Thank you for laying this out. What you’ve shown is exactly what has been the major theme: cruelty isn’t a glitch in the system, it’s the system. The mask of “protecting children” was never about safeguarding the vulnerable…it was a loyalty test, a weaponized theater of morality designed to dehumanize dissent and sanctify power.
The Epstein files exposed the truth: when morality collided with Trump, morality was discarded. That collapse of principle is the tell. Once cruelty becomes the currency, everything else: law, faith, even the language of virtue; is just costume.
— Johan
Professor of behavioral economics and applied cognitive theory
You indirectly but very concisely explained why the current leadership of the U.S. conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) glad-handed Trump into a second term in the White House. Safeguarding the vulnerable, unless the vulnerable are in the fetus, has never been their concern either.
I taught the Holocaust for numerous years to 8th graders. Students learned Hitler came to power because he told the Germans what they wanted to hear in regard to their well-being after WWI. Over time, he amassed the crowds, persecuted those who did not follow his laws, and arrested and killed those who did not comply. Everyone was aware of the mass murders yet no one spoke out. I feel our country is in the same situation unless we continue to profess the truth, continue to hold every member of Congress and the judicial system accountable, and continue to fight for our democratic republic.
That is why independent media is so important. Just mind boggling how the major news networks skirt the truth for fear of being sued by this administration. Perhaps if they hadn’t capitulated to his demands, we would be in a better situation. Instead, fear is the rule of so many established networks which fuels the fire for this corruption.
Not good enough of an excuse. Look at what happened with Kimmel. These people are sacrificing our country by not saying NO! and fighting back. They make me sick.
The horrors of ICE THUGS are a warning to the rest of the population : the SA and SS are back, masked and free to do whatever they want. Due process, lawyers, comparution, judges… all in the trash can. And if you’re protesting or protecting the victims, you’re automatically an enemy of the people …. This isn’t democracy, this is Nazism, Communist Stalinism or Putin’s regime. WAKE UP AMERICA 🇺🇸
You are spot on. We are about to repeat the horror that was Nazi Germany. Sadly too many people that could help (generals) are retiring in protest. I get it, I've been there. But this cause is greater than the needs of the one. (Cliché)
This is the “Reichstag” moment for Trump, Vance, Miller, Hegseth and Vought. They are setting us “enemies of the people” up for the grand moment when we resist and they have a justification for firing the first shot.
Hmmmm, the ironic thing about this is the recent plea deal of RJ May, former MAGA SC state rep, who pleaded guilty to 5 counts of distributing CSAM. That’s “Child Sexual Abuse Material.” And he did it under the account of “JoeBidennnn69.” Yep, the co-founder of the hard-line, right-wing Freedom Caucus in South Carolina. You can’t make this stuff up.
It is just karma that the MAGA followers were conned into going after "pizzagate", yet their own leaders are embroiled in Epstein trafficking underage girls for sex (I'm lookin' at YOU Steve Bannon, and Donffrey Trumpstein, and yes...Elon Musk!). Just look at Trump's spiritual advisor who was busted for sexual assault of a twelve year old girl. RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES, and let the chips fall where they may!
Recently, I’ve read a couple of comments on other sub stacks referring to why Trump has been so reluctant to release the files. The comments suggest that while he may be protecting himself, he may also be protecting those who have protected him, mainly one or more members of the Supreme Court. While this is purely conjecture as far as I know, it did catch my attention.
I just don't get it. If the cult began with wanting conservative principals (not that pedophilia is embraced by either party) why don't the Republicans in office find a new candidate and return to honest conservative principals? How did every last one of them buy in to the cult? What has happened to our country's population that there is no longer independent thinking by a large percentage of the people? As a non cult member I can't wrap my head around this.
Its been ten years since trump emerged on the political scene. Over that time people that werent ready for a cult either got beat in primaries, or didnt run again. Eventually they were all replace with people who believed that BS or too spineless to say they dont
Absolutely right Adam. McCain died, Portman and Romney resigned, your friend Cheney lost her bid, and was wise enough to not reenter the fray, you left, other big names died or have said they are resigning soon. Portman and Romney were honest about their reasons for resigning: couldn't work with the current group of loonies. The remainder are either card-carrying Trumpers, or although dislike him and his policies intensely, are afraid for their plush jobs, so they keep their mouths shut. That's one of the reasons I was in a state of shock that Cruz, the go along guy in every scenario, actually grew a pair and outstandingly said what he said about the FCC, and the Kimmel debacle. I wish he would continue growing his pair and say something about ICE raids which affect his own ethnicity. Does he give a shit at all??
