They're going to have to fight for their civilization? Haven't the NYT and other lead media and elite universities been telling us that Western civilization is racist and dominated by privileged white males? Since when does the NYT give a fig about preserving civilization? It's all about identity now...
9
What is missing here is journalists who write news articles that present an issue and in doing so show two sides of the issue. We now have swimmers crossing the rigors of waters like the English Channel with only one arm! A left arm. Walter Cronkite had two arms. Print journalists in the 1950's and 1960's swam these rough waters using both arms. That was the challenge of their profession. Much easier to write opinion than to write news. The latter takes less skill. Less. Not more.
What happened to the right arms of these world-class athletes? The right arm diminished over the decades...atrophied due to lack of use. Like gill slits in the phases of the human embryo.
So, readers, read on. Articles written as news when they are in fact opinion pieces. Opinion not news.
Are those teeny, tiny vestigial right arms able to grow again, NYT writers? Try using them....you might grow as a writer if you try that. Or do you prefer the easy way?
What happened to the right arms of these world-class athletes? The right arm diminished over the decades...atrophied due to lack of use. Like gill slits in the phases of the human embryo.
So, readers, read on. Articles written as news when they are in fact opinion pieces. Opinion not news.
Are those teeny, tiny vestigial right arms able to grow again, NYT writers? Try using them....you might grow as a writer if you try that. Or do you prefer the easy way?
7
When will the American people fire this man?
27
How can we legally dispatch him? And when?
25
The NY Times comment sections demonstrate some great examples of "group-think" and mutual admiration societies. Basically, "you're not welcome here if you don't think like us." Wow. I will admit that there is a lot of drama, however, if you're in to eye-catching phrases and borrowed cliches.
9
Plain and simple, whatever you want to call Trump, he is not fit to be President.
51
Brilliant writing. Thank you. We need this kind of journalism today more than ever. Please, New York Times, keep this spirit alive. You are clarity in the fog and blizzard of misinformation.
56
Your best column yet. To gain freedom was hard and now we are going to have to fight hard to keep it.
28
Wow! Couldn't have been said better.
17
Fight, yes, but how? What is the best way to fight against this nascent totalitarianism?
23
At least we have a leader with a backbone in the White House. Unlike spineless Obama. Hey, why didn't the NY Times write an article about Obama giving 200 plus million to the Palestinians a day or two before he left office?
7
Thanks to all of you NY Times people for standing up to this bully, to ultimately conquer his banal beligerence.
14
I keep thinking of John Lennon's quote, "time wounds all heels", and worry about how much time it might take.
11
I understand your concern...but your argument fell part at "When Primo Levi arrived at Auschwitz". Trump is not Hitler...enough of the fascist analogies...it makes you really seem foolish. There are limits to his power. He can be removed from office, impeached , forced to resign. He can't pass one law without Congress. If he does those laws can be challenged in court. But he is going to govern as a conservative. If Cruz or Rubio had been elected they would have done variations on the same thing. It's been eight years since we have had a conservative POTUS. It's a shock to the system. But it isn't the second coming of the Third Reich... that's absurd. In four years there will be someone else in the White House if Trump doesn't deliver. We'll get through this. We have in the past, we will again. Courage.
14
Speak out against this "president" and his policies if you disagree with them.
16
He's a liar AND delusional. That's not an alternate fact. His base lies and is deluded, from his press secretary to his typical supporter who "just looks for the good" and "doesn't pay any attention to all that."
And he's just getting warmed up. He got a nice round of applause at the CIA when he denounced the news media. Wait till he gets a few more rallies
under his belt. Then we'll see who gets locked up. File those stories while you can.
And he's just getting warmed up. He got a nice round of applause at the CIA when he denounced the news media. Wait till he gets a few more rallies
under his belt. Then we'll see who gets locked up. File those stories while you can.
19
You over educated elitists are so silly. And the thing is, when you are proven wrong you never say that you are sorry because you really really beloved what you said no matter how foolish.
3
Doesn't putins puppet need congress to authorise the spending on any of these actions? Isn't there already a wall in place? Doesn't he have to lay out to the American people how Mexico is going to pay for this wall?
I am counting on our brave and honourable war veterans to stand up AGAIN as they did last time against the xl pipeline and in defense of Native American land and rights.
I am counting on our brave and honourable war veterans to stand up AGAIN as they did last time against the xl pipeline and in defense of Native American land and rights.
18
More aptly, the Banal Belligerence of Fox News. Trump is not an original thinker.
24
Thank you for this brilliant and powerful reminder, Roger Cohen and NYT.
14
Banal Belligerence? All that? Get real.
...he's INSANE. Some days dangerously insane with instincts of
the worst of history's mad men. But mostly an overhyped venal, vile
vulgar mass of out of control fury.
Think of the things he's said and done. put them together finally, and
get real about his being apossible president of this country.
...he's INSANE. Some days dangerously insane with instincts of
the worst of history's mad men. But mostly an overhyped venal, vile
vulgar mass of out of control fury.
Think of the things he's said and done. put them together finally, and
get real about his being apossible president of this country.
23
wait till he tells us he will make the trains run on time.......then all suspicions will be confirmed
8
Good article and not to far from the realm of possibility if the media and the citizens of this country let this fool operate without consequence. The media especially must call him out ON EVERYTHING HE DOES. Demand explanations and straight talk. Not Conway mealy mouthing her way out of answers.
21
I live in the gulag of Georgia (usa),if not for the ever swelling throngs of resistence to this man, I would have fled across the border (I still might,before he seals us all in ! )...I am having panic attacks at the thought of "fortress usa",which seems to be materializing out of "fearless leaders" latest media obsession ...just how much larger was his inaugural than that of his predecessors' ? as of 12pm?...let us not forget his revision of the vote count..thus, the face of the regime, Kelly-ann ... morphs into propaganda minister goebells...at each alternative lie...
13
Mr. Cohen:
thank you for this memo ...
indeed: "WHY?"
more indeed: herr drumpf is reaching for the axe
most indeed: as his storm-troopers approach, who will defend?
to 'borrow' from GOT: 'winter', most assuredly, is coming
grrrrrr
5
Yes, Australians that died in IRAQ along with Americans you do not need Jullian Assange You need Dick Cheyney Donald Rumsfeld, Jethro, Sorry I mean HW Bush, Our Prime Minister John Howard And Tony Blair Locked up for war crimes.
7
After taking him for a con man, I'm becoming increasingly convinced that there is a different reason for Trump's words (lies) and actions, which is that he is mentally ill. It is becoming clear, through Spicer's comments among other things, that he genuinely believes in his nonsense (voter fraud, already having a health plan, ketc) and that he is emotionally hurt when he is mocked & not believed. I am not sure which is worse, that 60 million people got duped or that a sick man is "leading" the free world. Sad!
22
Trump's outrageous claims are most definitely an assault on rational thought, as Roger Cohen states. The Trump administration is the most frightening ever to set foot in the White House. Their goal is not to simply peddle "alternate facts," but an entire alternate reality--the distorted, Trump-centric view of the world. No wonder Sean Spicer was dispatched like some zany general to shout lies very loudly--as if that would render them true--and declare war on the enemy, the working press, who dare to expose his lies.
13
The scariest thing so far - which is to say tomorrow brings is yet another chapter in Trump's fantastic voyage - is his alluding to the CIA that they "might get another chance" to take Iraq's oil as the spoils of war. Putting thousands of troops on the ground at risk with such casual remarks, which Spicer then defended as deliberately ambiguous to "keep adversaries guessing", is an irresposible ad hoc way to set policy. Yes, he set policy by rattling his sabre and his bravado sent chills down the spines of allies around the world. Nice work for your 4th day in office, Donny.
14
"Banal" belligerence? In no way. This is a calculated attack on any AMERICAN who dares to differ from the racist, misogynistic, buffoon that is DJT. Just look at your picture. Were he not ( a fake, toupeed blond) and we who are living in the 21st century, then he could easily be exchanged for 1939. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Time to dispose of the electoral "college". We've all got degrees now. And, while it was an admirable democratic invention at the time, perhaps manly men might take a little counsel from Abigail and Louisa Adams. Or just watch your TV. Bigger women's march than inaugural (I'm trying to speak in the trumpster language). But that's darn hard for a civilized PhD.
20
Thank you Roger, I will not be able to sleep tonight.
9
I believe we crossed to the dark side years ago, right after 9/11 when we invaded Afghanistan and reporters told us our Afghan "allies" were suffocating "terrorist" prisoners in shipping containers, and everybody was OK with it, and when Mike Spahn was killed right after threatening to kill the wounded American Taliban boy--all on our newscasts. Then we had the Patriot Act, etc. and invaded Iraq...and so forth. The show goes on...
7
In the early years of President Obama's first term the Tea Party formed and reversed a Democratic majority in Congress. This had a devastating effect on President Obama's ability to govern.
In 2018 we will have mid-term elections. We can produce a Democratic majority in the Senate and, at the very least, a reduced majority in the House.
But to do so we must ACT. Now, from this very day. Words in the comments column and opinion pages are necessary and useful. But they are not enough. Each one of us who wants change must ACT NOW. RESIST AND REPLACE WHATEVER ISN'T WORKING.
Don't be satisfied by speaking out alone. March, organize, run for office, vote. That's the way to turn things around. And turn them around we must!
In 2018 we will have mid-term elections. We can produce a Democratic majority in the Senate and, at the very least, a reduced majority in the House.
But to do so we must ACT. Now, from this very day. Words in the comments column and opinion pages are necessary and useful. But they are not enough. Each one of us who wants change must ACT NOW. RESIST AND REPLACE WHATEVER ISN'T WORKING.
Don't be satisfied by speaking out alone. March, organize, run for office, vote. That's the way to turn things around. And turn them around we must!
9
Because if you ask why, and keep asking why, you get to the cause or base of the problem which is usually money or power.
6
I read the reports of the press conferences, watch the videos, and do more reading. I expect a new administration to make a few missteps and mistakes early on. But what we're seeing are not mistakes; they are blatantly thought out comments. Kudos to Kellyanne for her quickly thinking up "alternative facts" on the spot, but there is more truth in those two words than has been spoken from Mr. Spicer at the podium.
It's day 4 of the administration. At what point do they - Mr. Spicer, Ms. Conway - lose credibility? Today? Tomorrow? Next week? Or was it last Saturday?
More importantly, do they really care?
It's day 4 of the administration. At what point do they - Mr. Spicer, Ms. Conway - lose credibility? Today? Tomorrow? Next week? Or was it last Saturday?
More importantly, do they really care?
11
Instead of asking 'why', what about 'HOW'?
2
Brilliant, Roger. Thank you.
I also wish to repeat, as so many have requested for weeks: please, NYT, stop publishing images of a vicious Trump* in tyrant poses with every article.
I also wish to repeat, as so many have requested for weeks: please, NYT, stop publishing images of a vicious Trump* in tyrant poses with every article.
8
Sad enough but eminently true and to the point except for that recurring dichotomy of self aggrandizement and self adoration of a patently false premise : American Democracy of power centers, lobbies, cartels mega corps and benighted self delusion .
Cohen here is on a self purification expedition that dares not recall IMPERIALIST, DESTRUCTIVE America and the enemical outgrowths it gave birth to among the American people who came to believe in a non existent myth........typical American selfishness,
America suffers from the malignant duality of a fake democracy and a strident , vicious, arrogant and destructive imperialism with adventurous Presidents laughing all the way to the White House.
Bitterness is NOT the way out
Cohen here is on a self purification expedition that dares not recall IMPERIALIST, DESTRUCTIVE America and the enemical outgrowths it gave birth to among the American people who came to believe in a non existent myth........typical American selfishness,
America suffers from the malignant duality of a fake democracy and a strident , vicious, arrogant and destructive imperialism with adventurous Presidents laughing all the way to the White House.
Bitterness is NOT the way out
4
Trump will not change. The rash, unpredictable behavior in the past
week will continue. His closest advisers are Stephen Bannon, former editor
of Breitbart News,, and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law. And they have
Trump's ear. What is scary is there seems to be no organized opposition to'
derail Trump. It is frightening that he can start a war or
create a economic depression with the stroke of his
pen.
week will continue. His closest advisers are Stephen Bannon, former editor
of Breitbart News,, and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law. And they have
Trump's ear. What is scary is there seems to be no organized opposition to'
derail Trump. It is frightening that he can start a war or
create a economic depression with the stroke of his
pen.
7
We can look at current events in nauseated astonishment, even associate them with similar past occurrences and still avoid perceiving that humanity in itself is an "almost" complete failure. Want to know more issues that connect Mr. Cohen brilliant lines with a wrongly assumed long gone era? Please read: "Old Nazis, the New Right, and the Republican Party" by Russ Bellant.
I do study WWI and WWII for the past 55 years and it appears to be more a fluid never-ending process full of intrigues, opportunism, bigotry, treason and mayhem.
What deceives us are the new toys. Since "they" did not have cellphones and microwaves, then the chapter is closed.
Maybe we should consider that now we have....the bomb, the most powerful toy of all. But, I am dreaming.....
I do study WWI and WWII for the past 55 years and it appears to be more a fluid never-ending process full of intrigues, opportunism, bigotry, treason and mayhem.
What deceives us are the new toys. Since "they" did not have cellphones and microwaves, then the chapter is closed.
Maybe we should consider that now we have....the bomb, the most powerful toy of all. But, I am dreaming.....
This is a solid observation and analysis of Trump's intent. Thank you and please return to this often, as I'd like to see how your thinking evolves on the subject. Thank you!
6
Wasn't it "Mad Dog" Mattis who said, "I will kill you"? Oh well, that's wishful thinking. The mistake the media has made from day one with Trump is to give him coverage. Don't interview him or any of his Cabinet, administration, or any of his minions. Investigate, investigate, and investigate some more until all that he keeps hidden comes to light.
13
What can you do?
1. Get the following books from your library or bookstore today and read them:
Fascism: A Reader's Guide. Analyses, Interpretations, Bibliography – edited by Walter Laquer (1976, reprinted in 1979 & 1982)
Hitler: A Study in Tyranny. By (Sir) Alan Bullock (former head of Oxford University in the 1970s). (1952, reprinted in 1962 &1990)
2. Then conduct a local study group at your library with others (used copies are cheap and you can buy extras to lend to friends).
3. Decide how you can help others in your community learn about how Trump's rise in the USA is a threat to democracy, personal freedom, and then spread the word.
4. Write your Senator and House Rep. and let them know you hold THEM responsible for what is happening if they are Republican, and send copies of these books to your Senator and House Rep. Ask them to read the books and them go see them as a group at the next open door they hold in your community. Yes, let them know you know what is happening and will no longer be silent.
1. Get the following books from your library or bookstore today and read them:
Fascism: A Reader's Guide. Analyses, Interpretations, Bibliography – edited by Walter Laquer (1976, reprinted in 1979 & 1982)
Hitler: A Study in Tyranny. By (Sir) Alan Bullock (former head of Oxford University in the 1970s). (1952, reprinted in 1962 &1990)
2. Then conduct a local study group at your library with others (used copies are cheap and you can buy extras to lend to friends).
3. Decide how you can help others in your community learn about how Trump's rise in the USA is a threat to democracy, personal freedom, and then spread the word.
4. Write your Senator and House Rep. and let them know you hold THEM responsible for what is happening if they are Republican, and send copies of these books to your Senator and House Rep. Ask them to read the books and them go see them as a group at the next open door they hold in your community. Yes, let them know you know what is happening and will no longer be silent.
12
Bannon must go. I believe he is in control of Trump. Trump is not smart enough or focused enough to cause such disruption.
7
Articulate, thought provoking article.
4
45 is beyond dangerous. There will be no democracy left if he is not stopped. Is he not yet treasonous? Not yet committing unconstitutional acts?
8
Trump inspired nightmares! Yuck! Just read about him seeking funding of the Mexican wall and giving the goahead of the two pipelines! This guy is really scary. II don't know why Obama was so civil to trump. Obviously the press corp dinner insult in 2011 burned trump to his core. what a sick puppy.
5
Not "unsayable": Ineffable. That's the word you're looking for, and a real and much less inelegant word it is too.
2
Santayana was right: "Those who don't remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Thank you, Mr. Cohen, for the reminder.
Mr. Trump appears intent on doing just what he said he would do to the detriment of America. I say we should help him. He wants to build a wall? Let's have a few million of us each send him one Lego brick so he might build a nice wall in the East Room.
Mr. Trump appears intent on doing just what he said he would do to the detriment of America. I say we should help him. He wants to build a wall? Let's have a few million of us each send him one Lego brick so he might build a nice wall in the East Room.
3
Where was all this searing coverage during the campaign?
7
Trump's real purpose is not to represent the "forgotten man". He means to destroy this country. All of it. Black, white, brown. He respects no other human.
6
Germany was a small country, with no internet, social media, TV or cellphones. 1933 wasn't 2017. Trump will cause damage - possibly catastrophic damage - but he won't last and he won't win for long. I hope...
9
Saturday was inspiring, but protests against Trump going forward should emphasize hitting him where it hurts...in the pocket. I would love to see loud picket lines every day outside each building in the world with his name on it. Let's make it happen!
14
Let us also notice that President Trump is heaping blame an a religious group in our society. The Muslims. And when he says "Make America Great Again," he means not only domestically, but also make America the dominant nation in the world. How is that different from "Deutschland über Alles"?
6
Excellent analysis.
4
We are now in a marathon, a long struggle, a siege. To surmount the challenges ahead, a simple theme and focused thought is imperative. I submit: RT - Respect Truth, Resist Tyranny, Reject Trump.
The peace symbol spoke to the Sixties; a symbol for our time is needed. rwordtword.tumblr.com offers a candidate.
The peace symbol spoke to the Sixties; a symbol for our time is needed. rwordtword.tumblr.com offers a candidate.
1
The profound truth in Roger Cohen's op-ed literally gave me chills. He got the reasons for the rise of Trumpery exactly right. Thank you,
9
The beginning of this administration is terrifying.
8
We must confront Lying Donnybrook's belligerence head on. For his entire life Trump has been a spoiled child. He has never grown and matured.
He has never been reprimanded, told to mind his manners. A stint in military school to knock some discipline into this brash youngster did nothing. It turned him further toward the dark side. He bullied those whom he viewed as inferior and even socked his teacher in the face only to not suffer any punishment for this act because again of who he Daddy was.
And so, is it any wonder Lying Donnybrook is the way he is? What's astounding is that many of his supporters would never let their child get away with his brutish behavior and ugly, ill-tempered mouth.
Where are all those Evangelicals out there? The ones who decry we Liberal New Yorkers for our loose morals and in-your-face snark? One of the things flyover country folks comment on when they arrive here as tourists is our brusque manner and libertine attitude.
And yet, hypocritically, they accept, no wait, they embrace, someone like Trump, who embodies every thing that makes some of we New Yorkers so hideous. What gives, Trumpets?
Do you not see that is why most of us decent law-abiding New Yorkers find Trump so disdainful? Why don't you?
DD
Manhattan
He has never been reprimanded, told to mind his manners. A stint in military school to knock some discipline into this brash youngster did nothing. It turned him further toward the dark side. He bullied those whom he viewed as inferior and even socked his teacher in the face only to not suffer any punishment for this act because again of who he Daddy was.
And so, is it any wonder Lying Donnybrook is the way he is? What's astounding is that many of his supporters would never let their child get away with his brutish behavior and ugly, ill-tempered mouth.
Where are all those Evangelicals out there? The ones who decry we Liberal New Yorkers for our loose morals and in-your-face snark? One of the things flyover country folks comment on when they arrive here as tourists is our brusque manner and libertine attitude.
And yet, hypocritically, they accept, no wait, they embrace, someone like Trump, who embodies every thing that makes some of we New Yorkers so hideous. What gives, Trumpets?
Do you not see that is why most of us decent law-abiding New Yorkers find Trump so disdainful? Why don't you?
DD
Manhattan
13
I just watched Chris Matthews' interview the union reps who met with trump yesterday: he has impressed them. He has told them the Dakota and Keystone pipelines will be made with American steel. These men are, and rightfully so, beaming with hope. So what this means for the environmental movement and the left in general is this: if you protest, if you oppose in any way, and it results in a delay, or the appearance of a delay, in creating jobs you are sunk with working folk. As I learned with my children, be very very careful what battles you pick: what is going to have to take a back burner until you have a hand to play, which, in so many ways, you don't at the moment.
5
Hitler never had an electoral victory in Germany. He was soundly beaten in a runoff by Hindenburg, who, against his own better judgement, appointed Hitler as Chancellor. On Hindenburg's death, Hitler seized power in a coup.
3
No one can say that the Times can't one up Trump. However negative you might think Trump, Times writers can always go more negative. All the worlds ills apparently come from Trump.
Get over it, New York Times' editors, pundits and complainers. Many highly educated and thoughtful people not living on the West Coast or in the extreme Northeastearn US voted for Trump because they want to see things change. They are tired of identity politics, political correctness and what is a languishing economy; regardless of what the Times Editorial Board thinks.
Things are pretty tough for lots of folks who haven't been given the celebrity wealth or political options of the elites who so easily dismiss their thoughts as on the wrong side of history. No one cares about climate change if you can't afford rent or food. What bathroom you use is irrelevant to a person who can't find a job.
It's tiring to keep seeing these opinions from people who obliviously don't care about at least half the country because the the arrogance of the opinion is so clear.
When you denigrate Trump, you denigrate at least half the US; and probably more if the truth were available. This is why Hillary lost and the Times and all the other media outlets can take the responsibility. America knows how you feel about its citizens and has spoken.
You really do reap what you sow.
Get over it, New York Times' editors, pundits and complainers. Many highly educated and thoughtful people not living on the West Coast or in the extreme Northeastearn US voted for Trump because they want to see things change. They are tired of identity politics, political correctness and what is a languishing economy; regardless of what the Times Editorial Board thinks.
Things are pretty tough for lots of folks who haven't been given the celebrity wealth or political options of the elites who so easily dismiss their thoughts as on the wrong side of history. No one cares about climate change if you can't afford rent or food. What bathroom you use is irrelevant to a person who can't find a job.
It's tiring to keep seeing these opinions from people who obliviously don't care about at least half the country because the the arrogance of the opinion is so clear.
When you denigrate Trump, you denigrate at least half the US; and probably more if the truth were available. This is why Hillary lost and the Times and all the other media outlets can take the responsibility. America knows how you feel about its citizens and has spoken.
You really do reap what you sow.
2
Everyone in America needs to read this every day for the next 4 years, whether or not gets impeached.
4
Never mind about Trump, what is happening behind him? Alright already. Keep up this belligerence and We The People are going to turn on him. Why listen to his 'outrageous comments' and continue to be distracted?
- Who is the most powerful politician in the Land?
- What is the Economic Outlook?
- Where is the Agenda?
- Why are We behaving at our worse at a time in History when never has it been so important to be strong and set a good example to the rest of the World?
- Who is the most powerful politician in the Land?
- What is the Economic Outlook?
- Where is the Agenda?
- Why are We behaving at our worse at a time in History when never has it been so important to be strong and set a good example to the rest of the World?
1
It's difficult to know where to begin. There is fraud, but it happens to be in his court, rather his courting of the Russians, and their interference in our electoral process. There is no way he would have won with the events of the last few weeks before the vote. Between the Russians hacking Hillary's email and the seemingly urgent need to review Hillary's use of the email server, presented in such a way as to make her seem lawless, when the real lawlessness and treasonous person is Trump. Wake up America. Read. Don't be SAD, IGNORANT like Donald. He's not my president. Look at the raised fist. Hitler? Mao? Since when did that have something to do with democracy?
2
I was just watching Hardball today and I realized what a genius DJTrump is. Once again, just like during the primaries most of the show rehashed his comments about people voting illegally and him winning the popular vote. Meanwhile, important substantive topics went undiscussed. While DJT is dismantling the freedom of the press, the environment, and hiding his taxes- the pundits prattle on about his votes and inaugural attendance. They haven't learned a thing. We need information and investigation not superficial and distracting chatter!
4
Thank you, Mr. Cohen, for this X-ray of current events. We must not turn away from the truth.
5
The election of that clown (this is the way many Germans considered him then) by the Germans then and the election of this other clown now has such astounding parallels that it is mind boggling! How Germany and the world managed to survive - those who did! - and what (and who) got destroyed and needed to be mourned and be rebuilt afterwards make us wonder how we can avoid what comes next. History MUST NOT repeat itself! But how are we going to manage that?
4
“The further a society drifts from truth the more they will hate those that speak it. “ George Orwell
6
What I do not understand is why we are still shocked at the piggishness of Mr. Trump. I'm not saying we shouldn't be shocked, only that I don't under why, after all the slime that has been tossed by this breathtakingly crude man, we are shocked to find it splashing all over us yet again.
No one seriously believes that money has anything to do with taste or class. God knows it doesn't. But Mr. Trump has used his (mostly) ill-gotten gains to encrust himself in gilt-edged vulgarity unparalleled in recent history. From the cringe-worthy awfulness of his faux Louie 14th apartment to his floppy ill-fitting suits (made in China) to his dangling ties and orange-tinted skin, he is first cousin to Lenora Hemsley, another New Yorker New Yorkers would just as soon forget about. At least Mrs. Hemsley didn't run for office, and for that we should all be grateful.
No one seriously believes that money has anything to do with taste or class. God knows it doesn't. But Mr. Trump has used his (mostly) ill-gotten gains to encrust himself in gilt-edged vulgarity unparalleled in recent history. From the cringe-worthy awfulness of his faux Louie 14th apartment to his floppy ill-fitting suits (made in China) to his dangling ties and orange-tinted skin, he is first cousin to Lenora Hemsley, another New Yorker New Yorkers would just as soon forget about. At least Mrs. Hemsley didn't run for office, and for that we should all be grateful.
4
I must disagree with one point: "Trump's outrageous claims have a purpose: to destroy rational thought." You give him far too much credit. His claims have no basis other than aggrandizing Trump. And he is incapable of understanding why he is where he is, and the harm he can, and will, do.
4
Cohen is at it again, calling Trump a Nazi.
No, he's not. He has plenty of faults, but that's not one of them. There are enough Jewish names among his advisors, and in his immediate family, that the neo-Nazi nuts (there are a few out there) are soon going to call the Trump administration a Jewish conspiracy.
The NYT pseudo-liberals (true liberals aren't obsessed with race and "diversity"; they judge people by the content of their characters, not the color of their skins) calls its opponents ugly names, worse, than those Trump uses. Criticize Trump's proposals, and turn the discussion from name-calling to policy. But that would require some op-ed writers to act like adults.
No, he's not. He has plenty of faults, but that's not one of them. There are enough Jewish names among his advisors, and in his immediate family, that the neo-Nazi nuts (there are a few out there) are soon going to call the Trump administration a Jewish conspiracy.
The NYT pseudo-liberals (true liberals aren't obsessed with race and "diversity"; they judge people by the content of their characters, not the color of their skins) calls its opponents ugly names, worse, than those Trump uses. Criticize Trump's proposals, and turn the discussion from name-calling to policy. But that would require some op-ed writers to act like adults.
2
The polarization of the country didn't just happen, and it isn't just a result of job losses and cultural changes. Sure, those things happened, but long before Trump, talk radio and Fox News created an alternate universe of anger and fuzzy facts. When you watch Fox News, it appears competely professional; completely legitimate, and this has smoothed over the transistion from actual news which deals with different points of view to conservative news, aka "fair and balanced" which tells people what they want to hear. And when you're out of work, Donald Trump is what you want to hear.
1
AS a child psychiatrist I see America as still an adolescent & with the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity of ADHD, as I believe Trump has at a minimum. WE are bored, rich & not at war, we crave action, watch dystopian entertainment like Hunger Games The Accountant. Trumpism is a symptom. The GOP is a mercenary force. But thankfully we have a constitution and a history, and again we're well off, so Weimar, Nazi, Fascism or Communism are not likely. We're poly-religious and secular such that a greater good and a strong yearning for justice and right always prevail. Personally I knew day one Hilary had too much baggage. Next time we will win. If only Michelle would get in.
3
Thank you Roger, keep up the pressure. Rational Americans are depending on you and this newspaper to consistently and methodically expose the mendacity and wrongheadedness of Trump. Respond to every Trump delusion with clear evidence, just like was done this morning in the front page article concerning "illegal voters". Do not relent, it's going to be a long 4 years. I've never felt better about the money I spend on my NYT subscription. Thank you.
4
About the only thing Trump does well is make love to bad run-on sentences.
1
The way i see trump is right 100000%. Trump is no gandhi but he has an idea of how to fix america. Why people live in america and thinking like they belong to world not america. If you do not like america first idea , why don't you get out of america. I think patriotism is call of the hour. Globalist sucking america dry and diversifying their across the globe. It is systematic. It has been happening past 100 years. Its incredible no one able to see this. Every time new president in charge , every political job is taken by jewish group. It is like musical chair between then who get the best job. They left rest of america nothing. Its astonishing. These people have guts to write nonsense like this. They live in a world only they exist , only they have brain. Rest are sheeps. I do not mind cabal incharge. No one is better. But but monopolising 100% of the job and make yourself in corss hair world population every 50 years is a chronic disease. Every time world wake they destroy the world with wars. This probably happening for past 2000 years and they probably rewritten most history so no one knows now. Jews must leverage america for their power but leaving america rot is not a way to go. Open society is evil. Greater good is evil. There is no perfect society. World without borders is deathtrap for humans. All it need one evil banker like rothschild mutilate world population. Nytimes need to wake up and change side for the sake of everyone. Globalism is a terrible idea.
1
You would think Trump would refrain from making obviously false statements that serve to denigrate his position and demean America's standing in the world. BAnnon, Trump's "Donovan's brain" knows this "lie-athon" is damaging the presidency but can't get him to stop, because like the scorpion and the frog, it's in his nature. Proof positive our POTUS suffers a mental illness.
When the President is incapacitated, he must be removed from office. Failure to do so is treason.
When the President is incapacitated, he must be removed from office. Failure to do so is treason.
6
Thank you, once again, Mr. Cohen. Your essay is hard to read, but all should read it. Our horrifying president is beyond reason or hope, but if enough people will read and absorb essays such as yours, maybe there will be some light at the end of the tunnel.
5
Trump told us exactly what he would do if elected. Now he's doing it. Isn't that how it's supposed to work? I know we haven't seen a president keep his word in decades, so I find it refreshing.
1
Roger Cohen should look at himself in the mirror before he blames anyone else. The corrupt elitist/globalist ideology advocating for which he made a career out of is so repulsive for the American people that they would rather elect Trump than keep it going. Just because Roger Cohen is happy with the rewards the status quo afforded him, does not mean that everyone else should be too.
