AFAIK, the Portland demonstrations didn't have a leader hawking merch with any leader's face and name on it. That's Trumpism. Trump is hawking cheap perfume, gold sneakers, autographed Bibles, fantasy hero cards with his name and image on them, crypto coins -- just to name a few. I know of nothing like that coming from those who protested in Portland.
You're too blinded by Trumpism to see how wrong you are.
This explains MAGA to a tee:
The saturation of our culture with Trump/MAGA imagery can't help but impart a certain glamour on symbols. So it's easy to forget that MAGA is a movement of the subpar, and the semi-educated. A mob of mediocrity that is forcing into exile, the talented, and the skilled among the non-white Christian, and legal immigrants and asylum seekers. When the narrow imagination of the TRUMP/MAGA mob turns to creating a mystification for itself, to provide "Transcendent Purpose" for the desire to cleanse the country of non-white, foreign peoples, gays, and trans, what it makes will be a monstrous kitsch. A self-satisfying Ego trip of bad art and recycled symbolism.
It seems obvious to me that it was foretelling not only Trumpism/MAGA, but all the other violent religious and civil cults that have plagued humankind for centuries.
He does cheapen his presidency with all the merchandise he is hawking. I do question why people think that making America Great is a bad thing. Is it just because they are mad at loosing to trump by their choice of candidates or are they hoping the US will fail and prove them right.
Erasmus was likely a very aware person. Probably one who didn't follow the conditioning of his era.
And yes, I believe you're right about the religious and civil cults that have plagued humankind through the centuries. The three most egregiously misguided being the triad of monotheistic religions.
Erasmus was a Christian Humanist, the Trump entourage are Christian Neanderthals. Have to laugh about the sheer terror (or made up fairy tale) of ANTIFA. Sure, a few lurking around. Not many arrested or charged, but people like FJ need some sort of excuse for the dozens of millions of ordinary people that dislike Trump both as an executive and human.
There's no "kitsch fantasy of meaning" in gold sneakers. MAGA doesn't trade in "virtue signals" (meaning - like "saving the planet" or "ending racism"). It trades in kitsch proper. Luxury goods, not luxury values.
Recovering from a fall and ER, I watched a fascinating hour long vid on Fascism in Europe. Most interesting and quite damning for a gentle narrator who usually tours viewers through Europe's beauty. Well worth the time if you have it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU1IVW6uqM0&t=5s
MAGA’s only core value is worshipping a less than mediocre con man, believing he’s something he is not. Authoritarian cults ascribe super powers to small, weak, psychologically damaged men. And the rest of us suffer because of their delusions.
I thought you people believed America was always great. If that’s Trump’s motto then he and his cultists believe American wasn’t great.
In the eyes of the rest of the world that can clearly see what we’ve become, they already think we’ve failed by re-electing a convicted criminal & adjudicated sexual assaulter to lead our country.
Normal people think that as well. Apparently some Americans are so besotted with con man Trump, they actually think what he’s done to America is good.
I hope you’re okay and feeling good by now. Falling is a terrifying thought for me. The last time that happened in 2018, I fractured my orbital bone, my elbow and had 9 stitches over my right eyebrow. I tripped on old bricks and fell face first in the court yard of the Old North Church on my way to teach ESL students.
Good morning all and additionally for our blog host, Shaw, I hope your week is all you need it to be. I'd wish it for everyone but my energy levels are spent and as our host, you get the extras. It's logical and now you know how MY day is going. :)
I'm responding to this statement: " MAGA doesn't trade in "virtue signals" (meaning - like "saving the planet" or "ending racism"). It trades in kitsch proper. Luxury goods, not luxury values."
Did not know wanting the planet to be able to sustain life as we know it was a 'luxury' value. I mean, the planet will survive most of what we do to it. Whether or not humanity is a part of that survival is what concerns me, being human and all. I prefer my air to be clean, the waters to be free from toxic chemicals, and the land to return to sustainability, not just a never ending cycle of chemicals and foods modified so they can't reproduce without some corporate bigwig's say so. I know, I'm wyrd that way.
You've been on my mind Les. Everything all the time here/now must be hard for you, especially since you've walked in the shoes so many are walking now and you know the pain coming to them. Maybe not but either way, you've been on the old noggin.
Working on my kinder side. All this has brought out the warrior who has never been charitable on their best days. All that, hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and only thing received is the worst tends to do that to a soul.
Holiday is over. MAGA knows they won. They have it all. Those who know understand what comes next. #tightenup #keepingmyheaddown #situationalawareness247
1) everything is in a state of constant change... ultimately everything is impermanent
2) all life is precious... including mother earth and all it creatures
3) the most logical and reasonable approach is to observe nature and learn to emulate its natural flow and energy rather than working hard to alter it
4) don't take oneself too seriously, because ultimately, you're not in control
5) when things seem overwhelming... sit in stillness, relax, breath... no judgement, just be
6) and remember, you're not alone, others are feeling the same dissatisfaction/suffering you are
7) ... and as the great spiritual sages throughout time and space understood, we truly are our brothers and sisters keepers
Unless humanity begins finding their way home to the truth of reality we are simply dooming life as we know it to a sooner ending.
May all beings experience the end of suffering and the inner causes of suffering. May all sentient beings find happiness and the inner causes of happiness.
Sadly the humanism of Erasmus was a curve that slowly rose through two more centuries of witches burned at the stake. The mind of our species remains an enigma. (on a Pale Blue Dot)
Yes, our weak minds have been overpowered through the charismatic hypnosis of a weak/ mediocre con man. And yet you, the one's who see him for what he is, are powerless to exert a stronger/ more intelligent con upon us. Why is that? Because we saw your last one (Biden) for what it was?