Yes, absolutely. And Rubio has two Hispanic parents, he is totally fluent in Spanish, and horrors of horrors, actually looks Hispanic! That is his primary ethnic background, and he's ok with all of this flagrant illegal deporting going on??? How would he feel if his family was ensnared in this shit? I understand he's Cuban, and probably comes from higher middle class folks, and the deportees are Central American and Mexican, and don't have shit. I get it, but they all descend from Spain, do they not?? And while we're at it, has ICE visited Mar a Lago which I'm sure is operated by hundreds of Latino personnel? It's FL, for God's sakes, and we all know that the Trumps haven't cleaned a toilet......ever. While they're at it, they could check Melania's papers as well as her father's. And how about Trump Tower in NYC? I am sure all maintenance people are Hispanic. Will that be the next stop, or exempted by the monster?
Well, the crime now is that they ARE touching legal Latinas; it doesn't matter to these assholes. Green cards or actual citizenship papers don't mean shit to these masked men, most of whom are ex-felons or failed cops, as I've read. Also read that Noem's lover boy, Corey L, is the one really leading the agency, not her. No surprise there, as I do believe she might be the dumbest bitch one ever laid eyes on. Of course, her husband must be an a-hole too for continuing to support her cheating ways.
Thinking is work. It doesn't always bring up the results you like. A significant portion of our population (of any human population) prefers to have a big Daddy to make the rules and decisions.
Trump said it himself: “I could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and they’d still vote for me.” I’ll never forget when he mocked the reporter Serge Kovaleski AND MAGA did NOT CARE. The “grab ‘em by the p****”comment - MAGA did not care. Stealing classified documents, inciting an insurrection, committing massive fraud, THEY BLAMED BIDEN AND THEY DO NOT CARE. Rape, cruelty, abuse of young girls - IT DOES NOT MATTER. They would not care if he literally unalived a child on the White House lawn. Now, with the government shutdown, every semblance of decency is gone. He is a cruel, unhinged maniac with an appetite for the complete destruction of every one of his perceived enemies. It’s terrifying.
Each one of the examples you cited should have been enough to render him ineligible to run for ANY office, let alone president. The problem is, with each successive one, the public has become less and less inclined to be upset... perhaps not until it comes knocking on their own door.
Agreed. Countless times I’ve read others write “When he mocked the disabled reporter that should’ve been the end of him.” It’s so true but he’d apparently already become a cult leader for MAGA. I’ll never understand it. What kind of hold did he have on them at that point? Millions and millions of them?
I’m old enough to remember when Senator Gary Hart ran for POTUS in 1987 but a photo of him with a woman on his lap (can’t recall her name) on a boat surfaced and his extramarital affairs came to light and were too much for people. He was finished. Now we have an adjudicated rapist and likely pedophile, thief, fraudster, convicted felon, adulterer, cheater, liar, criminal, grifter, con man, sadist, and one of the cruelest and worst human beings to ever live in the last 100 years as both POTUS and Dictator.
Do you remember in 2004 the presidential candidate Howard Dean yelled out a bunch of state names he was going to visit at a rally and then screamed afterward AND THE SCREAM DESTROYED HIS ENTIRE CAMPAIGN. A scream. He just sounded really enthusiastic. But he was mocked mercilessly and laughed out of politics. People played that scream ALL THE TIME and he was ruined as a candidate. People couldn’t tolerate a man who was too enthusiastic!
I mean, my God, I am starting to think we are in Hell, or Trump has come here from Hell…it’s complete lunacy that a scream could destroy a campaign BUT NOTHING EVER DESTROYS TRUMP. What kind of insanity are we living in? He has never had to be accountable for anything. Now he is free to essentially murder people - thanks to the SCOTUS Six giving him full immunity to do whatever he wants (Venezuelan boat strikes - he’s clearly violating maritime law and asking/getting the military to blow up boats illegally, killing people in the process. He’s become so unhinged and so consumed with revenge and retribution against ALL of America, but mainly blue states. I live in Los Angeles and wonder if it’s a good thing or bad…all I know is I want to wake up from this nightmare.
I do remember the Gary Hart scenario. I remember Howard Dean leaving politics but I don't think I ever really knew why.
I find it distressing that he has such a hold on everyone. And not just his base who voted for him, but the Republicans in the Senate, Congress, snd SCOTUS. It's like everyone has abandoned their spines, moral compasses, and integrity. For what? But maybe it isn't for what they will get vs. what they won't get, i.e. retaliation.
I don't know... We just need someone strong to rally the Democrat/Independent troops... and any Republicans who are willing to come back into the fold and leave the insanity behind.
BTW, I am a Canadian 🇨🇦, so if I feel this angry, I can only imagine what you are all feeling.
My best friend is Canadian (lives in Alberta which he’s not too thrilled with politically) and I have visited your beautiful country several times. Robyn I’m impressed with your knowledge of US politics so many decades ago. I always paid attention to politics but it wasn’t until 2015 with Trump that I started to essentially watch in horror as he tried to turn our country into what it’s become now. Thankfully he had guardrails in place during his first term. But when he incited the insurrection, he should’ve been arrested the first day Biden was in office.
