of allowing the Third Reich to win. Yes, it led to the Cold War and the Soviets/Stalin taking over Eastern Europe, but all of the Europe would be in camps and speaking German if it hadn't been for our military, our ability to replace lost equipment and soldiers, and our firm resolve. That is NOT the country we are living in now. Greed, avarice and incompetence are the watchwords of the day in this admr, not the quiet confidence and expertise of an Eisenhower or FDR. There is simply no comparison, and all of the assholes flying flags on the back of their pickups, signaling allegiance to the jerk in the WH, have absolutely no idea of when we truly WERE great.
"Leader of the Free World" might have applied in the months immediately after WWII, when the American military/industrial complex was the only one left standing between Europe and Stalin, when the Marshall Plan helped to rebuild a shattered world.
But then first Viet Nam and then Reagan happened, and we became an arrogant "empire", fit to lead no one.
Now, if I may paraphrase, we're engaged in a great civil war to determine whether our nation can long endure.
This is a well written summary of the situation we’re in and why. I can only hope that more Republicans in Congress come to grips with what’s really happening and find the courage to take congressional power back and counter trumps actions. One of our wonderful Congresswomen hear in New Mexico, Melanie Stansbury, also confirmed that personal and physical threats to more reasonable Republicans in the House are real. So bullying and intimidation are a real factor in this power struggle too.
Never has the term "the Ugly American" been more true than it is today. He is alive and (not) well, making not just America, sick in body, mind, and soul.
It is a large title ! Given perhaps because the US turned the tide in both world wars and largely rebuilt Europe under the Marshall plan. It is overshadowed now because of the "person" who is now president. I DEEPLY apologize for the 51st state crap.
Paula, you put the period too soon. Look at what's happening in the world since the scumbag in the White House created all this empty space around the US. Chaos plain and simple. That's what happens when the Leader of the Free World it's no longer a leader.
Perhaps we should have just stayed "The Arsenal of Democracy" after WW II. I agree the US, perhaps unjustifiably, started to call itself the "Leader of the Free World." Given the state of the rest of the Allies after WW II, I can't entirely disagree with them.
(I'm a senior and a well-traveled American, FWIW.)
He is the elected president but as Leader of the US, I beg to differ. He does not lead, he heckles, he distorts (AKA lies), he blames others, especially people no longer in power, and accuses but gives no evidence, and he threatens. This is not real leadership as we in the West mean.
Thank you! As a citizen of this now-failing nation, I have always thought that statement was utterly arrogant. And now, arrogance (working hand-in-hand with ignorance and sheer stupidity) threatens to destroy us all.
Ms Rubin, per your statement "Once more, an unfounded accusation turns out to be a confession of Trump’s manifest ineptitude and instability" - I assert that DT's behavior is much worse then that. He's not just inept, he is actively and vigorously trying to destroy the hard-won position of the US, for his own corrupt and greedy benefit. He deserves to be imprisoned for his traitorous crimes. Thank you Ms Rubin for your valuable and insightful writing!
Completely agree. No outside force has ever done more damage to the U.S. No mole has ever compromised the U.S. as fully. It’s not just him. His enablers have signed on to destroy this country from the inside out. The question is how to stop them.
Absolutely correct, but we must not lose sight that he appointed many of these enablers, because this poor example of a human being simply cannot handle any criticism or questioning of his opinions on any level. He is psychologically damaged and bereft. What do you expect from a guy who was groomed by Roy Cohn, the designer of the Red Scare, and personal lawyer of Joe McCarthy and many mafiosi? That says it all. What is not understandable is what so many Americans cannot recognize these simple facts, but that is probably due to the only skill this jerk has: manipulation of the media, and the media buys right into it.
Well, we have found out what government by idiocracy would look like. As to motivation... I still think that tRump is/was being manipulated by Putin. It is not incompatible with his greed and ineptitude. We are neutered as far as Vlad is concerned and we will slide on down into an unrecognizable dictatorship which is intent on starving children and allowing the uninsured to die off in droves.
Putin has clearly been an influence, though there is plenty of behind-the-scenes direction right in this country. To name a few: Vought, Miller, McConnell, Graham, the (w)hole of the Federalist Society, and his chosen mouthpiece Leavitt. Complicit is a compliant Congress and Supreme Court.
The scumbag it's not the only one deserving imprisonment Techno, his whole family, most of the SCOTUS and good part of Congress and his cabinet. Before sending them to El Salvador they should be forced to return all the money the made during his regime to be applied to reduce the deficit tha is of such a concern to the "conservatives"
Putin may be the real power behind trump’s gilded throne, but I doubt he’d have that much power were trump not predisposed to destroying the country that he believes never adequately appreciated him. I think even trump realizes that he, like all of us, is mortal, and he wants to take the country down with him when he goes.
