Will Republican voter suppression efforts be enough to block the tens of millions of Americans who have discovered that Trump and the Republicans don't give a damn about them?
By Thom Hartmann A...
In a stunning proof that he doesn't care about anybody's life except his own, a sick and infectious Donald Trump ordered two Secret Service agents to join him in "The Beast," the presidential limousine, which is "hermetically sealed against chemical attacks" so it has absolutely no fresh air. The #ProudBoys and other white supremacist groups had gathered outside Walter Reed, and Trump had to go out and wave to his adoring cult members.Meanwhile, news reports tell us that people who work for this administration are in full-blown panic because Trump doesn't give a damn about their lives, as Mark Meadows, the Chief of Staff, has failed to provide guidance or even instructions on what they should be doing and how they should protect themselves from the virus that seems to be spreading rapidly through the White House.
While the Trump show is playing out on television, Trump's senior officials, who don't give a damn about our lives, are continuing to sell off our public lands, destroy our national parks, increase the pollution of our air and water, and destroy the credibility of historic organizations like the Centers for Disease Control.
This GOP administration is still preventing military and government employees from making their Social Security contributions this year because Republicans don't give a damn about the lives or retirements of military and government employees. Trump promises to make this permanent if he gets reelected, meaning the Social Security trust fund will be exhausted and dead for all the rest of us in three years.
At the Supreme Court, the Republican lawsuit by 20 states and the Trump administration, arguing that Americans should no longer have any protections against pre-existing conditions and 20 million Americans should lose Medicaid, proceeds because these Republican governors and Trump don't give a damn if anybody gets sick, unless it's themselves or their own families.
Mitch McConnell continues to oversee the defunding of police and fire departments all across the country, as he refuses to consider legislation passed by the House that would backstop state and local government's budgets, now that they're being wiped out by the loss of sales tax and other revenues because of the Trump virus. This is all, of course, because Mitch McConnell and the Republican party don't give a damn about average people, particularly those who live in cities and vote predominantly Democratic.
And, having thrown away the Pandemic Playbooks worked out by both the Bush and Obama administrations, there's no Federal plan to do anything meaningful about this pandemic.
In fact, it's the opposite. States run by Trump-humpers like Ron DeSantis in Florida are actively encouraging their citizens to get infected and spread the infection, because a sociopathic lack of care for American citizens is now the trademark and brand of today's Republican Party.
This Republican disregard for average Americans begin with the Reagan administration destroying unions and initiating the process of shipping jobs overseas. Every Republican administration since has built on that, and Trump, although bizarre, is merely the logical end point of 40 years of Reaganism.
While Trump repeatedly tells us that he's bringing jobs back home, his deal with Mexico gives American companies a huge tax incentive to continue exporting jobs, and many have. Our trade deficit with China is worse than it's ever been.
Polls suggest Republicans are going to lose in a landslide unless their voter suppression efforts are as successful as they were four years ago. No matter what, though, the majority of the American people seem to have figured out this scam.
The question now is whether tricks like purging voting rolls and only putting one ballot drop-box in the entire city of Houston will be enough to help the Republicans hang onto power and continue proving they don't give a damn about the average American while they are disassembling and destroying America.
-Thom
Comments
#2
I have said that the last 4 years have been like living in an endless bar fight. But this past one has been more like swimming in silly putty. Nothing sticks, nothing works and everything bounces crazily. Hopefully we've reached the nadir. Getting rid of Trump and cutting down his enablers in the Senate are only the first steps, but they are big ones. Remember, nothing lasts forever and bad times do turn around. May it be soon. If this fool stays in office it's hard to see how any sort of coherent, effective country will be left, and maybe that is exactly what they want.
#3
Wallace was indeed an open minded and progressive man. Unfortunately he trusted Stalin, not realizing he was about as bad a monster as history has ever produced. In 1952 he admitted his terrible mistake here. Roosevelt gave far too much to the Soviets and it is quite possible that Wallace would have done even more. Truman made mistake too perhaps going too far the other way and laying the groundwork for later problems--he did say that under Eisenhower the CIA got completely out of control. Anyway, Wallace might have been limited by Congress and the special interests behind it; even Truman couldn't get a universial health care bill through.
#4
BULLSHIT!!!! There’s no way that Trump ever contracted the Covid infection. Where is there any real proof? It’s all a Trump Production Scam! There is no way I can go on believing that Trump really tested positive. Everything is just way, way too convenient. It’s all bullshit. Maybe others around him have contracted the virus, but not Trump. There’s no way this pile of pig shit got the virus and bounced right back. It’s fucking nonsense.
The press keeps reporting this as a fact. It’s bullshit. It reeks of being a Trump production. Why do you think they would not let Dr. Fauci get close to him. Because Fauci could not be corrupted. Fauci could not be made to lie. But apparently military doctors at Walter Reed could and did.