Indeed, the failures of the Attorney General Merrick Garland, and yes, Biden, will infuriate me forever. Trump should have been in prison but they waited so long and the right-wing faction of the SCOTUS gave him total immunity - at that point I knew…I knew no matter what, he’d win and I think Musk made sure he won.
I can only imagine the anger Canadians feel, as basically every country in the world, except Israel, loathes this Dictator. Putin laughs at him - all the countries he admires so much with inhumane leaders, they all laugh at him. You’re right - the Democrats have been so, so weak - they can’t even get a coherent message together. I honestly think the last 8+ months have take years off my life. I’ve never been so angry, so scared, so full of pure, unadulterated rage and hatred. I didn’t used to be this way…but he’s told the military he’s going to have them train in blue cities and he will at some point ask them to do something so illegal and horrific - I can barely think about it. Never in a million years would I have believed he would have this insane hold on Republicans in Congress…he put in loyalists in his Cabinet and the Six Corrupt Christofascists on the Supreme Court are 100% in his pocket…they gave him permission to do all of this without fear of prosecution. Anyway, he’s an existential threat to the entire world, and it’s not just him. It’s the tech bro oligarchs who want democracy destroyed that are deliriously happy at what’s happening. Not to mention, Russ Vought, Stephen Miller, etc etc.
We found out from Howard Lutnick who lived next door to Epstein for years. Epstein would video tape those who came for massages. And many men just enjoyed HAPPY ENDINGS. Including the Pedo in Chief who lived 1 mile away and was his BEST FRIEND. Hey Donnie come on over I've got 3 new girls 13, 14 and 15. Great massages. Yes you'll have your happy ending. And the chief PEDO did this for 15 years! 15 years. And a few times it was more than a happy ending when he actually raped them. See lawsuit by Katie Johnson v Trump. But a 49 year old with a 13 year old that was the perfect image of his daughter? What could be better than having sex with your daughter and not being incest? Yup Incest by Proxy. The man is a sex pervert. Who brags about grabbin strange women by their pussy? Who rapes a woman in a clothing store dressing room> Who gets his rocks off by walking in on 13 to 16 year old girls in beauty pageants to catch them naked. Who goes on Howard Stern and brags about commiting adultery. Who? The same one who does insider trading. The same man that was video taped accepting $2 million cash in a briefcase from a Russian friend of Putin. Putin has that TAPE - OH YOU DIDN"T KNOW. Putin just squeezes Trump's cohones whenever he wants to. The imbecile, moron, idiot with the LOW IQ has been doing crimes forever. And he finaggeled out of it for the last 4 years. the man is a felon, the man is a criminal and will cheat, steal and do anything illegal to stay in power and NOT NOT NOT release the infor that shows he is PEDOPHILE IN CHIEF.
That NO ONE has leaked them is surprising. But then again, as I have said for quite a while, there are way too many wealthy, powerful white men in them--from across the political spectrum. I imagine we'll never really know.
I have to wonder how much of what Trump and his minions do is really about providing distractions from the Epstein files. I doubt the move to militarize our cities is completely about the files (that is probably more about the upcoming elections), but Comey, the ridiculous Hegseth "military" speech, all speak to desperation.
We can't let those refusing to release the Epstein files get away with this...among all the other fires this administration has started and let rage out of control...we need to pour gasoline on the Epstein flames. Thank you again Adam...take a breath and enjoy the weekend with your family!!
The Truth Is The Light Adam!!! Now let’s see how the Mainstream Media and far right wing media outlets respond to this news!!!
MAGA has always been a cult from day one!!!
There wasn’t any evidence of a deep state in our country until the trump administration was elected not only once but twice!!! And many people bought into the lies and deceit this administration was spreading during his campaign rallies to become re-elected.
Evangelicals believed that they were following a man who believed in their religion. And because the republicans continued to fear monger about the immigrants at the border, demonizing the gay community and abortion: the people fell asleep and into the water of conspiracy theories and lies.
He also embraced white nationalism and Ross Vought with Steven Millers that wrote project 2025 that dismantled our democracy and government.
Many have said that there should be a special election due to all that has transpired with this present administration.
The 25th Amendment should be invoked by both houses.
And all of those who contributed to these treasonous acts should resign immediately or be impeached!!!
The government was allowed to shutdown because of not only the Epstein files, but also the Constitution and the rule of law being violated by this administration!!!
The release of the J6 insurrectionist should also be added to his criminal charges!!! How much longer will the American People put up with an incompetent, corrupt, no experience president and his cabinet not governing what so ever? Enough should be enough and it’s time for the mainstream media outlets and press call this administration for what they truly represent!!!
