Ellen’s comment was clear, I thought. Are you taking Potter shots? It IS tempting to retreat into pointing out typos when the weight of catastrophic destruction looms over the nation and the world.
It doesn't matter to me about Tim's typos. It's easy enough to 'suss out' what he meant to say before his typing fingers decided to run off and do something else. And consider that Tim Snyder, with a typo every single sentence - should that ever happen - is much more lucid and his words more important than probably those of anyone else on Substack or beyond. So I'd suggest we forget about any typo's and focus on the words, the thought, the message.
And the message is for us to not relinquish any of our freedoms, nor the fact this government is still of, by, and for the People who will find out about these malodorous actions by Musk and demand their representatives to not let him run stuff instead of the People running stuff. As one Senator said, "He can't primary all of us." We don't have to cower and bow and plead and wrangle for the rights we already have -- we just have to stand up for them, no matter who's in office.
Sorry but I expect more from a full professor than multiple typos in short essay. I have great respect for Dr. Snyder and his opinions; it's why I'm a paid subscriber to this Substack. But I also respect the written word and think there is no excuse for such laxness when every word processing program includes a grammar check.
Substituting “Trump” for “Musk” in a sentence would not be flagged, I don’t believe. Can’t speak for the other typos, as I didn’t see them myself, but some folks seem more detail oriented than I am on most of the comment threads I read.
Maybe this was an early draft that made it to “print.“ A little jarring to us editors. Still, a profound concept and exposition. A lot to think about here. And to dread.
As I have commented before, Snyder really needs a decent copyeditor because, like a lot of academics I know (and I edited an academic journal in both English and French for 15 years, so I can say this with certainty), he can't edit his own work.
There’s that plus autocorrect which can lead to some real beauts in meaning. We really need an edit option for everyone; not just those who still use a desktop or a laptop computer. I’m either working from my phone or I Pad. If writing something rather involved, I copy it to my Notes, deleting the original. Then I edit my note and reload to the comment section. I find that slows me down enough to better catch errors in either syntax, sentence structure or spelling and to make omissions if I run on and on and on.
When proof reading, some of us read what we meant to say not what we wrote. Spell Check and Grammar Check clean up a lot of crud for us, but omissions need a human edit. If that edit just fills in what was intended, words like "not" will rarely be caught.
Actually I find it interesting that there are very few of these incredible thinkers whose substacks don't have typos. HCR is always flawless. I think probably has a flawless proofer. Steve Schmidt is generally also without error. I noticed early on Dr Snyder's posts always have errors. His brain is just too fast for his fingers. Perhaps he has no time to run these by a proofer. I
I agree that the typos distract from the brilliant explanations, ideas, and new words. Perhaps the professor needs simply to re-read before hitting "Send." Or get a grad student to proofread. Wouldn't that be a great job?
I found myself realizing “Snyder-typos” are, in their own funny way, a freedom-enhancing thing for a blue-collar, 18 units/3 attempts non-college educated, ex-con w/ Certificate of Rehab/Pardon, ridiculously chaotic and unstable childhood, cancer survivor like me, who cusses way too much goddamnit. I feel much more free to participate in supporting Mr. Tim’s great leadership with whatever experiences, ideas, and words I think might be helpful, even if they are often at least somewhat offensive. I guess I’m really just an angry young man who looks older now. But anyway, how about we all just put our thinking caps on now boys and girls and let the little things go? We are in a critically important phase these decades and there could be massive further bloodshed if we don’t get this right. Humor and fun are important! Try me. But nitpicky bullshit? Uh, no. Not fun.
You're a star, and don't apologize for what you think might be flaws (blue-collar, 18 units/3 attempts non-college educated, ex-con w/ Certificate of Rehab/Pardon, ridiculously chaotic and unstable childhood, etc.) My father grew up in a blue collar neighborhood in Allentown (born 1924) and he would admire you for your great writing skills. Really, you're good, and don't apologize.
