Trump’s idea of the United States is a version of world wide wrestling federation melded to the Declaration of Independence. It’s not more complicated than that. Appearance is everything. The real business of power is accumulating wealth. It’s his true north and to that extent he’s not far off the Republican path. If you can’t make it: fake it. And bury the evidence.
Hegseth watched to many reruns of the A Team. ( solve all problems with a cowboy hat and a gun) No need for law enforcement or government. Went to real war, got ptsd, untreated, self medicated and became an alcoholic. Claim Veteran Privilege anytime he makes a bad choice. Disaster at DOD, DOJ, NSC. Which one first? Or will happen all together in some kind of catastrophic event bringing all three clowns together to fail miserably?
The least meritorious nominee for SecDef is going to bring meritocracy to the DOD?!? Nope, Hegseth is bringing Kleptocracy, tRumptocracy, Mumptocracy to DOD. Oh, and Joni Ernst’s just another Harper Valley MAGIDIOT hypocrite! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOZPBUu7Fro
In my younger days I had a fat-ass commander who was discharging troops under the Fat Boy program. When we confronted him, he claimed that he had been dipped and that isn't fat we're seeing, it's muscle! Shit like that will be rampant if this Wedge (simple tool) gets confirmed: That wasn't a war crime I ordered, that was brilliant strategy! We must have Greenland! We had to nuke them!
1 May 2025: we will have an excellent feel for where the USA is headed.
You mean Moses Mike might have been lying when he said that God spoke to him and told him to lead the House? While Mitch McConnell did real and permanent damage to the federal judiciary, I fear that Mike is even more dangerous. He's clearly enthralled by Trump and will do everything he's told to do and then some. Add to that the fact that he is second in line to the presidency after Vance and, well, o.m.g.
And even though he vociferously denies it, he sacked Mike Turner for the Intelligence Committee's chair as one more act of saying "Yes Sir" to Trump after getting the phone call from Trump or one of Trump's minions. Johnson just seems so weak, it's an embarrassment.
Talking of the difference between competence and incompetence, yesterday Mike Johnson removed Rep Michael Turner (R-OH), who has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, from his position of chair of House Intel, "reportedly at Trump’s request."
Greasing the skids to sell Ukraine out to vlad. I predict a hotel in moscow and all the incredible weaponry technology developed by Ukraine to be turned against Europe...that is IF we the people let such a thing happen. Ukrainians have always been the source of smarts for russia.
Yes, I've long been impressed by Ukrainian smarts. Their tech and digital skills, especially in weaponry, have been exceptional. Yesterday Noel Reports posted that "Ukrainian defenders from the 63rd Brigade have taken down a rare Russian experimental reconnaissance drone, Merlin-VR. This high-tech drone can fly up to 5 km high and operate for 10 hours—outperforming Supercam and ZALA."
But this is just one of many weapons they've developed. You rightly point out the disturbing possibility that weapons technology developed by Ukraine might eventually be turned against Europe.
Re "Ukrainians have always been the source of smarts for russia." I just found this article from United 24 Media, "Ukrainian Team Triumphs at NASA Hackathon, Beating 10,000+ Competitors Worldwide" (1/17/2025). Notice--in the pic--how young some of them are!
Your assessment of Cabinet nominees is clear, compelling, and widely held by informed people. But, to use a popular phrase, here’s the thing: Trump wants to break or shred democracy. Most of these nominees will contribute to that. The consequences could be cataclysmic. So far, there is no meaningful counterforce. There is no “shadow cabinet” yet to confront the mix of oligarchs and circus performers. They will run and ruin this country, often with brutality. So, I don the same tee daily, “Black Is My Favorite Color.” It’s a conversation starter. Glumly …
I'm doing my best to lead development of a "shadow cabinet" platform structure on my Substack https://dougshortridge.substack.com/p/peoples-cabinet-sandbox-1?r=j9540 . It seems to be forming into a single "publication", with "posts/subposts" for each cabinet position and the pres/vp. The effort is inspired by Dr. Tim's writings on the importance of creativity and a flash of thinking following Ariane Goodwin's comment last week. Hope people will give this a look and contribute. It's my only work and subscriptions are free.
