“On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.” ~ H.L. Mencken, more than a century ago.
On one of the late night shows in the last week or so, an interviewer went out to a diner and asked people what they thought of the person sitting in the WH. The interviewees GUSHED about how he is a man of action, gets things done and speaks from his heart (?). Another person said that she believes in him and supports what he is doing 100 percent. After I picked my chin up off the floor, I thought, "C'mon, this must be a joke--a put-on to make people laugh. Voters cannot be so blind and so lacking in decency to believe in this cruel, corrupt despoiler of our American values and be proud to say it on TV." But if even 30 percent of voters can still support the moron, this was no joke. So, yes, the same moron was elected twice by the same people who believe that the PINO-felon has a moral character and a heart.
It might help if we all took a breath and began to recognize that the human mind can be programmed any number of ways, especially by hypnotic repetition. Our minds have trouble distinguishing truth from fiction, as many charlatans well know. Think PT Barnum, among others. Trump might be some sort of moron, but he understands this fact well, and is a master of manipulation. The fact that a cartel of very rich and powerful men have found him a useful tool and backed him with barrels of cash should not be forgotten, either. Together, they are a powerful force for devastation. This means we must be more clever and in our own way just as ruthlessly committed to a countervailing agenda as they are. Period. Don't blame the victims.
I agree with every word of this. You've put your finger directly on the very crux of the situation. Unfortunately, those who have been and still persist in being deceived are making victims of all of us, not just themselves.
I understand, Leigh. I don't tolerate those who take pride in their ignorance. MAYBE I'M NOT VERY NICE. But I railed against Trump back in 2017 only to have my own brother just chuckle at how amusing he was. And that I was too reactionary. ** Hard to deal with either rabid dogs, (Proud Boys) or the head bobblers smiling at their White Big Daddy.** We don't have time for that. It's the other two thirds of the country that has to stop this insanity. Appreciate your kinder imput.
There was a time - a rather long time - when he was known to New Yorkers (of whom I was one) as just a cheesy real estate developer and wannabe socially accepted jerk from Queens! So, yes, he's been really successful at something: fooling more of the people more of the time!
I also agree. We must also emphasize what is really going on, i.e. a reality-based narrative. Keep repeating the truth, in simple, stark terms, as well as the countervailing agenda you mentioned.
Speaking the truth is important, but equally important (in this new world of alternate facts) is the harder part - education. Seriously, we have too many folks who simply don't know what the truth is; meaning what a policy actually means, or how the government actually works, etc. Not to sound mean, it's difficult to have any conversation when the parties don't really know what they're talking about, only what they have been told by a "trusted" source.
Educating people about the facts with any immediacy is going to be hard to do in the current atmosphere of mistrust. I'm thinking that, in the short term, we'd do better to leave that to the media at large (not necessarily the talking heads on tv, for sure). What we need to be doing is recruiting politicians who will articulate the best possible perspectives, support them with our presence and money and back them up with massive demonstrations. For now.
I agree. I also think this forum "The Contrarian" would be an excellent platform to begin that process. Serve as an example of how we can begin to restore trust and knowledge through the media and well-regarded politicians. If we start educating Americans now, we will be in a better position to influence the future of our Republic.
I have learned that there is no talking to a Trumper. It wastes your time and annoys the Trumper (to borrow a phrase). Just wait until they have to decide between food, medicine, and child care.
Our best defense is not to lie there like a slug, as Randy did in A Christmas Story to avoid the wrath of that bully Scut Farkus. (You listening, you invertebrate Republican Congressman?) We need TWO teams: a strong defense with hits to the lies and atrocities so strong everyone in America is talking about them for weeks. And we need to double up our offense, get our presidential candidates on the field NOW. Show the country the Democratic Party has LEADERS! Don’t bury their messages (disparate I’m sure) in policy wonkiness.
qQWhat scares me the most is that according to the Wall Street Journal and the Economist, both conservative business friendly publications, the October 2024 US economy was the envy of the world. Yet Trump convinced the US voters that our economy was a disaster and the Democrats, with their huge war chest of money, allowed Trump to get away with these lies. It was political malpractice and cannot happen again!
That applies to about a third of the electorate and they're unconvinceable. But there's a third of the electorate, the true Independents, that are up for grabs. Many of these people are busy with work and family and don't follow politics closely. The Democrats need to find out how to reach them and to counteract the lies and propaganda spewed by Trump, Fox Entertainment and other disreputable outlets.
I think this is a key point--so-called low-information voters who really are folks trying to make ends meet, raise families etc and were hoping "the business guy" would rescue the economy "again", when of course he did no such thing last time, and is causing an economic disaster this time.
Moron is not the best nor the only word to accurately describe Trump. He is also morally bankrupt, corrupt, greedy, ignorant, cruel and uncaring. Which makes him more of a monster.
Yeah, but we know this. And we're running out of time. Trump should go, but he's just one head on a many headed hydra, and others will rise in his place. We need to get out there and do what we can to defeat the real architects of this mess we're all in. And it won't be easy, and it will take time. Buckle up.