On purpose. It’s our job, the readers, what they mean. It took me a couple re-read to see the nudging Snyder was “hinting” at without actually saying - “go with Musk for now.” And if we do, we can avoid the tyranny Trump promised, STILL promises.
If you read a lot on the internet, especially newspapers, there are lots of typos. It is the fault of the proof reader or typesetter, whoever or however that task is completed.
Thank you for these word suggestions, the pen truly is mightier than the sword!
Words are so very powerful … words internalize our thoughts, our thoughts create emotions, our emotions lead to our actions. You’ve given us a new vocabulary of old words which will guide our actions to survive this regime.
Regardless of what we call these loathsome fascists, it boils down to evil – greed, malice and egomania triumphant. In 29 days, Elonia and Orange Caligula will take power and start destroying our democracy.
It's already well underway--SCOTUS, voting rights, press cave-ins, the magwarts in House/Senate who'll kiss any sphincter, botched covid response, book bans, deregulation in red states, climate meltdown, AR shootings, etc etc. As I've written here, we are at war. And it didn't just begin.
No matter how many the munpers kill and otherwise ruin, i don't think many will turn on Trump himself. History suggests it usually takes a long time before followers realize how deeply they've been betrayed by those whom they once supported. Trump knew this in his 2015 5th Avenue comment. But it may not matter. There are many other ways that regimes fall.
They may not turn on Trump (except verbally) until the point that trump’s dementia can no longer be ignored. I think that day is coming. Why else would he be kept out of sight since the election? What will they do to prop him up at the inauguration? Teleprompters are the only way he can finish a thought, but his limited literacy combined with dementia makes this risky. I’m betting on some medical cocktail that includes a hefty dose of amphetamines, but that’s just a crude guess. But he is failing.
Thanks for this. One of the best ways to fight back is to mock them and demean them. Do not give them status. I also still love calling the U.S. the name you created, Trumpomuskovia. Or now, maybe, Mumpovia would be more apt.
Hi, Julia. Thank you for your response. I am wrestling with something similar: while humor may often be an effective way to undermine tyrants, sometimes a direct simplicity works, too. I am thinking of something from my faith tradition: do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly. It seems to me, an unabashed statement of one's values has a dignity that mockery does not. It also places in stark contrast the values at stake. I guess I am reading into your remark that you care about decency, fair play, and the like. For the reachable people who have abandoned those things for the mirage of Mumpville, perhaps it would be a chastening mirror. I wonder.
Yes, exactly Barbara. The civil rights movement achieved its gains by standing firm. Today, the Rev. Barber's Poor People's Campaign, United We Dream, Make the Way New York, and many others, show the way.
Humor can undermine tyrants, but mocking people like ourselves - the 99%, for lack of another term - is wrong on many levels.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I'm happy to "meet" you! I support Dr. Barber and am enlightened and encouraged all the time by people like Dr. Snyder, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, HCR, Bandy X. Lee, and movements like Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Faithful America, and others. I agree with Keith that a variety of strategies is useful, but in the end I think they all need to bear the imprint of our core values of mutual respect and shared community. Not easy sometimes when you're typing into a computer screen, or reacting to hate bait in the media. So I especially appreciate your reaching out. Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season.
Thank you for putting health care as a right front and center. The corruption has already been there for quite some time, finally getting so bad that it has even been noticed by the Democrats who have allowed it to persist. The New York Health Act could solve this for NY, and fighting for enhanced Traditional Medicare single payer for all is essential, though it's looking even more out of reach as the Mumps descend upon us.
76m+ mumpets, both parties run like a gerontocracy fuelled by dark money, no justice system, rank inequality everywhere and now a leader who acts towards allies as if he is the Godfather calling in favours. For the RoW MAGA may come to mean Make America Go Away.
I'm delighted to discover that the origin of the word "musk" is probably the Sanskrit word for testicle. I hope this is true. Also, Vance apparently derives from Old English "fens" - that is, "swamp". Remove the testicle! Drain the swamp!
I love this piece so much I'm going to print it our and give it to friends! Thank You! Thank You!