Does tfg want to "break or shred democracy"? Or is he just playing the part of being president, with someone else (Putin? Musk?) actually calling the shots?
I’ll be brief: yes. For two, his attempts to overturn a free and fair election provide stunning evidence of his intentions, not to mention his wanting to shut down the Department of Education rather than lift America’s declining public education. Your question is a good one. Other dictators and oligarchies have influenced him. But, he’s in charge, though very far from competent and very unimpressively enamored of very rich men — not women.
We know, Charlotte, Putin's tech bots have sundered Americans, sown divisions, hate.
We know, too, Putin's U.S. tech billionaire compatriots have dedicated their platforms to same hatreds, divisions, rancor.
We know the schools in long ago having excluded humanities have let the standardized testing billionaires let numbers and profits suffocate the human, the personal, as if the only values were those of the abstracted, categorical.
As I wrote elsewhere, in my naivete I continue to be surprised by the number of people who will throw away any moral or ethical scruples or principles to keep their jobs or get a powerful one. I'm beginning to realize that many people have no moral or ethical principles.
It is as if an astronomer had been advised and agreed to train his telescope on a book on astronomy and not at the night sky itself.
Americans, largely, not inclusively, have been advised and have agreed to scripted, through many hands abstracts of real relationship, real-relating experiences. Through novels, through story time radio, then through cinema and TV, and now through others sitcom-ized, abstract performance-only forms of living as an observer, some many have scripted and not real experience-based renditions of living.
How often has any fiction presented the ethical aspect of living, choosing and then living with the consequences as well as the experience a toddler or a two year old gets at the play ground playing among other little ones?
If people only watch The Simpsons and other fiction, then they may only get many important experiences from The Simpsons and may then parent ... just ... like ... the ... Simpsons.
Please continue nurture and develop your moral and ethical scruples. I am grateful that you do; I keep trying to mend and improve mine through use and learning hard lessons of choice, actions and consequences.
With the exception of John Tower none of the rejects were Republican nominees. And what do we know about Republicans - they will never repeat the "mistakes" of the past like allowing Bork or Tower to be rejected. Trump's unacceptable nominees will likely all be confirmed, even Tulsi Gabbard. Our national security, health and fiscal welfare will be in peril. But Trump and his MAGA horde doesn't care if it all burns down. He and Musk will buy up the ashes and sell them at a profit.
Sad state of affairs. There is hope, however. As long as the Trump/Musk/Bannon movements continue to consolidate, we are witnessing an increased probability that the movements will implode, like a burlap sack full of vipers trying to destroy themselves. The immigration issue with the Musk/Bannon elements offering opposing opinions is a prime example. The Trump administration cannot appease all sides of an argument. Since the mainstream press has capitulated to the dark side, it is up to forums like ours to report on the inconsistencies within MAGA and their allies. Struggle.
Tim, I have a huge amount of respect for your work as a historian and how you have made that relevant to our times. I agree with this post on one level: several of the Trump nominees are grossly unqualified. But I also feel that the abandonment of the Lake, Baird, and Wood nominations speaks to the unfortunate tendency of Democrats to throw down their guns when the shooting starts. Notwithstanding the cynical posturing of the Republicans, which has only become more emboldened over the last 25 years, each of these nominees were highly qualified, and, IMO, entitled to be appointed. I am sure this is a minority view, but I feel that it had to be said.
I think that standards were more upheld then than now and that’s one of the nation’s myriad problems. Social media has also contributed mightily to this reality. So many woes…
Exactly and that is why the Democratic Party needs to be shaken up by new younger bloods. Marc Elias interviewed 4 men who are running for chair. I am leaning towards Ben Wikler. He has some great ideas. David Hogg, the young man who survived the Marjorie Stoneman shooting, is running for co-chair. He would be a remarkable help.