I know about Mencken and that time. I refer to those who get benefits now, that the real poor of that time would marvel at. They believed the " terrible economy" drivel. I don't like those who just keep their heads down and pray. Pray it goes away. Others have to change things.
WE are a lot worse off 100 days into the second Trump administration.
Meanwhile, we need to ask all Congressional Republicans whether they enlisted in the axis of evil. Reviewing the polls, they should have asked whether the public voted to join Russia and dump Canada, Mexico and NATO.
I recall the novel by Jerzy Kosinski wherein the gardener Chance becomes the US president. I was appalled by the literary world’s enthusiasm for that trajectory.
I only saw the Peter Sellers movie, but didn't Chance (an Innocent) have the knack of being in the right place at the right time and to inspire good behavior in others. We can all see for ourselves how much better a person like that would be in power than what we've got, methinks.
Perhaps on some even greater and more glorious day, the plain folks of the land will realize they've been conned by a downright moron --- and in shame and haste do everything they can to atone for their misdeeds and laziness, and turn out en masse against him and the clique of robber barons who support him.
C'mon, we're in a Churchillian frame of mind. Get with the program here...
Not asking for an apology, but substituting a phrase like 'the poor and downtrodden' might shift your point of view from unhelpful condemnation to a consideration of the fact that these people are in despair for some good reasons and are being grotesquely misled, mistaking their enemies for their saviors. It's a clusterfuck of enormous scope and implications. We need to do better than sneer.
Mencken lived at the beginning of the last century in Baltimore, which was at the time being flooded with immigrants from small villages and towns in Europe and Appalachia, where the people had no means of supporting themselves at levels beyond dirt-scratch farming and mining without safety regulations. To them, steel mills looked like a great alternative. They weren't so much morons as desperate people without access to books, facts or much else. It's only been a few decades since our effort to provide education, access to medical care, decent housing and other benefits of modern life to them. Their great grandchildren are still living. And I think that, however ignorant and angry some of them are, we have made progress. Mencken was a hard-hearted snob who loved to impress. Even if we despise Trump, who actually does seem to be a moron despite all his advantages, we might better look elsewhere for someone to quote.
Well, even though I feel kind of rudely dismissed by your comment, I'll respond with a couple of suggestions. One, almost anyone in office in Democratic Socialist countries, where almost everyone gets a decent education, access to decent housing and health care as well as higher educations and good jobs. Don't believe me? Look up some statistics. These countries didn't get there by dissing the poor and ignorant. They worked to lift them up. Failing that, we can look to those who stand up in an active and dynamic way for the values enshrined in our Constitution. Or maybe the poet Emma Lazarus, of the Statue of Liberty fame. And, my brother, I think your attitude could use some adjusting. We are all in this together--and that means we will rise or fall together. Wake up and smell the coffee.
We might even start quoting the future Prime Minister of Canada as of about 6pm this evening. Yes, Canadians announce elections, have about a 3-week campaign period, and then do it all in one day. Courts administer those elections, not political parties, and no one floods the zone with bullshit afterward about how something was "stolen" when it wasn't.
Or the former Prime Minister of Sweden, Carl Bildt, who once declared in a famous quote that America was the world's "indispensable" nation and should never shirk its power to deter violators of human rights, those who imprison dissidents, and defend countries who've been attacked by their vicious neighbors.
Many people out there worth quoting. Thanks for encouraging us to seek them out.
I was in Greece during one of their elections, which were always held on Sundays so people could ride their donkeys down from the mountains and vote. (OK, I'm dating myself a bit.)
“There is only one redeeming thing about this whole election. It will be over at sundown, and let everybody pray that it’s not a tie, for we couldn’t go through with this thing again. And, when the votes are counted, let everybody, including the candidates, get into a good humor as quick as they got into a bad one.Both gangs have been bad sports, so see if at least one can’t redeem themselves by offering no alibis, but cooperate with the winner, for no matter which one it is the poor fellow is going to need it. So cheer up. Let’s all be friends again. One of the evils of democracy is you have to put up with the man you elect whether you want him or not. That’s why we call it democracy.” - Will Rogers, 1932
Prophetic words from the esteemed HL Mencken!! Thanks for sharing this, it means a lot to me. My parents were familiar with his work and, I believe, thought highly of it although I don’t think they were completely aligned with his world view. I just remember hearing them discussing at length about what he wrote. Heck, I was just a toddler back then so the fact that I remember his name is indicative of the kind of influence he had in the popular arena at that time.
Jen, this is a great call to action for the rest of the year. We have to maintain the pressure, the outrage, and the protests to be ready for 2026 midterms. I am so grateful to you for maintaining your indignation and energy.
This is an inspiring piece! However, where is Bernie Sanders in your list of Democratic stars who have stepped up? He has campaigned tirelessly against the insanity and cruelty. He might not be a new face, but he is a persistent and remarkable force who represents the exact thing your piece is calling for: staying ever vigilant and shining a light on the abuses.
Point taken, but your comment seems to fall right into the thing Jen is warning against: “Throughout, Democrats must not descend into internecine warfare and purity tests.” Our energy should be spent in more productive ways, such as exposing and protesting the horrors of this administration, as Bernie is tirelessly doing in the tour with AOC.
