Cool a new red scare.
9
The republican's subtle "comb-over" prejudices have now morphed into Trump's obvious "cotton-candy-swirl" racism.
27
Never read or listen to the right - you'll have trouble washing it off. Stay optimistic but with a very healthy dose of realism. Be ready for anything.
39
Thank you Mr. Krugman.
Just, Thank you.
Just, Thank you.
72
Imagining that Donald Trump has the intention of serving anyone or anything beyond himself is generous.
68
Wow. Reading this column and the corresponding comments I wonder why we remain one country.
"So if it seems strange to you that these days Democrats are sounding patriotic while Republicans aren’t, you just weren’t paying attention. The people who now seem to love America always did; the people who suddenly no longer sound like patriots never were."
Am I not a patriot? I have voted Republican in the past. I also voted for Barack Obama's first term. You know...back when
"There is not a liberal America and a conservative America - there is the United States of America. There is not a black America and a white America and latino America and asian America - there's the United States of America."
Why is it that when people Krugman approves of chant and wave flags and USA placards they love America and when the people who hold different opinions on some things do it they are being jingoistic and are frauds? Seems very immature to me not to allow for a difference of opinion. But go ahead score your rhetorical points, feel superior in your monopoly of the truth and the other side's obvious faults because you are perfect Paul and his apostles.
"So if it seems strange to you that these days Democrats are sounding patriotic while Republicans aren’t, you just weren’t paying attention. The people who now seem to love America always did; the people who suddenly no longer sound like patriots never were."
Am I not a patriot? I have voted Republican in the past. I also voted for Barack Obama's first term. You know...back when
"There is not a liberal America and a conservative America - there is the United States of America. There is not a black America and a white America and latino America and asian America - there's the United States of America."
Why is it that when people Krugman approves of chant and wave flags and USA placards they love America and when the people who hold different opinions on some things do it they are being jingoistic and are frauds? Seems very immature to me not to allow for a difference of opinion. But go ahead score your rhetorical points, feel superior in your monopoly of the truth and the other side's obvious faults because you are perfect Paul and his apostles.
19
One candidate states I alone ,another we together. I cannot fight for everything or everyone ,we accomplishes so much more. I'll stand with we.
50
Very insightful. Krugman's best column in a while.
61
Why do US citizens continue to elect those same “Mainstream Democrats” and “Mainstream Republicans” who are indebted to the “DONOR CLASS” and the PACs (foreign and domestic) to the US congress and the US presidency?
These politicians grant free access to taxpayer’s money from the US Treasury with their “PAY TO PLAY” NO-BID government contracts (Solyndra and CGI Federal), control of US foreign policy and High Paying High Profile US Government jobs in return for campaign contributions and other financial benefits.
These Politicians and their benefactors should be arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced to long prison terms.
These politicians grant free access to taxpayer’s money from the US Treasury with their “PAY TO PLAY” NO-BID government contracts (Solyndra and CGI Federal), control of US foreign policy and High Paying High Profile US Government jobs in return for campaign contributions and other financial benefits.
These Politicians and their benefactors should be arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced to long prison terms.
14
Foreign Manufacturers and foreign governments probably think that they paid President Clinton for NAFTA and all of that that other Free Trade Agreement legislation, MFNs, PNTRs for Communist China and that Hughes Aircraft Co. secret US Military Rocket Technology for Communist China “fair and square” in accordance with the prevailing INSTITUTIONALIZED federal government “PAY TO PLAY” bribery procedures (google Chinagate Political) to acquire such government actions.
Maybe President Obama gave Hillary a copy of his list of “PAY TO PLAY” campaign donors’ e-mail addresses (CGI Federal, Solyndra, Saudia Arabia, Communist China, etc.) and Hillary is using her computer in order to "Work" this list to the cash benefit of the “CLINTON FOUNDATION.”
Maybe President Obama gave Hillary a copy of his list of “PAY TO PLAY” campaign donors’ e-mail addresses (CGI Federal, Solyndra, Saudia Arabia, Communist China, etc.) and Hillary is using her computer in order to "Work" this list to the cash benefit of the “CLINTON FOUNDATION.”
12
Would those who follow Trump have as shaky a claim on patriotism as those who would shun “a brown-haired Palestinian Jew” have on Christianity.
6
Thank you. A .
10
Krugman is right. How messed up have our political parties become? I was a life-long Republican but left the party when Sarah Palin and the Tea Party took over. Today, although I'm an Atheist Jew, I find myself singing a Christian spiritual daily: "If you don't love your neighbor then you don't love God." THAT'S how messed up!
50
Does loving your country mean you love or ignore the fact that we destroyed Iraq, shot down an Iranian commercial airliner, and waged a brutal war in Asia for reasons that today make no sense?
27
Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up!
47
Who knew? Donald Trump. Putin's Poodle.
67
When talks start about Patriotism or American patriotism, I would like to emphasize one role model from many.
Pat Tillman , If you read his story , it is not about dry, rhetorical, soulless patriotism. It is a very meaningful patriotism.
may be some people doesn't like to classify patriotism in some words, but Who did Mai Lai village massacre can not be accepted a patriot.
To being patriot , staying with your comrades in Vietnam prison 4 more year and endure the torture who is John Mc Cain.
There is patriotism whom willing to do good for his country following strictly American values, not running for killing others.
How many times did you hear this past RNC John Mc Cain name, I heard too many in DNC.
I heard only a soulless 1%'er Trump stated that he doesn't like captured soldier.
Republicans you are trying elect a guy who is in contempt with John Mc Cain patriotism, which he can easily get out of Vietnam war because his fathers sake and be still admired, but he refuse to come home while his comrades in Vietnam prisons were tortured, he knew that his stay with them give them a chance to survive not forgotten.
But , Republicans cherishes, dry patriotism, such as lets bomb ISIS territory and see from the space glow, ISIS is not a 100 million people, if you glow a land means that you are killing thousands of innocents, and very few Christians, that is not patriotism that is war crime. But you don't care do you? do you republicans.
Pat Tillman , If you read his story , it is not about dry, rhetorical, soulless patriotism. It is a very meaningful patriotism.
may be some people doesn't like to classify patriotism in some words, but Who did Mai Lai village massacre can not be accepted a patriot.
To being patriot , staying with your comrades in Vietnam prison 4 more year and endure the torture who is John Mc Cain.
There is patriotism whom willing to do good for his country following strictly American values, not running for killing others.
How many times did you hear this past RNC John Mc Cain name, I heard too many in DNC.
I heard only a soulless 1%'er Trump stated that he doesn't like captured soldier.
Republicans you are trying elect a guy who is in contempt with John Mc Cain patriotism, which he can easily get out of Vietnam war because his fathers sake and be still admired, but he refuse to come home while his comrades in Vietnam prisons were tortured, he knew that his stay with them give them a chance to survive not forgotten.
But , Republicans cherishes, dry patriotism, such as lets bomb ISIS territory and see from the space glow, ISIS is not a 100 million people, if you glow a land means that you are killing thousands of innocents, and very few Christians, that is not patriotism that is war crime. But you don't care do you? do you republicans.
40
For the Democrats, USA stands for US All. For the Republicans it means US Against them.
34
Finally - we can call out this phony patriotism for what it is - and it brings to mind this little quip that happened during the Bush v. Gore campaign days.
I remember driving off to lunch one work day with one of my conservative friends - and here in California there is a lot of that blue/red pal-ing around you hear about on the news - you know we're really strangely tolerant of such behavior out here, the nuts that we are - and we came to stop at a light. In front of us was a pickup truck with a US Flag sticker right next to an NRA Life Member sticker. And beside him, was a Subaru with its backside absolutely plastered in eco-liberal bumper stickers, along with a Gore campaign sticker and a US Flag sticker.
My friend said: "there's one of *ours* - and one of *yours* Some nerve he has flying the flag."
I thought, and so replied - "You're kidding, right? They're both American. You gonna tell me I'm not American?"
As we were in my car, and as we had been good friends for decades, he backpedalled. "Well, YOU are, but these people disrespect the flag and everything it stands for."
"Excuse me, but isn't that a pretty weird thing to say? I mean, it's all about living peacefully with different opinions. Right?"
"Yeah, but he's still wrong."
"I'll bet they both work at the same place and are going to lunch together..."
"Probably."
And so perhaps the beauty of America is that those of us of such differing opinion can still enjoy each other while in disagreement.
I remember driving off to lunch one work day with one of my conservative friends - and here in California there is a lot of that blue/red pal-ing around you hear about on the news - you know we're really strangely tolerant of such behavior out here, the nuts that we are - and we came to stop at a light. In front of us was a pickup truck with a US Flag sticker right next to an NRA Life Member sticker. And beside him, was a Subaru with its backside absolutely plastered in eco-liberal bumper stickers, along with a Gore campaign sticker and a US Flag sticker.
My friend said: "there's one of *ours* - and one of *yours* Some nerve he has flying the flag."
I thought, and so replied - "You're kidding, right? They're both American. You gonna tell me I'm not American?"
As we were in my car, and as we had been good friends for decades, he backpedalled. "Well, YOU are, but these people disrespect the flag and everything it stands for."
"Excuse me, but isn't that a pretty weird thing to say? I mean, it's all about living peacefully with different opinions. Right?"
"Yeah, but he's still wrong."
"I'll bet they both work at the same place and are going to lunch together..."
"Probably."
And so perhaps the beauty of America is that those of us of such differing opinion can still enjoy each other while in disagreement.
31
In this years election, white power trumps love thy neighbor.
15
Paul,
Your 5th paragraph sums up what I like about your columns - you not only keep us informed about economics but you show us what it means to be a liberal.
And we're both of the same tribe - old white male teachers who hate working in the yard in the hundred degree heat, (OK, so I'm not sure about the last part, but I suspect it's true.) :)
Your point about the conservatives insisting on the phrase "Islamic terrorism" is right on target. How would the conservatives feel if the news media started calling the mass killers like the Aurora, Newtown, Orlando, and Charleston shooters, "gun enthusiast"?
And make no mistake, that's what they were. Many of these mass murders were gun collectors. Many of them carried more guns than they needed to perpetrate their sick fantasies. And most of them used assault style weapons.
Why is this last point important? Because, as 2nd Amendment types like to tell us, these weapons are no more dangerous than say, a regular rifle that can fire as rapidly as you can pull the trigger, or a shotgun. The Washington Navy Yard shooter killed most of his 13 victims with a Remington shotgun.
But let the media label these killers "gun enthusiast" and watch the rest of the gun enthusiast go ballistic.
Your 5th paragraph sums up what I like about your columns - you not only keep us informed about economics but you show us what it means to be a liberal.
And we're both of the same tribe - old white male teachers who hate working in the yard in the hundred degree heat, (OK, so I'm not sure about the last part, but I suspect it's true.) :)
Your point about the conservatives insisting on the phrase "Islamic terrorism" is right on target. How would the conservatives feel if the news media started calling the mass killers like the Aurora, Newtown, Orlando, and Charleston shooters, "gun enthusiast"?
And make no mistake, that's what they were. Many of these mass murders were gun collectors. Many of them carried more guns than they needed to perpetrate their sick fantasies. And most of them used assault style weapons.
Why is this last point important? Because, as 2nd Amendment types like to tell us, these weapons are no more dangerous than say, a regular rifle that can fire as rapidly as you can pull the trigger, or a shotgun. The Washington Navy Yard shooter killed most of his 13 victims with a Remington shotgun.
But let the media label these killers "gun enthusiast" and watch the rest of the gun enthusiast go ballistic.
44
Thanks Paul, much appreciated. Now let's go out and crush Trump so knowone else gets any ideas to push the race/religion/gender/ "the other" blaming again.
32
I agree 100% with this article. I've followed you for almost eight years and This is one of the best articles/blog posts you have ever made.
42
I hope Trump is no longer getting classified briefings.
33
As usual, Paul Krugman is articulate, insightful and right on target. Many thanks for sharing your wisdom on a regular basis. I don't always get to start my day with a Nobel prize winner!
28
Democratic Convention a Celebration for the "elite " with the likes of a Bloomberg ( worth an estimated 48 Billion) Hillary the candidate worth what 100 million and counting - based on what ? no products or services provided - unless you consider political influence a product - 94 million on food stamps and now 1.2 growth rate - The Democrats are the party of the urban elite - global economy types who are making glorified advertising agency e.g Facebook, lawyers financial money traders and yes Paul you NYT writers, Blacks and Hispanics who think that government entitlements is some economic progress.
8
Dr Krugman is exactly right. Under the cover of Patriotism the Republicans have disguised their supremacist views and feelings for a long long time.
And now the Democratic Party is taking away Patriotism from them because it is pretty obvious that you cannot be a Patriot and vote for somebody like Donald Trump.
Republicans at this point in history have been stripped of almost all rational and reasonable positions in politics and they are looking totally naked of ideas. That is how a party collapses.
And now the Democratic Party is taking away Patriotism from them because it is pretty obvious that you cannot be a Patriot and vote for somebody like Donald Trump.
Republicans at this point in history have been stripped of almost all rational and reasonable positions in politics and they are looking totally naked of ideas. That is how a party collapses.
29
You nailed it (again) Dr. Krugman.
The GOP's brand of "patriotism" is, "You're either with us, or against us."
No gray areas allowed, no compromises considered.
The GOP's brand of "patriotism" is, "You're either with us, or against us."
No gray areas allowed, no compromises considered.
18
"The only thing we have to Trump, is Trump its self"
9
Yes, yes, we get it- regressive patriotism is jingoism. But Krugman has been criticized for propagating this Trump-Putin-espionage hypothesis that I strongly urge anyone who wants some objective, unbiased analysis without weasel-words to read Glenn Greenwald's latest interview:
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/interrogation/2016/07/gl...
Being a patriot and voting against Trump does not translate as a duty to love HRC and fall for Krugman's own bromance with Trump and Putin. You can have the former without the latter.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/interrogation/2016/07/gl...
Being a patriot and voting against Trump does not translate as a duty to love HRC and fall for Krugman's own bromance with Trump and Putin. You can have the former without the latter.
5
We have an election in which both major candidates are pulling historically high negative polling numbers. Why is there no coverage of the Johnson/Weld ticket? If either guy were heading the Republican side he'd be far ahead.
2
"Urged the Russians to engage in espionage on his behalf. "
Per HRC the 30,000 emails she had deleted were SOLELY personal emails. Therefore if they were hacked by someone that would not constitute espionage since HRC did not delete any emails with state secrets (as such deletion would result in an obstruction of justice felony conviction).
Per HRC the 30,000 emails she had deleted were SOLELY personal emails. Therefore if they were hacked by someone that would not constitute espionage since HRC did not delete any emails with state secrets (as such deletion would result in an obstruction of justice felony conviction).
9
Who loves America? The republicans have a monopoly on America love. As long as you're not black. Or Asian. Or middle eastern. Or female. Or disabled. Or unemployed. And - judging by their actions over the years - they're not super keen on the poor, either.
But if you're a white male coal-mining cop who serves in the military and hides money offshore, then the republicans love you unconditionally. No questions asked or allowed.
But if you're a white male coal-mining cop who serves in the military and hides money offshore, then the republicans love you unconditionally. No questions asked or allowed.
11
Senator Carl Schurz pretty much settled the question of patriotism back in 1899, and so perhaps it's time to revisit his famous quote. “I confidently trust that the American people will prove themselves … too wise not to detect the false pride or the dangerous ambitions or the selfish schemes which so often hide themselves under that deceptive cry of mock patriotism: ‘Our country, right or wrong!’ They will not fail to recognize that our dignity, our free institutions and the peace and welfare of this and coming generations of Americans will be secure only as we cling to the watchword of true patriotism: ‘Our country—when right to be kept right; when wrong to be put right.’”—Schurz, “The Policy of Imperialism,” Speeches, Correspondence and Political Papers of Carl Schurz, vol. 6, pp. 119–20 (1913).
19
I'm glad you gave tribalism the space it deserves - it accounts for not only the hypocritical flag waving in the face of a nearly treasonous exhortation for a geopolitical adversary to hack us, it also mysteriously accounts for the evangelical alignment with someone who really doesn't embody their values in any way, shape, or form. Evangelicals, are you listening?
Tribalism and with it, demonizing of "others" can be a dark and dangerous force - Germany, 1932 comes to mind.
Whatever the outcome, the "T-word" will give anthropologists a lifetime of study from just this one election cycle.
Tribalism and with it, demonizing of "others" can be a dark and dangerous force - Germany, 1932 comes to mind.
Whatever the outcome, the "T-word" will give anthropologists a lifetime of study from just this one election cycle.
9
"So if it seems strange to you that these days Democrats are sounding patriotic while Republicans aren’t, you just weren’t paying attention. The people who now seem to love America always did; the people who suddenly no longer sound like patriots never were."
Patriotism knows no political party.
"This same tribal urge surely underlies a lot of the right’s rhetoric about national security."
The Democratic Party is full of "tribes" and they all have their list of grievances.
"Why are Republicans so fixated on the notion that the president must use the phrase “Islamic terrorism..."
For the exact same reason Democrats use the phrase "undocumented workers" instead of "illegal immigrants": they want to redefine the narrative to their favor.
"...it’s all about drawing a line between us (white Christians) and them (everyone else)..."
How is this different from Democrats' promotion of group-identity politics?
"It was, instead, about using alleged Democratic weakness on national security as a club with which to beat down domestic opponents, and serve the interests of the tribe."
This is no different from the Democrats promoting the Affordable Care Act. They portrayed Republicans as absolutely heartless and used that as a club to beat them down, and serve the interests of the tribe.
So, Professor Krugman, who loves America? We all do, but both parties (and their media supporters) use patriotism as just another weapon to demonize each other.
Patriotism knows no political party.
"This same tribal urge surely underlies a lot of the right’s rhetoric about national security."
The Democratic Party is full of "tribes" and they all have their list of grievances.
"Why are Republicans so fixated on the notion that the president must use the phrase “Islamic terrorism..."
For the exact same reason Democrats use the phrase "undocumented workers" instead of "illegal immigrants": they want to redefine the narrative to their favor.
"...it’s all about drawing a line between us (white Christians) and them (everyone else)..."
How is this different from Democrats' promotion of group-identity politics?
"It was, instead, about using alleged Democratic weakness on national security as a club with which to beat down domestic opponents, and serve the interests of the tribe."
This is no different from the Democrats promoting the Affordable Care Act. They portrayed Republicans as absolutely heartless and used that as a club to beat them down, and serve the interests of the tribe.
So, Professor Krugman, who loves America? We all do, but both parties (and their media supporters) use patriotism as just another weapon to demonize each other.
6
"...because it also serves the tribe."
That's really it in a nutshell. And I see it over and over again in the emails that I get from my conservative colleagues and acquaintances. And Facebook. OMG the outright falsehoods they post multiple times each day.
Just to be clear, I am not talking about the opinions of the tribe, but what they believe to be factually true.
When you approach any of their favorite themes with facts, they quickly disregard them. Truth be told, they just don't care. When you ask who creates this propaganda and what is their motive for doing so, they simply do not care.
The tribe has become more important than the truth or country. And the "not caring" of the tribe members is really, really scary.
That's really it in a nutshell. And I see it over and over again in the emails that I get from my conservative colleagues and acquaintances. And Facebook. OMG the outright falsehoods they post multiple times each day.
Just to be clear, I am not talking about the opinions of the tribe, but what they believe to be factually true.
When you approach any of their favorite themes with facts, they quickly disregard them. Truth be told, they just don't care. When you ask who creates this propaganda and what is their motive for doing so, they simply do not care.
The tribe has become more important than the truth or country. And the "not caring" of the tribe members is really, really scary.
25
Is there any hope that Krugman will return to his blog on a regular, rather than a weekly, basis? He has so much to add but the tumbleweeds are taking over at Conscience of a Liberal.
You'd think an economist would see and understand the world beyond the claims of politics and advertising slogans. And not worry so much about which party "loves", or claims to love, America more or less, like every other pundit in America.
What should matter is the truth. But of course neither party is interested in that rare commodity. Democrats, facing Trump's brainless juggernaut, should be leading this contest by a landslide.
But of course they're not. I wonder why? You'd think an economist would at least know enough to tune out the noise and "follow the money". But apparently there are no fancy equations to measure corruption, greed and suborned opinion in the Democratic party.
The party of half-truths has never had an easy time beating out the party of outright lies. If it loses this time, well.....
What should matter is the truth. But of course neither party is interested in that rare commodity. Democrats, facing Trump's brainless juggernaut, should be leading this contest by a landslide.
But of course they're not. I wonder why? You'd think an economist would at least know enough to tune out the noise and "follow the money". But apparently there are no fancy equations to measure corruption, greed and suborned opinion in the Democratic party.
The party of half-truths has never had an easy time beating out the party of outright lies. If it loses this time, well.....
5
Wonderfully simple, clear and cogent, Mr. Krugman. If you could teach us all to recognize tribalism for the danger it is (whatever the race, religion or geography we must recognize that we live together in an uncomfortably small house) you'd deserve a peace prize to go along with that economic one. ; )
4
The real question is who loves what's been done to America.
4
Trump is as much a patriot as he is a Christian.
12
The people who now seem to love America always did; the people who suddenly no longer sound like patriots never were. - Mic dropped!
4
The irony in all this is that the "Make American great again!" crowd is supporting a candidate that admires Vladimir Putin, a former KGB agent.
14
As Jon Stewart once said, Republicans love America ... but hate half the people living in it. And now we see that these Republicans would like to lock at least some of them up.
11
Tribe matters. Without it, you have no friends, no help, and nobody to care for or about. Tribe is also bigger than just ethnicity. Ideologies can bind members of a tribe. I see nothing wrong with displaying loyalty to one's tribe however one defines "tribe." I also see nothing wrong with being critical of those who stand against one's tribe.
Donald Trump is bought and paid for by Russian oligarchs.
6
I agree that Donald Trump's behavior with Putin is dangerous and unprecedented, putting the security of the United States at risk. However, I thought the action of House Speaker John Boehner in inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress, essentially behind the President's back, was also dangerous and unprecedented. And should we mention the outing of Valerie Plame? These are all the actions of partisans who talk a good game of patriotism, especially when they want to use patriotism as cover for bashing Democrats, but stand ready to sell out when it suits their purposes.
29
The GOP, like a Vegas magic act has been using smoke and mirrors for so long their base, and now the Trumplodites think that magic is real. That the lady really got sawed in half. Miracle!
The GOP claimed to support The American Family, but has done a great job in undermining all the support structures. Anything that would give a family a little boost - health care reform, child care subsidies, fair/equal pay, higher education and job training incentives...are anathema to the GOP when it comes to actual policy. All they have is their boot-strap pulling mantras. "Pull harder!"; they recite over and over.
The GOP never truly honored all their claims to xtian values. As they see real charity, as Jesus taught it, as weakness, as dangerous to the...yes, The Family! So they invented the Welfare Mom (who's always brown-skinned) mythology to bolster what they and their base truly felt deep inside. Minorities are a plague on the nation and need to be treated as such. Isolated and treated with disrespect and skewed legal punishment for all their offenses. White people, males mostly, are all moral and just, and need to be protected from the hordes.
Now they don't have a Reagan, or even a low-grade speaker like GWB. Now they have Trump. A man who uses mirrors to first check out his own visage, then to blind the audiences with...while some smoke wafts in for effect. "Ooh...smoke..."
The GOP will lose, and it will break apart soon thereafter...
The GOP claimed to support The American Family, but has done a great job in undermining all the support structures. Anything that would give a family a little boost - health care reform, child care subsidies, fair/equal pay, higher education and job training incentives...are anathema to the GOP when it comes to actual policy. All they have is their boot-strap pulling mantras. "Pull harder!"; they recite over and over.
The GOP never truly honored all their claims to xtian values. As they see real charity, as Jesus taught it, as weakness, as dangerous to the...yes, The Family! So they invented the Welfare Mom (who's always brown-skinned) mythology to bolster what they and their base truly felt deep inside. Minorities are a plague on the nation and need to be treated as such. Isolated and treated with disrespect and skewed legal punishment for all their offenses. White people, males mostly, are all moral and just, and need to be protected from the hordes.
Now they don't have a Reagan, or even a low-grade speaker like GWB. Now they have Trump. A man who uses mirrors to first check out his own visage, then to blind the audiences with...while some smoke wafts in for effect. "Ooh...smoke..."
The GOP will lose, and it will break apart soon thereafter...
13
As Bill O'Reilly has often said on his TV program, the liberals love to verbally attack those who have conservative views. They are the only ones who can have an opinion and they do not allow for any other viewpoints. They live in a closed little world and are very narrow minded. They are boring and dull. There is a reason why The O'Reilly Factor in which I am a fan has the highest ratings of any other cable news program. Mr. O'Reilly presents both the conservative and liberal points of view and is open minded. I do wish some of the liberal NYT readers would do the same and respect those of differing viewpoints and at least be respectful. Conservatives do not hate you so please do not hate us.
5
My Congressman uses patriotic themes constantly, Rep. Walter "Freedom Fries" Jones. He is the classic example of a phrase I used, paraphrased from Benjamin Franklin: "Show me a politician who wraps himself in the flag and I will show you a small bundle." Sadly, a huge swath of the American electorate has fallen for the flag waving election after election.
9
That was fun. Thank you.
While we discuss the Russian aggression in Crimea wouldn't it be more relevant as a reporter if you analyzed the role U S played in destabilizing the Ukraine. As a reporter of economic trends a few words on our Middle East disaster policy and the cost to the nation without any economic benefit.
Comment on something to make the people understand that the Defense Budget is only the tip of the iceberg...supplemental appropriations for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, etc...
What do you think of the 20 trillion in debt?
Journalism use to hold truth to power. Now it is part of the spin.
Comment on something to make the people understand that the Defense Budget is only the tip of the iceberg...supplemental appropriations for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, etc...
What do you think of the 20 trillion in debt?
Journalism use to hold truth to power. Now it is part of the spin.
5
What Trump admires about Putin is his power and his $70 billion.
Putin used his power to acquire wealth and Trump uses his wealth to gain power. Both are ruthless, ambitious and unconcerned with the suffering they create.
But Trump is more like the chubby little tyrant, Kim Jong-un. Like the N. Korean adult-child he inherited everything and did nothing to earn it.
Putin used his power to acquire wealth and Trump uses his wealth to gain power. Both are ruthless, ambitious and unconcerned with the suffering they create.
But Trump is more like the chubby little tyrant, Kim Jong-un. Like the N. Korean adult-child he inherited everything and did nothing to earn it.
10
As long as the Clinton's can milk as many myriad and sundry sources as possible for their cash machine, I am assuming that your position as director of purges and executions will be forestalled, Dr. Krugman? Is this an accurate assessment?
2
We are living in an era that can be thought of as the twilight of the Anglo-Saxon. The question is: will the tribalists go quietly or will they bring the rest of us down in their apocalyptic flames?
3
Paul, you just don't get it. Black Americans are going to have to assimilate to white culture, just as immigrants of color, and immigrant whites, have in the past. They have not, and slavery 150 years ago is no excuse. Whites founded this country, and until there is more intermarriage, acceptance of white food, music, educational values, etc, there will be no equal treatment. Look at world history and you will see this is only human nature.
Trump only asks that emails that were ALREADY hacked be released. I bet WikiLeaks already has them and will release them the week before the election! How could Hillary have known that she was going to screw herself out of being president! How delicious would that be?
As for NATO, Europe has been ripping us off for years by not paying their fair share, and using the savings to create welfare states. This must stop. How can there be a treaty and an alliance if signatories are not living up to the terms of the agreement?
Trump only asks that emails that were ALREADY hacked be released. I bet WikiLeaks already has them and will release them the week before the election! How could Hillary have known that she was going to screw herself out of being president! How delicious would that be?
As for NATO, Europe has been ripping us off for years by not paying their fair share, and using the savings to create welfare states. This must stop. How can there be a treaty and an alliance if signatories are not living up to the terms of the agreement?
In the old days, there was a Republican bumper sticker that read, “America, Love It or Leave It”
I think the Democrats should start using it now.
I think the Democrats should start using it now.
4
I think you have the "joke" set on its pointy head- The party screaming that the other side uses fear is deeply engaged in the same strategy, just about other things. The Bogeyman idiot running. The secret KGB plan to take over America, ripped out of moldy old GOP plot line 50s pulp fict6ion.
I never thought I'd see J. Edgar screed in this space...
But let's get to that "Tribal" dog whistle. The invitation to fear the great unwashed mass of pale Morlocks who refuse to be tongue lashed into submission for their great grandparents sins... after reading in Upshot about the 14% loss for Hilalry of dum...excuse, "non college educated" white males.... In that bit about 29% of male and female whites HAD DEGREES. Yet....only about 30 % of the population does, in general.
My point was that at the polls the "undereducated" are under represented.
Meaning there must be many more who can, and may, show up in November.
That should arouse some real fear.
Because this will be a "tribal" election.
Losing the spin meister (indeed since Hillary is tight with them, I think our intel community would gin the whole Putin story up, bogus cyber signs and all, part of the "craft") is it not time to:
1) - ask the Clinton foundation to open its anonymous "charity" books...to put aside rumors of money laundering.
2) ask Hillary to explain her border/illegals program.
(now print screen, if this ain't up in 1 hr, on another site...)
I never thought I'd see J. Edgar screed in this space...
But let's get to that "Tribal" dog whistle. The invitation to fear the great unwashed mass of pale Morlocks who refuse to be tongue lashed into submission for their great grandparents sins... after reading in Upshot about the 14% loss for Hilalry of dum...excuse, "non college educated" white males.... In that bit about 29% of male and female whites HAD DEGREES. Yet....only about 30 % of the population does, in general.
My point was that at the polls the "undereducated" are under represented.
Meaning there must be many more who can, and may, show up in November.
That should arouse some real fear.
Because this will be a "tribal" election.
Losing the spin meister (indeed since Hillary is tight with them, I think our intel community would gin the whole Putin story up, bogus cyber signs and all, part of the "craft") is it not time to:
1) - ask the Clinton foundation to open its anonymous "charity" books...to put aside rumors of money laundering.
2) ask Hillary to explain her border/illegals program.
(now print screen, if this ain't up in 1 hr, on another site...)
3
"I don't know about you, but whenever I return from a trip abroad, my heart swells to see the sheer variety of my fellow citizens, so different in their appearance, their cultural heritage, their personal lives, yet all of them -- all of us -- Americans."
This reminded me of two of my colleagues and a business trip to Russia that they took together. One colleague was born in India and the other born in Poland ... but both are now American citizens. The Russians at one facility were told that Americans would be visiting. When my colleagues arrived .. both speaking with the thick accents of their places of birth ... the Russians were confused and asked "Where are the Americans?" They were surprised when they were told "These are the Americans."
This reminded me of two of my colleagues and a business trip to Russia that they took together. One colleague was born in India and the other born in Poland ... but both are now American citizens. The Russians at one facility were told that Americans would be visiting. When my colleagues arrived .. both speaking with the thick accents of their places of birth ... the Russians were confused and asked "Where are the Americans?" They were surprised when they were told "These are the Americans."
8
I find helpful the distinction Dr. Krugman makes between patriotism and tribalism. He is spot on, and what he says goes a long way in naming the Trump narrative embraced by Republicans and summarized in the "Make America great mantra."
4
That's true! Every time I return home and land at Los Angeles Intl airport it's like the United Nations, right there. Folks of all races and ethnicity. It's great!
6
Thank you for setting the record straight, Mr. Krugman, unlike one of your fellow Times columnists who thinks the Repugs handed the Dems patriotism and appreciation for the America of our founders.
These are perilous times for our country when so many Americans apparently relish the crazed nonsense of someone who should never have risen to the position of nominee for any political party. I am hoping that the Repug nominee will be taken down by his treasonous speech and actions and be defeated before he can do any more damage to our country. I believe this will take action by our news media, which has so far abandoned its duty to truthfully report and to call out egregious lies and fraud.
We need more contributions from truth speakers such as Mr. Krugman to find our way back to rationality and intelligent discourse.
These are perilous times for our country when so many Americans apparently relish the crazed nonsense of someone who should never have risen to the position of nominee for any political party. I am hoping that the Repug nominee will be taken down by his treasonous speech and actions and be defeated before he can do any more damage to our country. I believe this will take action by our news media, which has so far abandoned its duty to truthfully report and to call out egregious lies and fraud.
We need more contributions from truth speakers such as Mr. Krugman to find our way back to rationality and intelligent discourse.
2
David Byrne's song "I love America" is totally relevant (but not about to be played at any campaign event).
1
Mr. Krugman, if the Republicans are just a self-serving tribe, what does that make the Democrats? What does that make the vast majority of Americans who are not practicing members of either political establishment?
One of the vaunted values of your "tribe" is diversity and inclusivity. The way your tribe manifests your concept of inclusivity is to vilify the other tribe. Phobias and isms define your speech patterns. You claim your goal is to bridge the divides in the country. Your method is to blow up all the bridges.
Now you are claiming that you are more patriotic than the rest of us Americans. The "other" 250,000,000 Americans.
Well, bully for you Democrat flag wavers.
The theme of next week's column could be Love It or Leave It. That would take a page out of your rival tribe's playbook.
One of the vaunted values of your "tribe" is diversity and inclusivity. The way your tribe manifests your concept of inclusivity is to vilify the other tribe. Phobias and isms define your speech patterns. You claim your goal is to bridge the divides in the country. Your method is to blow up all the bridges.
Now you are claiming that you are more patriotic than the rest of us Americans. The "other" 250,000,000 Americans.
Well, bully for you Democrat flag wavers.
The theme of next week's column could be Love It or Leave It. That would take a page out of your rival tribe's playbook.
2
Trump apparently admires Vlad Putin. Richard Nixon and Leonid Brezhnev were reportedly on friendly terms, also. Who says the Donald doesn't know history?
2
Wow, what a patronizing shill.
"What does it mean to love America? Surely it means loving the country we actually have."
Surely, you jest. You're a scientist, Dr. Krugman. Have you lost all your critical thinking?
What about an alternative hypothesis: It means to love a country we could have. It means to dream about a USA we can build through collective sacrifice, hard work, creativity, and thriving.
Or didn't it even occurred to prof Krugman that there's an alternative hypothesis, alternative narrative, and alternative philosophy?
"...whenever I return from a trip abroad, my heart swells to see the sheer variety of my fellow citizens..."
Where do you travel, Dr. Krugman? A small Japanese island? If you go to Russia (you're so happy to vilify, you'll find the same variety, ditto Brazil, Trinidad, Paris, and half the world.
Yes, Trump was joking about Russia and Clinton's emails. What's behind the joke I don't know and don't care, but it was a joke. If you can't hear it in tone and phrasing, you sense of humor, Dr. Krugman, is gone as is your critical thinking.
"What does it mean to love America? Surely it means loving the country we actually have."
Surely, you jest. You're a scientist, Dr. Krugman. Have you lost all your critical thinking?
What about an alternative hypothesis: It means to love a country we could have. It means to dream about a USA we can build through collective sacrifice, hard work, creativity, and thriving.
Or didn't it even occurred to prof Krugman that there's an alternative hypothesis, alternative narrative, and alternative philosophy?
"...whenever I return from a trip abroad, my heart swells to see the sheer variety of my fellow citizens..."
Where do you travel, Dr. Krugman? A small Japanese island? If you go to Russia (you're so happy to vilify, you'll find the same variety, ditto Brazil, Trinidad, Paris, and half the world.
Yes, Trump was joking about Russia and Clinton's emails. What's behind the joke I don't know and don't care, but it was a joke. If you can't hear it in tone and phrasing, you sense of humor, Dr. Krugman, is gone as is your critical thinking.
5
Fantastic! The argument couldn't be expressed more clearly and powerfully. Thank you Mr. Krugman.
2
Trumps says 'America first.' Well, America _is_ first, to democrats and republicans alike. But 'first' doesn't mean 'alone' and it doesn't mean betraying our allies or walking away from our commitments. Stiffing those who depend on you may be the trump way, but it certainly isn't the American way. Not the republican way either.
2
Well said. I might I add that those insisting on phrase "Islamic Terrorism" are indulging in their own form of bureaucratic political correctness. They seek to win the day by nitpicking over a term. The Democrats understand what terrorism is, and what constitutes a terrorist act. It is simply silly to argue otherwise.
1
There's a petition online to stop Trump from getting classified briefings. The briefings should not happen until, at the least, he has shown us all his financial records showing how much in bed he is with Russia and how much indebted he is to a German Bank.
http://act.credoaction.com/sign/trump_briefings?t=7&akid=19098.16301...
http://act.credoaction.com/sign/trump_briefings?t=7&akid=19098.16301...
2
Excellent description of the problem. Now we need to find a solution. The answers to it all will come with the vote count.
1
Russia is what it is and its current formation is partly determined by the US response to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Instead of making peace we decided to surround Russia with military bases and to encourage local repression of long settled populations of ethnic Russians throughout the former Soviet Union. Now you choose to take up this expansionism and hostility as your own. Very disappointed.
Is Ukraine really a shining example of democracy and good government?
Is Ukraine really a shining example of democracy and good government?
Republicans have been putting party over country for a long time now. They sought to extend the recession, and push our country into bankruptcy in order to prevent popularly elected Obama from having any successes, thus bringing themselves back to power. In the middle of an economic crisis, their Senate leader McConnell said that his goal was to ensure that Obama was a 1 term President. Nothing about helping the country.
Go back to Bush's protecting of his Saudi friends after 9/11 (14 Saudis attack us, and he invades Iraq!) Reagan's dealings with Iran to keep the hostages until after the 1980 election, and later illegal arming the Iranians and Nixon's election eve offer of a better deal to the No. Vietnamese if they would hold off on peace talks with President Johnson and you see a pattern. And that pattern isn't patriotism, it is lust for power.
Go back to Bush's protecting of his Saudi friends after 9/11 (14 Saudis attack us, and he invades Iraq!) Reagan's dealings with Iran to keep the hostages until after the 1980 election, and later illegal arming the Iranians and Nixon's election eve offer of a better deal to the No. Vietnamese if they would hold off on peace talks with President Johnson and you see a pattern. And that pattern isn't patriotism, it is lust for power.
3
The analogy of "through the looking glass" to describe the Trump candidacy is on point. He gets curiouser and curiouser every day. Many reasonable Republicans, like Mitt Romney, tried to stop his nomination.
Would a Republican Congress investigate Mr. Trump for treason in light of his comments supporting a foreign hostile power? If they did so, I think it would help restore the Republican Party to a viable, instead of obstructive and destructive, role in American politics.
Would a Republican Congress investigate Mr. Trump for treason in light of his comments supporting a foreign hostile power? If they did so, I think it would help restore the Republican Party to a viable, instead of obstructive and destructive, role in American politics.
The official Republican mantra is "small government, low taxes, and patriotism." Their real reason for existing can better be described as greed, ignorance, and bigotry. Great column, Paul. Thanks.
4
Once again Professor Krugman hits the nail on the head.
As he points out, the question we have to ask ourselves in this election is, Do we want to be a nation or a tribe?
As he points out, the question we have to ask ourselves in this election is, Do we want to be a nation or a tribe?
2
Can you imagine the media frenzy if Obama's father in law had been a card carrying communist? Or if Chelsea had one or two kids out of wedlock? Or if Hillary consistently complimented Putin on her private emails?
Could all that and more be why I sadly agree with PK's statement, "But what strikes me most is the silence of so many leading Republicans in the face of behavior they would have denounced as treason coming from a Democrat — not to mention the active support for Mr. Trump’s stance among many in the base."
I have always loved my country but would never wear an American flag pin. Sadly, the pin, not the flag, has adorned too many phony "patriots"
Could all that and more be why I sadly agree with PK's statement, "But what strikes me most is the silence of so many leading Republicans in the face of behavior they would have denounced as treason coming from a Democrat — not to mention the active support for Mr. Trump’s stance among many in the base."