The first time I saw clips of his rallies, I thought this is a dangerous man as a president. But did any other main news outlet show it. Trump voters would not watch MSNBC. People I consider intelligent, above average yet they voted Trump. These were independents. But what struck me was their answers to why they liked Trump over Clinton. He's a billionaire, Clinton lied. Taken, on their own neither would provide much information about how they will mess up your life and everyone else's.Twain said it best roughly: "all you need is ignorance and confidence to be successful."
4
Wasn't it Donald Trump who said at his acceptance speech in Cleveland last summer, "I alone can fix it"? That statement spoke volumes and confirmed his own brand of megalomania.
7
"To utter falsehood after falsehood, directly or through a spokesman, is to foster the disorientation that makes crowds susceptible to the delusions of strongmen"
C'mon Roger, dispense with calling them 'falsehoods' and do what the NYT did on the front page yesterday: call them "lies" because that really brings out the terse nature of this man and his administration.
C'mon Roger, dispense with calling them 'falsehoods' and do what the NYT did on the front page yesterday: call them "lies" because that really brings out the terse nature of this man and his administration.
6
Thank you!
We must all stand up for American values and human rights!
This includes my fellow Americans who voted for a megalomaniacal lunatic. All of our eyes need to be open to the danger he and his weak, disgraceful underlings and apologists pose.
We cannot allow the American experiment to fail.
We must all stand up for American values and human rights!
This includes my fellow Americans who voted for a megalomaniacal lunatic. All of our eyes need to be open to the danger he and his weak, disgraceful underlings and apologists pose.
We cannot allow the American experiment to fail.
1
Yes. Thank you. The specificity of your observations, going beyond the widespread tropes, is what makes this so convincing. I am so sorry that your wisdom is so needed and will likely not be enough to keep us safe from the terror that is brewing.
2
Recently, I have been asking myself whether Trump would have been elected without big money having corrupted our politics, without FOX news having fed falsehoods to a lot of people for a long time, without the Republican Party having abondoned principle and truth for power!
2
It's the look of hate so often on his face that alarms me.
7
Mr. Cohen, Thank you for this superb column and for saying Trump, et al...are "fostering disorientation". This is brainwashing. It was started years ago by the vast right wing and is now hitting us daily at an explosive rate. It is deliberate and a technique of dictators. Otherwise known as crazy making. It is insidious and scary as We must remain vigilant and we must call it out to each other and to those who don't see it in the hope that they will. We must repeat the solidarity of Jan.21 again and again and again. We must resist, massively.
3
Trump has hired two new White House staff from Brietbart. I think his team have very clear goals and Trump is nothing more than their mouthpiece. Why he is attractive to his followers continues to baffle me, but one cannot deny he has emerged as the great leader to who they are devoted. Noting Banal about Bannon and company.
1
Trumpco's stubborn willingness to accept, and repeatedly disseminate "alternative facts" is alarming. More alarming is the lack of outrage from GOP Congressional members. Are they all being deferential, or just stupid?
1
What I can't understand for the life of me is why more people aren't bothered by his behavior.
4
I keep reading these lame, paranoid posts (including from the columnist himself) about how Trump is acting like a dictator or that economic nationalism must lead to Hitler's agenda. Trump-o-phobia can mostly be explained by people ginned up by hysterics by writers such as Cohen.
I would remind the reader to recall how an enormous bill with consequences effecting 200M Americans was shoved through Congress and then the White House by the Democratic Party, without any American knowing what was in the American Affordable Health Care for America Act, despite a recent and adamant promise by the new President Obama not to pass any bill without Americans being able to review it for "72 hours on the White House web page".
To be clear, Donald Trump is not Hitler, just as Barack Obama was not an agent of the Muslim Brotherhood. Trump is an elite NYC builder from Jersey. He sounds like one, thinks like one and acts like one of the lunch pail guys on occasion, I'll give you that. I believe that he has pivoted to attempt to listen to his better angels, given this opportunity with which the right collection of voters have provided him.
He is to the left of HRC on trade and a couple of other things as well.
Just breathe, relax, and get some rest. The sun will rise and sett and just maybe, America can back to building a sound future for our children while still being good and benevolent neighbors.
Monitor his actions sure, but also monitor the agenda of his critics.
I would remind the reader to recall how an enormous bill with consequences effecting 200M Americans was shoved through Congress and then the White House by the Democratic Party, without any American knowing what was in the American Affordable Health Care for America Act, despite a recent and adamant promise by the new President Obama not to pass any bill without Americans being able to review it for "72 hours on the White House web page".
To be clear, Donald Trump is not Hitler, just as Barack Obama was not an agent of the Muslim Brotherhood. Trump is an elite NYC builder from Jersey. He sounds like one, thinks like one and acts like one of the lunch pail guys on occasion, I'll give you that. I believe that he has pivoted to attempt to listen to his better angels, given this opportunity with which the right collection of voters have provided him.
He is to the left of HRC on trade and a couple of other things as well.
Just breathe, relax, and get some rest. The sun will rise and sett and just maybe, America can back to building a sound future for our children while still being good and benevolent neighbors.
Monitor his actions sure, but also monitor the agenda of his critics.
1
So, how do we get him out? That is the question that right-thinking people should now be concerned with. How do remove this stain on the country?
1
For more insight into Trump's behavior, search Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). It's all there.
1
I'd be inclined to say that everything will be alright, say if Trump became president of the outer Hebrides, or even Venezuala or the Phillipines. But your country is the USA! It's a truly shocking thing to watch what feels like the end of the world order.
2
Elections have consequences--so does lying.
3
Cohen is a good writer and often insightful, but any comparisons between Trump and Hitler are ridiculous.
Trump is arguably a charlatan, but he is no mass murderer. And the "Art of the Deal" is no Mein Kampf, in which Hitler extolled the master Aryan race, and the elimination of inferior races.
Trump is arguably a charlatan, but he is no mass murderer. And the "Art of the Deal" is no Mein Kampf, in which Hitler extolled the master Aryan race, and the elimination of inferior races.
1
Even more mind boggling: He may be speaking from a script prepared by others and that he does not fully comprehend.
4
Thank God for the New York Times! The incessant Trump lying needs to be called out. It beggars belief that he could say his was the largest inauguration ever, when aerial photos clearly showed it wasn't true. And he doubles down on "illegal votes" when there is no evidence to support this reckless claim. The sad thing about this country is that not enough citizens care enough about their democracy to show up and vote. And even sadder is reading about Republican operatives bragging about their voter suppression efforts in poor neighborhoods. We are definitely in for a bumpy ride for the next four years.
3
Trump and the Trumpspeak crew (Bannon, Flynn, Conway, etc.) present an existential threat to America. Yes, Americans must stand up before it is too late. But will this Congress do anything to help? I fear not.
7
Born and raised in fascist Franco's Spain I see parallels with what this country has become. Now, after so many years and a happy long life in this country, I have to witness again the specter of nationalism, authoritarianism , rhetorical falsehoods, instigation of anger and the cruel rejection of those who are somehow "different". How sad I feel.
6
I am starting to think that the Mexican wall is not intended to keep Mexicans out, but that it is intended to keep us in.
5
As a reader of German history, the similarities of 1930's Germany and the US today are striking, and scary. It can't happen here? It couldn't happen there either, but it did.
3
Under the circumstances, maybe we should ask France if they want the Statue of Liberty back.
2
I watched with genuine appreciation Governor Brown's California State of The State address this morning. This is what leadership and enlightened resistance to Trumpism looks and sounds like. http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-u...
3
I don't think Trump is going to become a Dictator.
Running around saying that he is going to be "America's Hitler"
hardly does much good.
If you really want to stop Trump then start organising for the
2018 Congressional Elections.
Toss out the Republicans and put Democrats in their place.
Stop all the hot air and self-righteous posing and
roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Meanwhile make it clear to non-Safe Republicans that if
they vote to allow Trump to do x, y and z - you will be out
canvassing the voters day in and day out.
Running around saying that he is going to be "America's Hitler"
hardly does much good.
If you really want to stop Trump then start organising for the
2018 Congressional Elections.
Toss out the Republicans and put Democrats in their place.
Stop all the hot air and self-righteous posing and
roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Meanwhile make it clear to non-Safe Republicans that if
they vote to allow Trump to do x, y and z - you will be out
canvassing the voters day in and day out.
43
Did Roger Cohen forget the earliest words of the Declaration of Independence? It says, "We the people of the United States in order to form a more perfect union..." It does not say anything about the inability to criticize those who are hired to represent us or that they are infallible. POTUS Trump struck all the right notes at his inauguration recognizing the millions who put him on office and his sacred duty to represent them, not his personal agenda that sacrifices jobs, dignity and freedom.
1
Trump is delusional. As one sign said here at the march on Saturday "In your guts, you know he's nuts." About the only thing keeping me going right now, is the realization that the majority of people in this country actually did not vote for him. Roughly 60% turn out, and he lost the popular vote, and those are facts, not 'alternate facts.' Whatever he may think in his deluded state, he does NOT have a popular mandate. I am an immigrant (legal), now a citizen, and yes I voted - unsurprisingly not for Mr Trump. I have asked many people, but not one born and bred American has been able to explain the electoral college to me, and I've asked plenty. Do I mix with the wrong people?
3
I think that we are unraveling in much the same way that Weimer Germany decomposed and that the risk of fascism is very real.
People will try to rebut this claim by saying that America is too benevolent, too committed to civility, reasoned discourse and due process to ever degenerate into fascism.
But they forget how Germany was perceived before Hitler.
The percentage of Germans with Phds was higher than the percentage of the population, that had Phds, in any other culture. Germany was highly educated.
Before Hitler, many Jews had a favorable view of Germany because it was so much more tolerant in comparison with Tsarist Russia. In Germany, Jews were able to participate in civil society, and Jews, after the emancipation, thrived. Although Austria was fiercely anti Semetic, the Hapsburg rulers were favorably disposed toward Jews, and when someone was seemed happy, he was sometimes said to be as happy as Jew under Franz Joseph.
German music evinced brilliance, sophistication and the highest refinements that a nation can acquire.
But none of the above stopped Germany from its transformation into a diabolic state exuding unparalleled evil.
People will try to rebut this claim by saying that America is too benevolent, too committed to civility, reasoned discourse and due process to ever degenerate into fascism.
But they forget how Germany was perceived before Hitler.
The percentage of Germans with Phds was higher than the percentage of the population, that had Phds, in any other culture. Germany was highly educated.
Before Hitler, many Jews had a favorable view of Germany because it was so much more tolerant in comparison with Tsarist Russia. In Germany, Jews were able to participate in civil society, and Jews, after the emancipation, thrived. Although Austria was fiercely anti Semetic, the Hapsburg rulers were favorably disposed toward Jews, and when someone was seemed happy, he was sometimes said to be as happy as Jew under Franz Joseph.
German music evinced brilliance, sophistication and the highest refinements that a nation can acquire.
But none of the above stopped Germany from its transformation into a diabolic state exuding unparalleled evil.
5
What has to happen first, and foremost, is for the free press in this Country to speak up. Attack this villain with all the vinegar it takes to water him down, dilute him to a strength that the citizens can take him on. As long as Trump and his henchmen are allowed to lie through their teeth, and call it falsehoods and alternative truth, we are letting him get his message out. Stop the presses !!! No more is Kelly Ann allowed to speak her ignorant, twisted mind, or that Press secretary from The Third Reich, without a large dose of reality being leveled at them. Let us call for his Impeachment now !!! Why are we waiting for him to completely destroy this Country before we call him on his multitude of ethics violations ? The Press is the first line of defense against this Tyrant, and must stand up to him and stop worrying that Trump may not invite them to his next book burning session. Its already out of hand, and Trump hasn't been in office for a week ! Dems and rational people everywhere have to show Trump that the people can speak, with their own voice, not his, because the Press gave him a microphone. No more protests. Run for office, anywhere, and get involved locally, stop Republicans from trashing our Country, and the future of our kids. Please, I beg you.
4
Trump et cie is consistent -- every day is worse than the one before as lies pile up and liars toss word-salad at reporters who catch them using untruths. Ignorance is one thing, arrogant ignorance is another.
Welcome to Wonderland where "a word means just what I want it to. No more and no less." Hold on to your wallet and your loved ones, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
Welcome to Wonderland where "a word means just what I want it to. No more and no less." Hold on to your wallet and your loved ones, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
1
It frightens me to think this, but I fear Roger Cohen's deep fears are justified by the facts. In fact, it scares the living daylights out of me.
2
We're now in uncharted waters. Does this dangerous fellow help bring down the latest, most extremist Version of the Republican Party, thus cleansing it of the moral rot it has accumulated? Can this party then reset itself as a more moderate, humane organization? Or, does this fellow take over the Republican Party completely as it becomes an instrument for his own delusional quest and God-knows-what?
2
This statement "there is no why" warrants some discussion. What does it mean? It means, in a totalitarian state or system, the leader is always right in every decision he makes. There is no need for a rational reason, for a "why." The leader can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, and he is always right, no matter how contrary to reason that rightness may appear. I agree with Roger Cohen. There is a rationale to the endless stream of lies, baldface lies, in the face of factual evidence to the contrary, and that rationale is indeed disorientation. It perplexes people, it freezes our ability to think straight, and opens the door to whatever the leader wants to do next.
This is real folks. And we, collectively, opened the doors to it. I am thankful to NYT for calling Trump out directly on his lies. Please, NYT, don't back down! You are the cold water in the face waking us up to what is happening all around us now.
This is real folks. And we, collectively, opened the doors to it. I am thankful to NYT for calling Trump out directly on his lies. Please, NYT, don't back down! You are the cold water in the face waking us up to what is happening all around us now.
8
What we are seeing is a seventy year old man who has had obsessive paranoia combined with pathological narcissism all of his life. This will not get better.
7
That was the most savage speech I have ever heard a US president deliver. Shameful, shocking stuff. Also shocking was hearing the crowd booing the speech Schumer gave before Trump, and seeing people in the GOP denouncing it in the media as partisan: one would have called it basic civics 30 years ago, an affirmation of the idea that America is supposed to be a nation of laws, not men. Not so today. But then the GOP has utterly surrendered to Trump, who, if we are to take him at his word, wants us to be a nation of shared blood. This is textbook fascism, and I fear it will lead us to very dark places. 30 years from now when all your ex-Republican friends start with their own "Davon haben wir nichts gewusst!" you'll be able to remind them of this at least, for all the good it will do.
3
The language he uses has long rich history, and I'm old enough to know to be scared by it. Fascism doesn't come in as jackbooted thugs, it eases in promising protection & prosperity. Often without negative words, but instead words like America First, or Germany uber alles.
I'm still wondering if DT is as dumb as he seems, not realizing what he says and just being sociopathic narcissist. Then I think well someone has to have co-oped that.
This means we have to seriously get ready to resist, ongoing w/o stop. Cos he'd sell out to best deal for himself in a minute.
I'm still wondering if DT is as dumb as he seems, not realizing what he says and just being sociopathic narcissist. Then I think well someone has to have co-oped that.
This means we have to seriously get ready to resist, ongoing w/o stop. Cos he'd sell out to best deal for himself in a minute.
6
Hitler had his critics, too. He had investigative journalists, legal scholars, law enforcement and regulators to deal with. He flanked them all with a 'false flag' operation by burning the Reichstag in 1933, and finding a scapegoat (Jewish) to blame it on. Trump will do the same here - soon - and his adoring no-nothing thugs will ride a tidal wave of panic onto a new era of tyranny and domestic terrorism. The man has terrorized, dissed, threatened, cheated and browbeat everyone he has dealt with in his entire life. No reason to think the leopard will change his spots just because a press corps is observing his every public moment.
6
A narcissist as president is bad. A cult of personality is worse. We now have both.
6
One of the greatest gifts that Trump may provide to history is energizing Progressives and Liberals to engage on the side of character and decorum.
Welcome back. After so many years contemplating your own needs and worrying about your grievances and slights against you, putting focus on a person's character (that stuffy, old conceit) is a gift and, surely, a sacrifice.
Welcome back. After so many years contemplating your own needs and worrying about your grievances and slights against you, putting focus on a person's character (that stuffy, old conceit) is a gift and, surely, a sacrifice.
2
I was unnerved by Mr. Cohen's articulate writing regarding the ominous threat of Donald Trump's incendiary rhetoric and malevolent intentions. Reminded of Sinclair Lewis's It Can't Happen Here, I found myself anxious about what can be done- really done- to prevent our precipitous decline into totalitarianism. Mr. Cohen offered no such direction in his writing. Is it because there are no readily available answers? Is it because he is as worried as so many of us are? I turn to this readership to ask for suggestions, ways of thinking, actionable options- what does anyone think can be done, or is it a fete compleat that (totalitarianism) can and will happen here. I am asking for help, not to answer the question of 'warum?', but of what can and should be done.
5
Better late than never, Roger, although this seems overblown. Better to defend and protect the worthy institutions and politicos trump has attacked. Remember Thomas more's warning that the laws should protected from destruction lest they be gone when the devil turns in you and you need their protection.
1
"Trump’s outrageous claims have a purpose: to destroy rational thought." He is a master at this form of manipulation, gaslighting, through persistent denial, misdirection, contradiction, and lying in an attempt to destabilize and delegitimize our thoughts. Its intent is to sow seeds of doubt in the targets, hoping to make them question their own memory, perception, and sanity.
Now, we see this daily. NYT, thank you for continuing to call trump out.
Now, we see this daily. NYT, thank you for continuing to call trump out.
5
Under the category of Belligerence:
I really wanted to comment on Daniel Victor's article about calling your representatives about an issue, but there was no comment availability.
Its a great idea to do that, but what do you do about a clown like Paul Ryan who purposely took his phone and fax off of the hook so he didn't have to get any more calls telling him leave the Affordable Health Care Act alone.
I ended up emailing him, and I am sure that my email landed in his junk file. Belligerence doesn't begin to describe it.
I really wanted to comment on Daniel Victor's article about calling your representatives about an issue, but there was no comment availability.
Its a great idea to do that, but what do you do about a clown like Paul Ryan who purposely took his phone and fax off of the hook so he didn't have to get any more calls telling him leave the Affordable Health Care Act alone.
I ended up emailing him, and I am sure that my email landed in his junk file. Belligerence doesn't begin to describe it.
6
"To utter falsehood after falsehood, directly or through a spokesman, is to foster the disorientation that makes crowds susceptible to the delusions of strongmen."
That was exactly what Obama did for eight years. Lie after lie. He also ramped up the practice of using executive orders to avoid congress to a new level.
Trump may be all the terrible things you say but the lies and deception of the left leaning media elites and talking heads scream untrustworthiness to the Nth degree. Screeds like this are as detrimental to mankind as anything Trump does.
May God have mercy on us all for what we have become, this includes Trump as well as the NYT!
That was exactly what Obama did for eight years. Lie after lie. He also ramped up the practice of using executive orders to avoid congress to a new level.
Trump may be all the terrible things you say but the lies and deception of the left leaning media elites and talking heads scream untrustworthiness to the Nth degree. Screeds like this are as detrimental to mankind as anything Trump does.
May God have mercy on us all for what we have become, this includes Trump as well as the NYT!
Any Populist political ideology in America that in any way gives credence to National Socialism is beneath contempt. Trump has insulted every democratic idea ever thought. May the spirits of all those that gave their lives defeating Nazism haunt Trump in all his remaining days.
7
My first thought when I read this piece was to forward it to everyone I know. My second thought was not to. I wouldn't want to implicate my friends in heresy. They could end up on someone's list.
3
A lot of people here are making the argument that the USA is nowhere near the dire straits of Weimar Germany. This is obvious to most people.
But it isn't obvious to Trump's supporters. They have bought into his vision of a dystopian America full of carnage and urban decay. So don't tell them it isn't time for drastic action and an overthrow of the existing order.
They obviously believe it is.
But it isn't obvious to Trump's supporters. They have bought into his vision of a dystopian America full of carnage and urban decay. So don't tell them it isn't time for drastic action and an overthrow of the existing order.
They obviously believe it is.
3
To the NY Times and other responsible news media, and to concerned Americans everywhere:
Keep up the pressure to hold Donald Trump, Congress and the Senate accountable for their actions. We cannot sit idly by and say nothing when our country and democracy are at stake. We must continue to speak loud and often when lies are told and promises broken.
Trump may be here for 4 years, but Congress for only two. If you believe in democracy, act now to replace the spineless representatives and senators who are supporting the fascist dictator.
Keep up the pressure to hold Donald Trump, Congress and the Senate accountable for their actions. We cannot sit idly by and say nothing when our country and democracy are at stake. We must continue to speak loud and often when lies are told and promises broken.
Trump may be here for 4 years, but Congress for only two. If you believe in democracy, act now to replace the spineless representatives and senators who are supporting the fascist dictator.
3
This egomaniac will be good for at least one outrageous lie every day he is in office. He has no moral compass and no regard for anything except feeding his enormous ego. He will be installing gold plated toilet seats in the White House while pretending to care about the little people who elected him.
2
I listened carefully to your recent interview and the description of Mr. Trump's disastrous start with Putin. Mr. Trump showing weakness and actually pandering to Putin which is the worst way to deal with the Russian murderer, kleptomaniac leader. I began to think about is Putin's support of Assad's genocide of the Syrian population with Russian military and Putin acting as if Russia is brokering a peace during this genocide. Mr. Trump may think he can out fox Putin but that is what Assad thought when he became Putin's puppet. Mr. Trump's belligerence towards the rule of law and established norms is not trite but more dangerous than many Americans realize and may have the same results as Syria.
2
My family is Jewish, from Hungary originally. In 1939 my father, sensing what was coming, decided to leave for America. He pleaded with his father to come with him and bring the rest of the family. His father, an established lawyer and politician said 'let's wait and see what happens." My dad emigrated. His dad was murdered, along with most of the rest of my family. Only my grandmother survived, after more than a year in Auschwitz. When I talk about how dangerous these times are, I'm hearing 'let's see what happens'.
5
There is a very important component to the situation that we find ourselves in that wasn't mentioned, and that is the effect of the right-wing media like Fox News and Breitbart, of which Bannon was a part.
All the hand-wringing of the "poor" Trump supporters who were "conned" is a fallacy. While there may be a small fraction that falls into that category, the overwhelming majority of Trump supporters get their news from one source, as they were more than happy to share during the campaign. Fox News has spent the better part of 20 years facilitating the lies and fake news that the Trump supporter community fixates on. Many were raised on it. These are people who have been systematically brain washed to believe that anything they don't like or don't believe in isn't true. I highly doubt there is going to be a change in the mind-set of these people any time soon--if ever.
All the hand-wringing of the "poor" Trump supporters who were "conned" is a fallacy. While there may be a small fraction that falls into that category, the overwhelming majority of Trump supporters get their news from one source, as they were more than happy to share during the campaign. Fox News has spent the better part of 20 years facilitating the lies and fake news that the Trump supporter community fixates on. Many were raised on it. These are people who have been systematically brain washed to believe that anything they don't like or don't believe in isn't true. I highly doubt there is going to be a change in the mind-set of these people any time soon--if ever.
4
I think he wants to deliberately create a crisis, and then be the 'hero.' Because in his small, circular loop mind, he is always in charge, can make any 'edit' and be the hero in the end.
He has yet to understand that he's not producing a reality show anymore, and real life, and real consequences, will dictate endings, be them happy or horrible.
He has yet to understand that he's not producing a reality show anymore, and real life, and real consequences, will dictate endings, be them happy or horrible.
2
May I repeat what I wrote earlier: President Trump could be the first president to be impeached & ousted. Richard Nixon resigned.
He has the wherewithal to become about as great as Washington, Lincoln & FDR, if he learns to control himself and abandon his draconian, hard-right plans, regarding tax-cuts & some of his appointments. He should improve Obamacare, with maybe a public option, etc & "instruct" all states to expand Medicaid, and call it Trumpcare, which would be a lot better than Obamacare.
He has the power, which no other presidents had since Ronald Reagan, to make things happen with amazing strength & charisma. And he is not a mean person. He should do something about his hypomania - take a small dose of a mood stabilizer, like lithium up to 300 mg daily, which is quite likely do the trick, without diminishing his cognitive ability; if anything he would be more measured & balanced, with better cognition and enough impulse control. People would still fear him. People who are diabetic has to be on medication, ordinarily.
Today on MSNBC at 11pm Eastern, guests were hinting his gratuitous lies could get him into trouble. Bill Clinton was impeached for just one lie about a sexual indiscretion, which was nothing - only Hillary Clinton should worry about it.
He has the wherewithal to become about as great as Washington, Lincoln & FDR, if he learns to control himself and abandon his draconian, hard-right plans, regarding tax-cuts & some of his appointments. He should improve Obamacare, with maybe a public option, etc & "instruct" all states to expand Medicaid, and call it Trumpcare, which would be a lot better than Obamacare.
He has the power, which no other presidents had since Ronald Reagan, to make things happen with amazing strength & charisma. And he is not a mean person. He should do something about his hypomania - take a small dose of a mood stabilizer, like lithium up to 300 mg daily, which is quite likely do the trick, without diminishing his cognitive ability; if anything he would be more measured & balanced, with better cognition and enough impulse control. People would still fear him. People who are diabetic has to be on medication, ordinarily.
Today on MSNBC at 11pm Eastern, guests were hinting his gratuitous lies could get him into trouble. Bill Clinton was impeached for just one lie about a sexual indiscretion, which was nothing - only Hillary Clinton should worry about it.
2
If one replays Trump's incoherent ad-lib speech in Sun City, South Carolina (7/21/16), one realizes pointedly that the man has no intellectual wherewithal. He has expertise in one arena, period: sales. The real nemesis here is the brainy man behind him, the man who uses him to advance a totalitarian, nationalist agenda, Steve Bannon. While Trump couldn't turn a profit at casinos (where the house is rigged to win for god's sake), Bannon correctly and quietly calculated the rural counties of WI, MI, OH and PA, and turned an electoral profit.
3
My wife and I are house hunting, but the home prices are through the roof. We figure Trump will crash the housing market in his first year, which will make our new McMansion much more affordable.
1
I hated reading every word Mr. Cohen so carefully chose because words have meaning and the meanings these convey are both disturbing and persuasive.
5
I truly wonder if Trump supporters aren't simply those Ugly Americans who have always existed. We know them, They embarrass us. Now they have united and won't be held accountable by facts, truth, or empathy.
8
But he just appointed Nikki Haley Indian American female and invited Modi pm of India to USA. Trump believes in meritocracy, domestically and internationally, consistent with the foundation and bedrock of what America used to be, which is even more important with globalization
I would love to see Trump going overseas to visit our troops and see the dangers they face. The guys hides behind his staff, on a lectern at a rally, behind Twitter, by out-shouting journalists, urging his crowds to violence and other such tactics. Rarely will he conduct a one-on-one. Rarely will he be seen in public not surrounded by his people. He will avoid getting into a face-to-face confrontation because he is a coward. Joe Biden was right when he gave Trump a "would you like to step outside" challenge. Trump will never accept because he is a coward. He might, however, send some very big guy (very well paid) out there as his proxy.
Get him alone and he will turn to (orange) jelly.
Get him alone and he will turn to (orange) jelly.
Megalomaniac is a scary word and when applied to POTUS it is downright terrifying. As folks rub their eyes and see that yes it is him we are talking about as they see him laying the groundwork to dismantle decades of toil under both republican and democratic administrations that brought about environmental, cultural, economic and financial progress, it is both scary and terrifying. He has been president only for four days but in those days, when we thought that he will show that he will responsibly govern, he has been petulant, petty and downright mean spirited. There is no way he is going to change as he knows no boundaries and filters. So we who care about what makes this country great have to safe guard what we have achieved.
2
A very powerful analysis & reminds me of a 'friend' on Facebook today who linked to an article from a conservative site which propounded the idea that the Second Amendment is the foundation of all of our 'other freedoms' as Americans. I had always thought the First Amendment was paramount, but apparently no longer in the eyes of many.
1
Well said.
But it is not just Trump who is diluting our democracy. Sen. McConnell's actions from refusing to allow the Supreme Court to operate properly to dismissing concerns of Russian interference in our elections are pernicious.
But it is not just Trump who is diluting our democracy. Sen. McConnell's actions from refusing to allow the Supreme Court to operate properly to dismissing concerns of Russian interference in our elections are pernicious.
3
Americans should also ask themselves whether Trump mirrors something in themselves. Something that had mostly been kept hidden under rules of propriety but given an outlet. finally burst forth.
2
Right on the button. His purpose is "to destroy rational thought" and unmoor words from the dock of truth, the better to serve first his own vainglorious image in his gold framed mirror and the greedy wishes of other people like him, a guy who began life with the boot-strap challenge of what to do with a paltry 14 million (the equivalent of about 68 mil today) from daddy. It's despotism pure and simple, arising out of the sputtering ashes of hatred, igonrance, racism, misogyny, and fear.
6
A con Hamilton warned against has ascended to the throne. May we live to tell the tale to our grandchildren.
Before having my drinks I argue with my friends that American institutions will survive this calamity, after downing a few I'm not so sure myself...
We are witnessing a real American tragedy, in real time, and it is not a "reality show". In the old country, I lived through one civil war. I did saw it coming and there was nothing I could do about it, but brace and try to keep my family safe. After the war I moved them here, to be "safe". What an idiot....
And now, I'm helplessly witnessing the event I never thought possible, an ascendency of fascism in America, the original bastion of democracy. Sad, sad, sad...
Before having my drinks I argue with my friends that American institutions will survive this calamity, after downing a few I'm not so sure myself...
We are witnessing a real American tragedy, in real time, and it is not a "reality show". In the old country, I lived through one civil war. I did saw it coming and there was nothing I could do about it, but brace and try to keep my family safe. After the war I moved them here, to be "safe". What an idiot....
And now, I'm helplessly witnessing the event I never thought possible, an ascendency of fascism in America, the original bastion of democracy. Sad, sad, sad...
7
The Nation Magazine has been accusing anyone concerned about the role Russia may have played in last year's elections of McCarthyism. Will they now chastise us for drawing parallels between the rise of Hitler and Trump? Our newly elected president questions anything that doesn't add to his mythology. Today it is the popular vote once again. A rant and tirade are the new substitute for hard evidence. Facts are disposable, Fear is in. We cannot let this happen.
1
I have said and continue to say that Trump is the personification of evil! I pray that he proves me wrong.
1
It probably didn't help that Democrats spent fifteen years insulting and excluding much of the electorate that votes Republican.
This is a necessary, and necessarily chilling, column. We who resist must never forget, and never allow Trump or his acolytes to forget, that he lost the popular vote by almost three million.
We must never forget, and never allow the DNC to forget, what turning your back on whole swaths or rural America can result in.
And Trump and the GOP leadership will never know, or never admit, that they are guilty of hubris, which is, in Greek tragedy, excessive pride toward or defiance of the gods, leading to nemesis.
Nemesis can't come soon enough.
We must never forget, and never allow the DNC to forget, what turning your back on whole swaths or rural America can result in.
And Trump and the GOP leadership will never know, or never admit, that they are guilty of hubris, which is, in Greek tragedy, excessive pride toward or defiance of the gods, leading to nemesis.