Actions always speak louder than words. I’ve heard this since I was a child( I’m now 74). Jesus spoke this saying, “…you will know these people by the way that they live” (Matthew 7:16, my paraphrasing). Words are cheap, easily spoken, easy to gloss over, easily misconstrued. If it quakes like a duck (maybe a duck, maybe not?), if it walks like a duck (actions, definitely a duck), it’s a duck. The maga Republicans (and some Democrats) say that children are to be protected, they are on the top of their list. But actions don’t bear that out. No gun reforms, not even the most basic restrictions like stricter background checks, assault weapons ban, red flag laws. And then there’s crazy batshit RFK, discounting children’s vaccines and thereby exposing and advocating for childhood diseases to come roaring back in our society. Medicaid cuts for the most vulnerable (a large percentage children), sending them down a path of illnesses and a lower quality of healthcare as they grow into adults. The massive cuts of funding to the Department of Education will have a devastating effect on our children for many years forward. Those are just the ones that came to mind in the first few minutes of reflecting on this article,Adam. I’m sure there are others egregious examples to add to this list. I don’t recognize the Republican Party, its leaders, (and there are Democrats complicit too) nor this country anymore. Keep speaking truth, we are listening.
Sometime in the last couple of days I saw Howard Lutnick make a statement about having visited Epstein, seeing and hearing comments about the massage table, and then wrapping himself in the "family values" mantra that he and his wife decided to never have anything further to do with that disgusting person. (Why did he need his wife's input to come to that conclusion?)
I had assumed in the moment that it was just him trying to get back in the news, similar to his statement earlier this week that Taiwan needs to move 50% of their semiconductor production to the US in order to continue to receive protection. (A ludicrous demand and clearly just a bullying technique.) But on further thought I was wondering if he is getting worried about the release of more information and is trying to get ahead of something about himself.
Epstein managed to blackmail rich and powerful men who could be tempted. I am no fan of Lutnick, but I read the transcript as a man, with his wife along to meet the new neighbor, who did not go for Epstein's bait. There are plenty of men who would be repulsed.
I read his remarks as wanting to open up some distance between himself and the failing s***show that is Trump.
I'm the neighbor the abused women came to. And I helped & protected each one of them. Even if it meant going to a bar with my neighbor to serve her soon to be ex.
If Epstein invited me over to see his 'dude ranch' of 14 yr old girls, I probably would be in jail. Maybe being molested by my baby sitter when I was 8 was a good thing? 🤬
No, it could never be a "good thing" to be injured. But as you turned it around to help others who would often otherwise be ignored or stigmatized? That reminds me of the old one of "turning scars into stars."
Absolutely right. But the real tragedy is that if we have devolved into the situation where the MAGA cult is all raw power, then only raw power will defeat it. That is the objective of Putin and our enemies and the morbidly rich--to have the world's best hope destroy itself from within, so that dictatorship and greed can resume the hold over the human race they have had for most of its existence. If they win here, then the world is lost. And they are winning.
I think this evil administration will burn our institutions to the ground. Destruction is ALWAYS easy.
We will need to re-form not just restore a system that was not working well for a lot of people.
There is a tremendous opposition building--not among those with great resources because they think they'll be okay.
It is way premature to give up. We have just begun to fight. Think Civil War, or WWII. Terrible setbacks, many sacrifices, no guarantees. We modern Americans are not used to such challenges.
But we can do it, by working together. Violence is tempting, but non-violent resistance is what actually succeeds.
Please. Get yourself to your nearest No Kings Day rally on October 18th. NoKings.org to find it (or start one in your community)
You'll be uplifted by all the good people coming together.
Thank You Adam.. It has always been about hate and power. I know many maga voters .. They are filled with grievance . I am sure the excuses they are making for Trump and Epstein are as pathetic as the excuses they made about the 1/6 rioters. I had a guy who used to pick me up at the airport tell me on 1/6 "no one was killed" I said to him , "They defecated on the floor of the capital. " I knew that was something that would offend him. Beating up 140 policemen no problem. I think even the maga podcasters are half hearted in there attempts to address the Epstein files. They just want it to go away. As our country goes down the drain I am beside myself with concern for my fellow Americans. lost in america
Thank you for laying this out. What you’ve shown is exactly what has been the major theme: cruelty isn’t a glitch in the system, it’s the system. The mask of “protecting children” was never about safeguarding the vulnerable…it was a loyalty test, a weaponized theater of morality designed to dehumanize dissent and sanctify power.
The Epstein files exposed the truth: when morality collided with Trump, morality was discarded. That collapse of principle is the tell. Once cruelty becomes the currency, everything else: law, faith, even the language of virtue; is just costume.
— Johan
Professor of behavioral economics and applied cognitive theory
Former Foreign Service Officer
heck of a resume.. thanks for serving
You indirectly but very concisely explained why the current leadership of the U.S. conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) glad-handed Trump into a second term in the White House. Safeguarding the vulnerable, unless the vulnerable are in the fetus, has never been their concern either.