Thank You ! It is a perfect antidote to these malevolent men who now have control of our country ..And as you said in another recent post the leaders on our side must speak out loudly and give an answer as to how our side would do things. Example, if they want to eliminate medicare our side must denounce that. We say we want to strengthen it, expand it for all. We must tell people we can afford to do this . It is not going to break the bank. We are a very rich country.
If I may, one aspect of political peace is food security - enough calories, reliably safe, nutritious food for the populace, to avert famine and unrest. With the possible dismantling or underfunding of the FDA, the USDA, and other like organs of the proposed Mump-Brain Worm government, food insecurity could lead to the type of regime-toppling seen in the French Revolution. And there's an obvious, ominous "let them eat cake" vibe about.
I know. I'm afraid it will get much, much worse - that is, more people will experience this, and those who are already experiencing this will be on the verge of starving in the street.
Is that correct? It's my impression that they don't understand nutrition and shopping. They don't know how to buy wisely. People seem to buying (charging) for Christmas. My husband and I have spend our entire married lives (44 years) living on less in the Bay Area. We paid off our foreclosure before retiring and now live on our Social Security. Last year I had to explain to an elderly commenter on Yahoo that you don't eat lettuce in the winter (she couldn't afford it.) In the wintertime, people, eat cabbage, and root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, rutabagas, turnips.) It's not rocket science, and usually at the front or back of every basic cookbook. Even in California, where lettuce is grown pretty much all year long, I'm careful about buying it.
That is true of some people. Far too many people rely on the quick and dirty approach to eating - all fast food, or frozen or dried instant meals. Others don't have access to kitchens or cupboards or stoves or pots and pans, etc. Some people live in what are called "food deserts". Some don't have affordable, safe, reliable transportation to and from the grocery store. Some families live in hotel rooms. And some are already on the street.
Knowing what is happening is important but now WE must organize for resistance like MLK,
Gandhi, Mandela etc. did to defeat opposition to a better society for all. Tax Revolt, General Strikes, Boycotts, non-cooperation with everything that impinges on our safety, freedom, peace.
I am ready to fight for USA and people just as soldiers, patriots have for 240+ years. I refuse to support governments that do not represent the majority of Americans. Taxation without Representation under Kings, Lords, Ladies that are immune from prosecution on many criminal, treasonous, unpatriotic, unconstitutional acts!
I'm up with your pugnacious attitude, Becca. The problem is with the so-called majority of Americans who chose not to express their wishes by voting, or whose votes were suppressed by the manoeuvers of red state legislators and the Thomito Court.
My senator, Mike Lee will be a mump weasel aka a measle.
Ooooh. I like that one very much.
Tillis (NC)- Tylliphis (Syphilis)?
Poetic
Excellent commentary - but I think you have several typos.
“That term was always Trump's propaganda, and Trump simply does matter as he once did.”
That should probably be “Trump simply does NOT matter”
“Trump's current public humiliation of Trump may very well be part of a plan.” Should probably be “MUSK’S current public humiliation of Trump”
Oh darn! Trump can't humiliate himself. I thought he did that every time he takes a breath.
Question mark after "humiliate himself" 🤷🏼
Ellen’s comment was clear, I thought. Are you taking Potter shots? It IS tempting to retreat into pointing out typos when the weight of catastrophic destruction looms over the nation and the world.
Stop it!! The meaning with the question mark is also clear. Was not meant as a correction of a typo. Think!
We do not need to be taking pot shots over this.
You’re right Potter, typo was the wrong word. It wasn’t a typo. It was repeating a statement from a post.
It doesn't matter to me about Tim's typos. It's easy enough to 'suss out' what he meant to say before his typing fingers decided to run off and do something else. And consider that Tim Snyder, with a typo every single sentence - should that ever happen - is much more lucid and his words more important than probably those of anyone else on Substack or beyond. So I'd suggest we forget about any typo's and focus on the words, the thought, the message.