Nemesis can't come soon enough.
1
What kind of civilization did the US ever have?
Whenever I think of the Greeks I think of some guy teaching somebody interested in learning.
When I think of Rome I think of a guy dressed up in leather armor with a sword.
There was a place in Manhattan that was civilized.
The FBOs are still, but pretty exclusive.
Somewhere else, later.
Whenever I think of the Greeks I think of some guy teaching somebody interested in learning.
When I think of Rome I think of a guy dressed up in leather armor with a sword.
There was a place in Manhattan that was civilized.
The FBOs are still, but pretty exclusive.
Somewhere else, later.
This past week has been so frustrating and frightening to watch. I have never felt so powerless or more angry about politics. Not just at Trump and his words but at the reactions of others who are in a position to hold him accountable. Why does he get away with lying? Why didn't someone from Congress, during the meeting when he talked about illegal votes, stand up and tell him he's lying? Did they just nod and smile when he blatantly lied? Why so passive? Why doesn't his supposedly brilliant daughter and son-in-law tell him to knock it off? Aren't they embarrassed? What's wrong with these people? They're all being civilized but they're not holding him accountable. Why are people reluctant to stand up to him - don't bullies back off when their target stands up to them? He apparently hates personal confrontation so why do people seem afraid to take him on? It's not as if the country loves him. At this rate, how will we ever get to the "why" question? When I watched the marches last Saturday I was struck by how no one interviewed on TV could come up with a clear, concise message to communicate why they were marching beyond loving and respecting each other. Such platitudes will not even give this administration pause. So if millions of people can march against Trump et al and not even make them blink, what can I possibly do? I keep hearing people say "use your voice" but how to do that in a way that is meaningful? How does one person fight for her civilization?
2
I have been waiting for the period when staunch conservatives and committed liberals come together to fight the common enemy, Trump.
I hope it's not too late.
I hope it's not too late.
6
Everything he does glorifies himself. Trump does not care if he undermines our democracy. I think his world view is to small to have an actual intent to do so.
Therefore shame us if we allow this little man to destroy our great inheritance -- a republic in which citizens fight to expand their natural rights to all.
Therefore shame us if we allow this little man to destroy our great inheritance -- a republic in which citizens fight to expand their natural rights to all.
3
As far as the controversy comparing the size of the crowds at Trumps inauguration?
Hey. It was raining! What you can't see in the contrasting photos of Obama's vs. Trump's inauguration (and what the MSM missed altogether) were the millions of people sheltering under the white tarp trying to stay dry.
Liberals may not have the sense to come in out of the rain. But Trump supporters, real Americans do. That's my reality.
Hey. It was raining! What you can't see in the contrasting photos of Obama's vs. Trump's inauguration (and what the MSM missed altogether) were the millions of people sheltering under the white tarp trying to stay dry.
Liberals may not have the sense to come in out of the rain. But Trump supporters, real Americans do. That's my reality.
1
And so our national nightmare begins. Our only hope (and it is a weak one) is that enough Republicans realize this man is unfit for the office he holds and just ignore whatever he says as well as whatever he wants unless he can show some facts to back up his so far ridiculous beliefs.
2
The German Fuehrer was obsessed with "cleansing" Germany and Europe, creating Lebensraum in the east, and with death and killing. Trump is only about himself and making money, about an image which will cover up the reality of a confused, immature, and very insecure man. He seems to believe his own lies, as he needs them to shore up his anxieties. But yes, he is also a dangerous leader for today's world, and for the world's most powerful country and economy.
2
I read this, and then I think about who I presumed were rational politicians, like Rob Portman or Susan Collins, and I despair at the reluctance -- the cowardice -- of those who DO know better than to accept this man as their leader.
Truly, the center must hold, or much if not all will be lost.
Truly, the center must hold, or much if not all will be lost.
2
Trump is trying to methodically impose totalitarianism. There are no facts, there are Trump decrees. Will Republicans return to American values and stop supporting Trump?
Tonight on CNN Wolf Blitzer interviewed Sen Cornyn, Texas, and asked meekly about Trump's "claim" that he won the popular vote because 5 million of Clinton's votes were fraudulent. Cornyn answered, "That's what he said and I haven't heard anyone disprove it." Blitzer let it pass. Each state's vote totals are certified by the Secretary of each state, the Secretary of States are elected officials, obeying written laws passed by elected representatives, adhering to regulations, voters are registered, each party has poll watchers to ensure fair elections. How do we become a crazy society where The Leader declares false to be true, and he's backed by Republican leaders saying, "Well, I haven't heard anyone disprove this morning's lie" when the proof is there, we all know it.
This is authoritarianism. Fascism is here. Conservatives, you know it.
So let's unite at last to patriotically support our American democratic values, beliefs, traditions that all our forbears have fought and died for, for 241 years. This is beyond politics now. It's existential.
Tonight on CNN Wolf Blitzer interviewed Sen Cornyn, Texas, and asked meekly about Trump's "claim" that he won the popular vote because 5 million of Clinton's votes were fraudulent. Cornyn answered, "That's what he said and I haven't heard anyone disprove it." Blitzer let it pass. Each state's vote totals are certified by the Secretary of each state, the Secretary of States are elected officials, obeying written laws passed by elected representatives, adhering to regulations, voters are registered, each party has poll watchers to ensure fair elections. How do we become a crazy society where The Leader declares false to be true, and he's backed by Republican leaders saying, "Well, I haven't heard anyone disprove this morning's lie" when the proof is there, we all know it.
This is authoritarianism. Fascism is here. Conservatives, you know it.
So let's unite at last to patriotically support our American democratic values, beliefs, traditions that all our forbears have fought and died for, for 241 years. This is beyond politics now. It's existential.
2
I think there is one additional terrifying fact: in his inaugural address, President Trump twice said that to support him is patriotic. The unstated point was that failure to support him is not patriotic or perhaps even worse. This is the language of a dictator.
1
This is one of the most frightening columns I've read in the past year. And I believe Roger Cohen is completely right. People need to open their eyes to what is happening here. Don't let us slide into a repeat of history here while we silently watch TV (or whatever the equal is 100 years ago) and ignore what is going on. What we are seeing out of the White House these last 4 days is beyond frightening. It's a repeat of a terrible, horrendous time in this world's history that is not even a century old. Stand up people and let's take action as so many did before us. We owe that.
2
"Here there is no why."
Whether you're a daughter (like mine) who took to the streets last Saturday in one of the hundreds of Women's Marches across the country, or a father who watched the television coverage with a mix of pride and dreaded concern that so many ominous seeds of fascism were being sown with such stunning efficiency by this mutant orange dictator, all of us must never stop asking, "Why?"
Whether you're a daughter (like mine) who took to the streets last Saturday in one of the hundreds of Women's Marches across the country, or a father who watched the television coverage with a mix of pride and dreaded concern that so many ominous seeds of fascism were being sown with such stunning efficiency by this mutant orange dictator, all of us must never stop asking, "Why?"
2
The NAZI's had a philosophy however disturbing and they were good at administration and understood how to inspire, lead, and reach a goal. Donald Trump and his staff lack all these things. Their philosophy is 'erase Obama from history' which won't work, it will only show their pettiness and lack of ideas. Trump is closer to Warren G. Harding, good at normalcy but not very good at preventing corruption and out-right theft. Even fanatic's eventually notice the stink. Donald Trump will crash and burn soon enough. America will survive him and flourish.
1
Putin's interference with the election was to undermine the confidence in our democratic republic. Trump, as Putin's poodle, is just the natural extension of that goal.
2
I woke up this morning with the same conclusion! I thought Trump initially was just trying to make life better for workers who felt they did not have a voice. Now I think he is trying to destroy America and all its institutions from the inside out. His plan is unique. Stock his cabinet with folks who hate the government and are incompetent. Then start a war! Then bring in authoritarian rule to quell the carnage that follows. It is clear to me now!
2
Yesterday the Times ran a photo with Rep.Pelosi and Sen.Schumer laughing in conversation with the new President. I can't recall in the last eight years ever seeing such a scene featuring Boehner, Ryan, or McConnell. All I could think was, "what's so funny." Like a four year old with play-school toys Trump is gleefully tearing down eight years of economic, environmental, and social progress. If the leading Democrats find anything to be amused about with his actions the joke should be shared. If they are not outraged, they too may be replaced.
4
Mr Cohen equating Trump to Hitler is overreaction on your part. To Trump and his supporters, America first is a call for putting american workers back to work;encouraging manufactures to build and invest in America first; securing our national border and keeping our tradition of "legal" immigration. We live in a time that America and our allies are under siege and a constant vigilance of determining who are our friends or foes. He sees America's role in the world as an equal collaboration amongst our allies; each contributing its fair share of financing NATO and each responsible for protecting the free world. Mr Cohen, Hitler's rise was because Germany's government was week. Our democracy is rooted in a 250 tradition of strong institutions. We must believe one man is not stronger than our nation's democracy; as the women's march exhibited!
I hoped I'd been wrong. I'd hoped he would change. I'd hoped for checks and balances. I was wrong. Today a minor incident - someone in the Badlands National Park Service tweeted some climate change facts, despite Trump's ban on tweets from the National Park Service - felt like the first real act of resistance. A wave of "thank you's" starting appearing on their Facebook page. This afternoon the TV went black while reporters on CNN were discussing Trump's claim that he lost the popular vote because 3-5 million illegals voted for Clinton. I wondered if Trump had gotten to the transmitters that fast, or if I was just being paranoid. I never had a thought like this before. I'm angry and I'm scared.
1
If Roger Cohen can read German as he suggests by quoting Primo Levi, then he should understand that any comparison between modern day America and Germany during the Weimarer Republik and during the NAZI Dictatorship is not only of very questionable intellectual and academic and historical validity but it is also very, very offensive as it belittles the true horrors of WW1 and WW2 and all those victims of the NAZIS. And of course it ignores the upheavals in Germany in the years 1918-1919 with militia on the streets murdering political opponents. With the street violence of course continuing throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
Of course Trump is a threat to global security and economic well-being and of course he is a very real threat to democracy, but come on New York Times, we need real information here and not this spin on history as displayed in this disappointing and pompous article.
Of course Trump is a threat to global security and economic well-being and of course he is a very real threat to democracy, but come on New York Times, we need real information here and not this spin on history as displayed in this disappointing and pompous article.
When is the 2018 election for congress? People still have power.
I hope NAFTA new deal works the world is not a one way street . This is deja vu for some of us.
Once there was a govt. with a trade deal, for a long time. When it was made it suited both parties. As business around the world change the new Govt decided the deal was no longer in their favor. Both parties fought. The govt used executive power and changed the deal. The other party gave the Govt what they wanted. The new deal created many new situations. The govt. thought it had bullied the other party and got what it wanted. Within a year the company took off and left the govt. with its new trade deal. That part of the economic activity left and others that were affiliated left also. The new deal was short lived. The companies spent the time setting up shop with other govt.. The industry fell flat on its face. The people felt the real impact, it was nothing like they had hoped. The world is not a one way street.
Using the H-O model of int. trade, it is said USA took finance and Mexico took manufacturing. The value added for manuf. Is extremely low unlike finance. The earnings from finance are far greater. Who got the better part of NAFTA deal?
If the jobs come back will the companies pay living wage? give up their profit margin? Will housing be provided along with cost of living to match the minimum wage? income earned and expenses have to be aligned with each other.
I hope NAFTA new deal works the world is not a one way street . This is deja vu for some of us.
Once there was a govt. with a trade deal, for a long time. When it was made it suited both parties. As business around the world change the new Govt decided the deal was no longer in their favor. Both parties fought. The govt used executive power and changed the deal. The other party gave the Govt what they wanted. The new deal created many new situations. The govt. thought it had bullied the other party and got what it wanted. Within a year the company took off and left the govt. with its new trade deal. That part of the economic activity left and others that were affiliated left also. The new deal was short lived. The companies spent the time setting up shop with other govt.. The industry fell flat on its face. The people felt the real impact, it was nothing like they had hoped. The world is not a one way street.
Using the H-O model of int. trade, it is said USA took finance and Mexico took manufacturing. The value added for manuf. Is extremely low unlike finance. The earnings from finance are far greater. Who got the better part of NAFTA deal?
If the jobs come back will the companies pay living wage? give up their profit margin? Will housing be provided along with cost of living to match the minimum wage? income earned and expenses have to be aligned with each other.
1
Extremely well written, as always.
"Americans are going to have to fight for their civilization and the right to ask why against the banal belligerence of Trump": Americans, sure, but us over here in Europe will just as well have to be as vigilant.
"Americans are going to have to fight for their civilization and the right to ask why against the banal belligerence of Trump": Americans, sure, but us over here in Europe will just as well have to be as vigilant.
2
What is being ignored among the pundits is the totalitarian mind of the low information white male voters that put trump in the White House. Our educational system in a sense has failed to reach this group on the worthiness of democracy
3
Wow, Mr. Cohen sends it out of the ballpark again. We are, painfully, at the frightening threshold of a "teachable moment" in our nation's history. I pray that we, as a people, will have the intelligence to learn again what history has already taught us. The consequences of failing this test of wills is unimaginably terrifying.
3
So far, those of us who did not vote for trump are having our image of a madman come to fruition. When I saw him in front of that wall of heroes at the CIA, I cringed. 6 deferments. He thinks the military school he attended is as brutal as the real thing. Not my president. Not my species.
2
It's not only about stench surrounding Donald Trump. Look carefully at the Republican lawmakers who stand silent as Trump trashes our democracy. They are the enablers and deserve no less than what will ultimately befall Trump; national embarrassment and impeachment.
2
The only way to stop the destruction of our democracy is to stand up against Trump every single day. Use FB and Twitter. Embrace the right's insults and turn them into compliments. Call congresspeople every day. Write editorials. Vote in midterm elections. Write, compose, dance. Boycott Trump donors like LL Bean. March. Don't ever normalize Trump's danger.
1
25 million jobs and 4% sustained GDP growth. Hold his tiny hands to the fire and throw him to the dogs when he fails.
Because this abomination will fail.
Because this abomination will fail.
2
A brilliant column, incredibly accurate and incredibly frightening. It seems that we are in a death spiral leading to a catastrophe. I was heartened by the world-wide women's march, and for a moment I believed that resistance could be possible and effective. One is morally obligated to act, but how? Is emigration the answer? I am writing from a place a mile north of the Rio Grande. The country on the other side looks welcoming. Friday I jokingly said to a Muslim colleague that I would hide him in my basement. Resist, flee, surrender, die? I cannot believe we are dealing with this here and now.
1
Ours is a nation founded on blood, first the native Americans and then the Civil War. Now we have over 300 million guns in our society, this does not bode well for rational resolutions of our problems. I fear for our nation.
1
Folks, be afraid, be terrified. This is only working day 2 of the first week. Look what he has already done with only executive orders, and scary appointments to cabinet, while screaming nonsense about illegal popular votes. All this without any bills through Congress. How can we stop this runaway train? That is the question
2
Why? Because there was no good, reasonable, trustworthy candidate. If there had been a good, reasonable, trustworthy progressive candidate, she would have received at least 70% of the popular vote and would easily have won the presidency.
1
This individual possibly is one of the most complex challenging creatures of this era. One late night show had it correctly. Trump is a combination of a paranoid African dictator, combined with corrupt Afghan warlord, and the Latin charm of the head Junta of a banana republic.
2
Declare the 2016 election null & void.
Three to five million illegals voted, according for the president. Most may have voted for Trump.
Given the disputed sizes of crowds on the mall and recent polls and very low Trump ratings, it seems likely. that Trump and/Putin manipulated voting machines and that Trump actually lost the electoral college.
Three to five million illegals voted, according for the president. Most may have voted for Trump.
Given the disputed sizes of crowds on the mall and recent polls and very low Trump ratings, it seems likely. that Trump and/Putin manipulated voting machines and that Trump actually lost the electoral college.
2
George W Bush was an unsophisticated president who was too easily manipulated by others. Bin Laden couldn't have been more pleased with the decisions Bush made following 9/11. As this article implies, these decisions were devastating and led to where we are today. Many Americans were killed and wounded and the middle-east is a quagmire.
Donald Trump is an unsophisticated president who is easily manipulated by others.
Donald Trump is an unsophisticated president who is easily manipulated by others.
2
From the first day of office, Trump has issued one executive order after another. Looks like he is going to bypass the senate and congress, given that those two large rooms in the Capitol Hill are filled with "do nothing" folks who consistently opposed Mr Obama. Trump does not want that to happen to him. The Republicans don't know it yet, but he is not going to listen to them either. He is on his way to becoming the first dictator of America, since its Independence from the British.
2
Every time we Americans see Donald Trump, in person or on the media, we see Donald Trump lying. But every time the rest of the world sees Donald Trump, they see America lying. We could not have chosen a worse representative for our nation.
3
Mr. Trump's ascension to the presidency has revealed a putrid, revolting reality about our beloved country.
This, more than anything that the mentally ill charlatan who now sits in the oval office can do, is what frightens me most.
This, more than anything that the mentally ill charlatan who now sits in the oval office can do, is what frightens me most.
3
Although I pride myself in successfully striving to see through others' eyes, I am mystified by the commonplace (yes, I have had many open, respectful conversations with Trump supporters) dismissal of the hazards of Trump. Somebody just isn't getting it, but I'm not sure who!
2
Don't tell me again that I need to "understand" the white rural voters who foisted Trump upon the rest of us due to an outdated and unfair electoral college process.
No, I don't understand them. The economy has changed, these jobs have been leaving for 40 years, people need to stop ridiculing education and realize that they need to acquire new skills. I see people blaming other working class people who reside in urban areas and on the coast for the fact that capitalism has left them behind. Let's stop pretending everyone in urban areas is some kind of an "elite" who has had everything handed to them. It is ridiculous.
No, I don't understand them. The economy has changed, these jobs have been leaving for 40 years, people need to stop ridiculing education and realize that they need to acquire new skills. I see people blaming other working class people who reside in urban areas and on the coast for the fact that capitalism has left them behind. Let's stop pretending everyone in urban areas is some kind of an "elite" who has had everything handed to them. It is ridiculous.
8
Donald Trump is not alone in forgetting --or never having read, absorbed and heeded in the first place-- the lessons of history. My concern is that many of those who voted for Trump did so because they learned from the fragment of history Roger just laid out, and viewed it in a different, positive light. Just as Hitler had little difficulty creating the Nazi phenomenon, Trump is well on his way to reprising that feat. Democracy will mean what he says it means. Nothing more.
1
Only 25% of Americans -- who are registered to vote -- cast a vote for Trump. This happened because nearly half our Registered Voters either did not bother to vote or, worse yet, our rigged system kept them from voting.
Putin's interference in our election is one of the factors that suppressed the vote. Putin is glad to see President Trump step us back from our place as a world power thereby giving him a free hand to pursue world domination.
Putin's interference in our election is one of the factors that suppressed the vote. Putin is glad to see President Trump step us back from our place as a world power thereby giving him a free hand to pursue world domination.
1
The real danger of Donald Trump is that he is a narcissist and our first president so afflicted. It does not matter what the truth is or what anyone else says, the only voice that he hears is his own internal sycophant. He is not rational nor predictable only in that he will do whatever he believes will be good for him. Reading the DSM-5 would be the most help. In all seriousness, as a nurse who has cared for narcissistic patients in a psychiatric hospital, they are both manipulative and dangerous... and he is the president and has nukes.
3
One always wonders: Is Trump aware that his behavior is dangerous or is he simply oblivious, obeying his inner directive toward chaos and personal aggrandizement? I ask the question because Hitler was, as seems apparent, quite aware of the meaning of his actions which, in turn, represented clear intentions.
But perhaps that does not matter. Perhaps the danger is as great whether or not Trump has in inkling of an idea of their possible consequences. Perhaps he is Charlie Chaplin in disguise sans irony. And the tragedy will belong to us all.
But perhaps that does not matter. Perhaps the danger is as great whether or not Trump has in inkling of an idea of their possible consequences. Perhaps he is Charlie Chaplin in disguise sans irony. And the tragedy will belong to us all.
1
Mom made a special dinner for Dad the night before he flew to Vietnam with his squadron. I was just 9, but I demanded to know why he had to fly so far away to fight people who could not touch us here in the US. He looked at me sadly and said he had to do it to defend my right to demand answers to my question from my government.
Trump is demanding an investigation into his false claim millions voted for Clinton illegally? Can we get to that after we get to the bottom on his Russian well spring?
Trump is demanding an investigation into his false claim millions voted for Clinton illegally? Can we get to that after we get to the bottom on his Russian well spring?
2
If you combine "The Banality of Evil" by Hannah Arendt and Orwell's, "1984" the results are Trumpian. While millions marched this past saturday, Trump and Bannon, are goose stepping towards Fascism. Bannon, a messianic clone of Goering and Rasputin, has laid out the plans for Trump's totalitarian state. He's tried to camouflage it, but Trump's actions, insults, paranoia, and pathological lies, are not fooling anyone, except his brainwashed and naive supporters. There is an exigent need for all of us to continue protesting, and take political action. We cannot allow Trump to step on and eviscerate our Constitutional rights. The march hopefully will be the beginning of the end for this shameless, amoral huckster. As they say, history is a nightmare that repeats itself. And we have a madman, megalomaniac in charge. We shall overcome.
1
Hopefully, medical professionals will weigh in on what the observable conduct of Trump says about his mental and emotional stability. I realize that they cannot diagnose a person third hand but perhaps they can offer potential diagnoses and reasons therefore.
1
We who have opposed Trump, since that day of infamy when he descended his gold escalator and began his tirade against everything an already America is supposed to represent, will never cease and desist. We will resist every move he makes to dismantle the legacy of President Obama. It will not end.
On the day after his infamous inauguration the Women's March in DC and around the world was a striking rebuke to this demagogic know-nothing. It said to all of us who opposed Trump that this is what occurs when too many of us become complacent, apathetic, and not taking the power of the vote of the poorly educated pitchforks and torches crowd from exerting its last White American blast of belligerence. We must fight back daily and not stop until Trump, Pence, McConnell and Ryan are defeated.
DD
Manhattan
On the day after his infamous inauguration the Women's March in DC and around the world was a striking rebuke to this demagogic know-nothing. It said to all of us who opposed Trump that this is what occurs when too many of us become complacent, apathetic, and not taking the power of the vote of the poorly educated pitchforks and torches crowd from exerting its last White American blast of belligerence. We must fight back daily and not stop until Trump, Pence, McConnell and Ryan are defeated.
DD
Manhattan
4
Trump suffers from marginal man syndrome. He was treated poorly by his father, and always felt inferior in Queens. Like Nixon and many other marginal men, he compensates by obsessing over winning, and using any means to attain that end. As Cohen points out, Trump is very dangerous.
3
I think Roger Cohen has really gone over the top with this one. There isn't a scintilla of resemblance between post-WWI Germany and today's US.
That is not to say that Americans won't rue the day they put Trump into the highest office in the land. But not for any of the reasons Cohen gives. It's safe to say that Trump will be awful in his own way.
I thought Cohen has rumbled Trump when I read the headline about Trump's "banal belligerence." That describes Trump to a t, but Hitler? If Trump lets himself be repeatedly suckered into brawls with the media, his entire Presidency will become a laughing stock. It won't be a totalitarian agenda that will be our problem. It will be the total paralysis of our government -- which the world's real totalitarians will take advantage of. If that is a case of history repeating itself, it is doing so (as Marx said) first as tragedy and then as farce.
Can someone on Trump's staff not explain to him what gravitas means and why he badly needs it?
That is not to say that Americans won't rue the day they put Trump into the highest office in the land. But not for any of the reasons Cohen gives. It's safe to say that Trump will be awful in his own way.
I thought Cohen has rumbled Trump when I read the headline about Trump's "banal belligerence." That describes Trump to a t, but Hitler? If Trump lets himself be repeatedly suckered into brawls with the media, his entire Presidency will become a laughing stock. It won't be a totalitarian agenda that will be our problem. It will be the total paralysis of our government -- which the world's real totalitarians will take advantage of. If that is a case of history repeating itself, it is doing so (as Marx said) first as tragedy and then as farce.
Can someone on Trump's staff not explain to him what gravitas means and why he badly needs it?
1
I am grateful that so many Americans are aware of what is happening. I know that might sound naive, but it feels like we went from 0 to 60 in about 4 days. It already feels like it did towards the end of Watergate and Nixon, and that was after he was entering his fifth(?) year as president. Less than 3 full days after Trump's inauguration "Alternative Truths" is trending. Either this will end quickly, or we are in for a long national nightmare.
1
someone suggested that Trump is behaving like a dictator. Not quite... he is a dictator and it's terrifying. It maddens me that he has convinced the displaced coal miners for example, that he will bring back the mines to full employment. And they believe him. He cares nothing about them and as long as he can live in his assorted gilded palaces, he's happy. Economic war with China? What's to be done with his and Ivanka's factories? Hire only Americans? What about the Polish men he hired for Trump Tower who were working under slave like conditions? Then the Trump brand project in Dubai where the "next Beverly Hills" project was under construction built by men from Pakistan also under slave like conditions. the list of his sins and his lies would fill volumes and he probably would get on more Time covers. such joy to get to see more of him
1
What I have learned since being an impressionable teenager in the late sixties is that war is a horror that people never realize unless they experience it first hand. They just don't think it through. Also, love IS the answer. Compassion people! We are the world. Yes, I am naive. I believe in being open and inclusion, so it is understandable that I have had trouble breathing since the election. But I am very afraid of the attitude of selfishness, bullying and plain ignorance that frames the next four years.
1
The "banal belligerence" arose because the coastal elite ignored all of those living in the middle. The elite focused on the importance of transgender bathrooms, cast those as "deplorable" who questioned the importance of that as an issue. Its print media, grossly out of touch with the nation, virtually unanimously endorsed a candidate with a remarkable lack of trust among her constituents. Its party officials maneuvered to prevent a populist pseudo-Democrat from having a real shot at the office. Its focus on identity politics aroused a similar movement among those it ignored. And you ask how it happened?
2
The why is clearly the republican party's scorched earth policy of win at any cost. The how is through gerrymandering and calculated voter manipulation and suppression carried out over the last decade without anyone calling them on it. A cold calculating and thoroughly cynical view of politics that created a fascist oligarchy. Trump is an unstable megalomaniac who may ruin the world economy and cause untold suffering to millions if not billions of people. Thanks GOP.
3
Americans must also learn from Turkey. There are frightening parallels with Erdogan, the turkish president, fellow vengeful narcissist, autocrat, populist, nationalist. Erdogan promised and delivered on populist agenda (building roads, bridges, buildings, distributing favors, gifts, supporting religious right under the falsehood of freedom) while enriching himself and his cronies, clumping down on journalists, and democratic freedoms, until now Turkey is best described as a dictatorship. It all happened very gradually, over 10 years.
Democrats should resist the impulse to cooperate with Trump on any issue. He will only use them and take all the credit, cementing his hold for another 4 years
Democrats should resist the impulse to cooperate with Trump on any issue. He will only use them and take all the credit, cementing his hold for another 4 years
4
It is worth reading Umberto Eco's characteristics of fascism - some of which are:
"Fear of Difference" eg racism
"Appeal to a Frustrated Middle Class"
"Obsession with a Plot" and the hyping-up of an enemy threat. Fraudulent votes?
Fascist societies rhetorically cast their enemies as "at the same time too strong and too weak." On the one hand, fascists play up the power of certain disfavored elites to encourage in their followers a sense of grievance and humiliation. On the other hand, fascist leaders point to the decadence of those elites as proof of their ultimate feebleness in the face of an overwhelming popular will.
"Contempt for the Weak",
"Selective Populism" – Fascists use this concept to delegitimize democratic institutions they accuse of "no longer represent[ing] the Voice of the People."
"Newspeak" – Fascism employs and promotes an impoverished vocabulary in order to limit critical reasoning.
Recognize anyone?
"Fear of Difference" eg racism
"Appeal to a Frustrated Middle Class"
"Obsession with a Plot" and the hyping-up of an enemy threat. Fraudulent votes?
Fascist societies rhetorically cast their enemies as "at the same time too strong and too weak." On the one hand, fascists play up the power of certain disfavored elites to encourage in their followers a sense of grievance and humiliation. On the other hand, fascist leaders point to the decadence of those elites as proof of their ultimate feebleness in the face of an overwhelming popular will.
"Contempt for the Weak",
"Selective Populism" – Fascists use this concept to delegitimize democratic institutions they accuse of "no longer represent[ing] the Voice of the People."
"Newspeak" – Fascism employs and promotes an impoverished vocabulary in order to limit critical reasoning.
Recognize anyone?
3
Depending on what definition of the word banal is chosen, bland, mundane,stupid, trite, vapid (which means empty), it might just be that the word is not strong enough but dreadful comes close. However, Hanna Arendt suggested that evil can be banal so in that case, banal would be adequate! The man who pretends to be the President of the United States factually almost lost. He won more electoral votes that is reported, although just as he claims he won the popular vote because he also claims voter fraud of 3-5 million votes!!! He has not one speck of evidence. He did not win the popular vote, Hillary Clinton won by almost 3 million. That sticks in his always churning gut. He is really a sick person. His behavior at the CIA meeting is reprehensible and there is no anticipation he would be any different. America now has a tenuous circumstance in the world. Donald Trump is eroding any integrity and dignity that America and Americans have had. It is up to those with any power at all to stop him. Period.
4
Trump is using the playbook GWB/Cheney starting writing back in 2000 as soon they were sworn in. They cut back on almost everything that was in progress, began reversals on Clinton's policies at home and abroad. They sent out scores of refusals to attend global summits, meetings, conferences about the usual stuff, global warming, economics, trade deals, immigration, etc etc. They made a big display of turning the country inward, showing a protectionist, anti-globalist face to the world. They proceeded on their merry way until something happened. 9-11. In my mind those things have always been related. You make a big show of shutting out the world you previously stewarded, and it's possible some part of the world is going to see it as weakness, or at the very least is going to question that.
3
The Doomsday Clickbait Revolution of the NYT continues unabated. I mean, somebody has to pacify the liberal cognoscenti who need multiple daily affirmations of their righteous grievances, yes?
My question is: just how many Times (pun intended) are we going to have to read yet another variation on the theme of comparing President Trump to Adolph Hitler, and the socioeconomic conditions of recent times to that of Germany in the 20s and early 30s? Will the fans of this nonsensical drivel eventually wake up and realize we have MULTIPLE LAYERS of checks and balances in our government and society to prevent such an apocalyptic future?
It's been clearly established that the President reads the Times. So help him out by presenting detailed options and a wellspring of thoughtfully researched ideas grounded in reality. Think solutions. Rely a bit more on the incredible knowledge and experience base of your readers as contributors. Accept more diversity of opinions. Other than that, please just report the news, and provide research and commentary in a helpful manner so we can move forward. Because the nonstop current brand of drama-inflected commentary and 'news' that gives us nothing but shades of darkness has gotten old fast.