Just when Trump most needed a major diversion from the NY Times reporting on his taxes, his debacle at the debates and sagging polls, Trump had to do something extreme, very extreme or consider spending the rest of his life in prison.
Knowing that both Boris Johnson and Jair Bolsonaro both became more popular after recovering from Covid-19 and knowing that he desperately needed to change the conversation…what better way to turn the Virus into a positive from his perspective than to pretend that he tested positive and was able to miraculously fight it off like superman. Do you really think that Trump would not jump at the opportunity to kill a bevy of birds with one stone? Do you really think that the worlds biggest liar and most corrupt president of all time would not hesitate to jump at the chance?
Think of the whole scenario. Trump claims to test positive. Makes his dramatic stroll out to the helicopter and then into Walter Reed. Reports of Trump heroically offering himself to be the recipient of a number of miracle drugs, rides around in his limousine waving to the adoring crowds, triumphant return to the White House in record time, ascends to the balcony, ala Mussolini, arrogantly rips off his mask and commands the masses not to be afraid of the Virus. And the press keeps reporting as if there is proof beyond any doubt that Trump tested positive and actually has the virus without an iota of any real evidence other than the words of proven liars and willing toadies.
Science reporter Laurie Garret said on the radio this morning “that it doesn’t make sense, it doesn’t add up,” I paraphrase. But Laurie, it does add up if it is a fraud designed to change the conversation and make Trump look like a conquering hero. Then it completely makes sense. Show me one bit of proof that Trump actually tested positive and is infected with the virus. Media, quit reporting that Trump is or was ever sick with the virus without visible proof other than his word and the word of his loyal Kool Aid drinking ass kissers. Don’t assume that this is not a hoax unless you are shown evidence otherwise. It’s Trump’s word against Reality.
#5
Trump's desperate attempt to write the narrative about what is going on with his health reeks of flop-sweat. It is not working on the mainstream media in any way, shape or form. All the experts on NBC, ABC & CBS are appalled and not shy about saying he is foolish. They have roundly criticized the use of 3 different therapies all at once, as well as his stupid display concerning the car-ride. No one with any common sense is buying what he is selling.
I watched him whip that mask off, and it looked to me that he was having trouble breathing. Stay tuned...it's still early. Who knows what will happen to him in the long run as well.
On the possitive side, there has also been an emphasis on health care or lack of it and attempts to destroy the ACA. We could not have proved our point any better than they have.
I have often said Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu are the best bad examples we could have for the youth. That list has grown with Duterte, Bolsanaro, and now Lukashenko. These young people are seeing what horrible people and horrible governments can do to the innocent.
I just saw the Bully, Boogaloo, Proud Boys and "Christian" right rally for Trump. There were very few youth, mostly people in their 50's and 60's. On the same day, the twenty-somethings and a small number of oldsters of our area were gathering donations for the victims of the wild fires.
#6
The Covid-19 episode of the Apprentice is not over. As 1 Doctor said, Trump speaks from a very privileged position. As CNN pointed out he did 2 takes on his mask removal scene at the White House. It was all show. Also, he is exposing countless aids etc. to the virus. Despite the experimental anti body treatments and other drugs that none of us could get, he still has it. The White House will be set up as a hospital but he now has control that he did not have at the hospital. Nobody can see what is going on behind closed doors. He controls what is said and what is shown. Dr Fauci says it is not over. Stay tuned for the continuing saga.
Meahwhile, several top people are in hiding, I mean quarantine. Bill Barr, Chuck Grassley, Jim Jordan and more. You do not have to announce it if you get it. Rudy Guliani was on Fox and kept coughing. This virus thrives on crowds and lack of precautions. We are its legs.
#7
Take it from someone that is the exact age as the president and slightly over weight and out of shape. Even walking up a few stairs can result in being out of breath. So, I wouldn’t put too much into Trump gasping for air after climbing the stairs to the balcony as evidence of him being sick with the virus.
The media keeps reporting that Trump is sick with the Covid virus, but there is not one iota of data or results of tests that have been released that confirm Trump’s Covid infection, one way or another. Everything is anecdotal. In other words, we are expected to believe Trump and his toadies. Be skeptical. The whole thing reeks of a Trump TV production. Look at Trump looking out from the balcony and saluting the masses like a conquering hero. Total bullshit Trump production.
Sorry, but who would have ever believed that this guy could ever be president in the first place and that he cold have such a loyal following among his base, but even more shocking a totally compliant, treasonous Republican congress.
One banner popular with Trumpees says: “Trump 2020 No More Bullshit.” But of course, Trump is all Bullshit.