And the message is for us to not relinquish any of our freedoms, nor the fact this government is still of, by, and for the People who will find out about these malodorous actions by Musk and demand their representatives to not let him run stuff instead of the People running stuff. As one Senator said, "He can't primary all of us." We don't have to cower and bow and plead and wrangle for the rights we already have -- we just have to stand up for them, no matter who's in office.
Love your response! Write on!
Sorry but I expect more from a full professor than multiple typos in short essay. I have great respect for Dr. Snyder and his opinions; it's why I'm a paid subscriber to this Substack. But I also respect the written word and think there is no excuse for such laxness when every word processing program includes a grammar check.
Substituting “Trump” for “Musk” in a sentence would not be flagged, I don’t believe. Can’t speak for the other typos, as I didn’t see them myself, but some folks seem more detail oriented than I am on most of the comment threads I read.
He's about the forest, not the trees.
Please stop wasting time and attention on typo mentions. We can't afford it.
Who is to say that the proof reader did not make the typos?
"Great" -- small and fractures is more likely. " that should probably be “FRACTURED”.
Or fractious, but why is this such a big deal?
Maybe this was an early draft that made it to “print.“ A little jarring to us editors. Still, a profound concept and exposition. A lot to think about here. And to dread.
As I have commented before, Snyder really needs a decent copyeditor because, like a lot of academics I know (and I edited an academic journal in both English and French for 15 years, so I can say this with certainty), he can't edit his own work.
There’s that plus autocorrect which can lead to some real beauts in meaning. We really need an edit option for everyone; not just those who still use a desktop or a laptop computer. I’m either working from my phone or I Pad. If writing something rather involved, I copy it to my Notes, deleting the original. Then I edit my note and reload to the comment section. I find that slows me down enough to better catch errors in either syntax, sentence structure or spelling and to make omissions if I run on and on and on.
When proof reading, some of us read what we meant to say not what we wrote. Spell Check and Grammar Check clean up a lot of crud for us, but omissions need a human edit. If that edit just fills in what was intended, words like "not" will rarely be caught.
Actually I find it interesting that there are very few of these incredible thinkers whose substacks don't have typos. HCR is always flawless. I think probably has a flawless proofer. Steve Schmidt is generally also without error. I noticed early on Dr Snyder's posts always have errors. His brain is just too fast for his fingers. Perhaps he has no time to run these by a proofer. I
I agree that the typos distract from the brilliant explanations, ideas, and new words. Perhaps the professor needs simply to re-read before hitting "Send." Or get a grad student to proofread. Wouldn't that be a great job?
I'd be happy to proofread any of Professor Snyder's writings! 😊
Here are the three in this article:
"MAGA." That term was always Trump's propaganda, and Trump simply does [not] matter as he once did. So “MAGA” is not only misleading but obsolete.
Trump's [Musk's] current public humiliation of Trump may very well be part of a plan.
like a politburo: a few people, who can [be] brought in and pushed out.
Nowthat musk expand his influence to the uk and another country. He will rule the world soon. Muskogod
I found myself realizing “Snyder-typos” are, in their own funny way, a freedom-enhancing thing for a blue-collar, 18 units/3 attempts non-college educated, ex-con w/ Certificate of Rehab/Pardon, ridiculously chaotic and unstable childhood, cancer survivor like me, who cusses way too much goddamnit. I feel much more free to participate in supporting Mr. Tim’s great leadership with whatever experiences, ideas, and words I think might be helpful, even if they are often at least somewhat offensive. I guess I’m really just an angry young man who looks older now. But anyway, how about we all just put our thinking caps on now boys and girls and let the little things go? We are in a critically important phase these decades and there could be massive further bloodshed if we don’t get this right. Humor and fun are important! Try me. But nitpicky bullshit? Uh, no. Not fun.
To my surprise, I agree with you; Professor Snyder's brain is out-pacing his fingers
You're a star, and don't apologize for what you think might be flaws (blue-collar, 18 units/3 attempts non-college educated, ex-con w/ Certificate of Rehab/Pardon, ridiculously chaotic and unstable childhood, etc.) My father grew up in a blue collar neighborhood in Allentown (born 1924) and he would admire you for your great writing skills. Really, you're good, and don't apologize.