Bernie is not internecine. He's registered and runs for the Senate as an Independent. As stated previously, he only runs as a Democrat in Presidential elections, knowing that a third-party candidate cannot win.
Incidentally, how would you describe Bernie's comments about the Democratic Party if not as "warfare" based on "purity tests"?
Additionally, it is not beyond human capabilities to chew gum at the same time as "exposing and protesting the horrors of this administration."
This is what my party stands for and some of the Bills my party has passed into law. The Civil Rights Bill, the Medicaid act, Medicare act, the Social Security act, the Affordable Care act, The Civil Rights act of 64 and 65 that prohibited racial discrimination in schools and public spaces, accommodations and in the workplace, the Voting Rights act, the Immigration and Nationality act that abolished quotas for in immigration, the Pell Grant known as Higher Education Grant act, the Job Corps act, the Peace Corps, the Bilingual Education act, the Public Broadcasting act, Nation Public Radio, the Kennedy Center, the Dept of Transportation act, the Consumer protection Agency act, the Child Safety act, Flammable Fabrics act, the Disabilities act, Water Safety act, the Clean Air act, the Endangered Species act, the Wilderness act, the Land and Water Conservation act, the Solid Waste disposal act, the Historic Preservation act, the Economic Opportunity act, the National Traffic, and Motor Vehicle safety act, the Urban Mass Transit act. The National Securities act, the Fair Labor and Standards act, and many, many more.
The thing I know is all these rights and privileges would not exist without the Democratic party. These laws have made Americans lives just a little bit easier, a little bit safer, a little more fair for everyone including the poor, the elderly, and the disabled the middle class the working class. All of these are compliments of the efforts and accomplishments of the Democratic Party but if you don't like these accomplishments that you enjoy every day, don't vote for Democrats. It's simple.
I had the same thought. He's been a prophet in the wilderness for a long time, when Democrats were busy ignoring issues that might offend their donor base. His decades long support of improved Medicare for all is but one example.
In Europe, Bernie would be seen as nothing unusual -- other than being a political voice advocating for things already in existence.
Sadly, in America, a misguided and self-defeating public view Bernie's political agenda as extremist and bordering on Communism.
In Europe -- and even in countries with hard right-wing governments like Israel -- what Bernie is recommending is viewed as nothing out of the ordinary. It already exists.
I read a couple of posts this morning describing how DJT and his family are enriching themselves. They seem to be trying to outdo the robber barons of old, and they seem to be succeeding--selling access to the President and WH, selling/grifting DJT swag, creating investments that are surely to tank at some point but that are enriching him and his sons, all the while taking away from those most in need. I feel ill whenever any one of these clowns refers to him/herself as Christian. These are people Christ threw out of the church. And the 1/3 laud him....
We’ve made it through the first 100, battered, bruised, but not defeated. Our determination to stand against cruelty and fascism will be second only to our determination to rescue our democracy from the attacks from the current regime.
We will continue the fight to move our nation forward and into one where all are treated equally under the law and in our hearts. The government will be servant to people We will not go back.
He and his family are, by their values, much better off! They care only about their power, which they have plenty of, and money, which is increasing by the day if not the hour. Rs in Congress are sliding along on these coattails without any headwinds, or so it seems.
Great summary of the first 100 days, which will go down in history as the motive for the biggest peaceful rebellion in American history. I was heartened by the sit-in on the capital steps yesterday led by Cory Booker and Hakeem Jeffries. Let's see more of that on capital steps around the country! Peace on!
Totally with you, Joanne, about Jen's recap of the first 100 days of madness. Cory and Hakeem should have been joined by the ENTIRE Dem House delegation in a huge show of solidarity and support. Greater coordination of these acts of bravery is definitely needed. Alas, except for a select few, we cannot rely solely on the Dems to get off their asses and get fired up. All of us who are appalled at this descent into America's Dark Ages must do our part: hound your members of Congress, contribute to efforts such as Norm Eisen's lawsuits against tyranny, attend Hands Off demonstrations and stay vigilant. If the past 100 days are any indication, we must brace ourselves for more heinous acts of terrorism against the American people, the rule of law and just plain old common decency.
I kept scanning the crowd on the steps to see if other Ds were there. Look who showed up: Blacks, Jews, LGBTQs, Asians, Women, Jamie Raskin made an appearance at the very end but didn't speak. It was a dearth of congressmen and women. Altho I must say I didn't watch all day so I could be wrong but I don't think you could say it was a strong showing of congressional support. My granddaughter and I attend all peaceful demonstrations in our small red town of 15,000 in PA (not counting university students) but all demonstrations well attended with no incidents other than an occasional car with thumbs down inside. I think the citizenry is waking up to what is happening and as more are affected by their heinous actions the protests will grow. I've dismissed the congressional Rs; they don't matter any more. Let them sink with the ship.
Unfortunately, the Republicans in Congress still do matter because they control both houses. But they control these by narrow majorities. Pressure on them is still important, even if they don't appear to respond, for several reasons. R members of the House in purple districts might be swing votes on some things even if just to make an issue go away. Visible pressure on them, if coupled with a lack of response, can sour the voters on re-electing them. And I'd like to hope that a few of them might either leave the Republican party and decide not to run for re-election or flat-out quit in disgust. Even the hard core Republicans in red districts will be less effective if they are hiding from their constituents. (Thank you to the person I'm replying to, for showing up at protests in a red town.)
