Excellent, excellent piece. I'll admit I'm fearful -- fearful of Americans -- and, yes, Democrats -- obeying in advance. When speaking with friends, I make it a point to push back on the "Biden is too old" mantra that is influencing the minds of too many. Instead of talking about his age, I remind others how history will remember him as one of the greats, adding his accomplishments. Often I get that perplexed, worried look. Continuing to push back, I'll say forcefully, "Look. These are the two candidates. We are fighting for our democracy. We need to stop playing into their hand. This is their tactic." It's time to push back, to stand up, to remember history. My mantra? "I'm proud to go with Joe." Try it. Say it often. Do not obey in advance.
I think the combination of makeup and overweight causes too many sedentary Americans to identify with Trump. Go on fighting ageism. Nearly 90, I am writing 25 GOTV postcards a day supplied by fellow Indivisible members. All of US can work for a blue wave in November. Remembering WWII and the “war effort,” which I remember well, I recognize the repeat and happily am in condition (maybe thanks to all the interim marches and, lately, Pilates classes) to take part in my “second childhood.”
Thank you, Linda! Every time the president’s age is brought up I think of Konrad Adenauer at 85, taking on the rebuilding of Germany and remind as many as possible of “Der Alte.” We Americans have allowed ourselves “exceptionalism” and think we have little to nothing to learn from Mother Nature or Mother Europe. Time we grew up and paid attention. My long life and my experience living on a small boat in the canals and rivers of France (my husband’s dream retirement), which began with the Iraq War, led me to see US as “the bad teenagers on the block.” It’s an image which, 14 years after his death, seems more applicable with every year that passes. President Biden may be able to reverse our slide. I hope and work for that.
I do feel the immaturity here, in the media, in the opinions. We can use wisdom of those who have gone through some years and experience with openness. We are spoiled children, so many of us.
So many of us simply do not want to face the reality of what is going on in our country. I say face it now and fight to keep what we have or ignore reality and lose our Democracy. We must help Ukraine keep their Democracy and we must weed out the cowards from all elected offices.
Thank you, Pam. Those who regret we didn’t all die off during Covid, don’t realize the importance of the long view. I’m with President Biden. Keep on truckin’! (I laugh, learning something new every day. There is so much going on that it’s dizzying.)
I'm dizzy too, Virginia. Learning about the human condition is a master class. Laughter surely helps. You truly are an inspiration. Look forward to reading more of your wise comments.
Marlene, of course I love it! Shero indeed. It reminds me of being given “Becoming” by a French friend who insisted that I read it (in French, of course) and then arriving in Warsaw to find bookstores full of copies (in Polish) and the university bookstore in Cracow almost sold out when I went to buy it for friends. There’s a shero for you, and Mme Navalnaya, and lots of others who have worked for everyone’s rights.
Do we want it to replace “heroine”? It definitely has possibilities, none of them romantic. See if we can get it in the dictionary by next year. Why not?
I live in NH and voted for Biden in our Write In Biden project for the Democratic primary, regardless of what the DNC had theoretically mandated by delegating the end our First In the Nation status,which had been written into NH law in May 2023.) This, despite having a hip replaced in December and having to wallk into the large school/gymnasium!)
That’s the passion we need - overcoming obstacles to voting. I know how fortunate we are in Washington State to have mail-in voting so I don’t have to worry about my physical limitations!
We have absentee ballots but MUST provide a reason for requesting the ballot and submit it to the state prior to the election (During COVID, the state did suspend that but reverted to making voters to request & tell why.) At present, Republlicans have a majority in both House and Senate & party control of the Executive Council (a advisory group that determine contracts-like funding for Planned Parenthood, even though abortion is not done by them .) Currently, Governor Sununu is a Republican as well. (He's in his 4th term & has said he won't run again.) Basically, they are a quadrafecta. In addition, we have the Free Staters, a hyper- libertarian group, who have been coming from other states and don't necessarily admit they are such and hide under the cloak of being Repubs & are in the legislature; they're also a group who want to dominate everyone but themselves. One of their members late during the annual town meeting last year after many folks had left, pushed thru a vote to cut school funding by half in a small town. Once the rest of folks found out, they were able to overturn that.
That’s hard to take. They are all about making it as difficult as possible to vote. A party with integrity wouldn’t behave that way. I heard years ago about the Free Staters moving there and don’t know what they have to gain by doing that. Bonkers.
Brava! And thank you. As I struggle with the message for Sherrod Brown (one of my favorite Senators), which doesn’t fit easily on the cards I have, your affirmation is a boost.
This is not a drill and those of us who want to preserve our Constitutional government need to be serious, strategic and smart. Thank you for the reminder to not obey in advance.
Please don't end your positive comment with a cynical second sentence resigning yourself (obeying in advance). Stand on your first sentence. Why couldn't "On Tyranny" be disseminated? Maybe not in every high school, but you could make sure it's in all your local library branches. Hand some copies out to friends. Recommend it on your social media....
As a fourth generation polka, certain of her Jewish blood (Spain to Poland after 1493), who has spent part time (2016-2019) in Poland studying the language, May I wish him and her well? He should be sure to take her on the Polish TGV (patterned on the French fast trains) for which Tusk got funding. It runs Białystok-Warsaw.