The typos happen a lot in Snyder's work compared to Reich and HCR. I wonder why?
On purpose. It’s our job, the readers, what they mean. It took me a couple re-read to see the nudging Snyder was “hinting” at without actually saying - “go with Musk for now.” And if we do, we can avoid the tyranny Trump promised, STILL promises.
I don't know that I agree. The typos here are frequent but haven't been present in any of Snyder's books that I have read.
That’s exactly the point. Try reading it again. Focus on verbs first. Then read again - nouns and especially capitalized nouns.
If you read a lot on the internet, especially newspapers, there are lots of typos. It is the fault of the proof reader or typesetter, whoever or however that task is completed.
Thank you, Timothy Snyder for this important new glossary. I will use these words from today forward. I understand their value.
Thank you for these word suggestions, the pen truly is mightier than the sword!
Words are so very powerful … words internalize our thoughts, our thoughts create emotions, our emotions lead to our actions. You’ve given us a new vocabulary of old words which will guide our actions to survive this regime.
Regardless of what we call these loathsome fascists, it boils down to evil – greed, malice and egomania triumphant. In 29 days, Elonia and Orange Caligula will take power and start destroying our democracy.
It's already well underway--SCOTUS, voting rights, press cave-ins, the magwarts in House/Senate who'll kiss any sphincter, botched covid response, book bans, deregulation in red states, climate meltdown, AR shootings, etc etc. As I've written here, we are at war. And it didn't just begin.
No matter how many the munpers kill and otherwise ruin, i don't think many will turn on Trump himself. History suggests it usually takes a long time before followers realize how deeply they've been betrayed by those whom they once supported. Trump knew this in his 2015 5th Avenue comment. But it may not matter. There are many other ways that regimes fall.
They may not turn on Trump (except verbally) until the point that trump’s dementia can no longer be ignored. I think that day is coming. Why else would he be kept out of sight since the election? What will they do to prop him up at the inauguration? Teleprompters are the only way he can finish a thought, but his limited literacy combined with dementia makes this risky. I’m betting on some medical cocktail that includes a hefty dose of amphetamines, but that’s just a crude guess. But he is failing.
Trump's drug of choice is televised spectacle all about him. I'd guess the adrenaline boost will, at least temporarily, obviate the need for meth.
Thanks for this. One of the best ways to fight back is to mock them and demean them. Do not give them status. I also still love calling the U.S. the name you created, Trumpomuskovia. Or now, maybe, Mumpovia would be more apt.
No, that is not the best way to fight back. The best way to fight back is to get together with others and to visibly stand up.
Okay. But I did not say it was the best way. We need an arsenal of strategies. They hate being mocked. We know this from Trump's thin skin.
Hi, Julia. Thank you for your response. I am wrestling with something similar: while humor may often be an effective way to undermine tyrants, sometimes a direct simplicity works, too. I am thinking of something from my faith tradition: do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly. It seems to me, an unabashed statement of one's values has a dignity that mockery does not. It also places in stark contrast the values at stake. I guess I am reading into your remark that you care about decency, fair play, and the like. For the reachable people who have abandoned those things for the mirage of Mumpville, perhaps it would be a chastening mirror. I wonder.
Yes, exactly Barbara. The civil rights movement achieved its gains by standing firm. Today, the Rev. Barber's Poor People's Campaign, United We Dream, Make the Way New York, and many others, show the way.
Humor can undermine tyrants, but mocking people like ourselves - the 99%, for lack of another term - is wrong on many levels.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I'm happy to "meet" you! I support Dr. Barber and am enlightened and encouraged all the time by people like Dr. Snyder, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, HCR, Bandy X. Lee, and movements like Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Faithful America, and others. I agree with Keith that a variety of strategies is useful, but in the end I think they all need to bear the imprint of our core values of mutual respect and shared community. Not easy sometimes when you're typing into a computer screen, or reacting to hate bait in the media. So I especially appreciate your reaching out. Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season.