I hope your feeling better, but we know exactly what our species is...
In Freud's theory, humans are not merely "herd animals" but rather "horde animals." This distinction is crucial because, while herd animals are driven by an innate desire for closeness and conformity, horde animals are characterized by a more complex dynamic of rivalry, aggression, and a need for external leadership. Freud's concept of the "primal horde" further elaborates on this idea, suggesting a historical stage where a dominant male controlled a group, leading to the sons' eventual revolt and the formation of social structures and morality.
There, the mystery of "Der Leader" and "Authoritarianism" SOLVED!
Luxury values are the values of the "edumacated" elites... who show them off (virtue signal) like so many picadilly's. Trumpists just put object's like "feathers" in their caps or gold sneakers on their feet. It's a much less subtle way of signalling one's "class" in a society that loves to pretend that there are no classes... just cultural capital.
Ms. Shaw, "I thought you people believed America was always great." "Normal people think that as well." Your statements show why the leftists lost the last election. They consider themselves the elite group and look down at You People. Guess You People showed up at the last election and the Normal people didn't.
America was great but was slipping for four years. The ultimate prejudicial DEI, the insane battery mandate, forcing people to get vaccinated or lose their jobs, spending billions to accomplish nothing , multi-million dollar charging stations, battery school busses and hundreds of billions dollars of wasteful spending.
Trump did not win because people wanted him they just didn't want kamala. That should remind dems why beach-chair biden won in 2020, didn't really want biden but didn't want trump more.
All of this shock at what trump is doing shows that a lot of people are just used to lying politicians. Trump is doing what he said he would do, granted that is unusual, but his actions shouldn't take anyone by surprise. What did biden do that he said he was going to do. He was going to bring people together, he was not a green new deal believer, not cut tax for the wealthy, work for low income, Supporter of union workers and protect our borders. Guess forcing high inflation is working for the low income and opening the border was what he stood for.
The democrats are so busy attacking trump and lying about what he is doing that they have no plan who they are and who is in charge. Chuckie and his millions will die because of changes to medicaid is BS because he knows few will read the bill.
The last administration did not nominate nor employ convicted criminals and former drug users/addicts/alcoholics/serial adulterers (Matt Gaetz, Robert Kennedy, Jr., Jared Wise, Peter Navarro, Pete Hegseth) to be trusted and admired leaders of the American people. Nor did Biden have the blessing of the SCOTUS to commit crimes while POTUS and be protected from prosecution/impeachment because of their curious idea of "presidential immunity" while in office.
Harris also did not receive a single contributor who gave her campaign $270 million, plus Trump (who is not known for his intellectual acumen) had the blessings of the Project 2025 cabal leaders, and wild gerrymandering that ensured the House takeover by the MAGAs. All of that converged to give us another 4 years of Trump being led and controlled by several other interest groups.
All they have to do is assuage his gigantic ego by telling him he's brilliant, letting him babble now and then about his numbskull ideas (bringing back dirty coal) to his adoring cultists, and keep him busy playing golf, and the P2025ers will have free rein to continue destroying 249 of democracy.
The English phrase meaning something is not polite or is socially awkward: "How gauche of him," comes from the French word for the directional "left." Being left-handed was considered "wrong" in some cultures. Rive gauche, then, is indeed, the "left bank." Or in giving directions, "Tournez a' gauche." Turn left.
skud: "Trump did not win because people wanted him they just didn't want kamala."
A majority of the American people didn't want Trump either. Trump won a plurality of the popular vote. Not a majority of the popular vote. That means more people voted for someone else than voted for Trump.
The electoral college is what elects the US president, so Trump won that, but that does NOT reflect what the popular vote, i.e., what the population wanted. The electoral college vote is not fair nor democratic. We're the only country that uses that method to "democratically" elect JUST OUR PRESIDENT. We do not elect governors, senators, or representatives in that way.
To repeat: Trump won 49.9% of the 155 million votes cast for president in 2024. That came to 77,345,000 POPULAR votes for Trump.
That means 77,655,000 Americans voted for someone else.
PS. Skud, at some point you'll need to stop complaining about former President Biden and look at what a disaster Trump is. Or maybe you can't do that? Are you too much invested in making excuses for the convicted criminal POTUS?
BTW, a HUGE majority of Americans, 60%, do not approve of what he's doing to this country.
Trump's numbers are worse than they were for Biden at this time in Biden's presidency.
Apparently a majority of Americans do NOT believe Trump is making America great.
Yes, we're very stupid and morally bankrupt. it's nothing your side has failed to do. Your virtue soars above us like the very light of Enlightenment... @@
Ms. You are incorrect with you statement "Not a majority of the popular vote". The truth is trump won 49.8%, kamala 48.3% which means other won 1.9% so that does mean he won the majority of the vote. The electoral went with the popular vote this time although that is not always the case. EC has been there for a long time and that may change like term limits, it needs to be voted on.
I don't approve of some of the things trump is proposing but I can't say I am surprised. A lot of what he is doing is good in the long run. I do bring up beach chair biden because the country went for four years with a straw man for president and the entire media and DNC covering it up. Guess you just don't care as long as it is a democrat.
Leslie, Read what I wrote and Ms. Shaw's response so you don't embarrass yourself.
Yes, the patriotic Americans and those Indian feathers that they stick in their hats...
In "Yankee Doodle," "macaroni" refers to a fashionable, over-the-top style of dress, not the pasta. The song, originally a British jab at American colonists, uses "macaroni" to mock the idea that a simple feather in the cap could make someone stylish like the "macaroni" trendsetters of the time.
Here's a more detailed explanation: The "Macaroni" Trend: In 18th-century England, "macaroni" was a term for young men who adopted an exaggerated, European-influenced fashion style. They were known for their elaborate wigs, fancy clothing, and often considered foppish or effeminate.