I have always loved my country but would never wear an American flag pin. Sadly, the pin, not the flag, has adorned too many phony "patriots"
5
The Trump alliance with Putin is not hard to understand. Why did fascists across Europe join forces in WWII? They have a shared commonality of interests and it serves them to control their populations. It is an ideology that promotes transnational totalitarianism.
2
If Rush Limbaugh and other white conservatives think so highly of the conditions slaves lived in, I don't understand why they don't volunteer to become slaves themselves until a new Confederacy rises up to free them (and re-enslave all those colored folks in the process).
2
Thanks for this intelligent article. Request: I would love (every day) to read in depth interviews with some of the brilliant members of the Democratic Party. So much space is wasted with he said/she said in liberal publications . We all have to do whatever we can to stop Trump and his ilk. Although I read: The WA post, the New Yorker and The Times, I didn't really feel the Dem's got their message out there until I watched the convention. If Trump gets elected it's going to be, in large part, because the press didn't do enough to stop him and his ilk.
2
Isn't this patriotic fervor really about money? Who has it and who doesn't. The Trumpster doesn't have a laundry list of policies and programs he wants to see enacted when he's president. That's because he wants to shrink the federal government, not expand its role. And along with shrinking the federal government, the Trumpet promises HUGE federal income tax cuts that will, of course, most benefit those who pay the most taxes. Meanwhile, the Sanders-influenced Democratic platform calls for HUGE tax increases to fund a variety of welfare state initiatives, a laundry list of which would fill the front page of the Times. Yes, Trumpie is a tribalist, but he welcomes everyone to his tribe --regardless of race, religion or ethnicity -- who wants to put more money in their pocket instead of spending it on a bigger welfare state.
Professor Krugman asks what does it mean to love America. and I could not agree more that his view is that it is a melting pot, which is strongest as one. HRC made the same point last night by bringing up "e pluribus unum".
And I agree fully that we need to think about the way a term like Radical Islam divides and isolates. But it's also true that we all know these are radicals, who use religion for nefarious purposes, and are bolstered by middle east strife and western isolation. But why permit Republicans and Trump to leave us focused on nothing more than words and symbols? The same for the gun argument, where a bunch of "Americans" dress up in flags, and talk about the constitution. This is not law making, but is just a symbol that says "we" have always owned this country. Look how we dress up in guns and flags and look scary. No different. It is division.
So, how do you fight that? What would happen if our side finally says call this all what you will. We will not argue about words, but we will insist that you tell us what do about radical Islam. Why do we fight words and symbols? These folks are crazy and nothing they say makes sense. That is what needs repetition. They are insane.
And I agree fully that we need to think about the way a term like Radical Islam divides and isolates. But it's also true that we all know these are radicals, who use religion for nefarious purposes, and are bolstered by middle east strife and western isolation. But why permit Republicans and Trump to leave us focused on nothing more than words and symbols? The same for the gun argument, where a bunch of "Americans" dress up in flags, and talk about the constitution. This is not law making, but is just a symbol that says "we" have always owned this country. Look how we dress up in guns and flags and look scary. No different. It is division.
So, how do you fight that? What would happen if our side finally says call this all what you will. We will not argue about words, but we will insist that you tell us what do about radical Islam. Why do we fight words and symbols? These folks are crazy and nothing they say makes sense. That is what needs repetition. They are insane.
2
Finally- After all these years since the war in VietNam, we no longer have to "Love it or leave it". We can love it and stay and continue towards out more perfect union.
3
In The Battle for Everything, Five for Fighting sings a song called 100 Years. Mostly, the song is about a lifetime and toward the end, the lyrics go: "I'm 99 for a moment. Time for just one more moment."
When I'm 99, I want to be able to say I helped make sure that Donald Trump was NEVER in charge of any government function. Ever. He's unqualified. He leans authoritarian. We've been very lucky to avoid authoritarianism in our country's history but many authoritarian leaders were, at one point, elected. They fool people. Trump's reading up on these leaders and is trying to fool us.
When I'm 99, I want to be able to say I helped make sure that Donald Trump was NEVER in charge of any government function. Ever. He's unqualified. He leans authoritarian. We've been very lucky to avoid authoritarianism in our country's history but many authoritarian leaders were, at one point, elected. They fool people. Trump's reading up on these leaders and is trying to fool us.
3
I don't generally give a columnist an A plus, but this on deserves it. Right on!
6
This latest Donald Trump faux pas and flap with Russian hackers and Putin is simply too ridiculous--and too delicious to happen to the Republican Party, which has tried to lay sole claim to patriotism by demonizing and making communists and Russians its arch enemy for more than a half century. The GOP has chosen as its presidential candidate a man who clearly does not love this country--judging from his acceptance speech last week--and who loves only one thing--himself
I suspect the mischievous gods are giggling with delight.
I can only hope that Americans who really do love their country get out in herds in November and vote for the sane person and party, and that Donald Trump and the crazy GOP right-wing politicians up for reelection are defeated in record-breaking numbers.
I suspect the mischievous gods are giggling with delight.
I can only hope that Americans who really do love their country get out in herds in November and vote for the sane person and party, and that Donald Trump and the crazy GOP right-wing politicians up for reelection are defeated in record-breaking numbers.
3
Deafness to the power of Michelle Obama's statement (that her children now play on the lawn of a White House built by slaves) astounds me. She is saying not only that we as a country have the power to change, but that we can right what was wrong and evil. Paul Krugman gets it, and gets it deeply. In him I feel a have a friend and ally. Thanks, Paul.
5
Like the man said. Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel. I think that says it all. The idea that patriots blindly follow their leaders even when they are wrong has been a part of the republican party since the Vietnam war. Maybe longer, that's how far back I go. Yet the very people who opposed the war were proven right to do so. Same with the Iraq war. Naysayers were UNpatriotic but again correct to oppose it. Sad, but true.
Well, if Trump has proven one thing to the GOP, the rest of America, our allies, and even to Russia it's the old adage;
"Better a wise enemy than a foolish friend."
Why Russia also? They also don't want the war that a reckless fool like Trump could drag them into. Cause trouble? Yes. Promote themselves at our expense? Yes, and more, but not WWIII.
I don't mean to imply the Russians weren't behind the hack that led to the recent Wiki-leak of the DNC Emails, but Trump's clumsy handling of the political fruits have shown him to be a unreliable partner in malevolent political destruction.
"Better a wise enemy than a foolish friend."
Why Russia also? They also don't want the war that a reckless fool like Trump could drag them into. Cause trouble? Yes. Promote themselves at our expense? Yes, and more, but not WWIII.
I don't mean to imply the Russians weren't behind the hack that led to the recent Wiki-leak of the DNC Emails, but Trump's clumsy handling of the political fruits have shown him to be a unreliable partner in malevolent political destruction.
1
I respect and admire Paul Krugman and look forward to his editorials each week. But this particular writing made me jump up and cheer. He summed up so perfectly my feelings about the two parties .. the phony that scream about their patriotism as they block and undermine anything to lift people up versus the real patriots that truly care about our county and its people as they work hard for the common good. It was gratifying to see the differences laid so bare.
4
I've never really understood patriotism. I mean, why should you love the country you were born in? It's just a random occurrence - a serendipitous meeting of sperm and egg in a particular geographic location. So patriotism to me has always made as much sense as being proud you were born cesarean.
But I do support this country. I pay my taxes gladly, and I'm happy to state that this country is one of the very best countries in the world to life in - particularly so if you are an educated, skilled individual. And, if called to do so and if the cause was just, I would fight to defend this country's interests around the world.
One thing I would not do though is bash this country in a public forum. I would not have taken $1,000,000 from Japanese businessmen to make a speech about out screwed up America was the way Reagan did the moment he left office. And I certainly would not publicly advocate that Russia comment cyber based espionage against a former Secretary of State in order to help me win the Presidency.
Nor would I be stupid enough to vote for the man who did it.
Hmm, maybe I'm more patriotic than I give myself credit for.
But I do support this country. I pay my taxes gladly, and I'm happy to state that this country is one of the very best countries in the world to life in - particularly so if you are an educated, skilled individual. And, if called to do so and if the cause was just, I would fight to defend this country's interests around the world.
One thing I would not do though is bash this country in a public forum. I would not have taken $1,000,000 from Japanese businessmen to make a speech about out screwed up America was the way Reagan did the moment he left office. And I certainly would not publicly advocate that Russia comment cyber based espionage against a former Secretary of State in order to help me win the Presidency.
Nor would I be stupid enough to vote for the man who did it.
Hmm, maybe I'm more patriotic than I give myself credit for.
10
The metaphor for PK's excellent observations might be the difference between a public (everybody can play) golf course vs. a private (only for the rich) country club.
But none of what Hillary is FOR will come to pass with a Congress who is AGAINST anything promoted by the loyal opposition. A victory for Hillary will have to include down-ballot victories that will bring a 60+ majority in the Senate for the Democrats. The House, thanks to gerrymandering in the mostly white southern states, will likely stay under the control of Idiot America (if I may borrow that description from, Charie Pearce, the journalist and author of the book of the same name). The House is controlled by the anti-science, anti-climate change, tiny-brained folks brought to the House by local special interests from their districts. Their hate for our black president cannot be denied.
As PK described his inspired return from overseas trips, I am reminded of watching the credits roll for TV and films. Look at the surnames of the people who made it all happen. They came from other countries and became part of the entertainment business. They have, and continue to play a major role in the developement of computer systems and software. When I was an art director for the University of California at Irvine, I met doctoral students from various countries, of various faiths who were designing systems for space stations. and working to find cures for resistant diseases. They are part of the future of America.
But none of what Hillary is FOR will come to pass with a Congress who is AGAINST anything promoted by the loyal opposition. A victory for Hillary will have to include down-ballot victories that will bring a 60+ majority in the Senate for the Democrats. The House, thanks to gerrymandering in the mostly white southern states, will likely stay under the control of Idiot America (if I may borrow that description from, Charie Pearce, the journalist and author of the book of the same name). The House is controlled by the anti-science, anti-climate change, tiny-brained folks brought to the House by local special interests from their districts. Their hate for our black president cannot be denied.
As PK described his inspired return from overseas trips, I am reminded of watching the credits roll for TV and films. Look at the surnames of the people who made it all happen. They came from other countries and became part of the entertainment business. They have, and continue to play a major role in the developement of computer systems and software. When I was an art director for the University of California at Irvine, I met doctoral students from various countries, of various faiths who were designing systems for space stations. and working to find cures for resistant diseases. They are part of the future of America.
4
This is America's Brexit. The connection was made immediately for a reason.
Trump is another global anti-immigrant, anti-trade, nativist America First populist movement.
They are convenient scape goats for low information voters.
Brexit immediately led to Regrexit when people saw the rapid devaluation of GBP assets. Assets denominated in pounds dropped about 15%, property values dropped (especially in London) and the economic impact is already being felt in diminished business investment.
An economy that had been stronger than most post-Crisis is now expected to mildly contract in the latter half.
It was a self-inflicted wound that did none of what it promised.
To renegotiate trade in the EU Single Market at disadvantaged terms as a non-EU member, the UK would still need to accept immigrants, regulations, payments to Brussels, etc.
Instead of making Britain first, it will likely lead to its dissolution as Scotland and perhaps Northern Ireland choose to remain in the EU.
Trump's reckless proposals go beyond anti immigrant and free trade that have both made this economy the strongest in the world.
He advances ending NATO, allowing nuclear proliferation and massive tax cuts for the rich before renegotiating the debt, as he has done with his casinos so many times.
Of course his friend Vladimir wants to help him get elected.
But given the carnage America would likely see in the market's response to a Trump election and its aftermath, the question is why would we?
Trump is another global anti-immigrant, anti-trade, nativist America First populist movement.
They are convenient scape goats for low information voters.
Brexit immediately led to Regrexit when people saw the rapid devaluation of GBP assets. Assets denominated in pounds dropped about 15%, property values dropped (especially in London) and the economic impact is already being felt in diminished business investment.
An economy that had been stronger than most post-Crisis is now expected to mildly contract in the latter half.
It was a self-inflicted wound that did none of what it promised.
To renegotiate trade in the EU Single Market at disadvantaged terms as a non-EU member, the UK would still need to accept immigrants, regulations, payments to Brussels, etc.
Instead of making Britain first, it will likely lead to its dissolution as Scotland and perhaps Northern Ireland choose to remain in the EU.
Trump's reckless proposals go beyond anti immigrant and free trade that have both made this economy the strongest in the world.
He advances ending NATO, allowing nuclear proliferation and massive tax cuts for the rich before renegotiating the debt, as he has done with his casinos so many times.
Of course his friend Vladimir wants to help him get elected.
But given the carnage America would likely see in the market's response to a Trump election and its aftermath, the question is why would we?
4
"It was actually very Republican in substance; the only difference was that the substance was less disguised than usual. For the “fanning of resentment” that Mr. Obama decried didn’t begin with Donald Trump, and most of the flag-waving never did have much to do with true patriotism."
Right on!
Right on!
2
I find it amazing that none of his supporters have any trouble with Trump's comments, contradictions and lies. But it's the comments more than anything. Comments that just a couple of elections ago would have landed him on the candidate scrap heap. Comments that several decades ago would have landed him in front of a congressional committee. The compartmentalization that must be going on in some Republican leaders minds is head-spinning. I have no idea what they tell themselves when they look in the mirror in the morning. He's not qualified. He doesn't care about America or Americans. And most importantly he's dangerous.
5
"Both men were, in effect, saying that whites are their tribe and must never be criticized."
Indeed. And this tribalism is reflected in the polling numbers in all elections held in the last forty years or so. People like Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly and Donald Trump are terrified of the changing demographics that would no longer guarantee that tribalism ensures their hold on power and influence. Hence this paroxysm of frenzied appeal to a diminishing instinct. We just have to grit our teeth and bear what is, one hopes, a passing aberration.
Indeed. And this tribalism is reflected in the polling numbers in all elections held in the last forty years or so. People like Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly and Donald Trump are terrified of the changing demographics that would no longer guarantee that tribalism ensures their hold on power and influence. Hence this paroxysm of frenzied appeal to a diminishing instinct. We just have to grit our teeth and bear what is, one hopes, a passing aberration.
1
Mr. Krugman writes, “After all, usually they’re the ones chanting “U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” ….How did Democrats end up looking like the patriots here?”
Many Republicans have been feeling emasculated ever since President Obama brought down Osama bin Laden with a quiet and determined resolve in little over two years after taking office. Meanwhile, their macho guy, Bush – who had proclaimed “Mission Accomplished” in Iraq even before it had really started and who had pretty much forgotten about Afghanistan – was made to like an incompetent fool. So Trump fans who are now enamored by the Donald’s macho talk and false bravado, beware of what you wish for?
And, to answer Mr. Krugman’s question: true patriots don’t wear their patriotism on their sleeves, or lapels, for that matter. True patriotism resides within your heart as was so evident at the Democratic National Convention over the past four days.
Many Republicans have been feeling emasculated ever since President Obama brought down Osama bin Laden with a quiet and determined resolve in little over two years after taking office. Meanwhile, their macho guy, Bush – who had proclaimed “Mission Accomplished” in Iraq even before it had really started and who had pretty much forgotten about Afghanistan – was made to like an incompetent fool. So Trump fans who are now enamored by the Donald’s macho talk and false bravado, beware of what you wish for?
And, to answer Mr. Krugman’s question: true patriots don’t wear their patriotism on their sleeves, or lapels, for that matter. True patriotism resides within your heart as was so evident at the Democratic National Convention over the past four days.
2
I live in South Florida—Ft. Lauderdale Area, to be more specific—and have been here for 40 years. Having retired four years ago, I could live just about anywhere I want. For 20 years, I worked in Miami, which is ground zero for Immigration from South America and the Caribbean. And during my time here, I have witnessed the mass migration of migrants from Mariel, Cuba, to Miami—125,000 in one month—the uncontrolled rising seas along our shoreline and, recently, the beginning of the onset of the Zika Virus.
As Professor K suggests, I appreciate the difference of our people in South Florida. When you consider, between locals and visitors, we have quite a disparate population. And, our differences are what makes us great—racial, religious (or none), ethnic, cultural, sexual, even political. But, in the end, we are all still people.
When demagogues warn us about immigrants and Muslims who are dangerous, I just think back to the young Christian White Supremacist who murdered nine blacks while praying in Church.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
As Professor K suggests, I appreciate the difference of our people in South Florida. When you consider, between locals and visitors, we have quite a disparate population. And, our differences are what makes us great—racial, religious (or none), ethnic, cultural, sexual, even political. But, in the end, we are all still people.
When demagogues warn us about immigrants and Muslims who are dangerous, I just think back to the young Christian White Supremacist who murdered nine blacks while praying in Church.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
1
This is funny, really funny. Now, Dems are aching for a duel on who is more patriotic. The things you come up with! You certainly do the vulnerable voters (voters whose emotional buttons are easily pushed) a disservice by the distractions from national and world issues. What is next? A cook-off? A spelling bee?
1
Is it true that banks will no longer lend to Trump? Might it be true that he is cozying up to Putin, in the hopes of getting future loans from Russia, or Russian sources? Is there any (kind of) evidence for this?
But isn't it about wearing a flag pin?
1
Constantly striving to form "a more perfect union," our democracy is earned and we must oppose efforts to exclude all citizens from participating in America's promise. Trump and his hateful diatribes prove daily how unpatriotic he is. Khizr Khan was so moving last night, while speaking of the ultimate sacrifice of his son, a captain in our U.S. Army, calling out to Trump: “Let me ask you, have you even read the United States Constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy.”
Mr. Khan and his family are American patriots.
Trump is merely American.
Mr. Khan and his family are American patriots.
Trump is merely American.
3
Trump got four draft deferments for his four years of college (compare with George H. W. Bush, who put off starting at Yale to volunteer for World War II). When he ran out of college deferments, he got a 1-Y deferment because of what were essentially birth marks on his foot or feet (he keeps wavering). After five years of deferments, Nixon finally instituted the draft lottery and Trump got number 356. But it took him five years of deferments to stay safe until the lottery. Even then, he kept his 1-Y deferment until 1-Y was discontinued and his classification was converted to 4-F.
Donald Trump, Jr was 24 when Bush invaded Afghanistan after 9/11 and 25 when Bush invaded Iraq. But, he decided that making money in his father's businesses was preferable to risking his own life for his country.
Erik Trump was 17 when 9/11 happened and 19 when Bush invaded Iraq. He, too, chose his own enrichment over service.
Now, there are a lot of people who have avoided combat. Bill Clinton avoided the draft, but wrote his draft board saying he did it as an act of conscience, like many thousands of others who believed the war was illegal and immoral.
Ronald Reagan (and his friend, John Wayne) fought WW II from Hollywood (while contemporaries Jimmy Stewart and Clark Gable were bomber and fighter pilots over Germany).
Richard Nixon, using his mother's Quaker religion, applied for and received a 1-A-O classification as a non-combatant and spent WW II in the motor pool playing poker.
Donald Trump, Jr was 24 when Bush invaded Afghanistan after 9/11 and 25 when Bush invaded Iraq. But, he decided that making money in his father's businesses was preferable to risking his own life for his country.
Erik Trump was 17 when 9/11 happened and 19 when Bush invaded Iraq. He, too, chose his own enrichment over service.
Now, there are a lot of people who have avoided combat. Bill Clinton avoided the draft, but wrote his draft board saying he did it as an act of conscience, like many thousands of others who believed the war was illegal and immoral.
Ronald Reagan (and his friend, John Wayne) fought WW II from Hollywood (while contemporaries Jimmy Stewart and Clark Gable were bomber and fighter pilots over Germany).
Richard Nixon, using his mother's Quaker religion, applied for and received a 1-A-O classification as a non-combatant and spent WW II in the motor pool playing poker.
1
Donald Trump. The President Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, Sarah Palin and Ann Coulter always wanted us to have. He'll be your friend as long as you pay him.
1
Wake up America. "the Donald" has made his fortune building and selling some very expensive real estate and very expensive golf courses and "country clubs" for those very few who have the wealth, and very expensive casinos that by their very nature are designed to drain the wealth of typical Americans while skimming the wealth of the idle rich. His affection for foreign dictators offers another disturbing peek into his value system. He could be our next Benedict Arnold, except for the fact that before he went bad, Benedict Arnold actually helped win victory over King George, while it looks like Trump may just hand the keys to Vladimir Putin. It is shocking to hear the comments from propagandists like Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly regarding slavery and the treatment of slaves, but they are like the bandage pulled off the ugly cancer that has been spread by the propagandists for the last twenty years or more. You can see and hear from those two loud mouths the rot that is more cleverly concealed under the false equivalencies pushed by various media and so-called think tanks. This has had me reaching for William L. Shirer's monumental work "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich." We had better read up on this stuff because "the Donald" reportedly has a copy of Hitler's speeches by his bedside, and the John Birch Society is alive and well in America.
2
Let me say that as a white Christian I completely and utterly reject Donald Trump and his racism, sexism, contempt for his country, contempt for my fellow Americans, and embrace of fascism. There is nothing remotely Christian about these people.
2
Republicans for, well, decades now, have postured as though they are the only adults in the room and the feckless Democrats were children. It's looking a little thin now, that assumption.
"The people who now seem to love America always did; the people who suddenly no longer sound like patriots never were."
So true...but you will never convince the GOP faithful as they cling to their guns and gods. They truly are descended from a rare hybrid mix of Neanderthals and Puritans.
God help America if Trump get elected by the great un-washed, un-lettered, un-repentant mass of white haters.
So true...but you will never convince the GOP faithful as they cling to their guns and gods. They truly are descended from a rare hybrid mix of Neanderthals and Puritans.
God help America if Trump get elected by the great un-washed, un-lettered, un-repentant mass of white haters.
32
"On one side, the Democratic National Convention was very much a celebration of America"
I guess Mr. Kurgan did not witness the moment of silence for murderd police officers being interrupted by BLM!
I guess Mr. Kurgan did not witness the moment of silence for murderd police officers being interrupted by BLM!
8
If it had been Hillary Clinton who solicited espionage, House Republicans would have already issued subpoenas and begun an investigation.
92
Where can I get a Paul Krugman brain? Very well put sir. Thank you,
26
I was driving home last night and was listening to NPR in my car. I have never heard a more forceful version of "USA!, USA!, USA! ..." chiming in in the middle of every speech. The message was about all of us and the celebration was about the nation we all love and fight for. Countries are human creations, they don't exist out of thin air, they're not divinely ordained and they don't succeed unless all of their citizens are involved in the process. The fact that people can toss tribalism aside is the greatest achievement a nation can aspire to and patriotism is that common cause that replaces it. I saw that in Philadelphia. It was nonexistent in Cleveland.
43
I am an ethnic. I immigrated to this country over 50 years ago. My fist stop and home was with a Christian family in Iowa. I fell in love with my American family and the little village where we lived surrounded all around by simple, honest, salt-of-the-earth type folks. In my small village of 400 inhabitants. there was a high school for farm families in the neighboring area. There was a one-room post office, a one room bank, a teeny-weeny grocery store, a drug store that acted as a lunch counter, a coffee bar, and a bus stop for the 4-5 busses that passed through during the day. The first thought that came to my mind as I wandered through the length and breadth of the town was Gandhi's writing on 'India of My Dreams'. I said to myself, well, Gandhiji, a place of your dreams does exist. Only it is in Iowa, in the middle of corn fields where honest-to-goodness people work their tail off during the day and spend the evenings and nights with their families talking about their bills, wondering about their children's education, and children's future economic prospects. One of their biggest wishes was that the children would either join them on the farms or settle down on a job nearby. And, yes, they also spent part of their free time working on a project for their church, or helping a widow in the neighborhood, or visiting a friend in the hospital.
That was my tribe and I miss it all the time. And do not see any clash or conflict between my tribe and any one else's.
That was my tribe and I miss it all the time. And do not see any clash or conflict between my tribe and any one else's.
23
Concerning the "Vlad-Donald bromance" and "questions about his business ties to Putin-linked oligarchs", Mr. Trump, release your tax returns!!
42
I'm not sure which countries prof Krugman is visiting but I was just in London and the diversity I saw there was very impressive. And it was very refreshing to see a Muslim woman in a hijab operating the luggage security scanner at Heathrow!
As I'm English, this made me quite proud.
As I'm English, this made me quite proud.
15
"I don’t know about you, but whenever I return from a trip abroad..."
And there it is: NYT elitism.
And there it is: NYT elitism.
10
Odd that none of you complained about this when Trump was in Scotland at his golf course, bloviating.
4
Several years ago I had the opportunity to speak with a family friend who had spent some time in Germany during the 1930's. I will never forget what he told me when I asked him what the situation was like in Germany. He simply said that he had observed a people that had become completely consumed by hatred. World War II soon followed. I find it inconceivable that America could allow itself to fall into that same situation 80 years later.
31
Trump declares that Putin is a "leader", and frankly he is right. Putin does get things done through his brand of leadership. Unfortunately his brand of leadership is to bully and subvert his people. He establishes an environment where independent journalists are killed, where perceived enemies of the state are sought out and poisoned overseas. And he is leading his country through a de facto dictatorship which is breaking international law in the Ukraine and elsewhere. And he takes steps to conceal Russia's actions.
So if that's the brand of leadership Trump admires and thinks we need in this country, I want none of it, or him.
So if that's the brand of leadership Trump admires and thinks we need in this country, I want none of it, or him.
45
One party wants to leagalize 11 million illegals and bring in thousands more Syrian refugees. What country do they love really?
10
Humans are tribal. Americans get no exemption.
And if saying we're at war with radical Islam turns moderate Muslims into radicals, then how moderate were their religious views to begin with? Sam Huntington, 1996: "Some Westerners, including President Bill Clinton, have argued that the West does not have problems with Islam but only with violent Islamist extremists. Fourteen hundred years of history demonstrates otherwise. ... The causes of this ongoing conflict lie not in transitory phenomena such as twelfth-century Christian passion or twentieth-century Muslim fundamentalism. They flow from the nature of the two religions ..."
Here is the centenarian Bernard Lewis: "In the Islamic world, from the beginning, Islam was the primary basis of both identity and loyalty. We think of a nation subdivided into religions. They think, rather, of a religion subdivided into nations." And Huntington again: "In Islam, God is Caesar; in China and Japan, Caesar is God; in Orthodoxy, God is Caesar's junior partner." You see, it's the specific unfolding of Western history that led to the distinction of the realms of God and Caesar.
Few in the West think we're at war with Islam; but many Muslims do, just as both the Gulf War and the Iraq War became a war on Islam, in their eyes. That we have to keep saying "most Muslims are peaceful" tells you that something's wrong. As Benny Morris put it, that millions of bin Laden shirts are sold in Cairo or Pakistan indicates the popularity of jihad.
And if saying we're at war with radical Islam turns moderate Muslims into radicals, then how moderate were their religious views to begin with? Sam Huntington, 1996: "Some Westerners, including President Bill Clinton, have argued that the West does not have problems with Islam but only with violent Islamist extremists. Fourteen hundred years of history demonstrates otherwise. ... The causes of this ongoing conflict lie not in transitory phenomena such as twelfth-century Christian passion or twentieth-century Muslim fundamentalism. They flow from the nature of the two religions ..."
Here is the centenarian Bernard Lewis: "In the Islamic world, from the beginning, Islam was the primary basis of both identity and loyalty. We think of a nation subdivided into religions. They think, rather, of a religion subdivided into nations." And Huntington again: "In Islam, God is Caesar; in China and Japan, Caesar is God; in Orthodoxy, God is Caesar's junior partner." You see, it's the specific unfolding of Western history that led to the distinction of the realms of God and Caesar.
Few in the West think we're at war with Islam; but many Muslims do, just as both the Gulf War and the Iraq War became a war on Islam, in their eyes. That we have to keep saying "most Muslims are peaceful" tells you that something's wrong. As Benny Morris put it, that millions of bin Laden shirts are sold in Cairo or Pakistan indicates the popularity of jihad.
11
Eloquent and true.
6
The Republicans hate the Democrats more than they love their country. They've operated like that for the entire time Obama has been in office and if they're supporting Trump, that's only further validation of that behavior. And that means that Democrats love their country more, by definition. See the allowance of the previous Republican president to actually govern as a example.
23
Excerpted from Col. Pat Lang's blog:
The assumption that Russia is the enemy of the United States. What is the basis for that assumption?
* Russian support for the Russian ethnic minority in eastern Ukraine? How does that threaten the United States?
* Russian annexation of the Crimea? Khrushchev arbitrarily transferred that part of Russia to Ukraine during his time as head of the USSR. Khrushchev was a Ukrainian. Russia never accepted the arbitrary transfer of a territory that had been theirs since the 18th Century. How does this annexation threaten the United States?
* Russia does not want to see Syria crushed by the jihadis and acts accordingly? How does that threaten the United States?
* Russia threatens the NATO states in eastern Europe? Tell me how they actually do that. Is it by stationing their forces on their side of the border with these countries? Have the Russians made threatening statements about the NATO states?
* Russia has made threatening and hostile statements directed at the United States? When and where was that?
* Russia does not accept the principle of state sovereignty? Really? The United States is on shaky ground citing that principle. Remember Iraq?
Russian intelligence may have intercepted and collected the DNC's communications (hacked) as well as HC's stash of illegal e-mails? Possibly true but every country on earth that has the capability does the same kind of thing every single day. That would include the United States.
The assumption that Russia is the enemy of the United States. What is the basis for that assumption?
* Russian support for the Russian ethnic minority in eastern Ukraine? How does that threaten the United States?
* Russian annexation of the Crimea? Khrushchev arbitrarily transferred that part of Russia to Ukraine during his time as head of the USSR. Khrushchev was a Ukrainian. Russia never accepted the arbitrary transfer of a territory that had been theirs since the 18th Century. How does this annexation threaten the United States?
* Russia does not want to see Syria crushed by the jihadis and acts accordingly? How does that threaten the United States?
* Russia threatens the NATO states in eastern Europe? Tell me how they actually do that. Is it by stationing their forces on their side of the border with these countries? Have the Russians made threatening statements about the NATO states?
* Russia has made threatening and hostile statements directed at the United States? When and where was that?
* Russia does not accept the principle of state sovereignty? Really? The United States is on shaky ground citing that principle. Remember Iraq?
Russian intelligence may have intercepted and collected the DNC's communications (hacked) as well as HC's stash of illegal e-mails? Possibly true but every country on earth that has the capability does the same kind of thing every single day. That would include the United States.
5
What do you make of the just-announced joint naval maneuvers with China in support of its claims to the whole South China Sea?
While we're at asking foreign governments to espionage into US politics, why not ask China to produce Trump's tax returns? And maybe Cuba could settle the JFK assassination once and for all. Surely North Korea knows the time and date of the apocalypse. And Amelia Earhart...anybody...?
12
Brilliant. I am still angry that as the Repubs lied our way into Iraq, anybody who was not with them was "not a patriot". Well, it's not patriotic to falsely claim your President is not American but Kenyan. It's not patriotic to yell "liar" at your President during his speech in the house. It's not patriotic to shut down the government. It's not patriotic to ignore a nomination to the Supreme Court, because you don't recognize the final year of Obama's Presidency. It's not patriotic to ignore separation of church and state and not process a gay marriage. Its not patriotic to ask Russia to perform espionage on your opponent. I am thrilled the Democrats captured the flag back from the GOP tribe and the "patriotism" of the GOP is exposed for the party trick it is.
658
Hmm. The official GOP dislike of America has been pretty much front-and-center for a good thirty years now, obvious to anyone who listened to the speeches that came between the "USA! USA!" chanting.
The fact that it took this long - and Donald Trump - for the media to notice is a reminder that the media generally decide on what story to tell before considering the actual events they're covering.
The fact that it took this long - and Donald Trump - for the media to notice is a reminder that the media generally decide on what story to tell before considering the actual events they're covering.
14
The only thing Trump loves about America is his notion that there is a sucker on every street. He's romancing coal miners, and they are falling for his incredible nonsense. He is appealing to the blue collar who couldn't get a job as his caddie because he never walks; he rides! And the Republican patriots are silent and supporting of his insane thunder. Shame on them and their tribe. Your exposing them for what they are is refreshing.
23
Great examples of tribalism are when a candidate says you are going to hell for not voting for them, claiming your opponents supporters are all stupid persons of one race and sex. Tribalism is telling the public that what you say is the truth and no documentation is needed or if any documentation surfaces it must be wrong if it does not follow the story line. Tribalism is claiming there is an heir to the White House. Tribalism is a media outlet that makes false accusations against someone they do not like while covering up facts with copious amounts of drool when they expose the favored candidate. Tribalism is using so called news articles to continually express opinion instead of truth. Tribalism is convincing ones self that the current power base must be protected even though it is destructive. Tribalism is handing out important government positions as a reward political favors. Tribalism is perfectly illustrated by this media outlet and their political bedfellows.
2
Tribalism is refusal to be objective based on some arbitrary excuse.
Regarding Republican patriotism, Jon Stewart said it best: Republicans love America they just hate half the people in it.
32
"I don’t know about you, but whenever I return from a trip abroad, my heart swells to see the sheer variety of my fellow citizens, so different in their appearance, their cultural heritage, their personal lives, yet all of them — all of us — Americans." Yes! Yes! I remember, many years ago, returning from weeks of work in South America, and being so very happy to see a BLACK American passport control person to welcome me home! It really made me realize how happy I was to be American!
8
Tribalism or racism, you decide. A reality based thought process, or a belief that the earth is six thousand years old. Far too many Americans are low information citizens, both right and left. Periodic table, what's that? Why can't we have an atheist for potus?
10
Progressives love what America might become, Conservatives love what America has been. Both value and admire the freedoms America has and will allow. Islamic terrorist hate any freedom outside the narrow confines of their own beliefs. Krugman should stick to economics where he had at least one great idea.
4
For a convention that was supposedly about the 99%, the Democrats featured a lot of filthy rich folks. Michael Bloomberg - 40 Billion, The Clintons - 110 Million, Nancy Pelosi - 58 Million, Paul Simon 45 million, Ted Danson - 50 million.
6
There is no sweeter sound than "the silence of leading Republicans". It strikes accord within me to hear the beating heart of fellowship American-style emanating from Philadelphia, our cradle of liberty.
5
Why would Trump praise Putin or say that it is Ok for Putin to invade Crimea or why he would invite the Russians to spy on America . He says those things for the same reason some time ago he said that Mc Cain was not hero because he was captured . The reason is that he is mentally ill . He is not crazy , he is not psychotic , but he has a severe personality disorder , a narcissistic personality disorder . He meets all the diagnostic criteria for this condition like exaggerating your success in life or a sense of entitlement or requiring constant admiration or fantasies about power or beauty etc. I am not mental heath expert. I am a retired 72 years old pediatrician . The problem with the experts , the psychiatrist , is that in the code of ethics of the American Psychiatric Association there is the admonition that you should not give professional opinions about people you have not interviewed or examined directly . That is informally called the Goldwater Rule . Meanwhile a mentally ill person has some probability of becoming the most powerful man in the World .
15
Mr. Krugman,
You have put into words what I have been struggling to understand this election cycle. How is it possible that the leaders and members of a great political party could so easily abandon all of its best principles to support Trump. How could these people sublimate their values to achieve political victory?
Because for at least a generation they had no values beyond supporting the tribalism of their base. When Paul Ryan justified supporting Trump because he offered the better path to achieving the Republican House agenda, it could only be his fealty to the creed of white tribalism that allow him to make this calculation.
It is a sad time, but when the American people reach deep into their hearts this fall, I firmly believe a large majority will see beyond this and once again our great nation will turn the tide of history. For the alternative to happen, a slide into authoritarianism, isolationism, public racism/religious hatred at this time of world strife, would be disastrous.
You have put into words what I have been struggling to understand this election cycle. How is it possible that the leaders and members of a great political party could so easily abandon all of its best principles to support Trump. How could these people sublimate their values to achieve political victory?
Because for at least a generation they had no values beyond supporting the tribalism of their base. When Paul Ryan justified supporting Trump because he offered the better path to achieving the Republican House agenda, it could only be his fealty to the creed of white tribalism that allow him to make this calculation.
It is a sad time, but when the American people reach deep into their hearts this fall, I firmly believe a large majority will see beyond this and once again our great nation will turn the tide of history. For the alternative to happen, a slide into authoritarianism, isolationism, public racism/religious hatred at this time of world strife, would be disastrous.
14
Those who love America know America. America is a pluralistic, courageous nation, not one in which people turn on and fear each other. America is a democracy, not a dictatorship. The country Trump would rule is not America.
6
If you scratch the surface of the Republican party… today or 30 years ago…and remove the veneer of religiosity, phony patriotism, and white tribalism, all you will find is pathetic self-interest. What a bunch of scared, sorry weaklings the Republicans have become… it's almost tempting to feel sorry for them. But let's wait until AFTER Election Day to do that, and work hard every day until then!
10
Add a noble prize to your Nobel Prize, Mr. Krugman. This is arguably your finest summation ever. For the first time in many months it feels like morning in America. Thank you for saying it so plainly and powerfully.
10
Impressive cutting through clutter to see an essential idea. A smaller, tribal affiliation of the right vs a more robust expansive grouping for the progressives.
3
Trump has done his scariest about-face, this time about whether he's encouraging Russian espionage with our national security. Not funny. And he is about to receive national security briefings! Not funny. Can you imagine what ships his loose lips would sink, so to speak? It doesn't matter what Trump says about restoring some sort of glory to the United States, he is a danger to our country.
9
I've been perplexed for some time that I was exposed to Donald Trump quite some time before he became truly famous, or a political candidate.
It finally dawned on me where that feeling comes from:
Mr. Trump is a John Wayne Gacy painting that has come alive!
It finally dawned on me where that feeling comes from:
Mr. Trump is a John Wayne Gacy painting that has come alive!
5
The quote, often attributed to Sinclair Lewis, has undergone quite some change this election season:
"When fascism comes to America, it wraps itself in the flag while carrying the cross, and its leader carrying an ill-gotten small business destroying fortune to his piggy bank.
"When fascism comes to America, it wraps itself in the flag while carrying the cross, and its leader carrying an ill-gotten small business destroying fortune to his piggy bank.
7
Trump is only the latest manifestation of a party that displays our flag yet tramples it in actuality. Let's not forget when the GOP-led Congress attempted to subvert the historic Iran agreement by reaching out to the theocrats in that nation, trying to dissuade them from working with Obama. Then there was the the time when those same GOP culprits invited Netanyahu to address the Congress, circumventing the White House. Finally, there was John McCain, 'Mr Country before Party', who wanted to foist singularly unqualified Sarah Palin upon us. The idea that she might have become president is as frightening as the prospect of a Trump presidency. Our citizenry, when considering Trump as the next POTUS, is playing with a fire that could very well consume this nation and large swaths of the world. Americans, ask yourself one question: Why is V Putin, former KGB functionary and autocrat, enthused about the prospect of Trump occupying the White House?
16
Precisely, Dr. Krugman.
The reaction to Ms. Obama's speech (of all things) was one of the most revealing examples of how the conservative brain works. Rather than view her comment about the WH being built by slaves for what it was - not only factual, but also illuminating the progress we have made, the conservative essentially tried to split hairs by claiming well, it wasn't only slaves that built it, and, in any case, they were well treated.
Such comments, even if true, completely miss the point. As Dr. Krugman points out, this comes from a place of tribalism, as though mentioning slavery is simply a slap at white people. It reveals such a stunning lack of empathy with regard to the black experience.
And psychologists can probably write a volume about O'Reilly's comment. So strong is the tribal urge with this character -- someone who makes references to "liberty" and "freedom" a daily occurrence on his show -- he's actually willing to say slaves, who by definition completely lack both of these things 100%, well, they enjoyed the silver lining of being well fed and had decent lodging (while they were forced to work on a construction project against their will in the hot and steamy swamp that was Washington. )
At least O'Reilly stands as a good example for one thing: In America, even if you completely dense and totally lack self-awareness, you can still make it big. Congratulations, Bill.