As uncomfortable as that may be, John. It's impossible convincing the other side, but having to convince like-minded friends to not get sucked in is disheartening.
exactamente, Pam, especially when even a majority has been convinced, “the system” can be played to put the loser in office, or permit the loser to do as much as tRump “his people” have done to cause chaos, sow doubt and deny the clear achievements of a man like Biden. My only criticism of Joe, although I support him strongly, is that neither he nor the D party have out much energy into highlighting a charismatic successor. Bless Gavin Newsom for trying but he needs help. And VP Harris, it is not clear where she has been even though when I see her rarely in the news I like what she says. The D’s and R’s unhappy with the present situ, IMO need to come together as a team focused on OFFENSE. The work of the Jan 6 committee was EXCELLENT, but there has been too little follow-up, it seems. The impressive gains made seem to be falling out of the American mind.
Brainwashing is a hard nut to crack. We're in for a struggle. By "not agreeing in advance" means not believing everything you see, read or hear. Discernment has never been so important. As far as I'm concerned, I'm ready to vote. Right now. There is no other choice for us. Democracy is on the ballot.
100% with you, Pam. Propaganda works wonders, especially when it invokes other brain-washing institutions like church and patriotism as its allies. After a career in education, I am not so sure that we can teach people to THINK.
I don't think it's "brainwashing" so much as restricting the range of choices. What's the comment from Orwell, something about the superior dog that does tricks without instructions?
We're used to the bars of the cage BUT THEY'RE NOT THERE. We just act like it, and it's hard not to, but it's hard to deal with years of mental abuse and repeating the toxic phrases you "learned" and moving beyond them, but it's possible!
Gavin Newsom has been doing wonderful work--charisma and courage. I don't know how he would do on a national stage. And because of Trump and GOP tactics, I think Biden is the best - well known, no skeletons, proven exceptional record, non-controversial, reputation as a "nice guy" - bland, if you will, candidate to stand up to Trump. There's nothing for the GOP to get their hands on. Trying to impeach him rebounded on them because there's nothing there, and trying to use his son who has problems against him is not working out too well.
True enough, Linda, on all accounts. Nonetheless, I can’t believe that JB is the only good man left among D politicians, and if this is so, wouldn’t that be a national predicament? I find it a little disturbing, for example, that even AG Merrick Garland is not speaking out to support the process of justice. Yes, it would be improper for him to push for a particular result, but I think that he should be actively resisting the unwarranted and strategic defensive delays … something that he himself may well have contributed to.
I like his approach, maybe "inclusive aggression," meaning taking the offense rather than being an apologist. I don't really see anyone else doing that. Jamie Raskin comes the closest.
Hi, Pam. The fact that you have to remind them that we're fighting for our democracy tells me that they're not grasping the danger. The same goes for people who say they'll vote for 3rd party candidates. If Ukraine is allowed to fall, there will be a mostly westward migration of tens of millions of Ukrainians who refuse to live under Russian tyranny. This will then cause so much chaos in Europe that that governments will not be able to cope with it, which means that mass social disorder will follow. Russia will have control over a huge portion of the world's food supply in Ukraine and could use that control to starve countries in Africa (See TS 2022). The EU is one of our most important trading partners. Trade will be disrupted in Europe because of the migration crisis. That will then cause shortages in the US, which will cause social chaos, probably accompanied by a lot of violence, including mass murder and political assassination. I know most Americans would have a hard time believing that could happen, but I always look to post-1918 in central and eastern Europe. My God, it was awful. Everything just fell apart. There were wars between states, civil wars, revolution and counter-revolution, and political assassination, accompanied by mostly right-wing paramilitary violence. There were about 375 political assassinations in Germany alone.
One of the most important lessons I've learned from reading history is that opportunity is one of the most important drivers of history. While the US and Europe are distracted, China might try to invade Taiwan. Iran might make a catastrophic move. Americans complained when we couldn't find toilet paper in 2020. We might well be longing for those days at some time in the future.
Reading history allows us to understand what is possible when certain conditions are met. I'm afraid most Americans have no idea what is possible if Ukraine is allowed to fall. What happens in Ukraine will have a direct, personal impact on each of us.
Brava, Brava! Can you get your piece in your local paper? And send it as a letter to The NY Times? It’s a masterful historical warning. Thank you, thank you.
Thank you, Virginia. That's very kind of you. But what I wrote isn't any different from what has already been written. Nor is it unknown to those who read history, especially of the 20th century. My experience with most Americans is that they are neither historically inclined nor willing to learn, so their capacity to imagine what is possible is quite limited. I'm not sure, in other words, that they have the background to appreciate what I wrote. I share my thoughts on this post with like-minded people. It's hard to reach people who not only haven't read history but don't want to put out the effort to do so. It's hard work, for me at least. Americans as a whole are a lazy people when it comes to book-learning.
But, Rose, people with your knowledge are essential at times like these. You never know who you may reach. Your knowledge needs to be spread even if it resonates with only a handful of (unexpected) people.