The Song's Satire: The song "Yankee Doodle" was written by British soldiers to mock the Americans, suggesting that they were so unsophisticated they thought a simple feather in their hat made them fashionable like the "macaronis".
The Joke: The humor in the song lies in the contrast between the elaborate macaroni fashion and the simple addition of a feather to an American's cap. The British soldiers were essentially saying the Americans were trying to imitate high fashion but failing miserably.
"Doodle" as Simpleton: The term "doodle" in "Yankee Doodle" refers to a simpleton or a fool, further emphasizing the song's mocking tone, according to Wikipedia.
I have a better plan. Since what you write is generally bunk skud I'll stop reading (the wise thing to do) and commenting on your bunk and its often both siderisms.
In the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump won the popular vote with a plurality, not a majority.
Explanation:
Popular Vote: The total number of individual votes cast for a candidate across the entire country.
Majority: More than 50% of the total votes.
Plurality: More votes than any other candidate, but not necessarily a majority (over 50%).
In the 2024 election:
Donald Trump received approximately 49.8% of the popular vote. While he received the most votes (77.3 million) compared to Kamala Harris (75 million), he did not reach the 50% threshold needed for a majority.
Therefore, Trump won the popular vote by a plurality, not a majority.
This means more Americans voted against him than for him. It's worth noting that the US presidential election is determined by the Electoral College, not the national popular vote."
It is your OPINION that former President Biden did nothing and was sitting in a beach chair for the entire 4 years he was in office. And you know what they say about opinions. Your opinion is not fact.
PS. It IS a fact that Trump did not receive a majority of the popular vote; he receive a plurality. You can look it up.
-FJ/JC: "... very mediocre people indulging a cheap desire to humiliate and kill, covered over with a kitsch fantasy of meaning."
J6 MAGAts in a nutshell.
"Yes, we're very stupid and morally bankrupt."
MAGAts delight in inflicting suffering upon those they hate. (Including minorities and everyone who knows what kind of people follow Trump.)
I concur. MAGA is the epitome of stupid and morally bankrupt people. Since -FJ/JC isn't stupid, that leaves him in the other description.
What other kind of person would support a sex offender and felon who terminated our legacy of peaceful transfer of power by attempting to overturn and STEAL an election? What other kind of person supports a person who praised and pardoned his J6 THUGS? (Several have already been convicted of additional crimes. So much for the "law and order president".)
"Stop the steal!" Trump lost and LIED about it. His stupid and EVIL cult takes his word as gospel.
"They're eating the dogs in Springfield!" They swallowed that BS eagerly to make their racism FEEL better.
"I hate Democrats!" Of course he does. Hate and lies are why his cult worships him.
All of this evil and hate was fed to the stupid and morally bankrupt cult.
After all, "I love the poorly educated" made them FEEL an arrogant sense of pride in their ignorance and stupidity. They don't need no readin' or book larnin', no siree. Trump tells them "how it is".
Hey Skud, Why do you hate pre-Trump America? When was it great? Yeah, we know. You can't answer questions to explain your bullshit.
You can’t con a conman but you can steal from them
Teaching story sources: Rebecca stealing Neal’s heart - White Collar The Mako story - Leverage YoSafBrige - Firefly
I’m almost happy the horrible bill passed. Almost. My status is so between right now I worry I’ll fall through the cracks. I have done so before, in better times at that.
So why 'almost' happy?
Well there are 17 million fellow citizens and their extended families, communities, and retail hubs that will feel what those 17 million experience in varying degrees of severity when they are kicked off their health care and food assistance. For the record, please remember who it was who set this all off. (Loud whisper: it never was who the authors of the big horrible bill said it was).
I'm fighting every day for what I believe in, a nation that understands the interconnectedness of all things, that understands and practices when you know better you freaking the hell do better, and that basic levels of health care, housing, clothing, food/nutrition, and affordable transportation are Rights. If the Robber Barons won't willingly pay for the workforce they demand, then they can pay the necessary taxes to support that workforce. At least we are giving THEM the choice which they continue to take from WeThePeople.
There I go again, virtue signaling. How woke of me./s
Our morality seeks a different "good", Dave. One that will no longer be relegated to minoritarian POVs. Soon you will need to virtue signal OUR passwords.
Joe Conservative "Yes, we're very stupid and morally bankrupt. it's nothing your side has failed to do. Your virtue soars above us like the very light of Enlightenment... @@"
It's satisfying to see that you finally acknowledge that truth.
The robber barons aren't the ones who impose the zoning restrictions that make housing unaffordable or energy production options thst render transportation unaffordable. As for health services, having to pay for the higher cost of "free" is what makes it unaffordable. Direct payment for services rendered would halve medical costs today.
You can virtue signal your group membership passwords all you like. But we'll soon transform them from a majoritarian to minoritarian position. :)
"Direct payment for services rendered would halve medical costs today." As the civilized countries with single payer universal healthcare have shown us.
"You can virtue signal your group membership passwords all you like."
Really? Like, "rigged election", "massive fraud", "Stop the steal", "Take back your country", "They're eating the dogs in Springfield", "the enemy within", "enemy of the people", and "I hate Democrats"?
If you believe and want this to become the majoritarian position, you really are fascist.
Why not just say, "White makes right", and be honest about your twisted fascist/racist virtue signaling for a change.
"Our morality seeks a different "good", Dave. One that will no longer be relegated to minoritarian POVs."
-FJ's "morality" supports a serial sex-offender, convicted and indicted felon, and insurrectionist liar with immunity from the rule of law granted by the most corrupt and partisan Supreme Court in history.
His "different good" is the recipe for tyranny.
Someone already showed us their formula.