We are still participating in the Free World, but as the Fool and as an object lesson of kleptocracy and autocracy. We are become the monsters under the bed that small children fear.
Your last sentence is a cool image. I'd add that this "administration" (rather, gang of thugs and robbers) has become the monster under the bed that we, as small children of our republic, fear.
Participating? That just hugely shrunk. China is now refusing to do any trade in US Dollars, signaling the true collapse of the US dollar as the reserve currency of the world. Humungous loss of power and prestige for the USA goes with that.
Add to that, his placing utterly incompetent sycophants in every position of power, including one in a previously non-existent position that wrecked havoc within the government, has immeasurably weakened our economy, social safety net, public services, and research capabilities for years to come.
Remember that the members of the Republican Senate helped him put those incompetent sycophants in power. Democrats need to emphasize the Senate's complicity.
I went to school with a former Dem party chair who I respect. I was a Dem official.
In Antedeluvian time as a lawyer I represented Republicans and many Republican politicians. I lived and survived periods when many elected officeholders switched parties. I knew members of Congress who were married to members of the opposite party. I know some Republican senators whose kids are Democrats. Whose parents remain Democrats. Whose donors include Democrats.
I hold out hope that the Big Beautiful budget is Trump's downfall. We don't need Republicans to convert...just need thm to see that Trump is entirely corrupt -- and nuts.
I've published the letter Rick Scott sent re Putin/Ukraine. In essence, he calls Trump a liar. The many speeches of people like Hawley, Rand Paul, Tom Tillis etc, people who opposue virtually everything I support -- but call out the Trump budget.
I've told you how 2 of 3 MAGAT House reps here were Dems, but switched due to Cuba policy -- and with pressure can switch back.
Why is the main stream media so deeply focused on Biden's dementia while totally ignoring Trump's severe mental decline happening in real time and in plain sight?
Journalistic ethics and direction fell apart when the term 'media' invaded the area previously held by the word 'news'. Clicks and profit replaced a lot of accuracy with more sound-bites than in-depth explanations that would better serve to inform us.
This morning's Contrarian essay is so absolutely observant and correct. It is increasingly impossible to maintain any respect for those who are continued supporters of Trump. No intelligent, caring, aware person could still be a MAGAt. I have long insisted that we are so similar to the 1850s. How could there be a compromise or "coming together" of slave holders and abolitionist. How is there any "coming together" with those who remain Trumpists? I don't know how good, decent, intelligent people can compromise their values. Are there enough people who are not truly hard core Trumpist MAGAts, but now realize, at least privately, how mistaken they were? Can they join in 8647?
I agree. And it’s looking more and more that SCOTUS is leaning toward giving Trump more power. I fear the time if there are no checks or balances because Congress AND the Supreme Court have GIVEN the monster a heavy hand to the balance of democracy.
My worst fears have not yet come to pass, and I pray they will not. We can still elect a competent strongman who cunningly carries out all the vengeance festering among the voting public. It's going to take consistently the best wisdom and action we can muster to avoid this future. And democracy will never be safe without that effort.
The Big Beautiful Bill may be Trump's Achilles Heel. Many dissenting Congressional Republicans are getting MSM face time. It's not just the budget -- the bill is full of MAGAT overreach -- attacks on judges -- empowering gun manufacturers, etc. Even Musk has attacked the bill.
Last night a panel of Judges of The United States Court of International Trade called out his "emergency" BS, and the markets are skyrocketing on the open.
Though an election is a long way off, we need to learn from our libertarian friends who have worked constantly for decades to get society to accept and promote Social Darwinism (see Robert Reich's post today). When voters elect someone like Trump, it is a clear sign that we have serious problems much deeper than Trump. Someone else could easily replace him.
Definitely, seize the moment! Hold elected officials to their duty! I admire those directly in the fight, like Jen and Norm and support them as much as I can. I am disgusted by the propaganda produced and spread by rich libertarians who can hire anyone they need to do their deceptive work to facilitate their absolute freedom to exploit. It won’t go away but will find other avenues to destroy democracy. We are only in this moment because we’ve grown complacent and allowed Big Money to dominate everything.
Too many people do not understand the tall tower of cards threating the financial system of the world. Derivatives of derivatives of derivatives of derivatives of derivatives which can collapse at any time. and is more and more likely. The USA is a large part of that legalized corruption.
I like Robert Reisch's substack post this morning. Many of the policies that appear to be a strategy of crushing the middle class and pushing the bottom tier into serfdom are well aligned with Social Darwinism from the late 1800s - the teachings of William Sumner. These were the prevalent values of the robber barons of the day. Those were the business practices when tRump's grandfather was alive, Frederick Trump: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Trump
Thank you, Jen, for putting it all in such clear context. Your writing is always superb and I turn to you first every day. (Well, after Borowitz makes me laugh.)