The nominees’ lack of qualifications and character are only part of the problem. Mitch McConnell turned the Senate into an entitlement program for wealthy and superannuated politicians. For mist of Obama’s presidency, the Senate played roadblock and not much else. It gave up its authority and initiative and hasn’t looked for either since then. The Oklahoman who played “whataboutism” Tuesday demonstrated the lack of courage or understanding of the threat Hegseth poses not only because he’s a lout but also because he’s never managed anything substantial. Writing as a former Army platoon leader, I can say that the “dust on my boots” doesn’t mean I’m fit to run the entire defense establishment. The Senate HS chosen to surrender to indifference.
Hegseth vows to eradicate DEI policies from the military and establish a merit-based command and support structure. That would be the ultimate irony. Hegseth IS a DEI hire. He perfectly fits Trump’s concept of diversity, equity and inclusion. A Fox Entertainment Enterprise commentator who has never held office nor has he run any large organization though he was able to bankrupt a small one. Matches Trump’s qualifications like a glove. No previous experience in foreign affairs or international relations. No knowledge of the military’s procurement system nor any relationship with American armaments manufacturers.
These attributes should qualify him to run the US Government’s largest department which has 2.8 million employees and an $820,000,000,000 budget. Unfortunately merit no longer is valued as it once was. Declaring allegiance to the tribe is now much more important than is merit. Just ask any US Senator.
I suspect that you are 100% correct on that. Who do you think tends to his multiple golf courses? Again I suspect it’s undocumented immigrants; ditto for cleaning staff at his hotels. I also suspect they’ve been threatened with dismissal if they dare speak. If the GOP Congress is afraid to speak about his behavior, you can bet your last dollar that his staff is equally afraid of losing their job.
TS, I concur when you write: "A number of Trump's appointments are simply outrageous by historical, ethical, strategic, or any other standards. The ongoing confirmation hearings tend to normalize the bizarre (although Democrats and a couple of Republicans have asked meaningful questions.)" But times have changed. Fox News is more important this year than the Democrats in Congress. It just is. As well, consider who has been invited to the Inauguration's special box. Oligarchs and demagogues and the deeply flawed. Think what message this cast of characters is sending to our NATO and ASEAN allies.
There you go Tim, using logic, historical precedent and ethics again. Those things may matter to you and the subscribers to your wonderful Substack, but they are viewed with disdain if not contempt by the majority of Americans as evidenced by their choice or failure to exercise their choice in the recent election.
There may be little we can do politically but we can at least hurt them economically by curtailing our purchases and by boycotting their businesses.
As I wrote in another substack today as a Canadian I made a difficult choice after Trump was elected in November. I pledged to not purchase any material goods, wine or food from the US even though I have family in the 🇺🇸. I couldn’t fathom spending my hard earned retirement fund to support a guy who’s hell bent on destroying the richest nation in the world and one who threatens to invade my country. The choice is simple.
I’ve never listened to them, although I know their music. It never resonated with me. When I look at their lyrics, they’re beautiful, the music per se, not so much. Please forgive this aberration on my part.
It took me a long time to realize that Christian Nationalism is a death cult. These nominations just speed things up for the Armageddon that they dream of.
Trump’s idea of the United States is a version of world wide wrestling federation melded to the Declaration of Independence. It’s not more complicated than that. Appearance is everything. The real business of power is accumulating wealth. It’s his true north and to that extent he’s not far off the Republican path. If you can’t make it: fake it. And bury the evidence.
Hegseth watched to many reruns of the A Team. ( solve all problems with a cowboy hat and a gun) No need for law enforcement or government. Went to real war, got ptsd, untreated, self medicated and became an alcoholic. Claim Veteran Privilege anytime he makes a bad choice. Disaster at DOD, DOJ, NSC. Which one first? Or will happen all together in some kind of catastrophic event bringing all three clowns together to fail miserably?
Hegseth: Meritocracy! Meritocracy! Meritocracy!