The reaction to Ms. Obama's speech (of all things) was one of the most revealing examples of how the conservative brain works. Rather than view her comment about the WH being built by slaves for what it was - not only factual, but also illuminating the progress we have made, the conservative essentially tried to split hairs by claiming well, it wasn't only slaves that built it, and, in any case, they were well treated.
Such comments, even if true, completely miss the point. As Dr. Krugman points out, this comes from a place of tribalism, as though mentioning slavery is simply a slap at white people. It reveals such a stunning lack of empathy with regard to the black experience.
And psychologists can probably write a volume about O'Reilly's comment. So strong is the tribal urge with this character -- someone who makes references to "liberty" and "freedom" a daily occurrence on his show -- he's actually willing to say slaves, who by definition completely lack both of these things 100%, well, they enjoyed the silver lining of being well fed and had decent lodging (while they were forced to work on a construction project against their will in the hot and steamy swamp that was Washington. )
At least O'Reilly stands as a good example for one thing: In America, even if you completely dense and totally lack self-awareness, you can still make it big. Congratulations, Bill.
18
Thanks for that analysis, Mr. Krugman. America has a fissure that will need surgery after November: a neurosurgeon, a cardiovascular surgeon, a general surgeon, and even a plastic surgeon. The genies that Trump has unleashed will need treatment. I would like some Republicans, Democrats and Independents to begin the discussion of what the treatments could be. The first one could be a Repubican outright denunciation of Trump. The second could be Mr. Sander's denunciation of his revolution. From there a new think tank should be formed on how we bring this country together again; a list of medications would be provided. Certainly, Hillary, alone, will not be able to stitch us back together. Without help from every one, we might have a Humpty Dumpty on our hands.
5
The United States was not created as a free country where all could strive to achieve the best of which they were capable, nor was it always the land of the free and the home of the brave, nor has it ever really achieved liberty and justice for all, but it has over two hundred and forty years evolved in that direction. When anyone hears, 'We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal..' that person believes that no social order that might exist is justified in treating them as anything but equal to anyone else. No matter the anti-democratic and elitist and complacency toward injustices that characterize all conservative and reactionary politics, Reagan's optimism and inclusive encouragement in his message made him a very successful politician who sold people on ideas that really were not directly beneficial to their interests, which the Republicans then used for three decades to control our governments' policies. At the start of this period some clearly wrong ideas were repeated as self evident truths. Self interest and acquisitiveness was more socially beneficial than was true enlightened self interest and equal opportunity assured by social policies. Reducing tax rates would automatically increase revenues. Markets were inherently self regulating always seeking equilibrium and impossible to control in any absolute sense, so regulations only distorted their natural perfection. That the accumulation of wealth into few hands would actually enrich all.
5
I look forward to the prosperity and unity and progressive tone of action as we head into another 8 years of a Clinton presidency.
4
Me too. The Clinton years were the last time most Americans felt really great about their own economic standing and our position in the world. It could have continued with Gore, but a series of bad choices led us to GW-- who nearly destroyed us-- and then to Obama who just could not complete the tasks at hand. Let's wish HRC luck-- in winning, and then in leading.
"That love of country doesn’t have to be, and shouldn’t be, uncritical. But the faults you find, the critiques you offer, should be about the ways in which we don’t yet live up to our own ideals."
Nothing could be more true. But conservatives are not solely responsible for obscuring this truth. Extreme liberal academics have now spent generations turning American history into a blamefest that makes kids (especially white kids) come home from school weeping about how rotten they and their ancestors were to everyone else. A major virtue of the Democratic convention (especially Michelle Obama's speech) was to strike the right balance in recognizing the incredible accomplishments of America, which are inextricably intertwined with its sins--a message common to Christian and Greco-Roman philosophies alike. Optimism and patriotism depend on being able to comprehend how the strengths and weaknesses are true at the same time, in what ways, in order to make real progress from realistic collective self-awareness.
Nothing could be more true. But conservatives are not solely responsible for obscuring this truth. Extreme liberal academics have now spent generations turning American history into a blamefest that makes kids (especially white kids) come home from school weeping about how rotten they and their ancestors were to everyone else. A major virtue of the Democratic convention (especially Michelle Obama's speech) was to strike the right balance in recognizing the incredible accomplishments of America, which are inextricably intertwined with its sins--a message common to Christian and Greco-Roman philosophies alike. Optimism and patriotism depend on being able to comprehend how the strengths and weaknesses are true at the same time, in what ways, in order to make real progress from realistic collective self-awareness.
3
Strong commentary from PK. After all these years being told of Republican patriots, tribalism now seems like the underlying cause of all the flag waving. It's easy to confuse patriotism and tribalism. When I was in elementary school in the 1950s, we were being inculcated with tribalism. But they called it patriotism.
5
I am an 84 year old Korean War veteran and an amateur historian. There are plenty of historical facts about our country that are difficult in which to take pride. On the other hand, using the same critical evaluation there is no other country on earth that comes close to our record of government for and by the people. What a country we have from sea to shining sea. Whenever I have returned from my many trips abroad I just get a thrill coming through the security check to be among the throngs of Americans of all stripes.
We are a divided country, unfortunately, on many levels. For my part, I am not envious of the rich who have gained their wealth from birth or legitimate methods. It is part of the American Dream and there definitely are some trickle down effects as a result. On the other hand, I share this country with many millions of ordinary folks just like my German ancestors who came here in 1710 to escape persecution from the French Army during the religious wars leading to the Eighteenth Century. We are all from immigrants of one sort or another, Donald.
We are a divided country, unfortunately, on many levels. For my part, I am not envious of the rich who have gained their wealth from birth or legitimate methods. It is part of the American Dream and there definitely are some trickle down effects as a result. On the other hand, I share this country with many millions of ordinary folks just like my German ancestors who came here in 1710 to escape persecution from the French Army during the religious wars leading to the Eighteenth Century. We are all from immigrants of one sort or another, Donald.
14
The question of who loves America is the right question to ask. Trump has never served his country in any capacity, has made his career fortune and reputation in sharp dealings with his investors, employees and creditors and can even produce a shred of evidence that he as a rich and privileged individual has even paid taxes. Is that love of country or self? He states his favorite book is the Bible, but I will wager that he is as familiar with it as he his with the US Constitution. Where does the Bible say that self comes before all else? Why would anyone trust this man to lead our nation? He claims that he alone can fix the problems of our nation. How does his history provide any evidence that he has this capacity?
14
Trump will do well in the red states, especially Russia.
22
After 9.11 many in the right wing media asked, "Why do liberals hate America?" in response to those who were against invading Afghanistan and later Iraq. It seems that after last night it is liberals asking the question of Republicans.
4
To understand why we dare not vote for Trump, consider just two point (out of a thousand).
1) Trump insists that the 33,000 emails he asserts Hillary is withholding have top secret intelligence in them and that's why Hillary hasn't turned them over.
2) Trump, believing that there is top secret intel in these emails, is inviting our most dangerous adversary, Vladimir Putin, to hack into Hillary's server and get access to these emails.
If Trump is right on point 1, then point 2 makes him a traitor to our country. If Trump is wrong on point 1, then he is inviting our most dangerous adversary to affect an American presidential election for Trump's own benefit. And, that's subversion.
If that's not enough, Trump's assertion that only HE can "save" America is a classic indicator of a dictatorial mentality.
1) Trump insists that the 33,000 emails he asserts Hillary is withholding have top secret intelligence in them and that's why Hillary hasn't turned them over.
2) Trump, believing that there is top secret intel in these emails, is inviting our most dangerous adversary, Vladimir Putin, to hack into Hillary's server and get access to these emails.
If Trump is right on point 1, then point 2 makes him a traitor to our country. If Trump is wrong on point 1, then he is inviting our most dangerous adversary to affect an American presidential election for Trump's own benefit. And, that's subversion.
If that's not enough, Trump's assertion that only HE can "save" America is a classic indicator of a dictatorial mentality.
18
While I’m not a Donald Trump supporter nor do I support a ban on Muslims coming into America, it’s laughable to say that the Democratic party isn’t about tribalism. The party’s identity is largely based on dividing Americans by race, gender, ethnicity and language – one the one hand saying we’re all in it together, on the other hand warning white Americans that “your time is over.” No wonder Republicans win the poor white vote. The Democratic party is at its best when it focuses on universal problems for all Americans such as health care, educational opportunity, privacy rights and decent, well-paying jobs. The Democratic party is at its worst when it engages in number counting by group such as how many women/minorities are represented in business/universities/government and argues for strictly equal allocation among groups – that’s a recipe for creating a really Balkanized America.
12
The Democratic Party's "identity" is, in fact, based on uniting people across identity , not dividing them. That's why it represents a majority of voters and that's why we don't have a multiparty system.
1
Who said "your time is over"? Oh, yeah, you just made that up.
1
Nobody is saying that "white Americans'" time is over. Only that their domination of the rest of the country is over. And it's about time.
1
Let's not ignore the fact that tribalism has led people like Tony Perkins and Jerry Falwell, Jr to embrace a man who clearly does not live the Chtistian and the family values they espouse.
9
As a veteran with a son wounded in Afghanistan those 25 cent we SUPPORT OUR TROOPS decals disgusted me since those people, normally in elephant hunting gas guzzling vehicles enriching Saudi Arabia fundamentalism, never sacrificed anything for any soldier. And now they have their champion, D cubed, Draft Dodger Donald. The decals,however, did serve the purpose of putting me on notice there was a poor driver ahead.
12
The implosion of the GOP brand under Trump will also bring about Democratic control of the Senate — and much needed reforms to the Republican Party after it performs another postmortem. The marketplace ideas will force a change in party dogma. The GOP chickens are coming home to roost.
5
Yes now it is becoming more clear to me what has been happening for the last 2 decades in American politics . Articles like these sum up so much of what I have been feeling for so long.. pseudo patriotism disguising what is in truth; white tribalism doing what it must to prevent a larger more inclusive vision of America from being born. In the ashes of the meltdown of the republican party, Donald trump arose. It should be no surprise that this individual and all that he embodies arose at this time and space . His vacuousnesss infused with hate and the lust for power are the same qualities we have seen for so long in the men and women representing the republican party though I fear he has unleashed the 4 th stage of political and social cancer which so many Americans seem to be so oddly vulnerable. If Clinton and the people around her are big enough and sensitive enough and Tough enough to win the election, maybe America can begin to rise to a transcendent Universalism as opposed to a small and nasty and very dangerous tribalism.
6
How can an American say it's not about being well fed and taken care of when its about freedom.
However being a former New Yorker it's new to me to a group of people refer to a group of as the tribe unless unless they are Jewish. Even more suprising surprising that Jews as being non white. I always thought white people were European including Germans, middle eastern, Arab, Turk, Persian and indian were white.
Being green eyed olive skined of Mediterranean origin make me non white?
However being a former New Yorker it's new to me to a group of people refer to a group of as the tribe unless unless they are Jewish. Even more suprising surprising that Jews as being non white. I always thought white people were European including Germans, middle eastern, Arab, Turk, Persian and indian were white.
Being green eyed olive skined of Mediterranean origin make me non white?
1
In his perceptive article Paul Krugman encapsulates what had seemed obvious to me, when I came here as an immigrant from the UK, 25 years ago. The Republican Party appears determined to enforce an atavistic society upon the young people of America, who, from their history, thought they were growing up in an inclusive, free thinking, forward-looking society. A future of freedom and equality beckoned them. And myself, the immigrant, also.
This wonderful optimism collapsed after 9/11 and in the aftermath of that great tragedy, the Republicans, with a certain amount of malice aforethought and in an irresponsible and dishonest way allowed the collective feel of American civic culture to decay and splinter. Thru their policies of indifference and neglect, their discriminatory politics and their disregard for obvious truths, their leadership in their highest offices has shown itself to be a mirror of this disturbing display of civic irresponsibility. They signal that they want the privileged white man and his son to inherit the earth. The Trumps will only be the beginning.
We may have more than God to thank for Hillary if America has the good sense to elect her President in November. We will have America, the America that produced her, to thank also.
This wonderful optimism collapsed after 9/11 and in the aftermath of that great tragedy, the Republicans, with a certain amount of malice aforethought and in an irresponsible and dishonest way allowed the collective feel of American civic culture to decay and splinter. Thru their policies of indifference and neglect, their discriminatory politics and their disregard for obvious truths, their leadership in their highest offices has shown itself to be a mirror of this disturbing display of civic irresponsibility. They signal that they want the privileged white man and his son to inherit the earth. The Trumps will only be the beginning.
We may have more than God to thank for Hillary if America has the good sense to elect her President in November. We will have America, the America that produced her, to thank also.
16
OK, can we dispense with the idea that saying 'Islamic terrorism' will somehow cause the fragile psyches of Muslims to fall apart and decide to back the terrorists. If it were even remotely true, we'd have bigger problems than saying 'Islamic terrorism.' This is patently ridiculously and easily disproved. I don't know who the so-called experts are, but with my PhD studies in Islamic Christian relations, I've traveled throughout the Middle East, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran etc, and I can tell you Muslims know perfectly well who these jihadists are who kill other Muslims and innocents and people of the Book, etc. Obviously, saying 'Islamic terrorism' is not a magic phrase that will solve the problem, but this horror of uttering the obvious truth does make our government appear like it can't get out of its own way. BTW, look to Britain, France, Germany: They have no problem uttering 'Islamic terrorism.'
5
Totally agree with you. HRC should part company with Obama on this matter. Sticking with that tactic accomplishes nothing.
1
Patriotism is a word I don't like.
The main question for the Republican party, after they get totally laminated in the upcoming presidential election, will be: do you admit the truth? Or, do you go even more reactionary than so far, and turn truly proto-fascist extreme right?
Can't wait to find out!
The main question for the Republican party, after they get totally laminated in the upcoming presidential election, will be: do you admit the truth? Or, do you go even more reactionary than so far, and turn truly proto-fascist extreme right?
Can't wait to find out!
5
Dems plagering Repubs by stealing, "USA, USA," chant.
Is that a photo from the Republican convention?
Trump is driving the Dems foreign policy to the Neocons along with any of its followers. The Dems try to out-Nationalize and out-American exceptionalism the Repubs. Waiting for Hillary to say, "The World is better without Ghadaffi," to a cheering, pro-War Democratic crowd.
Talking Peace is for wimps.
Disgusting.
Is that a photo from the Republican convention?
Trump is driving the Dems foreign policy to the Neocons along with any of its followers. The Dems try to out-Nationalize and out-American exceptionalism the Repubs. Waiting for Hillary to say, "The World is better without Ghadaffi," to a cheering, pro-War Democratic crowd.
Talking Peace is for wimps.
Disgusting.
1
So the world is not better without Ghadafi?
I am glad Paul Krugman mentioned Limbaugh in this piece. While most of us are outraged at the daily quips and tweets from Trump, there are millions who are loving his comments. I would venture a guess that these same people listen to Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly, etc and see the same in Trump. They have been conditioned to people spewing this hatred for years now- and love the fact they can finally vote for someone who spews the same nonsense.
I don't think it's a coincidence that the rise of Fox news and hate speech on the radio has coincided with the moral and intellectual decline of the GOP.
I don't think it's a coincidence that the rise of Fox news and hate speech on the radio has coincided with the moral and intellectual decline of the GOP.
10
Krugman gives Trump too much credit - saying that he loves his tribe. No, he only loves himself. He has cheated his tribe - real estate, banking, construction, shareholders - repeatedly taking their money.
He defrauds everyone - also stiffing contractors and laying off workers
He conned blue collar workers, encouraging them to switch their support to him from Republicans - Jeb!, Ryan, McConnell - who have only served the interests of the 1%, not their interests. Yet, he just let Ryan and McConnell write his political platform and, guess what?, it gives everything to the 1% and deeply cuts programs that serve working families
Sure, he is for workers, but not his - right now he is firing workers in his casino who are trying to join a union of most such workers in Las Vegas
Sure, he will create American manufacturing jobs - but not to produce any Trump branded products all of which he produces in low wage countries
Sure, he tells us he'll put on the biggest, best convention ever, until we see the Democrats' convention
So, he makes outrageous, dangerous statements to steal back attention. He asks Vladimir Putin to help him get elected by hacking Hillary Clinton's emails! Sure, he cares about America
No, he care only about himself. And, we sure don't hear his tribe saying that he is serving their interests when he encourages espionage Trump thinks will expose documents containing U.S. top secret information But, like lambs to the slaughter, they are staying silent
He defrauds everyone - also stiffing contractors and laying off workers
He conned blue collar workers, encouraging them to switch their support to him from Republicans - Jeb!, Ryan, McConnell - who have only served the interests of the 1%, not their interests. Yet, he just let Ryan and McConnell write his political platform and, guess what?, it gives everything to the 1% and deeply cuts programs that serve working families
Sure, he is for workers, but not his - right now he is firing workers in his casino who are trying to join a union of most such workers in Las Vegas
Sure, he will create American manufacturing jobs - but not to produce any Trump branded products all of which he produces in low wage countries
Sure, he tells us he'll put on the biggest, best convention ever, until we see the Democrats' convention
So, he makes outrageous, dangerous statements to steal back attention. He asks Vladimir Putin to help him get elected by hacking Hillary Clinton's emails! Sure, he cares about America
No, he care only about himself. And, we sure don't hear his tribe saying that he is serving their interests when he encourages espionage Trump thinks will expose documents containing U.S. top secret information But, like lambs to the slaughter, they are staying silent
3
If the Republicans went overboard with their displays of the flag and patriotism (faux or otherwise), the Democrats were noticed for their lack of the flag. Democrats being inclusive? Families of people killed by police, sure. Families of police killed by thugs, nope.
The hypocrisy of both parties has been laid out and made blatant these last two weeks. This election may well be compared to a choice between the Witch and the Devil. We're all still going to Hell, but one may get you there faster than the other.
The hypocrisy of both parties has been laid out and made blatant these last two weeks. This election may well be compared to a choice between the Witch and the Devil. We're all still going to Hell, but one may get you there faster than the other.
3
"Families of police killed by thugs, nope."
Your ignorance is on full display here. The families of slain police officers spoke quite eloquently on the last day of the DNC.
Your ignorance is on full display here. The families of slain police officers spoke quite eloquently on the last day of the DNC.
3
What I heard in the video of his speech was not urging them to hack. What he said was in this vast amount of emails they might have the 30,000 that wee deleted. If they did,he hoped they would be released and he was pretty sure the new media would want them. He went on to say he didn't know who did the hacking. Distorting what someone says just to make a op-ed point is not helpful. It is disinformation. The author also wants us to believe he has that spiritual xray that allows him to look into a person's heart measuring how much love for the our country is there no mater how it is expressed. No one on this plantet has that abillity even if they do work for the NYT.
What is amazing is what another NYT headline reported : "Hillary Clinton Asks Not for Trust, but for Faith in Her Competence." Can you find any other candidate for president in our history that didn't want the trust of the nation. We need to have trust in our president's word when our sons and daughters are sent into battle. We need to know we can believe what we are told about our economy or anything else as we deal with all the issues we face as a nation. If we don't, the the nation can spiral into turmoil and doubt of what our leaders tell us. Look at what happened when we realized we were not being told the truth about Vietnam. So trust and competence are important for all who we enect to run our country and the candates should work to attain both
What is amazing is what another NYT headline reported : "Hillary Clinton Asks Not for Trust, but for Faith in Her Competence." Can you find any other candidate for president in our history that didn't want the trust of the nation. We need to have trust in our president's word when our sons and daughters are sent into battle. We need to know we can believe what we are told about our economy or anything else as we deal with all the issues we face as a nation. If we don't, the the nation can spiral into turmoil and doubt of what our leaders tell us. Look at what happened when we realized we were not being told the truth about Vietnam. So trust and competence are important for all who we enect to run our country and the candates should work to attain both
3
When winning is the only thing that matters, the values of integrity, ethics and country become expendable. Once those values are sacrificed there is nothing left of the core that makes winning worthwhile.
Sometimes patriotism hides a hollow shell and sometimes a patriot would rather die than give up what makes his country precious.
Sometimes patriotism hides a hollow shell and sometimes a patriot would rather die than give up what makes his country precious.
1
The republicans as far back as I have known them have always wrapped themselves in the flag while they commit their evil. This include disenfranchisement of minorities, the blocking of their abilities to vote or the dilution of their votes by gerrymandering. This also include slashing federal programs that disproportionately affect minorities and poor whites. Today they show their lack of real respect for the flag by supporting a man who invite the enemy to bug the headquarters of his opponent. This is as Un-American as it gets and you know they would be calling for all kind of congressional investigations if this idea had come from Hilliary. Hypocrisy knows no bounds.
9
I agree Mike. Even worse, the GOP has wrapped themselves in the stars and stripes while fighting endless wars-- with never a plan in place for outcome, or taking a serious moment to ask why are we there?" Making every soldier a hero, when most are just hanging on by their fingernails, asking " Why am I here?"
It is very clear that after seven years that the GOP has become the party of hate, bigotry, insanity and fascism. Donald Trump fits that model perfectly. The sanity and accomplishments of the President, Biden, Hillary and all those people who spoke at the DNC fell on deaf ears of the Trump worshippers. This is truly a fascist mob that would be happy if we had daily public executions and mass incarcerations and deportations..
6
It is quite amazing that prominent Republicans, the Bushes, Kasich, McCain, etc., all did not show for the convention. They did the right thing. They are not voting for Trump; they are not crazy. I think like a lot of Republicans, they simply cannot vote for this poor excuse for a human being. If you have any doubt he is crazy, just check out his Twitter account this morning (7/29) alone. He has no self-control.
Dean Acheson said, in the 1940s, when the world trembled before the USSR/Russia, that if the US could keep Western Europe, especially Germany (West) and Japan on its side, the US could defeat the USSR/Russia. Things worked out well for the world as a result of that. But "The Donald" seems to have "forgotten" that 40 year period.
3
If it wasn't on the "shows", that Trump is so proud to get his information from, then it never happened.
Well put. I have a lot of respect for the republicans who cannot, in good conscience, vote for Trump. Those are the ones with honor who have probably cringed at how low their beloved party has gone. Well hopefully those are the people that will again build a republican party that has love, respect and honor in their platform, rather than hate and control of peoples personal lives. We need two strong parties for this country to survive. I have watched both conventions and cannot help but notice the difference in the tones. There have been some wonderful speakers this week, speakers with hope. Last week the only real topics were fear, hate, separatism and of course 'lock her up', with absolutely no plans from the candidate just innuendos. We are all waiting for Trump to crash and burn, let's just hope it doesnt happen in the White House.
5
I hope that HRC can rally tis group of brilliant group of speakers from this week, to get out and stump-- not just for her-- but for every democrat running for every office in every state. I truly believe that HRC will not make the mistake that Obama did-- a) trying to hard to make nice with the GOP, and b) squandering the chance to really move us forward when he had democratic majorities to back him up.
1
Well, Paul has laid out the GOP agenda again. The "silence of so many leading Republicans" about DJ Trump's behavior is tacit acceptance that their ultimate goal "making the very comfortable more comfortable" is served best when government is tied up with disfunction. The GOP elite doesn't actually "believe" the Ryan-McConnell principles, but these two do what they are told and prevent any activity that would support the 99 3/4%.
6
In a dictionary from 1885, there's an appendix with "Americanisms," or what we would call slang. And two terms stand out. An "advanced female" is a woman who seeks the rights and privileges of a man. And "spread-eagleism" refers to someone who is excessively patriotic. So, nothing has changed in over a century.
Well said. And Republicans who object have a golden opportunity to prove it by denouncing Trump and backing Hillary to stop this dangerously unqualified demagogue for the sake of the country. They will still hold the House and still be able to filibuster in the Senate to block or negotiate any policies or appointments they consider egregious. Their silence or weak public hand-wringing is consent.
3
I am at a loss with Krugman article. Trump comments on Putin seems way out. On the other hand Hillary did things which during a war would have killed people. And even when I was in the navy if I did anything like Hillary I would have endangered the country. So neither person running for president gets my vote. I don't want a T.V, reality star as my president. I did medical research on AIDS for 13 years. So I except too much from people leading this country. It is the failure of leadership that helped create the great recession. We do not need another one but it is hard not to with the leadership we are going to get. Let say the people are problems and we will always have problems as we will always have people.
2
Personally, and I don't usually say these things publicly, I think that Mr. Trump is an unrepentant racist and nationalist. In my mind, it helps explain his love-fest with Mr. Putin. Mr. Putin shares his thinking. I really don't think that this part of Mr. Trump's belief system has been explored thoroughly enough. Of course we should also take a look at his investments in Russia. If he still has any there, it would be a blatant conflict of interest if he would become President.
2
"...it would be a blatant conflict of interest if he would become President."
Any more blatant than the wealthy Arab thugs' donations to the Clinton foundation? Or Mrs. Clinton's $5,000/hr speeches to Goldman Sachs.
While Trump's investments in Russia are just rumors, the Clintons' ventures are a fact.
Any more blatant than the wealthy Arab thugs' donations to the Clinton foundation? Or Mrs. Clinton's $5,000/hr speeches to Goldman Sachs.
While Trump's investments in Russia are just rumors, the Clintons' ventures are a fact.
The bulk of Trump's financing for his projects has come from Russian oligarchs close to Putin. Trump is blackballed by ALL American banks because of his business practices that almost brought down the largest of them. So American financing is not available to The Donald!
1
I've been waiting all my adult life for the Republicans to drop the flag and let the rest of us share it. Well, they did, the Democrats picked it up and boy did they run with it! Overnight, no longer a symbol not of conservative right or wrong intolerance, but a banner of inclusive patriotism. That was truly masterful and I, like other commentators, am so very grateful.
490
What a column, Dr. Krugman! You nailed it!
Here's the crux of the problem: "If what bothers you about America is, instead, the fact that it doesn’t look exactly the way it did in the past (or the way you imagine it looked in the past), then you don’t love your country — you care only about your tribe."
The parents of Captain Kahn, who faced a teeming convention to tell their, and their son's story, as American immigrants--Muslim immigrants at that!--wasn't a deliberate Democratic ploy designed to make Trump look bad. That would be their knee jerk reaction to anyone who dared call them on their stuff. But the piece de resistance was the constitution the medal of honor recipient's father brought forth from his pocket as a challenge to Mr. Trump. Who talks way big, but has truly never "sacrified anything" for this country.
Look, neither party should have a lock on patriotism. To do so is cynical and manipulative at best. As a general rule of thumb, my hackles raise whenever I hear one party attacking the other for not being "patriotic". Even using foreign policy failures, or mistakes as a cudgel against your political opponent is wrong. Did Democrats call Bush-Cheny unpatriotic--the two men who most used the patriot card in the past few years? No, they questioned (and still do) their competence and motives, but never labeled the entire RNC unpatriotic for that debacle.
Tribe versus country. I this what we've come to?
Here's the crux of the problem: "If what bothers you about America is, instead, the fact that it doesn’t look exactly the way it did in the past (or the way you imagine it looked in the past), then you don’t love your country — you care only about your tribe."
The parents of Captain Kahn, who faced a teeming convention to tell their, and their son's story, as American immigrants--Muslim immigrants at that!--wasn't a deliberate Democratic ploy designed to make Trump look bad. That would be their knee jerk reaction to anyone who dared call them on their stuff. But the piece de resistance was the constitution the medal of honor recipient's father brought forth from his pocket as a challenge to Mr. Trump. Who talks way big, but has truly never "sacrified anything" for this country.
Look, neither party should have a lock on patriotism. To do so is cynical and manipulative at best. As a general rule of thumb, my hackles raise whenever I hear one party attacking the other for not being "patriotic". Even using foreign policy failures, or mistakes as a cudgel against your political opponent is wrong. Did Democrats call Bush-Cheny unpatriotic--the two men who most used the patriot card in the past few years? No, they questioned (and still do) their competence and motives, but never labeled the entire RNC unpatriotic for that debacle.
Tribe versus country. I this what we've come to?
9
You're reminding me of Cheney who said he had better things to do than get his head blown off in Nam. And W who never served in Nam. And any number of others who never served their country, have no understanding of how to cooperate with anyone yet see nothing wrong with making fun of POWs, those who fought and decided the Vietnam war was a bad thing, those who were injured, and probably, although they'd never do it in public, those who died serving their country.
8
Trump does not define what all Republicans believe in, or who they are. He's the Republican nominee - many Republicans are disenchanted with the outcome of the primary. Mr. Krugman likes to silo Americans into neat little political packages - Democrat and Republican - good and bad. Sorry Mr. Krugman, you are the one being unpatriotic. I love America, but don't agree with the agenda of American politicians. You miss the point all together. I want to see America be a country that is admired in the world - we are not. I am not voting for Donald Trump, yet I was disappointed to see Hillary Clinton embrace the military and increase our involvement in Afghanistan. It is what it is - I do not agree with our military's aggression in the world, but I love my country. You want to categorize Americans into groups based on their political beliefs - look in the mirror - are you so perfect?
1
I have family in New Zealand and for years when times get politically tough I ask them to make room for me and a few friends. This year our bags were packed. Trump said things, and was rewarded for saying things, that were so antithetical to the country's founding and binding principles that ancient bonds were being frayed. Then came the DNC convention. President Obama gave a speech that echoed the Gettysburg Address. This is a test, he said in essence, whether that nation, so conceived, so dedicated ... and so gloriously on. Speaker after speaker affirmed the strength of inclusion and tolerance. And the proud Muslim parents reminded Trump of the Constitution. I haven't unpacked, but I haven't zippered the lid.
9
The answer to that question depends on how you define "who", "America" and "Americans". And over the course of American history those definitions have evolved and continue to evolve.
1
I cannot understand why there are no Republicans denouncing Trumps call to Putin to use espionage to help damage his opponent and win the election. Wasn't Putin former KGB during the Cold War and a direct enemy of the US? None of you care that Paul Manafort, Trumps campaign manager served as advisor to the pro-Russian faction in Ukraine after Putin's invasion? Trumps comments on weakening NATO don't bother you in this context? Shame on you for not speaking up. Is your hatred for your political opponents greater than your love of country?
19
Because the Republicans have unwittingly gotten themselves into the position of "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
1
Good column, except that the Republican party really has changed for the worse. I'm old enough to remember when Rockefeller Republicans walked the earth, and if Nixon were alive today he'd probably be a Democrat (admittedly a right-wing one) - he was that far left of the current GOP.
I''m technically a Democrat (for the sake of primary voting); I joined the GOP in 1980 just long enough to vote in the primary for John Anderson, then switched back. And I have occasionally voted for Republicans at the county and state Assembly level, in the former case because she was an active supporter of mental health facilities in our county, in the other because he supported gay rights from the beginning; and at the municipal level, where our council members run without party affiliations but everyone knows who's what, for their positions on local issues.
Why do I mention all this? Because the national mess temptingly leads us to oversimplify. 'D good, R bad'. (There you have the essence of Prof Krugman's entire career as a columnist.) When you get down to granular politics, though - which is what you should be doing - it doesn't boil down so simply; and to bleat four-legs-good, two-legs-bad is in fact advocating a variation of tribalism. So it is ironic that Krugman (rightly) decries tribalism when it's basically been his bread and butter for decades.
I''m technically a Democrat (for the sake of primary voting); I joined the GOP in 1980 just long enough to vote in the primary for John Anderson, then switched back. And I have occasionally voted for Republicans at the county and state Assembly level, in the former case because she was an active supporter of mental health facilities in our county, in the other because he supported gay rights from the beginning; and at the municipal level, where our council members run without party affiliations but everyone knows who's what, for their positions on local issues.
Why do I mention all this? Because the national mess temptingly leads us to oversimplify. 'D good, R bad'. (There you have the essence of Prof Krugman's entire career as a columnist.) When you get down to granular politics, though - which is what you should be doing - it doesn't boil down so simply; and to bleat four-legs-good, two-legs-bad is in fact advocating a variation of tribalism. So it is ironic that Krugman (rightly) decries tribalism when it's basically been his bread and butter for decades.
1
Unfortunately, I would say that a number of the Republican Party leaders (e.g., Dick Cheney, Tom DeLay, Newt Gingrich, Dennis Hastert, Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, Rush Limbaugh, Roger Ailes, Donald Trump) and those right-wing and tea party, flag-waving zealots "love" their country in the same way that domestic abusers claim to love their spouse or partner that they take advantage of, menace, and do serious harm to.
When it is party over country, facts don't matter, prejudice and discrimination, and my way or the highway, it is not love of country, it is enmity ("a feeling or condition of hostility; hatred; ill will; animosity; antagonism").
I sure hope voters figure out the difference by November 8, because the stakes are the highest for this country I have ever seen in any presidential election in my long life.
When it is party over country, facts don't matter, prejudice and discrimination, and my way or the highway, it is not love of country, it is enmity ("a feeling or condition of hostility; hatred; ill will; animosity; antagonism").
I sure hope voters figure out the difference by November 8, because the stakes are the highest for this country I have ever seen in any presidential election in my long life.
4
My initial reaction to today's column was to say the lines you have drawn between patriot and tribalist are too severe. I know many Republicans who have served our nation. Of course, they would be stunned not to think of themselves as patriotic. But, yes, most of them tell me too much of their tax money goes to "those people" meaning blacks and Hispanics - people who are low income earners, if they work at all. It is an extreme prejudice and rarely recognizes the number of poor whites. And, yes, it is a tribal position to only care about those who look like you and worship like you, etc.
It is the attitude of protecting and enhancing the wealthy and powerful whites that is most disturbing and likely not fullly understood by the many loyal GOP followers. Trump is not bringing his businesses back. He has even acknowledged that the minimum wage is too high. Paying American labor livable wages will lessen profit. Maybe force a billionaire to become only a cheap millionaire. There is far too much focus on profit, extreme. Greed is so powerful that (like the coal mine owners before unions) today far too many American laborers are being crushed by poor wages. The wealthy white class does aim to protect their position and improve it with lower taxes and other benefits. Ruthless tribal instincts will harm us all. Beware the Trump!
It is the attitude of protecting and enhancing the wealthy and powerful whites that is most disturbing and likely not fullly understood by the many loyal GOP followers. Trump is not bringing his businesses back. He has even acknowledged that the minimum wage is too high. Paying American labor livable wages will lessen profit. Maybe force a billionaire to become only a cheap millionaire. There is far too much focus on profit, extreme. Greed is so powerful that (like the coal mine owners before unions) today far too many American laborers are being crushed by poor wages. The wealthy white class does aim to protect their position and improve it with lower taxes and other benefits. Ruthless tribal instincts will harm us all. Beware the Trump!
6
Mr. Krugman's trenchant distinguishing of true patriotism from its longstanding, diabolical distortions is spot on. And, the flourishing of more mature expressions of patriotism, more richly expressive of deep American values, at the Democratic National Convention was both refreshing and revealing. And, clearly calculated to score big points with several constituencies that are going to be up for grabs this November. For me, there were also half a dozen times during the DNC when the soaring patriotic rhetoric--even from the President--was...excessive. Still. Is there a way that America's uniqueness and American pride, America's leadership and American power can be construed, and celebrated, without resorting to superlatives like "the greatest," without resorting to an updated form of the "shining city on a hill" imagery that still tempts us to global pretension and still irritates much of the rest of the world?
5
While Trump was coming up to the Bronx to attend Fordham University, I was completing High School not 2 miles away, living in a tenement building with my first generation parents. They lived through the Depression and my dad served 5 years from 1939-1944 as a combat medic in WWII. He enlisted when Hitler invaded Czechoslavakia. Many times I saw slave numbers imprinted on the arms of my neighbors even before it was explained to me. When Trump was whisked away to Penn for his pedigree, I was reciting the oath of induction at the U.S. Naval Academy. The only line you need remember from last night came from Mr. Khan, when he made it clear to Trump that "you have sacrificed nothing." Trump may think that we are all fools, but I can assure you that he will be relegated to the dust bin of history, just as all the totalitarians ultimately have and will be.
12
People on the left have always preferred thoughtfulness and reason, as opposed to knee-jerk reaction and saber rattling. This trait should be admirable to all, but those who would saber rattle are the aggressive ones. That's why they've taken ownership of the flag and all things patriotic. It's a lie of course, but being the peaceful people, we naturally allow such to happen. The unknowing easily perceive this to be weakness, but in truth it is far more difficult to turn your back and walk away from a threat than to pretend that you are the fearless warrior.
My biggest fear is that there too many on the left who are all too willing to engage without the thought processes we should undertake. LBJ certainly was guilty of that. Hawks seem to always get their way in the end. And that is how we end up in useless conflicts like Vietnam and now all over the Middle East.
Mr. Obama has been far better than average on this front, but not perfect. I suppose none of us are perfect, but I don't think something approaching perfection is impossible. Mostly, it requires courage, that trait conservatives have claimed they alone possess.
My biggest fear is that there too many on the left who are all too willing to engage without the thought processes we should undertake. LBJ certainly was guilty of that. Hawks seem to always get their way in the end. And that is how we end up in useless conflicts like Vietnam and now all over the Middle East.
Mr. Obama has been far better than average on this front, but not perfect. I suppose none of us are perfect, but I don't think something approaching perfection is impossible. Mostly, it requires courage, that trait conservatives have claimed they alone possess.
1
The Democrats are patriotic only when it comes to protecting the finances of their benefactors (Goldman Sachs, Soros, etc). The Democrats have been the cause of all the problems we have in this country, especially with women's perceived inequality income with men, and dividing the races for the sole purpose of oppressing them.
2
From an economic perspective, the party that can claim the highest number of people who pay taxes is the winning party. Everything local and federal depends on tax revenues. It's a sacrifice to pay taxes but it's also a privilege. Hillary wants to extend the joy of that privilege to the parasitic class we call the wealthy. There can be no progress in containing ISIS and making opportunity a universal value in the US until this tax issue is tackled.
6
On the "USA, USA" chanting: I have written many comments decrying the aggressive, angry use of this chant in Trump rallies. I have written about how unseemly this chant is when heard at sports events, such as golf tournaments. I have written that when a country feels the need to shout out how great it is, it is losing it. But there is, to be fair and to criticize myself, another side to "USA, USA" chants. We are now seeing this in Democratic rallies, and notably last night at the DNC in Philadelphia. The "USA" sentiment there was one of inclusion, pride in a diverse country of tribes (picking up on Paul Krugman's description) that is precisely a non-tribal nation, pride in what is right and best about the United States, real patriotism, and not the chanting of scoundrels.
7
Donald Trump states he has no investments in Russia. If true he has only one valid reason to back Putin. That is one or more of the Putin backing oligarchs have invested in or made loans to him or his entities. An answer and the insistence on the release of his income tax returns should never be dropped. (I suspect he still has a cash flow problem,) If the choice is between bad or, in this case, worst, one must choose bad.
8
When you have a demagogue who admires depots like Vladimir Putin, you've moved beyond embracing democracy to the autocracy of oligrachy. That's what was on display in Cleveland and in Donald Trump's stupefying remarks during the Democratic Convention promoting international espionage by a dictator to defeat his political opponent . It has been left to the Democratic Party to preserve and protect our democracy and continue, as President Obama said borrowing from our Constitution, to forge "a more perfect union" for all. Americans have a truly epic choice--keep their democracy or hand it over to a strong man who will build his vision of a divided America--a gated Trump village with those of color, Muslims, and LGBTQs not allowed in. In Philadelphia we saw a celebration of the American dream and the promise to make it a reality for all; in Cleveland, as with earlier Republican code, the bitter bigotry of our slave history was on display as the dream for all was viewed as a nightmare for the frightened few who have rallied to Donald Trumps' darkness in America. The silence, as you note, of the Republican Party, reveals, as their anti-Constitutional behavior in not providing the required "advice and consent" to a nominee to our highest court, that they, too, have chosen autocracy over democracy.