When I put on my tinfoil hat, it occurs to me that, as addled and cruel we find him to be, his slimy handlers must be noticing too. No dummies, those.
His usefulness as an EO signature is drawing to a close, now that they've already used him to implement most of Project 2025 (we hope!!). It took them years to pinpoint our precise vulnerabilities, but only months for him to implement them in his blitzkrieg of stupidity and malice. He doesn't have to read anything. General Bone Spurs can play with his toy soldiers all he likes, while they do the dirty work. The more incompetent nincompoops he picks, the better.
As a psychologist, if I were eager to profit from all this, I could easily sell my ruminations to the press. Some already have. But I still think the Goldwater rule is valid - i.e, you cannot diagnose people without meeting them. Period. So I won't.
But I can speculate, based on 50 years of training and experience, that the guy is bat-shit crazy. I'm long out of the loop: is that a new DSM category?
So, here's what I think. His puppeteers must be getting increasingly embarrassed and disgusted by his words and behavior. Even now, I bet they are conferencing madly behind/beneath the scene figuring out how to get rid of him -- or at least disable him from doing any more damage.
The increasing flurry of successful legal actions, the gathering strength of the resistance - even the dawning, secret recognition of the MAGAs that they were thoroughly snookered - I don't think his handlers counted on all this.
Meanwhile, keep fighting. Do whatever you can. It's working!
I’m not sure the puppeteers are truly displeased with Donny Two Dolls. He is accomplishing what they (Stephen Millers of the backstage) want Two Dolls to do. And the more theater, drama, and chaos he creates, the more the MAGA fans eat it up. IMO, the puppeteers will keep pushing to accomplish ALL of Project 2025 as long as Donny is king. But, then what?
Then they get the hell out of Dodge. They have enough money to disappear.
Janet, for my own mental health, I prefer to stay somewhat hopeful. Living in Trump country as I do (NOT on purpose!) I do believe the MAGA people I encounter are beginning to become embarrassed by all the excess. For one thing, some of the Rump signs that have been flapping there for years are coming down and not being replaced.
We are not participating in the Free World under PINO's reality-show idea of leadership. His own warped view of what daily life is like for all of us, his total lack of moral values and intelligent policy, his disgraceful self-serving use of our government to enrich himself, his ignorance of how a global economy works, and his extreme narcissism make him totally unfit to sit in the WH and to represent us in the world.
All of us here long ago figured out that with Taco Brains, every accusation is, instead, a confession; every charge, an admission of guilt. His favorite topic is Joe Biden and how "dead" in the water we were under him, when it is so obvious that HE is the one propelling us to death as fast as his grubby, greedy little hands can get us there.
But I keep waiting for that AHA moment dawning on that dim-witted, easily conned base of fools who propelled him to the White House (again) --- 'oh, I get it, he just WANTED us to think he was strong, powerful, effective, strategic, brilliant, playing 5-dimensional chess, etc., but in REALITY...'
America used to be a country where phonies, carnival barkers and snake oil salesmen were recognized for what they were, despite their hoodwinks and shenanigans, even in small towns. I can't figure out whatever happened to that America.
The rise of interest in right-wing media, capitulation of mainstream media, deterioration of teaching civics in the public schools, and stagnation of wages contributed significantly to the lack of ability of many to think clearly.
This is so unhelpful, “Despite Biden showing his age, it was clear more often than not that he remained sharp and had a deep knowledge and understanding of both politics and the world. . .Trump, on the other hand, seems to know little, and he has grown increasingly incoherent and rambling, often wholly detached from reality.”
Two things are clear. One is that Biden was too old to run for a second term. Maybe he was often sharp and showed understanding. There were a lot of times that he wasn’t and didn’t. 60% sharp and capable means 40% of the time foggy and incapable. Far from good enough. Biden should have announced in the fall of 2023 that he was not running.
Two is that Trump is incoherent, incompetent, uninformed and unwise. Trump was never fit to be president, and he is even less fit today than in his first term.
These comparisons of Biden and Trump, and arguments about who is less unfit and less up to the job, do nothing for us. Biden should have declared himself a one term president and stepped aside before the primaries. And Republicans should never have elected Trump. It’s not an either/or, it’s a both.
Biden was also not out to bilk the country for his own personal gain. There was never a mention of emoluments clause or Hatch Act violation - because there were none.
Showing one's age is in no way comparable to the obvious mental collapse we're seeing in the sitting president, who was reelected despite his clear and accelerating dementia. This isn't about Biden. It's about Trump.
"But it has been building for weeks as Senate Republicans and Democrats alike have signed on to legislation that would impose sweeping sanctions on Moscow. The bill now has 80 cosponsors, more than enough to override a veto in that chamber"
Well then, let's get moving on this. Or, are Republicans afraid to proceed, dreading the wrath of Dear Leader?