Is this such a difficult concept to grasp?
My question is: just how many Times (pun intended) are we going to have to read yet another variation on the theme of comparing President Trump to Adolph Hitler, and the socioeconomic conditions of recent times to that of Germany in the 20s and early 30s? Will the fans of this nonsensical drivel eventually wake up and realize we have MULTIPLE LAYERS of checks and balances in our government and society to prevent such an apocalyptic future?
It's been clearly established that the President reads the Times. So help him out by presenting detailed options and a wellspring of thoughtfully researched ideas grounded in reality. Think solutions. Rely a bit more on the incredible knowledge and experience base of your readers as contributors. Accept more diversity of opinions. Other than that, please just report the news, and provide research and commentary in a helpful manner so we can move forward. Because the nonstop current brand of drama-inflected commentary and 'news' that gives us nothing but shades of darkness has gotten old fast.
Is this such a difficult concept to grasp?
1
Thank you. This is a horrifying time. Journalists and photographers being held on federal charges for covering the protest during Trump's inauguration. Gag orders on staff and scientists in federal agencies. Ten executive orders written and signed in 96 hours by a man who could not explain in any detail the complex issues within the programs he's destroying and it's not clear who is the wizard behind the curtain . "Alternative facts". Sycophant staffers who lie with impunity in presenting the talking points. Please writers, keep speaking out. We must remain clear and hold tightly to the truth. Thankfully we are not in Trump's propaganda triumvirate of twitter/Breitbart/FOX. He lies, they reinforce the state message before legit press can refute. Indeed, a scary time.
3
And, anyone who thinks Trump's feud with the press over the size of the inauguration crowd is just petty narcissism doesn't understand that the first step in any totalitarian regime is control of information. We may have an inconvenient first amendment, but that doesn't prevent Trump from using every means to delegitimize the free press and replace it with his own version of the truth. You can be sure that, in 2020, when he is running for re-election, he will be going on and on about how he had a mandate in his first term from the largest election crown in history.
Two books that everyone should have read before the election, but most didn't, are "It Can't Happen Here" (Sinclair Lewis) and "1984" (George Orwell). What was Winston's job in the Ministry of Truth? Excising facts from the public the record and replacing them with Big Brother's alternative facts. In time, no one remembered the original facts. That's why it is so important to Trump to keep repeating the same lies.
Two books that everyone should have read before the election, but most didn't, are "It Can't Happen Here" (Sinclair Lewis) and "1984" (George Orwell). What was Winston's job in the Ministry of Truth? Excising facts from the public the record and replacing them with Big Brother's alternative facts. In time, no one remembered the original facts. That's why it is so important to Trump to keep repeating the same lies.
4
So many laws of political gravity have already fallen that we may as well dispense with good ol' Goodwin law (something I myself have done at length http://purebarbell.blogspot.com.es/2016/09/if-youre-gonna-shaft-goodwins...
What is undeniable is this: 43% of the American electorate have shown no qualms at voting with some people holding opinions that a few months ago were considered utterly unacceptable (start in Breitbart and then move right to American Renaissance, to Taki, to Daily Stormer all the way to Stormfront).
Now those opinions are seen as just a refreshing contrast with the left's perceived "political correctness". In a couple years of uncritical (if not outright sympathetic) exposition to them through Fox News and talk radio, increasingly associated to your traditional party's platform, they will be as much part of the conservative worldview as opposition to abortion and unresticted rights to gun ownership, regardless of civil (or mental) status.
You tell me where that leads us...
What is undeniable is this: 43% of the American electorate have shown no qualms at voting with some people holding opinions that a few months ago were considered utterly unacceptable (start in Breitbart and then move right to American Renaissance, to Taki, to Daily Stormer all the way to Stormfront).
Now those opinions are seen as just a refreshing contrast with the left's perceived "political correctness". In a couple years of uncritical (if not outright sympathetic) exposition to them through Fox News and talk radio, increasingly associated to your traditional party's platform, they will be as much part of the conservative worldview as opposition to abortion and unresticted rights to gun ownership, regardless of civil (or mental) status.
You tell me where that leads us...
4
Nonsense.
The government of the United States was structured with a series of checks and balances for a reason.
The invocation of Hitler is a cheap and disingenuous maneuver, and only serves to distract attention away from the patently fascist methods of the protest organizers loyal to the progressive left, the disinformation campaign in the left wing media (such as this piece), and the on-the-record actions of cynical political planners and radical Democrats like Nancy Pelosi.
This is just straw man logical arguments, and hyperbole.
The government of the United States was structured with a series of checks and balances for a reason.
The invocation of Hitler is a cheap and disingenuous maneuver, and only serves to distract attention away from the patently fascist methods of the protest organizers loyal to the progressive left, the disinformation campaign in the left wing media (such as this piece), and the on-the-record actions of cynical political planners and radical Democrats like Nancy Pelosi.
This is just straw man logical arguments, and hyperbole.
With each passing day, the horror of what our country has done becomes more apparent. Over the holidays I read several books about WWII. The parallels between the Third Reich and the current situation in the United States are eerily similar. My fellow Americans, wake up and take action - the Women's March was a great start, but we need to do more and do it consistently.
2
The "limited" early comparison to fascist regimes should include his two major thrusts of his first five days: Elimination of all reports and narratives but the one he controls, and, it certainly appears, early direct violent confrontation with somebody, preferably not white (black citizens of Chicago? Native Americans protesting the pipeline again?) followed by charging those left alive with felony rioting. Steps towards unfettered Beloved Leaderhood.
2
These are all intelligent and clever remarks on the Trump presidency. However I would like to know who is in the electoral college. Who are these people who elected trump. What is the purpose of voting if the electoral college picks the president. I just don't get it. What is wrong with our country that we allowed this to happen. Hillary was the winner, the most experienced, and the most well liked. I admire her so much for her intelligence and good deeds for our country. Something is terribly wrong with our government. There is something secret and evil going on and I mean the inequality of income and the war against the people. There are people without homes and medical insurance, there are children starving and too uneducated to know the difference between a decent person and a sciopathic liar!!
3
It seems by his insistence that he was cheated out of millions of votes that Mr Trump is admitting that democracy in the United States is seriously flawed. For those of us in the rest of the world who had assumed that, despite less serious imperfections, it was sound and robust, that is of monumental concern. Does he not understand the cannon fodder that this rhetoric provides to countries whose political systems are clearly undemocratic. Or is the protection of his ego more important than upholding his obligations under your country's Constitution and maintaining its reputation in the world at large?
1
Notice that all of Trump's actions so far are executive orders. No working with Congress on policy ideas; simply a series of diktats. His spokespeople spit out one lie after another, part distraction and part setting the stage for a campaign of manipulation of the American people. And now we have the warning of troops in Chicago to restore order, something that appears to have been planned given Trump's incessant focus during the campaign on violence in Chicago. Are we not witnessing an emerging drift into authoritarianism?
3
Here it is day 5 of the Trump regime... and the notion of anything normal with this man and his minions is sheer terror at every level:
1. continued lies,
2. EO to harm he environment (with literally minimal economic impact)
3. EO to "delete" the most impacting healthcare advances in generations
4. Threats to American companies under the guise of "build in America"
5. EO to be signed today to halt refugees from war tor countries. So much for America being a sanctuary with compassion.
6. EO to be signed today to "build a wall" (who will really pay for that)
7. Threats toward cities and mayors that don't fall in line with his ideology. Ironically, the GOP abhors federal influence into local matters.
Mr. Cohen parallels are not without merit... Trump is everything we thought he would be and maybe worse.
1. continued lies,
2. EO to harm he environment (with literally minimal economic impact)
3. EO to "delete" the most impacting healthcare advances in generations
4. Threats to American companies under the guise of "build in America"
5. EO to be signed today to halt refugees from war tor countries. So much for America being a sanctuary with compassion.
6. EO to be signed today to "build a wall" (who will really pay for that)
7. Threats toward cities and mayors that don't fall in line with his ideology. Ironically, the GOP abhors federal influence into local matters.
Mr. Cohen parallels are not without merit... Trump is everything we thought he would be and maybe worse.
4
The Times policy of publishing "things submitted" has me more than confused--something quite irrational,actually. Most of my problems are usually related to the fact that I was not to the computer born, and, thus, I feel like I really belong to a different epoch, so that the computer itself makes me feel out-of-it, left behind, disorientated, with the computer itself somehow another symptom of "alienation" only adding to the sense of not belonging. Everything seems to point to the fact the Old World-which here includes America-is somehow beyond the beyond, and that a Trump had to come into the story of the breakdown of almost everything, relationships, marriages, even illness, are parts of a world going bananas as it were, and even bananas ain't what they used to be. Funny and even ridiculous, the more I think about it all!
1
The lights are going out all over America. We will not see them lit again in our lifetime. Out Holy Grail has been rational science, self-correcting science based on solid empirical evidence. Science will be downplayed and marginalized by those who worship profits, not prophets, and the fanaticism of fundamentalist far right religious crazies who want to impose their nonsensical myths on the entire nation. We were created as a secular Nation by enlightened founders who were aware of and dreaded the unholy union of church and state that paralyzed the old world, at the expense of the masses.
4
“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.”
Joseph Goebbels
Joseph Goebbels
5
If our military have been returning to am "increasingly dysfunctional and polarized polity " and to "stagnant incomes; to the steady diminishment of American uniqueness and the apparent erosion of its power," those conditions aren't on Trumps shoulders. Reporting on problem with his programs is reasonable. Explain where the flaws are is reasonable. But millions of voters voted for trump and they don't consider themselves as Fascist or in favor of a second Hitler. While Cohen may think those voters are not capable of rational thought, they believe what and who they voted for is very reasonable. Of course the author may agree with Clinton that the voters are the "deplorables" or another of her reported labels, "the unwashed masses." These types of editorials have little value other than inciting hate and name calling.
Please realize, as well, that Trump's "people" are incredibly well-armed. The gun-ownership disparity in the US is dramatic between the political right and left.
What sort of nightmare might ensue if "Trump people" in the police forces and "Trump people" in the military turn out to be less than enthused about facing down nationalist alt-rightist militias of "Trump people" citizens...
..."people" who could easily start brandishing and using arms to act on more outrageous targeting statements (off-hand or calculated) blurted by Trump himself?
Those of us who are not "Trump people" may want to reconsider our blind faith in the certainty of law and order. We may want to let pragmatism sober our long-standing idealism. We may want to be sure we can defend ourselves in venues other than the courtroom. The fight before us may not be one of words alone.
Is it OK that the hundreds of millions of guns in civilian hands are concentrated with those who prefer alternative facts and feast on angry encouragement for their anger?
Is it time for Progressives to realize that knowing and owning guns may be a patriotic necessity now?
What sort of nightmare might ensue if "Trump people" in the police forces and "Trump people" in the military turn out to be less than enthused about facing down nationalist alt-rightist militias of "Trump people" citizens...
..."people" who could easily start brandishing and using arms to act on more outrageous targeting statements (off-hand or calculated) blurted by Trump himself?
Those of us who are not "Trump people" may want to reconsider our blind faith in the certainty of law and order. We may want to let pragmatism sober our long-standing idealism. We may want to be sure we can defend ourselves in venues other than the courtroom. The fight before us may not be one of words alone.
Is it OK that the hundreds of millions of guns in civilian hands are concentrated with those who prefer alternative facts and feast on angry encouragement for their anger?
Is it time for Progressives to realize that knowing and owning guns may be a patriotic necessity now?
3
In the "World of Silence", Max Picard. Swiss/Catholic theologian writing just after WWII about the "noise" of modernity, specifically the omnipresence of radio "noise" in Nazi Germany and its effectiveness in creating the third reich.
----
"The noise of words is so far ranging, so immense and incalculable, that it is impossible either to see where it begins and ends for man to see where he himself begins and ends....
Man waits for something to come and tear this vague noise apart by a sharp, piercing sound...
What the dictator says is quite unimportant: what matters is the loudness and clearness of what he says. Man now has a landmark from which he gathers that he exists. Previously he is merely a part of the vague noise of words, but now he is part of a clear, mechanized language.
The mechanized language of the dictator is part of the general verbal noise, but the exaggerated coarseness, the brutal aggressiveness, and the war of invasion correspond to it as well. The noise is so unformed that it is always waiting for something clearly formed fall into. The man has become lost in the noise is as it were, saved by the firm structure of war, even by the firm structure of a brutal action [the dictator has provided]"
----
"The noise of words is so far ranging, so immense and incalculable, that it is impossible either to see where it begins and ends for man to see where he himself begins and ends....
Man waits for something to come and tear this vague noise apart by a sharp, piercing sound...
What the dictator says is quite unimportant: what matters is the loudness and clearness of what he says. Man now has a landmark from which he gathers that he exists. Previously he is merely a part of the vague noise of words, but now he is part of a clear, mechanized language.
The mechanized language of the dictator is part of the general verbal noise, but the exaggerated coarseness, the brutal aggressiveness, and the war of invasion correspond to it as well. The noise is so unformed that it is always waiting for something clearly formed fall into. The man has become lost in the noise is as it were, saved by the firm structure of war, even by the firm structure of a brutal action [the dictator has provided]"
3
This is an excellent expression of the deepest roots of the problems we in the United States face today, and for many tomorrows. These problems are of historical global significance.
There has been much talk and analysis, and we should now fully understand that we MUST take action as individuals. How? Even the least of us can make telephone calls and write emails to our representatives in Washington and at the state level. We can march as the women of the world marched the day after the inauguration.
The first goal should be for all of us to ceaselessly demand the release of Donald's tax returns... I would bet that there's much there that would unclothe the emperor.
There has been much talk and analysis, and we should now fully understand that we MUST take action as individuals. How? Even the least of us can make telephone calls and write emails to our representatives in Washington and at the state level. We can march as the women of the world marched the day after the inauguration.
The first goal should be for all of us to ceaselessly demand the release of Donald's tax returns... I would bet that there's much there that would unclothe the emperor.
2
Governing by Tweetocracy may seem simplistic and juvenile, but Trump has discovered an ingenious way to divert public attention by creating minor controversies and irritations that stress out his critics, and arouse his supporters to sport stadium level cheering. Meanwhile, the feud with the media has been judiciously designed to create the circumstances to allow him to push it out of the White House altogether. The concept of alternative facts is worthy of Roy Cohn, Trump's mentor, and possibly even of Joseph Goebbles. We learn from history that the first thing that happens in a successful coup d’etat is gaining control of Information.
1
Trump is a shapeshifter from an unfamiliar dimension, an outer-space alien, a high functioning narcissist grandiose-type, and a President who's capable of making fun of the handicapped on TV and denying it. Is he the Antichrist? Absolutely.
But even so, every dark cloud is supposed to have a golden lining. Hitler liked dogs.
I may have found something good in his historic Inaugural address. Trump said that the elected representatives are worthless, which is not entirely true, but true enough. Bernie said the same.
The fundamental problem is money in politics - the corporate control that increases income disparity. This must be reversed. It's the True Task.
So I'm OK with Trump's end run around both Democrats and Republicans. Note that Independents are more numerous than either of these two groups and have only two representatives in Congress.
Trump reached past the Establishment directly to the People. That's good. Bernie wouldn't have been enough of a bomb throwing junk-yard dog to break the entrenched institutional power of big money. Trump may be playing us, but we can hope that he's the People's Antichrist.
As for the negative, no one has recognized that Trump presented a litmus test for being American - patriotism. He defines patriotism narcissistically as those who are with his program.
If you're against Trump's Muslim registry and the eradication of Islam, for example, you're a traitor he'll dispose of. This Antichrist is only for His People.
But even so, every dark cloud is supposed to have a golden lining. Hitler liked dogs.
I may have found something good in his historic Inaugural address. Trump said that the elected representatives are worthless, which is not entirely true, but true enough. Bernie said the same.
The fundamental problem is money in politics - the corporate control that increases income disparity. This must be reversed. It's the True Task.
So I'm OK with Trump's end run around both Democrats and Republicans. Note that Independents are more numerous than either of these two groups and have only two representatives in Congress.
Trump reached past the Establishment directly to the People. That's good. Bernie wouldn't have been enough of a bomb throwing junk-yard dog to break the entrenched institutional power of big money. Trump may be playing us, but we can hope that he's the People's Antichrist.
As for the negative, no one has recognized that Trump presented a litmus test for being American - patriotism. He defines patriotism narcissistically as those who are with his program.
If you're against Trump's Muslim registry and the eradication of Islam, for example, you're a traitor he'll dispose of. This Antichrist is only for His People.
1
The real tragedy of where we find ourselves today is we, as American citizens, ceased communicating with each other. For the most part, we have so much in common. Even with issues on which we differ, we can often find common ground, 'compromise'.
And for this, I blame the two, major national political parties. It was more important to foment division, because this guaranteed each 'a base'. Party before country. Sadly, if you examine the social, moral and ethical fiber of so many these politicians, the parties would be irrelevant and interchangeable.
And for this, I blame the two, major national political parties. It was more important to foment division, because this guaranteed each 'a base'. Party before country. Sadly, if you examine the social, moral and ethical fiber of so many these politicians, the parties would be irrelevant and interchangeable.
1
Americans are falling into a Kafkaesque intellectual paralysis. Bedazzled by this charlatan presidency, our eyes and ears send conflicting signals of horror and disbelief to brains overwhelmed by the surreal and misbegotten leadership confronting us daily. Like an enchanting huckster, Donald Trump has used a potent mixture of violent doublespeak and old school misdirection to peddle his beguiling fantasies to those desperate for a new direction. Fellow Americans, we need to awaken from the collective delirium which threatens our resolve and focus on the rescue of our democracy. Do not buy the argument that America's justice and humanity ends at our borders. We are better than that.
2
There's only word needed here: Organize. My sincerest hope is that Trump is so bad it will shake Democrats out of their complacent gloom and get them galvanized to take the fight to the streets. The Women's March on Washington was an extremely heartening spectacle but it should have happened DURING the elections, not after the fact. Perhaps now people will realize you can never underestimate your opponent. The fight has to be taken to the enemy and no quarter asked for or given. Trump will destroy this planet without a second thought in the name of profits. He has been conscripted by Big Oil and he will not give a second thought to the long-term consequences of his actions. Big Oil is under threat like never before due to the unstoppable rise of renewable energy and EVs and they have done everything possible to ensure their candidate gets into the White House in order to sabotage this vital technological revolution, the only thing that can save mankind from itself. His agenda is not to make America Great Again, it is to destroy the burgeoning renewable energy industry. If was really interested in saving and creating jobs he would passing legislation to halt the rise of automation. Don't be fooled! Big Oil is the true power in the White House not Donald Trump.
3
This is fascism. There is no other definition for it. Threats, gag orders, torture, and now an open threat to "send in the Feds" to a major American city. Targeted minorities, paranoia run wild. Hadrian's Wall did no good. Almost 2,000 years have gone by, but Trump's thinking - if it can be called that - conforms with a defend from the barbarians mindset.
The man is a lunatic. Every single Trump voter will have blood on their hands. 46,000 deaths per year possibly from those who had Obamacare, about 22,000 women who will die due to the Mexico City abortion law, about 2 million women denied cancer screenings and reproductive care with Planned Parenthood and subsequent deaths, and now these cartoonish villain moves within a week of the creature's inauguration.
Fascism has come to America, aided and abetted by the FBI, Putin, and the right wing.
The man is a lunatic. Every single Trump voter will have blood on their hands. 46,000 deaths per year possibly from those who had Obamacare, about 22,000 women who will die due to the Mexico City abortion law, about 2 million women denied cancer screenings and reproductive care with Planned Parenthood and subsequent deaths, and now these cartoonish villain moves within a week of the creature's inauguration.
Fascism has come to America, aided and abetted by the FBI, Putin, and the right wing.
5
Never has it been more necessary to have those who will speak truth to power than now, when power speaks to the people in "alternative facts".
There are so many who have become so gullible - who have lost the skill - and that's what it is - of critical thinking - in this age of 24/7 information, so much that it is impossible to fully research each "fact" we are given, even with the amazing research tools we have now.
But so many lack even the most rudimentary skills. If someone tweets or re-tweets something to you do you know to ask who authored the original, their qualifications, their possible bias, their benefit from people believing the content, their access to the people or event they are talking about, other sources that can confirm their statement that you subject to the same questions?
And, most importantly, are you curious enough and skeptical enough to care, to do the work to make as sure as you can that what you are reading is true before you accept it or send it along under your name?
If not, we are lost. We are lost to intellectual laziness. We are lost to a lack of curiosity. We are lost to a lack of real information in a time when access to real facts is unprecedented in human history.
As a high school teacher the last 5 years of my career, I found that the most disturbing trend was the desire to have the answers given, not discovered, and the answer given accepted, not questioned, no matter who gave it to them.
There are so many who have become so gullible - who have lost the skill - and that's what it is - of critical thinking - in this age of 24/7 information, so much that it is impossible to fully research each "fact" we are given, even with the amazing research tools we have now.
But so many lack even the most rudimentary skills. If someone tweets or re-tweets something to you do you know to ask who authored the original, their qualifications, their possible bias, their benefit from people believing the content, their access to the people or event they are talking about, other sources that can confirm their statement that you subject to the same questions?
And, most importantly, are you curious enough and skeptical enough to care, to do the work to make as sure as you can that what you are reading is true before you accept it or send it along under your name?
If not, we are lost. We are lost to intellectual laziness. We are lost to a lack of curiosity. We are lost to a lack of real information in a time when access to real facts is unprecedented in human history.
As a high school teacher the last 5 years of my career, I found that the most disturbing trend was the desire to have the answers given, not discovered, and the answer given accepted, not questioned, no matter who gave it to them.
4
Roger Cohen has certainly articulated the clear and present danger that Trump's presidency presents to our country's democracy. His chaotic tweets, madness with a method, serve as weapons of mass distraction, and lay the ground for subsequent actions, e.g. tweeting that 5 million immigrants voted illegally will serve as justification for subsequent harsh policies and actions against immigrants... at least to his true believers and to a significant percentage of confused citizens.
Most disturbing, are Trumps international provocations and seemingly blithe disregard for diplomatic precedent, which his devotees may perceive as invigorating manifestations of his "America First" perspective. Again, I am guessing that he, and his White Supremacist advisor Steve Bannon, have a plan here. Why not, for instance, provoke outrage in the Arab world by moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? Why not join up with the Russians in Syria, reviled for their brutal treatment of Chechens, and now Syrians? It is not possible that these policies in the Middle East will result in terrible terrorist attacks in the U.S., leaving Americans cowering in fear? Then Trump can be the Great Protector, the strongman a la Erdogan, or Putin, and gain overwhelming popular support from a terrified nation for a shift to Fascism? Just saying...
Most disturbing, are Trumps international provocations and seemingly blithe disregard for diplomatic precedent, which his devotees may perceive as invigorating manifestations of his "America First" perspective. Again, I am guessing that he, and his White Supremacist advisor Steve Bannon, have a plan here. Why not, for instance, provoke outrage in the Arab world by moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? Why not join up with the Russians in Syria, reviled for their brutal treatment of Chechens, and now Syrians? It is not possible that these policies in the Middle East will result in terrible terrorist attacks in the U.S., leaving Americans cowering in fear? Then Trump can be the Great Protector, the strongman a la Erdogan, or Putin, and gain overwhelming popular support from a terrified nation for a shift to Fascism? Just saying...
3
Liar liar pants on fire! Trump the nut is really going out of his way to display his childish demeanor. School yard bullying tactics seem to be heavily ingrained into this man-child's behavior. The extremist fools of this country have put into office every child's worst fear. That one person who has no vision beyond himself and could care less who he hurts while protecting that vision regardless of complete lack of merit. What is even more astonishing is that the vast majority of his supporters seem to still be willing to look the other way. The advent of this idiots rise to power goes well beyond all practicality and reason. I will continue with my long established position that the political right deserves this maniac. After all they in their total partisan efforts paved the way for advent of this improbability. Unfortunately it looks like we may all pay dearly before all is said and done. As they say "be careful what you ask for, you might just get it".
2
Thank you for this very important piece, even though you have essentially confirmed my darkest fears about this man and the spineless, craven puppets he is surrounding himself with.
It seems that most people who go in search of a relatively modern day analogue to Trump land at Nixon.
I find that comparison dangerously underestimates Trump's essence and intentions.
We're not just looking at a "crook", we are looking at something here that is much further down the spectrum.
As dishonest and crooked and Nixon was, he operated on a plane of accepted reality, however compromised, that we had all seen or could easily recognize and adapt to. A free press and our government, after all, was able to get rid of him like an invading cancer.
Trump is trying to create and introduce an entirely new paradigm, and it is
one that has the potential to destroy us.
Are we, our press and our government up to that same challenge?
We are going to find out.
It seems that most people who go in search of a relatively modern day analogue to Trump land at Nixon.
I find that comparison dangerously underestimates Trump's essence and intentions.
We're not just looking at a "crook", we are looking at something here that is much further down the spectrum.
As dishonest and crooked and Nixon was, he operated on a plane of accepted reality, however compromised, that we had all seen or could easily recognize and adapt to. A free press and our government, after all, was able to get rid of him like an invading cancer.
Trump is trying to create and introduce an entirely new paradigm, and it is
one that has the potential to destroy us.
Are we, our press and our government up to that same challenge?
We are going to find out.
3
I still get surprised when folks think the idea that elected representatives of American democracy are worthless is something new. Government service has been under assualt for years but didn't really get rolling until 1986 when President Reagan joked that "... the nine most terrifying words in the English language are 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"
1
Belligerence in this case may be a form of psychopathy often associated with the early stages of dementia.
1
Yes. All true. I would suggest one change -- where Roger Cohen says "blood, soil and nation" (soil and nation are redundant), edit to read "the blood, the soil, the faith," as the late Leonard Cohen wrote in "The Faith."
Lies is the right word for whatever goes around this administration. If he has the nerves to say so many lies, we have the rights to say his lying.
1
I wish The Times would reexamine the notion of what their role is now. Is it to broadcast and announce the game objectively? It appears now, when the action doesn't go your way, your journalists feel it is their role to bum rush the field to try to cause the opposing quarterback to fumble.
If you're not going to be objective I'd like to see an admission of it. Along with a manifesto declaring what you do or do not stand for. If, like Fox you have turned away from objectivity and have decided to embrace the role of megaphone for the opposite end of the political spectrum, then please be more clear as to whose point of view you represent and what their objectives are.
In my opinion you are on thin ice in your recent embrace of the role as ultimate arbiter of truth. You can't be a player on the field, a rules official and a non biased reporter all at the same time.
If you're not going to be objective I'd like to see an admission of it. Along with a manifesto declaring what you do or do not stand for. If, like Fox you have turned away from objectivity and have decided to embrace the role of megaphone for the opposite end of the political spectrum, then please be more clear as to whose point of view you represent and what their objectives are.
In my opinion you are on thin ice in your recent embrace of the role as ultimate arbiter of truth. You can't be a player on the field, a rules official and a non biased reporter all at the same time.
"If the anti-Trump forces are to have a chance, they have to offer a better nationalism, with diversity cohering around a central mission, building a nation that balances the dynamism of capitalism with biblical morality.
The march didn’t come close." Brooks
"Americans are going to have to fight for their civilization and the right to ask why against the banal belligerence of Trump" Cohen
It is going to take more than pink hats...and the boys don't have the nerve. The Donald will crush the GOP. Conay will offer the alternate truth. Democrats will sign "Michael row the boat ashore.." as they will board the train to wherever directed. Hoping a museun will be created in their memory.
Passivity is a strategic curse.
The march didn’t come close." Brooks
"Americans are going to have to fight for their civilization and the right to ask why against the banal belligerence of Trump" Cohen
It is going to take more than pink hats...and the boys don't have the nerve. The Donald will crush the GOP. Conay will offer the alternate truth. Democrats will sign "Michael row the boat ashore.." as they will board the train to wherever directed. Hoping a museun will be created in their memory.
Passivity is a strategic curse.
1
WOW!! I'd like to think that there are too many of us to let it happen. Vigilance and action are the key.
1
Thank you, Roger. Your hearkening back to the seeds of the aftermath of World War I growing into World War II evokes W. B. Yeats's prophetic "The Second Coming" (1920, 1921): "Things fall apart; the center cannot hold; / Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world." The poem famously ends with, "And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, / Slouches toward Bethlehem to be born?" Your citing of the guard's response to Primo Levi's question and its relevance to today are equally chilling.
2
Excellent and thought provoking article, even scary! WE are beginning an American nightmare the outcome is uncertain as to whether our form of government, the U.S. Constitution, will survive its impact. Time to read "1984" again so as to understand the Tweets and Spicer's comments, like millions of illegals voted denying Trump the popular vote! As Krugman stated "It is only going to get worse!"
2
Comparisons to Nazi leaders and to Putin may be valid, but our President is even more comparable to Kim Jong Un. His egomania is superseded by his compulsion for retaliation.
He hated President Obama, and failing to defeat him with his birther movement, he is now obsessed with immediately and passionately axing everything Obama put in place. We're lucky we live in a country of laws (at least for now), or who knows what form that retaliation would take.
As for Hillary winning the popular vote, he is now obsessed with erasing that win - or, at the very least, placing a great cloud over those results. Too bad his psyche is so bedeviled by this need that he doesn't understand he will be making his own electoral win murky at the same time.
He hated President Obama, and failing to defeat him with his birther movement, he is now obsessed with immediately and passionately axing everything Obama put in place. We're lucky we live in a country of laws (at least for now), or who knows what form that retaliation would take.
As for Hillary winning the popular vote, he is now obsessed with erasing that win - or, at the very least, placing a great cloud over those results. Too bad his psyche is so bedeviled by this need that he doesn't understand he will be making his own electoral win murky at the same time.
2
The picture with clenched fist says it all. It is the image of a madman, a lunatic. One thing though; he is not a liar. A liar is someone who knows the truth; a maniac is someone who believes his lies.
All of this can (ideally) be undone, by electing our next Roosevelt (once the impact of dismantling The New Deal becomes clear). What CAN'T be undone is incineration, which is why I believe diverting the Donald with domestic protests is vital... not just to preserve democracy but HUMAN survival.
To quote the final chilling lines of the preface to my current bedside reading, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich : "In our new age of terrifying, lethal gadgets...the first great aggressive war if it should come will be launched by suicidal little madmen pressing an electronic button. Such a war will not last long and none will ever follow it."
To quote the final chilling lines of the preface to my current bedside reading, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich : "In our new age of terrifying, lethal gadgets...the first great aggressive war if it should come will be launched by suicidal little madmen pressing an electronic button. Such a war will not last long and none will ever follow it."
The fascists took over Amerika with a coup when Bush was installed as president. Obama was an unwitting agent of this group continuing the profits of the military industrial complex. Bush and Bannon are the icing on their cake.