Johan, “the collapse of principle…”. So true.
👏👏👏
I taught the Holocaust for numerous years to 8th graders. Students learned Hitler came to power because he told the Germans what they wanted to hear in regard to their well-being after WWI. Over time, he amassed the crowds, persecuted those who did not follow his laws, and arrested and killed those who did not comply. Everyone was aware of the mass murders yet no one spoke out. I feel our country is in the same situation unless we continue to profess the truth, continue to hold every member of Congress and the judicial system accountable, and continue to fight for our democratic republic.
well said. important warning
We're very close to an American Holocaust IMHO. Read the "Domestic Terrorism and Political Violence" Memo from the White House a few days ago.
But no one is DOING anything about it. And the major news media STILL refuses to report the actual truth. ALL of it! 😤
That is why independent media is so important. Just mind boggling how the major news networks skirt the truth for fear of being sued by this administration. Perhaps if they hadn’t capitulated to his demands, we would be in a better situation. Instead, fear is the rule of so many established networks which fuels the fire for this corruption.
Exactly right. Their love of money is beyond disgusting.
Well said, my friend.
Because we have a dictator who will punish any media that talks badly about him, get their license revoked. No First Amendment.
Not good enough of an excuse. Look at what happened with Kimmel. These people are sacrificing our country by not saying NO! and fighting back. They make me sick.
It will get worse before it gets better.
The horrors of ICE THUGS are a warning to the rest of the population : the SA and SS are back, masked and free to do whatever they want. Due process, lawyers, comparution, judges… all in the trash can. And if you’re protesting or protecting the victims, you’re automatically an enemy of the people …. This isn’t democracy, this is Nazism, Communist Stalinism or Putin’s regime. WAKE UP AMERICA 🇺🇸
You are spot on. We are about to repeat the horror that was Nazi Germany. Sadly too many people that could help (generals) are retiring in protest. I get it, I've been there. But this cause is greater than the needs of the one. (Cliché)
Mark
This is the “Reichstag” moment for Trump, Vance, Miller, Hegseth and Vought. They are setting us “enemies of the people” up for the grand moment when we resist and they have a justification for firing the first shot.
Hmmmm, the ironic thing about this is the recent plea deal of RJ May, former MAGA SC state rep, who pleaded guilty to 5 counts of distributing CSAM. That’s “Child Sexual Abuse Material.” And he did it under the account of “JoeBidennnn69.” Yep, the co-founder of the hard-line, right-wing Freedom Caucus in South Carolina. You can’t make this stuff up.
When will this nightmare be over?
its always these people
https://apnews.com/article/texas-megachurch-pastor-sexual-abuse-oklahoma-0ca16aa31d9d8e5a810d1e1e3483dce4
And I am just hearing of this now. There is so much coming at us...
Agree.
It is just karma that the MAGA followers were conned into going after "pizzagate", yet their own leaders are embroiled in Epstein trafficking underage girls for sex (I'm lookin' at YOU Steve Bannon, and Donffrey Trumpstein, and yes...Elon Musk!). Just look at Trump's spiritual advisor who was busted for sexual assault of a twelve year old girl. RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES, and let the chips fall where they may!
Recently, I’ve read a couple of comments on other sub stacks referring to why Trump has been so reluctant to release the files. The comments suggest that while he may be protecting himself, he may also be protecting those who have protected him, mainly one or more members of the Supreme Court. While this is purely conjecture as far as I know, it did catch my attention.
I just don't get it. If the cult began with wanting conservative principals (not that pedophilia is embraced by either party) why don't the Republicans in office find a new candidate and return to honest conservative principals? How did every last one of them buy in to the cult? What has happened to our country's population that there is no longer independent thinking by a large percentage of the people? As a non cult member I can't wrap my head around this.
Its been ten years since trump emerged on the political scene. Over that time people that werent ready for a cult either got beat in primaries, or didnt run again. Eventually they were all replace with people who believed that BS or too spineless to say they dont
Absolutely right Adam. McCain died, Portman and Romney resigned, your friend Cheney lost her bid, and was wise enough to not reenter the fray, you left, other big names died or have said they are resigning soon. Portman and Romney were honest about their reasons for resigning: couldn't work with the current group of loonies. The remainder are either card-carrying Trumpers, or although dislike him and his policies intensely, are afraid for their plush jobs, so they keep their mouths shut. That's one of the reasons I was in a state of shock that Cruz, the go along guy in every scenario, actually grew a pair and outstandingly said what he said about the FCC, and the Kimmel debacle. I wish he would continue growing his pair and say something about ICE raids which affect his own ethnicity. Does he give a shit at all??
Just like Rubio.