Thank you, again, for offering clarity on our disaster of a President. As a nurse I also appreciate your blistering honesty about his mental state and how confused and out of touch with reality he seems. I'm so sick of hearing his behavior dismissed as "That's Trump being Trump." In the grand scheme of things, it's fine if a real estate developer is not all there upstairs. It is not at all fine if the President of the United States, or of any country, has the same problem.
As a Canadian, and probably like most other people in the "Free World" outside the USA, I have long objected to the grating term "Leader of the Free World". The US President is the leader of the US. Period.
As an American, I find the "Leader" thing cringe-inducing, and even more so when we abdicate our responsibilities to our long-time allies.
Same here James, and apologies to Paula R. and her fellow Canadians. We are close friends with a couple that live near Calgary and are in regular contact about the flow of garbage coming out of America these days. It is embarrassing and shameful.
It used to mean a great deal. But over time, with so many costly, serious American blunders and false assumptions about the world (Vietnam, Iraq and WMD), we ourselves steadily undermined the term. Then one day, a charlatan came by and robbed it of its last moral meaning.
Yet past American resolve did keep hundreds of millions free and made the world a safer place after the War. And we did indeed '"bear any burden, pay any price" for that policy. At the onset of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, President DeGaulle of France was briefed on the Soviet weapons our satellites had uncovered in Cuba, and was asked did he want to see the photographs. DeGaulle just waved the question away, saying "the word of the President of the United States is good enough for me." I doubt anyone will ever say that of any American President ever again.
My point is that while, as you say, it meant a great deal and probably still means a great deal to millions of Americans, to people outside the US, it is fairly condescending, suggesting that without the US, all other democracies would be deprived of oxygen. And for Canadians, the current administration's reference to Canada as the 51st state echoes "Leader of the Free World". Perhaps try to see the term from a non-American perspective.
From an American with close friends in Canada, I agree with your point. With this idiot who thinks he's a king ruining, not running, our country, I can only hope and pray that Canada will not take all his rhetoric as if coming from real Americans but only from the sicko who thinks he's in charge. Go Canada!!
I see your point. But after WW II there was the US, who had emerged as the leader of the allies probably due to the strength of our military and our industrial might compared to a devastated Europe and smaller allies. And there was the USSR, grabbing control; of eastern and central Europe. Both had "the Bomb". One was for democracy and one was for a fascist communism. If I'm not mistaken this is how the label started. I agree that it is now a relic of bygone years. Go Canada!
Your point is valid and perhaps looking back, using the term "First among equals" may have been the better choice, and temporary at that. I think far too many Americans simply have no idea how fortunate we were not having our territory (populace/infrastructure/ industry, etc.) partially or totally destroyed by war. While most of our allies were trying/focusing on accomplishing the near impossible task of rebuilding their entire society, Americans had the "luxury" of taking the lead in the moment. I still see that gap in awareness in my travels, where so many people throughout the world see Americans as narrow minded, and at times simply clueless.
I think it's also critical to remember that the only time NATO's Article 5 was invoked was after 9/11. There were no conditions placed on America by our allies for that as far as I am aware. It was genuine and not transactional. We should recognize and cherish that.
To say nothing of the times Canadians were there for us. How many remember that the Canadian Embassy in Tehran forged Canadian identities for 7 American diplomats who found refuge there and then smuggled them out of Iran? Did every Republican forget Juno Beach and all the planes that landed at St Johns on 9/11, and the hospitality shown to strangers by Canadians who took them in?
What Trump is trying to pull with Canada should make every American's blood boil with rage. You just do not treat friends who shielded you, hid you, fought and bled with you, welcomed you, like this.
DT is doing all of this shit vs Canada because of his failed businesses there, as well as his disrespect for Trudeau, who he thought he could bully. They hate him, and have made that very clear over the years. It's a revenge tour for him, nothing more, nothing less. He's met his match with Carney, who has millions of more cogent world-wide experience in business and finance that the jerks does, has not run the corporations he's been in charge of into the ground, and has no problem standing up to this goon with diplomacy, tact, strength and firmness. Trump will no way, no how prevail in Canada.
Too true. And what did the American President do then? Freedom Fries.
That's more accurate -- primus inter pares. Carl Bildt (former Swedish Prime Minister) dubbed the term 'indispensable nation.'
For better or worse the signal has been sent to friends and allies: you're on your own. Shore up, beef up, arm up. We're no longer reliable.
Exactly. Now Trump wants his hugely-expensive, golden, missile-deflecting dome when the US has barely been touched by foreign aggression (Pearl Harbor & Sept 11th), compared to the bombing and occupation of so many countries.
In my experience, Americans are known for their arrogance, their attitude that they are better than everyone else. That is my experience as an American, who has traveled the world. Our arrogance has only gotten worse since the beginning of this new administration. Our neighbors and all the other nations in the world deserve better from us.
we deserve better from us !