What you wrote is an extension of what even those who have a general knowledge of the post WWI period may not know and certainly not the extension you make into the present.
I have been trying to explain to friends here in Germany that age is biologically different for everyone, so don't overgeneralize. Also, I have pointed out that Kamala Harris is VP, and she is not old, and that is why we have a system with back ups, in case they are needed. Not only does Kamala have her own experience, she will also have 4+ years tutelage under a master statesman in Biden. He is the best president in my lifetime.
with respect to Kamala Harris . . . it seems to me, that many discount her for reasons I cannot fathom. It is gender, race, or . . .? What I do know is she has not been well covered in the MSM and that may be a big part of the problem. I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for many years which makes her a familiar person to me. I liked her politics then, and I like them now. Personally I feel Kamala would be an excellent President.
Of course on both counts. She is being ignored in a racist-mysogynist USA way and if she would have made a good president before, learning beside the extremely experienced Joe Biden, she is going to bring more wisdom to the job. We are not a nation who has had a woman at the helm. Many EU countries do or have. Countries like Israel and India have had a woman at the helm. There are African Nations that have had a woman at the helm. Even North Korea may be getting ready for the current leader to be replaced by his daughter. We are backsliding into the last century if we cannot conceive of Harris as POTUS.
Exactly. As a retired court reporter, I remember watching Kamala Harris brilliantly question Brett Kavanaugh with such skill and authority it gave me goosebumps. She should not be discounted.
Something to keep an eye on is fascism's willingness to use left-wing rhetoric to sell itself. It's like Ted Bundy - it'll be concerned and vulnerable and helpful, up until the knife comes out. Acknowledge criticisms from the left of President Biden - and tell them you'll vote Biden anyway. The Democratic Party isn't perfect, but it at least can be shifted more leftwards once the election chaos is over.
It’s terrifying to see such a weak man — Mike Johnson — be in such a position of control. God help us and God help Ukraine. My opinion of this particular weak man is not a kind one.
… the 'submission chain' and how it ends in a vacuum …
Dr Snyder has this particular point wrong: the submission chain ends in hell. "Vacuum" is secular replacement language for the true language of spirituality. Like "amoral", there is actually no such thing as a "vacuum" in the human soul—unless the individuality, the self, has actually vacated the body, as in hypnosis or demonic possession.
We are all born with an innate moral capacity. We choose either to develop it or deform it. Our soul content can be budding love and compassion, or it can be hardening hate and fear. The choice is ours—each of us, individually. Nobody "made us do it".
It is my personal view that both Putin and Trump are possessed by demonic forces. In Putin's case, there is evidence of his being an initiated member of a black occult lodge. In Trump's case, I suspect we are seeing rather the poor fool. I don't think these two men are the same. It's Trump who is in Putin's grip, not the other way round.
I found your thoughts here to be interesting and valuable. As with you, the reality of the soul is evident to me as well as is the
power of its relationship with life, and with what happens—that is an ongoing “conversation” that is often unrecognized by the ego entirely.
I agree that each of us has ongoing choices. As far down the line as one may go into addiction, obsession, sadism—still, I believe that there remains the element of choice. So I would not agree with your view that Putin and Trump are “possessed”, if by that you mean entirely possessed. I believe that each is continually choosing even if their paths are consistent and committed ones. Putin might be, as you suggest, “an initiated member of a black occult lodge”, but here I wish to add that this can be on the plane
of reality known to the soul, rather than on the usual plane we know and share. Jung had much to say years ago about the wider realities of engagement and influence we experience and can know beyond that of ego consciousness. He also thought that people could become lost and beyond salvage, swept off their feet by the flood of such influences—in conjunction with their choices. The human faculty of choice may seem insignificant and probably hopeless at time in what it could achieve, but it is the most important thing each of us has and the key to our freedom.
Trump’s lawyers were just in front of the Supreme Court arguing the American President should have the same impunity Putin does to murder rivals.
I’m concerned there is more of a connection from the likes of Musk and Johnson than merely fear and tribalism. I certainly don’t rule out coercion, blackmail and bribery. It would still be pathetic weakness, perhaps more detestable.
The inability to recognize the consequences of abandoning Ukraine and of worshiping brittle-masculinity-driven fear will end our democracy. Not learning from the past or foreign examples - absolutely where too many Americans are now. Thank you for pointing out the piece about fatigue - in a long campaign there's someone who takes the baton when one is exhausted. We're not tired of being outraged.
'Beware the Weak Man' reminded me of Timothy Snyder's 'The American Abyss'. To quote, it
opened, 'When Donald Trump stood before his followers on Jan. 6 and urged them to march on the United States Capitol, he was doing what he had always done. He never took electoral democracy seriously nor accepted the legitimacy of its American version.' See gifted link to the piece below.
In 'Beware the Weak Man' he takes us on the crucial journey we have embarked upon. What will our
path be?
'It is absurd, in such a world, where so much is at stake, where so much is to be won, to speak of our “fatigue” either with the struggle in Ukraine or the struggle for our own democracy. Doing so is the prologue to a story of weakness, which ends with the victory of the weak man. When we fall in line behind the fearful, when we forget the “spirit of freedom,” we help the weak men create a politics of fear. When we obey in advance, we invite the weak man to take power over our souls, which then means power over our politics.'