Sorry! I didn't mean to chastise you, I just intended to encourage readers not to give up on pressuring Republican legislators. It can be frustrating, and even pressuring some Democrats can be frustrating.
Please publicize the lawyer’s protest at Foley Square New York on May 1 at 1 pm. Lawyers are gathering to make it clear the trump policies are in conflict with the Constitution which lawyers have vowed to uphold. I understand protests are happening all over the country on law day.
Apropos the crystallization of resistance and of realignment described as to foreign democratic leaders, I have seen some recent reports in the European papers of a knock ’off’ effect quelling the rise of far right political factions in various countries in the diaspora. Here in Sweden where the center right coalition has cozied up to the far right SwedishDemocrats, recent polling indicates that if the election was held now the center left parties would have a handy majority. This is a shift that might well have to do most with a counter-reaction to the mess in the US and the rippling financial crisis. Note, the SwedishDemocrats have been known linked to troll factories/disinformation and are pushing career government employees out in favor of people who pass a form of loyalty test. And now the leader of SD is blaming the press that revealed these initiatives calling the investigative reports nazi propaganda. Sound familiar? Finland is showing a similar shift in regional elections. And, of course, Musk’s intervention in Germany most likely assured the alliance now in control that is supporting Ukraine and countering Putin.
Can someone offer suggestions about how to protest a specific policy? I just heard that the Trump administration proposed cutting funding for an LGBQT mental health hotline, but pushback stopped the move. How was that pushback accomplished?
New reporting says the administration is ending the rule to ensure chickens are free of salmonella. How do we pushback on that insanity, on the insanity against rule making on clean air and water? Who do we call?
"You can fool some of the people all the time, and all the people some of the time, but not all the people all the time" (?Lincoln)
We stand at the crossroad. Americans must recognize that now is the time to chose the path to our future. Fascism ,autocracy and decline to an inward looking, fossilized, throwback to the past, or forward into the future ,embracing .democracy, increased prosperity, freedom of choice, respect for agreed upon laws ,and cohabitation with our fellow humans on this beautiful blue planet on our bountiful land ,bequeathed to us by our forbears, fertilized by their blood and sweat, and intellects . when we say " God Bless America, it's America for all its diverse population, color and gender, ie all humanity. The time for xenophobic,religious bigotry and hate contradicting the ultimate message of cohabitation "Love thy neighbor", "Do unto others", being the driving moto of MAGA is over. The red hat, changed for the red,white and blue and old glory taking over for a serpent of the " don't step on me flag, of the neanderthal far right, violence driven minority is at hand.
When the first and second estate of the .French .government over reached the population was driven to the .French .Revolution. When the people of colonial .America had had enough of royal government from afar, the American Revolution.We are at a crossroad. The present administration ,following ,the 2025 manifesto , is dismantling our democratic government, defying the courts, ruling by presidential fiat, bypassing the elected houses of representatives. Every peaceful effort must be made to illuminate the risks our way of life ,our economy, our freedoms, and our physical safety is facing .
Alons enfants de la Patrie le jour de gloire et arrive .
“On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.” ~ H.L. Mencken, more than a century ago.
I’ll bet Mencken couldn’t even imagine we’d adorn the White House with the same moron, twice.
On one of the late night shows in the last week or so, an interviewer went out to a diner and asked people what they thought of the person sitting in the WH. The interviewees GUSHED about how he is a man of action, gets things done and speaks from his heart (?). Another person said that she believes in him and supports what he is doing 100 percent. After I picked my chin up off the floor, I thought, "C'mon, this must be a joke--a put-on to make people laugh. Voters cannot be so blind and so lacking in decency to believe in this cruel, corrupt despoiler of our American values and be proud to say it on TV." But if even 30 percent of voters can still support the moron, this was no joke. So, yes, the same moron was elected twice by the same people who believe that the PINO-felon has a moral character and a heart.
It might help if we all took a breath and began to recognize that the human mind can be programmed any number of ways, especially by hypnotic repetition. Our minds have trouble distinguishing truth from fiction, as many charlatans well know. Think PT Barnum, among others. Trump might be some sort of moron, but he understands this fact well, and is a master of manipulation. The fact that a cartel of very rich and powerful men have found him a useful tool and backed him with barrels of cash should not be forgotten, either. Together, they are a powerful force for devastation. This means we must be more clever and in our own way just as ruthlessly committed to a countervailing agenda as they are. Period. Don't blame the victims.
I agree with every word of this. You've put your finger directly on the very crux of the situation. Unfortunately, those who have been and still persist in being deceived are making victims of all of us, not just themselves.