"I doubt anyone will ever say that of any American President ever again.'
Please, contain this comment to the current president....
Trust takes a long time to rebuild, and the current president has done a very thorough job of annihilating it…
It's true that there have been some bad presidents, but there was always some redeeming feature. Not this time. He bought and cheated his way into this.
Very true sir.
After this administration's atrocious performance, the US should never again try to claim that undeserved title. FTR, there's nothing wrong with being a partner among allies, which is where all the pro-democracy countries should align. When one country claims to be the first among equals, there are no equals.
Many people inside the US also dislike the term. I have never understood why we claimed such a title.
Theresa, we claimed such title because it's the American century and the Pax Americana right after WW2. The world was destroyed almost to the ground and the great powers before that war, England, France and Germany had invested all they had in fighting that war.
The US was practically untouched and at the peak of it industrial capacity. 80 years after the end of WW2, we are fighting fascism again, this time at home. Hopefully this short post helps you seeing the forest and not just a tree or two.
Very true. American together with allies, won WW2, no doubt, and the Euros never forgot that. Just go to Normandy and you will see roadside signs thanking Americans, postings at the American Cemetery, etc. But the America of 1945 with Eisenhower and FDR at the helm is NOT the same now, nowhere near. Different era, different generation for sure, different, frankly far more competent and fearless people in charge who fully recognized the dangers of allowing the Third Reich to win. Yes, it led to the Cold War and the Soviets/Stalin taking over Eastern Europe, but all of the Europe would be in camps and speaking German if it hadn't been for our military, our ability to replace lost equipment and soldiers, and our firm resolve. That is NOT the country we are living in now. Greed, avarice and incompetence are the watchwords of the day in this admr, not the quiet confidence and expertise of an Eisenhower or FDR. There is simply no comparison, and all of the assholes flying flags on the back of their pickups, signaling allegiance to the jerk in the WH, have absolutely no idea of when we truly WERE great.
"Catch 22" has never lost its currency.
Hi, Ricardo. Good to see you here.
Hi 👋
"Leader of the Free World" might have applied in the months immediately after WWII, when the American military/industrial complex was the only one left standing between Europe and Stalin, when the Marshall Plan helped to rebuild a shattered world.
But then first Viet Nam and then Reagan happened, and we became an arrogant "empire", fit to lead no one.
Now, if I may paraphrase, we're engaged in a great civil war to determine whether our nation can long endure.
Please wish us luck.
What about the Korean War, never ended? We all knew about the 38th parallel, even if we didn't really know what parallels were.
This is a well written summary of the situation we’re in and why. I can only hope that more Republicans in Congress come to grips with what’s really happening and find the courage to take congressional power back and counter trumps actions. One of our wonderful Congresswomen hear in New Mexico, Melanie Stansbury, also confirmed that personal and physical threats to more reasonable Republicans in the House are real. So bullying and intimidation are a real factor in this power struggle too.
Never has the term "the Ugly American" been more true than it is today. He is alive and (not) well, making not just America, sick in body, mind, and soul.
It is a large title ! Given perhaps because the US turned the tide in both world wars and largely rebuilt Europe under the Marshall plan. It is overshadowed now because of the "person" who is now president. I DEEPLY apologize for the 51st state crap.
Paula, you put the period too soon. Look at what's happening in the world since the scumbag in the White House created all this empty space around the US. Chaos plain and simple. That's what happens when the Leader of the Free World it's no longer a leader.
Perhaps we should have just stayed "The Arsenal of Democracy" after WW II. I agree the US, perhaps unjustifiably, started to call itself the "Leader of the Free World." Given the state of the rest of the Allies after WW II, I can't entirely disagree with them.
(I'm a senior and a well-traveled American, FWIW.)
"He" (little orange girly boy) wants to be "Leader of the autocratic despots". But they don't like him either...
Hey! Don’t besmirch half the world’s population like that. Girls are strong
Oops - sorry - I agree with you! should we say "the guy who stagnated mentally at age 3"? Put in your own number...
> stagnated at age 3 — that’s true, and there’s a reason for it. I take a look in my latest post.
https://susan927079.substack.com/p/donalds-3-daddies?r=e1l3h
He is the elected president but as Leader of the US, I beg to differ. He does not lead, he heckles, he distorts (AKA lies), he blames others, especially people no longer in power, and accuses but gives no evidence, and he threatens. This is not real leadership as we in the West mean.
Thank you! As a citizen of this now-failing nation, I have always thought that statement was utterly arrogant. And now, arrogance (working hand-in-hand with ignorance and sheer stupidity) threatens to destroy us all.
I agree 🇨🇦
Agreed!
Apologies for insensitivity with the term, but Jen really sums up the states of dis affairs
Very valid point .