'We will need the courage to admire the courageous, and to say something that might feel risky. For example: we believe in our values, and we believe in our strength. Ukraine can win this war, Biden can win this election, and democracy can thrive.'
Thank you, Fern. Good to see you here. This piece is so timely and helpful. I come from TS “Bloodlands” and “Black Earth.” But important as his writing is, his caring work at the bedside of Tony Judt (“Postwar” and “Ill Fares the Land”) to be certain that another wise man was able to leave US all his wisdom.
So good to see you, Virginia, and you came with important books and thoughts. While reading 'Beware the Weak Man', I recognized it as prose poem with elegant symmetry about our choices at this pivotal time, a work highlighting character and the challenges to survival.
Thank you for your more nuanced appreciation, Fern. I felt the poetry, but have had to accept that I am more reactive than analytic (musician, always C in harmony and theory classes). Timothy Snyder’s work for Ukraine (sadly hadn’t $50 to send) is to be lauded also.
One of your finest essays. Thank you. Your work has been my guide since 2016. Like so many others across the country, we have mobilized volunteers, organized phonebanks and canvasses, hosted debates and all sorts of events to promote civic engagement. We are not tired. We are engaged and it makes all the difference. (Well, we are tired of the naysayers nattering on about Biden’s age.) Thank you for all you have done to inspire so many.
A show of strength would be to give the $300+ billon in frozen Russian assays to Ukraine. Call it the “Navalny Act” to defend and rebuild Ukraine. That should weaken the weak man!
Authoritarians feed on the weak and the weak feed on Authoritarians. Fortunately, there are those who do not submit to fear - from the soldiers defending Ukraine to the soldiers who fought in WWII (my father included). Like Navalny, each put their life at risk to defeat those who seek to force us to live in fear. And we, your readers are soldiers too, fighting the forces of fear, by getting out the vote, writing op-eds and letters to the editor and contacting our elected officials. Jessica Craven said it best in her post yesterday: "So let’s breathe in strength, breathe out fear, and get into action one more time."
I support Joe Biden and I think he has been a better than just good president. But I do not understand his campaign and its strategy at all. Here we are faced with a genuine, real, actual, not fictional, not made up threat of an authoritarian government and the campaign feels strangely passive and quiet. First, while nothing will move the vast majority of the MAGA thugs and certainly not Mike Johnson, making the threat to democracy very clear - early and often- will move the few percent that Biden needs to win. Second, in the awful case of a Trump win we know there will be an immediate attempt to rewrite history. The bill of account against Trump and the other thugs has to be made clear now so it will be harder to rewrite next year.
Anyone who has read the book that gave Vance his 15+ minutes of fame (Hillbilly) knows that he's a self-important twat (UK meaning) and a poor writer who promoted his supposed accomplishments at the expense of most of his family, a kind of MAGA messenger. For a story about someone who really broke away from a stifling background, Educated by Tara Westover is a much better book by a much kinder person. The saddest thing is that all thse so-called Christians are completely lacking in kindness towards their fellow human beings.
Excellent, excellent piece. I'll admit I'm fearful -- fearful of Americans -- and, yes, Democrats -- obeying in advance. When speaking with friends, I make it a point to push back on the "Biden is too old" mantra that is influencing the minds of too many. Instead of talking about his age, I remind others how history will remember him as one of the greats, adding his accomplishments. Often I get that perplexed, worried look. Continuing to push back, I'll say forcefully, "Look. These are the two candidates. We are fighting for our democracy. We need to stop playing into their hand. This is their tactic." It's time to push back, to stand up, to remember history. My mantra? "I'm proud to go with Joe." Try it. Say it often. Do not obey in advance.
I think the combination of makeup and overweight causes too many sedentary Americans to identify with Trump. Go on fighting ageism. Nearly 90, I am writing 25 GOTV postcards a day supplied by fellow Indivisible members. All of US can work for a blue wave in November. Remembering WWII and the “war effort,” which I remember well, I recognize the repeat and happily am in condition (maybe thanks to all the interim marches and, lately, Pilates classes) to take part in my “second childhood.”
You made my day!
Thank you again!
I dzęki, Krzysztof.
We will be doing the same with postcarding.
I’m writing letters through Big Tent.
I sent postcards to the Republican representatives
I'll be writing letters for Vote Forward, as I have for the past 2 elections. I already have 400 "Thank You" stamps.
GO, Virginia
Thank you, Virginia. You're inspiring.
Thank you, Linda! Every time the president’s age is brought up I think of Konrad Adenauer at 85, taking on the rebuilding of Germany and remind as many as possible of “Der Alte.” We Americans have allowed ourselves “exceptionalism” and think we have little to nothing to learn from Mother Nature or Mother Europe. Time we grew up and paid attention. My long life and my experience living on a small boat in the canals and rivers of France (my husband’s dream retirement), which began with the Iraq War, led me to see US as “the bad teenagers on the block.” It’s an image which, 14 years after his death, seems more applicable with every year that passes. President Biden may be able to reverse our slide. I hope and work for that.