I understand, Leigh. I don't tolerate those who take pride in their ignorance. MAYBE I'M NOT VERY NICE. But I railed against Trump back in 2017 only to have my own brother just chuckle at how amusing he was. And that I was too reactionary. ** Hard to deal with either rabid dogs, (Proud Boys) or the head bobblers smiling at their White Big Daddy.** We don't have time for that. It's the other two thirds of the country that has to stop this insanity. Appreciate your kinder imput.
agree never ever voted for the over 5 decades con man and pathological liar
There was a time - a rather long time - when he was known to New Yorkers (of whom I was one) as just a cheesy real estate developer and wannabe socially accepted jerk from Queens! So, yes, he's been really successful at something: fooling more of the people more of the time!
I also agree. We must also emphasize what is really going on, i.e. a reality-based narrative. Keep repeating the truth, in simple, stark terms, as well as the countervailing agenda you mentioned.
Speaking the truth is important, but equally important (in this new world of alternate facts) is the harder part - education. Seriously, we have too many folks who simply don't know what the truth is; meaning what a policy actually means, or how the government actually works, etc. Not to sound mean, it's difficult to have any conversation when the parties don't really know what they're talking about, only what they have been told by a "trusted" source.
Educating people about the facts with any immediacy is going to be hard to do in the current atmosphere of mistrust. I'm thinking that, in the short term, we'd do better to leave that to the media at large (not necessarily the talking heads on tv, for sure). What we need to be doing is recruiting politicians who will articulate the best possible perspectives, support them with our presence and money and back them up with massive demonstrations. For now.
I agree. I also think this forum "The Contrarian" would be an excellent platform to begin that process. Serve as an example of how we can begin to restore trust and knowledge through the media and well-regarded politicians. If we start educating Americans now, we will be in a better position to influence the future of our Republic.
I have learned that there is no talking to a Trumper. It wastes your time and annoys the Trumper (to borrow a phrase). Just wait until they have to decide between food, medicine, and child care.
Our best defense is not to lie there like a slug, as Randy did in A Christmas Story to avoid the wrath of that bully Scut Farkus. (You listening, you invertebrate Republican Congressman?) We need TWO teams: a strong defense with hits to the lies and atrocities so strong everyone in America is talking about them for weeks. And we need to double up our offense, get our presidential candidates on the field NOW. Show the country the Democratic Party has LEADERS! Don’t bury their messages (disparate I’m sure) in policy wonkiness.
I wish those people gushing over Trump would be asked specifically what he has done that they like. I bet most of them wouldn't have a clue.
They’d just run the list of his top 10 lies. Or give him credit that belongs to the previous administration.
That's the scariest thing about this.
qQWhat scares me the most is that according to the Wall Street Journal and the Economist, both conservative business friendly publications, the October 2024 US economy was the envy of the world. Yet Trump convinced the US voters that our economy was a disaster and the Democrats, with their huge war chest of money, allowed Trump to get away with these lies. It was political malpractice and cannot happen again!
They believe any drool that falls from his pouting gob. 🫣
That applies to about a third of the electorate and they're unconvinceable. But there's a third of the electorate, the true Independents, that are up for grabs. Many of these people are busy with work and family and don't follow politics closely. The Democrats need to find out how to reach them and to counteract the lies and propaganda spewed by Trump, Fox Entertainment and other disreputable outlets.
I think this is a key point--so-called low-information voters who really are folks trying to make ends meet, raise families etc and were hoping "the business guy" would rescue the economy "again", when of course he did no such thing last time, and is causing an economic disaster this time.
Moron is not the best nor the only word to accurately describe Trump. He is also morally bankrupt, corrupt, greedy, ignorant, cruel and uncaring. Which makes him more of a monster.
More than cruel: sadistic
To sum it up, I think he is a senile malignant narcissist. Things will get worse as his dementia increases.
Yeah, but we know this. And we're running out of time. Trump should go, but he's just one head on a many headed hydra, and others will rise in his place. We need to get out there and do what we can to defeat the real architects of this mess we're all in. And it won't be easy, and it will take time. Buckle up.
I know about Mencken and that time. I refer to those who get benefits now, that the real poor of that time would marvel at. They believed the " terrible economy" drivel. I don't like those who just keep their heads down and pray. Pray it goes away. Others have to change things.
Sadist accurately describes him as well: some who delights in cruelty.
Two cheers for democracy!
WE are a lot worse off 100 days into the second Trump administration.
Meanwhile, we need to ask all Congressional Republicans whether they enlisted in the axis of evil. Reviewing the polls, they should have asked whether the public voted to join Russia and dump Canada, Mexico and NATO.
https://jerryweiss.substack.com/
I recall the novel by Jerzy Kosinski wherein the gardener Chance becomes the US president. I was appalled by the literary world’s enthusiasm for that trajectory.
I’d much rather have a gardener in the White House right now than an incompetent, vengeful grifter.
I only saw the Peter Sellers movie, but didn't Chance (an Innocent) have the knack of being in the right place at the right time and to inspire good behavior in others. We can all see for ourselves how much better a person like that would be in power than what we've got, methinks.
I didn’t see the movie but I wonder how Chance would have dealt with Putin—instant conversion to compassion and regret???
It was just a movie based on a literary fantasy. No doubt Chance would be horrified by the likes of Putin and poke him in the eye with a pitchfork!
It wouldn’t do any good. Putin has so many doubles his goons probably defenestrate dozens every year.