Ms Rubin, per your statement "Once more, an unfounded accusation turns out to be a confession of Trump’s manifest ineptitude and instability" - I assert that DT's behavior is much worse then that. He's not just inept, he is actively and vigorously trying to destroy the hard-won position of the US, for his own corrupt and greedy benefit. He deserves to be imprisoned for his traitorous crimes. Thank you Ms Rubin for your valuable and insightful writing!
Completely agree. No outside force has ever done more damage to the U.S. No mole has ever compromised the U.S. as fully. It’s not just him. His enablers have signed on to destroy this country from the inside out. The question is how to stop them.
Absolutely correct, but we must not lose sight that he appointed many of these enablers, because this poor example of a human being simply cannot handle any criticism or questioning of his opinions on any level. He is psychologically damaged and bereft. What do you expect from a guy who was groomed by Roy Cohn, the designer of the Red Scare, and personal lawyer of Joe McCarthy and many mafiosi? That says it all. What is not understandable is what so many Americans cannot recognize these simple facts, but that is probably due to the only skill this jerk has: manipulation of the media, and the media buys right into it.
Well, we have found out what government by idiocracy would look like. As to motivation... I still think that tRump is/was being manipulated by Putin. It is not incompatible with his greed and ineptitude. We are neutered as far as Vlad is concerned and we will slide on down into an unrecognizable dictatorship which is intent on starving children and allowing the uninsured to die off in droves.
Putin has clearly been an influence, though there is plenty of behind-the-scenes direction right in this country. To name a few: Vought, Miller, McConnell, Graham, the (w)hole of the Federalist Society, and his chosen mouthpiece Leavitt. Complicit is a compliant Congress and Supreme Court.
The scumbag it's not the only one deserving imprisonment Techno, his whole family, most of the SCOTUS and good part of Congress and his cabinet. Before sending them to El Salvador they should be forced to return all the money the made during his regime to be applied to reduce the deficit tha is of such a concern to the "conservatives"
Putin may be the real power behind trump’s gilded throne, but I doubt he’d have that much power were trump not predisposed to destroying the country that he believes never adequately appreciated him. I think even trump realizes that he, like all of us, is mortal, and he wants to take the country down with him when he goes.
Thank you for your comprehensive and concise summary of events that we are currently being challenged with.
Yes yes soooo right
We are still participating in the Free World, but as the Fool and as an object lesson of kleptocracy and autocracy. We are become the monsters under the bed that small children fear.
Your last sentence is a cool image. I'd add that this "administration" (rather, gang of thugs and robbers) has become the monster under the bed that we, as small children of our republic, fear.
Participating? That just hugely shrunk. China is now refusing to do any trade in US Dollars, signaling the true collapse of the US dollar as the reserve currency of the world. Humungous loss of power and prestige for the USA goes with that.
Add to that, his placing utterly incompetent sycophants in every position of power, including one in a previously non-existent position that wrecked havoc within the government, has immeasurably weakened our economy, social safety net, public services, and research capabilities for years to come.
Remember that the members of the Republican Senate helped him put those incompetent sycophants in power. Democrats need to emphasize the Senate's complicity.
Got to give them an out.
Got to GET them out.
I've been supporting Jerry Weiss' suggestions for jujitsu. https://jerryweiss.substack.com/
I went to school with a former Dem party chair who I respect. I was a Dem official.
In Antedeluvian time as a lawyer I represented Republicans and many Republican politicians. I lived and survived periods when many elected officeholders switched parties. I knew members of Congress who were married to members of the opposite party. I know some Republican senators whose kids are Democrats. Whose parents remain Democrats. Whose donors include Democrats.
I hold out hope that the Big Beautiful budget is Trump's downfall. We don't need Republicans to convert...just need thm to see that Trump is entirely corrupt -- and nuts.
I've published the letter Rick Scott sent re Putin/Ukraine. In essence, he calls Trump a liar. The many speeches of people like Hawley, Rand Paul, Tom Tillis etc, people who opposue virtually everything I support -- but call out the Trump budget.
I've told you how 2 of 3 MAGAT House reps here were Dems, but switched due to Cuba policy -- and with pressure can switch back.
Why is the main stream media so deeply focused on Biden's dementia while totally ignoring Trump's severe mental decline happening in real time and in plain sight?
Something about the press, as well as half of America, having lost its way. As well as the 💵 of course. Always follow the money....
Journalistic ethics and direction fell apart when the term 'media' invaded the area previously held by the word 'news'. Clicks and profit replaced a lot of accuracy with more sound-bites than in-depth explanations that would better serve to inform us.
Because MSM is almost completely controlled by supplicating billionaires
Do you remember how long it took the legacy media --way back when--to even use the word "lie" to describe Trump's relentless mendacity?
1. The corporate media is like the old French nobility - they forget nothing but they learn absolutely nothing.
2. The cool thing is that US is no longer primus inter pares. The uncool thing is the position is open and China is interested.