You barely have two years; you do not have four years to wait to stop the people pulling trump's strings. How close are they to meeting the requirements of Article V governing amendments to the Constitution? How many states did he win? How much more support in Congress do they need. If he has any success, even if it's mostly PR and not actual success, well, that's what I'm worried about. Erdogan just pulled it off. It can happen in America, just like "trump" happened in America.
Trump et. al. will be a supreme test of our American republic and whether the country will survive intact both politically and psychologically. Past tests of the country's resilience were the argument over slavery in the Constitution, the Civil War, the Great Depression, Vietnam, civil rights, and now an authoritarian and disembling president.
The chronic disease or virus that never seems to abate is the divided country syndrome. America has always been divided over one issue or another but this latest division based on the country's genetic political makeup between the haves and have not's seems permanent in nature.
If Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden had been elected, the president would have attempted to address the needs of the same group of citizens but without the rancor and scapegoating. Trump's personality and psychological issues are more responsible for agitating the citizens than economic or political issues.
From a psychological viewpoint, relying on the clinical skills I developed as a psychologist years ago, it is Trump's anger that I find most frightening. I believe he has yet to expose Americans to his full measure of anger although there have been glimpses on camera, once with his wife and several times with the press.
I sincerely believe that the enormous stress from his job may erode his defense mechanisms leaving him, at this moment, in need of a competent psychotherapist. The likely hood that he will see one for counseling is remote!
The chronic disease or virus that never seems to abate is the divided country syndrome. America has always been divided over one issue or another but this latest division based on the country's genetic political makeup between the haves and have not's seems permanent in nature.
If Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden had been elected, the president would have attempted to address the needs of the same group of citizens but without the rancor and scapegoating. Trump's personality and psychological issues are more responsible for agitating the citizens than economic or political issues.
From a psychological viewpoint, relying on the clinical skills I developed as a psychologist years ago, it is Trump's anger that I find most frightening. I believe he has yet to expose Americans to his full measure of anger although there have been glimpses on camera, once with his wife and several times with the press.
I sincerely believe that the enormous stress from his job may erode his defense mechanisms leaving him, at this moment, in need of a competent psychotherapist. The likely hood that he will see one for counseling is remote!
7
It's assumed that one of the tactics that made Trump resonate with his base was that he tells them what they want to hear. I've felt for a while that it's the other way around: they tell him what they want to hear, and he both echoes and validates it. In his memoir, "Inside the Third Reich," Albert Speer came to a similar conclusion:
“As I see it today, Hitler and Goebbels were in fact molded by the mob itself, guided by its yearnings and its daydreams. Of course, Goebbels and Hitler knew how to penetrate through to the instincts of their audiences; but in the deeper sense they derived their whole existence from these audiences. Certainly the masses roared to the beat set by Hitler's and Goebbels' baton; yet they were not the true conductors. The mob determined the theme. To compensate for misery, insecurity, unemployment, and hopelessness, this anonymous assemblage wallowed for hours at a time in obsessions, savagery and license. The personal unhappiness caused by the breakdown of the economy was replaced by a frenzy that demanded victims. By lashing out at their opponents and vilifying the Jews, they gave expression and direction to fierce primal passions.”
“As I see it today, Hitler and Goebbels were in fact molded by the mob itself, guided by its yearnings and its daydreams. Of course, Goebbels and Hitler knew how to penetrate through to the instincts of their audiences; but in the deeper sense they derived their whole existence from these audiences. Certainly the masses roared to the beat set by Hitler's and Goebbels' baton; yet they were not the true conductors. The mob determined the theme. To compensate for misery, insecurity, unemployment, and hopelessness, this anonymous assemblage wallowed for hours at a time in obsessions, savagery and license. The personal unhappiness caused by the breakdown of the economy was replaced by a frenzy that demanded victims. By lashing out at their opponents and vilifying the Jews, they gave expression and direction to fierce primal passions.”
13
As an American diplomat in Poland in the early 1980s, I saw the beginning of the end of the communist system in Europe. Returning in 1990 to 1993, I witnessed the birth of a new, more democratic Poland and the collapse of the Soviet Union. The U.S. and other Western countries soon established programs to help the post-communist states, including the new Russia, move toward democracy and freedom. We thought at the time that these countries wanted to be more like us, to enjoy both our consumer goods and our freedom. Now, we find that many Americans and Europeans actually want to be more like the Russians and the Poles. We seem to want to adopt the old, authoritarian ways of the discredited communist system. Instead of the former communist states becoming more like us, we have, in fact, become more like them. Now, deluded Americans and Europeans vaunt the power and audacity of Putin as the model for our own countries. The irony of this historic about-face will provide material for armies of future analysts. We defeated communism and then proceeded to imitate it.
7
Conald Trump's book, "The Art of the Deal" is essentially a primer on "The Art of the Steal."
Appealing to an angry and resentful audience requires scapegoats. Specific scapegoats (the more the better) are often more welcome than a plan or solution.
An angry and resentful electorate is by its nature primarily visceral as opposed to being cerebral.
One of the Conald's many obvious tactics employed in his "Art of the Steal" is a purposeful lack of articulation. Conald simply divides (the visceral from the cerebral) and conquers.
His strongman rule combined with his strongmen Congress, both brought to power by a visceral minority of Americans, will be an ongoing menace to the our Constitution and the American Republic's institutions, processes, and norms.
The electoral college has never been and still is- not democratic and fair.
I believe he lies not only with willful intent, but also says falsehoods that are blindly and willfully ignorant. But the most dangerous third possibility is that what he says is delusional "alt-facts" which are poorly based in realities no ability or desire to compromise.
Delusional power elites combined with their delusional followers are destroyers of the rule of law and its institutional structures, processes, and norms, which the springboards of a fair and reasonable governing philosophy.
The slippery slope of a strongman continues to get more slippery and steep.
A majority of nearly 3 million voices has loudly said:
"You're fired."
Appealing to an angry and resentful audience requires scapegoats. Specific scapegoats (the more the better) are often more welcome than a plan or solution.
An angry and resentful electorate is by its nature primarily visceral as opposed to being cerebral.
One of the Conald's many obvious tactics employed in his "Art of the Steal" is a purposeful lack of articulation. Conald simply divides (the visceral from the cerebral) and conquers.
His strongman rule combined with his strongmen Congress, both brought to power by a visceral minority of Americans, will be an ongoing menace to the our Constitution and the American Republic's institutions, processes, and norms.
The electoral college has never been and still is- not democratic and fair.
I believe he lies not only with willful intent, but also says falsehoods that are blindly and willfully ignorant. But the most dangerous third possibility is that what he says is delusional "alt-facts" which are poorly based in realities no ability or desire to compromise.
Delusional power elites combined with their delusional followers are destroyers of the rule of law and its institutional structures, processes, and norms, which the springboards of a fair and reasonable governing philosophy.
The slippery slope of a strongman continues to get more slippery and steep.
A majority of nearly 3 million voices has loudly said:
"You're fired."
1
The fact that in 2017 Mr. Cohen even has to write that we, as Americans, must assert our right "to ask why" shouldn't be considered a wake-up call, it should be considered a 10-alarm fire. And as much as I support the successful marches of last weekend, it seems that by our protests we are very much fighting the last war, without an understanding that our adversaries' tactics have very much changed since decades past. That the time for positive results gained from peaceful protest has come and gone. I very much hope I'm wrong. But every decent American should consider what he or she will do, if in the not-too-distant future, we can no longer ask why.
2
Hitler's speech in 1933 to pass the Enabling Act, which would in effect grant him authoritarian power is chilling: chilling because we know how it ends and chilling because it is clearly the blueprint for Trump. Hitler conflates patriotism, God and his own power - all three are intertwined. Shutting down the free press has already happened when he speaks. The response of the Social Democratic party of Germany to the speech is jaw-dropping because they could be addressing Trump. Here is a portion:
"Criticism is beneficial and necessary. Never in the history of the German Reichstag, however, has control over public affairs vested in the elected representatives of the people been eliminated to the extent to which this is now the case and will be even more so by means of the new Enabling Act. This type of governmental omnipotence is destined to have even more grave consequences due to the total lack of flexibility in the press.
Ladies and Gentlemen! A devastating picture has often been painted of the state of affairs prevailing in Germany today. As always in such cases, there is no lack of exaggeration. As far as my party is concerned, I wish to state that we did not ask for any intervention in Paris; we did not send off millions to Prague; we did not disseminate exaggerated news abroad. It would be easier to counter such exaggerations if the type of reporting which differentiates between right and wrong were admissible at home..."
I
"Criticism is beneficial and necessary. Never in the history of the German Reichstag, however, has control over public affairs vested in the elected representatives of the people been eliminated to the extent to which this is now the case and will be even more so by means of the new Enabling Act. This type of governmental omnipotence is destined to have even more grave consequences due to the total lack of flexibility in the press.
Ladies and Gentlemen! A devastating picture has often been painted of the state of affairs prevailing in Germany today. As always in such cases, there is no lack of exaggeration. As far as my party is concerned, I wish to state that we did not ask for any intervention in Paris; we did not send off millions to Prague; we did not disseminate exaggerated news abroad. It would be easier to counter such exaggerations if the type of reporting which differentiates between right and wrong were admissible at home..."
I
3
Growing up in the 60s and 70s Hungary, I am familiar with autocrats, dictators, cult of personality, propaganda, state-controlled media, intimidation and alternative facts. Political police confiscated a book from me and interrogated me about my motives to want to read it. It was George Orwell's 1984. The saddest of ironies is that I am looking at the greatest of democracies wondering if it may turn into the world of 1984. It is comparative for people not to take our democratic institution for granted. And, to understand that whether it is far left or far right, absolute power looks alike and requires the same resistance to overcome.
3
Eisenhower used to say that when he had trouble solving a problem he often "made the problem bigger" to resolve it.
I agree we must fight for our civilization and for the right to ask why when confronted with banal belligerence.
But I don't see how we can make sense of our situation if we don't also ask why regarding unanswered questions from the past 50 years.
Why Vietnam and Iraq? Why, after 9/11, were we told to do our part and go shopping, as it seems the world economy at that time depended on Americans spending money we didn't have to buy stuff we didn't need?
Why was the financial system deregulated, to be followed by a giant financial crash that almost tanked the world economy?
Why do we talk past each other, and shout down people who disagree, regarding abortion? How do other societies deal with the issue? In my view, single issue voting on this issue plays a large role in our current dysfunctional divide.
How do we repair family structures, given that we have not yet settled on the new ways that will replace our old roles?
Why are these questions not widely discussed?
I agree we must fight for our civilization and for the right to ask why when confronted with banal belligerence.
But I don't see how we can make sense of our situation if we don't also ask why regarding unanswered questions from the past 50 years.
Why Vietnam and Iraq? Why, after 9/11, were we told to do our part and go shopping, as it seems the world economy at that time depended on Americans spending money we didn't have to buy stuff we didn't need?
Why was the financial system deregulated, to be followed by a giant financial crash that almost tanked the world economy?
Why do we talk past each other, and shout down people who disagree, regarding abortion? How do other societies deal with the issue? In my view, single issue voting on this issue plays a large role in our current dysfunctional divide.
How do we repair family structures, given that we have not yet settled on the new ways that will replace our old roles?
Why are these questions not widely discussed?
2
Who will do the work?
Parents want accommodation for the needs of their children. I, who am childless, want accommodation for the needs of my aging mother and my spouse with serious health issues.
If we could maintain our middle class standards of living with a 20-hour work week, we could probably accommodate more people, more often with legitimate family needs. But will that work? Hmmmm.
I am hugely sympathetic to parents with sick children or other "essential" child-related requirements (school meetings, etc.). But when a fellow employee takes off early to get to a child's soccer game, I wonder what the reaction would be if I asked to leave early, too, to spend quality time with that mother of mine or partner of mine.
Parents want accommodation for the needs of their children. I, who am childless, want accommodation for the needs of my aging mother and my spouse with serious health issues.
If we could maintain our middle class standards of living with a 20-hour work week, we could probably accommodate more people, more often with legitimate family needs. But will that work? Hmmmm.
I am hugely sympathetic to parents with sick children or other "essential" child-related requirements (school meetings, etc.). But when a fellow employee takes off early to get to a child's soccer game, I wonder what the reaction would be if I asked to leave early, too, to spend quality time with that mother of mine or partner of mine.
1
As startling prophetic as this article is; it is also true that the Republican establishment, coupled with our unwitting role as Trump's captive audience - and not merely Trump himself, is responsible for where we are spinning to now, which some would say, is to hell. Trump is our elected conduit to advance the GOP agenda. It is the cunning methodology of Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and others - with their inexplicable denial of the "why" - demonstrated time and time again during the primaries that now seriously jeopardizes our democracy. We can choose to hold these GOP leaders and the new administration accountable to ALL Americans, or we can allow its Master Deflector, President Trump, to call the shots. To do so would distort reality even further. I say, let the messenger tweet all he wants, let his chosen deflectors deflect, but let's not give him what he craves; unconditional validation with our attention. Of course, as President he will receive our attention, but our questions must be focused, diligent, and watchful. If we ask the "why" and are told there is no why, we must be relentless. Our president was a known entertainer, and must not be treated or remembered as one. Not in this role. And neither are we. Our incessant "Trump jokes" need to end, as they can be misconstrued as validation. When acountability is met, and we take his presidency seriously, and not as a joke (because it isn't) truth can prevail over truthiness, and redirect our current spiral downward.
Cohen's piece ends with a question: Why True[ now? He hs illuminated the dark corners ofAmerican history --its betrayal of the American Indians, the enslavement of Africans, the prejudice against those from Asia and Latin American; misogyny; avarice; and the vain craving for national glory. These are all elements of our identity. That we have tried to be better is also true, and with some success. But perhaps it is the project itself that we are now seeing from a new perspective that is arousing fear, and also stimulating responses to protect and preserve our gains. No-one knows the purpose of America, what we ultimately stand for, and how we will persist historically. Why is there evil in the world? Why does so much of what we tried to do --create democracy in the Middle East--come to a ruinous end? Can the angel of history save us? Perhaps it is best to acknowledge that we do not know the answer, and must nevertheless persist, persistence along with patience being the virtues most needed in these difficult, mysterious times.
Indeed! A tide of fascistic leadership is sweeping west from Russia. Hungary, Turkey, Slovenia, now Poland all climbing aboard a slow moving freight train. Empowered by legitimate fear of large migrant population shifts and of less legitimate but still, if viewed from a Russian Orthodox or rural perspective, the wests decadence re LGBTQ policy.
This train will run us over if not stopped.
The post modern classic liberal should , as a real politic strategy , consider moderating or at least adjusting sone of its most modern principals.
I would suggest no compromise on basic universal human rights. This is not necessarily at odds with reasonable immigration policies and equal but not preferential treatment of the gender identities. And, let's include a realistic examination of what Saudi salafalism has done to Islam in Mosques around the world. Unaddressed, these fears empower the shift to the right we are bearing witness to.
This train will run us over if not stopped.
The post modern classic liberal should , as a real politic strategy , consider moderating or at least adjusting sone of its most modern principals.
I would suggest no compromise on basic universal human rights. This is not necessarily at odds with reasonable immigration policies and equal but not preferential treatment of the gender identities. And, let's include a realistic examination of what Saudi salafalism has done to Islam in Mosques around the world. Unaddressed, these fears empower the shift to the right we are bearing witness to.
You fail to mention what the uproar is all about Mr. Cohen. To imply this is Trump's belligerence is a diversionary tactic used in an attempt to take attention away from an angry world that is experiencing a wake up. The same strategy was employed during the election process when the country was told the issue was Trump's character and his unwillingness to act presidential. We were never told by MSM what the election was really about, and why both political parties were being waylaid by an unconventional outsider, who convinced the voters he could do better. So the question will be asked over and again, just what is the uproar all about, and not just here, but also in Europe. An honest answer is what is required if we are ever going make any progress in restoring our political structure, and getting it back on the tracks.
2
The sad truth is that we got to this place and time in history because our elected Presidents and administrations on both sides of the aisle have failed in intelligent ways to honestly deal with, and face issues. Take immigration. President Reagan granted amnesty to about 3-4 million but his administration failed to make a working Visa plan for a very needed workforce, one that most in the country would not take those jobs, in the agricultural industries. Then, our generous benefits not lonely to our own people became a drawing card to those from around the world, it matters little whether they overstayed their Visas from Western Europe, Russia, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, Australia, and lastly Mexico. They stayed, and we had no program to track them nor did we care. Then, the destructive and dangerous foreign policy of the George W. Bush years brought massive death, suffering, and debt, not only to our country but those abroad, and on and on it goes. Then, healthcare, we don't even need to talk about the ignorant way we deliver healthcare, rather than 1 plan, means tested, and per person, we add bureaucracies until we now have 8. Intelligent leadership in this country the last 60 years since the Vietnam War, not so much, except for a few Presidents and a few policies. It is going to be a dangerous and difficult time for all Americans, as we should pull together and not apart. However, all 535 of them in Washington should wake up.
2
There is a plethora of Americans who threatened or promised to leave the United States if Trump was elected. Many of these disgruntled Americans are now going back on their word and announcing they are going to stay after all.
Lest I rush to judgment and accuse these latter day expats of hypocrisy and cowardice, let's take a minute to discuss the momentous decision to leave your native country and decamp to an unknown destiny.
14 years ago when I became an expatriate by moving permanently and full time to Provence, my final decision was based on Bush's war in Iraq. For me, this was the last straw in a series of disagreements I've had with America since LBJ's American war in Vietnam in 1964 and beyond.
This tragic war sat along side countless core issues that I disagreed with including gun control, abortion, war mongering economies supporting the defense industry, and the general illiberal attitude toward helping people though government programs like food stamps and welfare.
It was a combination of this myriad group of grievances that led me to an expat life, not just one significant issue like the Iraq war. The point is that the life of an expatriate is not for everyone.
Aside from learning a new language and adjusting to many cultural differences, the major barrier to a successful expatriate experience is the psychological adjustment to an entirely new life. To insure you are making the right decision, arrange to live in your adopted country 3 months to be sure.
Lest I rush to judgment and accuse these latter day expats of hypocrisy and cowardice, let's take a minute to discuss the momentous decision to leave your native country and decamp to an unknown destiny.
14 years ago when I became an expatriate by moving permanently and full time to Provence, my final decision was based on Bush's war in Iraq. For me, this was the last straw in a series of disagreements I've had with America since LBJ's American war in Vietnam in 1964 and beyond.
This tragic war sat along side countless core issues that I disagreed with including gun control, abortion, war mongering economies supporting the defense industry, and the general illiberal attitude toward helping people though government programs like food stamps and welfare.
It was a combination of this myriad group of grievances that led me to an expat life, not just one significant issue like the Iraq war. The point is that the life of an expatriate is not for everyone.
Aside from learning a new language and adjusting to many cultural differences, the major barrier to a successful expatriate experience is the psychological adjustment to an entirely new life. To insure you are making the right decision, arrange to live in your adopted country 3 months to be sure.
3
Trump is now in our bloodstream. The virus of his authoritarian methods and ideas have spread with alarming alacrity in a country whose cornerstone was supposed to be diversity. We are witnessing white resentment in full bloom His extreme executive actions in the past five days are coming fast and furious. Bannon has been plotting this coup for decades and he is now pulling out all the stops with a blitzkrieg. With a Democratic opposition which appears in disarray and a Republican Party only to willing to set aside long held beliefs such as deficit reduction and strong anti Communist fervor, Trump's path is clear. Will we witness Federal troops marching into Chicago? Internationally, Trump is aligning himself with two brutes in the world; Putin and Netanyahu and is breathing oxygen into the white nationalist movements which are sweeping Europe. The plates are shifting underneath our feet. This has the feel of a true turning point. In several years America may become unrecognizable.
7
For a while -- the100 days cycle, perhaps? -- DonaldTrump's executive action style will run roughshod. For the buffers, it evokes 1940s images of panzerdivisionen rolling in the West front.
The question, of course, is what happens next. Namely, the consequences and how people/institutions and countries, adversely impacted by Trump's action, will react.
One thing for sure. In this highly integrated-inter connected world of today, US presidential signal intentions and policies, not well thought-through, will certainly bring unintended consequences.
Donald Trump's administration is not like old Hollywood movies in which the good guy always won. Uncertainty dominates the future.
The question, of course, is what happens next. Namely, the consequences and how people/institutions and countries, adversely impacted by Trump's action, will react.
One thing for sure. In this highly integrated-inter connected world of today, US presidential signal intentions and policies, not well thought-through, will certainly bring unintended consequences.
Donald Trump's administration is not like old Hollywood movies in which the good guy always won. Uncertainty dominates the future.
3
Excellent article, RC. The arc of the "why" is more than 15 years. America still suffers the results of slavery and the Civil War. The country of my birth, Ireland, suffered its own civil war in the early 1920s: that dominated Irish politics at least until the 1980s. James I, of Bible fame, performed a shocking experiment in social engineering, a wholesale colonization of the north of Ireland in the early 1600s. The "Planters" were largely stubborn Scottish Calvinists, many of whose kind colonized America's South. The sectarian divide that James created persists in Northern Ireland just as America’s South still suffers similar bigotry.
The French Revolution led to regicide, which resulted in the invasion of France by a Prussian army. That stirred all of France and produced Napoleon. His wars ravaged Europe and led to the Franco-Prussian war of 1871 and the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine. The resulting anger of France smoldered until WWI.
The American milestones on the road to Trump are well described by Cohen. But he misses the way American leaders failed to anticipate the needs of new immigrants. It was assumed that we would all get along. Immigrants are the lifeblood of America, but their waves have rarely been welcomed and made to feel at home. America has been reshaped in struggle in each generation.
The French Revolution led to regicide, which resulted in the invasion of France by a Prussian army. That stirred all of France and produced Napoleon. His wars ravaged Europe and led to the Franco-Prussian war of 1871 and the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine. The resulting anger of France smoldered until WWI.
The American milestones on the road to Trump are well described by Cohen. But he misses the way American leaders failed to anticipate the needs of new immigrants. It was assumed that we would all get along. Immigrants are the lifeblood of America, but their waves have rarely been welcomed and made to feel at home. America has been reshaped in struggle in each generation.
1
This column is comforting only because reading Mr. Cohen’s reaction confirms my fears. I am not imagining that the country is headed in a very dangerous direction with an autocratic ruler who does not need facts to make decisions. I wake up with dread daily. What worries me most is that many Americans will not care about their civil liberties, the treatment of Muslims, ethnic minorities, the environment or reproductive rights. Donald Trump makes statements that promise jobs and threaten companies that would consider moving jobs and his supporters give their unconditional allegiance. I understand the frustration and anger at corporate greed that relocates jobs in perpetual search for cheaper labor. It has devastated towns and cities hurting families and the fabric of local society. However, what we need is a way to incentive job creation and corporate investment in the United States while also promoting responsible environmental policies and respecting the rights of all citizens.
Bernie was right. I voted for Hillary in the primary because I thought she was the “safer” candidate. I was wrong. Bernie saw all of this. I would encourage Bernie, Elizabeth Warren and all of their supporters to come up with a jobs program to go along with the women’s rights, environmental causes, and civil rights issues that the Democratic Party can support.
Bernie was right. I voted for Hillary in the primary because I thought she was the “safer” candidate. I was wrong. Bernie saw all of this. I would encourage Bernie, Elizabeth Warren and all of their supporters to come up with a jobs program to go along with the women’s rights, environmental causes, and civil rights issues that the Democratic Party can support.
48
Alison you have the NYT to thank for not giving Bernie a chance to win. They made a concerted multi-pronged effort to dismiss Bernie. Except for my partner, each one in our family including millennials voted for Bernie in the primaries. My partner now admits that Hillary was a terrible candidate completely oblivious of the dangers of having big money dictate politics and governance. We have only the esteemed NYT editorial board, Paul Krugman, Charles Blow to thank for firstly nominating Hillary and secondly handing over the elections to Trump. We can play the blame game too.
1
My conservative friends say I am too hasty. I should give him a chance. See what he does. Then I can object.
I know his intentions from his past as a businessman (?), from the way he conducted his campaign, and from the ideas he promoted during that campaign. We have already seen that he is an insatiable narcissist, and that personal vengeance is a higher priority than the health of the American people, our environment, or Democracy
I wait to see how long it will take my conservative friends to realize that it's too late, that they've been had, and that the time to resist was now.
I know his intentions from his past as a businessman (?), from the way he conducted his campaign, and from the ideas he promoted during that campaign. We have already seen that he is an insatiable narcissist, and that personal vengeance is a higher priority than the health of the American people, our environment, or Democracy
I wait to see how long it will take my conservative friends to realize that it's too late, that they've been had, and that the time to resist was now.
42
Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany by President von Hindenberg.
What is similar is the concept that the traditional conservative, monarchist, faction in Weimar Germany thought that Hitler could be controlled.
A similar conceit is prevalent among the Republican leaders who feel they can steer and manage Trump and his paranoid tendencies.
Hitler consolidated his grip on power shortly after assuming the Chancellorship. He destroyed his radical adversaries in the SA by allying himself with the German military.
It remains to be seen how much Ryan and McConnell can contain our new leader.
What is similar is the concept that the traditional conservative, monarchist, faction in Weimar Germany thought that Hitler could be controlled.
A similar conceit is prevalent among the Republican leaders who feel they can steer and manage Trump and his paranoid tendencies.
Hitler consolidated his grip on power shortly after assuming the Chancellorship. He destroyed his radical adversaries in the SA by allying himself with the German military.
It remains to be seen how much Ryan and McConnell can contain our new leader.
35
Good points. Interesting to note Trump has called for military action in Chicago and attempted to praise intelligence services; there are many similarities....
The Trump team needs to be forced to ask "why" as their anti-American hopes and dreams are destroyed by We The People. However, some of the issues Trump voiced are valid concerns of many Americans. I've heard for years that companies that move jobs offshore are actually subsidized or get tax breaks, and Congress has done nothing about it for years. An influx of foreign labor tends to lower wages and standards of living, and many Americans who compete for labor jobs know it and resent that the federal government has been allowing their pay for hard work to be eroded. Those two issues that benefit the very rich and disadvantage average Americans have been ignored by both parties under the influence of too much money. So while parallels can be drawn between Trump and he-who-will-not-be-mentioned, how about publicizing that some large grievances of average Americans have been ignored?
10
Get real. American's don't even understand what a comprehensive cheat the Electoral College is.
Rich people like Trump don't have jobs. Their whole world is play.
Rich people like Trump don't have jobs. Their whole world is play.
Mr.Cohen, I am so very glad that you mentioned brainwashing. It's insidious, and scary as hell. It started years ago by the vast right wing. Today their nefarious brainwashing is exploding all around us, daily. Trump, Bannon and their sycophants perfect sick crazy making. Heaven help us.
39
We are all on notice. It's time for the 4th estate to bring its "A" game ...
Voters have elected an extreme and potentially unstable narcissist as POTUS. Every major news organization would be well-advised to hire a team of clinical psychologists and psychiatrists on retainer or as needed. They will be needed as consultative experts to the teams of journalists who will be severely challenged and tested in monitoring, analyzing, and reporting what will likely be a torrent of statements and behaviors never before exhibited by a POTUS, his advisors, and lower level staff. Because, with a national leader who suffers from severe NPD, all decisions and policies will be subordinated to his deep and insatiable need to be exalted and adored. In service to this need, the facts and the truth (as they can reasonably be determined) must die.
The unquestionable loyalty of staff - as staff are subjectively evaluated by our new President for their devotion to this subordination - is the paramount virtue. Mr. Spicer's directed tantrum in last Saturday's press conference, and Ms. Conway's "alternative facts" spin with Chuck Todd are the loyal subordinates in action.
The insistence on voter fraud as the reason for losing the popular vote; the disparagement of the intel community on the issue of Russian election interference; the election victory grandstanding before CIA employees at their memorial wall; and on and on we have gone and shall go.
We are all on notice.
Voters have elected an extreme and potentially unstable narcissist as POTUS. Every major news organization would be well-advised to hire a team of clinical psychologists and psychiatrists on retainer or as needed. They will be needed as consultative experts to the teams of journalists who will be severely challenged and tested in monitoring, analyzing, and reporting what will likely be a torrent of statements and behaviors never before exhibited by a POTUS, his advisors, and lower level staff. Because, with a national leader who suffers from severe NPD, all decisions and policies will be subordinated to his deep and insatiable need to be exalted and adored. In service to this need, the facts and the truth (as they can reasonably be determined) must die.
The unquestionable loyalty of staff - as staff are subjectively evaluated by our new President for their devotion to this subordination - is the paramount virtue. Mr. Spicer's directed tantrum in last Saturday's press conference, and Ms. Conway's "alternative facts" spin with Chuck Todd are the loyal subordinates in action.
The insistence on voter fraud as the reason for losing the popular vote; the disparagement of the intel community on the issue of Russian election interference; the election victory grandstanding before CIA employees at their memorial wall; and on and on we have gone and shall go.
We are all on notice.
50
Straight to the heart of the problem we face: a POTUS with NPD. If only the free press understood the playbook employed by a narcissist, especially the complex, well-developed playbook of a high-functioning narcissist, and developed effective strategies to deal with the games - instead of getting sucked into them, we would stand a chance as a nation to check the crazy-making that leads to a bizarro world. But, I fear that it's down the rabbit hole we go . . .
Crystal clear
“Hier ist kein warum”
DJT has already started , there is no why?
Destruction.
When he will leave the WH, there will be ashes like Germany's cities all over the great American dream.
because
“Hier ist kein warum”
There is only banal belligerence.
“Hier ist kein warum”
DJT has already started , there is no why?
Destruction.
When he will leave the WH, there will be ashes like Germany's cities all over the great American dream.
because
“Hier ist kein warum”
There is only banal belligerence.
33
Thank you for this well written essay, I was afraid after reading David Brook's column today that the NYT writers were beginning to fall in line behind Trump. Maybe it's just Brooks having a right wing relapse.
We cannot soften to Ttump. We cannot let or guard down, and most importantly, we must keep speaking out about the lies and maneuverings of a deceitful, disruptive President. Roger, you are on the front line, please keep away from the Kool Aid that Brooks is beginning to sip.
We cannot soften to Ttump. We cannot let or guard down, and most importantly, we must keep speaking out about the lies and maneuverings of a deceitful, disruptive President. Roger, you are on the front line, please keep away from the Kool Aid that Brooks is beginning to sip.
59
We are seeing the dismantling of America as we know it. Things will look good for a while, and feel good for a while, as they did during the housing bubble; all the while we are digging ourselves deeper into the hole and will emerge as a second world country. Makes me sick to my stomach.
59
The courts will be fouled up for decades by judges installed to break down separation of church and state too.
Dismantling of America started a long time ago. Donald Trump is only the by product. We should all look at ourselves in the mirror!