Perhaps on some even greater and more glorious day, the plain folks of the land will realize they've been conned by a downright moron --- and in shame and haste do everything they can to atone for their misdeeds and laziness, and turn out en masse against him and the clique of robber barons who support him.
C'mon, we're in a Churchillian frame of mind. Get with the program here...
I won't apologize for this. Mencken understood the Hoi Poloi.
Not asking for an apology, but substituting a phrase like 'the poor and downtrodden' might shift your point of view from unhelpful condemnation to a consideration of the fact that these people are in despair for some good reasons and are being grotesquely misled, mistaking their enemies for their saviors. It's a clusterfuck of enormous scope and implications. We need to do better than sneer.
Mencken lived at the beginning of the last century in Baltimore, which was at the time being flooded with immigrants from small villages and towns in Europe and Appalachia, where the people had no means of supporting themselves at levels beyond dirt-scratch farming and mining without safety regulations. To them, steel mills looked like a great alternative. They weren't so much morons as desperate people without access to books, facts or much else. It's only been a few decades since our effort to provide education, access to medical care, decent housing and other benefits of modern life to them. Their great grandchildren are still living. And I think that, however ignorant and angry some of them are, we have made progress. Mencken was a hard-hearted snob who loved to impress. Even if we despise Trump, who actually does seem to be a moron despite all his advantages, we might better look elsewhere for someone to quote.
"Even if we despise Trump, who actually does seem to be a moron despite all his advantages, we might better look elsewhere for someone to quote."
Really? Where should we look? And who might that someone be?
Well, even though I feel kind of rudely dismissed by your comment, I'll respond with a couple of suggestions. One, almost anyone in office in Democratic Socialist countries, where almost everyone gets a decent education, access to decent housing and health care as well as higher educations and good jobs. Don't believe me? Look up some statistics. These countries didn't get there by dissing the poor and ignorant. They worked to lift them up. Failing that, we can look to those who stand up in an active and dynamic way for the values enshrined in our Constitution. Or maybe the poet Emma Lazarus, of the Statue of Liberty fame. And, my brother, I think your attitude could use some adjusting. We are all in this together--and that means we will rise or fall together. Wake up and smell the coffee.
We might even start quoting the future Prime Minister of Canada as of about 6pm this evening. Yes, Canadians announce elections, have about a 3-week campaign period, and then do it all in one day. Courts administer those elections, not political parties, and no one floods the zone with bullshit afterward about how something was "stolen" when it wasn't.
Or the former Prime Minister of Sweden, Carl Bildt, who once declared in a famous quote that America was the world's "indispensable" nation and should never shirk its power to deter violators of human rights, those who imprison dissidents, and defend countries who've been attacked by their vicious neighbors.
Many people out there worth quoting. Thanks for encouraging us to seek them out.
Now you're talking! Heart emojis from here to the bottom of this little box. Fight the good fight, with care.
I was in Greece during one of their elections, which were always held on Sundays so people could ride their donkeys down from the mountains and vote. (OK, I'm dating myself a bit.)
Why don't we have them on Sundays too?
I bet turnout would increase.
“There is only one redeeming thing about this whole election. It will be over at sundown, and let everybody pray that it’s not a tie, for we couldn’t go through with this thing again. And, when the votes are counted, let everybody, including the candidates, get into a good humor as quick as they got into a bad one.Both gangs have been bad sports, so see if at least one can’t redeem themselves by offering no alibis, but cooperate with the winner, for no matter which one it is the poor fellow is going to need it. So cheer up. Let’s all be friends again. One of the evils of democracy is you have to put up with the man you elect whether you want him or not. That’s why we call it democracy.” - Will Rogers, 1932
He understood the Hoi Poloi. Sorry, but not sorry to say.
Prophetic words from the esteemed HL Mencken!! Thanks for sharing this, it means a lot to me. My parents were familiar with his work and, I believe, thought highly of it although I don’t think they were completely aligned with his world view. I just remember hearing them discussing at length about what he wrote. Heck, I was just a toddler back then so the fact that I remember his name is indicative of the kind of influence he had in the popular arena at that time.
Where is Menken (or his progeny) now when we so DESPERATELY need him?
and maga elected him twice 🤪🤪🤪
Jen, this is a great call to action for the rest of the year. We have to maintain the pressure, the outrage, and the protests to be ready for 2026 midterms. I am so grateful to you for maintaining your indignation and energy.
I was glad to read this post. Most of my others today were pretty chilling.
This is an inspiring piece! However, where is Bernie Sanders in your list of Democratic stars who have stepped up? He has campaigned tirelessly against the insanity and cruelty. He might not be a new face, but he is a persistent and remarkable force who represents the exact thing your piece is calling for: staying ever vigilant and shining a light on the abuses.
And how about Jeremy Raskin?
Jaime Raskin is part of the future of our party and our country. A fighter with cred.
Bernie is not a Democrat and has not hidden his feelings about the Democratic Party.
“My own feeling is that the Democratic Party is ideologically bankrupt.”
“You don’t change the system from within the Democratic Party.”
“The current model and the current strategy of the Democratic party is an absolute failure. The Democratic party needs fundamental change.”