This morning's Contrarian essay is so absolutely observant and correct. It is increasingly impossible to maintain any respect for those who are continued supporters of Trump. No intelligent, caring, aware person could still be a MAGAt. I have long insisted that we are so similar to the 1850s. How could there be a compromise or "coming together" of slave holders and abolitionist. How is there any "coming together" with those who remain Trumpists? I don't know how good, decent, intelligent people can compromise their values. Are there enough people who are not truly hard core Trumpist MAGAts, but now realize, at least privately, how mistaken they were? Can they join in 8647?
I agree. And it’s looking more and more that SCOTUS is leaning toward giving Trump more power. I fear the time if there are no checks or balances because Congress AND the Supreme Court have GIVEN the monster a heavy hand to the balance of democracy.
I am not a Christian but consider that some of the most ardent idiologues are converts. The whole idea is supposed to be do unto others.....
The vile sinful tax collector was on his way to Damascus when SHAZZAM. Epiphany.
We have the capacity to turn a lot of MAGATS....
The SCOTUS Dems have not challenged Thomas and Alito on bias, but they have the capacity to make them recuse. https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/Code-of-Conduct-for-Justices_November_13_2023.pdf.
Make a record. Maybe it will intimidate the others.
To me, it looks like Justice Thomas has violated two of the codes of Judicial Conduct. Who enforces the violations? What are the consequences?
Probably up to the other justices.
Yes, we urgently need to prepare NOW... It took Lincoln 5 years - that's too long for us.
Our worst fears, and then some, have come to pass, thanks to Trump and his Maga cult.
My worst fears have not yet come to pass, and I pray they will not. We can still elect a competent strongman who cunningly carries out all the vengeance festering among the voting public. It's going to take consistently the best wisdom and action we can muster to avoid this future. And democracy will never be safe without that effort.
An election is a long way off.
The Big Beautiful Bill may be Trump's Achilles Heel. Many dissenting Congressional Republicans are getting MSM face time. It's not just the budget -- the bill is full of MAGAT overreach -- attacks on judges -- empowering gun manufacturers, etc. Even Musk has attacked the bill.
Last night a panel of Judges of The United States Court of International Trade called out his "emergency" BS, and the markets are skyrocketing on the open.
Though an election is a long way off, we need to learn from our libertarian friends who have worked constantly for decades to get society to accept and promote Social Darwinism (see Robert Reich's post today). When voters elect someone like Trump, it is a clear sign that we have serious problems much deeper than Trump. Someone else could easily replace him.
We need to seize the moment. Too much pontificating. Hold Congressional Republicans to their oaths of office.
BTW those libertarians, like the Koch brothers, Allan Greenspan, etc. are not our friends.
Even social Darwinists don't want to make Putin our ally. 26 senate Republicans and many Republican House reps voted to fund Ukraine.
Definitely, seize the moment! Hold elected officials to their duty! I admire those directly in the fight, like Jen and Norm and support them as much as I can. I am disgusted by the propaganda produced and spread by rich libertarians who can hire anyone they need to do their deceptive work to facilitate their absolute freedom to exploit. It won’t go away but will find other avenues to destroy democracy. We are only in this moment because we’ve grown complacent and allowed Big Money to dominate everything.
Too many people do not understand the tall tower of cards threating the financial system of the world. Derivatives of derivatives of derivatives of derivatives of derivatives which can collapse at any time. and is more and more likely. The USA is a large part of that legalized corruption.
Amen! And this year it has become far worse. And then there's climate change. Sounds like we better work together and be wise.
I like Robert Reisch's substack post this morning. Many of the policies that appear to be a strategy of crushing the middle class and pushing the bottom tier into serfdom are well aligned with Social Darwinism from the late 1800s - the teachings of William Sumner. These were the prevalent values of the robber barons of the day. Those were the business practices when tRump's grandfather was alive, Frederick Trump: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Trump
Thank you, Jen, for putting it all in such clear context. Your writing is always superb and I turn to you first every day. (Well, after Borowitz makes me laugh.)
When I put on my tinfoil hat, it occurs to me that, as addled and cruel we find him to be, his slimy handlers must be noticing too. No dummies, those.
His usefulness as an EO signature is drawing to a close, now that they've already used him to implement most of Project 2025 (we hope!!). It took them years to pinpoint our precise vulnerabilities, but only months for him to implement them in his blitzkrieg of stupidity and malice. He doesn't have to read anything. General Bone Spurs can play with his toy soldiers all he likes, while they do the dirty work. The more incompetent nincompoops he picks, the better.
As a psychologist, if I were eager to profit from all this, I could easily sell my ruminations to the press. Some already have. But I still think the Goldwater rule is valid - i.e, you cannot diagnose people without meeting them. Period. So I won't.