And, today more lies about fraudulent votes. Spicer mentioned "studies"; but, wouldn't provide information about them. So, again "alternative facts" which are more lies.
27
They make up stuff to back up made-up stuff. One lie leads inexorably to the next.
An impossibly slippery slope.
An impossibly slippery slope.
Donald Trump's banal belligerence... is his own path.
Does his path have a heart to his followers? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn't, it is of no use. Both paths lead nowhere; but one has a heart, the other doesn't. One makes for a joyful journey; as long as you follow it, you are one with it. The other will make you curse your life. One makes you strong; the other weakens you.
The path without a heart will turn against men and destroy them. It does not take much to die, and to seek death is to seek nothing.
Does his path have a heart to his followers? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn't, it is of no use. Both paths lead nowhere; but one has a heart, the other doesn't. One makes for a joyful journey; as long as you follow it, you are one with it. The other will make you curse your life. One makes you strong; the other weakens you.
The path without a heart will turn against men and destroy them. It does not take much to die, and to seek death is to seek nothing.
4
3,000,000 to 5,000,000 illegal ballots!!! ???? Please, NYT, demand that Mr Trump prove that our election was compromised as he claims, otherwise demand that he shut up. He is shouting" Fire " in a crowded theater and is totally undermining our cornerstone of our democracy. Our vote. This is "the big lie"
39
And he will be using this big lie as a way to do something horrible to any immigrants--illegal or legal--that he can get his hands on. This is exactly how the Nazis started their reign of terror in the 1930's. If we let this start, our country will be shamed out of existence. And pay attention: he, along with pals like Putin and Bannon, want to destroy democracy.
I think this would be sufficient to invalidate the result - could we try again ?
Wow! what a column! May your words prove to be a rallying cry about what the POTUS and his allies, the Republican party are all about. If the Republicans continue to control the state legislatures and their gerrymandering; and if Donald Trump can nominate another stone-age conservative to the Supreme Court; and if we don't wake up then not all may be lost but a great deal will be have taken from us.
88
It seems clear that Trump is passionate to systematically destroy the foundations of our democracy on various fronts ( by attacking "truth"-- a free press; trust in our elections etc)...But EXACTLY WHY?
137
I'm not sure that Trump is "passionate to systematically destroy the foundations of our democracy on various fronts". Rather, he believes that he is unique and, as the one and only Donald Trump, one of the few people who ever have lived who can make a difference in the world. How he believes things should be done is, for him, not to be gainsaid. And he simply cannot believe that how he operates is destructive and not constructive--especially since when things don't work out as he predicts, he denies that it's so and walks away with money or fame or both. And he remains The Donald. Is that built on a massive insecurity? I doubt we'll ever know.
With the start of the new administration, there is not a day that goes by where I don't feel afraid. I have never felt such fear with an incoming administration. All the mostly good things that we've accomplished for our fellow Americans are loudly being shutdown with Trump. Forget climate change. Now Trump is in our faces about voter fraud because he can't handle the truth about almost 3,000,000 voters voted for the other opponent. Somehow someone has to tell the new president to grow up. I think it's late in the game but for the good of the country someone has to try.
1
Because he has always wanted to be a dictator--an uncontested one. There is no evidence from his younger years that he ever participated in the usual democratically organized clubs and organizations.
We watched for the last year or more as Trumpism spread like a cancer throughout the American Body Politic. We saw and heard with our own eyes and ears as Mr. Trump demagogued his way from coast-to-coast doing his best Mussolini imitation. Many respected pundits and politicians from both Parties issued dire warnings about the existential dangers which Trump posed to the very essence of our democracy.
And yet when the dust settled on November 9, Mr. Trump was our president-elect. Putin, Comey and "fake news" most likely provided the winning margin, but this election should NEVER have been close enough for those factors to matter. In the final analysis, American citizens, in their frustration, fear, ignorance and bigotry chose a charismatic megalomaniac, a rank demagogue, a life-long con artist and a profoundly ignorant man to be our next president.
We the People have sewn the wind. Now we shall reap the whirlwind.
It will be brutal to watch and endure as neo-fascists, charlatans and unprincipled goons such as Bannon, Miller, Flynn, Conway, Price, DeVos, Sessions, et al. wield their sledgehammers to inflict maximum damage on the last eighty years of social and political progress forged with the blood, sweat and toil of our ancestors.
Nothing less than our future as a nation now hangs in the balance. Last Saturday's outpouring of resistance to Trumpism was a good start.
But we must continue, relentlessly and furiously, in our struggle to MAKE AMERICA AMERICA AGAIN!
And yet when the dust settled on November 9, Mr. Trump was our president-elect. Putin, Comey and "fake news" most likely provided the winning margin, but this election should NEVER have been close enough for those factors to matter. In the final analysis, American citizens, in their frustration, fear, ignorance and bigotry chose a charismatic megalomaniac, a rank demagogue, a life-long con artist and a profoundly ignorant man to be our next president.
We the People have sewn the wind. Now we shall reap the whirlwind.
It will be brutal to watch and endure as neo-fascists, charlatans and unprincipled goons such as Bannon, Miller, Flynn, Conway, Price, DeVos, Sessions, et al. wield their sledgehammers to inflict maximum damage on the last eighty years of social and political progress forged with the blood, sweat and toil of our ancestors.
Nothing less than our future as a nation now hangs in the balance. Last Saturday's outpouring of resistance to Trumpism was a good start.
But we must continue, relentlessly and furiously, in our struggle to MAKE AMERICA AMERICA AGAIN!
315
Though they will certainly go on shining in their glory down through the ages, those moments in history when America was at her best (ie refraining from bullying other sovereign nations or else gleefully oppressing its own most vulnerable minorities, have been few and far between. Perhaps it is the fate of America to stagger from pillar to post in this drunken sailor manner, perhaps such dynamic shifting is even an essential part of America's hitherto indisputable greatness, but at moments like this, with the rise of a dangerous cretin like Trump, it is really, really hard for outsiders to take.
Well said in response to a great and chilling column! "You can fool some of the people all of the time",...and continual, daily principled resistence to fools and the actual fascism they support is the only remedy and the price of liberty!.
You better add Ryan, McConnell, McCain and all the other Republicans who backed this guy and are now rolling over to speed in his cabinet with intent to destroy 80 years of progressive government.
Roger: It's probably unnecessary, but I think it bears repeating here: When my generation of Vietnam Vets came home from their war, branded as I recall "the losers" by up-salaried writers for the New Yorker, we were treated way, way worse than the Iraq and Afghanistan vets, who are getting princely treatment compared to our lot. I remember our mothers were picketing at supermarkets over the increased retail beef prices, though not a peep about their own sons being made mincemeat in the hellish jungles of Southeast Asia.
A war, ironically, that our newly-bellicose POTUS missed due to curious "spurs" in his heels, while my less than well-heeled brothers died by the thousands in a needless war. Let us hope that Trump's lack of truth, integrity, compassion prove to be his own Achilles' heel, ending his presidency as soon as it's begun. REMFs like Drumpf belong nowhere near honorable vets from any war.
A war, ironically, that our newly-bellicose POTUS missed due to curious "spurs" in his heels, while my less than well-heeled brothers died by the thousands in a needless war. Let us hope that Trump's lack of truth, integrity, compassion prove to be his own Achilles' heel, ending his presidency as soon as it's begun. REMFs like Drumpf belong nowhere near honorable vets from any war.
208
I was born in '53, was not drafted in the lottery, and did not serve in the military. That said, I think the "greatest generation" felt profound guilt over Vietnam but could not admit it to themselves. It was infuriating when my WW II vet dad (even though he himself saw combat) or my mother-in-law would low-rate the Vietnam Wall and the traveling wall. I see Vietnam as the war of their generation, the war that happened when they were in their forties and fifties and had some say about what went down (like the fact that the national guard and reserves were not called up for political reasons.)
You note "our mothers were picketing at supermarkets over the increased retail beef prices, though not a peep about their own sons being made mincemeat in the hellish jungles of Southeast Asia." Other men make similar points in books and movies - Meat on the Hoof (1960s football); Born on the Fourth of July (Vietnam); HBO's Tbe Pacific (WW II). I think people need to keep this in mind when assessing 20th Century gender roles and the capacity of women and men for empathy.
You note "our mothers were picketing at supermarkets over the increased retail beef prices, though not a peep about their own sons being made mincemeat in the hellish jungles of Southeast Asia." Other men make similar points in books and movies - Meat on the Hoof (1960s football); Born on the Fourth of July (Vietnam); HBO's Tbe Pacific (WW II). I think people need to keep this in mind when assessing 20th Century gender roles and the capacity of women and men for empathy.
1
Can positive activism be the result of electing Trump? How will voters hold Trump accountable? Will they rally against Trump and the GOP who enables Trump? If voters take action, turn out in large numbers voting for non-GOP candidates some good can come. If capable individuals run for office, get elected, then something positive can come of Trump.
America is not Donald Trump. Stand up America, we can do better...
America is not Donald Trump. Stand up America, we can do better...
143
but it will take 2 years
President Trump is already creating jobs and saving jobs. There will be more job creation when unnecessary regulations are thrown out.
To declaim “America first” and again, “America first,” is to recall the darkest clarion calls of nationalist dictators.
A ridiculous comparison.
To declaim “America first” and again, “America first,” is to recall the darkest clarion calls of nationalist dictators.
A ridiculous comparison.
15
Yes, a dictator has the power to create jobs (and will blame others if his policies result in job losses), but is it worth losing our democracy in the process? It is astounding that most Trump followers think so. Is retreating to some idealized, protectionist pre-World War II America first "world view" a rational way to solve current and future problems? Delusional.
No, an honest one when one realizes what a demagogue Trump is. Saving jobs by bribing carrier to stay, only most of the jobs still went elsewhere. Creating jobs? Haven't seen that happening yet.
I have seen where he is freezing federal employment, thus adding no jobs. Muzzling the EPA creates no jobs. Signing an order for family planning overseas to cripple efforts creates nor adds jobs.
Perhaps you are referring to keystone, which hasn't been signed yet. However, you must not be paying attention to how the glut of oil and gas has lowered profitability to the point where they are closing down operations because it is too expensive to compete. So what he will do is end up creating jobs in one place and losing jobs in another. Which does us no good.
I have seen where he is freezing federal employment, thus adding no jobs. Muzzling the EPA creates no jobs. Signing an order for family planning overseas to cripple efforts creates nor adds jobs.
Perhaps you are referring to keystone, which hasn't been signed yet. However, you must not be paying attention to how the glut of oil and gas has lowered profitability to the point where they are closing down operations because it is too expensive to compete. So what he will do is end up creating jobs in one place and losing jobs in another. Which does us no good.
Trump is already assaulting regulations and laying the groundwork for trampling our constitutional rights.
You know, "unnecessary" regulations like those that protect our clean air and clean water.
"Unnecessary" regulations like those that protect us from predatory lenders.
"Unnecessary" regulations for charter schools, because who cares whether your tax dollars go to educate children or scam artists who shut schools down before they open, and run off with our money?
Trump has already declared that the media and federal workers have no right to free speech. Next to go: citizens' rights of freedom of assembly and free speech.
Be careful what you wish for, Bob C.
You know, "unnecessary" regulations like those that protect our clean air and clean water.
"Unnecessary" regulations like those that protect us from predatory lenders.
"Unnecessary" regulations for charter schools, because who cares whether your tax dollars go to educate children or scam artists who shut schools down before they open, and run off with our money?
Trump has already declared that the media and federal workers have no right to free speech. Next to go: citizens' rights of freedom of assembly and free speech.
Be careful what you wish for, Bob C.
This is really fascinating to watch. I am 66. It boggles my mind that we elected this fading angry grandpa to the Presidency. I can almost imagine those advisors standing around behind him snickering, nudging and winking whenever he opens his mouth. Get ready for the biggest deficit ever seen, a precipitous rise in the unemployment rate, cost overruns, rich white guys raiding the treasury, post-reality facts and flooding of the swamp.
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But what s going to happen in the gun-ridden heartland when the blighted blue collar workers who voted Trump do not see improvement? The possibly violent backlash could be horrifying. And I could see Trump instrumentalising the widespread racism of his electorate to deflect the blame upon blacks or Latinos for his future economic failures.
There is one why it cannot be taken from us: elections in less than two years. Sure they are rigged, sorry I meant gerrymandered, but at the very least they can send a message, a Congress where the party in the minority has the majority of the popular vote.
Democracy is hard work as the outgoing president reminded us several times. Get to work.
Democracy is hard work as the outgoing president reminded us several times. Get to work.
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"There is one why it cannot be taken from us: elections in less than two years."
Reader, are you certain of that?
Reader, are you certain of that?
This insightful piece signals to theatrical problem solvers there is now a call to arms. Because of The New York Times informed, skillful reporting one can see light through our temporary darkness. We dramatists & theater workers must battle belligerence with multidimensional, enlightened, imaginative belligerence.
Woes must be weaved into prophetic, cautionary stage works. Our own healthy egos which honor spirituality must morph dysfunction into new permutations of theatrical intensity. Jean Cocteau said, "I am the lie who always tells the truth." With our sundry "magic ifs" we must embolden the next generation to understand the power of the arts. Activism must take pur protestations into tough prayers. Contemplation & mediation upon the mayhem can render challenging, innovative works of redemption. It is invigorating to know theater arts have always accompanied even "alternative news" with authenticity & inspiration. Answer the outrageous with a new innovative theater of outrage. Years ago The Living Newspaper happened. .a new Neo-Living Newspaper must be born.
Woes must be weaved into prophetic, cautionary stage works. Our own healthy egos which honor spirituality must morph dysfunction into new permutations of theatrical intensity. Jean Cocteau said, "I am the lie who always tells the truth." With our sundry "magic ifs" we must embolden the next generation to understand the power of the arts. Activism must take pur protestations into tough prayers. Contemplation & mediation upon the mayhem can render challenging, innovative works of redemption. It is invigorating to know theater arts have always accompanied even "alternative news" with authenticity & inspiration. Answer the outrageous with a new innovative theater of outrage. Years ago The Living Newspaper happened. .a new Neo-Living Newspaper must be born.
21
What are you talking about. This piece is the reason Trump is President. Instead of simple language that President brings to America is the reason that he won the election. Americans just seem to want simple slogans. We get what we deserve when life gets out of the upper reaches of philosophy. Trump keeps it simple for the average American. We shall see.
Trump is just a distraction from the takeover of the Oligarchs. The top one per cent now control our government. Dismantling ACA is a tax cut. Privatization of Social Security is a big boon to the investment market. Despoiling the earth increases their profits. End Citizen's United!
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Having obtained power through the ballot, extremists afflicting western democracies are unlikely to surrender control willingly or peacefully. A Russian strongman has shown the way and stands as a proud example for those bold enough to follow him. Are the rest of us bold enough to resist? At what cost?
52
Gotta get moving before Trump forms his own SS to keep the rabble in line.
Mr. Cohen,
Trump is appalling for all of his behaviors. Everyone knows that.
What is more appalling, however, is how tame majority of others have been since his election. Republicans who opposed Trump before election sold their souls and swallowed their pride and lined up outside Trump Tower to get a position in Trump's cabinet.
The CEOs of large multinationals were thrown a bone called "tax cuts and other deals" that will (perhaps) allow them to keep manufacturing costs low in the USA and keep their bonuses. They all wagged their tails and praised the master.
Trade Union bosses too were called in and one of them praised his inaugural sermon.
Republican senators and congressmen are mostly lined up behind him lest Putin's puppet noticing them otherwise.
Handful of democrats and media keeps voicing their concerns and they keep getting bad rep from others for being sore losers. Other Dems keep singing "cooperation" song.
It is a great article. However, your reference to Western Civilization and American's fighting for their civilization makes me wonder ... who exactly you are addressing to those have morale values and courage to put up a good fight?
Trump is appalling for all of his behaviors. Everyone knows that.
What is more appalling, however, is how tame majority of others have been since his election. Republicans who opposed Trump before election sold their souls and swallowed their pride and lined up outside Trump Tower to get a position in Trump's cabinet.
The CEOs of large multinationals were thrown a bone called "tax cuts and other deals" that will (perhaps) allow them to keep manufacturing costs low in the USA and keep their bonuses. They all wagged their tails and praised the master.
Trade Union bosses too were called in and one of them praised his inaugural sermon.
Republican senators and congressmen are mostly lined up behind him lest Putin's puppet noticing them otherwise.
Handful of democrats and media keeps voicing their concerns and they keep getting bad rep from others for being sore losers. Other Dems keep singing "cooperation" song.
It is a great article. However, your reference to Western Civilization and American's fighting for their civilization makes me wonder ... who exactly you are addressing to those have morale values and courage to put up a good fight?
62
The sign I made for the March in DC read: "The Banality of Evil" -Hannah Arendt where are you?".
There is no doubt in my mind that many of my fellow Americans lack the frame of reference to put 2+2 together. There is precedence for this. Ignorance is not bliss and history will repeat itself. Having experienced in my own life how quickly totalitarianism can upend a nation, I fear that our own arrogance about the perceived invincibility of American democracy and attendant complacency will hand deliver us to Herr Drumpf and his ilk.
There is no doubt in my mind that many of my fellow Americans lack the frame of reference to put 2+2 together. There is precedence for this. Ignorance is not bliss and history will repeat itself. Having experienced in my own life how quickly totalitarianism can upend a nation, I fear that our own arrogance about the perceived invincibility of American democracy and attendant complacency will hand deliver us to Herr Drumpf and his ilk.
115
Agreed. Too much confidence and naive belief in it 'can't happen here'; it can happen anywhere, easily.
1
I think it is to late, but we will the next election to correct this big mistake, I mean the people that elected such president. It is not late for tears. A 4 year period is very long to suffer it but it we will the time to0 corrected it.
24
Yet there were enough people who had been suffering under all Obama's radical social experiment for the last 8 years to give Trump a shot. The left is acting pathetic since Trump has only been in office for 4 days. The left can not comprehend how we felt under Obama. You will not get much sympathy from us as the country turns to the right again.
"There was no national memorial, for what would be memorialized?"
Here's an idea: All of the members of the Military/Industrial Complex that got vastly richer during these stupid, poorly run wars (and the mendacious politicians who sponsored them, including the multimillionaires Cheney, Rumsfeld and Bush) could donate 10% of their measurable increased net worth and build a monument to America's Wars of Choice. The imagery would be made up of the broken, amputeed, and scorched bodies of the true sacrificers, with a special depiction of the fearsome and tragic suicide rate of returning vets. And every month, a different member of the warmongering class would be chained to the monument begging forgiveness from citizens and tourist walking by.
Here's an idea: All of the members of the Military/Industrial Complex that got vastly richer during these stupid, poorly run wars (and the mendacious politicians who sponsored them, including the multimillionaires Cheney, Rumsfeld and Bush) could donate 10% of their measurable increased net worth and build a monument to America's Wars of Choice. The imagery would be made up of the broken, amputeed, and scorched bodies of the true sacrificers, with a special depiction of the fearsome and tragic suicide rate of returning vets. And every month, a different member of the warmongering class would be chained to the monument begging forgiveness from citizens and tourist walking by.
57
Don't forget all the orphans Trump's wars will create.
I was in New York City the day Nixon resigned. I stood beneath the statue of Washington at Federal Hall on Broad at Wall Sts., and I cried. "We did it. Our free press and our democratic institutions were strong enough to bring him down." I do not believe they are strong enough today. Under constant profit pressure and now political siege, the press is dismissed by an historically illiterate public as "the lamestream media," or "The Treason Times," and only sound bites from sources who affirm one's beliefs have any credibility. Trump has his very own minister of propaganda in Steve Bannon, the new Joseph Goebbels of the alt-right, plus a press secretary who flacks "alternative facts" and flogs the truth. And there is no Sen. Sam Ervin among the like-minded political class in Washington, someone who could investigate the denizens and hangers-on of Mar-A-Lago to uncover contacts with enablers at the Kremlin. Paddy Chayefsky warned with great prescience of the corruption of the news process in "Network," and of course Sinclair Lewis foresaw the outcome in a fascist takeover of the country in "It Can't Happen Here." It has. The only question is whether this is now Italy in 1922, Germany in 1933 or Spain in 1936. Those who failed to vote against this calamity have only themselves to blame.
138
Thank you.
The parallels between the rise of Trump and that of Fascism are instructive but not absolute. The United States was not defeated by 9/11 and although left in a state of shock, we were not defeated by it and forced to pay crippling reparations nor obliged to curtail our machinery of national defense.
Instead of the runaway inflation of Germany, our people found themselves incurring a burden of debt over the last few decades. The student loan crisis and too easy credit may prove to be an economic powder keg unlikely to be addressed by the Trump Administration.
It seems to me that many of Trump's most fervent supporters are those who are most easily distracted by the entertainments targeted at the masses. The excitement of current sports playoffs or the newest reality television show are easy to digest. The complexity of global trade agreements or the impending consequences of climate change, not so much. Fox News and its ilk has stepped in to do that thinking for them.
Our greatest danger comes from our uninformed population.
Instead of the runaway inflation of Germany, our people found themselves incurring a burden of debt over the last few decades. The student loan crisis and too easy credit may prove to be an economic powder keg unlikely to be addressed by the Trump Administration.
It seems to me that many of Trump's most fervent supporters are those who are most easily distracted by the entertainments targeted at the masses. The excitement of current sports playoffs or the newest reality television show are easy to digest. The complexity of global trade agreements or the impending consequences of climate change, not so much. Fox News and its ilk has stepped in to do that thinking for them.
Our greatest danger comes from our uninformed population.
98
Venus excuse me... imo 9/11 was successful. We have been in a death spiral as a nation since then.
It helped our demise to have an ignorant rich boy in office at the time.
And wolves at the door salivating for power and riches.... that is Cheney and Rove and Rummy among others.
We happily rung our hands as mom's and dads and sent our youngsters into war for oil really in 2003. These same parents saw what Viet Nam did to us as a nation.
Every step since the assassinations of the Kennedys and Martin Luther King and even Malcolm X which happened such a long time ago it has minimal effect on 40 somethings on down to mellenials and trump is the dark evil outcome of a grand plan initiated by power and profit and wealth unimaginable.
We peasants and slaves to these sub humans are left with great decisions
Apathetic acceptance of our new reality or constant barreling revolution in which we will be harassed and demeaned and perhaps hurt or killed.
Remember it happened during Nixons reign. Those were young people he hosed down and has national guard shoot at during demonstrations.
Mellenials do us oldies a favor.
Read about the history of Kent State and the Chicago Democratic National Convention.
Read what was done to us.
It helped our demise to have an ignorant rich boy in office at the time.
And wolves at the door salivating for power and riches.... that is Cheney and Rove and Rummy among others.
We happily rung our hands as mom's and dads and sent our youngsters into war for oil really in 2003. These same parents saw what Viet Nam did to us as a nation.
Every step since the assassinations of the Kennedys and Martin Luther King and even Malcolm X which happened such a long time ago it has minimal effect on 40 somethings on down to mellenials and trump is the dark evil outcome of a grand plan initiated by power and profit and wealth unimaginable.
We peasants and slaves to these sub humans are left with great decisions
Apathetic acceptance of our new reality or constant barreling revolution in which we will be harassed and demeaned and perhaps hurt or killed.
Remember it happened during Nixons reign. Those were young people he hosed down and has national guard shoot at during demonstrations.
Mellenials do us oldies a favor.
Read about the history of Kent State and the Chicago Democratic National Convention.
Read what was done to us.
2
"The United States was not defeated by 9/11..." Yes, but we have also been far from victorious in what have become needless, thankless wars. Those parallels are still valid.,
Our greatest danger comes from LIES, MISINFORMATION, PROPAGANDA by
stinkers like Fox News and the people they hoodwinked into voting for Trump and other Republican REPROBATES.
stinkers like Fox News and the people they hoodwinked into voting for Trump and other Republican REPROBATES.
Trump’s outrageous claims have a purpose: to destroy rational thought.
Just like Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld!!!
C'mon Roger. Let's wait at least until we see what else he will do. Getting rid of TPP has impressed me a lot. I thought for sure we were going to get sold out again.
Just like Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld!!!
C'mon Roger. Let's wait at least until we see what else he will do. Getting rid of TPP has impressed me a lot. I thought for sure we were going to get sold out again.
10
So now China will step in, and assume economic leadership in the Pacific, with a market that can absorb low cost labor products to incorporate into mid and high end products. Those products will find consumers in the new Chinese middle and upper classes, and in Europe and the rest of the world.
Americans who want iPhones will have to pay 50% more, buy black market phones through Europe, or make do with comparable American made technology - which is ?
Americans who want iPhones will have to pay 50% more, buy black market phones through Europe, or make do with comparable American made technology - which is ?
53
Let's get rid or weathermen...all they do is bring bad weather?
1
Spot on.
There's a big difference between WWI, millions of deaths and an egregious imposed settlement costing the German economy billions of dollars and 9/11 where 3,000 people were killed and the US then fought wars with a few thousand dead that ended or continued with vague results.
16
Well we have had crippling debt in the trillions caused by wars from that 9/11 and an economy that crashed causing millions to lose their jobs and homes. And obviously plenty of anger for trump to play off.
Please. Those of us who don't like Donald Trump and wish he had not been elected are only making ourselves look foolish and paranoid if we pretend that his snarky tweets and misguided policies are somehow equivalent to Adolf Hitler's crimes. Note that the "NYT Picks" include none of the many calm responses suggesting that, while Trump is an unpleasant and potentially dangerous human being, at this stage, comparing him to Der Fuehrer is just a tad over the top. The Times nonstop rants against all-things-Trump are unseemly. Please calm down and try a more rational approach.
28
You are terribly, terribly ignorant of history. Adolf Hitler was frequented and fêted by a great variety of European politicians outside of the fascist sphere, before he went too far with the Final Solution.... Saddam and Gaddafi were respected for a while during their time, until they outlived their usefulness.
It's delusionary to think we're all just too smart in the good ol' U S of A to end up with a fascist regime. It's a perfect storm: dysfunctional Republican Congress, some members of whom have never written or passed any laws, all ready to enable this charismatic spouter of slogans. There is a virtually unbridgeable divide between the red state voters and blue state voters and he's turned the red staters against the legitimate press. Neo nazi's and white supremacists have been excited to find that they have a new accepting audience. Superconfident young right wingers talk with disgust about "social justice" as if it were a dirty word. Half the population in the country is too young and ignorant to remember anything about World War II and what led up to it. Nothing but lies has been coming out of the White House since the Inauguration. One year from now we'll have a State of the Union address in which Pres. Trump extols all his imaginary achievements and announces he's well on his way to making America great again. Even though none of it passes fact checking. His fans will believe every word of it. And so on.
1
The article did not equate Trump with Hitler: of course Trump is not Hitler. But Hitler was voted in by pointing to scapegoats and then captured complete power. Trump too was elected by scapegoating, and that is the parallel. How far it goes remains to be seen. By I am very afraid. Not that Trump will defy the people and seize power but that the people will give him power, just as the German people gave power to Hitler. And after he finishes with those of Mexican ancestry and those who follow the Muslim religion, who will be next? The disabled? The Mormons? The Jews? Inner city minorities?
I suggest another march: The March for "Trump's Taxes".
And more: The March for the ACA, or the March Against Killing Obamacare.
The more we annoy Trump, the shakier he becomes.
And more: The March for the ACA, or the March Against Killing Obamacare.
The more we annoy Trump, the shakier he becomes.
70
Maybe a Go Fund Me page to pay the legal fees and bills of any patriotic IRS employee/s whom may reveal them all to us?
If he isn't impeached within eighteen months our political system will have failed us.
71
Our political system has failed us. Trump has managed to delegitimize not only his own election but the office of the presidency itself. The presidency is nothing more than a dangerous anachronism if it allows a man like Trump to gain so much power.
60
"If he isn't impeached within eighteen months our political system will have failed us."
You lost election sir. Live with it.
You lost election sir. Live with it.
With Trump s obsession of ratings, we may end up learning that this is all a super Hollywood production. Such a revelation would serve to highlight the intrinsic triviality of politics in America today.
Up is down, left is right, right is wrong, wrong is good, partners are adversaries, adveseries are now friends, a country of immigrants closes its door, common decency, manors and social norms are politically incorrect, die hard supporters hear no evil, and hard facts now have an alternative reality.
We have a cabinet filled with people who basically want to undue what their position is supposed to protect. And we are daily witnesses to political spin doctors who believe if you say it three times, it's a fact, period...
It's like DJT is George Kastanas in Seinfeld's episode, "The Opposite", where doing everything opposite is the plan. But this is no comedy, and DJT telegraphed his intentions from Day 1, when he glided down that escalator...
We are living an all to real Orwellian vision of future-present, where fact-fiction are being purposefully blended-separated, so that no one will know the lie-truth.
Will resistance become submission?
We have a cabinet filled with people who basically want to undue what their position is supposed to protect. And we are daily witnesses to political spin doctors who believe if you say it three times, it's a fact, period...
It's like DJT is George Kastanas in Seinfeld's episode, "The Opposite", where doing everything opposite is the plan. But this is no comedy, and DJT telegraphed his intentions from Day 1, when he glided down that escalator...
We are living an all to real Orwellian vision of future-present, where fact-fiction are being purposefully blended-separated, so that no one will know the lie-truth.
Will resistance become submission?
58
Fantastic column Roger. Keep writing like this to remind us of what has been, and what may yet be for us. I would add only this-- the denigration of the media is right up there on the scare show. We in the USA have a first amendment that is first for all the right reasons. Our free press is a must for our free country. As he belittles the MSM, he is simultaneously making nice with the right wing, and adding in the voices of those who should have no endorsement from the leader of a free country. You and your fellow journalists must fight this assault on your profession, on the lifeline of we the people. And so must we citizens.
59
Today, after this article was no doubt written, Trump's spokesperson doubled down on the baseless claim that a large percentage of the popular vote against him was from illegal voters, furthering the disorientation of the truth.
44
Why don't we investigate these 3 million illegal votes!!! This is a national emergency!!! Expose the emperor w his fabrications. Let's call the bluff.
Illegals have always been in America s midst. So why the big deal today, what can possibly explain Trump s nutty obsession with their supposed participation in a US election? And how does this sync with Republican efforts to reduce the participation of minority voters in the election, US CITIZENS who enjoy the right to vote? His ruminations are utter nonsense, demonstrative of his botched priorities and utter lack of competence for a position of considerable difficulty.
For a guy that was born inSouth Africa and lived most of his life in Europe, brother cohen sure is full of advise about my country. South Africa and Europe in the 20th century are terrible role models. Mister Cohen is a little paranoid, understandably so. America will be fine!
5
I'd suggest that his experiences with apartheid and repression will serve him well during Trump's fascist administration.
I don't find him paranoid and I don't think that America will necessarily be fine. Offer some support for your claims. And where he lived is irrelevant.
1
This is a very, very good column.