Jordon Klepper nails the RShit hypocrisy in this clip from Tuesday's Daily Show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoOrGgn9Nw8&t=470s
The least meritorious nominee for SecDef is going to bring meritocracy to the DOD?!? Nope, Hegseth is bringing Kleptocracy, tRumptocracy, Mumptocracy to DOD. Oh, and Joni Ernst’s just another Harper Valley MAGIDIOT hypocrite! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOZPBUu7Fro
In my younger days I had a fat-ass commander who was discharging troops under the Fat Boy program. When we confronted him, he claimed that he had been dipped and that isn't fat we're seeing, it's muscle! Shit like that will be rampant if this Wedge (simple tool) gets confirmed: That wasn't a war crime I ordered, that was brilliant strategy! We must have Greenland! We had to nuke them!
1 May 2025: we will have an excellent feel for where the USA is headed.
I think soon to be Cabinet member (yet again) Linda McMahon might concur with you, Alan.
The republicans folded faster than a cheap suit.
Mike Johnson's holier than thou persona has been ripped asunder. His baseline greed has been exposed to all who care to see.
You mean Moses Mike might have been lying when he said that God spoke to him and told him to lead the House? While Mitch McConnell did real and permanent damage to the federal judiciary, I fear that Mike is even more dangerous. He's clearly enthralled by Trump and will do everything he's told to do and then some. Add to that the fact that he is second in line to the presidency after Vance and, well, o.m.g.
3rd in the line of the presidency...sigh
And even though he vociferously denies it, he sacked Mike Turner for the Intelligence Committee's chair as one more act of saying "Yes Sir" to Trump after getting the phone call from Trump or one of Trump's minions. Johnson just seems so weak, it's an embarrassment.
He is extremely weak, which makes him quite dangerous given his position.
I think of his position as second in line. If something happens to Trump, it's Vance then Moses Mike.
Talking of the difference between competence and incompetence, yesterday Mike Johnson removed Rep Michael Turner (R-OH), who has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, from his position of chair of House Intel, "reportedly at Trump’s request."
"Ukraine hawk removed from House intelligence role, reportedly at Trump’s request. The move by Speaker Mike Johnson provides the latest evidence of a changing posture more favorable to Russia under Donald Trump." https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/01/15/ukraine-hawk-removed-house-intelligence-role-reportedly-trump-request/
Greasing the skids to sell Ukraine out to vlad. I predict a hotel in moscow and all the incredible weaponry technology developed by Ukraine to be turned against Europe...that is IF we the people let such a thing happen. Ukrainians have always been the source of smarts for russia.
Yes, I've long been impressed by Ukrainian smarts. Their tech and digital skills, especially in weaponry, have been exceptional. Yesterday Noel Reports posted that "Ukrainian defenders from the 63rd Brigade have taken down a rare Russian experimental reconnaissance drone, Merlin-VR. This high-tech drone can fly up to 5 km high and operate for 10 hours—outperforming Supercam and ZALA."
https://bsky.app/profile/noelreports.com/post/3lfs7r3ifas27
But this is just one of many weapons they've developed. You rightly point out the disturbing possibility that weapons technology developed by Ukraine might eventually be turned against Europe.
Re "Ukrainians have always been the source of smarts for russia." I just found this article from United 24 Media, "Ukrainian Team Triumphs at NASA Hackathon, Beating 10,000+ Competitors Worldwide" (1/17/2025). Notice--in the pic--how young some of them are!
https://united24media.com/latest-news/ukrainian-team-triumphs-at-nasa-hackathon-beating-10000-competitors-worldwide-5190
Yes, that is alarming and believe me, johnson doesn’t think of these ideas all by himself. He has the backing of the evil Leonard Leo.
Your assessment of Cabinet nominees is clear, compelling, and widely held by informed people. But, to use a popular phrase, here’s the thing: Trump wants to break or shred democracy. Most of these nominees will contribute to that. The consequences could be cataclysmic. So far, there is no meaningful counterforce. There is no “shadow cabinet” yet to confront the mix of oligarchs and circus performers. They will run and ruin this country, often with brutality. So, I don the same tee daily, “Black Is My Favorite Color.” It’s a conversation starter. Glumly …
I'm doing my best to lead development of a "shadow cabinet" platform structure on my Substack https://dougshortridge.substack.com/p/peoples-cabinet-sandbox-1?r=j9540 . It seems to be forming into a single "publication", with "posts/subposts" for each cabinet position and the pres/vp. The effort is inspired by Dr. Tim's writings on the importance of creativity and a flash of thinking following Ariane Goodwin's comment last week. Hope people will give this a look and contribute. It's my only work and subscriptions are free.