Ignorance is strength. Freedom is slavery. War is peace.
“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.” – The Party (1984)
“Just remember, what you are seeing and what you are reading is not what's happening.” – Donald Trump
The grand tour was very popular in the eighteenths century. This was an experience equipped them "social capital" that they could use to display their wealth.... much like the elite PC luxury values a University education has replaced it with.
Dave Dubya, why not say the words? Because then they'd have to own them and based on what I've witness from our many named troll, they prefer to dance about the topic thereby avoiding any consequences of either their actions or words.
Like skud, our many named troll is all hat and no cattle.
Ding ding ding! You are correct Shaw, that is exactly what macaroni referenced in the song.
I am honest enough to acknowledge that Americans hated every wave of immigrants coming here so at least we are consistent. Going forward I'd like us to do better and if that makes me whatever label the trolls want to name me, so be it. I was this way when I was a kid and as an old one now I'm the same. Even though my old Marine husband taught me the art of war before he died I remain a hippy. He did try to train it out of me but I'm me, what can I say?
Troll keeps nattering on about PC luxury and University education. Not sure they are aiming my way but in case they are - school is just one facet of learning. Yes, I earned my BA (double major), but after that I started my unofficial official education. It's been decades of study into every topic which caught my fancy, down rabbit and badger holes oh my, and the more you know the more there is to know!. Eventually I settled on the axiom that even knowing as much as I do, I know nothing and the only way to defeat one's ego (I must know all the things!) is to deny it battle.
I think that's all. Well, our trolls are a never ending fountain of ego masked as philosophy (knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing) so I'm sure they will have more to say but I'm done.
My birthday is this week and I'm doing my best to be gentle with myself so see y'all on the other side of the weekend. ;)
"Luxury values are the values of the "edumacated" elites... who show them off (virtue signal) like so many picadilly's. Trumpists just put object's like "feathers" in their caps or gold sneakers on their feet."
Now, there's an excellent example of MAGA "virtue signaling." It implies that MAGA values are so much more authentic than those of the elite class -- y'know, the class that values learning.
China, with the second highest population on the planet, has universal health care. We don't subsidize them, AFAIK, but they're able to cover their citizens, as other civilized societies do.
"China has a universal health care system, with over 95% of its population covered by government-sponsored health insurance. This system, largely achieved through three public insurance programs, provides access to basic healthcare for the majority of citizens, both urban and rural."
Even Iran!
"Iran has a system that strives for universal healthcare, with a strong emphasis on providing healthcare services to all citizens, including refugees and migrants, through various insurance schemes and public health initiatives. While the system faces challenges related to equitable access and financial sustainability, it has made significant progress in expanding coverage and improving health outcomes.'
Apparently those non-democratic nations are able to offer their citizens health care and "the greatest country in the world" doesn't know how to do it?
Actually, the oligarchs don't want it. They have to keep the insurance companies making billions of dollars by denying sick and injured Americans from getting the coverage they pay for.
I can't count the number of times I read on facebook and other social media platforms American citizens begging for money through "Go Fund Me" to help cover the costs of a catastrophic illness or accident.
A country that has its ruling plutocrats and oligarchs withholding the ability to have universal health care for its citizens is not really a free country. One might even say it's one of those countries Donald Trump called a "something-something hole."
Fascist sociopaths like -FJ enjoy a good laugh at the suffering and debt Americans endure so insurance CEOs get richer. No conscience. No compassion. No empathy. Just glee at human suffering. A different "good", indeed.
From what I've read, forced organ harvesting, while a human right violation and an abhorrent practice, is mainly perpetrated on prisoners of conscience and so-called "enemies of state." It is not part of their national health plan.
BTW, you do know that we give Israel $3.8 billion a year (supposedly for weapons of war, but do we really know how every penny is spent).
Israel has universal health care and heavily subsidized college for their citizens. While the government heavily subsidizes tuition at public universities, making it significantly cheaper than in many other countries, students still pay tuition fees. These fees are a fraction of the actual cost, with the government covering the rest.
Also, abortion is legal, requiring approval from a termination committee, and is not a guaranteed right for all women. This committee evaluates requests based on specific criteria, though most requests are ultimately approved.
So we subsidize a democratic-socialist country that subsidizes health care and college/university education and abortion.
But the US denies this to its own citizens? Strange, isn't it.
55 comments:
A key 'feature' of the ethics of kitsch and the true meaning of the holocaust.
... very mediocre people indulging a cheap desire to humiliate and kill, covered over with a kitsch fantasy of meaning.
...like a Portland OR Antifa demonstration.
Hmm, could Erasmus been foretelling the coming of Trump and MAGA?
No. EXACTLY like the Trump cultists.
AFAIK, the Portland demonstrations didn't have a leader hawking merch with any leader's face and name on it. That's Trumpism. Trump is hawking cheap perfume, gold sneakers, autographed Bibles, fantasy hero cards with his name and image on them, crypto coins -- just to name a few. I know of nothing like that coming from those who protested in Portland.
You're too blinded by Trumpism to see how wrong you are.
This explains MAGA to a tee:
The saturation of our culture with Trump/MAGA imagery can't help but impart a certain glamour on symbols. So it's easy to forget that MAGA is a movement of the subpar, and the semi-educated. A mob of mediocrity that is forcing into exile, the talented, and the skilled among the non-white Christian, and legal immigrants and asylum seekers. When the narrow imagination of the TRUMP/MAGA mob turns to creating a mystification for itself, to provide "Transcendent Purpose" for the desire to cleanse the country of non-white, foreign peoples, gays, and trans, what it makes will be a monstrous kitsch. A self-satisfying Ego trip of bad art and recycled symbolism.