It's taken writers and analysts a few months to clarify what's gone wrong. Sad, because so much disaster (already, and to come) could have been avoided had thoughtful writers gotten this sorted out a long time before the GOP succumbed to the Orange Infection. But at least it speaks well of us all that we thought we were past having to contend with Caligulas in supposedly civilized democracies?
Keep writing. It's working.
It's taken writers and analysts a few months to clarify what's gone wrong. Sad, because so much disaster (already, and to come) could have been avoided had thoughtful writers gotten this sorted out a long time before the GOP succumbed to the Orange Infection. But at least it speaks well of us all that we thought we were past having to contend with Caligulas in supposedly civilized democracies?
Keep writing. It's working.
22
Fortunately our women made a powerful "opening" statement the every next day after this usurpation occurred.
40
To make that speech, Trump's inaugural, in the presence of the Supreme Court, is to invite strict enforcement against any illegal act by the Trump Administration or by Trump himself.
He used the word "decree". Only courts issue decrees, not politicians or presidents.
No matter what their political beliefs or background, the Justices will not allow dictatorship or crime that violates the law or constitution.
He used the word "decree". Only courts issue decrees, not politicians or presidents.
No matter what their political beliefs or background, the Justices will not allow dictatorship or crime that violates the law or constitution.
8
Your statement: "No matter what their political beliefs or background, the Justices will not allow dictatorship or crime that violates the law or constitution."
HOW will you prove this statement is true?
HOW will you prove this statement is true?
I've heard from Trump supporters, "Trump is a businessman. And America is a business." And should be run like a business.
No. It's not. And it can't be run like one.
Because the people are citizens.Not employees. You can't lay off citizens when times are tough. Nor the unproductive, the young, the old. the sick, the disabled. You can't give citizens a performance appraisal. Then tell them to shape up or ship out. Citizens don't have the option to look for another country/business to work for/live in, pay taxes to and defend. Many with their lives. We are all life time employees of the United States. Citizens can never retire.
The U.S, can't merge with a foreign powers to increase market share and achieve economies of scale.. A country can't outsource it's bureaucracy to a lower wage country. A country should not concentrate on "crushing the competition" to increase shareholder value. And since the late 20th century, ALEC, The American Chamber of Commerce, the GOP and free market proponents concluded business has no social responsibility to anyone except the shareholders. All contributing to where the country finds itself today Going out of business isn't an option. Selling out, being taken over, isn't an option.
Telling the most vulnerable in our society "YOUR FIRED" isn't an option.
So get this straight. Citizens are not employees. And our Elected representatives are not our employers. They are the Citizens Employees.
No. It's not. And it can't be run like one.
Because the people are citizens.Not employees. You can't lay off citizens when times are tough. Nor the unproductive, the young, the old. the sick, the disabled. You can't give citizens a performance appraisal. Then tell them to shape up or ship out. Citizens don't have the option to look for another country/business to work for/live in, pay taxes to and defend. Many with their lives. We are all life time employees of the United States. Citizens can never retire.
The U.S, can't merge with a foreign powers to increase market share and achieve economies of scale.. A country can't outsource it's bureaucracy to a lower wage country. A country should not concentrate on "crushing the competition" to increase shareholder value. And since the late 20th century, ALEC, The American Chamber of Commerce, the GOP and free market proponents concluded business has no social responsibility to anyone except the shareholders. All contributing to where the country finds itself today Going out of business isn't an option. Selling out, being taken over, isn't an option.
Telling the most vulnerable in our society "YOUR FIRED" isn't an option.
So get this straight. Citizens are not employees. And our Elected representatives are not our employers. They are the Citizens Employees.
92
The USA is not a business.
It is not responsible to shareholders.
The USA is country.
It is responsible to its' citizens.
It was not created to make a profit.
It was created to serve its' citizens.
It is not responsible to shareholders.
The USA is country.
It is responsible to its' citizens.
It was not created to make a profit.
It was created to serve its' citizens.
Thank you, Mr. Cohen. Your article is a fine example of elucidating everything I've been feeling. I was at the Women's March, which was fantastic, but every morning when I wake up, there's still a pit in my stomach and a slow, grey creeping of dread. I do not think that the wounds in this country can be healed; we have gone too far. What I saw of the way Trump voters reacted to Mr. Trump's calls to violence and bigotry made my blood run cold. When I saw thousands of people chanting "lock her up" with no idea of why Ms. Clinton should be locked up, I realized the depth of both their anger and their irrationality. Mr. Trump truly is a cult of personality and his supporters seem to have no desire to actually examine his policies or determine if he's telling the truth. They just don't care. And that is very, very scary. East/West secession is the only way to solve this. I truly believe it.
33
They call us the coastal elites and belittle our parts of the country. So fine, we'll take the coasts and they can have Texas and Tornado Alley.
I'm more than okay with that.
Or just completely dissolve the union and let the states decide among themselves what to do.
Whatever.
As long as I never have to fund the insane agenda of the American right again, I'm fine with the death of the American experiment. Interesting while it lasted.
I'm more than okay with that.
Or just completely dissolve the union and let the states decide among themselves what to do.
Whatever.
As long as I never have to fund the insane agenda of the American right again, I'm fine with the death of the American experiment. Interesting while it lasted.
37
Absolutely. We are being asked to be compassionate, to 'give him some time' (to undo even more of the structure of our country? No thanks; I've seen enough to know that DJT will only do *more* damage the more time you give him). These people who support Trump have no idea what compassion looks like; they are far too willing to make others' lives impossible, most likely as some kind of revenge for having been overlooked as the 'fly-over states.' Fine; you're the fly-over states. Take responsibility, pull yourselves up by your damned bootstraps, stop whining, and let the rest of us get on with reading books, going to school, viewing fine art, appreciating a finely honed sentence, and the rest that you people in the middle don't have any interest in. And we will leave you Donald and Duck Dynasty. Now we're even.
Ben,
You nailed it. 100% agree.
You nailed it. 100% agree.
Fight is right. As Dan Rather stated in an interview last night, the press is going to need the resolve and persistence of "oak and iron." Some in the press, even beyond the "alternative facts" media, are beginning to wilt like ugly plants, but there will be those few who are dogged and fierce in their insistence on the truth. The Women's March was a fantastic beginning as a show of force against the evil that is Trump. Young Americans stopped the Vietnam War. It will take that amount, and more, of motivation and consistent protest to put the fascism that is now America in the rearview mirror as quickly as possible.
34
Perhaps last weekends women's marches throughout the world represented their "why" as well as "why we will not be silent." I hope that more of us who voted in the majority will question and denounce this administration's use of "alternate facts" (is there really such a thing?) and demand greater accountability. Trump says that no one is interested in his tax returns. Perhaps a march on April 15th with millions of "no ones" demanding to see his tax returns are well in order. We all need to ask "why" he won't turn them over. Also, the next time there is a press conference, all attending journalists should keep their hands down and only let those Trump castigated and refused to take questions be able to ask their questions. We ALL need to confront this.
27
'America First', says Donald Trump. 'Britain first', says UKIP. 'France First', says Marine LePen. 'Germany First', says AfD. Do Trump supporters see no problem here? Could it ever work? Where does it lead?
People throughout history have been suckered into this many times. Working people in the Western democracies have legitimate grievances, and this is not the solution. In America's case this is a con job, put forward by those with the real power to distract people from the real issues - jobs, education, health care, fairness - so the powerful can continue hold on to the spectacular gains they have made over the last generation at the expense of the great majority of their fellow citizens.
Domestic damage would bad enough, but Trump's version also adds gratuitous international instability through inflaming the Taiwan issue, encouraging the weakening of the EU, and cozying up to his soulmate - the oligarchical, cynical Putin. What next - an alliance of sorts between Trump, Putin, and an economically desperate Theresa May, against the EU?
People throughout history have been suckered into this many times. Working people in the Western democracies have legitimate grievances, and this is not the solution. In America's case this is a con job, put forward by those with the real power to distract people from the real issues - jobs, education, health care, fairness - so the powerful can continue hold on to the spectacular gains they have made over the last generation at the expense of the great majority of their fellow citizens.
Domestic damage would bad enough, but Trump's version also adds gratuitous international instability through inflaming the Taiwan issue, encouraging the weakening of the EU, and cozying up to his soulmate - the oligarchical, cynical Putin. What next - an alliance of sorts between Trump, Putin, and an economically desperate Theresa May, against the EU?
20
Roger, another fascinating piece of writing as this country goes through the public discussion of the unfolding disaster that is the Trump Presidency. It is shockingly obvious that this is anything but normal, anything but healthy, and utterly unnerving.
This is not just the commenters to articles or bloggers on "left wing" websites. We have many establishment figures who show a curious silence that masks fear of this administration. One can see the gears turn in their minds as they both wonder what to do and plan their possible escape if things get bad.
Folks, this is not a normal political dispute based on taxes or regulation or any of the rest of those normal issues. The elite unease here concerns the stability of the entire enterprise. It is no longer a question of "will I move to Canada?", but will I be forced to flee or will I be allowed to leave. It is going to be a test of the strength of our system of government to survive this dangerous time.
This is not just the commenters to articles or bloggers on "left wing" websites. We have many establishment figures who show a curious silence that masks fear of this administration. One can see the gears turn in their minds as they both wonder what to do and plan their possible escape if things get bad.
Folks, this is not a normal political dispute based on taxes or regulation or any of the rest of those normal issues. The elite unease here concerns the stability of the entire enterprise. It is no longer a question of "will I move to Canada?", but will I be forced to flee or will I be allowed to leave. It is going to be a test of the strength of our system of government to survive this dangerous time.
25
NO -- you are definitely not overestimating the dangers Donald Trump poses to the relatively peaceful unity of the United States. Who can blame those with the means to acquire a second passport and real estate in a decent part of the world, to flee the possible tumult which awaits the American homeland? And this time, it will have NOTHING to do with swarthy young men from the Middle East, either .
Make no mistake: the blood of our children is literally at stake.
39
I will tell you what is banal- the incessant blathering of the New York times who continues to bash Donald Trump just like they did during the election.
You underestimated him them and you underestimate him now. Instead of focusing on policy issues you focus on the side show- one that you are determined to have a starring role in.
Is it any wonder that the great unwashed masses in flyover country absolutely disdain left wing media outlets like the NYT?
You underestimated him them and you underestimate him now. Instead of focusing on policy issues you focus on the side show- one that you are determined to have a starring role in.
Is it any wonder that the great unwashed masses in flyover country absolutely disdain left wing media outlets like the NYT?
12
When I see comments like yours, I always wonder what their writers (i.e., you) think of the points raised so often, and why you think they are a sideshow.
He promised to show his tax returns, as has been the common practice for several decades, but put it off forever and now finally refuses. Is it that you just don't care? His word doesn't matter? He's a billionaire, so won't be tempted by money? His businesses really are vulnerable to future entanglements. Do you think it irrelevant?
I grew up in flyover country and know the people there aren't dumb. I cannot for the life of me understand why you sneer at these questions as if they're irrelevant. They are not, and it's an insult to flyover country to claim that nobody there cares about them.
He promised to show his tax returns, as has been the common practice for several decades, but put it off forever and now finally refuses. Is it that you just don't care? His word doesn't matter? He's a billionaire, so won't be tempted by money? His businesses really are vulnerable to future entanglements. Do you think it irrelevant?
I grew up in flyover country and know the people there aren't dumb. I cannot for the life of me understand why you sneer at these questions as if they're irrelevant. They are not, and it's an insult to flyover country to claim that nobody there cares about them.
33
Do the unwashed masses know how read?
Proof, please.
Proof, please.
5
We do not underestimate him. I think we have his number. He is a lying cheating, self-centered egotistical con-artist who has hoodwinked so many people. He pounced on the weak and vulnerable to manipulate them into abetting his slander of anyone or anything decent. One only has to listen to the words as they flow from his mouth. Little interpretation or analysis is needed by the media or anyone else. It is there for all to see and hear. He is pretty straightforward in his contempt for decency and honesty. Just clean out your ears and listen. Eventually, you will realize there is nothing in this for you and that you have been a victim of a serial manipulator. It will be a painful but liberating experience experience.
2
"The mind of this country, taught to aim at low objects, eats upon itself."
----Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1837
Anti-intellectualism perhaps spiked under Donald J. Trump. In terms of the vast numbers.
We had it before, of course..... McCarthyism in 1952.
With the Tea Party Movement's anti-vaccination obsessions and those signs "Get your Government Hands Off My Medicare".
Or poor people falling for the lie of supply-side economics time and time again. Whoops...duped again...but still can't figure it out.
And the unschooled calling for the end of the Federal Reserve.
This time it's different.
It's people targeted on purpose and routinely misled by fake news such as InfoWars and Brietbart--some of whom are in Trump's inner circle.
And the radio barrage of Limbaugh, Beck, Hewitt et al.-- and Fox, of course, so in the bag for Trump they would deceive thoroughly and incessantly.
And robots on social media courtesy of Russia..the "Pepe'" repeatedly interrupting your twitter.
Your new president doesn't read. Sits mesmerized by video and television. Searches his name in social media. Delivers his message in two syllable soundbites.
This is where we are.
----Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1837
Anti-intellectualism perhaps spiked under Donald J. Trump. In terms of the vast numbers.
We had it before, of course..... McCarthyism in 1952.
With the Tea Party Movement's anti-vaccination obsessions and those signs "Get your Government Hands Off My Medicare".
Or poor people falling for the lie of supply-side economics time and time again. Whoops...duped again...but still can't figure it out.
And the unschooled calling for the end of the Federal Reserve.
This time it's different.
It's people targeted on purpose and routinely misled by fake news such as InfoWars and Brietbart--some of whom are in Trump's inner circle.
And the radio barrage of Limbaugh, Beck, Hewitt et al.-- and Fox, of course, so in the bag for Trump they would deceive thoroughly and incessantly.
And robots on social media courtesy of Russia..the "Pepe'" repeatedly interrupting your twitter.
Your new president doesn't read. Sits mesmerized by video and television. Searches his name in social media. Delivers his message in two syllable soundbites.
This is where we are.
33
at some point in the not too distant future the majority of Americans are going to come to a consensus that the man is not well. Can't call him eccentric. Can't claim that he is going to get more presidential. Can't make up any more excuses for him. His minority of supporters probably want to follow him into a nuclear hellscape, but there's nothing we can do about that for now. I would like to know if there is a Plan B when the guy is so unhinged that he's looking for the nuclear codes. Mr. Schumer, Ms Pelosi I'm talking to you because the Republicans have shown themselves to be irresponsible. And if that happens, will somebody tell the rest of us.
26
The Electoral College, which brought us W and Trump, has to be eliminated.
44
Mr. Cohen,
As with your column "Do Not Go Gentle" from December, you have captured who we are with such extraordinary literary elegance and complexity. Your writing makes me realize what a truly mediocre English Lit major I was. You can take a few words that most anyone can understand and explain who and what we are - all of us.
Thank you for another eloquent, enlightening, painful, and mercilessly truthful column about what is happening in - and to - America. That we are a nation that shops while all around us wages war and hatred is not surprising. That you state it with a brutal and unique obviousness should awaken us all before we realize that here, in America, there is almost no 'why' any longer.
If you are not the proud recipient of a Pulitzer, I for one do not know why.
As with your column "Do Not Go Gentle" from December, you have captured who we are with such extraordinary literary elegance and complexity. Your writing makes me realize what a truly mediocre English Lit major I was. You can take a few words that most anyone can understand and explain who and what we are - all of us.
Thank you for another eloquent, enlightening, painful, and mercilessly truthful column about what is happening in - and to - America. That we are a nation that shops while all around us wages war and hatred is not surprising. That you state it with a brutal and unique obviousness should awaken us all before we realize that here, in America, there is almost no 'why' any longer.
If you are not the proud recipient of a Pulitzer, I for one do not know why.
17
Trump's inaugural speech was indeed harsh, but his condemnation of the press was well-founded and just. Imagine, if you will, what the press's reaction would have been to Obama's first inauguration, with its faux Roman columns and over-the-top rhetoric, if a Republican had had the overweening ego and gall to put on such a show. A latter-day Caligula? An ego out of control? A spectacle hearkening back to the early days of Reconstruction, with newly freed blacks dressed in white tie and tails primping and preening in the state legislatures? The press had no such reactions, because Obama was black and a Democrat! Does anyone really think the press will even try to be objective about Trump?
5
I think ur right with a media bias. It exists both ways. but i think the character of BO vs the long list of nutty rhetoric and actions over the last couple years by DJT warrants fear of the present situation. Not just the bias alone
4
The NYT did criticize Obama in it's op-ed pages many times during his administration but to ask for a critique on crass and egocentric words and actions would require his participation in those areas and to date he has no qualifications for either!
Would you please explain WHY Trump's condemnation of the press was well-founded and just?
Clear-eyed commentary.
8
Scary article...!
But I cannot help but think how fragile our democracy is
Just months ago...I could not imagine how Trump could be nominated...yet alone winning the presidency.
But I cannot help but think how fragile our democracy is
Just months ago...I could not imagine how Trump could be nominated...yet alone winning the presidency.
19
Thank you, Mr. Blow, for explicating what most of us know intuitively by now- our government has been taken over by the forces of chaos, supported by the worst elements of our society, and the soul-rot effect has begun to set in, in all of us. This is a time of testing, just like the period you compare it to.
6
Okay, so it was Cohen. Still, good analysis.
If we are lucky, the Nation will escape any damage to our reputation in the World.
1
No, that would be a very negative outcome. We need to have our reputation dragged down into the gutter by the Trump administration.
If the USA has less power in the world, it will have less ability to do damage.
I simply don't condone any longer the balance of global power resting in the hands of an uninformed and self-destructive populace.
If the USA has less power in the world, it will have less ability to do damage.
I simply don't condone any longer the balance of global power resting in the hands of an uninformed and self-destructive populace.
16
Too late! The rest of the world sees the raving narcissist we elected for what he is, and they understand that we, the people, actually elected him. They've been hearing his crazy promises as long as we have, and now they see him putting them into effect. The net effect is going to be global isolation of the American economy; the rest of the world will gradually wall us off and trade around us; our imports and exports both will dwindle. The rest of the world learned how to make automobiles, now they will learn how to make jet airliners. China and India will take the lead in this regard. Trump's isolationist bi-lateral policies will lead nowhere; he really has little negotiating leverage.
20
DT is a distraction and therein is the danger. So much energy is expended to denounce the guy, but he thrives on attention the way Godzilla thrives on electricity. The strategy should be to go after the Republicans leaders who support him. Has any one not noticed how quiet rank and file Republicans have been since the election?
18
They are waiting to impeach him.
" We will get our people off of welfare and back to work rebuilding our country" Trump said in his speech but i wonder if he realizes that the majority of able bodied welfare assisted people are already working (some 2 or 3 jobs!) but unable to make ends meet due to low wages and the high cost of living.
5
What is different now is that we have many alternative means to question banal belligerence. Those were not available in past generations.
The independence of the press must be preserved to do so. Social media must be kept free of government control for non-US government employees.
The FBI and the AntiDefamation League are partnered to track and snuff out hate crimes and discrimination. We will stand firm on these methods of communication and function so that the banal "alternate truths" NEVER EVER become acceptable to the point where we could believe them, as Fox News has tried to reinforce over the past 8 years!
The independence of the press must be preserved to do so. Social media must be kept free of government control for non-US government employees.
The FBI and the AntiDefamation League are partnered to track and snuff out hate crimes and discrimination. We will stand firm on these methods of communication and function so that the banal "alternate truths" NEVER EVER become acceptable to the point where we could believe them, as Fox News has tried to reinforce over the past 8 years!
1
I cannot say which is the more significant, critical point to describe our President - an un-empathetic leader of the free world or one that is an irresponsible, arrogant, narcissistic, bigoted, sexist bully
5
I congratulate Roger for returning to his previous mode of writing succinct, intelligent columns that speak truth to power. The display of humanity on Saturday is the only route to saving the gains achieved in the last decades of the 20th century and beginning of the 21st. The orange one will strip away many of those rights that nobody thought would ever happen. That will be short term but only if the humanity and resolve displayed on Saturday becomes the new norm.
7
While "business like" is often used to suggest a cool, almost poker faced demeanor, Trump exhibits more of the bent I suspect is common of many CEOs used to having it "my way" and having commands send tremors down the line.
So as opposed to a test (like a test of the emergency broadcasting system) this is not a test but the real thing as we depend on the checks and balances put in place by our nation's founders.
Is Trump with his in your face tweets and contorts, really more dangerous than a Richard Nixon furtively chalking up enemies lists? Or is his bark worse than his bite?
So as opposed to a test (like a test of the emergency broadcasting system) this is not a test but the real thing as we depend on the checks and balances put in place by our nation's founders.
Is Trump with his in your face tweets and contorts, really more dangerous than a Richard Nixon furtively chalking up enemies lists? Or is his bark worse than his bite?
1
Roger, Trump won because the Democrats lack an economic message for the common man. They are so enamored with their educated selves, they can't hold ground for the poor uneducated man - the Republicans put them over the barrel and they give in every time. (See - Interest on student loans!) That was the time to march! Instead Harry Reid surrendered a man's pension in exchange! Now, we have pink putty-tats selfishly marching around aimlessly, doubling down on the same exact reasons they lost --- no economic message! (While my exhausted daughter spends her evenings with two little ones, filling out papers to beg for money from her work, dad's work, and any other, so that the oldest son might have a chance at higher learning. This is about the screwiest country and world that could ever be!
6
It is indeed a terrible thing that a woman in Iowa has trouble finding work to feed her kids. But I fail to see why the educated class is to blame. I hear that refrain all the time - that coastal elites are trying to profit more and that they are looking down on the working man. That is simply not the reality. Im a well paid person in NYC who paid for her own education and i admit I've prospered. I pay enormous taxes and do so gladly. I do not vote to protect my own self interest to reduce my tax burden. I do not vote to protect large banks. I vote for the people who will regulate those banks to avoid the greedy spiral we witnessed in 2008. I vote for health care for all even though I have health care. I vote to raise wages and to stop the CEOS at the top from taking home all the wealth. I vote to protect union wages even though I am not in a union. These are democratic values and yes the coastal elites do vote democratic. I do it for my country and not for myself. It is a very dangerous thing to devalue the educated and the talented when we are all in this together.
Trump won because of the arrogance of the Democratic Party that became too liberal. While Americans say that they are kind and generous we are far from that. The Democrats play well in New York City liberal areas and L.A. but that's it. Lots of Americans distain the liberal's philosophy. So a crass fool becomes their President.
Stephen Miami Fl
Agreeing with and extending the three truths of Robert Haberman from the immediate results of (1) increased economic disparity, (2) hotter planet, (3) sicker people, to the intermediate goals of (4) ever more extreme gerrymandering and voter disqualification, (5) revised partisan Congressional rules, (6) classification and sequestration of FBI, CIA and other government-generated information that would upset the people, (7a) Supreme Court's perversion of individual rights while elevating corporate and business values (7b) revised libel and slander laws that trump free speech, (7c) revised homeland security laws that trump freedom of assembly and other activities, (7d) revised search & seizure laws that trump the right to read or possess 'seditious' materials with a concomitant reinterpretation of treason. With all three branches of the federal government in one corral, there are so many paths leading to the Land of Trump. Congressional ethics have been perverted with nary the brisk movement of a broom; Trump platitudes and lies are raising the flag aloft while burning the Constitution.
Agreeing with and extending the three truths of Robert Haberman from the immediate results of (1) increased economic disparity, (2) hotter planet, (3) sicker people, to the intermediate goals of (4) ever more extreme gerrymandering and voter disqualification, (5) revised partisan Congressional rules, (6) classification and sequestration of FBI, CIA and other government-generated information that would upset the people, (7a) Supreme Court's perversion of individual rights while elevating corporate and business values (7b) revised libel and slander laws that trump free speech, (7c) revised homeland security laws that trump freedom of assembly and other activities, (7d) revised search & seizure laws that trump the right to read or possess 'seditious' materials with a concomitant reinterpretation of treason. With all three branches of the federal government in one corral, there are so many paths leading to the Land of Trump. Congressional ethics have been perverted with nary the brisk movement of a broom; Trump platitudes and lies are raising the flag aloft while burning the Constitution.
19
The political elites who disparage Trump would do well to revisit their early American history. In 1787, Shay's rebellion took root as wealthy urban bankers from Boston attempted to collect monies from the rural farmers who could no longer pay their loans in hard currency. Today, the urbanites from the financial centers of NYC and Boston revel in their stock market wealth derived from their stock market portfolios. Much of this stock market windfall has been derived from outsourcing the jobs from U.S. born companies like IBM, Carrier Air Conditioning, and Eastman Kodak. These financial elites care little for the average working man who live in places like Binghamton, Syracuse or Rochester, etc.. Trump's ascendancy answers the question for these rural manufacturing centers: What about us and our families? Today, these families fall under the yolk of low paying jobs and mortgages backed by China that they cannot afford to pay. The political elite are reaping what they have sowed for so many years in America's heartland. Perhaps its time for the Manhattan elite to take a field trip across the Tappan Zee bridge.
5
As I recall from my history classes, Shay's rebellion was quashed, and it served to encourage the formation of a stronger central government with military powers that were used to put down similar movements.
6
Beautiful column Roger. Thank you. For now, in the USA, those who dare ask "why" are in short supply, and under constant attack. And it is not just Trump. Go to any factory, any corporation, and business, any institution of any size, and those in charge do not want anyone to ask the question - "why"? All they want is silence and groveling servitude. They really are Fascists.
8
People say some things could never happen here then they are shocked when they do happen here. We live in a "democracy" so we believe that our form of government has all the checks and balances to prevent the kinds of horrors that befell nations ruled by "strongmen", dictators and assorted megalomaniacs, yet we keep believing that it cannot happen here. Trump has had years of honing his brand of smoke and mirrors. His band of prevaricators are not patriots but self serving spreaders of misinformation aimed at deluding us into believing up is down and white is black. The GOP is giddy with delight that Trump and his minions are providing cover for them to progress their agenda. Trump is playing them like the tools they are. But we keep believing its all going to be OK because we live in a democracy. Trump has had us fighting among ourselves for months while he ihides behind a "populist" facade building his wall of loyalists intent on causing mayhem and the big question is why? As Mr Cohen states "here there is no why". Don't worry everything will be ok because today we live in a democracy, tomorrow however is another issue altogether.
10
I have never been this apprehensive about the future of this great country until now. It is frightening that Trump can rant about the government, the media, corporations and tell lie after lie after lie and so many Americans buy into it. Like all demagogues, Trump paints himself as the only one who can save the people from the evil government and media who are so obviously in collusion (sarcasm). He obviously believes that if you tell the same lies over and over, the people will eventually believe them. I can't imagine a more dangerous person to occupy the Oval Office than Donald Trump. I'm afraid that he will prove to be a disaster of epic proportions.
17
Verily, verily, speak I out to those wishing to hear. Indeed, I am grossly flamboyant is my mental-universe, but I suspect I may have some rather plausible ideas for those who wish to stretch their minds a bit. And, no, as some have rather unpleasantly implied (or more) I need no drugs to keep me in my especial high! My critics seem to be over zealous in some innuendos recently.
2
Roger Cohen says Americans are going to have to fight for their Democracy, and he is right. But how do you fight with the new dictators who have seized control of the major media and wiped out the Bernie army by absorbing it into the Obama-Hillary establishment and overrunning it with the Trump wing of the new royal political family? It looks as if the 1% has won again unless the internet and the women's demonstrations can do what no one else has been able to do which is create a tidal wave of opposition that drowns the fascist forces that have worked their way into control. And the ladies need all the voices, like Rogers, that they can get.
11
Now that the power in our government has solidified behind one man and his extremist agenda, it would seem that talk and working within the system are no longer viable options. To me there are only two ways to get out of this situation--an actual revolution of sorts, a preferably bloodless coup d'état with an interim government and new elections. That's wishful thinking.
The other is to use the strategy of the corporate raiders and greed machines of Trump and his cronies. Line up like vultures and feed at the corpse of a once successful country. Sell it off to the highest bidder and try to get the biggest share of the profits for you and yours.
If you can't beat Trump, then join him in betting against America. This seems like a far more realistic way to avoid being consigned to the dumpster fire with the people who can't see the forest for the trees.
The other is to use the strategy of the corporate raiders and greed machines of Trump and his cronies. Line up like vultures and feed at the corpse of a once successful country. Sell it off to the highest bidder and try to get the biggest share of the profits for you and yours.
If you can't beat Trump, then join him in betting against America. This seems like a far more realistic way to avoid being consigned to the dumpster fire with the people who can't see the forest for the trees.
4
Interesting to consider we are in that "clove seasons" again, like the 1920's and 30's when see-ers gently or no; eloquently or no, painted the landscape of the looming disintegration of a civilization. To be honest, it so easy to discount its happening here....think of Sinclair Lewis who said it exactly.
7
As one of those returning servicemen from Afghanistan, I find your ridiculous comparisons of an elected president to the rise of national socialism absurd and insulting. American democracy is greater than one man, no matter how vulgar. American servicemen and women fought to sustain American democracy and many of us voted for President Trump and the Republicans, utterly rejecting your failed leftist ideology. The threat is the collapse of common sense, typified in the left wing hysteria surrounding the election of a personally unsavory man, who is perhaps dangerous to your ideology, but not to American democracy. It's a pity you conflate adherence to your ideology with democracy.
5
I thank you for your service.
It saddens me that so many who serve or have served seem to crave authority so much. Yesterday, Trump met with business leaders, and offered to cut regulation for them. He also charged them to come up with a plan to create jobs.
So now they have to guess, does he mean it, will he remember, what does he want? Was he being sarcastic? Was it a euphemism? Would 100 jobs be enough? 200? They can't ask their lawyers, they can't ask Trump's assistants. It all depends on the whims of one man.
That is dangerous to democracy.
It saddens me that so many who serve or have served seem to crave authority so much. Yesterday, Trump met with business leaders, and offered to cut regulation for them. He also charged them to come up with a plan to create jobs.
So now they have to guess, does he mean it, will he remember, what does he want? Was he being sarcastic? Was it a euphemism? Would 100 jobs be enough? 200? They can't ask their lawyers, they can't ask Trump's assistants. It all depends on the whims of one man.
That is dangerous to democracy.
16
Yes, and like the uneducated masses isn't part of the resin you voted for Trump because your jealous of people with an education you never got and so you want to mock and destroy truth and higher learning. It does not take more than a sixth grade education to realize that no matter what talent a potential leader may have nothing good can come from it if its base is hatred and lies and racism and big story and sexual assault, etc. Your going to have to live with your decision the rest of your life. Maybe now is the time to go get an education so that you can at least repent for your proud ignorance.
7
Evidently, the educated elite of Palo Alto have never had an elementary school lesson in grammar.
Thanks for reminding us how "educated" the Left thinks they are.
Thanks for reminding us how "educated" the Left thinks they are.