Does tfg want to "break or shred democracy"? Or is he just playing the part of being president, with someone else (Putin? Musk?) actually calling the shots?
I’ll be brief: yes. For two, his attempts to overturn a free and fair election provide stunning evidence of his intentions, not to mention his wanting to shut down the Department of Education rather than lift America’s declining public education. Your question is a good one. Other dictators and oligarchies have influenced him. But, he’s in charge, though very far from competent and very unimpressively enamored of very rich men — not women.
We know, Charlotte, Putin's tech bots have sundered Americans, sown divisions, hate.
We know, too, Putin's U.S. tech billionaire compatriots have dedicated their platforms to same hatreds, divisions, rancor.
We know the schools in long ago having excluded humanities have let the standardized testing billionaires let numbers and profits suffocate the human, the personal, as if the only values were those of the abstracted, categorical.
I wonder what old line Germans were thinking in 1933 as the old guard was tossed out on its ear (if not worse).
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/gallery/reichstag-fire
As I wrote elsewhere, in my naivete I continue to be surprised by the number of people who will throw away any moral or ethical scruples or principles to keep their jobs or get a powerful one. I'm beginning to realize that many people have no moral or ethical principles.
Thank you, Mr H, for this.
It is as if an astronomer had been advised and agreed to train his telescope on a book on astronomy and not at the night sky itself.
Americans, largely, not inclusively, have been advised and have agreed to scripted, through many hands abstracts of real relationship, real-relating experiences. Through novels, through story time radio, then through cinema and TV, and now through others sitcom-ized, abstract performance-only forms of living as an observer, some many have scripted and not real experience-based renditions of living.
How often has any fiction presented the ethical aspect of living, choosing and then living with the consequences as well as the experience a toddler or a two year old gets at the play ground playing among other little ones?
If people only watch The Simpsons and other fiction, then they may only get many important experiences from The Simpsons and may then parent ... just ... like ... the ... Simpsons.
Please continue nurture and develop your moral and ethical scruples. I am grateful that you do; I keep trying to mend and improve mine through use and learning hard lessons of choice, actions and consequences.
With the exception of John Tower none of the rejects were Republican nominees. And what do we know about Republicans - they will never repeat the "mistakes" of the past like allowing Bork or Tower to be rejected. Trump's unacceptable nominees will likely all be confirmed, even Tulsi Gabbard. Our national security, health and fiscal welfare will be in peril. But Trump and his MAGA horde doesn't care if it all burns down. He and Musk will buy up the ashes and sell them at a profit.
Sad state of affairs. There is hope, however. As long as the Trump/Musk/Bannon movements continue to consolidate, we are witnessing an increased probability that the movements will implode, like a burlap sack full of vipers trying to destroy themselves. The immigration issue with the Musk/Bannon elements offering opposing opinions is a prime example. The Trump administration cannot appease all sides of an argument. Since the mainstream press has capitulated to the dark side, it is up to forums like ours to report on the inconsistencies within MAGA and their allies. Struggle.
Tim, I have a huge amount of respect for your work as a historian and how you have made that relevant to our times. I agree with this post on one level: several of the Trump nominees are grossly unqualified. But I also feel that the abandonment of the Lake, Baird, and Wood nominations speaks to the unfortunate tendency of Democrats to throw down their guns when the shooting starts. Notwithstanding the cynical posturing of the Republicans, which has only become more emboldened over the last 25 years, each of these nominees were highly qualified, and, IMO, entitled to be appointed. I am sure this is a minority view, but I feel that it had to be said.
I think that standards were more upheld then than now and that’s one of the nation’s myriad problems. Social media has also contributed mightily to this reality. So many woes…
Exactly and that is why the Democratic Party needs to be shaken up by new younger bloods. Marc Elias interviewed 4 men who are running for chair. I am leaning towards Ben Wikler. He has some great ideas. David Hogg, the young man who survived the Marjorie Stoneman shooting, is running for co-chair. He would be a remarkable help.