It seems obvious to me that it was foretelling not only Trumpism/MAGA, but all the other violent religious and civil cults that have plagued humankind for centuries.
He does cheapen his presidency with all the merchandise he is hawking. I do question why people think that making America Great is a bad thing. Is it just because they are mad at loosing to trump by their choice of candidates or are they hoping the US will fail and prove them right.
Erasmus was likely a very aware person. Probably one who didn't follow the conditioning of his era.
And yes, I believe you're right about the religious and civil cults that have plagued humankind through the centuries. The three most egregiously misguided being the triad of monotheistic religions.
Erasmus was a Christian Humanist, the Trump entourage are Christian Neanderthals. Have to laugh about the sheer terror (or made up fairy tale) of ANTIFA. Sure, a few lurking around. Not many arrested or charged, but
people like FJ need some sort of excuse for the dozens of millions of
ordinary people that dislike Trump both as an executive and human.
There's no "kitsch fantasy of meaning" in gold sneakers. MAGA doesn't trade in "virtue signals" (meaning - like "saving the planet" or "ending racism"). It trades in kitsch proper. Luxury goods, not luxury values.
Recovering from a fall and ER, I watched a fascinating hour long vid on Fascism in Europe. Most interesting and quite damning for a gentle narrator who usually tours viewers through Europe's beauty. Well worth the time if you have it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU1IVW6uqM0&t=5s
Sad but true. (MAGAts)
MAGA’s only core value is worshipping a less than mediocre con man, believing he’s something he is not. Authoritarian cults ascribe super powers to small, weak, psychologically damaged men. And the rest of us suffer because of their delusions.
I thought you people believed America was always great. If that’s Trump’s motto then he and his cultists believe American wasn’t great.
In the eyes of the rest of the world that can clearly see what we’ve become, they already think we’ve failed by re-electing a convicted criminal & adjudicated sexual assaulter to lead our country.
Normal people think that as well. Apparently some Americans are so besotted with con man Trump, they actually think what he’s done to America is good.
I hope you’re okay and feeling good by now. Falling is a terrifying thought for me. The last time that happened in 2018, I fractured my orbital bone, my elbow and had 9 stitches over my right eyebrow. I tripped on old bricks and fell face first in the court yard of the Old North Church on my way to teach ESL students.
Good morning all and additionally for our blog host, Shaw, I hope your week is all you need it to be. I'd wish it for everyone but my energy levels are spent and as our host, you get the extras. It's logical and now you know how MY day is going. :)
I'm responding to this statement: " MAGA doesn't trade in "virtue signals" (meaning - like "saving the planet" or "ending racism"). It trades in kitsch proper. Luxury goods, not luxury values."
Did not know wanting the planet to be able to sustain life as we know it was a 'luxury' value. I mean, the planet will survive most of what we do to it. Whether or not humanity is a part of that survival is what concerns me, being human and all. I prefer my air to be clean, the waters to be free from toxic chemicals, and the land to return to sustainability, not just a never ending cycle of chemicals and foods modified so they can't reproduce without some corporate bigwig's say so. I know, I'm wyrd that way.
You've been on my mind Les. Everything all the time here/now must be hard for you, especially since you've walked in the shoes so many are walking now and you know the pain coming to them. Maybe not but either way, you've been on the old noggin.
Working on my kinder side. All this has brought out the warrior who has never been charitable on their best days. All that, hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and only thing received is the worst tends to do that to a soul.
Holiday is over. MAGA knows they won. They have it all. Those who know understand what comes next. #tightenup #keepingmyheaddown #situationalawareness247
I keep reminding myself that:
1) everything is in a state of constant change... ultimately everything is impermanent
2) all life is precious... including mother earth and all it creatures
3) the most logical and reasonable approach is to observe nature and learn to emulate its natural flow and energy rather than working hard to alter it
4) don't take oneself too seriously, because ultimately, you're not in control
5) when things seem overwhelming... sit in stillness, relax, breath... no judgement, just be
6) and remember, you're not alone, others are feeling the same dissatisfaction/suffering you are
7) ... and as the great spiritual sages throughout time and space understood, we truly are our brothers and sisters keepers
Unless humanity begins finding their way home to the truth of reality we are simply dooming life as we know it to a sooner ending.
May all beings experience the end of suffering and the inner causes of suffering. May all sentient beings find happiness and the inner causes of happiness.
Sadly the humanism of Erasmus was a curve that slowly rose through two more centuries of witches burned at the stake. The mind of our species remains an enigma. (on a Pale Blue Dot)
Yes, our weak minds have been overpowered through the charismatic hypnosis of a weak/ mediocre con man. And yet you, the one's who see him for what he is, are powerless to exert a stronger/ more intelligent con upon us. Why is that? Because we saw your last one (Biden) for what it was?
I hope your feeling better, but we know exactly what our species is...
In Freud's theory, humans are not merely "herd animals" but rather "horde animals." This distinction is crucial because, while herd animals are driven by an innate desire for closeness and conformity, horde animals are characterized by a more complex dynamic of rivalry, aggression, and a need for external leadership. Freud's concept of the "primal horde" further elaborates on this idea, suggesting a historical stage where a dominant male controlled a group, leading to the sons' eventual revolt and the formation of social structures and morality.
There, the mystery of "Der Leader" and "Authoritarianism" SOLVED!
ps - Meden agan on the Erasmian humanism! ;)
Luxury values are the values of the "edumacated" elites... who show them off (virtue signal) like so many picadilly's. Trumpists just put object's like "feathers" in their caps or gold sneakers on their feet. It's a much less subtle way of signalling one's "class" in a society that loves to pretend that there are no classes... just cultural capital.
How "gauche", huh? Like the Rive Gauche...