I do feel the immaturity here, in the media, in the opinions. We can use wisdom of those who have gone through some years and experience with openness. We are spoiled children, so many of us.
So many of us simply do not want to face the reality of what is going on in our country. I say face it now and fight to keep what we have or ignore reality and lose our Democracy. We must help Ukraine keep their Democracy and we must weed out the cowards from all elected offices.
I could not agree more! We must face reality now and we must help Ukraine.
Thank you, Virginia. You are an inspiration.
Thank you, Pam. Those who regret we didn’t all die off during Covid, don’t realize the importance of the long view. I’m with President Biden. Keep on truckin’! (I laugh, learning something new every day. There is so much going on that it’s dizzying.)
I'm dizzy too, Virginia. Learning about the human condition is a master class. Laughter surely helps. You truly are an inspiration. Look forward to reading more of your wise comments.
You’re my SHE-RO, Virginia!
Marlene, of course I love it! Shero indeed. It reminds me of being given “Becoming” by a French friend who insisted that I read it (in French, of course) and then arriving in Warsaw to find bookstores full of copies (in Polish) and the university bookstore in Cracow almost sold out when I went to buy it for friends. There’s a shero for you, and Mme Navalnaya, and lots of others who have worked for everyone’s rights.
Do we want it to replace “heroine”? It definitely has possibilities, none of them romantic. See if we can get it in the dictionary by next year. Why not?
He-ro
She-ro
It took me a minute!
You are an inspiration to this 82-year-old! My ballot for the presidential primary arrived today (WA State). I voted for Joe with pleasure and pride.
I live in NH and voted for Biden in our Write In Biden project for the Democratic primary, regardless of what the DNC had theoretically mandated by delegating the end our First In the Nation status,which had been written into NH law in May 2023.) This, despite having a hip replaced in December and having to wallk into the large school/gymnasium!)
That’s the passion we need - overcoming obstacles to voting. I know how fortunate we are in Washington State to have mail-in voting so I don’t have to worry about my physical limitations!
We have absentee ballots but MUST provide a reason for requesting the ballot and submit it to the state prior to the election (During COVID, the state did suspend that but reverted to making voters to request & tell why.) At present, Republlicans have a majority in both House and Senate & party control of the Executive Council (a advisory group that determine contracts-like funding for Planned Parenthood, even though abortion is not done by them .) Currently, Governor Sununu is a Republican as well. (He's in his 4th term & has said he won't run again.) Basically, they are a quadrafecta. In addition, we have the Free Staters, a hyper- libertarian group, who have been coming from other states and don't necessarily admit they are such and hide under the cloak of being Repubs & are in the legislature; they're also a group who want to dominate everyone but themselves. One of their members late during the annual town meeting last year after many folks had left, pushed thru a vote to cut school funding by half in a small town. Once the rest of folks found out, they were able to overturn that.
That’s hard to take. They are all about making it as difficult as possible to vote. A party with integrity wouldn’t behave that way. I heard years ago about the Free Staters moving there and don’t know what they have to gain by doing that. Bonkers.
Brava! And thank you. As I struggle with the message for Sherrod Brown (one of my favorite Senators), which doesn’t fit easily on the cards I have, your affirmation is a boost.
Sherrod Brown is underappreciated!
At 81 I also write postcards for Indivisible. Bravo to you. This inspires me!
Good for US! We are lucky to be here and everyone else is lucky to have our work on behalf of all of US. Be well!
💯
This is not a drill and those of us who want to preserve our Constitutional government need to be serious, strategic and smart. Thank you for the reminder to not obey in advance.
Definitely not a drill. On Tyranny packs a powerful punch. This little book belongs on every bookshelf in America.
Totally agree. I’ve read On Tyranny twice. It should be required reading in all high schools. But, with the banning of books, this will never be.
Please don't end your positive comment with a cynical second sentence resigning yourself (obeying in advance). Stand on your first sentence. Why couldn't "On Tyranny" be disseminated? Maybe not in every high school, but you could make sure it's in all your local library branches. Hand some copies out to friends. Recommend it on your social media....
My son bought me a copy of “On Tyranny”or did l buy it for him? In any event we each have copies. And copies of the US Constitution as well.
Some years back we attended a rally and ran into Norman Siegal, former Director of the NY Civil Liberties Union.
What a thrill!
Long story short, my son will be traveling to Poland soon to meet with his girlfriend’s parents. Wow, a nice Jewish boy and a Polish princess!
As a fourth generation polka, certain of her Jewish blood (Spain to Poland after 1493), who has spent part time (2016-2019) in Poland studying the language, May I wish him and her well? He should be sure to take her on the Polish TGV (patterned on the French fast trains) for which Tusk got funding. It runs Białystok-Warsaw.
My father was from Poland and Jewish! Babette, your son is in love and happy. That’s the most important thing.