“We have to ask ourselves, ‘Why should we work within the Democratic Party if we don’t agree with anything the Democratic Party says?’”
That Bernie has run for President as a Democrat simply acknowledges on his part that a third-party candidate cannot win.
Point taken, but your comment seems to fall right into the thing Jen is warning against: “Throughout, Democrats must not descend into internecine warfare and purity tests.” Our energy should be spent in more productive ways, such as exposing and protesting the horrors of this administration, as Bernie is tirelessly doing in the tour with AOC.
Bernie is not internecine. He's registered and runs for the Senate as an Independent. As stated previously, he only runs as a Democrat in Presidential elections, knowing that a third-party candidate cannot win.
Incidentally, how would you describe Bernie's comments about the Democratic Party if not as "warfare" based on "purity tests"?
Additionally, it is not beyond human capabilities to chew gum at the same time as "exposing and protesting the horrors of this administration."
WHO's We?
This is what my party stands for and some of the Bills my party has passed into law. The Civil Rights Bill, the Medicaid act, Medicare act, the Social Security act, the Affordable Care act, The Civil Rights act of 64 and 65 that prohibited racial discrimination in schools and public spaces, accommodations and in the workplace, the Voting Rights act, the Immigration and Nationality act that abolished quotas for in immigration, the Pell Grant known as Higher Education Grant act, the Job Corps act, the Peace Corps, the Bilingual Education act, the Public Broadcasting act, Nation Public Radio, the Kennedy Center, the Dept of Transportation act, the Consumer protection Agency act, the Child Safety act, Flammable Fabrics act, the Disabilities act, Water Safety act, the Clean Air act, the Endangered Species act, the Wilderness act, the Land and Water Conservation act, the Solid Waste disposal act, the Historic Preservation act, the Economic Opportunity act, the National Traffic, and Motor Vehicle safety act, the Urban Mass Transit act. The National Securities act, the Fair Labor and Standards act, and many, many more.
The thing I know is all these rights and privileges would not exist without the Democratic party. These laws have made Americans lives just a little bit easier, a little bit safer, a little more fair for everyone including the poor, the elderly, and the disabled the middle class the working class. All of these are compliments of the efforts and accomplishments of the Democratic Party but if you don't like these accomplishments that you enjoy every day, don't vote for Democrats. It's simple.
But today.. ??
I had the same thought. He's been a prophet in the wilderness for a long time, when Democrats were busy ignoring issues that might offend their donor base. His decades long support of improved Medicare for all is but one example.
In Europe, Bernie would be seen as nothing unusual -- other than being a political voice advocating for things already in existence.
Sadly, in America, a misguided and self-defeating public view Bernie's political agenda as extremist and bordering on Communism.
In Europe -- and even in countries with hard right-wing governments like Israel -- what Bernie is recommending is viewed as nothing out of the ordinary. It already exists.
Bernie is an Independent 😆
Trump may be losing politically, but he and his family continue to amass huge sums playing off their names. That's really all they care about.
I read a couple of posts this morning describing how DJT and his family are enriching themselves. They seem to be trying to outdo the robber barons of old, and they seem to be succeeding--selling access to the President and WH, selling/grifting DJT swag, creating investments that are surely to tank at some point but that are enriching him and his sons, all the while taking away from those most in need. I feel ill whenever any one of these clowns refers to him/herself as Christian. These are people Christ threw out of the church. And the 1/3 laud him....
https://substack.com/redirect/23e324c3-6451-4ee4-b005-beec18621823?j=eyJ1IjoiMjJuZG5mIn0.Cussk7m9G2ZZlHg0nKpiZnDfUSzcBOG6MiQ1ESlCz1o
We’ve made it through the first 100, battered, bruised, but not defeated. Our determination to stand against cruelty and fascism will be second only to our determination to rescue our democracy from the attacks from the current regime.
We will continue the fight to move our nation forward and into one where all are treated equally under the law and in our hearts. The government will be servant to people We will not go back.
The Dear Leader might be worse off, but unfortunately, thanks to a corrupt and spineless Congress, so are the rest of us.
He and his family are, by their values, much better off! They care only about their power, which they have plenty of, and money, which is increasing by the day if not the hour. Rs in Congress are sliding along on these coattails without any headwinds, or so it seems.
Let's not forget the efforts of the incomparable US Representative Jasmine Crockett. She has been an inspiration and truth-teller.
Great summary of the first 100 days, which will go down in history as the motive for the biggest peaceful rebellion in American history. I was heartened by the sit-in on the capital steps yesterday led by Cory Booker and Hakeem Jeffries. Let's see more of that on capital steps around the country! Peace on!
Totally with you, Joanne, about Jen's recap of the first 100 days of madness. Cory and Hakeem should have been joined by the ENTIRE Dem House delegation in a huge show of solidarity and support. Greater coordination of these acts of bravery is definitely needed. Alas, except for a select few, we cannot rely solely on the Dems to get off their asses and get fired up. All of us who are appalled at this descent into America's Dark Ages must do our part: hound your members of Congress, contribute to efforts such as Norm Eisen's lawsuits against tyranny, attend Hands Off demonstrations and stay vigilant. If the past 100 days are any indication, we must brace ourselves for more heinous acts of terrorism against the American people, the rule of law and just plain old common decency.