But I can speculate, based on 50 years of training and experience, that the guy is bat-shit crazy. I'm long out of the loop: is that a new DSM category?
So, here's what I think. His puppeteers must be getting increasingly embarrassed and disgusted by his words and behavior. Even now, I bet they are conferencing madly behind/beneath the scene figuring out how to get rid of him -- or at least disable him from doing any more damage.
The increasing flurry of successful legal actions, the gathering strength of the resistance - even the dawning, secret recognition of the MAGAs that they were thoroughly snookered - I don't think his handlers counted on all this.
Meanwhile, keep fighting. Do whatever you can. It's working!
I’m not sure the puppeteers are truly displeased with Donny Two Dolls. He is accomplishing what they (Stephen Millers of the backstage) want Two Dolls to do. And the more theater, drama, and chaos he creates, the more the MAGA fans eat it up. IMO, the puppeteers will keep pushing to accomplish ALL of Project 2025 as long as Donny is king. But, then what?
Then they get the hell out of Dodge. They have enough money to disappear.
Janet, for my own mental health, I prefer to stay somewhat hopeful. Living in Trump country as I do (NOT on purpose!) I do believe the MAGA people I encounter are beginning to become embarrassed by all the excess. For one thing, some of the Rump signs that have been flapping there for years are coming down and not being replaced.
We are not participating in the Free World under PINO's reality-show idea of leadership. His own warped view of what daily life is like for all of us, his total lack of moral values and intelligent policy, his disgraceful self-serving use of our government to enrich himself, his ignorance of how a global economy works, and his extreme narcissism make him totally unfit to sit in the WH and to represent us in the world.
If tRump vetoes the Ukrainian bill and it gets an override, how will Congress get him to enact it? He will simply refuse to spend the allocated funds.
Then Susan Collins will be very concerned.
And no doubt Schumer will send a strongly worded letter
And will clutch her pearls.
All of us here long ago figured out that with Taco Brains, every accusation is, instead, a confession; every charge, an admission of guilt. His favorite topic is Joe Biden and how "dead" in the water we were under him, when it is so obvious that HE is the one propelling us to death as fast as his grubby, greedy little hands can get us there.
But I keep waiting for that AHA moment dawning on that dim-witted, easily conned base of fools who propelled him to the White House (again) --- 'oh, I get it, he just WANTED us to think he was strong, powerful, effective, strategic, brilliant, playing 5-dimensional chess, etc., but in REALITY...'
America used to be a country where phonies, carnival barkers and snake oil salesmen were recognized for what they were, despite their hoodwinks and shenanigans, even in small towns. I can't figure out whatever happened to that America.
The rise of interest in right-wing media, capitulation of mainstream media, deterioration of teaching civics in the public schools, and stagnation of wages contributed significantly to the lack of ability of many to think clearly.
wealth inequality is what happened
This is so unhelpful, “Despite Biden showing his age, it was clear more often than not that he remained sharp and had a deep knowledge and understanding of both politics and the world. . .Trump, on the other hand, seems to know little, and he has grown increasingly incoherent and rambling, often wholly detached from reality.”
Two things are clear. One is that Biden was too old to run for a second term. Maybe he was often sharp and showed understanding. There were a lot of times that he wasn’t and didn’t. 60% sharp and capable means 40% of the time foggy and incapable. Far from good enough. Biden should have announced in the fall of 2023 that he was not running.
Two is that Trump is incoherent, incompetent, uninformed and unwise. Trump was never fit to be president, and he is even less fit today than in his first term.
These comparisons of Biden and Trump, and arguments about who is less unfit and less up to the job, do nothing for us. Biden should have declared himself a one term president and stepped aside before the primaries. And Republicans should never have elected Trump. It’s not an either/or, it’s a both.
Biden, at least, appointed competent people.
Biden was also not out to bilk the country for his own personal gain. There was never a mention of emoluments clause or Hatch Act violation - because there were none.
Showing one's age is in no way comparable to the obvious mental collapse we're seeing in the sitting president, who was reelected despite his clear and accelerating dementia. This isn't about Biden. It's about Trump.
"But it has been building for weeks as Senate Republicans and Democrats alike have signed on to legislation that would impose sweeping sanctions on Moscow. The bill now has 80 cosponsors, more than enough to override a veto in that chamber"
Well then, let's get moving on this. Or, are Republicans afraid to proceed, dreading the wrath of Dear Leader?
Thank you, again, for offering clarity on our disaster of a President. As a nurse I also appreciate your blistering honesty about his mental state and how confused and out of touch with reality he seems. I'm so sick of hearing his behavior dismissed as "That's Trump being Trump." In the grand scheme of things, it's fine if a real estate developer is not all there upstairs. It is not at all fine if the President of the United States, or of any country, has the same problem.
Yes, if he were our patient we would call the Dr. ...