I’ve given copies to friends. We need to keep talking about how important it is -
Saying that is obeying in advance.
great advice, Pam ... as often, the only way through a mess is straight on through it
As uncomfortable as that may be, John. It's impossible convincing the other side, but having to convince like-minded friends to not get sucked in is disheartening.
exactamente, Pam, especially when even a majority has been convinced, “the system” can be played to put the loser in office, or permit the loser to do as much as tRump “his people” have done to cause chaos, sow doubt and deny the clear achievements of a man like Biden. My only criticism of Joe, although I support him strongly, is that neither he nor the D party have out much energy into highlighting a charismatic successor. Bless Gavin Newsom for trying but he needs help. And VP Harris, it is not clear where she has been even though when I see her rarely in the news I like what she says. The D’s and R’s unhappy with the present situ, IMO need to come together as a team focused on OFFENSE. The work of the Jan 6 committee was EXCELLENT, but there has been too little follow-up, it seems. The impressive gains made seem to be falling out of the American mind.
Brainwashing is a hard nut to crack. We're in for a struggle. By "not agreeing in advance" means not believing everything you see, read or hear. Discernment has never been so important. As far as I'm concerned, I'm ready to vote. Right now. There is no other choice for us. Democracy is on the ballot.
100% with you, Pam. Propaganda works wonders, especially when it invokes other brain-washing institutions like church and patriotism as its allies. After a career in education, I am not so sure that we can teach people to THINK.
I don't think it's "brainwashing" so much as restricting the range of choices. What's the comment from Orwell, something about the superior dog that does tricks without instructions?
We're used to the bars of the cage BUT THEY'RE NOT THERE. We just act like it, and it's hard not to, but it's hard to deal with years of mental abuse and repeating the toxic phrases you "learned" and moving beyond them, but it's possible!
Gavin Newsom has been doing wonderful work--charisma and courage. I don't know how he would do on a national stage. And because of Trump and GOP tactics, I think Biden is the best - well known, no skeletons, proven exceptional record, non-controversial, reputation as a "nice guy" - bland, if you will, candidate to stand up to Trump. There's nothing for the GOP to get their hands on. Trying to impeach him rebounded on them because there's nothing there, and trying to use his son who has problems against him is not working out too well.
True enough, Linda, on all accounts. Nonetheless, I can’t believe that JB is the only good man left among D politicians, and if this is so, wouldn’t that be a national predicament? I find it a little disturbing, for example, that even AG Merrick Garland is not speaking out to support the process of justice. Yes, it would be improper for him to push for a particular result, but I think that he should be actively resisting the unwarranted and strategic defensive delays … something that he himself may well have contributed to.
Especially since the R's "star " witness has be arrested for lying to the FBI!
We will hear more from Gavin Newsom in 2027 or earlier.
I like his approach, maybe "inclusive aggression," meaning taking the offense rather than being an apologist. I don't really see anyone else doing that. Jamie Raskin comes the closest.
Hi, Pam. The fact that you have to remind them that we're fighting for our democracy tells me that they're not grasping the danger. The same goes for people who say they'll vote for 3rd party candidates. If Ukraine is allowed to fall, there will be a mostly westward migration of tens of millions of Ukrainians who refuse to live under Russian tyranny. This will then cause so much chaos in Europe that that governments will not be able to cope with it, which means that mass social disorder will follow. Russia will have control over a huge portion of the world's food supply in Ukraine and could use that control to starve countries in Africa (See TS 2022). The EU is one of our most important trading partners. Trade will be disrupted in Europe because of the migration crisis. That will then cause shortages in the US, which will cause social chaos, probably accompanied by a lot of violence, including mass murder and political assassination. I know most Americans would have a hard time believing that could happen, but I always look to post-1918 in central and eastern Europe. My God, it was awful. Everything just fell apart. There were wars between states, civil wars, revolution and counter-revolution, and political assassination, accompanied by mostly right-wing paramilitary violence. There were about 375 political assassinations in Germany alone.
One of the most important lessons I've learned from reading history is that opportunity is one of the most important drivers of history. While the US and Europe are distracted, China might try to invade Taiwan. Iran might make a catastrophic move. Americans complained when we couldn't find toilet paper in 2020. We might well be longing for those days at some time in the future.
Reading history allows us to understand what is possible when certain conditions are met. I'm afraid most Americans have no idea what is possible if Ukraine is allowed to fall. What happens in Ukraine will have a direct, personal impact on each of us.
Brava, Brava! Can you get your piece in your local paper? And send it as a letter to The NY Times? It’s a masterful historical warning. Thank you, thank you.
Thank you, Virginia. That's very kind of you. But what I wrote isn't any different from what has already been written. Nor is it unknown to those who read history, especially of the 20th century. My experience with most Americans is that they are neither historically inclined nor willing to learn, so their capacity to imagine what is possible is quite limited. I'm not sure, in other words, that they have the background to appreciate what I wrote. I share my thoughts on this post with like-minded people. It's hard to reach people who not only haven't read history but don't want to put out the effort to do so. It's hard work, for me at least. Americans as a whole are a lazy people when it comes to book-learning.
Cheers!
But, Rose, people with your knowledge are essential at times like these. You never know who you may reach. Your knowledge needs to be spread even if it resonates with only a handful of (unexpected) people.