6
It is easy to wave a flag. It is easy to protest. But service and sacrifice, that is action. Service comes in many forms - military, teaching, faith, healthcare, or legal aid. No party or person owns patriotism because nobody owns America. But as Americans, we owe this country, the greatest on earth to form a more perfect Union in order to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our Posterity - as it is written in the US Constitution.
4
Trump is unpatriotic because he does not believe that we should continue picking up the tab for defending various rich countries all over the globe?
It is tremendously amusing to watch Democrats declare that we must keep a war presence all over the world, for our own safety.
I am sure you are thinking we can just print up as much money as needed to be the protector of the world. Simple right? Interest rates are low.
The Democrats want to equate controlled immigration with racism. Keep up that narrative. I am sure it will convince many Americans that they really are racists.
Krugman has been a complete failure with regard to economic policy, so he has shifted to become a paid political troll.
It is tremendously amusing to watch Democrats declare that we must keep a war presence all over the world, for our own safety.
I am sure you are thinking we can just print up as much money as needed to be the protector of the world. Simple right? Interest rates are low.
The Democrats want to equate controlled immigration with racism. Keep up that narrative. I am sure it will convince many Americans that they really are racists.
Krugman has been a complete failure with regard to economic policy, so he has shifted to become a paid political troll.
4
The 'twittering truthsayer' and builder of golden calves; the 'combed over' messenger of ego and vanity; the iconic personification of the ugly underlying doctrine of the modern Republican party may have inadvertently changed the dialog about race and discrimination in this country.
It is all about the certainty and control that comes along with tribe membership, and the pride in tribe over country. It's a cult of "small everything", designed to eliminate "others" and their disparate thinking. It's current icon clearly demonstrates how the underlying doctrine is, and always has been the best way to synthesize a 'big something' into the one winner; 'a tribe of one', a 'small and manageable something' that personifies the ideological purity and perfection that they seek.
It is all about the certainty and control that comes along with tribe membership, and the pride in tribe over country. It's a cult of "small everything", designed to eliminate "others" and their disparate thinking. It's current icon clearly demonstrates how the underlying doctrine is, and always has been the best way to synthesize a 'big something' into the one winner; 'a tribe of one', a 'small and manageable something' that personifies the ideological purity and perfection that they seek.
3
You talk about different visions and definitions of patriotism; how about different modes for willful naiivete? Democrats insist that all women, and men, are created equal, and that is the essential context for the entire American experiment. We don't prevaricate and say while all men are created equal in the abstract, America is only America when a white man is running it; every other configuration is a theft in progress. Are there moments when it seems "a nation of all peoples" is an impossible dream, when tribalisms overtake all our principles and all our hopes. To some, this is an indication that the whole idea is a bad joke. To others, like myself, in these times of trial and tribalisms, we feel our hearts get heavy, the very air around us get thick with apprehension. And so, when better angels prevail, when people recognize others in themselves and themselves in others -- when America returns to normal -- we feel an unwinding and a sense of relief.
Then the manipulators come along and stimulate our collective amygdala for very selfish purposes. Did anyone notice that the DNC emails were released immediately after Donald Trump effectively undermined NATO? Is there anyone in American government who could say that we should lift sanctions against Russia and recognize the annexation of the Crimea without losing their career? This isn't Gandhi, folks, this is Trump, and Trump got paid. What was he doing in Scotland? We don't need that flavor of willful naiivete.
Then the manipulators come along and stimulate our collective amygdala for very selfish purposes. Did anyone notice that the DNC emails were released immediately after Donald Trump effectively undermined NATO? Is there anyone in American government who could say that we should lift sanctions against Russia and recognize the annexation of the Crimea without losing their career? This isn't Gandhi, folks, this is Trump, and Trump got paid. What was he doing in Scotland? We don't need that flavor of willful naiivete.
3
This country needs a two or more party system to be a democracy but a democracy also needs the major political parties to have authenticity and to be grounded in facts and ethics. There is and always has been skulduggery in our political parties but the Republican party has been hijacked by Trump and traditional Republicans know it.
It is time for the Republican Party to excise the hateful and dysfunctional "leaders" in their party, people like Donald Trump and Ted Cruz so that traditional Republicans are again represented for the values they believe in.
It is time for the Republican Party to excise the hateful and dysfunctional "leaders" in their party, people like Donald Trump and Ted Cruz so that traditional Republicans are again represented for the values they believe in.
6
I'm interested in someone, anyone, looking into where the Trump/ disaffected voters come from. Are they from "conservative" states where local politics are and have been conservative? Do these conservative state result in a local economy that leaves people frustrated and feel they have no voice? Is it possible that local politics create and feed the unrest/ negativism that is transferred to national politics? Help me here Dr. Krugman. What research do we have on this?
1
The last two weeks have been an eye opener for me. I have been a US political junkie since 1968. At first I found the give and take fascinating. After these two weeks, less so.
After 240 years, the two party system is failing the US. The reason that the US does not have universal health care, paid maternity leave, and all types of other social programs that have been proven to raise the standard of living is that there has not been a third wave of political thought which bridges the gap between left and right.
Transformation has been more about political opportunism than anything else. Reagan Democrats were not so much a product of Republican change, but a deliberate plan to access Democrats. States Right may be whistle dog politics, but it worked to obtain power. Bill Clinton's move to the center was more about knowing that being on the fringe never works.
Donald Trump may have gone all in on the right, but will do little to attract the center. Hillary's move right is more attributed to Bernie Sanders voters than a desire to occupy the left. Bernie Sanders knows this. It is why he sat on his hands no matter the compliments given him.
There was a week of fear, following by a week of sweetness that would have most people in a diabetic comma. Both scare me.
If there truly was an independent party, not one that is disguises republican values, and others which disguises far left philosophy, maybe there would be change. Real change.
After 240 years, the two party system is failing the US. The reason that the US does not have universal health care, paid maternity leave, and all types of other social programs that have been proven to raise the standard of living is that there has not been a third wave of political thought which bridges the gap between left and right.
Transformation has been more about political opportunism than anything else. Reagan Democrats were not so much a product of Republican change, but a deliberate plan to access Democrats. States Right may be whistle dog politics, but it worked to obtain power. Bill Clinton's move to the center was more about knowing that being on the fringe never works.
Donald Trump may have gone all in on the right, but will do little to attract the center. Hillary's move right is more attributed to Bernie Sanders voters than a desire to occupy the left. Bernie Sanders knows this. It is why he sat on his hands no matter the compliments given him.
There was a week of fear, following by a week of sweetness that would have most people in a diabetic comma. Both scare me.
If there truly was an independent party, not one that is disguises republican values, and others which disguises far left philosophy, maybe there would be change. Real change.
1
I agree with Mr Klugman and unlike I presume my fellow Canadian 'Gerald' in Toronto, I think that an American expert on trade, economic geography, well versed in political theatre and that is to be taken literally, he does not need to be an expert on patriotism.
Mr Klugman does not write that only 'an expert' may comment on which phrase one must utter, rather he refers to a policy that President Obama, 'experts', other 'smart guys' have opined that acknowledges the facts: that to lump all Muslims, all believers in the Islamic religion as terrorists is not only wrong, it's bad policy.
They know we cannot successfully fight radical terrorists without their aid.
So it is alarming to believe Donald Trump as the leader to fulfill such policies of a 'world power' nation.
A man who philosophy is- it's us against them.
The people who have come to Canada and the US seeking a better life have done so because of the tenets set up by former Europeans, they arrive from across the globe, and probably look somewhat different from each other.
The fact that we live together, believe ourselves citizens of these countries is remarkable. That is patriotism not them vs us, and to seek a President that spouts such policies that seek to divide us, isn't that then unpatriotic?
Calling Putin to interfere in our politics, supporting policies that are not only in opposition to our European allies but beneficial to his business interests? Just whose best interests would such a man seek?
Mr Klugman does not write that only 'an expert' may comment on which phrase one must utter, rather he refers to a policy that President Obama, 'experts', other 'smart guys' have opined that acknowledges the facts: that to lump all Muslims, all believers in the Islamic religion as terrorists is not only wrong, it's bad policy.
They know we cannot successfully fight radical terrorists without their aid.
So it is alarming to believe Donald Trump as the leader to fulfill such policies of a 'world power' nation.
A man who philosophy is- it's us against them.
The people who have come to Canada and the US seeking a better life have done so because of the tenets set up by former Europeans, they arrive from across the globe, and probably look somewhat different from each other.
The fact that we live together, believe ourselves citizens of these countries is remarkable. That is patriotism not them vs us, and to seek a President that spouts such policies that seek to divide us, isn't that then unpatriotic?
Calling Putin to interfere in our politics, supporting policies that are not only in opposition to our European allies but beneficial to his business interests? Just whose best interests would such a man seek?
1
From my perspective, it appears that the Democratic Party has a facade when it claims to be for all people. From the DNC emails, it's clear that it's the party of the wealthy. A party that has pre-chosen politicians despite an ongoing "democratic" election under way. It's a party that signs deals like NAFTA and the TPP, at the expense of the most economically-vulnerable citizens that it claims to support.
4
Mr. Klugman -- You've never been one to pull punches. But, even for you, this column is unusually direct. And, absolutely true.
8
Donald Trump has a big mouth and says a lot of stupid things. His comments about the supposed and yet unproved Russian hack were very stupid.
Let's not lose sight, however, of the fact that the DNC was completely dishonest and as Bernie always claimed was actively working against his candidacy. This is not democracy. It is the corruption of our country's top institutions that is still the big story here.
The US hacks everyone in the world including the cell phones of the Presidents of our allies Germany, Brazil and many others. Let's temper the outrage about the Russians hacking the DNC. That is what governments do.
Hillary must also be worried that not only the DNC was hacked, but that her unsafe and unapproved private e-mail server was hacked. Now we are getting beyond political dirty tricks and into the realm of risking national security.
For all of Trump's stupid statements, it is Hillary who put her personal interests before her country. She undermined the security of the State Department so that the dirty dealing of the Clinton Foundation would not be subject to Freedom of Information requests.
Judge actions and not words. Follow the money. Do you really believe that Hillary will be a change maker? The current talking point of the day. I think not and we will get another eight years of poor economic performance and a deteriorating and more violent world with Hillary.
Let's not lose sight, however, of the fact that the DNC was completely dishonest and as Bernie always claimed was actively working against his candidacy. This is not democracy. It is the corruption of our country's top institutions that is still the big story here.
The US hacks everyone in the world including the cell phones of the Presidents of our allies Germany, Brazil and many others. Let's temper the outrage about the Russians hacking the DNC. That is what governments do.
Hillary must also be worried that not only the DNC was hacked, but that her unsafe and unapproved private e-mail server was hacked. Now we are getting beyond political dirty tricks and into the realm of risking national security.
For all of Trump's stupid statements, it is Hillary who put her personal interests before her country. She undermined the security of the State Department so that the dirty dealing of the Clinton Foundation would not be subject to Freedom of Information requests.
Judge actions and not words. Follow the money. Do you really believe that Hillary will be a change maker? The current talking point of the day. I think not and we will get another eight years of poor economic performance and a deteriorating and more violent world with Hillary.
3
You will be voting for Trump?
It is not enough for Hillary Clinton to just say, “I am sorry that I was “extremely careless” and “grossly negligent” with my sloppy and reckless, behavior while committing actions with my e-mail activities that harmed the USA. (maybe some of our foreign citizen informers and US government employees died horrible deaths because of my slack security protocol with my personal computer that I installed for my personal convenience), but I promise not to do that again if I am elected POTUS.”
Will Hillary promise to be more careful and follow US government security regulations and security laws with the nuclear codes that control of the “US Nuclear Weapons of Mass Destruction” if she is elected POTUS?
Will Hillary promise to be more careful and follow US government security regulations and security laws with the nuclear codes that control of the “US Nuclear Weapons of Mass Destruction” if she is elected POTUS?
2
We are SO past that. Try to keep up.
1
I have noticed a scary tendency in Republican thought as of late. Since the Tea Party really. In the past, there were two different narratives which were offered to the electorate and voted on. There was vitriol, but nothing like today. The whole of the Republican convention wasn't that Donald Trump is better than Hillary Clinton, it was that Hillary is a criminal. As a matter of fact, most Republicans that I meet today suggest that all Democrats are criminals, as if being for Universal Health care or Worker's right to organize is a criminal act. That the ideals of at least half the country are not only wrong, but criminal is preposterous and goes against everything we stand for. This is where the danger is, when a politician says like Trump "Shhhh, I'll take care of everything." instead of saying like Hillary, "Together we can do anything.". My favorite part of the Obama speech was when he said "We seek not to be ruled", isn't that what Donald Trump and the Republicans want? How patriotic.
10
How can elect those US citizens whose spouses sold US Military Secrets to our enemies in return for cash into their own pockets.
How can we elect those whose e-mail actions were “extremely careless,” “grossly negligent,” sloppy and reckless that harmed the USA when some of our foreign citizen informers and US government employees probably died horrible deaths because of their slack security protocol with her personal computer that she for her personal convenience.
I always thought that with enough money anybody could just buy the US presidency, even a flawed dishonest candidate such as Hillary Clinton that should really be in prison.
Hillary has outspent Trump $57M to $4M and Hillary is only just even with Trump.
How can we elect those whose e-mail actions were “extremely careless,” “grossly negligent,” sloppy and reckless that harmed the USA when some of our foreign citizen informers and US government employees probably died horrible deaths because of their slack security protocol with her personal computer that she for her personal convenience.
I always thought that with enough money anybody could just buy the US presidency, even a flawed dishonest candidate such as Hillary Clinton that should really be in prison.
Hillary has outspent Trump $57M to $4M and Hillary is only just even with Trump.
3
Republican-style patriotism has been phony for years. When you listen carefully to what they say about the country and other Americans, it sounds as if they want the country to fail in everything it does so that their cynicism will be validated. They use war to claim a kind of exclusive patriotism for themselves even though their wars are usually fought by sons and daughters of the middle class and working poor who the GOP has never represented. They have demonized the government and undermined the credibility of government institutions and programs that many people need, and have systematically relieved the rich of any need to make contributions to the country whether by paying fair taxes or performing public service. If there are any real republican patriots left, they've been mostly silent in the face of the madness that has taken over their party.
19
Oh man! "Vlad bromance", is a Lady Gaga parody that needs to be made.
5
Exactly. The Republican party is rotten to the core and Trump is merely a symptom. Clinton would have done well after outlining her proposals to emphasize, as Sanders has, that none of it is possible unless voters administer a thorough exorcism of this right wing sickness from Congress.
15
My how things have changed.
The Republicans now feature a Commie-loving bloviator who can't get much of anything right.
The Democrats feature the classic American story, people starting with nothing an making a go of it.
Not a hard choice for me.
I am voting a straight D ticket, top to bottom. It has been quite a two weeks.
The Republicans now feature a Commie-loving bloviator who can't get much of anything right.
The Democrats feature the classic American story, people starting with nothing an making a go of it.
Not a hard choice for me.
I am voting a straight D ticket, top to bottom. It has been quite a two weeks.
25
Trump is a Putin wannabe. The ultimate dangerous bullying dictator. The Republicans are tolerating him, despite their squeamishness about his treasonous remarks because they want a Republican - any Republican elected President in order for that person to nominate a Supreme Court Justice and shift the Supreme Court to the right. That is their goal right now. What else happens to the country as a result of such a disastrous person as Trump being President is of no concern to them.
Yes, Democrats have always been the true patriots. They have cared about the all the people in this vast nation, not just those in their "tribe". They have always been about decency. They have fought for education of all children, judicial fairness, health care, civil rights for blacks, women, immigrants, and those who are L.G.B.T. The Republicans have been about war, tax cuts for the wealthy and destroying the social safety nets. Their choice for President is openly racist, misogynistic, and xenophobic. Their choice for Vice President is homophobic and religiously intolerant.
As was said last night (to paraphrase): Clinton is offering the American Dream; Trump is offering the American Nightmare". "Clinton is the bridge to the future, and Trump is the bridge to the past".
This is the most important election I can remember. Who we vote for will determine our fate for years to come. A right leaning Supreme Court can undermine all the social progress made in the last 50 years.
Yes, Democrats have always been the true patriots. They have cared about the all the people in this vast nation, not just those in their "tribe". They have always been about decency. They have fought for education of all children, judicial fairness, health care, civil rights for blacks, women, immigrants, and those who are L.G.B.T. The Republicans have been about war, tax cuts for the wealthy and destroying the social safety nets. Their choice for President is openly racist, misogynistic, and xenophobic. Their choice for Vice President is homophobic and religiously intolerant.
As was said last night (to paraphrase): Clinton is offering the American Dream; Trump is offering the American Nightmare". "Clinton is the bridge to the future, and Trump is the bridge to the past".
This is the most important election I can remember. Who we vote for will determine our fate for years to come. A right leaning Supreme Court can undermine all the social progress made in the last 50 years.
16
How true, how true, Dr. Krugman. The "loyal opposition" are the biggest bunch of phonies (oh I am being so restrained) and only in America could that go unnoticed.
17
They have twisted the meaning of language itself to make the rule of law unworkable.
Isn't it now, as it has been since Nixon, win at all cost politics—just with a lot of distraction? Trump keeps everyone guessing, his opponents always responding and playing defense. Now the definition of patriotism is up for discussion. Do you think this will change the minds of any Trump believers?
The Republican political campaign strategy hasn't changed since 2001 when Grover Norquist supplied the memorable image of reducing the size of Government until he could drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub. Nothing Trump has said changes this. It is only his moderate ideas like leaving Social Security and Medicare alone that draw real fire from his party.
Take away the controversy and you're left with the same game plan—stoke social resentments among those hardest hit by economic change, then harness that rage to advance policies like tax cuts, deregulation and austerity that crush any hope that government be a positive force. Trump has put the plan on steroids. The goal is to undermine Democrats. Everything else is an afterthought.
Because Trump is so skilled at manipulating the news media himself, the party appears to be on the sidelines. They may not like him. But he is delivering what no Romney, Bush or Rubio could by keeping everyone distracted with the latest outrage.
The Republican political campaign strategy hasn't changed since 2001 when Grover Norquist supplied the memorable image of reducing the size of Government until he could drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub. Nothing Trump has said changes this. It is only his moderate ideas like leaving Social Security and Medicare alone that draw real fire from his party.
Take away the controversy and you're left with the same game plan—stoke social resentments among those hardest hit by economic change, then harness that rage to advance policies like tax cuts, deregulation and austerity that crush any hope that government be a positive force. Trump has put the plan on steroids. The goal is to undermine Democrats. Everything else is an afterthought.
Because Trump is so skilled at manipulating the news media himself, the party appears to be on the sidelines. They may not like him. But he is delivering what no Romney, Bush or Rubio could by keeping everyone distracted with the latest outrage.
2
The difference between the two conventions which was most apparent was the list of speakers for each. The Republican's list was very weak, and didn't include any credible leaders, unless you think simps like Paul Ryan and Chris Christie fit the bill. Or Rudy Giuliani, a washed-up has-been if there ever was one.
Contrast that to the Democratic speakers. Not just the real people who would suffer under a Trump administration, like the disabled. But the number of national leaders was very impressive. Of course, these people have a vested interest in seeing that their party continues in power. But when you have the most powerful people in the administration, as well as all the military leaders who have been persecuting the wars in the Mid East, give their support for Hillary, it really means something. She didn't rely on her children and bought-off toadies to screech support for her. She had the very people who have been leading this country for years do that.
One of the most powerful speakers last night was Khizr Kahn. When he pulled out his copy of the US Constitution and asked Trump if he wanted to borrow it, that was such an incredible statement. It's clear that Trump has never read, much less studied, the Constitution, so how could he ever swear allegiance to it?
Hillary clearly won the convention contest. And she will clearly win the election this fall. Trump has begun his slide into irrelevancy, which is something to be thankful for.
Contrast that to the Democratic speakers. Not just the real people who would suffer under a Trump administration, like the disabled. But the number of national leaders was very impressive. Of course, these people have a vested interest in seeing that their party continues in power. But when you have the most powerful people in the administration, as well as all the military leaders who have been persecuting the wars in the Mid East, give their support for Hillary, it really means something. She didn't rely on her children and bought-off toadies to screech support for her. She had the very people who have been leading this country for years do that.
One of the most powerful speakers last night was Khizr Kahn. When he pulled out his copy of the US Constitution and asked Trump if he wanted to borrow it, that was such an incredible statement. It's clear that Trump has never read, much less studied, the Constitution, so how could he ever swear allegiance to it?
Hillary clearly won the convention contest. And she will clearly win the election this fall. Trump has begun his slide into irrelevancy, which is something to be thankful for.
3
I agree with this analysis but would suggest an additional, highly relevant dimension: the tribe for whom Trump purports to speak (or unleash) is not a singular entity. Trump's supporters (to use a generous term), are comprised of many tribes that seemingly have coalesced to achieve their own peculiar and distinct purposes.
More curious, many of these smaller tribes have little if anything in common with one another other than a shared feeling of displacement and an inability to see themselves as members of our larger national fabric, especially in economic terms. In fact, Trump's monied supporters and his "base" are actually working at cross-purposes. This sort of alliance is temporary at best and fraught with opportunities for internal fracturing and real damage to our nation.
More Republican notables should search their consciences, publicly divorce themselves from Trump and rebuild their once-respected brand. I suspect Mr. Pence cannot do this. He knows that his position, even if Trump were to win the election, is without substance. Trump has no real regard for him. Trump would have nominated his daughter for the VP role if he thought he could get away with it (and I'm a bit surprised he didn't). But other Republicans still have time to show us their conscience and courage, to show their statesmanship, to walk away. They needn't endorse Mrs. Clinton if that's a stretch too far. But rather than suffer with and be further embarrassed by Trump, they should disavow him.
More curious, many of these smaller tribes have little if anything in common with one another other than a shared feeling of displacement and an inability to see themselves as members of our larger national fabric, especially in economic terms. In fact, Trump's monied supporters and his "base" are actually working at cross-purposes. This sort of alliance is temporary at best and fraught with opportunities for internal fracturing and real damage to our nation.
More Republican notables should search their consciences, publicly divorce themselves from Trump and rebuild their once-respected brand. I suspect Mr. Pence cannot do this. He knows that his position, even if Trump were to win the election, is without substance. Trump has no real regard for him. Trump would have nominated his daughter for the VP role if he thought he could get away with it (and I'm a bit surprised he didn't). But other Republicans still have time to show us their conscience and courage, to show their statesmanship, to walk away. They needn't endorse Mrs. Clinton if that's a stretch too far. But rather than suffer with and be further embarrassed by Trump, they should disavow him.
1
I am an immigrant from India and have been here for the past 25 years having obtained my graduate degrees in this country and having made it my home, not because of mere or sheer convenience but because it is where I want to spend the rest of my life. The US, with all its faults and as an ongoing geographic experiment is still the closest thing to perfection.
I have always been stymied by the utter cynicism offered by the Republicans ever since my time here (the days of the George H. Bush campaign) and the apparent public confusion of such attitudes with patriotism. On the other hand, well meaning public commentaries urging improvement on part of the US have always been treated with suspicion sometimes from within the walls of the Democratic party but mostly from within the Republican front. There are superfluous politicians on both sides of the aisle and the Democrats most certainly need to up their game on a few fronts but for the most part the Republicans are vastly cynical in their outlook. Whether such cynicism stems from mere ignorance, impatience, bigotry, sexist attitudes, xenophobia or simply a mere distrust of everything that does not resemble their blueprint is arguable but it definitely exists.
Thanks for this article Prof. Krugman. Like your snippets on matters of economic importance, this was much needed. Of course, now you will be criticized by the Republican circus as being a Marxist. Ignorance it would seem has no small limits.
I have always been stymied by the utter cynicism offered by the Republicans ever since my time here (the days of the George H. Bush campaign) and the apparent public confusion of such attitudes with patriotism. On the other hand, well meaning public commentaries urging improvement on part of the US have always been treated with suspicion sometimes from within the walls of the Democratic party but mostly from within the Republican front. There are superfluous politicians on both sides of the aisle and the Democrats most certainly need to up their game on a few fronts but for the most part the Republicans are vastly cynical in their outlook. Whether such cynicism stems from mere ignorance, impatience, bigotry, sexist attitudes, xenophobia or simply a mere distrust of everything that does not resemble their blueprint is arguable but it definitely exists.
Thanks for this article Prof. Krugman. Like your snippets on matters of economic importance, this was much needed. Of course, now you will be criticized by the Republican circus as being a Marxist. Ignorance it would seem has no small limits.
6
I think that like most or all of Mr. Krugman's columns, this one is much more correct than in error.
I have a small bone to pick with Mr. Krugman's last sentence today, "The people who now seem to love America always did; the people who suddenly no longer sound like patriots never were."
The first clause has almost always been true with regard to politically active center-left Democrats, who have always worked to allow our nation to better live up to our ideals. But there have also always been a cast of left wing simpletons, still in evidence this week, whose ignorance and insecurity-based absolutism prevents them from loving, or even seeing, all that is beautiful about our nation. Instead, they see only our failings, or those they imagine as failings. To say they love our country is a stretch, at best.
Mr. Krugman's second clause, about those who were never patriots, is certainly true about all the gasbags who have been Republican mouthpieces since the Nixon era. But as to the rank and file, even some of those who currently support Trump, this is not always true. It's entirely possible to love our country and to wish it the best, but to simply and sadly be deceived and deluded about both current and historical facts.
To me this is an essential difference between the whiny fools on the right and the whiny fools on the left. In both cases, given time, you can "fix" ignorance, unless its willful.
I have a small bone to pick with Mr. Krugman's last sentence today, "The people who now seem to love America always did; the people who suddenly no longer sound like patriots never were."
The first clause has almost always been true with regard to politically active center-left Democrats, who have always worked to allow our nation to better live up to our ideals. But there have also always been a cast of left wing simpletons, still in evidence this week, whose ignorance and insecurity-based absolutism prevents them from loving, or even seeing, all that is beautiful about our nation. Instead, they see only our failings, or those they imagine as failings. To say they love our country is a stretch, at best.
Mr. Krugman's second clause, about those who were never patriots, is certainly true about all the gasbags who have been Republican mouthpieces since the Nixon era. But as to the rank and file, even some of those who currently support Trump, this is not always true. It's entirely possible to love our country and to wish it the best, but to simply and sadly be deceived and deluded about both current and historical facts.
To me this is an essential difference between the whiny fools on the right and the whiny fools on the left. In both cases, given time, you can "fix" ignorance, unless its willful.
"The answer, I’d argue, is that the alienation isn’t a side effect they’re disregarding; it’s actually the point — it’s all about drawing a line between us (white Christians) and them (everyone else), and national security has nothing to do with it."
Actually, it is about drawing a line between us (citizens) and the rest of the world. In our version of tribalism we have a nation. And in our nation citizens have rights and privileges that foreign nationals, legal or illegal, do not have. And so when our citizens are suffering high unemployment and low labor force participation we send the foreign nationals back home. And when we are suffering labor shortages we invite foreign nationals in, as citizens.
In our version of tribalism the needs of the citizens are more important than the needs of 10,000 refugees from failed states with high ISIS demographics.
The progressives like to talk about the effects of systemic racism and White privilege on Black citizens. High unemployment rates cause high poverty rates, high rates of interaction with police, and high rates of imprisonment. Those second order consequences wreak havoc on our Black citizens. The Democrats continue to betray their loyal Black constituency by sheltering twelve million illegal aliens. Those aliens fill jobs that would otherwise be filled by citizens.
In our version of tribalism we have a nation. And our politicians put our nation and its citizens first, the rest of the world second.
Actually, it is about drawing a line between us (citizens) and the rest of the world. In our version of tribalism we have a nation. And in our nation citizens have rights and privileges that foreign nationals, legal or illegal, do not have. And so when our citizens are suffering high unemployment and low labor force participation we send the foreign nationals back home. And when we are suffering labor shortages we invite foreign nationals in, as citizens.
In our version of tribalism the needs of the citizens are more important than the needs of 10,000 refugees from failed states with high ISIS demographics.
The progressives like to talk about the effects of systemic racism and White privilege on Black citizens. High unemployment rates cause high poverty rates, high rates of interaction with police, and high rates of imprisonment. Those second order consequences wreak havoc on our Black citizens. The Democrats continue to betray their loyal Black constituency by sheltering twelve million illegal aliens. Those aliens fill jobs that would otherwise be filled by citizens.
In our version of tribalism we have a nation. And our politicians put our nation and its citizens first, the rest of the world second.
2
What many people forget, especially those who interpret any criticism as proof of alienation, is that America has always been a work in progress. The main Democratic speakers this week emphasized the 'progress' part of the phrase, as they focused on the country's trajectory toward fulfillment of the expansive ideals of the founding generation. But the critics, like the 'Black Lives Matter' movement, for example, who stress the amount of 'work' that still separates us from the realization of our democratic principles, exhibit a tough love that matches in importance the more celebratory variety.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, yearns for a mythical golden age, when white dominance created a false national unity and our allies depended too much on American power to question our policies. The country he loves resembles a static society caught in a time loop circa 1950.
Trump evaluates change only in terms of the risks it entails. He feels betrayed by the behavior of allies whom American power helped to protect until they regained the capacity to act independently. He resents marginalized groups who demand inclusion on a basis of equality in the national community.
Democrats, however, regard the discomforts and disruptions these trends cause as the price of living in a country that continues to be a work in progress. The election will help determine which of these two very different visions of our future Americans will choose.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, yearns for a mythical golden age, when white dominance created a false national unity and our allies depended too much on American power to question our policies. The country he loves resembles a static society caught in a time loop circa 1950.
Trump evaluates change only in terms of the risks it entails. He feels betrayed by the behavior of allies whom American power helped to protect until they regained the capacity to act independently. He resents marginalized groups who demand inclusion on a basis of equality in the national community.
Democrats, however, regard the discomforts and disruptions these trends cause as the price of living in a country that continues to be a work in progress. The election will help determine which of these two very different visions of our future Americans will choose.
3
Part of the problem is that the left (and I am on the left) ceeded patriotism to the right. Noam Chompsky and Howard Zinn raised important issues about American foreign and domestic policies. But, because those authors rarely praised America, their had the unfortunate effect of closing off space on the left to express the passionate love for America that that leftists have.
Paul is right: liberals love America deeply, but always with a certain critical distance. That distance makes passion harder to express. But so be it. It's been pointed out that liberals love America the way adults love their parents while aware of their imperfections while conservatives love America the way children love their parents because they are not aware of those imperfections.
I would add that all people need to love America the way that parents love their children. No child ever improved after being told he or she was all good or all bad.
Paul is right: liberals love America deeply, but always with a certain critical distance. That distance makes passion harder to express. But so be it. It's been pointed out that liberals love America the way adults love their parents while aware of their imperfections while conservatives love America the way children love their parents because they are not aware of those imperfections.
I would add that all people need to love America the way that parents love their children. No child ever improved after being told he or she was all good or all bad.
3
This Trump/GOP Reality show brought back a old memory. I lived in Tokyo from roughly 1947 to 1949, from ages 5 to 7. This was right after the war. I have many vivid experiences from those 2+ years. I learned Japanese and was allowed to roam pretty much at will.
One of my adventures was to sneak into a radio station's auditorium and sit quietly on a crate of some kind among many adult Japanese men, while actors on the stage dressed in what seemed like bizarre costumes to me but were actually like a Kabuki stage setting, very Japanese. The sounds and sights still resonate in my memory and, even though I spoke Japanese at the time, I could not grasp what it was about.
The GOP convention, as much as I could bear to watch, brought that memory to the forefront, particularly as Trump spoke. He is one bizarre dude in looks and in the fact that, while he was speaking, I could not understand it.
One of my adventures was to sneak into a radio station's auditorium and sit quietly on a crate of some kind among many adult Japanese men, while actors on the stage dressed in what seemed like bizarre costumes to me but were actually like a Kabuki stage setting, very Japanese. The sounds and sights still resonate in my memory and, even though I spoke Japanese at the time, I could not grasp what it was about.
The GOP convention, as much as I could bear to watch, brought that memory to the forefront, particularly as Trump spoke. He is one bizarre dude in looks and in the fact that, while he was speaking, I could not understand it.
2
So Trump is doing the bidding of a foreign power [Russia] which means he is acting on their behalf. How so Mr. Krugman?
Meanwhile Russia controls one fifth of our uranium production capacity with the sale of Uranium One signed off by the then Secretary of State Ms. Clinton while the chairman of Uranium One donates $2.34 million to the Clinton foundation which is not publically disclosed while Bill is palling around with a mining financier who donates $31.3 million to the foundation and Hillary receives a $500,000 speaker's fee in Moscow from a Russian investment bank with close ties to the Kremlin promoting Uranium One stock. But the foundation does do good work by donating 10% of the wealth to charities.
Meanwhile Russia controls one fifth of our uranium production capacity with the sale of Uranium One signed off by the then Secretary of State Ms. Clinton while the chairman of Uranium One donates $2.34 million to the Clinton foundation which is not publically disclosed while Bill is palling around with a mining financier who donates $31.3 million to the foundation and Hillary receives a $500,000 speaker's fee in Moscow from a Russian investment bank with close ties to the Kremlin promoting Uranium One stock. But the foundation does do good work by donating 10% of the wealth to charities.
@MLH
I'll answer your question. Trump is advocating abandoning the Baltic states and the Ukraine to a kleptocrat he owes money to. He is calling on that kleptocrat to violate U.S. law by committing cyber espionage against his political opponent. He is doing these things so that that kleptocrat will continue to loan him money. Don't believe me? Then why won't Trump release his tax returns?
And 89% of the Clinton foundations revenue goes to charity, not 10%.
http://www.factcheck.org/2015/06/where-does-clinton-foundation-money-go/
I'll answer your question. Trump is advocating abandoning the Baltic states and the Ukraine to a kleptocrat he owes money to. He is calling on that kleptocrat to violate U.S. law by committing cyber espionage against his political opponent. He is doing these things so that that kleptocrat will continue to loan him money. Don't believe me? Then why won't Trump release his tax returns?
And 89% of the Clinton foundations revenue goes to charity, not 10%.
http://www.factcheck.org/2015/06/where-does-clinton-foundation-money-go/
2
There was a politician that once warned , "all politics is local" . For politicians seeking office that meant that it was good to speak abstractly but concrete was better. Trump has gone to Scranton where he is pledging to revive coal. He couldn't care less about global warming and he hopes that the people of Scranton feel the same way. The presence of new immigrants both legal and illegal has strained local budgets dependent on local taxation to render services such as schools and hospitals. Trump wants to send these immigrants packing which is a way of saying localities will have one less financial burden.
The Democratic coalitions have tended to be less locally oriented , striking big themes of access and equitable treatment such as equal pay for equal work…but this is not local and because of this, the danger of having local issues supersede abstract concerns is very real and Democrats must realize this. When Hilary helped out New Yorkers after 9/11 it was not forgotten. This is but one example of the meaning of the power of local action.
Now that the Democratic convention is over I fully hope that the message will turn to local concerns and show that the democratic party is a party of ideals, ideas and practical thinking, as it always has been. The emotions that are a part of local politics are powerful and should not be underestimated in the face off against the very dangerous populist Trump that must be defeated in November.
The Democratic coalitions have tended to be less locally oriented , striking big themes of access and equitable treatment such as equal pay for equal work…but this is not local and because of this, the danger of having local issues supersede abstract concerns is very real and Democrats must realize this. When Hilary helped out New Yorkers after 9/11 it was not forgotten. This is but one example of the meaning of the power of local action.
Now that the Democratic convention is over I fully hope that the message will turn to local concerns and show that the democratic party is a party of ideals, ideas and practical thinking, as it always has been. The emotions that are a part of local politics are powerful and should not be underestimated in the face off against the very dangerous populist Trump that must be defeated in November.
2
Recent history shows just how much Republicans love America. They love it so much, they refuse to change its crumbling infrastructure. Oh, they know that it’s necessary for the economy to rebuilt our highways, bridges and electronic networks. They also know that interest rates are at historic lows so borrowing the money to do the necessary work would be easy. And, they know through experience that their European austerity measures are destined to fail. Yet they cannot bear to change or alter our roadways and bridges because of deep nostalgia for the way things used to be, back when the two coasts were tied together by the Pony Express. And the Republicans love their fellow Americans. They love them so much they want to throw millions off their hard won insurance and cut their Social Security benefits. After all, life is sweetest when you know just how short it is. And they love the land. They love Federal land so much that they want to sell it to the highest bidder, or let gun toting lunatics occupy and desecrate it. And, they love our history, our values and our traditions, except when it comes to harboring refugees or abstaining from war crimes. But most of all, Republicans love our sacred constitution, which to them begins with Genesis and ends with Revelation. In short, they think they love America, but their affection is limited to waiving the flag and singing the first verse of the National Anthem. Unfortunately, that’s where it ends.
12
So true, Paul, so true.
The three Republican "patriots" you mention by name -Donald Trump, Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh- weren't nearly as patriotic in the latter half of the 1960's and early '70's as they are today. All three availed themselves of deferments and of specious physical ailments to skate past the induction stations that funneled those like myself into the "green machine" and off on year-long tropical adventures. Only when they were safely beyond "fighting age" did their bravery awaken from its hibernation. That these three are NOT atypical among the universe of Republican leaders (Mitch McConnell was in the Army in the '60's but managed, with the help of political influence, to get a medical discharge that saved him from a Vietnam vacation.) is further evidence of the rot at the core of Republican "patriotism."
In my case, 6 months after returning to the States to complete the last year of my enlistment, I went to an Army surgeon I worked with in the ER at Ft. Stewart, GA. My left arm would just go numb. After a few xrays and thorough exam, he told me I had an anomaly, an extra pair of ribs, on the lowest cervical vertebra, which compressed the artery supplying blood to my left arm when my arm was held in certain positions. Treatment was surgery, which he did. While I was still in the hospital, he told me that my induction physical reported the presence of these ribs. They were, he said, sufficient to disqualify me if I had mentioned my numbness then.
The three Republican "patriots" you mention by name -Donald Trump, Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh- weren't nearly as patriotic in the latter half of the 1960's and early '70's as they are today. All three availed themselves of deferments and of specious physical ailments to skate past the induction stations that funneled those like myself into the "green machine" and off on year-long tropical adventures. Only when they were safely beyond "fighting age" did their bravery awaken from its hibernation. That these three are NOT atypical among the universe of Republican leaders (Mitch McConnell was in the Army in the '60's but managed, with the help of political influence, to get a medical discharge that saved him from a Vietnam vacation.) is further evidence of the rot at the core of Republican "patriotism."
In my case, 6 months after returning to the States to complete the last year of my enlistment, I went to an Army surgeon I worked with in the ER at Ft. Stewart, GA. My left arm would just go numb. After a few xrays and thorough exam, he told me I had an anomaly, an extra pair of ribs, on the lowest cervical vertebra, which compressed the artery supplying blood to my left arm when my arm was held in certain positions. Treatment was surgery, which he did. While I was still in the hospital, he told me that my induction physical reported the presence of these ribs. They were, he said, sufficient to disqualify me if I had mentioned my numbness then.
5
Interesting concepts. Crooked lying Trump, 'our' narcissist-in-chief, can't help being tribal, 'us vs them'; sacrifice, even die for our tribe, while simultaneously destroy 'the other', absurd and stupid as it sounds. This vulgar bully is not only unprincipled and irresponsible, he is a racist moron with a king-complex of grandeur, only seen in those with willful ignorance of the facts, and reality as is, and proper of a teenager (aged 70) that refuses to grow up. Otherwise, how do you explain his disregard for reason and logic, and a total lack of decency? That Putin is a dangerous thug, and Trump's idol, may have some pathological explanation. But how to understand the republican's hypocrisy, by watching Trump's nonsense and his fanning fear and hate, in silent complicity? Perhaps Trump and the G.O.P. have much more in common, except that Trump had the nerve to voice it publicly, a 'twittering' orgy unmasking these false prophets for what they are, political prostitutes ready and willing to sell themselves to the highest bidder. All that remains to be settled seems to be the price.