Thank you for putting health care as a right front and center. The corruption has already been there for quite some time, finally getting so bad that it has even been noticed by the Democrats who have allowed it to persist. The New York Health Act could solve this for NY, and fighting for enhanced Traditional Medicare single payer for all is essential, though it's looking even more out of reach as the Mumps descend upon us.
76m+ mumpets, both parties run like a gerontocracy fuelled by dark money, no justice system, rank inequality everywhere and now a leader who acts towards allies as if he is the Godfather calling in favours. For the RoW MAGA may come to mean Make America Go Away.
I'm delighted to discover that the origin of the word "musk" is probably the Sanskrit word for testicle. I hope this is true. Also, Vance apparently derives from Old English "fens" - that is, "swamp". Remove the testicle! Drain the swamp!
Thanks for the new vocabulary, Professor.
So, we may have a "Skance" presidency in six months?
Skank would be more appropriate, as it describes Musk and Vance perfectly.
I love this piece so much I'm going to print it our and give it to friends! Thank You! Thank You!
Thank You ! It is a perfect antidote to these malevolent men who now have control of our country ..And as you said in another recent post the leaders on our side must speak out loudly and give an answer as to how our side would do things. Example, if they want to eliminate medicare our side must denounce that. We say we want to strengthen it, expand it for all. We must tell people we can afford to do this . It is not going to break the bank. We are a very rich country.
If I may, one aspect of political peace is food security - enough calories, reliably safe, nutritious food for the populace, to avert famine and unrest. With the possible dismantling or underfunding of the FDA, the USDA, and other like organs of the proposed Mump-Brain Worm government, food insecurity could lead to the type of regime-toppling seen in the French Revolution. And there's an obvious, ominous "let them eat cake" vibe about.
Millions of Americans are already experiencing food insecurity, because they don't have enough income to pay for both housing and food.
I know. I'm afraid it will get much, much worse - that is, more people will experience this, and those who are already experiencing this will be on the verge of starving in the street.
Is that correct? It's my impression that they don't understand nutrition and shopping. They don't know how to buy wisely. People seem to buying (charging) for Christmas. My husband and I have spend our entire married lives (44 years) living on less in the Bay Area. We paid off our foreclosure before retiring and now live on our Social Security. Last year I had to explain to an elderly commenter on Yahoo that you don't eat lettuce in the winter (she couldn't afford it.) In the wintertime, people, eat cabbage, and root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, rutabagas, turnips.) It's not rocket science, and usually at the front or back of every basic cookbook. Even in California, where lettuce is grown pretty much all year long, I'm careful about buying it.
That is true of some people. Far too many people rely on the quick and dirty approach to eating - all fast food, or frozen or dried instant meals. Others don't have access to kitchens or cupboards or stoves or pots and pans, etc. Some people live in what are called "food deserts". Some don't have affordable, safe, reliable transportation to and from the grocery store. Some families live in hotel rooms. And some are already on the street.
Knowing what is happening is important but now WE must organize for resistance like MLK,
Gandhi, Mandela etc. did to defeat opposition to a better society for all. Tax Revolt, General Strikes, Boycotts, non-cooperation with everything that impinges on our safety, freedom, peace.
I am ready to fight for USA and people just as soldiers, patriots have for 240+ years. I refuse to support governments that do not represent the majority of Americans. Taxation without Representation under Kings, Lords, Ladies that are immune from prosecution on many criminal, treasonous, unpatriotic, unconstitutional acts!
I'm up with your pugnacious attitude, Becca. The problem is with the so-called majority of Americans who chose not to express their wishes by voting, or whose votes were suppressed by the manoeuvers of red state legislators and the Thomito Court.
Artwork to make an icon out of Musk+Trump=MUMP and help evolve the lexicon.
https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/make-the-lexicon-evolve?r=3m1bs