Yes, absolutely. And Rubio has two Hispanic parents, he is totally fluent in Spanish, and horrors of horrors, actually looks Hispanic! That is his primary ethnic background, and he's ok with all of this flagrant illegal deporting going on??? How would he feel if his family was ensnared in this shit? I understand he's Cuban, and probably comes from higher middle class folks, and the deportees are Central American and Mexican, and don't have shit. I get it, but they all descend from Spain, do they not?? And while we're at it, has ICE visited Mar a Lago which I'm sure is operated by hundreds of Latino personnel? It's FL, for God's sakes, and we all know that the Trumps haven't cleaned a toilet......ever. While they're at it, they could check Melania's papers as well as her father's. And how about Trump Tower in NYC? I am sure all maintenance people are Hispanic. Will that be the next stop, or exempted by the monster?
They dare not touch his precious illegal latinas because somebody needs to clean his GOLDEN SHITS.
Well, the crime now is that they ARE touching legal Latinas; it doesn't matter to these assholes. Green cards or actual citizenship papers don't mean shit to these masked men, most of whom are ex-felons or failed cops, as I've read. Also read that Noem's lover boy, Corey L, is the one really leading the agency, not her. No surprise there, as I do believe she might be the dumbest bitch one ever laid eyes on. Of course, her husband must be an a-hole too for continuing to support her cheating ways.
Fear. Trump threatens everyone in his way.
Follow the money!
Principles
Thinking is work. It doesn't always bring up the results you like. A significant portion of our population (of any human population) prefers to have a big Daddy to make the rules and decisions.
Trump's Cult period.
Trump said it himself: “I could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and they’d still vote for me.” I’ll never forget when he mocked the reporter Serge Kovaleski AND MAGA did NOT CARE. The “grab ‘em by the p****”comment - MAGA did not care. Stealing classified documents, inciting an insurrection, committing massive fraud, THEY BLAMED BIDEN AND THEY DO NOT CARE. Rape, cruelty, abuse of young girls - IT DOES NOT MATTER. They would not care if he literally unalived a child on the White House lawn. Now, with the government shutdown, every semblance of decency is gone. He is a cruel, unhinged maniac with an appetite for the complete destruction of every one of his perceived enemies. It’s terrifying.
They are Trump.
Exactly.
Each one of the examples you cited should have been enough to render him ineligible to run for ANY office, let alone president. The problem is, with each successive one, the public has become less and less inclined to be upset... perhaps not until it comes knocking on their own door.
Agreed. Countless times I’ve read others write “When he mocked the disabled reporter that should’ve been the end of him.” It’s so true but he’d apparently already become a cult leader for MAGA. I’ll never understand it. What kind of hold did he have on them at that point? Millions and millions of them?
I’m old enough to remember when Senator Gary Hart ran for POTUS in 1987 but a photo of him with a woman on his lap (can’t recall her name) on a boat surfaced and his extramarital affairs came to light and were too much for people. He was finished. Now we have an adjudicated rapist and likely pedophile, thief, fraudster, convicted felon, adulterer, cheater, liar, criminal, grifter, con man, sadist, and one of the cruelest and worst human beings to ever live in the last 100 years as both POTUS and Dictator.
Do you remember in 2004 the presidential candidate Howard Dean yelled out a bunch of state names he was going to visit at a rally and then screamed afterward AND THE SCREAM DESTROYED HIS ENTIRE CAMPAIGN. A scream. He just sounded really enthusiastic. But he was mocked mercilessly and laughed out of politics. People played that scream ALL THE TIME and he was ruined as a candidate. People couldn’t tolerate a man who was too enthusiastic!
I mean, my God, I am starting to think we are in Hell, or Trump has come here from Hell…it’s complete lunacy that a scream could destroy a campaign BUT NOTHING EVER DESTROYS TRUMP. What kind of insanity are we living in? He has never had to be accountable for anything. Now he is free to essentially murder people - thanks to the SCOTUS Six giving him full immunity to do whatever he wants (Venezuelan boat strikes - he’s clearly violating maritime law and asking/getting the military to blow up boats illegally, killing people in the process. He’s become so unhinged and so consumed with revenge and retribution against ALL of America, but mainly blue states. I live in Los Angeles and wonder if it’s a good thing or bad…all I know is I want to wake up from this nightmare.
I do remember the Gary Hart scenario. I remember Howard Dean leaving politics but I don't think I ever really knew why.
I find it distressing that he has such a hold on everyone. And not just his base who voted for him, but the Republicans in the Senate, Congress, snd SCOTUS. It's like everyone has abandoned their spines, moral compasses, and integrity. For what? But maybe it isn't for what they will get vs. what they won't get, i.e. retaliation.
I don't know... We just need someone strong to rally the Democrat/Independent troops... and any Republicans who are willing to come back into the fold and leave the insanity behind.
BTW, I am a Canadian 🇨🇦, so if I feel this angry, I can only imagine what you are all feeling.