1
So many of Krugman's arguments depend upon blanket ad hominem's, it’s never clear if it’s worth one’s time to debunk...
To take one small passing conceit: the common PC canard that Obama’s “experts” advise him not to use the phrase Islamic terror. That would make Obama singular, evidently, among all world leaders, including moderate Arab states who deal repeatedly with this particular threat. Directives to DHS, the FBI and the CIA not to use the phrase seem to contravene basic common sense and to produce a chilling effect on law enforcement in calling a spade a spade and connecting the dots. During Obama's presidency, we have seen a steady increase, not a decrease, in such attacks, therefore if such experts actually exist, their expertise should be called into question.
Krugman is a big fan of “experts”, as for example those who gave us Obamacare or the stimulus. Hayek had much to say on their limits. How many of the promises of the ACA have been exposed as rote lies?
Yes, the world's a big complicated place that requires very smart people to superintend. No, the conservative argument at its best does not reduce to Krugman's endlessly dishonest characterization of it: a right-wing, white separatist movement. This is so exponentially reductive, one wonders if Krugman could win in the realm of pure ideas.
To take one small passing conceit: the common PC canard that Obama’s “experts” advise him not to use the phrase Islamic terror. That would make Obama singular, evidently, among all world leaders, including moderate Arab states who deal repeatedly with this particular threat. Directives to DHS, the FBI and the CIA not to use the phrase seem to contravene basic common sense and to produce a chilling effect on law enforcement in calling a spade a spade and connecting the dots. During Obama's presidency, we have seen a steady increase, not a decrease, in such attacks, therefore if such experts actually exist, their expertise should be called into question.
Krugman is a big fan of “experts”, as for example those who gave us Obamacare or the stimulus. Hayek had much to say on their limits. How many of the promises of the ACA have been exposed as rote lies?
Yes, the world's a big complicated place that requires very smart people to superintend. No, the conservative argument at its best does not reduce to Krugman's endlessly dishonest characterization of it: a right-wing, white separatist movement. This is so exponentially reductive, one wonders if Krugman could win in the realm of pure ideas.
This column is fine, up to a point. Yes, tribalism has been involved in politics in our country for a long time, and the Republicans, in service of their tribe, have not won a presidential election honestly since Eisenhower left office. After all, the Supreme Court is involved, and we've seen first-hand how having the right men - and so far I do mean "men"- on the Supreme Court can serve the tribe.
But to say the Democrats "always did" love America neglects their own tribalism. They used to be the tribe of the middle class and of blue collar working people. Then came William Jefferson Clinton, and blue collar workers were thrown out of the tribe (As well as under the bus.) so the Democrats could become the tribe of the well educated professional class.
Look at the record of policy decisions made by both Clinton and Obama and you will see that yesterday's middle class and blue collar workers were no longer regarded as members of either the Republican or Democratic tribes.
So, this time around they - the people ignored by both major parties - threatened to form their own tribe, apart from the traditional Democrats and Republicans. Their potential chiefs were Trump and Sanders.
All the conventions showed is that the Democratic establishment was better at manipulating the primaries. Had the DNC not worked to elevate Hillary while damaging Sanders, who's to say what would have happened?
Hillary should win. Then we'll see who she wants in her tribe.
But to say the Democrats "always did" love America neglects their own tribalism. They used to be the tribe of the middle class and of blue collar working people. Then came William Jefferson Clinton, and blue collar workers were thrown out of the tribe (As well as under the bus.) so the Democrats could become the tribe of the well educated professional class.
Look at the record of policy decisions made by both Clinton and Obama and you will see that yesterday's middle class and blue collar workers were no longer regarded as members of either the Republican or Democratic tribes.
So, this time around they - the people ignored by both major parties - threatened to form their own tribe, apart from the traditional Democrats and Republicans. Their potential chiefs were Trump and Sanders.
All the conventions showed is that the Democratic establishment was better at manipulating the primaries. Had the DNC not worked to elevate Hillary while damaging Sanders, who's to say what would have happened?
Hillary should win. Then we'll see who she wants in her tribe.
1
It was the Democratic Platform Committee that found no place for pro-life Democrats or live-and-let-live positions based on freedom of conscience. Catholics or people of conscience won’t be forced to have abortions as long as they support (i.e. pay for) government abortions for others. Pharmacists must nevertheless sell drugs that kill, just a bakers must bake celebratory cakes at gay weddings. The government of the U.S. apparently has a public interest in population control – a close cousin of climate control fueled by hysteria and political opportunism.
If a worker opposes abortion and gay lifestyles is it legal for the business to discriminate against the worker and hire the liberal? If the boss is a flaming Democrat on all issues do white males have to suck it up?
Those who love America and diversity will find a way to live-and-let-live and limit government coercion of all types.
If a worker opposes abortion and gay lifestyles is it legal for the business to discriminate against the worker and hire the liberal? If the boss is a flaming Democrat on all issues do white males have to suck it up?
Those who love America and diversity will find a way to live-and-let-live and limit government coercion of all types.
2
This is a strange response. The American government does not pay for abortions. Tim Kaine is a pro-life democrat, so I am not sure where you are getting your information, but it simply isn't accurate. As for diversity, you must be kidding me, the GOP convention was poorly attended by all white faces. The DNC was strikingly different in terms of attendance as well as ethnic make-up. So, I guess I can believe you, or the evidence of my own eyes. The 'eyes' have it.
2
Thank you Dr Krugman. We can finally strip the false veneer of patriotism off the Republican Party and reveal what has been there all along - class and race privilege pure and simple. Their slogan is that only people who look and think like me should matter. That of course is not the promise of America. E Pluribus Unum is the motto of our country for a reason. We are a tapestry woven from many strands and as a people we are changing and unfinished still. We are a nation of immigrants, both those who chose to come and those who did not, and we are also, it should not forgotten, a nation of native peoples who lived in this land long before the first Europeans or Africans came here. We are a nation that has struggled and will continue to struggle with our many and varied identities. That fact is the source of our greatest strengths and our greatest sorrows. As Dr Krugman points out we can embrace our diversity and make it a source of strength or we can retreat again into the ugly nativist and racial bigotry that we have known many times. The choice is ours.
9
As an American, I have always thought it was my right and my responsibility to criticize my government when I thought it was going in the wrong direction, and praise its leaders when I thought they were going in the right direction. I was always taught by my very Republican parents (they voted for Nixon in 1960 in oh-so-Democratic Massachusetts) that if someone came to school without a sandwich that I should share mine with that person. So when I see people who are less fortunate than I am, I don't blame them. I want them to have resources and opportunities that I did not have. For that, I have been dubbed a "tax-and-spend liberal," and one politician who came to my door recently called me a "statist," a word which I don't really understand. I have fought against injustice and equality through working in the Civil Rights movement, against the Vietnam war, for universal health care, and against many other injustices. Income inequality in this country is outrageous. I have watched the Republican party become the party of the wealthy. I am retired from my "day" job now and continue to volunteer with poor kids to help them with literacy. Education is key. All I see from the Republicans is hatred and cut, cut, cut when it comes to education funding.
And yet--do I love this country? I do. I often feel tears welling up when I hear the National Anthem at a baseball game. There is no better country. Anywhere. But why wouldn't I want to improve it? Let's do it.
And yet--do I love this country? I do. I often feel tears welling up when I hear the National Anthem at a baseball game. There is no better country. Anywhere. But why wouldn't I want to improve it? Let's do it.
22
President Obama and Hillary Clinton are the America of hope and change and a promising future. They believe that as great as America is, it holds forth the possibility that it will continue to grow and improve in order to form that most perfect union.
Republicans have lost all hope. They have decided to surrender to fear and loathing, gloom and doom, appealing to the baser instincts of human nature. Anger rules the GOP. Their sense of hopelessness caused them to acquiesce to Trump as their nominee. They missed the chance of exhibiting a true profile in courage by refusing to nominate Trump, by giving this imbecile the old heave-ho. Instead they cowered like scared children threatened by a bully, they chose to let the bully have his way, and foist this complete incompetent on the American electorate.
The last Republican candidate for president with no experience was Dwight David Eisenhower, a man who was busy winning WWII in the European theatre. Oh yeah, that thing. Guess we can give old Ike a pass on the experience thing.
Not so with Trump. His business acumen is a hoax. If it weren't for his father Fred the Donald would be a failure. It was uplifting to hear a real self-made billionaire, Mike Bloomberg, come to the DNC convention and expose Trump for what he is, a slimy snake oil salesman who the upper echelons of Manhattan real estate moguls think of as a joke and a jerk. Maybe one should listen to Mike, a New Yorker who knows a con.
DD
Manhattan
Republicans have lost all hope. They have decided to surrender to fear and loathing, gloom and doom, appealing to the baser instincts of human nature. Anger rules the GOP. Their sense of hopelessness caused them to acquiesce to Trump as their nominee. They missed the chance of exhibiting a true profile in courage by refusing to nominate Trump, by giving this imbecile the old heave-ho. Instead they cowered like scared children threatened by a bully, they chose to let the bully have his way, and foist this complete incompetent on the American electorate.
The last Republican candidate for president with no experience was Dwight David Eisenhower, a man who was busy winning WWII in the European theatre. Oh yeah, that thing. Guess we can give old Ike a pass on the experience thing.
Not so with Trump. His business acumen is a hoax. If it weren't for his father Fred the Donald would be a failure. It was uplifting to hear a real self-made billionaire, Mike Bloomberg, come to the DNC convention and expose Trump for what he is, a slimy snake oil salesman who the upper echelons of Manhattan real estate moguls think of as a joke and a jerk. Maybe one should listen to Mike, a New Yorker who knows a con.
DD
Manhattan
24
It is indeed a startling transformation of US politics, whereby the Democrats are suddenly the patriotic and "values" party -- it is not exactly a "role reversal" because what the GOP has done is to embrace a dystopian American; they do sound anything like the Democrats.
Michelle Obama's stem-winder on opening night about "family values" and how she and Barack take their roles as parents seriously set the tone that continued in the president's speech embracing American "political values" and "exceptionalism", a speech that even many conservatives praised after spending the past 8 years accusing him of denying the concept "American exceptionalism". If anything, however, it is smart politics because the "values" Democratic party could make it easier for wavering GOP voters to identify more with than with Trump's GOP and vote against the latter in November...
Michelle Obama's stem-winder on opening night about "family values" and how she and Barack take their roles as parents seriously set the tone that continued in the president's speech embracing American "political values" and "exceptionalism", a speech that even many conservatives praised after spending the past 8 years accusing him of denying the concept "American exceptionalism". If anything, however, it is smart politics because the "values" Democratic party could make it easier for wavering GOP voters to identify more with than with Trump's GOP and vote against the latter in November...
5
It is perversely funny to watch Krugman and his Zombies take up the cause of Senator Joseph McCarthy--"Mr. Trump, are you now or have you ever been, a friend of Valdimir Putin ?" Through the looking glass ? Indeed
2
Donald Trump is the perfect exemplar of Republican patriotism. Wave the flag and then wrap yourself up in it while offshoring your money in tax havens and going to heroic lengths not to pay taxes on what's here at home. It's about fanning the flames of racial resentment and cultural grievance. It's about playing the victim card when someone brings up history like "slavery". It's about living in increasingly segregated communities of wealth and privilege. This is love of country? It's more like South Africa in the 1980s.
"Patriotism" that is about skin color more than ideals like equality and justice is an obscenity. That's Republican patriotism.
"Patriotism" that is about skin color more than ideals like equality and justice is an obscenity. That's Republican patriotism.
4
We have every right to be proud that, though imperfect, America is among the nations at the leading edge of civilization, and, therefore, it is our duty to keep America secure. Accordingly, we have almost always put aside our differences when our nation has been confronted by threats to its existence. We now face such threats: global warming; nuclear and biological weapons proliferation; gross economic inequality; widespread racism; inadequate schools, and the growing difficulties citizens encounter when trying to vote.
The great mystery is that supporters of Trump and of others who are out for themselves alone, don’t realize that we are confronted by existential threats today.
The great mystery is that supporters of Trump and of others who are out for themselves alone, don’t realize that we are confronted by existential threats today.
5
Despite this incredible week in which we saw the Democrats take the higher ground in reasserting America's aspirational values as opposed to the Republicans week of promoting fear, anger and hate, the fact remains that this will be a close election. After receiving the usual 'bump' next week in the polls, the numbers will settle with Jill Stein and Gary Johnson taking more votes from Clinton than Trump.
The remaining 5-7% of independents and undecideds will determine the election and the fate of our country.
The remaining 5-7% of independents and undecideds will determine the election and the fate of our country.
1
While Mr. Krugman's characterization of the Republican Party contains much truth, there are many Republicans whose conservatism does not embrace the tribalism he describes. Those decent Republicans are the ones greatly dismayed by their party having nominated this demagogue, the ones that can neither endorse nor vote for him.
Democrats now must make peace with these alienated Republicans, overlook differences in policy, and instead look to shared values.
My point is, let's not characterize all Republicans, all conservatives, with such a broad brush. Let's invite them to join us in the fight against the existential threat that Trump poses.
Democrats now must make peace with these alienated Republicans, overlook differences in policy, and instead look to shared values.
My point is, let's not characterize all Republicans, all conservatives, with such a broad brush. Let's invite them to join us in the fight against the existential threat that Trump poses.
5
I couldn't be more proud of my country than I am right now. I watched much of the Democratic convention and let me tell you, it was nothing short of wonderful. The convention was truly a celebration of our greatest hopes and dreams, and our highest aspirations. That's the America I recognize.
25
"But what strikes me most is the silence of so many leading Republicans...."
Forgive me, but Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, Marco Rubio, John Boehner, Mike Pence, etc., etc., aren't silent: they're actively endorsing and advocating this breakdown in civility, decency, and American values. They're not afraid to speak up to Trump—they hope to ride his gilded coattails to power, and they could care less what impact it has on our country or the world.
Forgive me, but Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, Marco Rubio, John Boehner, Mike Pence, etc., etc., aren't silent: they're actively endorsing and advocating this breakdown in civility, decency, and American values. They're not afraid to speak up to Trump—they hope to ride his gilded coattails to power, and they could care less what impact it has on our country or the world.
24
Mr Krugman, it was quite a week. We were glued all four nights to the DNC in Philadelphia, proud to be an American.
And may I give a big shout out to C-Span, where we were allowed an uninterrupted, unedited and a direct experience of the lineup of speakers, the issues, the energy of the people, no commercial breaks, no pundit filters telling us what we heard and what to think. It was the best connection to the spirit of the lives that came before us, out of the fabric of America, and spoke with such strong messages, Mothers of the Movement, Dallas Sheriff Lupe Valdez, General John Allen, Reverend William Barber, and that was just a few from day four!
And may I give a big shout out to C-Span, where we were allowed an uninterrupted, unedited and a direct experience of the lineup of speakers, the issues, the energy of the people, no commercial breaks, no pundit filters telling us what we heard and what to think. It was the best connection to the spirit of the lives that came before us, out of the fabric of America, and spoke with such strong messages, Mothers of the Movement, Dallas Sheriff Lupe Valdez, General John Allen, Reverend William Barber, and that was just a few from day four!
4
As Tina Turner said in her hit song "What's Love Got to Do With It?" Indeed, why do we embrace love of country with such fervor? Isn't our own history strewn with the battered and bruised who others declared that their form of love was insufficient?
Why not love the long process of becoming a real constitutional republic? Why not embrace the imperfections of that journey, as any love affair has its ups and downs? Why not love our struggle to give modern meaning to our ever evolving sense of liberty and equality?
Any good marriage counselor will tell you that proclamations of love are great, but then the real work begins. Love of country too often has been the proclamation without the work. Like any long term relationship...do the work and you'll see that the love is there.
For us the work is rebuilding a faltering democracy that has been taken over by powerful monied interests and has rendered this last election cycle a mere shadow of real democracy.
Why not love the long process of becoming a real constitutional republic? Why not embrace the imperfections of that journey, as any love affair has its ups and downs? Why not love our struggle to give modern meaning to our ever evolving sense of liberty and equality?
Any good marriage counselor will tell you that proclamations of love are great, but then the real work begins. Love of country too often has been the proclamation without the work. Like any long term relationship...do the work and you'll see that the love is there.
For us the work is rebuilding a faltering democracy that has been taken over by powerful monied interests and has rendered this last election cycle a mere shadow of real democracy.
11
If the Constitution was perfect, why so many amendments? Oh, and was there a cutoff date for amendments to be added? Too bad if it's "closed", because we could use an amendment banning twitter right about now.
The candidate of the hedge fund oligarchy - y'know those job-killing companies that have given Shillery nearly $50 million in contributions, because of course they love America - is now officially anointed. The candidate for never-ending war, an ever-encroaching surveillance state serving the 1% and a continuation of this country suffering the inane identity politics religion foisted on us - that's who she is. A failed cabinet member. A failed west wing henchwoman. A failed US Senator. Doubt this? Try to find one accomplishment of a positive nature. What has she excelled at? Enriching her family at the expense of everything she and her ludicrous husband touch. Who loves America? Not this horrible candidate and certainly not this fish wrap posing as a "paper of record".
3
So, have you about run out of your monthly allotment of free clicks yet?
Your readiness to criticize the Democratic Nominee for President leads me to conclude you are either woefully unaware of your privilege or simply misinformed. Maybe it will help to remind you that if Hillary Clinton does not win the presidency, we wont have to make up such fact-less insults about our president. We will, in fact, have Donald Trump, a man who has used his campaign as a money making venture, supporting his family through contributions. We will have a president who welcomes war with our enemies and our allies with disregard to the men and women who serve. Donald Trump is the ugly love child of the 1% and if you choose not to believe it, you only push us farther down the rabbit hole.
Wake up to the reality of 2016 and go out and vote to save our country from exactly what you claim to disdain.
Wake up to the reality of 2016 and go out and vote to save our country from exactly what you claim to disdain.
"The people who now seem to love America always did; the people who suddenly no longer sound like patriots never were."
FINALLY! Someone has pointed out that the Emperor has no clothes! That Liberals and Progressives don't hate America, they LOVE America, so much that they fight the injustices of the selfish short-sighted ones who would destroy it out of blindness.
Yesterday, my niece shared a post from an older lady on FB complaining how her hometown had changed from its idyllic state of her youth, and the way things were. Funny thing--the lady's hometown is my hometown, and she graduated high school with me, in my class. And she only remembers half of the truth. She's forgotten the racial unrest, schools closed by protests, Black kids complaining that guidance counselors pointed them to menial or trade schools, not college, tracking that had only 2 Black kids in the "A" level track. She also didn't remember the programs that concerned citizens (like my mother) organized to fight slumlords, red-lining or police tolerance of child prostitution (which didn't happen to us "nice", White people). She wasn't constantly dragged into fights as I was for not being Christian--Anti-Semitism in this upstate river town was common.
No, she didn't know or see the poorer side of town where things weren't so pretty, or what the kids who lived there faced.
Ironically, it's the Russians who have the saying that half a loaf of bread is just half a loaf, but half of the truth is a LIE!
FINALLY! Someone has pointed out that the Emperor has no clothes! That Liberals and Progressives don't hate America, they LOVE America, so much that they fight the injustices of the selfish short-sighted ones who would destroy it out of blindness.
Yesterday, my niece shared a post from an older lady on FB complaining how her hometown had changed from its idyllic state of her youth, and the way things were. Funny thing--the lady's hometown is my hometown, and she graduated high school with me, in my class. And she only remembers half of the truth. She's forgotten the racial unrest, schools closed by protests, Black kids complaining that guidance counselors pointed them to menial or trade schools, not college, tracking that had only 2 Black kids in the "A" level track. She also didn't remember the programs that concerned citizens (like my mother) organized to fight slumlords, red-lining or police tolerance of child prostitution (which didn't happen to us "nice", White people). She wasn't constantly dragged into fights as I was for not being Christian--Anti-Semitism in this upstate river town was common.
No, she didn't know or see the poorer side of town where things weren't so pretty, or what the kids who lived there faced.
Ironically, it's the Russians who have the saying that half a loaf of bread is just half a loaf, but half of the truth is a LIE!
27
The idea that we might elect a President of the United States who considers the autocratic thug Vladimir Putin to be a "kindred spirit," is revolting and terrifying in equal measure.
32
A patriot, by definition, makes national weal the first priority. A fraud patriot will instead put the interests of something else, e.g., a political party, as the first priority.
12
Mr. Krugman as a Republican I love my country as much if not more than any Democrat. This new found patriotism is amusing in light of Michelle Obama's statement during President Obama's presidential convention years ago that she was finally proud to be an American. I guess she was ashamed before but because her husband was the first black president she had a change of heart. A bit fickle don't you think.
The Democratic Party's waving of flags was nice but if the Republicans had displayed such patriotism the Democrats would be laughing and mocking them terribly. To accuse Republicans of not being patriotic is a sheer lie. It was odd that the Democrats kept mentioning God in their speeches since they are the party that keeps on shouting about the separation of Church and state. They have voted for and passed many laws that are contrary to the Judeo-Christian tenets.
The Republicans are proud Americans and we believe in America first. We love our country and are ready to defend it. It may have its faults but it is the best place on earth for freedom and being able to say what we want without being jailed or even worse murdered. Why do so many come here legally and illegally? We are the home of the brave and the land of the free. I have always been proud to be American and love my country dearly.
The Democratic Party's waving of flags was nice but if the Republicans had displayed such patriotism the Democrats would be laughing and mocking them terribly. To accuse Republicans of not being patriotic is a sheer lie. It was odd that the Democrats kept mentioning God in their speeches since they are the party that keeps on shouting about the separation of Church and state. They have voted for and passed many laws that are contrary to the Judeo-Christian tenets.
The Republicans are proud Americans and we believe in America first. We love our country and are ready to defend it. It may have its faults but it is the best place on earth for freedom and being able to say what we want without being jailed or even worse murdered. Why do so many come here legally and illegally? We are the home of the brave and the land of the free. I have always been proud to be American and love my country dearly.
3
If you love your country and are a true Republican, then you will not vote for Donald Trump, I assume.
11
Over the last 40 years I have resented the Republicans acting as though they are the only Americans who are Patriots. How dare they!! I was not aware that there is some sort of contest re: who is the most patriotic. Anyone in this country who spends the time keeping abreast of the issues of the day, working day by day in their communities to make them better and making sure that people in their community vote on election day is a true Patriot, no matter the party.
5
Stop drinking the "Kool-Aid". When you do your thinking will clear up.
1
Its not who loves america, its which america do they love. Is it an inclusive or exclusive america they love? Is it rich people or all people? Do they want a progressively inclusive america as its been evolving recently, or a return to the good old days. All incumbents have to say things are good but there is room for improvement which we will do. All their opponents have to say things are terrible and we're the perfect people to fix it. So politics necessitates 2 very different views of the same state of affairs. All candidates say we represent the true american values and our opponents are deluded at best.
62
Inclusive of Bernie supporters. I don't think Paul's America has reached there yet.
Professor Krugman, your last sentence sums is brilliant-I just wish it would fit on a bumper sticker. Perhaps lawn sighs and billboards will work. Thank you from a patriotic Democrat-and there many millions of us!
27
This explains why Fox and republicans always held Obama to higher standards than they held themselves to. It was adherence to their tribe rather than principals. Jon Stewart was brilliant at pointing out their hypocrisy. Start at 4 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNiqpBNE9ik
15
The true character of Fox and it's ilk, as revealed by Roger Ailes, and then the chorus of how much they still loved the man, despite his despicable behaviour is an almost perfect parallel to Trump and the Republican establishment that now nods along. One wonders what the Fox/Ailes supporters would say if it was their daughters who were being propositioned and sexually harrassed by Ailes.
5
The race is on and much is at stake. My concern is that many voters may assume it is in the bag for Hillary and not bother to vote. Jonathan Chait points out that we may have another Nader spoiler in the wings in Jill Stein of the Green Party to contribute to the confusion in some voters minds.
She has pointed out that "Putting another Clinton in the White House will fan the flames of this right-wing extremism. We have known that for a long time ever since Nazi Germany. We are going to stand up to Donald Trump and to stand up to Hillary Clinton!" Essentially an absurd statement of her goal but she will attract some votes from the disaffected Bernie followers who, at this point, appear to be sulking. Is she on Trump's payroll? Does she consider herself a 'patriot'?
Hillary is surrounded by people who support her but I am in awe of her strength and resolve, and her thick skin. Many commenters here agree with Paul re: who the real patriots are and it isn't the GOP.
She has pointed out that "Putting another Clinton in the White House will fan the flames of this right-wing extremism. We have known that for a long time ever since Nazi Germany. We are going to stand up to Donald Trump and to stand up to Hillary Clinton!" Essentially an absurd statement of her goal but she will attract some votes from the disaffected Bernie followers who, at this point, appear to be sulking. Is she on Trump's payroll? Does she consider herself a 'patriot'?
Hillary is surrounded by people who support her but I am in awe of her strength and resolve, and her thick skin. Many commenters here agree with Paul re: who the real patriots are and it isn't the GOP.
15
Forget her thick skin and resolve in the glare of the spotlight. I am most impressed by her work for those less fortunate throughout her life outside of the spotlight.
The truth about all of us is revealed by the choices we make when no one is watching. Compare her first 40 years to Donald's. Then compare their lives in the spotlight. A simple choice.
The truth about all of us is revealed by the choices we make when no one is watching. Compare her first 40 years to Donald's. Then compare their lives in the spotlight. A simple choice.
10
"The answer, I’d argue, is that the alienation isn’t a side effect they’re disregarding; it’s actually the point — it’s all about drawing a line between us (white Christians) and them (everyone else), and national security has nothing to do with it." Once again, an incisive, rational analysis of the Republican M.O. Dr. Krugman hits it out of the park again. Thank you, sir.
20
Paying taxes and serving in the military are the two most patriotic acts one can do...Trump and most of the GOP has done neither.
36
Dream on a few more hours.
1.2% growth vs. 2.6% predicted!! What an exclamation point to the convention.
Then do, do, do, do read Greg Ip in yesterday's Wall Street Journal. An accurate and excellent presentation of the major inflation produced by the crazy monetary policy that Bernanke announced officially as a trickle down asset stimulus.
The way journalists write, Ip is predicting a crash. With the 1.2% it just may come before November. Then Trump wins by 10 to 20 points rather than the 5-10 that is probable after the 1.2%.
We have a great America, but with 16 years of Presidents in the bottom quarter of all Presidents. As a result, we have a terrible economy and foreign policy mess. Clinton is promising more of the same.
We have worse race relations than 8 years ago. I think Obama's failure to reach out to red voters and his encouragment of racism to give blacks something--their guns and bibles-- to cling to as their wages fall is largely at fault.
But it doesn't matter. The approach of talking incessantly about racism and the need to reason together simply doesn't work. Hillary promises the same. Trump never criticizes blacks, has the trust of the white working class, and wants to have a lot of black votes in 2020. I think that is absolutely the right approach, but it is worth a try.
And Trump wants an end of the Cold War--not Obama's, Romney's Putin is Hitler approach. He criticizes Bush's Iraq War and Hillary's in Syria. Let's give it a try.
1.2% growth vs. 2.6% predicted!! What an exclamation point to the convention.
Then do, do, do, do read Greg Ip in yesterday's Wall Street Journal. An accurate and excellent presentation of the major inflation produced by the crazy monetary policy that Bernanke announced officially as a trickle down asset stimulus.
The way journalists write, Ip is predicting a crash. With the 1.2% it just may come before November. Then Trump wins by 10 to 20 points rather than the 5-10 that is probable after the 1.2%.
We have a great America, but with 16 years of Presidents in the bottom quarter of all Presidents. As a result, we have a terrible economy and foreign policy mess. Clinton is promising more of the same.
We have worse race relations than 8 years ago. I think Obama's failure to reach out to red voters and his encouragment of racism to give blacks something--their guns and bibles-- to cling to as their wages fall is largely at fault.
But it doesn't matter. The approach of talking incessantly about racism and the need to reason together simply doesn't work. Hillary promises the same. Trump never criticizes blacks, has the trust of the white working class, and wants to have a lot of black votes in 2020. I think that is absolutely the right approach, but it is worth a try.
And Trump wants an end of the Cold War--not Obama's, Romney's Putin is Hitler approach. He criticizes Bush's Iraq War and Hillary's in Syria. Let's give it a try.
7
I am a middle class, white, working class male, and I don't trust the republican candidate as far as I could throw him. And, I've felt that way for as long as he has been in the public eye, what, maybe 30 or 40 years? I'm puzzled and frustrated that evidently millions of people can look at this man and not see that he's an elitist shyster of the highest order. I've always known that republicans seemed especially easy to be duped, what with Reagan, Bush I & II, Newt, Sarah, et al, and they just keep proving me right. However, this candidate crosses a line of depravity and idiocy unseen before in American politics.
2
And who said that you can't accomplish anything if you (a) fill a garbage bag full of Scrabble letters, (b) shake it, then (c) dump it on the floor? They were wrong.
I will only believe Greg Ip if he actually puts skin in the game. That is, he must bet at least 75 percent of his assets in investments that are counting hyperinflation, and a worldwide crash by November/December of this year.
I'd believe you, more, too, if you did the same.
Neither of you will do this, of course. Because the USA economy is, by far, the most solid in the world. And while, it is emotionally satisfying (and, for Ip, financially satisfying) to cry "doom," it is another thing entirely when you actually have to face the consequences of your inane predictions.
I'd believe you, more, too, if you did the same.
Neither of you will do this, of course. Because the USA economy is, by far, the most solid in the world. And while, it is emotionally satisfying (and, for Ip, financially satisfying) to cry "doom," it is another thing entirely when you actually have to face the consequences of your inane predictions.
2
The proof of love of country is the willingness to sacrifice for it.
Those who did, our Veterans, support Trump over Clinton by a large margin
Whatever the cause, it prevents me, a progressive Democrat, to claim to love this country more than the opposition. Indeed, I feel I fall short.
Those who did, our Veterans, support Trump over Clinton by a large margin
Whatever the cause, it prevents me, a progressive Democrat, to claim to love this country more than the opposition. Indeed, I feel I fall short.
1
There are many ways to sacrifice for your country apart from being in the military, and they're just as legitimate and worthy of respect. One of our problems right now is we consider military service the pinnacle of patriotism, and this sends the clear message that only those who have been in the armed forces can speak with authority on security and love of country. This idea is both wrong and dangerous.
14
Deterrence is the objective of wise military policy.
I don't understand why there is demand for opportunities to bleed for one's country.
I don't understand why there is demand for opportunities to bleed for one's country.
Are you implying that people who served in the military have better judgement than those who haven't? I'm afraid your logic skills have taken a hit. Either that, or you have the driest sense of humor I've run into this week.
3
I think I love America, but I don't love the country that we actually have. I mean, come on. Look at its prisons. Look at some of its decrepit inner cities--not just Manhattan, but Detroit or Baltimore. Look at the current election. Sit in a room with the poorest people in our country, and then sit in a room with the most advantaged.
Hard to love, unless you're comfortable settling a great deal. Sure, American institutions have more to love than Russian institutions, or Chinese ones. It's not even that clear, though, that our background culture is more just or better for our citizens, and so as loveable, than comparable developed countries.
No, if you really love the United States, and you're not deluded, you love this: you love the set of defensible moral principles and ideals that (highly imperfectly) regulate the operation of our social and political institutions. You love the society that would fully realize those ideals. Just as you don't love the baby for slobbering or pooping on itself or barely articulating words (maybe parents would disagree with me here); instead you love the complete person it will one day be and the occasional glimpses its behavior today give you of what that person might be like.
Hard to love, unless you're comfortable settling a great deal. Sure, American institutions have more to love than Russian institutions, or Chinese ones. It's not even that clear, though, that our background culture is more just or better for our citizens, and so as loveable, than comparable developed countries.
No, if you really love the United States, and you're not deluded, you love this: you love the set of defensible moral principles and ideals that (highly imperfectly) regulate the operation of our social and political institutions. You love the society that would fully realize those ideals. Just as you don't love the baby for slobbering or pooping on itself or barely articulating words (maybe parents would disagree with me here); instead you love the complete person it will one day be and the occasional glimpses its behavior today give you of what that person might be like.
20
Manhattan is one of those 'decrepit inner cities'? You don't get out much, do you.
The contrasting images of slaves building the White House and the Obama children playing on the lawn say all that need be said about the United States (Khizr Khan thrusting the constitution toward Donald Trump through the cameras during the DNC is a worthy runner-up). America needed a history lesson and these simple images go a long way toward providing it.
88
There are two republican parties. The one that led by the one percent that lied to its base for years and the one The Donald now owns. What should give us all pause, is not that there is a con man heading the GOP but that there are so many poor whites who actually believe The Donald cares about them. How did we get to a place where so many Americans actually will vote for someone as scary as Trump? I know that's a complicated question but one all sane patriots should consider. I fear the answer is we live in a country full of reality TV idiots. Truly people who are intellectually stupid teamed up with people who after 30 years of GOP government hate speech believe anarchy is better than governance.
63
These are the same people who get into 12-items-or-less lines at supermarkets with 20-items-or-more -- selfish, me-first people who couldn't care less about anyone but themselves.
"I fear...we live in a country full of reality TV idiots."
Some time ago, a person wrote in to my local paper saying that he thought Trump would solve the nation's problems just like he solves the problems on his TV show. There was no hint of sarcasm. I wondered whether this person might have been trolling, but I don't think so.
Some time ago, a person wrote in to my local paper saying that he thought Trump would solve the nation's problems just like he solves the problems on his TV show. There was no hint of sarcasm. I wondered whether this person might have been trolling, but I don't think so.
1
Generally speaking, a rise in the rate of nihilism indicates failing public policy.
I apologize for reproducing this posting, but it just fits in with this discussion.
I see that a discussion is shaping up about Democrats demonstrating "Republican" patriotism, and it is pointed out that Democrats have been reluctant to affirm publicly their patriotism. But there was always a difference between the two conceptions of patriotism. In many cases, Republican patriotism was used to shut up accusations of indifference to the poor. It was used to mask the influence of the military-industrial complex. It was the way to counteract demands for social justice. And this perceived hypocrisy pushed Democrats to distance themselves from what they saw as jingoistic manifestations. The patriotism one saw last night, recognized the problems that still affect the country, from persistent discrimination, to uneven economic conditions, while at the same time showed confidence of the country's capacity to deal with them. Republicans have always seen criticism of the country's shortcomings as indication of lack of patriotism and have never understood that criticism is a manifestation of the deep desire to improve one's country. It is this newly discovered awareness that the country has finally removed the blinders that prevented it to see the way out of many problems, that has provoked this renewed explosion of patriotism.
I see that a discussion is shaping up about Democrats demonstrating "Republican" patriotism, and it is pointed out that Democrats have been reluctant to affirm publicly their patriotism. But there was always a difference between the two conceptions of patriotism. In many cases, Republican patriotism was used to shut up accusations of indifference to the poor. It was used to mask the influence of the military-industrial complex. It was the way to counteract demands for social justice. And this perceived hypocrisy pushed Democrats to distance themselves from what they saw as jingoistic manifestations. The patriotism one saw last night, recognized the problems that still affect the country, from persistent discrimination, to uneven economic conditions, while at the same time showed confidence of the country's capacity to deal with them. Republicans have always seen criticism of the country's shortcomings as indication of lack of patriotism and have never understood that criticism is a manifestation of the deep desire to improve one's country. It is this newly discovered awareness that the country has finally removed the blinders that prevented it to see the way out of many problems, that has provoked this renewed explosion of patriotism.
55
Real patriots don't take refuge where scoundrels hide.
Who knows Trump's actual allegiance? It seems it is only to himself and his lack of control over his mouth.
22
Not everyone is comfortable shouting "USA, USA, USA". Some of us are quieter. Some of us think that America is strong enough to handle criticism, especially if it is accompanied by helpful suggestions, ideas, and not derogatory the way some comments made by extremists on both sides can be. If the GOP truly feels that too many Americans depend upon the government for help in their daily lives the answer is not to say that you aren't worried about them or that 47% of us are moochers. The answer is to look at what makes this happen and decide how to solve it in a way that doesn't compromise our health and well being. It may mean raising the minimum wage or accepting that people really need government assistance in one form or another.
We are all Americans whether we are gay, straight, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, rich, poor, naturalized or born here. All of us deserve a decent education, the medical care we need, decent affordable housing, jobs that pay enough to do more than just survive; in short we deserve a life. For too long the GOP has been playing the wedge issues to win. If we fracture now along partisan lines we will not be the United States, we will be the Untied States. I don't think we want that now or in the future. I do hope that the GOP doesn't want that either but I have my doubts when I listen to what they say especially when they reveal their ignorance of how most of us live.
We are all Americans whether we are gay, straight, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, rich, poor, naturalized or born here. All of us deserve a decent education, the medical care we need, decent affordable housing, jobs that pay enough to do more than just survive; in short we deserve a life. For too long the GOP has been playing the wedge issues to win. If we fracture now along partisan lines we will not be the United States, we will be the Untied States. I don't think we want that now or in the future. I do hope that the GOP doesn't want that either but I have my doubts when I listen to what they say especially when they reveal their ignorance of how most of us live.
46
This column brought tears to my eyes as it inspired hope for and love for my country. The reductive, simplistic definition of what patriotism means by the right, and their claim of ownership, has left me feeling defeated and alienated for years.
An element of patriotism is straight up love for the flag and our Constitution. No doubt about that. But patriotism also means dissent, an embrace of the panoply of peoples here, and a stalwart resolve against countries seeking to undermine us (Putin I'm looking at you). It means a flat out rejection of injustice and inequality. The fact that the likes of Limbaugh and O'Reilly are trying to create a soft-focus, revisionist narrative of slavery, of all things, should make every one of us physically ill.
This column together with the moving, and genuine convention the Democrats put forth this week has soothed my soul a bit. Both have stirred emotions about our nation I wasn't sure I would ever feel again.
An element of patriotism is straight up love for the flag and our Constitution. No doubt about that. But patriotism also means dissent, an embrace of the panoply of peoples here, and a stalwart resolve against countries seeking to undermine us (Putin I'm looking at you). It means a flat out rejection of injustice and inequality. The fact that the likes of Limbaugh and O'Reilly are trying to create a soft-focus, revisionist narrative of slavery, of all things, should make every one of us physically ill.
This column together with the moving, and genuine convention the Democrats put forth this week has soothed my soul a bit. Both have stirred emotions about our nation I wasn't sure I would ever feel again.
535
Hewing to tribe as a concept is a good lens. Tribal focus has always prevented progress in a national sense and here we are. The documented lock step blocking of any Obama agenda, even if truly in the best interest of all Americans, is just one example of the tribe thing and in my mind treasonable. They lost their focus on the big picture and instead doubled down on religious coopted agendas and economic polices that have demonstrably never worked. Tribe over country. Shameful and dangerous.
4
Trump, in backing down on his outrageous suggestion that Russia should continue to hack the US, tried to cover himself by saying that he was being sarcastic. If one needed it, here is another proof of the ignorance of the man. There was no sarcasm in what he said but a direct statement. A sarcasm is like a sneer, something that Trump is capable of, to be sure, but he was not sneering at Putin but essentially praising him for doing the country a "favor". That Trump is a monumental liar is well-established, that he continues to be believed by some is incomprehensible. Never mind, God Bless America....May God Save America.
58
The silence of the Republican establishment as Trump essentially invited Russian cyber attacks on the US state and its private citizens was mind boggling. It's actually far worse when you get into the Republican fever swamps of its base. Most of them are applauding because they are so consumed with hatred of Clinton in particular but Democrats in general. So this week while the Democrats have been celebrating America Republicans have been encouraging our enemies.
106
John, remember which party deliberately undermined President Obama's negotiations with a country by sending a traitorous letter to that country? And which senators signed that letter? The question for that party, yes the GOP, the Greatly Overrated Popinjays, is this: which side are you on?