I agree with this.
The nominees’ lack of qualifications and character are only part of the problem. Mitch McConnell turned the Senate into an entitlement program for wealthy and superannuated politicians. For mist of Obama’s presidency, the Senate played roadblock and not much else. It gave up its authority and initiative and hasn’t looked for either since then. The Oklahoman who played “whataboutism” Tuesday demonstrated the lack of courage or understanding of the threat Hegseth poses not only because he’s a lout but also because he’s never managed anything substantial. Writing as a former Army platoon leader, I can say that the “dust on my boots” doesn’t mean I’m fit to run the entire defense establishment. The Senate HS chosen to surrender to indifference.
Hegseth vows to eradicate DEI policies from the military and establish a merit-based command and support structure. That would be the ultimate irony. Hegseth IS a DEI hire. He perfectly fits Trump’s concept of diversity, equity and inclusion. A Fox Entertainment Enterprise commentator who has never held office nor has he run any large organization though he was able to bankrupt a small one. Matches Trump’s qualifications like a glove. No previous experience in foreign affairs or international relations. No knowledge of the military’s procurement system nor any relationship with American armaments manufacturers.
These attributes should qualify him to run the US Government’s largest department which has 2.8 million employees and an $820,000,000,000 budget. Unfortunately merit no longer is valued as it once was. Declaring allegiance to the tribe is now much more important than is merit. Just ask any US Senator.
Hegseth is NOT a DEI hire. Only in the Demented One’s mind does he fit his interpretation of DEI.
This Senate are not those Senates. And these nominees are not those nominees. I am very skeptical at the moment.
Zoë Baird and Kimba Wood are my favorites since Trump himself has surely used undocumented labor countless times.
I suspect that you are 100% correct on that. Who do you think tends to his multiple golf courses? Again I suspect it’s undocumented immigrants; ditto for cleaning staff at his hotels. I also suspect they’ve been threatened with dismissal if they dare speak. If the GOP Congress is afraid to speak about his behavior, you can bet your last dollar that his staff is equally afraid of losing their job.
All nominees qualified only because they are willing to kiss the Emperor's backside. Other specifics are immaterial to this GOP led effort.
TS, I concur when you write: "A number of Trump's appointments are simply outrageous by historical, ethical, strategic, or any other standards. The ongoing confirmation hearings tend to normalize the bizarre (although Democrats and a couple of Republicans have asked meaningful questions.)" But times have changed. Fox News is more important this year than the Democrats in Congress. It just is. As well, consider who has been invited to the Inauguration's special box. Oligarchs and demagogues and the deeply flawed. Think what message this cast of characters is sending to our NATO and ASEAN allies.
There you go Tim, using logic, historical precedent and ethics again. Those things may matter to you and the subscribers to your wonderful Substack, but they are viewed with disdain if not contempt by the majority of Americans as evidenced by their choice or failure to exercise their choice in the recent election.
There may be little we can do politically but we can at least hurt them economically by curtailing our purchases and by boycotting their businesses.
As I wrote in another substack today as a Canadian I made a difficult choice after Trump was elected in November. I pledged to not purchase any material goods, wine or food from the US even though I have family in the 🇺🇸. I couldn’t fathom spending my hard earned retirement fund to support a guy who’s hell bent on destroying the richest nation in the world and one who threatens to invade my country. The choice is simple.
What about Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and members of The Band?
Will you, CAM, hence refuse to listen to them if based on American labels?
I’ve never listened to them, although I know their music. It never resonated with me. When I look at their lyrics, they’re beautiful, the music per se, not so much. Please forgive this aberration on my part.
It took me a long time to realize that Christian Nationalism is a death cult. These nominations just speed things up for the Armageddon that they dream of.
Tulsi Gabbard belongs to a breakaway sect of the Hari Krishna!
They stand and pray with the new army of god for the apostolic reformation. Frightening as they are apostles to he who knows all