Hello lovely Canadian!
My best friend is Canadian (lives in Alberta which he’s not too thrilled with politically) and I have visited your beautiful country several times. Robyn I’m impressed with your knowledge of US politics so many decades ago. I always paid attention to politics but it wasn’t until 2015 with Trump that I started to essentially watch in horror as he tried to turn our country into what it’s become now. Thankfully he had guardrails in place during his first term. But when he incited the insurrection, he should’ve been arrested the first day Biden was in office.
Indeed, the failures of the Attorney General Merrick Garland, and yes, Biden, will infuriate me forever. Trump should have been in prison but they waited so long and the right-wing faction of the SCOTUS gave him total immunity - at that point I knew…I knew no matter what, he’d win and I think Musk made sure he won.
I can only imagine the anger Canadians feel, as basically every country in the world, except Israel, loathes this Dictator. Putin laughs at him - all the countries he admires so much with inhumane leaders, they all laugh at him. You’re right - the Democrats have been so, so weak - they can’t even get a coherent message together. I honestly think the last 8+ months have take years off my life. I’ve never been so angry, so scared, so full of pure, unadulterated rage and hatred. I didn’t used to be this way…but he’s told the military he’s going to have them train in blue cities and he will at some point ask them to do something so illegal and horrific - I can barely think about it. Never in a million years would I have believed he would have this insane hold on Republicans in Congress…he put in loyalists in his Cabinet and the Six Corrupt Christofascists on the Supreme Court are 100% in his pocket…they gave him permission to do all of this without fear of prosecution. Anyway, he’s an existential threat to the entire world, and it’s not just him. It’s the tech bro oligarchs who want democracy destroyed that are deliriously happy at what’s happening. Not to mention, Russ Vought, Stephen Miller, etc etc.
We found out from Howard Lutnick who lived next door to Epstein for years. Epstein would video tape those who came for massages. And many men just enjoyed HAPPY ENDINGS. Including the Pedo in Chief who lived 1 mile away and was his BEST FRIEND. Hey Donnie come on over I've got 3 new girls 13, 14 and 15. Great massages. Yes you'll have your happy ending. And the chief PEDO did this for 15 years! 15 years. And a few times it was more than a happy ending when he actually raped them. See lawsuit by Katie Johnson v Trump. But a 49 year old with a 13 year old that was the perfect image of his daughter? What could be better than having sex with your daughter and not being incest? Yup Incest by Proxy. The man is a sex pervert. Who brags about grabbin strange women by their pussy? Who rapes a woman in a clothing store dressing room> Who gets his rocks off by walking in on 13 to 16 year old girls in beauty pageants to catch them naked. Who goes on Howard Stern and brags about commiting adultery. Who? The same one who does insider trading. The same man that was video taped accepting $2 million cash in a briefcase from a Russian friend of Putin. Putin has that TAPE - OH YOU DIDN"T KNOW. Putin just squeezes Trump's cohones whenever he wants to. The imbecile, moron, idiot with the LOW IQ has been doing crimes forever. And he finaggeled out of it for the last 4 years. the man is a felon, the man is a criminal and will cheat, steal and do anything illegal to stay in power and NOT NOT NOT release the infor that shows he is PEDOPHILE IN CHIEF.
But Adam, what is the next step? How do the files get exposed
That NO ONE has leaked them is surprising. But then again, as I have said for quite a while, there are way too many wealthy, powerful white men in them--from across the political spectrum. I imagine we'll never really know.
I have to wonder how much of what Trump and his minions do is really about providing distractions from the Epstein files. I doubt the move to militarize our cities is completely about the files (that is probably more about the upcoming elections), but Comey, the ridiculous Hegseth "military" speech, all speak to desperation.
We can't let those refusing to release the Epstein files get away with this...among all the other fires this administration has started and let rage out of control...we need to pour gasoline on the Epstein flames. Thank you again Adam...take a breath and enjoy the weekend with your family!!
The Truth Is The Light Adam!!! Now let’s see how the Mainstream Media and far right wing media outlets respond to this news!!!
MAGA has always been a cult from day one!!!
There wasn’t any evidence of a deep state in our country until the trump administration was elected not only once but twice!!! And many people bought into the lies and deceit this administration was spreading during his campaign rallies to become re-elected.
Evangelicals believed that they were following a man who believed in their religion. And because the republicans continued to fear monger about the immigrants at the border, demonizing the gay community and abortion: the people fell asleep and into the water of conspiracy theories and lies.
He also embraced white nationalism and Ross Vought with Steven Millers that wrote project 2025 that dismantled our democracy and government.
Many have said that there should be a special election due to all that has transpired with this present administration.
The 25th Amendment should be invoked by both houses.
And all of those who contributed to these treasonous acts should resign immediately or be impeached!!!