"Rive Gauche" is a French term that translates to "left bank" in English. Specifically, it refers to the left bank of the Seine River in Paris. In Parisian culture, the Rive Gauche is often associated with a more bohemian, artistic, and intellectual atmosphere, particularly the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Yes, we still make very "Bohemian" fashion statements.
Ms. Shaw, "I thought you people believed America was always great." "Normal people think that as well."
Your statements show why the leftists lost the last election. They consider themselves the elite group and look down at You People. Guess You People showed up at the last election and the Normal people didn't.
America was great but was slipping for four years. The ultimate prejudicial DEI, the insane battery mandate, forcing people to get vaccinated or lose their jobs, spending billions to accomplish nothing , multi-million dollar charging stations, battery school busses and hundreds of billions dollars of wasteful spending.
Trump did not win because people wanted him they just didn't want kamala. That should remind dems why beach-chair biden won in 2020, didn't really want biden but didn't want trump more.
All of this shock at what trump is doing shows that a lot of people are just used to lying politicians. Trump is doing what he said he would do, granted that is unusual, but his actions shouldn't take anyone by surprise. What did biden do that he said he was going to do. He was going to bring people together, he was not a green new deal believer, not cut tax for the wealthy, work for low income, Supporter of union workers and protect our borders. Guess forcing high inflation is working for the low income and opening the border was what he stood for.
The democrats are so busy attacking trump and lying about what he is doing that they have no plan who they are and who is in charge. Chuckie and his millions will die because of changes to medicaid is BS because he knows few will read the bill.
You people? Really skud.
If figures. Other people you don't understand but who actually do understand and care.
The MAGA Way! Elevate Insurectionists and Criminals and Nuture Authoritarianism.
What the F can go wrong?
The last administration did not nominate nor employ convicted criminals and former drug users/addicts/alcoholics/serial adulterers (Matt Gaetz, Robert Kennedy, Jr., Jared Wise, Peter Navarro, Pete Hegseth) to be trusted and admired leaders of the American people. Nor did Biden have the blessing of the SCOTUS to commit crimes while POTUS and be protected from prosecution/impeachment because of their curious idea of "presidential immunity" while in office.
Harris also did not receive a single contributor who gave her campaign $270 million, plus Trump (who is not known for his intellectual acumen) had the blessings of the Project 2025 cabal leaders, and wild gerrymandering that ensured the House takeover by the MAGAs. All of that converged to give us another 4 years of Trump being led and controlled by several other interest groups.
All they have to do is assuage his gigantic ego by telling him he's brilliant, letting him babble now and then about his numbskull ideas (bringing back dirty coal) to his adoring cultists, and keep him busy playing golf, and the P2025ers will have free rein to continue destroying 249 of democracy.
MAGAs actually believe Trump is in charge. LOL!
The English phrase meaning something is not polite or is socially awkward: "How gauche of him," comes from the French word for the directional "left." Being left-handed was considered "wrong" in some cultures. Rive gauche, then, is indeed, the "left bank." Or in giving directions, "Tournez a' gauche." Turn left.
skud: "Trump did not win because people wanted him they just didn't want kamala."
A majority of the American people didn't want Trump either. Trump won a plurality of the popular vote. Not a majority of the popular vote. That means more people voted for someone else than voted for Trump.
The electoral college is what elects the US president, so Trump won that, but that does NOT reflect what the popular vote, i.e., what the population wanted. The electoral college vote is not fair nor democratic. We're the only country that uses that method to "democratically" elect JUST OUR PRESIDENT. We do not elect governors, senators, or representatives in that way.
To repeat: Trump won 49.9% of the 155 million votes cast for president in 2024. That came to 77,345,000 POPULAR votes for Trump.
That means 77,655,000 Americans voted for someone else.
PS. Skud, at some point you'll need to stop complaining about former President Biden and look at what a disaster Trump is. Or maybe you can't do that? Are you too much invested in making excuses for the convicted criminal POTUS?
BTW, a HUGE majority of Americans, 60%, do not approve of what he's doing to this country.
Trump's numbers are worse than they were for Biden at this time in Biden's presidency.
Apparently a majority of Americans do NOT believe Trump is making America great.
Yes, we're very stupid and morally bankrupt. it's nothing your side has failed to do. Your virtue soars above us like the very light of Enlightenment... @@
Ms. You are incorrect with you statement "Not a majority of the popular vote". The truth is trump won 49.8%, kamala 48.3% which means other won 1.9% so that does mean he won the majority of the vote. The electoral went with the popular vote this time although that is not always the case. EC has been there for a long time and that may change like term limits, it needs to be voted on.
I don't approve of some of the things trump is proposing but I can't say I am surprised. A lot of what he is doing is good in the long run.
I do bring up beach chair biden because the country went for four years with a straw man for president and the entire media and DNC covering it up. Guess you just don't care as long as it is a democrat.
Leslie, Read what I wrote and Ms. Shaw's response so you don't embarrass yourself.
Yes, the patriotic Americans and those Indian feathers that they stick in their hats...
In "Yankee Doodle," "macaroni" refers to a fashionable, over-the-top style of dress, not the pasta. The song, originally a British jab at American colonists, uses "macaroni" to mock the idea that a simple feather in the cap could make someone stylish like the "macaroni" trendsetters of the time.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
The "Macaroni" Trend:
In 18th-century England, "macaroni" was a term for young men who adopted an exaggerated, European-influenced fashion style. They were known for their elaborate wigs, fancy clothing, and often considered foppish or effeminate.
The Song's Satire:
The song "Yankee Doodle" was written by British soldiers to mock the Americans, suggesting that they were so unsophisticated they thought a simple feather in their hat made them fashionable like the "macaronis".