2
Thanks for restraining from bashing Bernie. Your job is done but the archives show (and perhaps wiki leaks emails too) how systematically and methodically you disrespected an honorable old man. Give yourself a nice pat on your back.
15
Everything you say is true, and probably everything Bernie said was 100% true. However, there is an older generation that remembers "Nader or Nothing," and in 2000 we got worse than nothing. We got Bush and the Iraq war and all the consequences we see now in the mid-east. I see Trump as a Joseph McCarthy and Richard Nixon rolled into one, and it was more important to try to beat Trump compared to backing Bernie. I don't know, but I think this motivated a lot of PK's actions. Therefore, if so I would regard PK's actions vis-a-vis Bernie to be honorable since they may help defeat such a great evil.
5
I kept waiting for that old man to show us his tax returns, but he successfully ran out the clock.
2
No question about Bernie being honorable and I don't believe anyone has suggested otherwise. If it is any consolation many of his points are being absorbed in the platform and that frankly is his legacy. He started the revolution, Hillary will carry some of it on and you will see the effect and then you get a shot at it again in the next election cycle if you even feel it necessary. I wish well for the country, not any particular candidate.
2
Thank you for this article Paul. Too many people are missing what's important about Trump's ascendency. He is not an aberration. He is a personification, a characature, of every Republican candidate of the last 50 years. The natural result of the alliances they've made with racists, xenophobes, religious fundamentalists, and the like. With the exception of his anti-trade rethoric, traditional Republicans are not upset at him for his policies (and yes, I recognize that I'm using the term policy generously). They are upset at his refusal to speak in the coded language the party has used so masterfully since Nixon. Because of Trump's stupidity, from Republican leaders' point of view, the gig may be up. If Trump ends up destroying the Republican Party or perhaps even better fundamentally changing it so that all Americans, even us African-Americans who've bore the brunt of their coded rhetoric over the years, have a real choice in the party we support, the country will be much better off and I'm sure The Donald will end up telling us what a genius he is and that this was his intent all along.
74
'Truth in opposites.' Count on 'Honest John Car Dealer' and 'Equitable Management Company' to be crooked. We've all heard that 'patriotism (or God) is the last refuge of a scoundrel'; similarly, the ones who wave the flag the 'loudest' will be the first to sell out their country.
12
It depends on how and why the wavers wave. Togetherness, tolerance, and the spirit of "yes, we can" would seem to occupy the high ground against the ugly tide of hate, fear, greed, jealousy, and bigotry that has been rising from below.
Thoughts now on the debates. How does a policy wonk like Hillary go mano-a-mano with the empty suit Trump and his content-free diatribes? And who will moderate such a "debate"? Who will both parties' negotiating teams even agree on, for three debates? The debates are where the rubber will hit the road.
12
Something will hit the road. It's unlikely that it will be rubber.
The 'Gatling gun' of lies, conspiracy theories, and innuendo coupled with the smoke bombs of hate, fear, greed, jealousy, and bigotry may just continue to work to mask and distract "we, the people" from the underling Republican dismantling of the wealth, spirit, and ideals of the great American experiment.
The 'Gatling gun' of lies, conspiracy theories, and innuendo coupled with the smoke bombs of hate, fear, greed, jealousy, and bigotry may just continue to work to mask and distract "we, the people" from the underling Republican dismantling of the wealth, spirit, and ideals of the great American experiment.
1
Doc, if you know anything at all about the geography of the area around the northern Black Sea and Russia, you and your newspaper will quit going on about Crimea.
3
Which part of that geography gave Russia the right to simply claim Crimea?
1
You are so right.
I just returned from a wonderful river cruise and visit to Portugal. The people are wonderful hosts and thanked us for visiting their country. At each venue we were reminded how dependent Portugal is on tourists for their prosperity. What I love about returning is the variety of our cities and people. We are unique. We are the reflection of the worlds peoples and religions. Now that I am home in metro Detroit, I can have all the Middle East food I want as we have the largest Arabic population in the USA. Yea to us!
22
Who didn't already know the GOP/conservative/libertarian position and many Republicans/conservatives/libertarians were fake patriots (and hence the, by now, quite well-worn phrase Hatriots)?
Too bad out of all that supposedly "successful" Democratic convention there was no indication whatsoever that the Democratic party and especially Hillary Clinton and the (old) New Democrats (especially the apologists and Democratic economists like Krugman) have any intention whatsoever of any retreat from the neo-liberalism, from the Democratic reaction to Reagan that has handed the American right their bucket list of political objectives, ruined and made fallow the opportunities the lives of all but the very few, and is the primary reason for inequality across the country.
So Krugman continues his usual conceits: finding fault with Republicans and paying scant attention to his beloved establishment Democrats who, by now, can claim equal culpability. Don't believe me? Then tell the world what the Democrats have done in the last generation since 1992. What have they actually fought for instead of being road kill for? What? Because you better do it; Paul Krugman won't.
Too bad out of all that supposedly "successful" Democratic convention there was no indication whatsoever that the Democratic party and especially Hillary Clinton and the (old) New Democrats (especially the apologists and Democratic economists like Krugman) have any intention whatsoever of any retreat from the neo-liberalism, from the Democratic reaction to Reagan that has handed the American right their bucket list of political objectives, ruined and made fallow the opportunities the lives of all but the very few, and is the primary reason for inequality across the country.
So Krugman continues his usual conceits: finding fault with Republicans and paying scant attention to his beloved establishment Democrats who, by now, can claim equal culpability. Don't believe me? Then tell the world what the Democrats have done in the last generation since 1992. What have they actually fought for instead of being road kill for? What? Because you better do it; Paul Krugman won't.
6
The whole economic academy persists in the view that monetary policy can achieve the objectives of fiscal policy, so it continues to be impossible to discuss separating the variables melded in the "dual mandate" to central bankers.
.......saved the country from the rape and pillage of a deregulated assault on its assets and it's people; wound down two wars, the second of which was primarily initiated to distract from the fact that we were losing the 1st; extended some level of health care to 10% of the people who had no recourse but to use the emergency room to silently pass the bill to the rest of us.......this more direct approach will do a lot to reduce the absurd corruption that underlies our current system, and thus to improve the health care and security of ALL Americans; and dozens more lesser accomplishments that improved our country, improved our image as humans and 'freedom seekers', and established a basis for moving our society forward into the 'information age'.
I will give you the fact that Republicans have worked hard to accomplish their goal to insure that only the deserving (aka them, their relatives, and their pay-to-play friends) receive any benefit from the net production of our society as a whole. Their lottery mentality of winners and losers has a long history leading civilization into cul-de-sacs of bloated self interest. Hopefully, we're going to take a long, refreshing break from the raw hate, fear, greed, jealousy, bigotry, and divisiveness that grows and festers when the sentiment of governance turns to the acquisition of mammon rather than the uplifting of humans and the human spirit.
I will give you the fact that Republicans have worked hard to accomplish their goal to insure that only the deserving (aka them, their relatives, and their pay-to-play friends) receive any benefit from the net production of our society as a whole. Their lottery mentality of winners and losers has a long history leading civilization into cul-de-sacs of bloated self interest. Hopefully, we're going to take a long, refreshing break from the raw hate, fear, greed, jealousy, bigotry, and divisiveness that grows and festers when the sentiment of governance turns to the acquisition of mammon rather than the uplifting of humans and the human spirit.
3
Theyve done a lot. The problem is you choose not to see it or to discount its impact. Obama and teh Dems saved the American automobile industry, they prevented a cooalps of the economy, they prevented a war with Iran and secured a safer future, they led on the cliamte talks. But of course since you dont care about these issues, or choose to ignore them ,they dont count
2
Paul Krugman is an economist, an expert on trade theory and economic geography. In this article, he feels entitled to opine on matters having nothing to do with his field, issues of patriotism and general politics. But that's okay, he's a smart guy and thought about these issues, so the NYT trusts him to write columns like this.
I'm a smart guy, and even though I'm not by his standard an "actual expert on terrorism", I can credibly say we should name Islamic terror when it is manifestly the cause of atrocities. Because not to do so obscures who the enemy is and will compound, not help solve, the problem.
To say, as Paul does in effect, that only (unnamed) experts can talk about this issue is a cop-out plain and simple.
Finally, Paul seems to find the loadstone of patriotism in "sheer variety of my fellow citizens". This disregards the fact that America and Canada, as polities and societies, were the product of very specific western European ideas and peoples. Ideas of liberty, freedom, and equality, although imperfectly realized in the original (U.S.) union, came from this background. Ignoring its importance risks damaging the values which that tradition stood for and whose full realization would benefit all North Americans, including the worst-off amongst us.
I'm a smart guy, and even though I'm not by his standard an "actual expert on terrorism", I can credibly say we should name Islamic terror when it is manifestly the cause of atrocities. Because not to do so obscures who the enemy is and will compound, not help solve, the problem.
To say, as Paul does in effect, that only (unnamed) experts can talk about this issue is a cop-out plain and simple.
Finally, Paul seems to find the loadstone of patriotism in "sheer variety of my fellow citizens". This disregards the fact that America and Canada, as polities and societies, were the product of very specific western European ideas and peoples. Ideas of liberty, freedom, and equality, although imperfectly realized in the original (U.S.) union, came from this background. Ignoring its importance risks damaging the values which that tradition stood for and whose full realization would benefit all North Americans, including the worst-off amongst us.
14
No. Just no. We don't say "Chrisiian terrorism" when an old white guy guns down a doctor at a clinic. We don't say "white terrorism" when some guys kill a gay man. Why should we say "Islamic terrorism" when 99.9% of Islamists have nothing to do with terrorism? And what would it help if we did?
288
What does it mean to "obscure who the enemy is" or for some term to be a "cop out"? That's vague verbiage, not an argument.
If someone wants to use expertise to solve some problem, then they need to know what the appropriate target for intervention is. Experts will tell you, on the basis of evidence, that how conservative or strong someone's adherence to Islam is turns out not to be a good predictor of whether or not they will commit terrorist acts. There are a lot of Muslims in the world. A lot of them are conservative; many are very devout. But there aren't a lot of terrorists in the world. Even if you were entitled to infer from the fact that someone is a terrorist and a Muslim, that they're more likely to adhere to one of the schools of Islamic thought that some may take to be radical (a weaker correlation than many think, by the way), the likelihood that, if someone is a devout Muslim with putatively radical beliefs, that they are a terrorist is very low; almost as low as the likelihood that someone with any other set of religious beliefs is a terrorist.
It's not clear how someone's religious beliefs could even be the target of an intervention. Is America supposed to convince people to have less "radical" Islamic beliefs? Is it supposed to eliminate or remove people who've acquired those beliefs?
It sounds Islam isn't an effective target for intervention if we want to combat terrorism. So it's not the problem, and it obscures things to say that it is.
If someone wants to use expertise to solve some problem, then they need to know what the appropriate target for intervention is. Experts will tell you, on the basis of evidence, that how conservative or strong someone's adherence to Islam is turns out not to be a good predictor of whether or not they will commit terrorist acts. There are a lot of Muslims in the world. A lot of them are conservative; many are very devout. But there aren't a lot of terrorists in the world. Even if you were entitled to infer from the fact that someone is a terrorist and a Muslim, that they're more likely to adhere to one of the schools of Islamic thought that some may take to be radical (a weaker correlation than many think, by the way), the likelihood that, if someone is a devout Muslim with putatively radical beliefs, that they are a terrorist is very low; almost as low as the likelihood that someone with any other set of religious beliefs is a terrorist.
It's not clear how someone's religious beliefs could even be the target of an intervention. Is America supposed to convince people to have less "radical" Islamic beliefs? Is it supposed to eliminate or remove people who've acquired those beliefs?
It sounds Islam isn't an effective target for intervention if we want to combat terrorism. So it's not the problem, and it obscures things to say that it is.
20
We all know that the "terrorism" comes from the dark forces that dwell in misplaced, over simplified, and mythological, ideological sentiment.
As the Inquisition mentality of the 13th century demonstrated, "terrorism" is certainly a dark side of religious pursuit, but it is not confined to any one religion.
Terrorism is a product of the asymmetric warfare that technology has unleashed; where one or more bad actors can take on and disrupt our institutions of 'law and order' anywhere in the world on a local, national, and even global level.
Terrorism is a pathological reality of our time, and until we solve the problem of 'how to promote a broader spirit of togetherness', we're going to suffer at the hands of 'virtually any armed ideological malcontents' who believe that they have no alternative but to physically defeat or eliminate any "others" who do not subscribe to their brand, their tribe, or their personal needs.
In that sense, the 'terrorists' are among us, and they are not ALL necessarily Islamic. We do ourselves no service by taking a 'wack-a-mole' approach to the endemic and systemic forces of terrorism that underlie our age. We need to address the fundamental, ideological pathologies that drive humans to self destruction.
As the Inquisition mentality of the 13th century demonstrated, "terrorism" is certainly a dark side of religious pursuit, but it is not confined to any one religion.
Terrorism is a product of the asymmetric warfare that technology has unleashed; where one or more bad actors can take on and disrupt our institutions of 'law and order' anywhere in the world on a local, national, and even global level.
Terrorism is a pathological reality of our time, and until we solve the problem of 'how to promote a broader spirit of togetherness', we're going to suffer at the hands of 'virtually any armed ideological malcontents' who believe that they have no alternative but to physically defeat or eliminate any "others" who do not subscribe to their brand, their tribe, or their personal needs.
In that sense, the 'terrorists' are among us, and they are not ALL necessarily Islamic. We do ourselves no service by taking a 'wack-a-mole' approach to the endemic and systemic forces of terrorism that underlie our age. We need to address the fundamental, ideological pathologies that drive humans to self destruction.
4
Never thought I would see the Republicans become the "hate America first" crowd. As they used to say to anyone criticizing them love it or leave it! Except your candidate may have put up walls everywhere when you come back.
62
Not all that surprising. The story of Moses describes it all. It is all about a journey that culminates in the triumph of human values over the mammon, the building and worship of golden calves.
The lesson is that we need to spend less time acquiring and worshiping stuff, and more time thinking about ways to unify and forward the interest of humans (both those within and those outside the tribe).
It would seem that that idea was the underlying rationale behind religion as a body politic, and behind every other form of inclusive governance that has arisen ever after.
The lesson is that we need to spend less time acquiring and worshiping stuff, and more time thinking about ways to unify and forward the interest of humans (both those within and those outside the tribe).
It would seem that that idea was the underlying rationale behind religion as a body politic, and behind every other form of inclusive governance that has arisen ever after.
I'm surprised you say you'd never thought republicans would become the "hate America first crowd". They've been spouting anti-American nonsense since McCarthy roamed the halls of Congress. Trump is only his latest reincarnation. republicans have in the past been able to squelch their anti-democratic tendencies over the years but if you haven't been paying attention for the last 45 years they've tossed out any belief of that when Nixon broke into Watergate. Now they just brazenly pass laws in the republican controlled state houses that deny people the vote. I didn't even mention the republican controlled Supreme Court whose decision in 2000 overruled a state court (oh how they love states rights except when they disagree with their idiotic philosophies!) to make George Bush the president. Anyway I hope this era is coming to an end and the republican party goes down in ignominious defeat waving their Trumpistic "values" while they crash and burn.
3
Donald Trump loves to stand in front of a sea of American flags while telling the world how unbelievably great he is; they are just convenient props for the extension, worldwide, of his colossal ego. Patriotism, as Kennedy once said, has something to do with putting country before self. In Trump-world, there is no such thing as public service or the common good. It's all about telling the suckers what they want to hear in an orgy of self-promotion. Nietzsche, Ayn Rand, and P.T. Barnum all wrapped up in a single text-book case of narcissism.
A head case that doesn't even understand the difference between patriotism and hucksterism.
A head case that doesn't even understand the difference between patriotism and hucksterism.
126
Trump does understand the difference between patriotism and hucksterism. He just cynically uses anything and abuses anyone to get what he wants. His campaign is amoral. As are much of his business dealings.
2
Nietzsche did not wrap himself in narcissism. He is still largely misunderstood by those who do not have the requisite intelligence to grasp his thought.
Paul, good points.
Ever since the election of Bill Clinton, conservatives have sought to de-legitimize Democrats by whatever means necessary - in an effort to portray themselves as the only plausible ruling party for America. They were not content to portray themselves as merely superior on a policy basis - but insisted on literally arguing that the other party could be in no way legitimate.
This tendency only became more pronounced with the election of the first African American President in history.
Thus, the dominant conservative meme has become both tribal and theological. Not every conservative adopts this approach - but most appear willing to get in line once the most noxious party apparatchiks assert it.
And where has it brought us? It has brought us to a moment in time where the former party of Ronald Reagan now admires the leadership style of a KGB thug in preference to the intellectual steeliness and emotional reserve that allowed us to triumph in our battle over the former Soviet Union (and earlier, Nazi Germany and Japan).
Paul, oh for the good old days when nitwits like this threatened to secede from the Union, instead of attempting to turn our Union into a fascist state, led by a bumbling, vain, pathological liar.
Ever since the election of Bill Clinton, conservatives have sought to de-legitimize Democrats by whatever means necessary - in an effort to portray themselves as the only plausible ruling party for America. They were not content to portray themselves as merely superior on a policy basis - but insisted on literally arguing that the other party could be in no way legitimate.
This tendency only became more pronounced with the election of the first African American President in history.
Thus, the dominant conservative meme has become both tribal and theological. Not every conservative adopts this approach - but most appear willing to get in line once the most noxious party apparatchiks assert it.
And where has it brought us? It has brought us to a moment in time where the former party of Ronald Reagan now admires the leadership style of a KGB thug in preference to the intellectual steeliness and emotional reserve that allowed us to triumph in our battle over the former Soviet Union (and earlier, Nazi Germany and Japan).
Paul, oh for the good old days when nitwits like this threatened to secede from the Union, instead of attempting to turn our Union into a fascist state, led by a bumbling, vain, pathological liar.
131
Republicans became so attached to their flawed party ideals that Trump grabbed the essence of flawed inability to adjust belief to reality and carries those ideals to the logical extremes they represent. The party should not be flabbergasted it should have been aware that the government is not always wrong, that consideration of commerce and economics includes all citizens not just some citizens, that not all people who do not have citizenship are bad people, that citizens who disagree with them have legitimate reasons for disagreeing but the biggest mistake republicans have made is that in human affairs policy and ideas are better written on paper than on stone. We can only hope that if Trump is elected he will not be able to carry flawed republican ideology to its logical conclusions.
2
They never accepted the Carter presidency.
Mitch McConnell is holding the Supreme Court hostage.
Rep. Steve King says that only whites contributed to society.
Rep. Paul Ryan thinks welfare is a drug and we need to withdraw the poor from it,
All agree the rich need more tax breaks.
They are all against a minimum wage increase.
NOT A SINGLE ONE HAD A WORD TO SAY ABOUT TRUMPS INVITING THE RUSSIANS TO ATTACK US.
They are treasonous, seditious soul-sucking oligarchs.
It is time for them to go!! NOW, AND FOREVER.
Rep. Steve King says that only whites contributed to society.
Rep. Paul Ryan thinks welfare is a drug and we need to withdraw the poor from it,
All agree the rich need more tax breaks.
They are all against a minimum wage increase.
NOT A SINGLE ONE HAD A WORD TO SAY ABOUT TRUMPS INVITING THE RUSSIANS TO ATTACK US.
They are treasonous, seditious soul-sucking oligarchs.
It is time for them to go!! NOW, AND FOREVER.
436
I wish I can recommend this comment many more times than just once. Love it.
I wonder whether McConnell, King and Ryan ever stop to consider what God thinks about them.
1
Patriotism is a lot like parental love. We can love unconditionally, but not uncritically. We can love our country, and still be mad that it is acting like an immature teenager. We can expect a lot more from it.
The GOP has been trading on jingoism rather than patriotism. John Wayne, pick-up trucks, church socials and Reagan or Eisenhower in the White House. A flag on the back of the car saying "support our Troops" and a vote in the ballot box to cut taxes so that we don't have the budget to send enough body armor or bomb-resistant trucks.
We live in a different time: it will never be like the post war boom again. We can step back and decide how we want to live with that reality, or we can pretend that the reason we don't have jobs isn't because in the more than half century since the end of the war we both saturated the marketplace for many goods, and at the same time stagnated wages as the rest of the world caught up.
That is our reality and we can listen to a self tanned mogul yell about how he, and he alone can change it, or we can pay attention to reality and look for leaders who actually understand what is going on. We missed that chance with President Obama - perhaps the smartest man in the White House ever. We run a good chance of electing the most profoundly uncurious, most profoundly self-involved and slyest to replace him.
The GOP has been trading on jingoism rather than patriotism. John Wayne, pick-up trucks, church socials and Reagan or Eisenhower in the White House. A flag on the back of the car saying "support our Troops" and a vote in the ballot box to cut taxes so that we don't have the budget to send enough body armor or bomb-resistant trucks.
We live in a different time: it will never be like the post war boom again. We can step back and decide how we want to live with that reality, or we can pretend that the reason we don't have jobs isn't because in the more than half century since the end of the war we both saturated the marketplace for many goods, and at the same time stagnated wages as the rest of the world caught up.
That is our reality and we can listen to a self tanned mogul yell about how he, and he alone can change it, or we can pay attention to reality and look for leaders who actually understand what is going on. We missed that chance with President Obama - perhaps the smartest man in the White House ever. We run a good chance of electing the most profoundly uncurious, most profoundly self-involved and slyest to replace him.
622
Very well stated. When WW II ended, the U.S. was, in many ways, the "last man standing". The rest of the industrial world was in smoking ruins, whereas our industrial engine had become a giant through war production that was easily turned to consumer goods production at home and reconstruction goods abroad. The pent up demand for both was staggering, and only we were fully positioned to meet that demand.
We were in the catbird seat, and even after the demand backlog began to taper off over the next few decades, Cold War military production picked up the slack, employing millions - in and out of uniform.
But as you say, while we were enjoying our heyday, the rest of the world was slowly catching up. Now the field is level, and our task is to adjust to this new reality. Our task is to figure out what we do best, and to turn our attention to doing those things rather than wasting our energy lamenting about what was, and probably can never be again.
We were in the catbird seat, and even after the demand backlog began to taper off over the next few decades, Cold War military production picked up the slack, employing millions - in and out of uniform.
But as you say, while we were enjoying our heyday, the rest of the world was slowly catching up. Now the field is level, and our task is to adjust to this new reality. Our task is to figure out what we do best, and to turn our attention to doing those things rather than wasting our energy lamenting about what was, and probably can never be again.
6
Our Founding Fathers were arguably some of the most "Progressive" men to have walk the Planet. They led us to a new form of governance, one that abandoned the feudal/religious practices that had the masses subservient to royalist or religious domination. The GOP has falsely claimed they are the defenders of the Founding Fathers' vision if nothing more than to give cover for their ultimate mission returning to a pre-1776 world. The Conservative world is one where rule is not based on merit and leadership skills but by skin color and heredity. This sadly conservative approach is not about creating an innovative future but of hoarding resources for a select few. Taken now to its hollow ends the GOP has given us their "Leader for the Free World" one Donald Trump.
355
Yet, Republicans have persuaded many people who are not full members of their club--working class whites--that the GOP better represents them by stoking anger and fear with subtle racist appeals and wedge issues.
3
"This sadly conservative approach is not about creating an innovative future but of hoarding resources for a select few."
There are some dots here, and in Prof. Krugman's piece, that perhaps can be connected. Naomi Klein, in her book "This Changes Everything," argues that the ultra wealthy don't care about climate change because they believe they have the wherewithal to insulate themselves from its effects. Trump's desire to build a sea wall to protect one of his golf courses from climate change induced sea level rise, while otherwise denying climate change even exists, is
illustrative. Climate change denial is of course now a staple of Republican petro-prostitution. Could it be that, with Trump, the clients of that petro-prostitution include not only american and multinational fossil fuel interests, but Gazprom and Rosneft?
There are some dots here, and in Prof. Krugman's piece, that perhaps can be connected. Naomi Klein, in her book "This Changes Everything," argues that the ultra wealthy don't care about climate change because they believe they have the wherewithal to insulate themselves from its effects. Trump's desire to build a sea wall to protect one of his golf courses from climate change induced sea level rise, while otherwise denying climate change even exists, is
illustrative. Climate change denial is of course now a staple of Republican petro-prostitution. Could it be that, with Trump, the clients of that petro-prostitution include not only american and multinational fossil fuel interests, but Gazprom and Rosneft?
4
Stephan,
The American Revolutionaries who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and then created this great nation were political activists committing criminal acts of high treason.
Those men committed their fortunes and their lives to the creation of the USA. They would have all been hanged by the English Government for Treason if the American Revolution military forces had failed.
Today, politicians are only in the game for their own personal financial gain with perks, bribes and cash in paper sacks for their congressional votes and no-bid PAY TO PLAY contracts paid from the taxpayer’s Public Treasury awarded to their political campaign contributors!
Today, only those politicians that accept sufficient campaign contributions in return for political favors and “PAY TO PLAY” no-bid contract awards from the public treasury can collect enough campaign money in order to buy enough TV advertising can get themselves elected to public office.
The election of Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders as POTUS would present a great problem for the “DONOR CLASS” campaign contributors by shutting off their access to the US treasury’s taxpayer money VIA the “PAY TO PLAY” no-bid US government contracts and control of US foreign policy granted to these “DONOR CLASS” campaign contributors.
The American Revolutionaries who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and then created this great nation were political activists committing criminal acts of high treason.
Those men committed their fortunes and their lives to the creation of the USA. They would have all been hanged by the English Government for Treason if the American Revolution military forces had failed.
Today, politicians are only in the game for their own personal financial gain with perks, bribes and cash in paper sacks for their congressional votes and no-bid PAY TO PLAY contracts paid from the taxpayer’s Public Treasury awarded to their political campaign contributors!
Today, only those politicians that accept sufficient campaign contributions in return for political favors and “PAY TO PLAY” no-bid contract awards from the public treasury can collect enough campaign money in order to buy enough TV advertising can get themselves elected to public office.
The election of Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders as POTUS would present a great problem for the “DONOR CLASS” campaign contributors by shutting off their access to the US treasury’s taxpayer money VIA the “PAY TO PLAY” no-bid US government contracts and control of US foreign policy granted to these “DONOR CLASS” campaign contributors.
2
No organization has better integrated their members than the military. As opposed to civilian society there appears to be little racial or religious strife It is a place that accepts any and all Americans with open arms with just a call to serve your country honorably. In this election Republicans have been adamantly exclusionary. Their ranks in Congress demonstrate undeniably how they are an enclave of white males. Now Trump enters the mix with a call to kill members of terrorists families, to carpet bomb large geographic areas, and to institute new forms of torture, The response from many military leaders is revulsion, a recognition that Trumps statements would be a violation of the military code of conduct, and an astonishing vocal call for mutiny if such orders were issued.
430
At the same time, how scarily fascinating is it that so many Trump supporters or Bernie supporters who now plan to vote for Trump claim that Mrs. Clinton is the hawk. It never seems to really matter what Trump says. HIs supporters only hear the Palin echo of take their country back or Donald's promise to make us great again by reverting to the 50s.
3
"No organization has better integrated their members than the military. As opposed to civilian society there appears to be little racial or religious strife It is a place that accepts any and all Americans with open arms with just a call to serve your country honorably."
A point aptly made by the Muslim parents of the young AMERICAN hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Iraq war.
I hope the supporters of the bloviating, veteran-disrespecting orange coward who evaded sacrifice and danger in Vietnam, were listening.
But I doubt it.
A point aptly made by the Muslim parents of the young AMERICAN hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Iraq war.
I hope the supporters of the bloviating, veteran-disrespecting orange coward who evaded sacrifice and danger in Vietnam, were listening.
But I doubt it.
4
Flag waving has nothing to do with America? I guess the flag burning communists outside the DNC are the real patriots. Oh, and they had to put up a wall to keep them out, imagine that.
5
You know, mindless flag-waving and idiotic flag-burning are not the only two options. The hard-working Americans inside the DNC set a great example. That's what America looks like. Decent Americans accept the responsibility and need for compromise that come from living in a land where we extend rights to everyone.
3
What utter silliness but of course it comes from a "Registered Republican"....!
Why is it the GOP always needs "someone to hate"...why?
Why is it the GOP always needs "someone to hate"...why?
3
Boy did you miss the point.
3
A rousing article after her rousing speech. I feel like putting an American flag sticker on my car now!
16
Yes. Last night one of my thoughts was, "now I feel the flag belongs to me, too, again"!
1
Democratism is the new communism.
4
Not even close. Look up the definition of Communism and try again.
2
Your point is?
1
Except for the Republicans who are fleeing the Cult of Trump (once known as the Republican Party, which died last week.). R.I.P. Republican Party.
This essay is so misguided that I am embarrassed for the writer. The party of the incumbent always embraces the status quo. The opposing party always embraces the need for change. This has nothing to do with patriotism and everything to do with politics. Dr. Krugman is so naive and misguided that it appears he is entirely unfamiliar with electoral politics.
9
That's far too simplistic. There are three branches of government, and the Democratic President presides, at this point, over only one. The second, Congress, is controlled by a party that has been making every effort in its power to block positive change and keep the country under the control of an oligarchy of wealthy donors -- up to and including shutting down the government and blocking the President's appointments to the third branch, the federal courts. In this environment, it is the party of the President that represents change for the country. The other party is still the party of income inequality, racial and ethnic prejudice, cruelty to the poor, and feudal obeisance to the super-rich -- no change there.
3
The "need for change" in this case is an illusion hawked by a carnival barker. No comparisons to the past apply this time.
1
Thank you Mr. Magoo.
Nationalism is easy. Patriotism is hard.
The ability to critically judge the actions and ethos of one's country and see a way to improve it requires more than knee-jerk slogans and finger-pointing. Those who would throw their lot in with Donald Trump's view of America risk saddling not just America but the world with a puerile caricature of leadership.
The ability to critically judge the actions and ethos of one's country and see a way to improve it requires more than knee-jerk slogans and finger-pointing. Those who would throw their lot in with Donald Trump's view of America risk saddling not just America but the world with a puerile caricature of leadership.
42
If this election is as close as some consider, it will indicate to anyone on the planet, including most of us, we really are a more ignorant people than even the cynics among us imagine.
I do not consider myself naive, but if Mr Trump garners even a modicum of support in the 35/40% range it will, in addition to surprise also leave me scratching my head in disbelief at the stupidity of my fellow Americans.
I do not consider myself naive, but if Mr Trump garners even a modicum of support in the 35/40% range it will, in addition to surprise also leave me scratching my head in disbelief at the stupidity of my fellow Americans.
92
Here’s a bit of a ‘deeper’ analysis.
Our ‘free market’ capitalism inherently breeds excesses, which brings out the greed in many. Far too many have far too little, while too few have so much.
A ‘social democracy’ throughout the rest of the Western World reigns in these inequities. There, people are afforded a decent education, with health care guaranteed. The ‘right to bear arms’ is sacrificed for the ‘right to live a safe and secure life’.
The greatest gift from Bernie Sanders is the light he shines on these truths, to allow America to see the goodness that exists throughout the rest of the ‘advanced world.’ Conservatives today are gripping with their fingernails to hold onto their mistaken ‘white privilege’, which ultimately, they are never able to enjoy, through all of their fears of 'the other.’
Together, we are stronger.
Our ‘free market’ capitalism inherently breeds excesses, which brings out the greed in many. Far too many have far too little, while too few have so much.
A ‘social democracy’ throughout the rest of the Western World reigns in these inequities. There, people are afforded a decent education, with health care guaranteed. The ‘right to bear arms’ is sacrificed for the ‘right to live a safe and secure life’.
The greatest gift from Bernie Sanders is the light he shines on these truths, to allow America to see the goodness that exists throughout the rest of the ‘advanced world.’ Conservatives today are gripping with their fingernails to hold onto their mistaken ‘white privilege’, which ultimately, they are never able to enjoy, through all of their fears of 'the other.’
Together, we are stronger.
51
The BEST column I have ever read by Mr. Krugman.
Tribe mentality from the Caucasians is correct and I am a white
middle age male. The world is/has changed and always will.
Tribe mentality from the Caucasians is correct and I am a white
middle age male. The world is/has changed and always will.
210
"The people who now seem to love America always did; the people who suddenly no longer sound like patriots never were."
Bravo! A great line and oh so true.
Bravo! A great line and oh so true.
405
And we saw a Muslim family devastated by the loss of their hero son, and they ask if Donald Trump has even read the United States Constitution. They eviscerated Trump. "You have sacrificed nothing and no one." And he asked Donald Trump to go to Arlington Cemetery and look at the graves of those who have died for America. He wouldn't need to tell Hillary Clinton to do that. She knows the sorrow of losing friends in war.
6
I don't know Mr. Krugman, but according to a NYTimes story in 2015,
"Cash Flowed to Clinton Foundation Amid Russian Uranium Deal", it appears Trump isn't the only cozy with, -- Vlad?
"Since uranium is considered a strategic asset, with implications for national security .............. Among the agencies that eventually signed off was State Department, then headed by Mr. Clinton's wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton....................a flow of cash made its way to the Clinton Foundation ...............totaling $2.35 million. ................Mr. Clinton received $500,000 for a Moscow speech from a Russian investment bank with links to the Kremlin that was promoting Uranium One stock."
"Cash Flowed to Clinton Foundation Amid Russian Uranium Deal", it appears Trump isn't the only cozy with, -- Vlad?
"Since uranium is considered a strategic asset, with implications for national security .............. Among the agencies that eventually signed off was State Department, then headed by Mr. Clinton's wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton....................a flow of cash made its way to the Clinton Foundation ...............totaling $2.35 million. ................Mr. Clinton received $500,000 for a Moscow speech from a Russian investment bank with links to the Kremlin that was promoting Uranium One stock."
28
"Among the agencies..." so in other words, there may have been a dozen other agencies that had to sign off on the deal, agencies that weren't headed by a clinton.
This is like the endless Fox News approach to blaming every misdeed by, say, a federal park bathroom cleaner on "the Obama National Park Service."
This is like the endless Fox News approach to blaming every misdeed by, say, a federal park bathroom cleaner on "the Obama National Park Service."
7
The "uranium deal" as you put it was signed off on (and had to be) by multiple government agencies outside of the State Department. Those involved have stated Mrs. Clinton did not advocate for it, and there is absolutely no evidence of any quid pro quo. (If there is a person more continually smeared on the Internet and alt-right sites than Hillary Clinton, I don't know who it would be.)
5
Your very selective quoting from that article leaves out everything that doesn't support your false equivalency. There's a big difference between endorsing a deal with the Russians for a strategic asset that will benefit the US and calling Putin the kind of leader we should have in this country, supporting his invasion of Crimea, threatening to leave other European allies vulnerable to Russian takeover, and inviting Russia to hack the computer systems of the inviter's political enemies.
1
What Putin and Trump revere is power. Trump is really saying: I want to be powerful like Vlad. Neither is a patriot, or even a nationalist. They are both tribalists. The klepto-czar's tribe was the KGB, now it is the court of wealthy thieves clustered around him. Trump's tribe was the New York stratum of rich hustlers and rule-benders, now it is the much larger tribe of all those who fear the cultural, racial, ethnic and economic democratization of America. Mrs. Clinton, even with some personal wealth and many elite connections, is a natural democratic patriot. Her victory is our obligation.
1047
"Some personal wealth"? Please see this link to Time's estimates of the couple's wealth. The speaking engagement fees alone over the past couple of years are staggering, and it's hard to conclude that these huge speaking fees don't come with some overt strings attached. http://time.com/money/4344981/hillary-clinton-estate-plan-taxes/
" Trump's tribe was the New York stratum of... hustlers and rule-benders..."
Hey, that's an insult to Ratso Rizzo.
Hey, that's an insult to Ratso Rizzo.
Mr. Krugman, It's quite clear that Donald Trump did not call on Russia to do any future spying. Hillary Clinton's server no longer exists. There would be nothing for them to hack into. The intent of his remark was for them to release the deleted emails they had already hacked. Not smart, but not treason.
13
I think you're giving Donald Trump more credit than he deserves for putting together two and two together on that. Look up the exact language/verb tense of his plea to Moscow. Yes, he was egging them on, not asking for release of past purloined materials.
3
Close enough. Asking a foreign government for fodder to spin into more lies to influence an American election. Something that foreign government apparently has already done with the handover of the other emails to wikileaks.
This movie has one too many a Bond villain, though, and the henchman Assange is almost a third... kind of a mini-me to Putin.
This movie has one too many a Bond villain, though, and the henchman Assange is almost a third... kind of a mini-me to Putin.
3
I think you have forgotten the Putin was from the KGB and if you think that agency is dead I have a bridge to sell you. To me Trump has stepped on the road to treason and for a Presidential candidate that is so far out of line that it's in the next galaxy. Putin is a dangerous man and never forget that. When you do, your life as you know it will be over.
3
Thanks for this one Professor.
According to the current Republican formula, freedom is like getting a suite in Trump Towers.
If you can pay the per diem, you can stay. And you need not worry, your neighbors will be just like you, wealthy and entitled.
No money no education no advancement no hope.
Racial or ethnic diversity is only overlooked if you have a fat bank account.
After a lifetime in the racist Southern United States, living in South America was a refreshing change. No racism, none.
But it didn't take long to see the almost equally horrible exclusionary racism of class and wealth.
The wealthy upper class held themselves apart. They knew that being wealthy plainly proved that you were a superior version of the species, and your ability to buy absolute worldly freedom went unchecked.
Corruption fed the cycle.
This is exactly where Trump-like the pied piper- wants to take us.
Right over the cliff.
Devil take the hindmost.
You get what you pay for. Social stasis, little progress, and another generation is born under the curse.
To love America is to understand that the American dream protects us all.
And that if we let it die it will be our collective death.
According to the current Republican formula, freedom is like getting a suite in Trump Towers.
If you can pay the per diem, you can stay. And you need not worry, your neighbors will be just like you, wealthy and entitled.
No money no education no advancement no hope.
Racial or ethnic diversity is only overlooked if you have a fat bank account.
After a lifetime in the racist Southern United States, living in South America was a refreshing change. No racism, none.
But it didn't take long to see the almost equally horrible exclusionary racism of class and wealth.
The wealthy upper class held themselves apart. They knew that being wealthy plainly proved that you were a superior version of the species, and your ability to buy absolute worldly freedom went unchecked.
Corruption fed the cycle.
This is exactly where Trump-like the pied piper- wants to take us.
Right over the cliff.
Devil take the hindmost.
You get what you pay for. Social stasis, little progress, and another generation is born under the curse.
To love America is to understand that the American dream protects us all.
And that if we let it die it will be our collective death.
77
For me, the most patriotic speaker at the DNC was The father of a fallen soldier. The Kahns chose to come to the US for a better life, to learn our customs and to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The love of country was supremely evident in his speech.
381
Absolutely agree. He said everything that needed to be said about our country and where we are today in a little over 7 minutes.
1
Vlad-Donald bromance. Priceless!!
27
Vlad could use some tips on hair-care. Donald would benefit by some body-building tips to help him fill out his empty suit.
1
Mr. Trump is by no means an "angel", nor is he the "devil incarnate," as the constant drumbeat in the corporate media would have us believe. To suggest he is treasonous is crossing the line! He is a loud mouth and says what comes to his mind at the moment without thinking it through. But I am sure he is a patriot. How can it be otherwise?
Demonizing Russia and Putin is a favorite ploy of the military-industrial complex and neocons, who will not hesitate a moment to empty our treasury in pursuit of "our mortal enemy." We do need a change in our attitude toward Russia. Say hello to another costly Cold War and wasted trillions, with Mrs. Clinton in the White House!