The government was allowed to shutdown because of not only the Epstein files, but also the Constitution and the rule of law being violated by this administration!!!
The release of the J6 insurrectionist should also be added to his criminal charges!!! How much longer will the American People put up with an incompetent, corrupt, no experience president and his cabinet not governing what so ever? Enough should be enough and it’s time for the mainstream media outlets and press call this administration for what they truly represent!!!
Wake up America!!! God Is Not Mocked!!!
Be Blessed Adam and stay safe!!!
USAF Veterans For Life
Thank you for being totally honest about this. He is a proverbial sewer rat, cornered and lashing out whatever way.
Actions always speak louder than words. I’ve heard this since I was a child( I’m now 74). Jesus spoke this saying, “…you will know these people by the way that they live” (Matthew 7:16, my paraphrasing). Words are cheap, easily spoken, easy to gloss over, easily misconstrued. If it quakes like a duck (maybe a duck, maybe not?), if it walks like a duck (actions, definitely a duck), it’s a duck. The maga Republicans (and some Democrats) say that children are to be protected, they are on the top of their list. But actions don’t bear that out. No gun reforms, not even the most basic restrictions like stricter background checks, assault weapons ban, red flag laws. And then there’s crazy batshit RFK, discounting children’s vaccines and thereby exposing and advocating for childhood diseases to come roaring back in our society. Medicaid cuts for the most vulnerable (a large percentage children), sending them down a path of illnesses and a lower quality of healthcare as they grow into adults. The massive cuts of funding to the Department of Education will have a devastating effect on our children for many years forward. Those are just the ones that came to mind in the first few minutes of reflecting on this article,Adam. I’m sure there are others egregious examples to add to this list. I don’t recognize the Republican Party, its leaders, (and there are Democrats complicit too) nor this country anymore. Keep speaking truth, we are listening.
Sometime in the last couple of days I saw Howard Lutnick make a statement about having visited Epstein, seeing and hearing comments about the massage table, and then wrapping himself in the "family values" mantra that he and his wife decided to never have anything further to do with that disgusting person. (Why did he need his wife's input to come to that conclusion?)
I had assumed in the moment that it was just him trying to get back in the news, similar to his statement earlier this week that Taiwan needs to move 50% of their semiconductor production to the US in order to continue to receive protection. (A ludicrous demand and clearly just a bullying technique.) But on further thought I was wondering if he is getting worried about the release of more information and is trying to get ahead of something about himself.
Epstein managed to blackmail rich and powerful men who could be tempted. I am no fan of Lutnick, but I read the transcript as a man, with his wife along to meet the new neighbor, who did not go for Epstein's bait. There are plenty of men who would be repulsed.
I read his remarks as wanting to open up some distance between himself and the failing s***show that is Trump.
I'm the neighbor the abused women came to. And I helped & protected each one of them. Even if it meant going to a bar with my neighbor to serve her soon to be ex.
If Epstein invited me over to see his 'dude ranch' of 14 yr old girls, I probably would be in jail. Maybe being molested by my baby sitter when I was 8 was a good thing? 🤬
Mark
No, it could never be a "good thing" to be injured. But as you turned it around to help others who would often otherwise be ignored or stigmatized? That reminds me of the old one of "turning scars into stars."
Keep on shining in the dark night!
Nutlick
Absolutely right. But the real tragedy is that if we have devolved into the situation where the MAGA cult is all raw power, then only raw power will defeat it. That is the objective of Putin and our enemies and the morbidly rich--to have the world's best hope destroy itself from within, so that dictatorship and greed can resume the hold over the human race they have had for most of its existence. If they win here, then the world is lost. And they are winning.
I respectfully disagree.
I think this evil administration will burn our institutions to the ground. Destruction is ALWAYS easy.
We will need to re-form not just restore a system that was not working well for a lot of people.
There is a tremendous opposition building--not among those with great resources because they think they'll be okay.
It is way premature to give up. We have just begun to fight. Think Civil War, or WWII. Terrible setbacks, many sacrifices, no guarantees. We modern Americans are not used to such challenges.
But we can do it, by working together. Violence is tempting, but non-violent resistance is what actually succeeds.
Please. Get yourself to your nearest No Kings Day rally on October 18th. NoKings.org to find it (or start one in your community)
You'll be uplifted by all the good people coming together.
Thank You Adam.. It has always been about hate and power. I know many maga voters .. They are filled with grievance . I am sure the excuses they are making for Trump and Epstein are as pathetic as the excuses they made about the 1/6 rioters. I had a guy who used to pick me up at the airport tell me on 1/6 "no one was killed" I said to him , "They defecated on the floor of the capital. " I knew that was something that would offend him. Beating up 140 policemen no problem. I think even the maga podcasters are half hearted in there attempts to address the Epstein files. They just want it to go away. As our country goes down the drain I am beside myself with concern for my fellow Americans. lost in america