The Joke:
The humor in the song lies in the contrast between the elaborate macaroni fashion and the simple addition of a feather to an American's cap. The British soldiers were essentially saying the Americans were trying to imitate high fashion but failing miserably.
"Doodle" as Simpleton:
The term "doodle" in "Yankee Doodle" refers to a simpleton or a fool, further emphasizing the song's mocking tone, according to Wikipedia.
As for me, I prefer the Buck Tail look... ;)
I have a better plan. Since what you write is generally bunk skud I'll stop reading (the wise thing to do) and commenting on your bunk and its often both siderisms.
In the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump won the popular vote with a plurality, not a majority.
Explanation:
Popular Vote: The total number of individual votes cast for a candidate across the entire country.
Majority: More than 50% of the total votes.
Plurality: More votes than any other candidate, but not necessarily a majority (over 50%).
In the 2024 election:
Donald Trump received approximately 49.8% of the popular vote.
While he received the most votes (77.3 million) compared to Kamala Harris (75 million), he did not reach the 50% threshold needed for a majority.
Therefore, Trump won the popular vote by a plurality, not a majority.
This means more Americans voted against him than for him. It's worth noting that the US presidential election is determined by the Electoral College, not the national popular vote."
It is your OPINION that former President Biden did nothing and was sitting in a beach chair for the entire 4 years he was in office. And you know what they say about opinions. Your opinion is not fact.
PS. It IS a fact that Trump did not receive a majority of the popular vote; he receive a plurality. You can look it up.
Trump Won Less Than 50 Percent.
Just how big was Donald Trump’s election victory?
Donald Trump Has Not Won a Majority of the Votes Cast for President
-FJ/JC: "... very mediocre people indulging a cheap desire to humiliate and kill, covered over with a kitsch fantasy of meaning."
J6 MAGAts in a nutshell.
"Yes, we're very stupid and morally bankrupt."
MAGAts delight in inflicting suffering upon those they hate. (Including minorities and everyone who knows what kind of people follow Trump.)
I concur. MAGA is the epitome of stupid and morally bankrupt people. Since -FJ/JC isn't stupid, that leaves him in the other description.
What other kind of person would support a sex offender and felon who terminated our legacy of peaceful transfer of power by attempting to overturn and STEAL an election? What other kind of person supports a person who praised and pardoned his J6 THUGS? (Several have already been convicted of additional crimes. So much for the "law and order president".)
"Stop the steal!" Trump lost and LIED about it. His stupid and EVIL cult takes his word as gospel.
"They're eating the dogs in Springfield!" They swallowed that BS eagerly to make their racism FEEL better.
"I hate Democrats!" Of course he does. Hate and lies are why his cult worships him.
All of this evil and hate was fed to the stupid and morally bankrupt cult.
After all, "I love the poorly educated" made them FEEL an arrogant sense of pride in their ignorance and stupidity. They don't need no readin' or book larnin', no siree. Trump tells them "how it is".
Hey Skud,
Why do you hate pre-Trump America? When was it great?
Yeah, we know. You can't answer questions to explain your bullshit.
In response to our local trolls I offer this:
You can’t con a conman but you can steal from them
Teaching story sources:
Rebecca stealing Neal’s heart - White Collar
The Mako story - Leverage
YoSafBrige - Firefly
I’m almost happy the horrible bill passed. Almost. My status is so between right now I worry I’ll fall through the cracks. I have done so before, in better times at that.
So why 'almost' happy?
Well there are 17 million fellow citizens and their extended families, communities, and retail hubs that will feel what those 17 million experience in varying degrees of severity when they are kicked off their health care and food assistance. For the record, please remember who it was who set this all off. (Loud whisper: it never was who the authors of the big horrible bill said it was).
I'm fighting every day for what I believe in, a nation that understands the interconnectedness of all things, that understands and practices when you know better you freaking the hell do better, and that basic levels of health care, housing, clothing, food/nutrition, and affordable transportation are Rights. If the Robber Barons won't willingly pay for the workforce they demand, then they can pay the necessary taxes to support that workforce. At least we are giving THEM the choice which they continue to take from WeThePeople.
There I go again, virtue signaling. How woke of me./s
Our morality seeks a different "good", Dave. One that will no longer be relegated to minoritarian POVs. Soon you will need to virtue signal OUR passwords.
Joe Conservative
"Yes, we're very stupid and morally bankrupt. it's nothing your side has failed to do. Your virtue soars above us like the very light of Enlightenment... @@"
It's satisfying to see that you finally acknowledge that truth.
The robber barons aren't the ones who impose the zoning restrictions that make housing unaffordable or energy production options thst render transportation unaffordable. As for health services, having to pay for the higher cost of "free" is what makes it unaffordable. Direct payment for services rendered would halve medical costs today.
You can virtue signal your group membership passwords all you like. But we'll soon transform them from a majoritarian to minoritarian position. :)
I read that the "macaroni" epithet referred specifically to Italian fops of the 18th century who wore large-brimmed hats decorated with feathers.
btw - Your attempts to reterritorialize the word 'citizen' like you did the word 'marriage' has failed.
So yes, we have learned to steal from con men too. :)
Another lie fest from MAGA.
-FJ,
"Direct payment for services rendered would halve medical costs today."
As the civilized countries with single payer universal healthcare have shown us.
"You can virtue signal your group membership passwords all you like."
Really? Like, "rigged election", "massive fraud", "Stop the steal", "Take back your country", "They're eating the dogs in Springfield", "the enemy within", "enemy of the people", and "I hate Democrats"?
If you believe and want this to become the majoritarian position, you really are fascist.
Why not just say, "White makes right", and be honest about your twisted fascist/racist virtue signaling for a change.
"Our morality seeks a different "good", Dave. One that will no longer be relegated to minoritarian POVs."