What you wrote is an extension of what even those who have a general knowledge of the post WWI period may not know and certainly not the extension you make into the present.
Oh, Virginia! You're so sweet. I'll think about it.
Good. Please think about it. It’s those pebbles we drop that count in unexpected ways.
Exactly what I do. Thank you.
I have been trying to explain to friends here in Germany that age is biologically different for everyone, so don't overgeneralize. Also, I have pointed out that Kamala Harris is VP, and she is not old, and that is why we have a system with back ups, in case they are needed. Not only does Kamala have her own experience, she will also have 4+ years tutelage under a master statesman in Biden. He is the best president in my lifetime.
with respect to Kamala Harris . . . it seems to me, that many discount her for reasons I cannot fathom. It is gender, race, or . . .? What I do know is she has not been well covered in the MSM and that may be a big part of the problem. I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for many years which makes her a familiar person to me. I liked her politics then, and I like them now. Personally I feel Kamala would be an excellent President.
Of course on both counts. She is being ignored in a racist-mysogynist USA way and if she would have made a good president before, learning beside the extremely experienced Joe Biden, she is going to bring more wisdom to the job. We are not a nation who has had a woman at the helm. Many EU countries do or have. Countries like Israel and India have had a woman at the helm. There are African Nations that have had a woman at the helm. Even North Korea may be getting ready for the current leader to be replaced by his daughter. We are backsliding into the last century if we cannot conceive of Harris as POTUS.
Perhaps we never left the "last century"?
Exactly. As a retired court reporter, I remember watching Kamala Harris brilliantly question Brett Kavanaugh with such skill and authority it gave me goosebumps. She should not be discounted.
Something to keep an eye on is fascism's willingness to use left-wing rhetoric to sell itself. It's like Ted Bundy - it'll be concerned and vulnerable and helpful, up until the knife comes out. Acknowledge criticisms from the left of President Biden - and tell them you'll vote Biden anyway. The Democratic Party isn't perfect, but it at least can be shifted more leftwards once the election chaos is over.
Thank you, Pam, for pushing back.
We're in this together, Linda.
One of the first rules in "On Tyranny".
Timothy Snyder hallucinates that Ukraine might have won the war in the fall of 2022.
It’s terrifying to see such a weak man — Mike Johnson — be in such a position of control. God help us and God help Ukraine. My opinion of this particular weak man is not a kind one.
Love your idea of the 'submission chain' and how it ends in a vacuum. Thanks for the great article!
… the 'submission chain' and how it ends in a vacuum …
Dr Snyder has this particular point wrong: the submission chain ends in hell. "Vacuum" is secular replacement language for the true language of spirituality. Like "amoral", there is actually no such thing as a "vacuum" in the human soul—unless the individuality, the self, has actually vacated the body, as in hypnosis or demonic possession.
We are all born with an innate moral capacity. We choose either to develop it or deform it. Our soul content can be budding love and compassion, or it can be hardening hate and fear. The choice is ours—each of us, individually. Nobody "made us do it".
It is my personal view that both Putin and Trump are possessed by demonic forces. In Putin's case, there is evidence of his being an initiated member of a black occult lodge. In Trump's case, I suspect we are seeing rather the poor fool. I don't think these two men are the same. It's Trump who is in Putin's grip, not the other way round.
I found your thoughts here to be interesting and valuable. As with you, the reality of the soul is evident to me as well as is the
power of its relationship with life, and with what happens—that is an ongoing “conversation” that is often unrecognized by the ego entirely.
I agree that each of us has ongoing choices. As far down the line as one may go into addiction, obsession, sadism—still, I believe that there remains the element of choice. So I would not agree with your view that Putin and Trump are “possessed”, if by that you mean entirely possessed. I believe that each is continually choosing even if their paths are consistent and committed ones. Putin might be, as you suggest, “an initiated member of a black occult lodge”, but here I wish to add that this can be on the plane
of reality known to the soul, rather than on the usual plane we know and share. Jung had much to say years ago about the wider realities of engagement and influence we experience and can know beyond that of ego consciousness. He also thought that people could become lost and beyond salvage, swept off their feet by the flood of such influences—in conjunction with their choices. The human faculty of choice may seem insignificant and probably hopeless at time in what it could achieve, but it is the most important thing each of us has and the key to our freedom.
Trump’s lawyers were just in front of the Supreme Court arguing the American President should have the same impunity Putin does to murder rivals.
I’m concerned there is more of a connection from the likes of Musk and Johnson than merely fear and tribalism. I certainly don’t rule out coercion, blackmail and bribery. It would still be pathetic weakness, perhaps more detestable.
Excellent piece, thank you
I wonder what they have been promised, and if they're stupid enough to believe it.
The inability to recognize the consequences of abandoning Ukraine and of worshiping brittle-masculinity-driven fear will end our democracy. Not learning from the past or foreign examples - absolutely where too many Americans are now. Thank you for pointing out the piece about fatigue - in a long campaign there's someone who takes the baton when one is exhausted. We're not tired of being outraged.