#8
I think that he does have the virus. This is his chance to "show it is nothing". A few photo ops. Think of when you have had the flu. You could look good for a short period of time. This article describes it good. I am sure that a mobile xray and probably MRI are now parked at the White House. His suite is set up with full instrumentation and oxygen. Doctors are 24/7. It will be interesting to see who is out in public this week. This article says that Ivanka is working from home. So does she have it? Is this a huge coverup? My guess is that the Russians, Chinese and others are at warp speed hacking home computers of the staff who is working from home.
I get amazed at how many Trump signs are out. Granted I live in a Republican area. But I do not feel a need to advertise my Democratic feelings. But they want to advertise that they are idiots to the end. Suckers that listen to and must believe constant lies. I wish they had an idea of how much it lowers my opinion of them.
#9
Legend, Trump may very well have the virus, but no physical evidence has ever been offered to substantiate it. We only have Trump’s word and the word of a military doctor that has proven himself to be a liar and a few military doctors that stood by quietly as the lie was being told. No credible doctor would knowingly have allowed a sick, potentially contagious patient from a deadly disease to wander out into the public at large without strenuously objecting. Other doctors have reported that they would be fired immediately!
I can’t help being bothered by the entire media taking Trump’s word for it without at least qualifying that there has been no physical proof that any of this is true and that there is at least a possibility of this being a Trump hoax. Remember, it was Trump himself that first reported his positive test, not the medical staff at the White House, via his favorite means of spreading propaganda, Twitter.
He even got ahead of himself and said they were “preparing to quarantine” after the report of Hope Hick’s positive test. Can anyone seriously imagine Trump going into quarantine because of someone else’s infection, when he can’t even do it for himself?
Has the public become so cowed by the media that they are afraid of being labeled a “conspiracy nut” even when the evidence strongly suggests that a conspiracy may be what is in play? This is the same president that was able to conspire with other departments of the government to gas, via the most questionable means, innocent protesters so that he could walk across the street and hold up a bible in front of a church. What else do people need to see?
I’m not trying to push a conspiracy theory. Like Michael Moore, I’m just saying don’t take Trumps word for it. Media, don't just report it as a given. We need to see real proof before we can make any judgement about wether Trump has the virus or not.
#10
He is certainly different than the average patient. He is the Commander in Chief in a military hospital with a military staff. He demanded to leave and they followed orders. He demanded to ride around in a Suburban and they followed orders. I am sure that he has a staff of medical professionals at the White House. The military has portable medical equipment and The White House is now a hospital. As far as no proof I agree. The whole White House is in Coverup. We get more info from Kellyanne Conways 15 year old daughter than we do the White House. You do not have to advertise if you have it. The Russian and Chinese would love to know exactly who has it. Is it in the Pentagon also? Does the Secretary of Defense have it? Secratary of State? We are in a seriously weak position with a nut case in charge. These people may even appear in public after testing positive. They do not care if they spread it. Who you see in public this week will be interesting. I have a hard time believing that Bill Barr could have it and survive. It normally takes 2 weeks to show its effects. We are still in week 1.
#11
Harry Truman vetoed Taft-Hartley. The republican-controlled congress overrode his veto.
#12
To facilitate the demise of the United States, all Putin has to do is insure that Trump becomes president again. The rest will take care of itself.
#13
MSNBC has reported that the Pentagon has been hit with the virus. Several top Generals. They also say that they are "dropping like flies in the White House".
Stopgap, you mentioned that you are a Senior Citizen. Are you aware of Trump's threats to Social Security funding? In a second term he can do what he wants with no threat to re-election.
#14
#15
The Republican party has reformed it's Reagan administrative Voodoo Economics policies into a strategy of Voodoo Presidency and Senate. They are in fact effectively sticking pins in every aspect of our Democracy and it's dying with the same contempt and cruelty they so cavalierly bestow on the people.
#16
#14. Kellyanne's street language with a 15 year old daughter is amazing. My wife and I never talked to our kids that way. But Kellyanne is a religious, self rightous Republican that had a job that required constant lying.
#17
Yeah Legend, Republicans have been trying to kill Social Security since day one and now they may actually do it. Theoretically, I should be able to survive, I get VA medical and have enough assets to scratch by. But with Trump all bets are off.
Deepspace, Sorry, but I have to Flag that post as offensive!
#18
Flag away -- the more offensive the better. };--))
This has been asked many times already but bears repeating: In the narrow legislative window available, how is it that Moscow Mitch and his fellow Russian agents in the Senate have plenty of time and opportunity to occupy what little energy is left in their undemocratic institution by ramming through fascist, corporatist judges -- hiding behind false religion -- for lifetime appointments with little support among working people and voters, but just can't seem to figure out how to pass an obviously vital stimulus bill that would help an economy in serious danger of slipping into a full-blown depression in the near future?