I kept scanning the crowd on the steps to see if other Ds were there. Look who showed up: Blacks, Jews, LGBTQs, Asians, Women, Jamie Raskin made an appearance at the very end but didn't speak. It was a dearth of congressmen and women. Altho I must say I didn't watch all day so I could be wrong but I don't think you could say it was a strong showing of congressional support. My granddaughter and I attend all peaceful demonstrations in our small red town of 15,000 in PA (not counting university students) but all demonstrations well attended with no incidents other than an occasional car with thumbs down inside. I think the citizenry is waking up to what is happening and as more are affected by their heinous actions the protests will grow. I've dismissed the congressional Rs; they don't matter any more. Let them sink with the ship.
Unfortunately, the Republicans in Congress still do matter because they control both houses. But they control these by narrow majorities. Pressure on them is still important, even if they don't appear to respond, for several reasons. R members of the House in purple districts might be swing votes on some things even if just to make an issue go away. Visible pressure on them, if coupled with a lack of response, can sour the voters on re-electing them. And I'd like to hope that a few of them might either leave the Republican party and decide not to run for re-election or flat-out quit in disgust. Even the hard core Republicans in red districts will be less effective if they are hiding from their constituents. (Thank you to the person I'm replying to, for showing up at protests in a red town.)
I'm properly chastised. Everyone matters and we must never give up on anyone if we hope to succeed. Thank you.
Sorry! I didn't mean to chastise you, I just intended to encourage readers not to give up on pressuring Republican legislators. It can be frustrating, and even pressuring some Democrats can be frustrating.
Please publicize the lawyer’s protest at Foley Square New York on May 1 at 1 pm. Lawyers are gathering to make it clear the trump policies are in conflict with the Constitution which lawyers have vowed to uphold. I understand protests are happening all over the country on law day.
On the one hand, we are depending on the Supreme Court to help rein Trump in and wondering how far Trump might go in ignoring court rulings.
On the other hand, if the Court rules in favor of taxpayer money to religious schools, I'd be in favor of jurisdictions refusing to comply.
Apropos the crystallization of resistance and of realignment described as to foreign democratic leaders, I have seen some recent reports in the European papers of a knock ’off’ effect quelling the rise of far right political factions in various countries in the diaspora. Here in Sweden where the center right coalition has cozied up to the far right SwedishDemocrats, recent polling indicates that if the election was held now the center left parties would have a handy majority. This is a shift that might well have to do most with a counter-reaction to the mess in the US and the rippling financial crisis. Note, the SwedishDemocrats have been known linked to troll factories/disinformation and are pushing career government employees out in favor of people who pass a form of loyalty test. And now the leader of SD is blaming the press that revealed these initiatives calling the investigative reports nazi propaganda. Sound familiar? Finland is showing a similar shift in regional elections. And, of course, Musk’s intervention in Germany most likely assured the alliance now in control that is supporting Ukraine and countering Putin.
Can someone offer suggestions about how to protest a specific policy? I just heard that the Trump administration proposed cutting funding for an LGBQT mental health hotline, but pushback stopped the move. How was that pushback accomplished?
New reporting says the administration is ending the rule to ensure chickens are free of salmonella. How do we pushback on that insanity, on the insanity against rule making on clean air and water? Who do we call?
Well, good grief. What did anyone EXPECT from this guy? He is NOT smarter than a 5th grader!
He's actually not smarter than a first grader!
LOL!! True that!
"You can fool some of the people all the time, and all the people some of the time, but not all the people all the time" (?Lincoln)
We stand at the crossroad. Americans must recognize that now is the time to chose the path to our future. Fascism ,autocracy and decline to an inward looking, fossilized, throwback to the past, or forward into the future ,embracing .democracy, increased prosperity, freedom of choice, respect for agreed upon laws ,and cohabitation with our fellow humans on this beautiful blue planet on our bountiful land ,bequeathed to us by our forbears, fertilized by their blood and sweat, and intellects . when we say " God Bless America, it's America for all its diverse population, color and gender, ie all humanity. The time for xenophobic,religious bigotry and hate contradicting the ultimate message of cohabitation "Love thy neighbor", "Do unto others", being the driving moto of MAGA is over. The red hat, changed for the red,white and blue and old glory taking over for a serpent of the " don't step on me flag, of the neanderthal far right, violence driven minority is at hand.
When the first and second estate of the .French .government over reached the population was driven to the .French .Revolution. When the people of colonial .America had had enough of royal government from afar, the American Revolution.We are at a crossroad. The present administration ,following ,the 2025 manifesto , is dismantling our democratic government, defying the courts, ruling by presidential fiat, bypassing the elected houses of representatives. Every peaceful effort must be made to illuminate the risks our way of life ,our economy, our freedoms, and our physical safety is facing .
Alons enfants de la Patrie le jour de gloire et arrive .
An incisive summary of a difficult time, with a great analysis, and hope for the future.
Thank you Jen for your well written, honest and today a bit hopeful perspective.