Most are missing a vital point regarding Mrs. Clinton. There is no doubt that she is HIGHLY QUALIFIED to be our President. But is she TRUSTWORTHY? Once in the White House, will she carry out people's agenda or the agenda of her rich donors? Will she turn around once in power and get TPP and other trade deals through? Is she going to do what is needed with respect to Wall Street and the megabanks? She was not paid $225,000 for each of her 3 speeches by Goldman Sachs for nothing! If not, why does she not release the transcripts? Why did she erase "personal" e-mails? What was she hiding?
Ultimately, "It is the Pocketbook Stupid!" Except for a lucky few like Trump and Clintons, people are hurting. Lack of decent-wage jobs is an existential threat to the middle class. "Same old" will not do. No wonder Trump is leading!
Demonizing Russia and Putin is a favorite ploy of the military-industrial complex and neocons, who will not hesitate a moment to empty our treasury in pursuit of "our mortal enemy." We do need a change in our attitude toward Russia. Say hello to another costly Cold War and wasted trillions, with Mrs. Clinton in the White House!
Most are missing a vital point regarding Mrs. Clinton. There is no doubt that she is HIGHLY QUALIFIED to be our President. But is she TRUSTWORTHY? Once in the White House, will she carry out people's agenda or the agenda of her rich donors? Will she turn around once in power and get TPP and other trade deals through? Is she going to do what is needed with respect to Wall Street and the megabanks? She was not paid $225,000 for each of her 3 speeches by Goldman Sachs for nothing! If not, why does she not release the transcripts? Why did she erase "personal" e-mails? What was she hiding?
Ultimately, "It is the Pocketbook Stupid!" Except for a lucky few like Trump and Clintons, people are hurting. Lack of decent-wage jobs is an existential threat to the middle class. "Same old" will not do. No wonder Trump is leading!
13
And Donald Trump is trustworthy? Really? I'll take her untrustworthiness any day over Trump's.
5
Changes may be needed, but not that much !
And whose agenda would Trump carry out? There is nothing about his past, not a single thing, except his con-artist' verbal skills, to suggest he has ever looked out for anyone but himself. Hillary's shortcomings, in total, don't rise to the level of the new baggage/fibs/craziness this guy adds on each week.
4
If Joe McCarthy were alive today, if he lived, once again, to develop his personal list of Communist sympathizers within, would he not put Donald Trump at the top of this list? How could he not? How could he not start with a man who is openly and publicly enamored of Russia and its leaders, a man who has questioned the need for NATO, who encourages the Russians to pursue and hack and make public possibly sensitive state-related emails and refuses to make public his tax returns, which may or may not show business interests in other countries, including Russia? Yes, you would have to believe, that the foremost Communist fear monger of our time, Joe McCarthy, would start with Donald Trump.
16
Sorry, but if he were alive McCarthy would be going after "people with known ties to Islamic terrorism."
It is not McCarthyism to question Trump's bromance with Putin, or to ask about the Donald's business and financial dealings with Russian oligarchs.
Patriotism is indeed the last refuge of a scoundrel. For Republicans is seems to be a tribal thing for people that look like me, think like me, speak like me, and believe like me.
Right wing politics and fundamentalist Christianity seem to be two sides of the same coin. All about individualism at the expense of the collective good.
Not to mention the need of conservatives to have "strong leaders" (that look like them, speak like them etc.).
Imagine if a Democrat had said some of the things Trump has, especially the pro Russian statements. I can here Fox News now.
Right wing politics and fundamentalist Christianity seem to be two sides of the same coin. All about individualism at the expense of the collective good.
Not to mention the need of conservatives to have "strong leaders" (that look like them, speak like them etc.).
Imagine if a Democrat had said some of the things Trump has, especially the pro Russian statements. I can here Fox News now.
34
Why do American Jews send their sons and daughters to serve and train in Israeli defense forces? How is that patriotic?
I love it when Professor Krugman and David Brooks write about the same topic on the same day.
14
The right wing's war against America began a long time ago but Doctor Krugman hit the nail on the head when he talked about Alice through the Looking Glass. The star of the Alice Drama must be Humpty Dumpty who scornfully says "When I use a word"...."it means what I choose it to mean neither more nor less" As Humpty insists who is to be the master Humpty or the word.
The great thing about America's founding is that it was written by men of letters and they left us lots of letters and they left us their libraries. The greatest absurdity of today's America is the constitutional originalist who much like Humpty Dumpty use words to defend the undefensible because words work for them and mean only what they choose them to mean./ One need only to examine the first and second amendments.
The founders had a dictionary. All the founders used the same dictionary, there was only one dictionary and it was Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language. I used to love America and sometimes I still do but I know the constitution and I know what the first and second amendments mean and I know that they don't mean. What Bork, Scalia, the GOP and Ted Cruz say they mean is a lie because I know what words like militia and establishment meant in 1776 and I know a Humpty Dumpty when I hear one. You don't need lawyers to interpret the constitution when Johnson's dictionary is still available to inform us that a hunting rifle or shotguns are not arms.
The great thing about America's founding is that it was written by men of letters and they left us lots of letters and they left us their libraries. The greatest absurdity of today's America is the constitutional originalist who much like Humpty Dumpty use words to defend the undefensible because words work for them and mean only what they choose them to mean./ One need only to examine the first and second amendments.
The founders had a dictionary. All the founders used the same dictionary, there was only one dictionary and it was Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language. I used to love America and sometimes I still do but I know the constitution and I know what the first and second amendments mean and I know that they don't mean. What Bork, Scalia, the GOP and Ted Cruz say they mean is a lie because I know what words like militia and establishment meant in 1776 and I know a Humpty Dumpty when I hear one. You don't need lawyers to interpret the constitution when Johnson's dictionary is still available to inform us that a hunting rifle or shotguns are not arms.
48
Paul, if patriotism nowadays means calling everyone one doesn't like unpatriotic, while the same person engages in praising a foreign leader better than our leader just because he's from a minority and not from his White tribe as Trump recently blurted out in one of his campaign trails, then Trump is a patriot only to his tribe.
If getting his merchandise made in a country he says he hates i.e., China, then Trump is a true Patriot ( what a clown).
Trump, as we've come to know for more than a year now, is a man whose plea to Putin is quite treasonous, gets away with it only because the Republicans are so desperate for a win in the Presidential election after two disastrous losses of their candidates to a man of color that they're not trying for any course correction with Trump.
They just want to win this election at any cost because Reince Priebus, the Chairman of R.N.C. is tired of writing obituaries of his party after every election losses to a Black Democratic Presidential candidate called Obama.
But this party of Lincoln has moved so far to the right with not only Trump who actually committed a 'treason' by inviting our arch enemy Russia to hack into our system and steal our countries' stored information but also the entire Republican party, past and present.
If Trump was a slave in those days when the White House was built by the slaves, and if Trump had asked the British or the French Govt, for intervention, he would've been hung by a tree on the White House lawn.
If getting his merchandise made in a country he says he hates i.e., China, then Trump is a true Patriot ( what a clown).
Trump, as we've come to know for more than a year now, is a man whose plea to Putin is quite treasonous, gets away with it only because the Republicans are so desperate for a win in the Presidential election after two disastrous losses of their candidates to a man of color that they're not trying for any course correction with Trump.
They just want to win this election at any cost because Reince Priebus, the Chairman of R.N.C. is tired of writing obituaries of his party after every election losses to a Black Democratic Presidential candidate called Obama.
But this party of Lincoln has moved so far to the right with not only Trump who actually committed a 'treason' by inviting our arch enemy Russia to hack into our system and steal our countries' stored information but also the entire Republican party, past and present.
If Trump was a slave in those days when the White House was built by the slaves, and if Trump had asked the British or the French Govt, for intervention, he would've been hung by a tree on the White House lawn.
15
Well, I agree that macro-economically the Republican party is tribal, but micro-economically it is about using tribalism to achieve the goal of allowing the investment class to call the shots and hold on to as much of their wealth for as many generations as possible.
The underlying power of the Republican party has never had particular concern for poor white people, but 1% is not an adequate portion of the electorate to win elections- so working class whites were allowed to camp out on the lawn of the palatial hotel that is the Republican party. After the passage of the Civil Rights act, the campground became packed with former southern Democrats.
I guess those working class whites got tired of camping out, but they aren't quite ready to work with the party that tends to provide nicer rooms for a majority of Americans. They've found a new champion who looks and talks like them.
The underlying power of the Republican party has never had particular concern for poor white people, but 1% is not an adequate portion of the electorate to win elections- so working class whites were allowed to camp out on the lawn of the palatial hotel that is the Republican party. After the passage of the Civil Rights act, the campground became packed with former southern Democrats.
I guess those working class whites got tired of camping out, but they aren't quite ready to work with the party that tends to provide nicer rooms for a majority of Americans. They've found a new champion who looks and talks like them.
23
Well said
2
They certainly had no "champion" among the Democrats, who prefer to snark and call ordinary Americans "stupid low information rednecks".
Bernie MIGHT have been their champion, but Wasserman Schultz certainly ensured he had no chances whatsoever.
Bernie MIGHT have been their champion, but Wasserman Schultz certainly ensured he had no chances whatsoever.
2
The only reason I would ever call them... well, less than brilliant, is because they consistently vote against their economic interests.
Bernie lost because he didn't get enough votes. The establishment also favored Hill over Barrack, but Barrack had more skill than Bernie and could overcome the handicap. The establishment is invested in getting a "winner" nominated- dah!
I would have voted for Bernie if he didn't run on so much anger and talked with a little more sense about where most jobs are REALLY going.
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/515926/how-technology-is-destroying-j...
Factory jobs are disappearing in China too.
Bernie lost because he didn't get enough votes. The establishment also favored Hill over Barrack, but Barrack had more skill than Bernie and could overcome the handicap. The establishment is invested in getting a "winner" nominated- dah!
I would have voted for Bernie if he didn't run on so much anger and talked with a little more sense about where most jobs are REALLY going.
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/515926/how-technology-is-destroying-j...
Factory jobs are disappearing in China too.
1
Absolutely correct. The reason Donald Trump's supporters aren't troubled by by his constant and obvious self contradictions is they are not meant to be rational arguments, they are simply tribal signifying. The real message is "you can trust me because I'm not one of 'them,'" and it's being received loud and clear by a pretty huge chunk of the electorate.
45
"Why are Republicans so fixated on the notion that the president must use the phrase “Islamic terrorism,” ..."
Whatever phony point works to deflect away from the GOP agenda: the elimination of taxes for the wealthy.
"But what strikes me most is the silence of so many leading Republicans in the face of behavior they would have denounced as treason coming from a Democrat"
Ryan's non-response was especially horrific. He's not Speaker of the House; he's Trump's PR speaker.
Whatever phony point works to deflect away from the GOP agenda: the elimination of taxes for the wealthy.
"But what strikes me most is the silence of so many leading Republicans in the face of behavior they would have denounced as treason coming from a Democrat"
Ryan's non-response was especially horrific. He's not Speaker of the House; he's Trump's PR speaker.
48
This is exactly the point of the Republican Party and it's main backers, who bathe in an ideology that is totally ungrounded and serves only the wealthy. We can talk about jobs and the global economy, but we should look more deeply in to the relevance of it, as it relates to this article, and how it is a total reflection of a business world that has discarded it's loyalty to the country that they "say they love." Mr. Trump is just being obvious about it.
5
No matter what the motive, many of us look forward to mid-October when someone (not necessarily the Russians) is going to publicly share the infamous "lost emails" from Chappaqua. 33,000 missing emails makes Nixon's missing 28 minutes look paltry!
We also wonder whether 120 hours of lauding of our country in Cleveland can ever offset year after year of complaining about all the things that are wrong with our country. A few days enthusiasm pales in the face of two consistent terms identifying all the problems we have, with nary a mention of anything good that might be going on. Always some new defect to resolve!
We also wonder whether 120 hours of lauding of our country in Cleveland can ever offset year after year of complaining about all the things that are wrong with our country. A few days enthusiasm pales in the face of two consistent terms identifying all the problems we have, with nary a mention of anything good that might be going on. Always some new defect to resolve!
2
You are basing this on what, specifically? Are you a paid Trump troll posing as a 'concerned citizen' or are you one of those hangers-on that's going to race back to your chatroom and brag about 'making liberals heads explode'?
4
This is by far the best statement of what I've felt for a long time but could never really organize my thoughts about or put into words. Thanks very much, doc!
23
Thank you, Dr. Krugman.
I didn't expect that with 101 days to go, we would be talking about patriotism in glowing terms again. Indeed, after the GOP convention, my stomach was in knots, and it seemed all we had in front of us was bitter fighting, mud-slinging and ever more dissection of what words actually mean. Life is grim at times, and I decided I had to gird my loins for more to come.
I also didn't expect the Dems convention to be inspiring. I certainly expected them to try, but so often they seem to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and miss golden opportunities to skewer the large target the GOP keeps taunting them with.
But it was inspiring; each and every night.
And you touched on what I have been thinking for awhile; we can and should be critical of ourselves, and as Hillary mentioned last night, sow seeds in a garden we will never see.
But we need to resist the impulse to be cynical, no matter how tempting that mindset is. Big difference between criticism and cynicism. One can be productive, the other almost never.
I always think of my parents, both volunteers for the Navy in WW2; my father a weatherman in the South Pacific, my mother a communications specialist with the US Enigma Code operation (a fact we only learned of this year!). Most of the time, I have been glad they are not here to see this debacle Trump. Today, I know they would believe the Dems have their back. I could look them in the eye again.
I didn't expect that with 101 days to go, we would be talking about patriotism in glowing terms again. Indeed, after the GOP convention, my stomach was in knots, and it seemed all we had in front of us was bitter fighting, mud-slinging and ever more dissection of what words actually mean. Life is grim at times, and I decided I had to gird my loins for more to come.
I also didn't expect the Dems convention to be inspiring. I certainly expected them to try, but so often they seem to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and miss golden opportunities to skewer the large target the GOP keeps taunting them with.
But it was inspiring; each and every night.
And you touched on what I have been thinking for awhile; we can and should be critical of ourselves, and as Hillary mentioned last night, sow seeds in a garden we will never see.
But we need to resist the impulse to be cynical, no matter how tempting that mindset is. Big difference between criticism and cynicism. One can be productive, the other almost never.
I always think of my parents, both volunteers for the Navy in WW2; my father a weatherman in the South Pacific, my mother a communications specialist with the US Enigma Code operation (a fact we only learned of this year!). Most of the time, I have been glad they are not here to see this debacle Trump. Today, I know they would believe the Dems have their back. I could look them in the eye again.
813
The Republican mindset can be distilled to G.O.P. = Guardians Of Privilege.
31
Dr. K., it's simple, the GOP'ers are victims of the monster you have so often addressed here, the I.O.K.I.Y.A.R. (It's O.K. if You're a Republican) dinosaur - if any Dem had even come close to uttering what Drumpf did about Russia this week, much less hired a campaign manager that worked for a decade to get Putin's stooges elected to head eastern European countries, the movement conservatives would have gone into contortions !
A GOP'er that compliments the ex-KGB guy heading Russia for being strong ?
Really ?
A GOP'er that compliments the ex-KGB guy heading Russia for being strong ?
Really ?
47
btw - The Dems probably owe the whole successful convention format to the efforts of Debbie Wasserman-Schultz's planning; credit should be given where credit is due.
36
@R Law: of course the Dems owe everything about this slick, produced convention to Wasserman Schultz.....she was the mastermind. And it's why Hillary hired Wasserman Schultz to her campaign, the second she had to RESIGN in DISGRACE.
A good deal of the reason the DNC came off so seamlessly, is that they totally and utterly put down the Sanders rebellion. And we all know how.
A good deal of the reason the DNC came off so seamlessly, is that they totally and utterly put down the Sanders rebellion. And we all know how.
2
Trump likes the North Korean dictator as well and thinks the peninsula should be reunited. Bet he would want the "strong" guy in charge too!
2
Friendly amendment: Not "serve the interests of the tribe," but whip up tribalism to serve the interests of those who benefit from tax cuts for the wealthy, gun and weapon sales, off-shoring of profits, militarization of police forces, and so on.
16
"it’s all about drawing a line between us (white Christians) and them (everyone else)"
Well, I'm not one of that "tribe". (I am Jewish.) And yet I support the Republican view. It's not about the "sheer variety of my fellow citizens", but rather the fact that we are Americans first - each trying to live our lives as best we can.
But the Democratic view appears to be based on a pervasive thumb on the scales of Justice to offset perceived grievance. In this contorted view, claims of injustice represent power which the Democrats are only too happy to cash in by taking from those who have earned their living on the basis of the free market. Of course, there is a hierarchy to this victimology where women are somewhat aggrieved, Hispanics a bit more and blacks are the apex victim as compensation for years of slavery and discriminatory statutes. See link.
https://www.princeton.edu/~tje/files/Admission%20Preferences%20Espenshad...
The only problem with this liberal fallacy is that slavery ended 150 years ago and even Jim Crow ended over 50 years ago. Moreover, when this was taking place, my grandparents were fighting the pogroms in Eastern Europe. Should I go stand in the Democrats "social justice" queue ?
My wife and I teach our two Hispanic daughters that they are fully capable of realizing any dream that they might work towards. That is the American dream far more than any racial grievance industry liberals want to promote.
Well, I'm not one of that "tribe". (I am Jewish.) And yet I support the Republican view. It's not about the "sheer variety of my fellow citizens", but rather the fact that we are Americans first - each trying to live our lives as best we can.
But the Democratic view appears to be based on a pervasive thumb on the scales of Justice to offset perceived grievance. In this contorted view, claims of injustice represent power which the Democrats are only too happy to cash in by taking from those who have earned their living on the basis of the free market. Of course, there is a hierarchy to this victimology where women are somewhat aggrieved, Hispanics a bit more and blacks are the apex victim as compensation for years of slavery and discriminatory statutes. See link.
https://www.princeton.edu/~tje/files/Admission%20Preferences%20Espenshad...
The only problem with this liberal fallacy is that slavery ended 150 years ago and even Jim Crow ended over 50 years ago. Moreover, when this was taking place, my grandparents were fighting the pogroms in Eastern Europe. Should I go stand in the Democrats "social justice" queue ?
My wife and I teach our two Hispanic daughters that they are fully capable of realizing any dream that they might work towards. That is the American dream far more than any racial grievance industry liberals want to promote.
7
Princeton 2015 @ Princeton, NJ:
In response to the charge that he is a closet liberal, Dave Rubin of @RubinReport tweeted: "Nope. Still liberal, just not a virtue signaling, pandering hack participating in the Oppression Olympics."
So I understand where you're coming from.
That said, Michelle Obama was not indulging in any of the Oppression Games. Trump has said that America needs to be great again; Obama was pointing out yet another way in which it was already great.
Regarding "Jim Crow ended over 50 years ago", I challenge that with "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander. My own brief take on it is here:
http://arunsmusings.blogspot.com/2012/08/michelle-alexander-new-jim-crow...
In response to the charge that he is a closet liberal, Dave Rubin of @RubinReport tweeted: "Nope. Still liberal, just not a virtue signaling, pandering hack participating in the Oppression Olympics."
So I understand where you're coming from.
That said, Michelle Obama was not indulging in any of the Oppression Games. Trump has said that America needs to be great again; Obama was pointing out yet another way in which it was already great.
Regarding "Jim Crow ended over 50 years ago", I challenge that with "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander. My own brief take on it is here:
http://arunsmusings.blogspot.com/2012/08/michelle-alexander-new-jim-crow...
11
"a pervasive thumb on the scales of Justice"
Perhaps in a myopic republican world-view this is thought to be a truth, Those outside the tribe see Brock Turner, Ethan Couch, and countless others who have weighted the scales of justice to their benefit because they are white and privileged. When you've finished teaching your daughters all you know they will still have a lot to learn.
Perhaps in a myopic republican world-view this is thought to be a truth, Those outside the tribe see Brock Turner, Ethan Couch, and countless others who have weighted the scales of justice to their benefit because they are white and privileged. When you've finished teaching your daughters all you know they will still have a lot to learn.
5
I find it totally amazing that any Jew can support rascism / intolerance of any kind to anyone.
Very very depressing and hope we are not next on who to blame and be afraid of.
Very very depressing and hope we are not next on who to blame and be afraid of.
One of the myths on the right is that slavery is well in the past, that racism is history except those awful (white) liberals keep stirring the pot. In that myth, we stir the pot in order to keep blacks convinced that they are downtrodden (to "keep them down on the plantation" in popular right-wing speak) so that they will not have the will to "pull themselves up by the boot straps like WE did," but will stay on government handouts. Since we (hated liberals) have convinced blacks that they need gov't programs, they will vote for us so that we keep the $ flowing.
The whole line of thought is, of course, racist for it suggests that blacks are 1) not hard working; 2) all getting handouts; 3) unable to see any of this for themselves. The right wing will never get that it is racist.
Trump fosters unabashedly fosters racist views, but seems unaware that he is racist. His pointing out at a rally a black participant and then proclaiming his 'love' for that person was embarrassing as was his video clip eating a taco and proclaiming that he loves Hispanics ("some of my best friends...").
As to foreign policy, this week he said he wanted to "re-negotiate" the Geneva Convention so that waterboarding (i.e., torture) would be allowed. What most scares me is that so very many of my fellow Americans cannot get what a dangerous disaster this man would be not only for the country, but also for the world!!!
The whole line of thought is, of course, racist for it suggests that blacks are 1) not hard working; 2) all getting handouts; 3) unable to see any of this for themselves. The right wing will never get that it is racist.
Trump fosters unabashedly fosters racist views, but seems unaware that he is racist. His pointing out at a rally a black participant and then proclaiming his 'love' for that person was embarrassing as was his video clip eating a taco and proclaiming that he loves Hispanics ("some of my best friends...").
As to foreign policy, this week he said he wanted to "re-negotiate" the Geneva Convention so that waterboarding (i.e., torture) would be allowed. What most scares me is that so very many of my fellow Americans cannot get what a dangerous disaster this man would be not only for the country, but also for the world!!!
838
A spin off this trope is the use of the term "working class" to only mean the white part (really the Southern or Southern in sympathies part) of the working class, as if Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and mixed race are not working. And unfortunately most MSM media also adopt this trope, and even liberals like Thomas Frank and Bernie Sanders fall into this trap of thinking and speaking.
This is also one reason in I refer to Trump's party as the Neo-Confederate Party and that their real flag is the "Stars and Bars," not the Stars and Stripes. The Democrats are now the party Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, U.S. Grant, Thaddeus Stevens, Teddy Roosevelt, and Dwight Eisenhower, a party of of ideals of "One Nation, with Liberty and Justice for all."
This is also one reason in I refer to Trump's party as the Neo-Confederate Party and that their real flag is the "Stars and Bars," not the Stars and Stripes. The Democrats are now the party Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, U.S. Grant, Thaddeus Stevens, Teddy Roosevelt, and Dwight Eisenhower, a party of of ideals of "One Nation, with Liberty and Justice for all."
10
Slavery ended 150 years ago. How is that NOT "the past"?
1
It sounds like you are unaware of Black Conservatives. Or, perhaps, you would make excuses for their points of view, to diminish their capacity to come to their own conclusions.
And the tribe exists solely to serve the chiefs. And the chiefs want one and only one thing - to pay no taxes. And that is all there is to know about that. Always was, and always will be. The rest is just kabuki to rouse the masses to vote just as the chiefs intend.
471
Well, you can always set up a charitable foundation. You know, like the Clintons did.
"Clinton Cash" by Peter Schweizer will educate you on the Clinton Foundation.
"Clinton Cash" by Peter Schweizer will educate you on the Clinton Foundation.
4
They also want to eliminate environmental regulations so they can pollute with impunity and frack and drill everywhere. They want to eliminate other regulations so they can cheat customers and trade recklessly. They want to limit lawsuits so only they can use the legal system. They want to suppress unions so they can treat their employees like slaves. It's not just the taxes.
8
Out in Indian Country, when the Great Plains were truly great and running with buffalo, the last person to eat was the chief. The elderly were not the last to eat if the leader had food to share. He was responsible for the group as a whole.
When I found this out, back in the early 1990s back when I knew Native People and listened to their stories, I was uplifted to think it possible that a human "tribe," (even us) could pull together. All it would take is for our chiefs to get down off their high horses. Good luck with that.
When I found this out, back in the early 1990s back when I knew Native People and listened to their stories, I was uplifted to think it possible that a human "tribe," (even us) could pull together. All it would take is for our chiefs to get down off their high horses. Good luck with that.
2
The fall will record a giant march of lemmings with little new thinking. Escaping Trump's fear net means running swiftly from encroaching disaster, as many in his party already have. Republicans abandoned and left behind: Obamacare, social security reform, the return of giant banks, debt, addiction to be consumed in the carnage. Hillary offers safe haven, but it is hard to be progressive with a menace like Trump slurping refills of hate in oversized cups laden with the sugar of bitterness, revenge, and destruction, packaged as “smart,” served by pundits who feed satellite servings to the enraptured who chant “he doesn't hate,” but “tells it like it is,” as if the Presidency is a story hour, and Trump is the Scheherazade of tweets and flash videos.
No, he doesn't hate—unless it is aimed at you! Hate has little empathy, esp. if you are its source. The crowds in lynching photographs are never appalled. They are smiling. Laughing, justified. Looking forward, proud to show the world.
The nation has launched a massive stampede over a cliff by choice. Even blind mules know their limitations; America ignores the braying. The onslaught began the day America no longer knew how to use the remote control and apartment monthly rents were a year's salary less than a decade before. It began when killing became a branded cult in the name of God no believer ever witnessed as other names died in silence and lies, their truth turned into more reason to hate.
No slave will go hungry.
No, he doesn't hate—unless it is aimed at you! Hate has little empathy, esp. if you are its source. The crowds in lynching photographs are never appalled. They are smiling. Laughing, justified. Looking forward, proud to show the world.
The nation has launched a massive stampede over a cliff by choice. Even blind mules know their limitations; America ignores the braying. The onslaught began the day America no longer knew how to use the remote control and apartment monthly rents were a year's salary less than a decade before. It began when killing became a branded cult in the name of God no believer ever witnessed as other names died in silence and lies, their truth turned into more reason to hate.
No slave will go hungry.
43
Praising Putin as a "strong leader" is just bizarre. His actions in Ukraine brought about devastating sanctions at the very time the price of oil and gas, Russia's only export other than military hardware, was collapsing.
The value of the Russian ruble has dropped in half, the foreign investment that was pouring into Russia to modernize decrepit Soviet era industries has shriveled up along with foreign lending, shiny new towers in Moscow are emptying as foreign banks and companies withdraw operations, financial reserves are being drained to prop up the government budget, and Russian soldiers disappear over the border and return in boxes, their deaths officially unacknowledged.
The Russian Olympic Team has been banned from Rio because of state sponsored doping after Putin spent $50 billion on the Sochi Games to boost Russian prestige.
Median Russian household income is about the same as Mexico and the weak ruble makes foreign goods unaffordable.
But I suppose to Trump, who says US workers are paid too much and whose real estate empire is dependent on Russian oligarchs with an exit strategy, Putin and his state controlled media look powerful indeed.
The value of the Russian ruble has dropped in half, the foreign investment that was pouring into Russia to modernize decrepit Soviet era industries has shriveled up along with foreign lending, shiny new towers in Moscow are emptying as foreign banks and companies withdraw operations, financial reserves are being drained to prop up the government budget, and Russian soldiers disappear over the border and return in boxes, their deaths officially unacknowledged.
The Russian Olympic Team has been banned from Rio because of state sponsored doping after Putin spent $50 billion on the Sochi Games to boost Russian prestige.
Median Russian household income is about the same as Mexico and the weak ruble makes foreign goods unaffordable.
But I suppose to Trump, who says US workers are paid too much and whose real estate empire is dependent on Russian oligarchs with an exit strategy, Putin and his state controlled media look powerful indeed.
207
Strangely, the hysteria over Putin and anti-Russian comments seem to indicate it is liberals & Democrats who are still living in the Cold War mentality -- not conservatives & Republicans.
2
The residents of The Crimea, thanks to Stalin, are largely ethnic Russians and were not happy living under the chaos of the Ukranian Government after the Orange Revolution, when the only thing that changed was that the former Communist bureaucrats were now the multi-millionaire owners of the businesses that they had formerly run. Several "elections" later things were not improving and the people in Crimea thought that things might be better under Russian control. Thus they actually voted to return to being part of Russia. Needless to say they have ben bitterly disappointed!
1
Paul, there was nothing in Hillary's coronation speech that she would tackle desperately needed changes to domestic issues. It was banal and would indicate the status quo is safe.
15
Then you weren't listening.
23
I can't say with certainty what Hillary will do as President. And I'm not quite sure she grasp how she's going to do it. It won't be by working with Republicans as she seemed to suggest. But she could not have been more clear in saying that she has heard us and will pursue Bernie's progressive agenda. Are you sure you heard the speech?
7
Mr. Cohen. I wonder if we are on the same planet. Please pull up the speech on YouTube and watch again.
7
Of course we all know that much of the right's hatred of political correctness stems from Fox News. But now we can see why they pushed that agenda: Roger Ailes had made their office look much like the womanizing work places of Mad Men. Clearly, he longed for it to be OK again.
Just incredible what power the press has in this nation. Through the Tea Party and Trump, Ailes may yet push this country back 50 years. For that impact on the world: Man of the Year for Ailes. Oops, "Person of the Year" (LOL).
Just incredible what power the press has in this nation. Through the Tea Party and Trump, Ailes may yet push this country back 50 years. For that impact on the world: Man of the Year for Ailes. Oops, "Person of the Year" (LOL).
34
I'm yes
4
Wonderfully said Dr. Krugman!
69
How did the press miss Trump's other chilling remark in the same speech where he called on Russia to find 300 Hillary emails? Predicting that next he would be accused of hacking her, he said, "I wish I had that power. Believe me I wish I had that power."
Remember the last time we had a narcissist in the White House? Trump is Nixon with no qualifications.
Remember the last time we had a narcissist in the White House? Trump is Nixon with no qualifications.
273
Was Nixon a narcissist? I'm not sure. I think he was more a paranoid.
3
I don't think Nixon was a narcissist. I think he was a insecure small man that realized from the start he was out of his league so the tactics he employed with his henchmen.
2
Agree, Paul.
I am surprised that the media has not picked up on that line, "I wish I had that power. Believe me I wish I had that power." That is one of the most ominous things Trump has said.
I am surprised that the media has not picked up on that line, "I wish I had that power. Believe me I wish I had that power." That is one of the most ominous things Trump has said.
4
Bill O'Reilly's comments were puzzling to me, it's like he has some infallible sense of buffoonery that leads him unerringly in the direction of self-satisfied & unintentionally offensive behavior & commentary. Prof K may have nailed it.
Still. Patriotism and religious zealotry have much in common. I know & share the feelings, but I am troubled by the parallels.
Instead of justifying war by professing a love of country, we would do better to make all banking fully transparent, and make it impossible for anyone to profit from wars and organized criminal activity.
There is a limited amount of land, and it is much more crowded in China than it is in the US.
China is ahead of the population & resource exhaustion curve than the US & Europe. People in the less developed countries, whether coming as refugees from war or economics, are all still refugees.
The question is, can we share what we have with an endless supply of poorer people around the world? Is it 1.5 billion people that live in hunger? Do we ignore the pervasive suffering around the world, while congratulating ourselves on our humanity at home?
Having said that, US history is I think quite special, both in its brevity and character. But the constant refrain of how the US is, "the greatest country on earth", shows an unfortunate sense of hubris, and I imagine is insulting to, and perceived as childish by other countries.
Ending every political speech with the obligatory, 'May God Bless America', says it all.
Still. Patriotism and religious zealotry have much in common. I know & share the feelings, but I am troubled by the parallels.
Instead of justifying war by professing a love of country, we would do better to make all banking fully transparent, and make it impossible for anyone to profit from wars and organized criminal activity.
There is a limited amount of land, and it is much more crowded in China than it is in the US.
China is ahead of the population & resource exhaustion curve than the US & Europe. People in the less developed countries, whether coming as refugees from war or economics, are all still refugees.
The question is, can we share what we have with an endless supply of poorer people around the world? Is it 1.5 billion people that live in hunger? Do we ignore the pervasive suffering around the world, while congratulating ourselves on our humanity at home?
Having said that, US history is I think quite special, both in its brevity and character. But the constant refrain of how the US is, "the greatest country on earth", shows an unfortunate sense of hubris, and I imagine is insulting to, and perceived as childish by other countries.
Ending every political speech with the obligatory, 'May God Bless America', says it all.
32
I'm guessing other countries will forgive Hillary and her posse for claiming American greatness. Pragmatically, they surely don't want to deal with His Ego at the reins, so they'll be okay with whatever slams the door in his Cheeto face.
7
Trump
Just Say Nyet
Just Say Nyet
628
When is that bumper sticker coming out? I'll take a few.
5
For some of us who live abroad, and regardless of how much we like and admire the people among whom we live, this passage is particularly resonant:
"I don’t know about you, but whenever I return from a trip abroad, my heart swells to see the sheer variety of my fellow citizens, so different in their appearance, their cultural heritage, their personal lives, yet all of them — all of us — Americans."
"I don’t know about you, but whenever I return from a trip abroad, my heart swells to see the sheer variety of my fellow citizens, so different in their appearance, their cultural heritage, their personal lives, yet all of them — all of us — Americans."
245
For somebody who lives abroad I feel exactly the same - but not so much when I return to John Wayne Airport in Orange County CA -(not that big of a 'variety) - but always at JFK and LAX - but the most 'different in their appearance, their cultural heritage, their personal lives, yet all of them — all of us — people of this world - at Heathrow. (London UK)
2
While Trump suborns treason and then panders to the atavistic desires of those descended from the slaveowning castes of the South, he reveals himself to be an irrational man, perhaps someone in the initial throes of senile dementia. Such a person would have the ability to entangle the United States in conflicts both internal and international and appears to be spoiling for the chance to do so, as if he were a horror movie demonic entity running for president and not some mercurial con man... We lived through the nightmare of Ronald Reagan, by now an anointed saint of the GOP, whose dim mind faded completely by the end of his 8 year misrule. Why would anyone of either political party want to entrust the fortunes of our nation to a madman?
163
His mind was dimmed long before he was president.
7
entrust the nation to a madman ... done it before ... LBJ, Nixon, gaga Reagan ... and the nation is still here.
1
Narcissism and compulsive lying and cheating others to whom you owe money are not symptoms of dementia. They are, however, the definition of Trump.
4
It's the "Emperor has no clothes!" revelation. Thank you for putting it so eloquently. It is now, more than ever, imperative that Clinton wins the Presidency and Trump is forever tossed into the garbage dump of failed candidates.
96
This is not a fair piece Professor.
Whatever the general mood in Cleveland, I have seen many Republicans denounce Mr. Trump and warn the party and his supporters of the reputational damage to their careers. David Frum will barely mention his name.
Your readers need no introduction to Republican ethos. For a country already on the road to change and improvement, the only undesirable change now is the stopping of that improvement. So the status quo today is in fact change. And whatever improves the condition of the country and its people and its values, is patriotic. Even the authentic Republicans have it. They just disagree with aspects they're not sure of.
But to tar the entire right with that broad brush is both unfair and untrue.
If you will not talk issues, then don't equivocate : Mr. Trump has no clue. Because if he had a clue, he would have said more about them and made more sense.
Mrs. Clinton needs to work hard between now and then to ensure we don't wake up confused in December. At some point she will need to be more authoritative about her trespass with the emails and her Wall Street associations. Because to many undecided voters they will stick in the gullet as too big to swallow.
This is far from over. If the Democrats lose any of the 3 elections this November, it will be because they are distrusted, not because they made more sense than less.
You're wasting your columns Professor. Lead us into light ! :-)
Whatever the general mood in Cleveland, I have seen many Republicans denounce Mr. Trump and warn the party and his supporters of the reputational damage to their careers. David Frum will barely mention his name.
Your readers need no introduction to Republican ethos. For a country already on the road to change and improvement, the only undesirable change now is the stopping of that improvement. So the status quo today is in fact change. And whatever improves the condition of the country and its people and its values, is patriotic. Even the authentic Republicans have it. They just disagree with aspects they're not sure of.
But to tar the entire right with that broad brush is both unfair and untrue.
If you will not talk issues, then don't equivocate : Mr. Trump has no clue. Because if he had a clue, he would have said more about them and made more sense.
Mrs. Clinton needs to work hard between now and then to ensure we don't wake up confused in December. At some point she will need to be more authoritative about her trespass with the emails and her Wall Street associations. Because to many undecided voters they will stick in the gullet as too big to swallow.
This is far from over. If the Democrats lose any of the 3 elections this November, it will be because they are distrusted, not because they made more sense than less.
You're wasting your columns Professor. Lead us into light ! :-)
4
Please get over her e-mails and association with Wall Street. You act as if all her state department communications were through her personal account and she laid bare all our secrets. That is just not true. Associate with Wall Street? First, she was a senator from New York and she was their senator. Every politician has an association with Wall Street. That doesn't mean it is nefarious. I am always amassed that when ever Ms. Clinton is mentioned it is always from the perspective that she is hiding something-usually criminal. If only we could find the truth and prove she is corrupt. Please give it a break.
23
Getting in a twist over emails is a distraction from the matter at hand...Dumpster is a menace to our freedom & patriotism. He "represents" the Rebublican Party and their platform which actively seeks to roll back our rights and deny us our patriotism in favor of fascism.
3
It's interesting to read this analysis along with today's article by David Brooks, who is flummoxed by this reversal in message ... that Democrats present themselves as the sunny patriots, while Republicans (traditionally recognized as Patriots) have come out looking kind of like Darth Vader's Storm troopers.
Of course they earned it. Those blind white masks.
Over the decades, the GOP has profited from demonizing President Obama, Muslims, sexually active women, LGBT citizens, urban kids in the 'hood, and dem Mexicans. So. Their "patriotism" is grounded in macho/ white/ militaristic/ fundamentalist-Christian ferocity. Donald Trump is a hollow cone spewing these messages ... reminds me of the little papier-mâché volcanoes we used to ignite for kids with vinegar and baking soda. An empty foaming show.
Now, I was a good Protestant girl long ago. And I believe (fictionally) that if Jesus Christ were walking in this neighborhood, he'd probably be a Bernie supporter. So I would have to go out and try to convince him that Hillary has worked for good policies, and tolerance, as well as she could, for many long years. In detail. Knowing something about Congress and the wide world.
Then, of course, Jesus would have to consult his mother (GOD) and She would tell him ... choose for yourself, son. Good luck. I didn't make the world easy. You know I have this really mean sense of humor.
I'm proud of the Democratic Party and proud of Hillary.
Of course they earned it. Those blind white masks.
Over the decades, the GOP has profited from demonizing President Obama, Muslims, sexually active women, LGBT citizens, urban kids in the 'hood, and dem Mexicans. So. Their "patriotism" is grounded in macho/ white/ militaristic/ fundamentalist-Christian ferocity. Donald Trump is a hollow cone spewing these messages ... reminds me of the little papier-mâché volcanoes we used to ignite for kids with vinegar and baking soda. An empty foaming show.
Now, I was a good Protestant girl long ago. And I believe (fictionally) that if Jesus Christ were walking in this neighborhood, he'd probably be a Bernie supporter. So I would have to go out and try to convince him that Hillary has worked for good policies, and tolerance, as well as she could, for many long years. In detail. Knowing something about Congress and the wide world.
Then, of course, Jesus would have to consult his mother (GOD) and She would tell him ... choose for yourself, son. Good luck. I didn't make the world easy. You know I have this really mean sense of humor.
I'm proud of the Democratic Party and proud of Hillary.
134
Cool
2
Ah, yes, the brave patriots Donald Trump, Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly.
Prep school baseball whiz, lifelong golfer Trump miraculously won exemption from the draft for a bone spur.
Future junkie Rush Limbaugh won a medical exemption from the draft for an anal cyst.
O'Reilly took the wealthy and connected path of student deferments.