Oh please! What rock have Republican voters been living under for the last several decades?! Of course the answer to that big non-mystery is the cynical calculation that their class of donors can withstand any economic collapse in the long run and always come out on top to re-inflate the next 10-year bubble to their benefit.
What about the little mud people trying to feed, clothe, and shelter their kids in the meantime? Fck em. Maybe they'll become disillusioned and not bother to vote. Besides, Republicans know that this time around they're going to lose badly to the Democrats anyway, who, naturally, will then be blamed for the recession/depression looming on the horizon this winter after lackluster holiday shopping.
How many times do we have to go around the block on this before the Republican rank and file finally wake up -- continuously, lather, rinse, repeat, until there's nothing left worth fighting for, until American democracy is the biggest joke in the world? Oh, wait...
#19
#16: Exactly. I've lived through plenty of rough and tumble workplace environments where cursing filled nearly every sentence, even between syllables, but never brought it home to my wife and kids. A family environment needs to be an oasis.
Maybe that's why so many Refckingpublican parents raise little monsters who grow up to be filthy, fcking white nationalist assholes and irreligious hypocrites, wrapping themselves in flags and carrying upfckingsidedown bibles in front of metaphorically burned-out churches, all for show, no substance -- their kids have no safe harbor at home.
Kudos to Conways' daughter for pushing back and keeping it real. There's always hope in a new generation if they can resist the heavy conditioning.
#20
Sadly, as Monty Python, Mark Twain and any number of great artists, writers have so brilliantly pointed out, this is the nature of humankind…a bunch of ignorant fucking assholes that refuse to deal with reality and insist on immersing themselves in religious dogma and nationalistic flag waving to justify their worst instincts.
And right before our eyes…we watch the “impossible” end of the great American democratic experiment. But we shouldn't be surprised. This happens every fucking time!!!
#21
#17 Stopgap, I do not find the Kellyanne post offesive other that Kellyanne's language to her 15 year old daughter. How much respect can a 15 year old have for a Mother that ignored simple protocal to avoid getting Covid and passed it on to her. It is about hygiene, avoiding crowds and wearing a mask. All of which her mother ignored and gave her the virus at home. How much respect can a 15 year old have after watching her mother knowingly lie on nation wide TV many times. How much respect can a 15 year old have for a Mother that worked (and was one of the most trusted) for that President. And she obviously takes after her father. Even Yahoo posted it.
#22
Legend, I was not referring to any Kellyanne post, I was just offering a bit of levity in response to Deepspace’s #14 post which I’ll admit was probably over my senile "bird brain" head. Think I’ll open another bottle of wine....out of the hard stuff!
#23
Have to agree with stopgap. More DJT theater. If it croaks, maybe then I'll believe. Just gave "the Biden plan" a quick look , and it looks do-able, but, already is being attacked as Sanders-Biden " full on Socialism". Just for once, could the Dims git out in front of that label by explaining we exist in a MIXED ECONOMY. Just like every other 1st world nation.
Anyone just accepting ANYTHING coming from this admn. at face value, is at best a bit naive.
#24
Of course they won't give damn about us as long as they have good-wealthy life. I mean, I'm sure that they feel good after stealing our tax dollars to rich themselves and then tell the public that government is the problem (just like Reagan) and privatize everything so that they (Republicans and other right-wing people) form/create new business/industry (where they have power to refuse to serve). To be more clear, Republicans hate to negotiate and compromise because it means they have lost the fight. In other words, it makes them weak.
You all know that 2012 election was key moment for all Republicans because they failed to stop Pres. Obama from having/serving a 2nd term. This was the biggest stab to their stomach and they don't want to experience that trauma again; therefore, they want to maintain their political power by winning this 2020 election no matter what the cost is (even though they've already got Kavanah in U. S. Supreme Court).
To change their heart and minds, their lives has to nose dive and hit the bottom really really hard. For example, home gets destroyed by tornado, flood, or fire. Another exmaple will be going through life-threatening disease like cancer and spend their wealth on medical bills and become poor themselves.
To them, CORONAVIRUS isn't enough. Wildfire isn't enough. Economic recession isn't enough. Stealing resources from Native Americans isn't enough. It's all because this government is design/struct to favor white-dominant neighborhoods/towns/state to maintain its majority (keep "white" population higher than "non-white" population) and their power over non-white population/people. Power is very addictive word, in this context.
In terms of voter suppression, it is not enough for Republicans and anti-government right-wing people. Just like back in the day, they want "full control" over everyone and suppress/oppress our ability to have and live our lives. In other words, if non-whites become successful, it becomes failure/devastation to whites.
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The attack on the unions began under President Truman who signed the Taft-Hartley Act in 1947. The party bosses pushed to have three term Vice President Henry A. Wallace removed from the ticket in 1944 so as to not have a strong independent and progressive president after FRD died.