-FJ's "morality" supports a serial sex-offender, convicted and indicted felon, and insurrectionist liar with immunity from the rule of law granted by the most corrupt and partisan Supreme Court in history.
His "different good" is the recipe for tyranny.
Someone already showed us their formula.
Ignorance is strength.
Freedom is slavery.
War is peace.
“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears.
It was their final, most essential command.” – The Party (1984)
“Just remember, what you are seeing and what you are reading
is not what's happening.” – Donald Trump
The grand tour was very popular in the eighteenths century. This was an experience equipped them "social capital" that they could use to display their wealth.... much like the elite PC luxury values a University education has replaced it with.
They can't do that. Honesty is definitely not a MAGA strong point.
Dave Dubya, why not say the words? Because then they'd have to own them and based on what I've witness from our many named troll, they prefer to dance about the topic thereby avoiding any consequences of either their actions or words.
Like skud, our many named troll is all hat and no cattle.
Ding ding ding! You are correct Shaw, that is exactly what macaroni referenced in the song.
I am honest enough to acknowledge that Americans hated every wave of immigrants coming here so at least we are consistent. Going forward I'd like us to do better and if that makes me whatever label the trolls want to name me, so be it. I was this way when I was a kid and as an old one now I'm the same. Even though my old Marine husband taught me the art of war before he died I remain a hippy. He did try to train it out of me but I'm me, what can I say?
Troll keeps nattering on about PC luxury and University education. Not sure they are aiming my way but in case they are - school is just one facet of learning. Yes, I earned my BA (double major), but after that I started my unofficial official education. It's been decades of study into every topic which caught my fancy, down rabbit and badger holes oh my, and the more you know the more there is to know!. Eventually I settled on the axiom that even knowing as much as I do, I know nothing and the only way to defeat one's ego (I must know all the things!) is to deny it battle.
I think that's all. Well, our trolls are a never ending fountain of ego masked as philosophy (knowing the cost of everything but the value of nothing) so I'm sure they will have more to say but I'm done.
My birthday is this week and I'm doing my best to be gentle with myself so see y'all on the other side of the weekend. ;)
Hey Grey One talks sass! I'm a July birthday girl as well. Mine comes at the end of the month!
A very happy, happy birthday to you. I hope your day is a peaceful and hopeful one, despite what is happening in our country.
If you lived here, I'd bake you an angel food cake topped with native strawberries and whipped cream.
PS. You get to have the entire month as your birthday month! I said so.
"Luxury values are the values of the "edumacated" elites... who show them off (virtue signal) like so many picadilly's. Trumpists just put object's like "feathers" in their caps or gold sneakers on their feet."
Now, there's an excellent example of MAGA "virtue signaling." It implies that MAGA values are so much more authentic than those of the elite class -- y'know, the class that values learning.
As the civilized countries with single payer universal healthcare have shown us.
You mean those piggybacking on the US and using America's Defense subsidy to pay for health care INSTEAD? LOL!
How very "white" of them!
China, with the second highest population on the planet, has universal health care. We don't subsidize them, AFAIK, but they're able to cover their citizens, as other civilized societies do.
"China has a universal health care system, with over 95% of its population covered by government-sponsored health insurance. This system, largely achieved through three public insurance programs, provides access to basic healthcare for the majority of citizens, both urban and rural."
Even Iran!
"Iran has a system that strives for universal healthcare, with a strong emphasis on providing healthcare services to all citizens, including refugees and migrants, through various insurance schemes and public health initiatives. While the system faces challenges related to equitable access and financial sustainability, it has made significant progress in expanding coverage and improving health outcomes.'
Apparently those non-democratic nations are able to offer their citizens health care and "the greatest country in the world" doesn't know how to do it?
Actually, the oligarchs don't want it. They have to keep the insurance companies making billions of dollars by denying sick and injured Americans from getting the coverage they pay for.
I can't count the number of times I read on facebook and other social media platforms American citizens begging for money through "Go Fund Me" to help cover the costs of a catastrophic illness or accident.
A country that has its ruling plutocrats and oligarchs withholding the ability to have universal health care for its citizens is not really a free country. One might even say it's one of those countries Donald Trump called a "something-something hole."
Fascist sociopaths like -FJ enjoy a good laugh at the suffering and debt Americans endure so insurance CEOs get richer.
No conscience. No compassion. No empathy. Just glee at human suffering.
A different "good", indeed.
You mean the Chinese "organ harvesting" health care system? Yes, let's do THAT one...!
From what I've read, forced organ harvesting, while a human right violation and an abhorrent practice, is mainly perpetrated on prisoners of conscience and so-called "enemies of state." It is not part of their national health plan.
It's curious you bring that up but fail to acknowledge how some red states are criminalizing miscarriages and in some cases forcing girls and women to "bleed out" before they provide normal health care for pregnancies that go wrong. Some girls and women have died as a result of this barbaric practice.
To normal human beings that is as abhorrent as forced organ harvesting because the state is has control over an individual's body, not the individual. And that individual is placed in mortal danger because of state forced organ harvesting and pregnancies.
BTW, you do know that we give Israel $3.8 billion a year (supposedly for weapons of war, but do we really know how every penny is spent).
Israel has universal health care and heavily subsidized college for their citizens. While the government heavily subsidizes tuition at public universities, making it significantly cheaper than in many other countries, students still pay tuition fees. These fees are a fraction of the actual cost, with the government covering the rest.
Also, abortion is legal, requiring approval from a termination committee, and is not a guaranteed right for all women. This committee evaluates requests based on specific criteria, though most requests are ultimately approved.
So we subsidize a democratic-socialist country that subsidizes health care and college/university education and abortion.
But the US denies this to its own citizens? Strange, isn't it.
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