'Beware the Weak Man' reminded me of Timothy Snyder's 'The American Abyss'. To quote, it
opened, 'When Donald Trump stood before his followers on Jan. 6 and urged them to march on the United States Capitol, he was doing what he had always done. He never took electoral democracy seriously nor accepted the legitimacy of its American version.' See gifted link to the piece below.
In 'Beware the Weak Man' he takes us on the crucial journey we have embarked upon. What will our
path be?
'It is absurd, in such a world, where so much is at stake, where so much is to be won, to speak of our “fatigue” either with the struggle in Ukraine or the struggle for our own democracy. Doing so is the prologue to a story of weakness, which ends with the victory of the weak man. When we fall in line behind the fearful, when we forget the “spirit of freedom,” we help the weak men create a politics of fear. When we obey in advance, we invite the weak man to take power over our souls, which then means power over our politics.'
'We will need the courage to admire the courageous, and to say something that might feel risky. For example: we believe in our values, and we believe in our strength. Ukraine can win this war, Biden can win this election, and democracy can thrive.'
___Timothy Snyder, 'Beware the Weak Man'
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/09/magazine/trump-coup.html?unlocked_article_code=1.XU0.vNOC.WBGcaeaOCKsw&smid=url-share
Thank you, Fern. Good to see you here. This piece is so timely and helpful. I come from TS “Bloodlands” and “Black Earth.” But important as his writing is, his caring work at the bedside of Tony Judt (“Postwar” and “Ill Fares the Land”) to be certain that another wise man was able to leave US all his wisdom.
So good to see you, Virginia, and you came with important books and thoughts. While reading 'Beware the Weak Man', I recognized it as prose poem with elegant symmetry about our choices at this pivotal time, a work highlighting character and the challenges to survival.
Thank you for your more nuanced appreciation, Fern. I felt the poetry, but have had to accept that I am more reactive than analytic (musician, always C in harmony and theory classes). Timothy Snyder’s work for Ukraine (sadly hadn’t $50 to send) is to be lauded also.
Virginia, please excuse me for thinking that the 'C' grade is passe. I put forth an 'A'.
Salud!
Thanks for the gift link, Fern.
You are welcome, Linda. I think that 'The American Abyss' was a keen portrayal of the country and a powerful warning.
One of your finest essays. Thank you. Your work has been my guide since 2016. Like so many others across the country, we have mobilized volunteers, organized phonebanks and canvasses, hosted debates and all sorts of events to promote civic engagement. We are not tired. We are engaged and it makes all the difference. (Well, we are tired of the naysayers nattering on about Biden’s age.) Thank you for all you have done to inspire so many.
"So there is no need for inaction."
A. Navalny
“You're not allowed to give up," Navalny said in the Daniel Rohr film, adding that "we need to utilize this power to not give up, to remember we are a huge power that is being oppressed by these bad dudes." https://www.businessinsider.com/video-alexei-navalny-had-a-message-for-russians-if-he-died-2024-2
R.I.P. Brave Freedom Fighter Alexei Navalny.
You will be deeply missed. 🌹 🕊 Comrade KGB/Stasi Putin is a killer!
A show of strength would be to give the $300+ billon in frozen Russian assays to Ukraine. Call it the “Navalny Act” to defend and rebuild Ukraine. That should weaken the weak man!
https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/how-frozen-russian-assets-could-pay-rebuilding-ukraine
Excellent as always thank you
very good analysis!
GQP = Government of Putin 🇷🇺
Europe and NATO have Ukraine’s back. 🇪🇺
Outstanding post, Professor Snyder.
Authoritarians feed on the weak and the weak feed on Authoritarians. Fortunately, there are those who do not submit to fear - from the soldiers defending Ukraine to the soldiers who fought in WWII (my father included). Like Navalny, each put their life at risk to defeat those who seek to force us to live in fear. And we, your readers are soldiers too, fighting the forces of fear, by getting out the vote, writing op-eds and letters to the editor and contacting our elected officials. Jessica Craven said it best in her post yesterday: "So let’s breathe in strength, breathe out fear, and get into action one more time."
I support Joe Biden and I think he has been a better than just good president. But I do not understand his campaign and its strategy at all. Here we are faced with a genuine, real, actual, not fictional, not made up threat of an authoritarian government and the campaign feels strangely passive and quiet. First, while nothing will move the vast majority of the MAGA thugs and certainly not Mike Johnson, making the threat to democracy very clear - early and often- will move the few percent that Biden needs to win. Second, in the awful case of a Trump win we know there will be an immediate attempt to rewrite history. The bill of account against Trump and the other thugs has to be made clear now so it will be harder to rewrite next year.
Well said. Hope and Change > Fear and Ruin. Pass it on.
Anyone who has read the book that gave Vance his 15+ minutes of fame (Hillbilly) knows that he's a self-important twat (UK meaning) and a poor writer who promoted his supposed accomplishments at the expense of most of his family, a kind of MAGA messenger. For a story about someone who really broke away from a stifling background, Educated by Tara Westover is a much better book by a much kinder person. The saddest thing is that all thse so-called Christians are completely lacking in kindness towards their fellow human beings.
These so-called Christians are not only lacking in kindness, they are wholly lacking in any respect for the teachings of Jesus.