Four of the Democratic baby boomers who sought the nomination, Al Gore, John Kerry, Bob Kerrey and Jim Webb, volunteered, and served in Viet Nam.
Not a single republican baby boomer, who has sought the Presidency was drafted, volunteered or set foot in Viet Nam.
Not Dan Quayle, George Bush, Willard Romney, Newton Leroy Gingrich, Oops Perry, Donald Trump or Ben Carson.
Patriotism, the republican version. Talking tough and sending other people's children off to slaughter or to be slaughtered.
Prep school baseball whiz, lifelong golfer Trump miraculously won exemption from the draft for a bone spur.
Future junkie Rush Limbaugh won a medical exemption from the draft for an anal cyst.
O'Reilly took the wealthy and connected path of student deferments.
Four of the Democratic baby boomers who sought the nomination, Al Gore, John Kerry, Bob Kerrey and Jim Webb, volunteered, and served in Viet Nam.
Not a single republican baby boomer, who has sought the Presidency was drafted, volunteered or set foot in Viet Nam.
Not Dan Quayle, George Bush, Willard Romney, Newton Leroy Gingrich, Oops Perry, Donald Trump or Ben Carson.
Patriotism, the republican version. Talking tough and sending other people's children off to slaughter or to be slaughtered.
1860
Most insightful comment I've read in years.
32
Cheer up Craig--at least you don't have to fret about whether or not Hillary Clinton dodged the draft to avoid going to Viet Nam. Too bad the same can't be said about Bill Clinton who somehow got out of serving in Viet Nam. In case you hadn't noticed Al Gore, John Kerry, Bob Kerrey and Jim Webb were all soundly defeated in their bids for the presidency. (Ditto John McCain) Why?? Viet Nam was the first time America ever lost a war and American voters do not reward failure. John Kerry returned home an embittered veteran who threw his medals over the White House fence and put soldiers who were still in the field like yourself in danger by testifying against the war before a Congressional committee. Al Gore had a reasonably cushy job as a journalist so he didn't have to wade through rice paddies with a rifle in his hand. Jim Webb's brief presidential campaign went nowhere and he was the first Democrat to capitulate to Hillary Clinton.
Pssssttt--it was President Lyndon Johnson, a Democrat, who shipped you off to Viet Nam thanks to a letter you got which started "GREETINGS'.
Pssssttt--it was President Lyndon Johnson, a Democrat, who shipped you off to Viet Nam thanks to a letter you got which started "GREETINGS'.
NB-- all Craig Geary ever does is repeat the same comment over and over again. He always blames Donald Trump's bone spurs and Rush Limbaugh's anal cyst the real reason he was sent to Vietnam to fight in their place.
Paul,
An excellent, insightful, and creative analysis.
I like it when you write about something that is outside the normal drum beat for more deficit spending.
An excellent, insightful, and creative analysis.
I like it when you write about something that is outside the normal drum beat for more deficit spending.
7
I love America.
I love the freedom that America was created to protect. I love the freedom to enjoy my right to life, my right to liberty, my right to property, and my right to pursue happiness.
Hillary Clinton does not respect nor protect nor represent those freedoms. This is evidenced by everything she has done, everything she has said. She does not "love America". She wants to impose her vision of reality - one in which everyone is sacrificed to her whims, and whose wealth is redistributed to her preferred lobbyists and crony capitalists - on everyone.
What's worse is that the GOP, once the party of freedom (as against the Democrats, the party of Slavery and Jim Crow), has delivered us Donald Trump.
America has turned to the path of "serfdom", as Hayek explained. All with Dr Krugman's blessing.
I love the freedom that America was created to protect. I love the freedom to enjoy my right to life, my right to liberty, my right to property, and my right to pursue happiness.
Hillary Clinton does not respect nor protect nor represent those freedoms. This is evidenced by everything she has done, everything she has said. She does not "love America". She wants to impose her vision of reality - one in which everyone is sacrificed to her whims, and whose wealth is redistributed to her preferred lobbyists and crony capitalists - on everyone.
What's worse is that the GOP, once the party of freedom (as against the Democrats, the party of Slavery and Jim Crow), has delivered us Donald Trump.
America has turned to the path of "serfdom", as Hayek explained. All with Dr Krugman's blessing.
8
This is a very odd comment, Karlos TJ. The paragraph about Hillary Clinton makes sweeping negative claims about her without referencing any kind of facts to back them up. "...everything she has done, everything she has said." Sweeping.
"She wants to impose her vision of reality, one in which everything is sacrificed to her whims..."
all of this offends me because it makes no sense. What lies behind these criticisms of her, I wonder? How can one argue against them? Or for them, for that matter?
I could list everything I have ever seen of Hillary in my 77 years, and all that was revealed about her at the convention, as evidence of Clinton's patriotism, caring, competence, and all those good things, but I am tired. It is 6:30 a.m. and I have not yet been to bed. So, I guess all I can say for now is that I disagree with what you have said.
"She wants to impose her vision of reality, one in which everything is sacrificed to her whims..."
all of this offends me because it makes no sense. What lies behind these criticisms of her, I wonder? How can one argue against them? Or for them, for that matter?
I could list everything I have ever seen of Hillary in my 77 years, and all that was revealed about her at the convention, as evidence of Clinton's patriotism, caring, competence, and all those good things, but I am tired. It is 6:30 a.m. and I have not yet been to bed. So, I guess all I can say for now is that I disagree with what you have said.
43
Just curious if you have any real actions or statements you can point to which support your point that Hillary "does not respect nor protect nor represent those freedoms". What "whims" of hers do you speak of? Are there specific policy positions you are concerned about? Just because you say it is so on the internet does not make it true. You have to provide more to your argument than personal opinion and hyperbole if you want anyone outside of the echo chamber to take your points seriously.
15
Well, by our inequality in public education (the way we fund our schools), the inequality in our tax code (the very wealthy pay a much lower rate in capital gains tax), the efforts of Republicans to cut taxes, then make up the difference by slashing social programs, etc. we have become a nation of serfs...THANK YOU REPUBLICANS!!!
5
Dr. Krugman, Republicans have played the flag card since Richard Nixon.
Do you forget the steaming anti-Vietnam War protests that raged like a wildfire across the land in the simmering summer of 1968?
Young people took to the streets to argue against American involvement in far-off rice paddies. The cry went up "Vietnam! Love it or leave it!" The Right responded with "America! Love it or leave it!"
The newly-installed Nixon administration was happy to stand back and watch the cultural divide seethe, froth and fester along so-called patriotic lines. Nixon ordered his highly-placed staffers to wear the American flag lapel on their suit coats.
Back then, if you were not satisfied with the status quo, you were a rebel, a traitor, you were "red." The Right clings to the same insane fantasy today; they only cloak it (so they think) with subtlety and innuendo. Space won't let us count the ways, but I'll try.
President Obama wasn't "fibbing" when he asked whither Republicans and the "conservativism" went. He was asking, in reverse, "why wasn't their alleged love of country on display instead of their rancor and hate?" He called out, without naming names, the party's long-standing hypocrisy in shouldering the flag, Iwa Jima-like, without putting the muscle and drawing the sweat from the labor required to bring the effort into springing life, the exhausting effort of creating the reality from the promise.
Captain Humayun Khan's brother patriot was Milton Olive.
Patriots.
Do you forget the steaming anti-Vietnam War protests that raged like a wildfire across the land in the simmering summer of 1968?
Young people took to the streets to argue against American involvement in far-off rice paddies. The cry went up "Vietnam! Love it or leave it!" The Right responded with "America! Love it or leave it!"
The newly-installed Nixon administration was happy to stand back and watch the cultural divide seethe, froth and fester along so-called patriotic lines. Nixon ordered his highly-placed staffers to wear the American flag lapel on their suit coats.
Back then, if you were not satisfied with the status quo, you were a rebel, a traitor, you were "red." The Right clings to the same insane fantasy today; they only cloak it (so they think) with subtlety and innuendo. Space won't let us count the ways, but I'll try.
President Obama wasn't "fibbing" when he asked whither Republicans and the "conservativism" went. He was asking, in reverse, "why wasn't their alleged love of country on display instead of their rancor and hate?" He called out, without naming names, the party's long-standing hypocrisy in shouldering the flag, Iwa Jima-like, without putting the muscle and drawing the sweat from the labor required to bring the effort into springing life, the exhausting effort of creating the reality from the promise.
Captain Humayun Khan's brother patriot was Milton Olive.
Patriots.
28
40% of potential voters detest HRC and support DT. another 40% detest DT and will vote for HRC. the remaining 20% can't stand either candidate ... and they will decide the election. by voting, all 100% love their country.
3
The question is-What vision of the country do you believe-Hillary's or Donny's? Which vision shows a love of the people which is truly what the country is? Whose vision is forward looking and whose is repressive? I'm with her!
6
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross". Sinclair Lewis
And it seems to be led by a Mussolini wannabe, Donald Trump.
It didn't work for the "America First" movement in the 30's and, hopefully, won't work in the 21st Century.
The conventions are over, the flag waving finished and the American people will make the decision, Americans of all colors, all religions and all genders.
Hopefully, the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE will lose both the presidency and control of, at least, one house of Congress with their message of divisiveness and anger finally put to rest.
And it seems to be led by a Mussolini wannabe, Donald Trump.
It didn't work for the "America First" movement in the 30's and, hopefully, won't work in the 21st Century.
The conventions are over, the flag waving finished and the American people will make the decision, Americans of all colors, all religions and all genders.
Hopefully, the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE will lose both the presidency and control of, at least, one house of Congress with their message of divisiveness and anger finally put to rest.
110
It's worth looking at exactly what Putin said about Trump. According to the Guardian, the word he used has several possible translations. It can be translated at flamboyant or colorful or gaudy or striking or dazzling. The original reporting last December translated it as brilliant, which has a couple of different meanings in English.
I'm not Russian, so I don't know exactly what the cultural subtext is here. In some cultures, describing a Presidential candidate as flamboyant might be a subtle way of saying that he was not suited for an office which comes with a lot of responsibility. Do you think that Putin admires flamboyant people? He doesn't seem to be a flamboyant person himself. It would be deeply ironic if Putin's alleged praise of Trump was actually a subtle insult.
He certainly never called Trump a genius.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/18/vladimir-putin-donald-trum...
I'm not Russian, so I don't know exactly what the cultural subtext is here. In some cultures, describing a Presidential candidate as flamboyant might be a subtle way of saying that he was not suited for an office which comes with a lot of responsibility. Do you think that Putin admires flamboyant people? He doesn't seem to be a flamboyant person himself. It would be deeply ironic if Putin's alleged praise of Trump was actually a subtle insult.
He certainly never called Trump a genius.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/18/vladimir-putin-donald-trum...
25
Sounds like Putin was stroking the ego of a useful idiot, not admiring an equal.
4
Certainly even those republicans who truly believed in the idea of bootstraps and pulling on them and the the whole survival of the fittest capitalism thing have got to be saying to themselves, "Is this really what we have become?"
Trump can only appeal to bullies and/or racists or perhaps those people who cover their ears and hummmm when he is on TV and simply imagine he is saying something else.
Can there really be that much hate and aggression out there that he is tapping into?
I agree that it must mostly be a tribal thing which essentially amounts to the last category of covering ones ears and humming, "he does not really mean it, he does not really mean it, he is a businessman, he is a businessman, his kids seem OK, his kids seem OK, he is one of us, he is a republican" etc.
Repeated over and over one might be able to tune out or tone down the truth and reality with a false narrative - for a short while - but the reality of Trump can't be easy for them to tone down or tune out for long - even for true tribalists.
The pure absurdity of him being a nominee is pretty much in your face every time he appears on TV and says something.
But the GOP has been gradually building up tolerance for this type of behavior for decades with outrageous statements from its leaders.
They have built this monster from a large array of used talking points.
Now it has taken on a life of its own - even scarier than the sum of its parts.
GOP : Trump :: Dr Frankenstein : Monster
Trump can only appeal to bullies and/or racists or perhaps those people who cover their ears and hummmm when he is on TV and simply imagine he is saying something else.
Can there really be that much hate and aggression out there that he is tapping into?
I agree that it must mostly be a tribal thing which essentially amounts to the last category of covering ones ears and humming, "he does not really mean it, he does not really mean it, he is a businessman, he is a businessman, his kids seem OK, his kids seem OK, he is one of us, he is a republican" etc.
Repeated over and over one might be able to tune out or tone down the truth and reality with a false narrative - for a short while - but the reality of Trump can't be easy for them to tone down or tune out for long - even for true tribalists.
The pure absurdity of him being a nominee is pretty much in your face every time he appears on TV and says something.
But the GOP has been gradually building up tolerance for this type of behavior for decades with outrageous statements from its leaders.
They have built this monster from a large array of used talking points.
Now it has taken on a life of its own - even scarier than the sum of its parts.
GOP : Trump :: Dr Frankenstein : Monster
321
I criticized a recent column for overreacting to the Trump-Putin link. But I gotta say it is getting scary, especially in the context of the "odd specificity" of Trump's positions on Putin that you note. If a Democrat had said anything remotely similar about a foreign, non-friendly power, he/she would immediately be branded as disloyal and possibly treasonous.
848
Thank you Dr. Krugman,
For explaining the differences between Tribalism & Patriotism.
For explaining the differences between Tribalism & Patriotism.
290
There is no more patriotic act than to point out the ways in which our great nation falls short and to work to rectify those injustices.
We progressives love America enough to point out the myriad ways in which she is failing so many of us and to try for positive change, while the Republicans stand that premise on it's head and claim that it "those people" who are failing America.
We progressives love America enough to point out the myriad ways in which she is failing so many of us and to try for positive change, while the Republicans stand that premise on it's head and claim that it "those people" who are failing America.
1245
Very well said David Taylor in Charlotte NC.
2
Brilliant!!!
18
Hillary made her bones tonight outdoing her husband, her daughter and even Barak. As fine a president one could ask for was relegated to the after life and a new Hillary/Bernie coalition was born. If Republicans thought that a cheap hustler with a big, nasty mouth was all this nation could come up with to lead this great country in these ferocious and precarious times, she gave them another think coming. After listening to her tonight, I can rest easier knowing the U.S. will be in good hands.
459
Hillary did fine and made her case ... but she didn't outdo Barack.
3
I can easily tell Paul Krugman who doesn't love America--NY Times commenters who constantly criticize everything America does or doesn't do. The blogger community is steadfast in clinging to their talking points that America is an evil racist horror show. Nothing ever changes--Democrats are noble warriors fighting the good fight and Republicans are bottom feeders who are hopelessly beyond redemption. It wasn't always like this. Believe it or not Democrats and Republicans were able to put aside their differences and work together from time to time. Those days are gone forever.
5
These days are gone until the Republicans regain sanity. One of our parties remains its normal icky self. The other one has been bonkers for some time now, expelling those of its members who dared to work with the enemy or accept some limitations on firearms.
Democrats could have refused to accept dubya as a legitimate president. Perhaps their loyalty to the institution of the presidency was mistaken or naive. Perhaps they were saps, suckers, losers. Republicans made it their first task to make Obama a one-term president, not to do their part to get the economy out of the hole that came about on their watch. Democrats are still a normal political party, and much more authentic than when they were half confederate and half liberal. Republicans are a collection of various sorts of fanatics who have little in common except an aversion to reality.
Democrats could have refused to accept dubya as a legitimate president. Perhaps their loyalty to the institution of the presidency was mistaken or naive. Perhaps they were saps, suckers, losers. Republicans made it their first task to make Obama a one-term president, not to do their part to get the economy out of the hole that came about on their watch. Democrats are still a normal political party, and much more authentic than when they were half confederate and half liberal. Republicans are a collection of various sorts of fanatics who have little in common except an aversion to reality.
35
I have to wonder whether you read the article. "I can easily tell Paul Krugman who doesn't love America--NY Times commenters who constantly criticize everything America does or doesn't do." Krugman doesn't criticize America once in his column. The first thing he says is that he loves to come home because he sees such an incredible mix of races and ethnicities living together. That is as close as a liberal will ever get to claiming American exceptionalism. Then he argues that America is exceptional when it lives up to the ideals upon which the nation was founded. He only criticizes Americans for falling short of those ideals, most notably when they stop being Americans and think only of those who look and act like them.
36
Unfortunately the demographics have changed, and the Republicans have had to cobble together unlikely coalitions to have any chance of remaining a national party. The result is a total loss of credibility as a party that may take years to recover from, and a total inability to compromise.
What was necessary (and this was known several years ago) was for the party to become more inclusive, but this was tossed out, and the disaster you see now is the direct result.
Bring on a reasonable candidate. Maybe you can get someone like Bloomberg. I have always voted Democratic, but I would at least think about someone as reasonable as him. But the primary candidates this year were off the scale, sorry.
What was necessary (and this was known several years ago) was for the party to become more inclusive, but this was tossed out, and the disaster you see now is the direct result.
Bring on a reasonable candidate. Maybe you can get someone like Bloomberg. I have always voted Democratic, but I would at least think about someone as reasonable as him. But the primary candidates this year were off the scale, sorry.
6
Although Krugman is one of my favorite columnists, I wish he would leave the easy task of debunking Trump's outrageous statements and get back to the hard work of economic analysis for which he is so well qualified. For instance, H Clinton's acceptance speech, emphasizing Sanders/Warren themes, made promises for making the economy work for more than the top 1% and mentions raising the minimum wage, equal pay for equal work, more support for education and child care. After 30 years of intensive legal and regulatory shifts favoring the 1%, including support from her husband's presidency (e.g., Glass-Steagal repeal, etc.) and from her votes as Senator, is she not only credible, but will these things be enough. Although I agreed with many of Sanders positions, I do have a problem with his demonization of large corporations. While they have to be reined in, they remain a major resource. I see the challenge as how to push the pigs currently hogging the trough to share it without slaughtering them. They may squeal but they won't die of hunger anytime soon. Krugman's insight into macro economics would be very helpful here. I suggest he leave the easy shots at Trump to his colleagues Blow, Brooks, Collins & others, and that he get back to work crunching statistics to help us better understand the real challenges ahead.
37
As far as I'm concerned, Dr. Krugman can write about whatever he pleases and I will read it with great interest.
He may be a brilliant Nobel-winning economist, but he's also a remarkably incisive cultural observer. Pretty much every one of his economic predictions have come true over the past 20 years or so, but so have his perceptive cultural predictions.
Saying that Dr. Krugman should leave cultural commentary to others and stick to economics is a bit like saying Hillary Clinton should stay at home and bake cookies for her grandchild.
And by the way, I think you missed the point of his column. Sure, there are a few easy shots at Trump, but the crux is about the hypocritical, flag-waving "patriotism" of the GOP. The more this is called out, the more it will motivate sane people to cast their vote against hypocrisy and ignorance in November. So I say "thank you, Dr. Krugman, and please keep it up".
He may be a brilliant Nobel-winning economist, but he's also a remarkably incisive cultural observer. Pretty much every one of his economic predictions have come true over the past 20 years or so, but so have his perceptive cultural predictions.
Saying that Dr. Krugman should leave cultural commentary to others and stick to economics is a bit like saying Hillary Clinton should stay at home and bake cookies for her grandchild.
And by the way, I think you missed the point of his column. Sure, there are a few easy shots at Trump, but the crux is about the hypocritical, flag-waving "patriotism" of the GOP. The more this is called out, the more it will motivate sane people to cast their vote against hypocrisy and ignorance in November. So I say "thank you, Dr. Krugman, and please keep it up".
130
We need some sort of powerful analogy that will capture our relation to large corporations in all its complexity. They are sort of like the broom that was enchanted by the sorcerer's apprentice -- absolutely powerful and determined to do the task for which it was created, making money, and absolutely oblivious to when its task became destructive rather than helpful. The brooms must remain under the control of someone who can judge when enough water has been fetched and more would be harmful. The brooms, to preserve their freedom, may create an image of caring about how much water is really needed, but the spell that brings them about is so far incapable of creating this care.
Corporations are the brooms in the tale of the sorcerer's apprentice. Where the tale falls short is that there is no sorcerer to rescue the apprentice and the studio from what he has created. The apprentice is going to have to develop a better spell before the brooms submerge everything.
Corporations are the brooms in the tale of the sorcerer's apprentice. Where the tale falls short is that there is no sorcerer to rescue the apprentice and the studio from what he has created. The apprentice is going to have to develop a better spell before the brooms submerge everything.
6
But we know how to do this. We did it before, in the Great Prosperity of 1946 - 1973. Here are some of the policies we can follow:
1. Return to much more progressive tax rates to encourage the Rich to leave more of their profits in their companies & their companies to pay their workers more, & to discourage the Rich from wild speculation.
2. Strengthen unions by requiring workers to pay for the union benefits they receive & by enforcing rules on coercion by companies against organization. Follow Germany & require union representation on the boards of large companies.
3. Strongly regulate speculation, e.g. require the buyer of a futures contract to take delivery, require banks to get a court order to sell its end of a mortgage contract, outlaw naked credit default swaps.
6. Stop worrying about the debt & invest in America--fix our crumbling infrastructure, build a better power grid, increase support for education at all levels, fund research, etc. If we grow the economy, the debt will fade into insignificance as in 1946 - 1973. On the other hand we can balance the budget. All 6 times we balanced the budget for more than 3 years, we got a major depression.
7. Make the federal gov the employer of last resort with a decent job or paid training for such a job for everyone able to work. There are plenty of things that need to be done. See 5. (this was done under FDR in the 30's).
http://www.levyinstitute.org/topics/job-guarantee
1. Return to much more progressive tax rates to encourage the Rich to leave more of their profits in their companies & their companies to pay their workers more, & to discourage the Rich from wild speculation.
2. Strengthen unions by requiring workers to pay for the union benefits they receive & by enforcing rules on coercion by companies against organization. Follow Germany & require union representation on the boards of large companies.
3. Strongly regulate speculation, e.g. require the buyer of a futures contract to take delivery, require banks to get a court order to sell its end of a mortgage contract, outlaw naked credit default swaps.
6. Stop worrying about the debt & invest in America--fix our crumbling infrastructure, build a better power grid, increase support for education at all levels, fund research, etc. If we grow the economy, the debt will fade into insignificance as in 1946 - 1973. On the other hand we can balance the budget. All 6 times we balanced the budget for more than 3 years, we got a major depression.
7. Make the federal gov the employer of last resort with a decent job or paid training for such a job for everyone able to work. There are plenty of things that need to be done. See 5. (this was done under FDR in the 30's).
http://www.levyinstitute.org/topics/job-guarantee
12
Interesting, but not one of Professor Krugman's best. I don't buy "tribalism", but maybe I didn't understand his intention there. All of the important keywords I searched for just weren't there.
Today's so-called Republican Party is about lust for power and love of money over any principles, including patriotism. A Republican conservative like John Wayne would be banished for saying something like "I hope he does a good job" in reference to ANY Democratic leader.
It would have helped to define "tribalism", but it's more important to define "Republican", because whatever it means now, there is NO connection between a party led by Con Man Donald and the original Republican Party led by Honest Abe. Over 150 years after his death, and we still tell stories about Lincoln's wise sayings, but Trump will leave behind nothing but a trail of sad jokes, with himself as the punchline.
The GOP of Ike and Teddy was sort of transitional in that it was friendly towards business, but today's GOP has nothing "Grand" about it. Today's brand hijack needs a truth-in-advertising rebranding. I like neo-GOP on the grounds of neo-anything ain't, but HOP for Hateful Oldies Party might have a better ring.
This election is a hatefest and it might be decided on Twitter rather than the NY Times, with Tweets like:
#NextTrumpBook Surfing the Rising Tide of American Insanity
#NextTrumpSong Coming 'Round the Mountain at 90 Miles an Hour When Trump Slammed America into Reverse
Today's so-called Republican Party is about lust for power and love of money over any principles, including patriotism. A Republican conservative like John Wayne would be banished for saying something like "I hope he does a good job" in reference to ANY Democratic leader.
It would have helped to define "tribalism", but it's more important to define "Republican", because whatever it means now, there is NO connection between a party led by Con Man Donald and the original Republican Party led by Honest Abe. Over 150 years after his death, and we still tell stories about Lincoln's wise sayings, but Trump will leave behind nothing but a trail of sad jokes, with himself as the punchline.
The GOP of Ike and Teddy was sort of transitional in that it was friendly towards business, but today's GOP has nothing "Grand" about it. Today's brand hijack needs a truth-in-advertising rebranding. I like neo-GOP on the grounds of neo-anything ain't, but HOP for Hateful Oldies Party might have a better ring.
This election is a hatefest and it might be decided on Twitter rather than the NY Times, with Tweets like:
#NextTrumpBook Surfing the Rising Tide of American Insanity
#NextTrumpSong Coming 'Round the Mountain at 90 Miles an Hour When Trump Slammed America into Reverse
10
I love America - and my over 90 year old 'Republican' American grandfather loves America - and he 'hates' - absolutely 'hates' Trump -
because he knows that Trump is nothing but an 'Insane Racist Birther'.
And I - as a BernieBro - who had to feel no love from the NYT - also love Europe - and don't like it - if Americans paint the same picture 'terrible' picture of Europe - as Trump painted of America.
And all of the above explains the total and absolute confusion of contemporary Americans.
because he knows that Trump is nothing but an 'Insane Racist Birther'.
And I - as a BernieBro - who had to feel no love from the NYT - also love Europe - and don't like it - if Americans paint the same picture 'terrible' picture of Europe - as Trump painted of America.
And all of the above explains the total and absolute confusion of contemporary Americans.
9
Sorry, 'Europe' doesn't exist. It's a bureaucratic - and an American - fiction. Prague and, say, Valencia are not similar in the way that Bar Harbor, Maine and Milledgeville, Georgia are. To say that one 'loves Europe' - or doesn't - is to say nothing at all. If 'Europe' is shorthand for 'the European Union', then it is indeed in a dire state. No one - on either side of the pro or anti-EU side - can contest that. To say that these are dangerous times for the European Union is simply to state the obvious. It doesn't make one an American rube.
7
Sorry - some of the sociopolitical and religious differences which exist between my Cousins in South Carolina and the Cousins in Laguna Beach CA - don't exist between the 'European' Cousins in Germany or Greece.
And I understand - that fact might be completely subjective - But still: Each year we go back for Thanksgiving to the homeland - we all have noticed in the last years - that the fights between the 'Republicans' of our family and the 'Democrats' have become so poisonous - that the conflicts between the Greek-Americans and the German- Americans are better than the American fiction of 'unity'.
And that is not saying that Europeans are more 'united' than Americans.
It's only saying: If you look at this Presidential election and the two conventions - there seems to be even more room for compromise between every Northern and Southern European State!
And I understand - that fact might be completely subjective - But still: Each year we go back for Thanksgiving to the homeland - we all have noticed in the last years - that the fights between the 'Republicans' of our family and the 'Democrats' have become so poisonous - that the conflicts between the Greek-Americans and the German- Americans are better than the American fiction of 'unity'.
And that is not saying that Europeans are more 'united' than Americans.
It's only saying: If you look at this Presidential election and the two conventions - there seems to be even more room for compromise between every Northern and Southern European State!
10
I think Obama got it right. Republicans used to be the party that defended the status quo, while Democrats were the party of change.
Democrats wanted to raise taxes, grow the government, and move America in a socialist direction. Republicans tended to prefer traditional American values of small government. Republicans idealized traditional ideas of home and family, while Democrats wanted feminism and gay marriage. Republicans liked traditional industrial economic growth, while Democrats wanted to save the environment.
This year the party roles have flipped. The sort of cheerful patriotism we saw in Philadelphia is an affirmation of the status quo. It says that the country is basically on the right track. Cleveland was more about radical change, and clearly a rejection of globalization. Philadelphia endorsed open borders, and fudged the issue of trade.
Hillary Clinton is the status quo candidate, while Donald Trump is the radical change candidate.
Democrats wanted to raise taxes, grow the government, and move America in a socialist direction. Republicans tended to prefer traditional American values of small government. Republicans idealized traditional ideas of home and family, while Democrats wanted feminism and gay marriage. Republicans liked traditional industrial economic growth, while Democrats wanted to save the environment.
This year the party roles have flipped. The sort of cheerful patriotism we saw in Philadelphia is an affirmation of the status quo. It says that the country is basically on the right track. Cleveland was more about radical change, and clearly a rejection of globalization. Philadelphia endorsed open borders, and fudged the issue of trade.
Hillary Clinton is the status quo candidate, while Donald Trump is the radical change candidate.
10
'Hillary Clinton is the status quo candidate, while Donald Trump is the radical change candidate.'
If I may correct: 'Donald Trump is the 'RACIST change candidate'.
If I may correct: 'Donald Trump is the 'RACIST change candidate'.
41
"Hillary Clinton is the status quo candidate, while Donald Trump is the radical change candidate."
With a change of names, this statement could have been made in Italy in 1922.
With a change of names, this statement could have been made in Italy in 1922.
9
Play fair, now, Paul. If Putin had hacked an email server that no longer exists, he did it years ago, and he did it without any invitation from Trump or anyone else’s permission because that’s what countries do – they spy on one another. In just the same manner, China peeks into the notes of NYT and WSJ reporters and steals the industrial secrets of the West right and left. Heaven only knows what WE do.
Trump didn’t petition Putin to “engage in espionage” on his behalf. All he did was mention that if Putin HAD hacked that server years ago and still has the 30,000 emails that Mrs. Clinton’s lawyers deleted, it would be interesting to know what was in them, because if any contained information that bore on national security, then those lawyers obstructed justice. And that would be historically interesting, because obstructing justice constituted the first article of impeachment against Richard Nixon charged by the House in 1974 – an article on which Mrs. Clinton may have worked in her service to the Watergate Committee. It may take 42 years, but what goes around … always … comes around.
It was a good convention, and I expect Mrs. Clinton will get her bounce from it, drawing even again with Trump in RCP average polls. But until she can explain how she’s going to get Bernie Sanders’s and Elizabeth Warren’s agenda through Congress – and we heard nothing of this in Philly – then all she really promises is four more years of frozen politics. What’s “patriotic” about THAT?
Trump didn’t petition Putin to “engage in espionage” on his behalf. All he did was mention that if Putin HAD hacked that server years ago and still has the 30,000 emails that Mrs. Clinton’s lawyers deleted, it would be interesting to know what was in them, because if any contained information that bore on national security, then those lawyers obstructed justice. And that would be historically interesting, because obstructing justice constituted the first article of impeachment against Richard Nixon charged by the House in 1974 – an article on which Mrs. Clinton may have worked in her service to the Watergate Committee. It may take 42 years, but what goes around … always … comes around.
It was a good convention, and I expect Mrs. Clinton will get her bounce from it, drawing even again with Trump in RCP average polls. But until she can explain how she’s going to get Bernie Sanders’s and Elizabeth Warren’s agenda through Congress – and we heard nothing of this in Philly – then all she really promises is four more years of frozen politics. What’s “patriotic” about THAT?
22
Still bitter over the impeachment of "I am not a crook!" Nixon, Richard?
Today's Republican Party is even more paranoid schizophrenic.
Today's Republican Party is even more paranoid schizophrenic.
169
Seriously ? Frozen politics ? And the Democrats stalled legislation ?
As an outsider, I don't resent you your vote, I have mine where I like it ; but I do question your reasoning as specious.
The first question about anybody who possesses those hacked "irrelevant and personal" emails would be their authenticity. You would need the trace and the counter-party version of it to prove it, that is if the counter-parties were not hacked and amenable to releasing it. Obstruction of justice needs the presumption of a crime. And the only definitive crime here is the violation of privacy and other cyber-laws ; not the deletion of irrelevant emails.
What goes around does come around. But it applies more to evil than good. Because the good guys do good and let go. The good guys don't hide. The bad guys do. Just ask Yanukovich.
You have a history of quality comments on NYT ? I hope to God _*that*_ list hasn't been hacked because your comments here are illogical.
And she doesn't need to explain anything to anyone who will not vote for her. She just has to come across as more credible than less - and more rational than less.
Anything that doesn't change things for the worse, is a good thing. Even not doing any harm is a good thing. Because "unchanged" is better than "worse".
There is certainly a LOT patriotic about preservation and not destruction. There's a bust on Rushmore for that.
As an outsider, I don't resent you your vote, I have mine where I like it ; but I do question your reasoning as specious.
The first question about anybody who possesses those hacked "irrelevant and personal" emails would be their authenticity. You would need the trace and the counter-party version of it to prove it, that is if the counter-parties were not hacked and amenable to releasing it. Obstruction of justice needs the presumption of a crime. And the only definitive crime here is the violation of privacy and other cyber-laws ; not the deletion of irrelevant emails.
What goes around does come around. But it applies more to evil than good. Because the good guys do good and let go. The good guys don't hide. The bad guys do. Just ask Yanukovich.
You have a history of quality comments on NYT ? I hope to God _*that*_ list hasn't been hacked because your comments here are illogical.
And she doesn't need to explain anything to anyone who will not vote for her. She just has to come across as more credible than less - and more rational than less.
Anything that doesn't change things for the worse, is a good thing. Even not doing any harm is a good thing. Because "unchanged" is better than "worse".
There is certainly a LOT patriotic about preservation and not destruction. There's a bust on Rushmore for that.
182
Richard Luettgen is exhibit A in why nothing anyone says -- not Hillary or her minions, nor Trump and his; and certainly not anyone who writes for the NYT -- matters one whit.
He is clearly a reasonably intelligent and educated man. And yet his antipathy toward traditional Democratic approaches to government is so deep-seated, so visceral, that he has used his intellect to sophistically persuade himself that Donald Trump, a man who in a sane world would be summarily dismissed from consideration, represents the lesser of two evils.
From my perspective it is breathtaking, indeed mind-boggling that anyone not burdened by virtually global ignorance, misinformation, malice or stupidity could come to that conclusion.
And yet, here we are. If a Luettgen can't be persuaded that, at least for this go-round, the Republican candidate is so blatantly unfit on so many grounds --ethical, intellectual, temperamental-- that pointing to one specific or another is irrelevant, imagine trying to persuade a prototypical Duck Dynasty fan.
My best, clear-eyed analysis leads me to believe that Clinton will ultimately prevail, garnering somewhere around 52-55% of the vote. The punditocracy will immediately declare this a "landslide", a "mandate", a "stunning rejection" of Trump. I, saddled with congenital glass-half-empty-ism, will view the fact that I live in a country wherein the likes of Trump had the support of close to half the populace as profoundly disturbing; a tragedy.
He is clearly a reasonably intelligent and educated man. And yet his antipathy toward traditional Democratic approaches to government is so deep-seated, so visceral, that he has used his intellect to sophistically persuade himself that Donald Trump, a man who in a sane world would be summarily dismissed from consideration, represents the lesser of two evils.
From my perspective it is breathtaking, indeed mind-boggling that anyone not burdened by virtually global ignorance, misinformation, malice or stupidity could come to that conclusion.
And yet, here we are. If a Luettgen can't be persuaded that, at least for this go-round, the Republican candidate is so blatantly unfit on so many grounds --ethical, intellectual, temperamental-- that pointing to one specific or another is irrelevant, imagine trying to persuade a prototypical Duck Dynasty fan.
My best, clear-eyed analysis leads me to believe that Clinton will ultimately prevail, garnering somewhere around 52-55% of the vote. The punditocracy will immediately declare this a "landslide", a "mandate", a "stunning rejection" of Trump. I, saddled with congenital glass-half-empty-ism, will view the fact that I live in a country wherein the likes of Trump had the support of close to half the populace as profoundly disturbing; a tragedy.
1079
I am very glad that I was born in the USA. One great grandfather emigrated from Prussia, in 1863, a horseman in the Kaiser army I have his leave papers, he brought a sister in law and her children, his brothers were her in 1861, he forgot to go back.They were Jews and happy to get out of Europe then.
On the other side, they came from pre revolutionary Scotch Irish, I have enjoyed all the freedoms and advantages that they came here for. I do put a flag out on the 4th, and Memorial day, i did enlist in the military, I do pay my taxes, reluctantly at times but that is the price of freedom.
Some of the most patriotic people I have known and do know, are immigrants, they are the most enthusiastic citizens I know. On the other hand, those flag wavers speeding down our residential street, with their sound systems assaulting our ears, flags flying from their cars, are some of the most rude people around. Trying to show us what patriots they are, for what purpose, I can only guess.
We love our country fro what it allows us to do. To lie a life that keeps us happy and well off. There are those who are not as privileged as us, but they would be worse off in most other countries. The defining characteristic of the USA is freedom to be an individual, to live life on your own terms, as long as it does not interfere with others right to do so too.
there is nothing here we cannot fix, we have been doing it for 240 years, hurray for the red white and blue.
On the other side, they came from pre revolutionary Scotch Irish, I have enjoyed all the freedoms and advantages that they came here for. I do put a flag out on the 4th, and Memorial day, i did enlist in the military, I do pay my taxes, reluctantly at times but that is the price of freedom.
Some of the most patriotic people I have known and do know, are immigrants, they are the most enthusiastic citizens I know. On the other hand, those flag wavers speeding down our residential street, with their sound systems assaulting our ears, flags flying from their cars, are some of the most rude people around. Trying to show us what patriots they are, for what purpose, I can only guess.
We love our country fro what it allows us to do. To lie a life that keeps us happy and well off. There are those who are not as privileged as us, but they would be worse off in most other countries. The defining characteristic of the USA is freedom to be an individual, to live life on your own terms, as long as it does not interfere with others right to do so too.
there is nothing here we cannot fix, we have been doing it for 240 years, hurray for the red white and blue.
199
Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.
My father (who led soldiers on Okinawa) and his generation came home from WWII, finished school and went to work, very rarely talking about the war. They felt no need to wear lapel pins.
And have you noticed that the loudest "patriots" are chickenhawks?
My father (who led soldiers on Okinawa) and his generation came home from WWII, finished school and went to work, very rarely talking about the war. They felt no need to wear lapel pins.
And have you noticed that the loudest "patriots" are chickenhawks?
1620
Agree with you totally. As my daddy use to say "biggest talk; smallest action"
43
The "scoundrel " quotation was intended by its original author to apply to someone taking refuge in patriotism to make an indefensible argument.
Pride in country means much more than that though. It is a natural condition of citizenship and in fact America and any country worthy the name would never have developed as it did without it. This was the basics of "civics" which I hope is still taught. Without it and relying on a vague multiculturalism, which is what Paul Krugman seems to support, means our countries won't last very long.
Finally, to extrapolate from the example of one WW II veteran is unwarranted.
Pride in country means much more than that though. It is a natural condition of citizenship and in fact America and any country worthy the name would never have developed as it did without it. This was the basics of "civics" which I hope is still taught. Without it and relying on a vague multiculturalism, which is what Paul Krugman seems to support, means our countries won't last very long.
Finally, to extrapolate from the example of one WW II veteran is unwarranted.
4
We're Patriotic and P.C.,
Exactly how I want to be,
While Trump and his cronies
All phony baloneys
With Putin are playing footsie.
But hatred of Dark skins persist,
On White domination insist,
Reagan myths persevere
Slanders bigots revere,
Like Trump, activist and racist.
Exactly how I want to be,
While Trump and his cronies
All phony baloneys
With Putin are playing footsie.
But hatred of Dark skins persist,
On White domination insist,
Reagan myths persevere
Slanders bigots revere,
Like Trump, activist and racist.
168
Terrific, Larry. But there's so much to inspire you right now, right?
17
The last 8 years of GOP control (needing 60 votes in the Senate to have a bowel movement) reminds me of a treasonous, child-like group who will cry and pound their fists on the floor unless any legislation is everything they want. That is not how negotiation works, that is not how our country works. We move foeward in small degrees.
Thanks to GOP clogging of legislation, we are mired in a weird economic impotent malaise only because of the GOP. The party with the one guy who wants to rule, who has all the answers, are the party causing the problems.
The GOP has no answers and lack patriotism -- they are the party of a narcissistic, egotistical, paranoid twitter freak.
Time to clean the house of the kids and install adults.