5
If anyone is still looking for an improvement in behavior or a learning curve, it will not happen. His personality (disorder) is hardwired this way, and much of what he does is not conscious or methodical - it is automatic/reflexive. Though of course there is the input of the small circle of close "advisors", and the consensus action - though always expressed through him, in its distorted/perverted way. I recommend reading about personality disorders, and about the reptilian, mammalian, human levels of the brain in regulating behavior. We all need to self-educate (in many subjects). The key things I guess are how will the intersecting systems (eg legislative, judiciary, investigative and regulatory agencies, cabinet members, leaders of other countries) react to his behavior? How literally will people take him, and which statements have action or power behind them, and which do not.
10
He's 70 years old. He can't change, he can't learn, and whatever his mental disorders may be, they will only accelerate over time. Here's hoping we all survive this nuclear-armed psychopath's presidency.
Now is the time to fight back. He is weak and vulnerable with few friends in Congress or business and an energized opposition. We need to bury him politically now. We need to stop his health care initiative. We need to stop his trade initiatives. We need to block his cabinet and court nominees and jump start investigations into his many conflicts of interest and ethical dilemmas. He is a disorganized, ill-prepared buffoon, but he is very, very dangerous for all the reasons this piece mentions. This is the greatest crisis in American politics since Vietnam, or perhaps the McCarthy era. Let's build on the energy of the protests this past weekend and send this man home.
8
"This is the greatest crisis in American politics since Vietnam, or perhaps the McCarthy era."
Brooklynite, I've lived through both eras. I believe what we now face is much, much worse.
Brooklynite, I've lived through both eras. I believe what we now face is much, much worse.
what makes him even more dangerous are the GOP enabling him as long as he signs their legislation.
Thank you for the beautiful, excellent essay. President Obama provided the briefest of respites from the chaos of the Bush years to what appears to be even more economic inequality and upheaval in the coming years. False ideologies elected Trump. History teaches over and over again that only truth - in science, economics, relations with other countries and within our borders, between citizens, all aspects of life - brings peace and prosperity. I still believe that in a democracy where all sides argue somewhat honestly, and everyone is committed to the same ideal of truth and equality, what is good for the country will prevail. And I believe we can achieve that if lots of people will speak out frequently, thoughtfully, and challenge every lie.
5
This is an extremely important and well written essay--I recommend it to everyone. It demonstrates that wars, whether won or lost, generally facilitate the goals of fascists.
I've taken some comfort from the fact that the US is not post-WWI Germany. Our economy is, in fact, among the most stable in the world right now (although I don't trust the Republicans to keep it that way) and we have a far more diverse population than Germany had.
But the sentiment of part of our population seems quite similar. They've been told that if taxes aren't lowered, businesses will move away and they've been told that unless their kids get advanced technical educations, they'll never find work in the new economy; but they can't educate their kids without raising taxes. They're afraid for themselves and for their kids--I don't blame them: a world with rapidly accelerating technology (a post work world?) is a scary place.
There are certainly elements of racism and xenophobia, but they are not necessarily dispositive. I think they're far more concerned about their own economic well being.
Fascists feed on fear, so they cultivate it. And that's exactly what the Republican party has done at least since the dawn of the cold war.
I've taken some comfort from the fact that the US is not post-WWI Germany. Our economy is, in fact, among the most stable in the world right now (although I don't trust the Republicans to keep it that way) and we have a far more diverse population than Germany had.
But the sentiment of part of our population seems quite similar. They've been told that if taxes aren't lowered, businesses will move away and they've been told that unless their kids get advanced technical educations, they'll never find work in the new economy; but they can't educate their kids without raising taxes. They're afraid for themselves and for their kids--I don't blame them: a world with rapidly accelerating technology (a post work world?) is a scary place.
There are certainly elements of racism and xenophobia, but they are not necessarily dispositive. I think they're far more concerned about their own economic well being.
Fascists feed on fear, so they cultivate it. And that's exactly what the Republican party has done at least since the dawn of the cold war.
5
Don't fall for the myth of the poor downtrodden working class as the core of Trump's support. Most people who voted for Trump are upper middle class and upper class suburban white people. All they care about is paying less taxes, no matter what the consequences for the country.
18
I have had parents and grandparents who personally lived through or witnessed the Nazi regime and they always said long before even Goldwater, that what happened in Germany could happen anywhere. I lived in Germany in the 1970s as a student and it was clear to me then that America was losing it's focus on it's ideals and German society seemed more American, than America. In Germany of the 1930/40s, it wasn't just the persecution of scapegoats, but there was also a motivation toward obtaining wealth, with or without militarism and the superiority of it's culture. It's exceptionalism in other words. It's too easy and maybe premature or even dangerous, in spite of parallels, to equate Trump and Co. as Nazi-like, or lite, but clearly some of his supporters would not be unhappy. It can happen anywhere. Our government has embraced dictators and murderous foreign governments in the past and altered democratic processes, in the pursuit of perceived self interest and we have had our own empire since the late 1800s, so the leap to fascist authoritarianism is not really that far off. I believe the first step has been the wholesale denial, or the attempt, of the voting rights of millions of American citizens.
14
FDR repeatedly made clear that the health and survival of democracy was tied to whether it responded effectively to its citizens needs. The Weimar Republic and other European regimes failed that test. FDR's overriding goal was to insure that the US didn't. FDR's words from 1941 are not only still relevant, but might also offer some explanation for how we got to where were are today:
"For there is nothing mysterious about the foundations of a healthy and strong democracy. The basic things expected by our people of their political and economic systems are simple. They are:
Equality of opportunity for youth and for others.
Jobs for those who can work.
Security for those who need it.
The ending of special privilege for the few.
The preservation of civil liberties for all.
The enjoyment of the fruits of scientific progress in a wider and constantly rising standard of living.
These are the simple, basic things that must never be lost sight of in the turmoil and unbelievable complexity of our modern world. The inner and abiding strength of our economic and political systems is dependent upon the degree to which they fulfill these expectations."
"For there is nothing mysterious about the foundations of a healthy and strong democracy. The basic things expected by our people of their political and economic systems are simple. They are:
Equality of opportunity for youth and for others.
Jobs for those who can work.
Security for those who need it.
The ending of special privilege for the few.
The preservation of civil liberties for all.
The enjoyment of the fruits of scientific progress in a wider and constantly rising standard of living.
These are the simple, basic things that must never be lost sight of in the turmoil and unbelievable complexity of our modern world. The inner and abiding strength of our economic and political systems is dependent upon the degree to which they fulfill these expectations."
5
I share the same fears about Trump as articulated in this article, but I also think we fail to see that Trump has succeeded so far because he has a message that resonates with many, and by this I don't mean his race/religion/gender baiting statements. He is taking positions that no one in either of the parties has dared to take: questioning why we should (1) allow US multinationals to outsource all their production to China and other low-cost countries; (2) allow these multinationals to change their nationality to Ireland or other low-tax haven countries without fear of any punitive action from the US government; (3) why compete with China in the international arena on China's terms. And so on. If he really follows through on his threat of imposing tariffs on imports, he will encourage more to think about manufacturing in the US; why didn't Obama think of this in the first two years after getting elected instead of overcharging his credit on Obamacare? In a world where all our major trading partner countries' governments are actively involved in supporting their industries export to the US, US offers no support to our domestic industry.
If Trump follows through on a good "America-first" industrial policy, and does not get distracted by twitter etc., he may accomplish something substantial. I realize that he has a great ability to self-destruct though.
If Trump follows through on a good "America-first" industrial policy, and does not get distracted by twitter etc., he may accomplish something substantial. I realize that he has a great ability to self-destruct though.
2
Trump posted the perfect photo for people interested in his inauguration on the 21st. Not so many on the 20th ( http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/24/politics/trump-inauguration-photo-mist... ).
2
Democracy is hard work. When corrupted and ill-informed people rush to war in Iraq and Afghanistan to "right a wrong", egged on by leaders fearful of questions regarding their legitimacy - then we the people have paved the road from 9/11 to today. Trump is the natural response to the complex world we live in. Clinton looked in the mirror and saw the polls. Voters looked in the mirror and saw the horrors of job losses, war, migrants overwhelming the EU, ISIS, expensive colleges, healthcare co-pays and unaffordable housing. Trump provided easy answers to complex problems. That's why he won. Simple wins. Make America Great. Get back the jobs. It's Hillary's fault. 3-4 words at a time. Drain the swamp....3-4 words at a time.
16
You are forgetting two big things:
1. Trump LOST the popular vote -- by 3 million to Hillary and by much more if you include the millions voting 3rd party.
2. James Comey's illegal interference in the election that was enough to tip the scales in three crucial states.
So, we must not go overboard with grand narratives about what happened or what the American people, writ large, think.
1. Trump LOST the popular vote -- by 3 million to Hillary and by much more if you include the millions voting 3rd party.
2. James Comey's illegal interference in the election that was enough to tip the scales in three crucial states.
So, we must not go overboard with grand narratives about what happened or what the American people, writ large, think.
4
Interesting article, but you neglect the biggest threat to our democracy posed by a Trump administration. Ridiculous arguments, vulgarity, protectionism are certainly not a force of good, but they are not anti-democratic. Dismantling the underpinnings of democracy are. The targeting of our press with rhetoric meant to legitimize it are a threat. Supporting voter manipulation and suppression via gerrymandering and our new-age poll taxes are a threat. Compromising the rule of law by empowering the oligarchs with support for rulings like Citizens United are a threat.
In the excellent book "Why Nations Fail" the authors argue that prosperity sharing institutions and prosperity concentrating institutions do not coexist well. Rather, prosperity sharing institutions tend to root out ways of doing business that tilt the playing field in favor of an elite. Similarly, people behind prosperity concentrating institutions recognize the threat posed by norms that make it harder for them to amass great fortunes. I worry that right now we have accelerated our rush towards prosperity concentration, and this is not associated with a healthy economy or democracy.
In the excellent book "Why Nations Fail" the authors argue that prosperity sharing institutions and prosperity concentrating institutions do not coexist well. Rather, prosperity sharing institutions tend to root out ways of doing business that tilt the playing field in favor of an elite. Similarly, people behind prosperity concentrating institutions recognize the threat posed by norms that make it harder for them to amass great fortunes. I worry that right now we have accelerated our rush towards prosperity concentration, and this is not associated with a healthy economy or democracy.
12
Trump is fascist. Time to stop using inappropriate phrases like "conservative" or "right wing." The platform of the Southern dominated Republican Party is fascist. Just read it. Fascist regimes quickly turn to war because that is their nature. Easy to bully Mexico, not so easy to bully China. Our government is in the hands of monsterous evil doers. Silly articles in the NY Times about what women wore to the Women's Match shows how little appreciated is our clear and present danger.
26
Trump on every issue can be summed quite easily.
Me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me.
You have to intepret this as claiming credit for everything that turns out well and disclaims any responsibility for his many screwball ideas.
Me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me.
You have to intepret this as claiming credit for everything that turns out well and disclaims any responsibility for his many screwball ideas.
14
Being responsibly an American citizen is important.
More important is being a responsible human being. The big lie in the heart, and therefore often also in the soul, of all nationalisms, is the preeminent position of loyalty, duty, and honor to nation.
More important than being American, German, Russian, Chinese, Irish... is one's obligation to all life.
The wasted lives of our plains wars, our civil war, our wars against Mexico, against Spain, against the Philippines, Central Americans, Germans, Koreans, Vietnamese, Laotians, Cambodians, Serbs, Somalis, Afghans, Iraqis, ... and their wars against us, all came out of reverence for nationalism first, regardless of the arguments against it, and subordination of reverence for life; our willingness to dehumanize others in elevating our self interested, self important, self seeking point of view.
For years after I returned from 14 months at war in Vietnam I had a nightmare at times: I'd wake up in the nightmare, back in Southeast Asia but in the company of dead and wounded, ARVNs, Americans, NVA, ... and we'd all pick up our gear and weapons and head into the jungle and I'd know we were going out forever with no hope of coming back.
Then I'd wake up.
But it wasn't just a nightmare, it was a lesson. It's the fate of humanity and it's made certain if we don't resist human beings like Donald Trump.
More important is being a responsible human being. The big lie in the heart, and therefore often also in the soul, of all nationalisms, is the preeminent position of loyalty, duty, and honor to nation.
More important than being American, German, Russian, Chinese, Irish... is one's obligation to all life.
The wasted lives of our plains wars, our civil war, our wars against Mexico, against Spain, against the Philippines, Central Americans, Germans, Koreans, Vietnamese, Laotians, Cambodians, Serbs, Somalis, Afghans, Iraqis, ... and their wars against us, all came out of reverence for nationalism first, regardless of the arguments against it, and subordination of reverence for life; our willingness to dehumanize others in elevating our self interested, self important, self seeking point of view.
For years after I returned from 14 months at war in Vietnam I had a nightmare at times: I'd wake up in the nightmare, back in Southeast Asia but in the company of dead and wounded, ARVNs, Americans, NVA, ... and we'd all pick up our gear and weapons and head into the jungle and I'd know we were going out forever with no hope of coming back.
Then I'd wake up.
But it wasn't just a nightmare, it was a lesson. It's the fate of humanity and it's made certain if we don't resist human beings like Donald Trump.
47
When I say "Thank you for your service", John, I do so knowing how empty and meaningless those words mean. But still I say them. Thank you for your service. I was a young adult during the Viet Nam War. I protested, marched, supported others doing similar actions around the country. But it was nothing compared to what you gave during that awful war. Please know how much your sacrifice means to me and to so many Americans. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3
Years ago I read a book on totalitarianism and I've always remember a line "the chief characteristic of a totalitarian government is it's artificiality." Artificial as false, fake, fraud, lies. Considering the bold falsehoods that the trump team has give the American people in the first few day, lies that can easily check and disproved, I am very afraid for American and its people.
26
Just read that trump is reopening the KeyStone Pipeline. Obviously reason is not one of his assets! We'll see the soft coal of West Virginia up next! Those 75% regulations he want to vanquish are following!
6
Good. You lost.
Donald Trump lives in an alternative universe governed by alternative facts. That universe, fortunately, is not the real universe. The real world is populated by intelligent people, many of whom marched on the Saturday after Mr. Trump's sparsely attended inauguration. The millions who marched in opposition to totalitarian thinking, bigotry and repression will, I believe, become one voice in coming elections. Mr. Trump's inability to join the real world will become more obvious with the passage of time. He will inadvertently galvanize an ever-growing opposition, gradually shrink his fan base and doom himself to a brief and ineffective time in the sun. That is my hope and I'm sticking to it.
24
"The millions who marched in opposition to totalitarian thinking, bigotry and repression will, I believe, become one voice in coming elections."
Those elections are nearly two years off....a lifetime in politics.
Those elections are nearly two years off....a lifetime in politics.
2
Roger, I would hope if Trump was anything near Hitler, you wouldn't rest --- you would be stating facts in no uncertain terms. At least I would hope!
"It offered a zero-sum, ethnically pure, backward-looking brutalistic nationalism. But it was a coherent vision, and he is rallying a true and fervent love of our home." A quote from d.brooks op-ed and appropriate for your article. This sentiment worked well for Mussolini and Hitler!
21
Get a grip, Cohen.
America is not your beloved Europe. We rejected the failed institutions of your Continent long ago. The history of Europe is not the history of the US.
America is not your beloved Europe. We rejected the failed institutions of your Continent long ago. The history of Europe is not the history of the US.
6
GLC: Do you know where this country is going? What gives you confidence that Trump 'Will make America Better Than Ever!' if that is your belief? Is the bankruptcy of The Taj Mahal, the fraud perpetrated by Trump University, his tax returns, his stiffing of workers and contractors, his alleged sexual abuse, his endless lies, his public service record or bravery in the military...? Perhaps you are also an expert of fascism and psychopathic behavior. Good luck and grip yourself!
14
What? You miss the point of the article entirely.
2
There is no one so blind as one who will not see. You have a choice GLC-- look at this man and his actions with a clear-eyed realistic dispassionate gaze. Hear his words and his tone. You don't have to agree with Roger-- or others who share his point of view-- but do not dismiss the potential for fascism out of hand. Be wary, be ready, and prepare to warn your right wing friends if you reach our conclusions.
4
About a year ago I wrote a 9th grade social studies lesson on Hitler’s propaganda strategies. At the same time, I watched as Trump mowed down his Republican primary opponents, and my fear grew. Ninth grade students easily saw the parallels between Hitler’s strategies, which he clearly spelled out in his writings in the 1920s, and Trump’s (the kids are ok). Why, oh why, can’t the adults see? Trump is playing with the same fire that killed at least 50 million people in the 20th century. For humanity’s sake, we must stop him.
56
Fact-based media: do your job. Confront the lies and call them out. Follow up when the answer from Trump's people are inadequate, slippery, or they change the subject. Don't get distracted by nonsense tweeting. Work together to expose the corruption, the true intent, the blatant lies, and what's going on behind the scenes. And rebut what is said or implied with the facts. And keep doing it because these folks appear to be relentless in their ability to cow the media, entrench the lies with the Trump supporters, and maintain the fiction that Trump has our best interests in mind. Bannon's agenda is evil; Trump is going for all of it.
42
I still don't think people get it about how sick this man is who provoked this rally over the weekend. He actually lied about whether it was raining during his inaugural speech, while proclaiming he was speaking the Truth. He literally cannot help himself from lying and exaggerating to build himself up. It is a chronic condition he had had for years. What are the odds that someone with this degree of impairment is going to be steady at the helm of guiding this country?
Then there is the matter of the pathetic lap boy press secretary who came out yesterday and tried to excuse the lies by Trump and himself by whining about how negative the Press narrative is about Trump. Now that is rich; from the guy who spewed hate and rage and glowered and threatened almost every day of the campaign, who ripped people to shreds on a daily basis, but he wants people to treat him completely differently, to be sensitive to his hurt feelings and give him credit for his good intentions. Talk about a double standard. Wow. Then how the one that he is doing us a favor taking his precious time to be our president?
The sooner he resigns and Pence assumes the position, the sooner we can get on with the debates and dialogues we'll need to move the country forward. His illness plus advisors like Bannon are taking him down the fascist dictator road. He needs to be replaced as soon as possible. The job is way over his head, only totalitarian dictator is within his reach.
Then there is the matter of the pathetic lap boy press secretary who came out yesterday and tried to excuse the lies by Trump and himself by whining about how negative the Press narrative is about Trump. Now that is rich; from the guy who spewed hate and rage and glowered and threatened almost every day of the campaign, who ripped people to shreds on a daily basis, but he wants people to treat him completely differently, to be sensitive to his hurt feelings and give him credit for his good intentions. Talk about a double standard. Wow. Then how the one that he is doing us a favor taking his precious time to be our president?
The sooner he resigns and Pence assumes the position, the sooner we can get on with the debates and dialogues we'll need to move the country forward. His illness plus advisors like Bannon are taking him down the fascist dictator road. He needs to be replaced as soon as possible. The job is way over his head, only totalitarian dictator is within his reach.
42
Trump will only gain respect if he earns it. And the record strongly suggests he is headed in the opposite direction with a full head of speed. Believe me.
5
Be careful what you wish for. The powers that be may have gone along with Trump only in the short term. They know that no other GOP candidate and certainly not Pence would have beaten HRC. They now lie in wait to impeach him or force him to resign. Meanwhile they will have amassed the trifecta of power they have wanted and will sally forth with the destruction of all that matters to the average American-- public education, public services owned by US, medicare, SS. Etc. They will have won if Pence becomes president. That's what is so devastating about the mistake a minority of voters have brought to us. Shame on them.
11
I think it's all past time we read Ayn Rands' book, for this is exactly the social dream the Republican party lusts after, and is in fact pursuing. They are dead set on rolling back 40+ years of social welfare, and environmental regulations to crush the middle and poor classes under their bootheel, while they and their corporate handlers waltz to their banks in the Caymans. If something doesn't happen soon, there will be such devastation in this country that it takes 20 years to recover from. I wait to hear that the Water Protectors in S. Dakota will be killed and labeled Eco Terrorists. Take a look at the REIN's act now being proposed in the Senate. Scary stuff.
21
I am reading Roth's "Plot Against America", with dread.
5
Sorry, reading Ayn Rand is only for the masochistic, or for those who can't fall asleep any other way.
6
"They are dead set on rolling back 40+ years of social welfare...."
You mean over 80 years.
You mean over 80 years.
8
The implication here is that we should have been, what? Out supporting these stupid wars? Enlisting in them? What exactly is this guy saying here about what he implies was our responsibility to the volunteers who chose to go to those wars, for whatever reason (rather than the draftees of WW2 and Vietnam, where by the way 55,000 Americans were killed): "...Some 2.7 million American soldiers came home to a country that had been shopping while they served in the Afghan and Iraqi wars, with 6,893 killed and more than 52,000 injured."
1
My suggestion is to bring back the draft. It would provide a brake pedal for proposed wars, but if war was unavoidable, we would participate as a nation, as we should. I served in Vietnam, my son, in Iraq. My daughter served 1980-2000, but those were fairly quiet years. Maybe as a working class first generation American, I wasn't bright enough to seek a deferment. I thought they were only for true physical or mental disabilities.
6
There is a crucial difference between the US in 2016 and Germany in early 1933. In 1933, German unemployment stood at 40% - a figure Trump, incidentally likes to quote - and not at roughly 5%, or at 9.2% if you want to use the more inclusive U6 rate.
In short, economic suffering in the late Weimar Republic was very real and acute, whereas this is just not the case in the US. Trump very clearly took a page out of you-know-who's playbook, but he is peddling an alternative reality, or alternative facts as he and his little Goebbels like to say.
Sure, many poor rural whites would like to have more and feel less squeezed. But that's because in the US tertiary education and health care aren't free, not because good jobs have been shipped abroad. Most manufacturing is now fully automated and industrial workers are now very highly skilled technicians with technical college degrees.
In short, economic suffering in the late Weimar Republic was very real and acute, whereas this is just not the case in the US. Trump very clearly took a page out of you-know-who's playbook, but he is peddling an alternative reality, or alternative facts as he and his little Goebbels like to say.
Sure, many poor rural whites would like to have more and feel less squeezed. But that's because in the US tertiary education and health care aren't free, not because good jobs have been shipped abroad. Most manufacturing is now fully automated and industrial workers are now very highly skilled technicians with technical college degrees.
12
It is interesting that you sniped alternative facts after you threw in your own alternative fact - you know, the U6 percentage, which The Times and other liberals like to ignore because it casts doubt on the wonderful economic achievements of the former President.
If you follow this link to the U.S. Board of Labor statistics page, you'll see that the U6 number for December 2016 puts the amount of total unemployed (not seasonally adjusted) at 9.1%, 9.2% if seasonally-adjusted. This number is lower than the 10% unemployment rate listed for October, 2009, which was the highest unemployment rate of the past 10 years. These numbers do not speak of another Depression, and point to the fact that the economic picture is bleak in only a few areas of the country. It could be argued that we are only as strong as the weakest link in the chain that are the states, united by geography. But we are all being asked to pay an extraordinary price to reforge those links.
@GLC The U6 unemployment rate is a fact. Trump's claim that the US unemployment rate stands at 40% is a lie, or rather an alternative fact.
Not everyone reading the NYT is an uncritical Obama fan. I like the man and supported his agenda, but I am happy to acknowledge that he was not as strong and as effective a president as I would have liked him to be, and that his record on the economy was mixed.
Sure, the hacks at the NYT have turned Obama into a savior and Hillary into his second coming, which was foolish. But the two of them are infinitely better than Trump, who will tear up the post-war order which the US have built for their own benefit.
Trump is squandering the hard work of four generations of Americans because he is a narcissistic ignoramus with the intellect and impulse control of a grade schooler. A man who wants to be a beloved great leader should not be the president of the world's most successful liberal democracy.
Not everyone reading the NYT is an uncritical Obama fan. I like the man and supported his agenda, but I am happy to acknowledge that he was not as strong and as effective a president as I would have liked him to be, and that his record on the economy was mixed.
Sure, the hacks at the NYT have turned Obama into a savior and Hillary into his second coming, which was foolish. But the two of them are infinitely better than Trump, who will tear up the post-war order which the US have built for their own benefit.
Trump is squandering the hard work of four generations of Americans because he is a narcissistic ignoramus with the intellect and impulse control of a grade schooler. A man who wants to be a beloved great leader should not be the president of the world's most successful liberal democracy.
As much as I try to be open minded to allow for a period of adjustment to this new regime, I am reminded each day by the President's actions and continuing petty complaints (mostly about his numbers) that he is not a capable leader of our great Nation. He is driving this country back into an economic cocoon we have not seen since the 1930's and may very well try to move our social society backwards in the same way. The voices raised during the marches across the Nation (and World) on Saturday are the way we must combat and defend our freedoms and our participation in the world at large. It is frightening that his supporters continue to accept whatever he seems to spew....ignoring climate change; ignoring that the loss of good paying jobs has more to do with technology and clean energy than with outsourcing; ignoring the expressed desire of the majority of the Nation that women's health rights need to be preserved; and ignoring the need for serious immigration reform that everyone wants enacted to put the issue of illegal immigrants to rest and support our economy. This president is only about himself and his numbers......he must think this is all just more reality TV.
14
Thank you Roger for another excellent essay.
In his 1994 book The Doubter Companion (A Dictionary of Aggressive Common Sense) philosopher , writer, lecturer , historian, public intellectual and former head of PEN International John Ralston Saul defines Banality.
He talks of Hannah Arendt and her brilliant but limiting concept of the "banality of evil" and directs to his description of Thomas Carlyle.
From Saul's description of Carlyle
"The philosophers who propose Hero-worship are men filled with self- loathing and fear. They worship power and the men who wield it."
I understand why Saul's incessant attacks on neoliberalism and neoconservatism might upset an American audience but Time magazine called John Ralston Saul a prophet and thankfully he is still with us. He told us about 2016 over a quarter century ago when Voltaire's Bastards made the NYT best seller list and he told us about post World War I Germany in the Collapse of Globalism and he always warned us Trump was coming.
In his 1994 book The Doubter Companion (A Dictionary of Aggressive Common Sense) philosopher , writer, lecturer , historian, public intellectual and former head of PEN International John Ralston Saul defines Banality.
He talks of Hannah Arendt and her brilliant but limiting concept of the "banality of evil" and directs to his description of Thomas Carlyle.
From Saul's description of Carlyle
"The philosophers who propose Hero-worship are men filled with self- loathing and fear. They worship power and the men who wield it."
I understand why Saul's incessant attacks on neoliberalism and neoconservatism might upset an American audience but Time magazine called John Ralston Saul a prophet and thankfully he is still with us. He told us about 2016 over a quarter century ago when Voltaire's Bastards made the NYT best seller list and he told us about post World War I Germany in the Collapse of Globalism and he always warned us Trump was coming.
8
If Time endorses someone, you know they are something. How many times has Trump been on the cover of Time?
Through Trump, we are hearing a well-known voice of ignorance, thoughtless reaction, intentional provocation, social simplicity, and various forms of tribalism. We've all heard this voice before: that drunkard sitting at the bar, the uncle at the Thanksgiving table who speaks too loudly, the person who causes an awkward moment in an otherwise civil conversation. Hearing this voice, we have often thought privately, "Glad you're not in charge." But now we have -- to our horror -- elevated those base reactions to the highest peak of power.
It seems that arguing with this voice is not effective. Only by carrying out the dark plans implied by these ideas -- and watching the results devastate the very people who espouse them -- will such ignorance be affected.
It seems that arguing with this voice is not effective. Only by carrying out the dark plans implied by these ideas -- and watching the results devastate the very people who espouse them -- will such ignorance be affected.
11
Superb writing. Every move Donald Trump makes proves he's incapable of unifying the nation. He neither studied nor understands what democracy means or entails.
He couldn't even rise above it all during the protests following his inauguration and simply not respond. And just respect the process.
He "had to" insist redundantly on not winning the popular vote.
Just watching him sign Executive Orders made one realize perhaps every move he makes might be peppered with a bit of spite.
He couldn't even rise above it all during the protests following his inauguration and simply not respond. And just respect the process.
He "had to" insist redundantly on not winning the popular vote.
Just watching him sign Executive Orders made one realize perhaps every move he makes might be peppered with a bit of spite.
7
Excellent piece, Mr. Cohen, that yet again points out the huge arrogance and ego of this isolated, amoral and mentally ill man.
One your readers comments, "I am sure, soon we will see images of all the cabinet standing in order at front of the long meeting table, waiting the arrival of HIM, who will sit at the end of the table, and only then will they dare to sit down..."
A frightening thought but perhaps not that far-fetched. It reminded me of March 15, 2016 NYT article by Jason Horowitz, "A King in His Castle:How Donald Trump Lives, From His Longtime Butler." The article closed with this: "Senecal’s admiration for his longtime boss seems to know few limits. On March 6, as Mr. Trump made his way through the living room on his way to the golf course, Mr. Senecal called out “All rise!” to the club members and staff. They rose."
One your readers comments, "I am sure, soon we will see images of all the cabinet standing in order at front of the long meeting table, waiting the arrival of HIM, who will sit at the end of the table, and only then will they dare to sit down..."
A frightening thought but perhaps not that far-fetched. It reminded me of March 15, 2016 NYT article by Jason Horowitz, "A King in His Castle:How Donald Trump Lives, From His Longtime Butler." The article closed with this: "Senecal’s admiration for his longtime boss seems to know few limits. On March 6, as Mr. Trump made his way through the living room on his way to the golf course, Mr. Senecal called out “All rise!” to the club members and staff. They rose."
15
We cannot and we must not stop emphasizing Trump s mental illness. This should be in the forefront of the next protests which I hope will be organised soon, to bring an end to this brief moment of folly tarnishing the image of the United States.
Always remember, Roger, that the State of Israel was established so that, never again, would Jewry be at the mercy of the mob in nations where the Jewish minority relied on the protection of the national government. Israel was there for the afshkenazi survivors of the Holocaust, for the Mizrahi expelled from Arabia in 1948, for Ethiopian Jews in the 1980s, for French Jews fleeing mainstream antisemitism in the 2010s, and for the last Yemeni Jew in 2016. And, yes Roger, even a perma-dhimmi such as yourself will be welcomed home to Israel should "it" happen in the USA. As a Jew anywhere in the world, Israel keeps you safe. Never forget that, Roger.
7
As the product of two generations of Jewish refugees, I appreciate the sentiment that Israel is a Jewish haven. My problem is not the haven, rather the peculiar distortion of Jewish. Jews were persecuted and sympathetic people in diaspora, however Israel has become mired in a death struggle with the incumbent inhabitants to the extent that biblical land claims supersede prophetic justice.
I prefer the prophets.
I prefer the prophets.
4
But not if you are a Palestinian?
1
RTW, Palestinians have rejected their own homeland time and again. Moreover, there are several Arab majority or Muslim majority nations in the world. Israel is the only guaranteed homeland that Jews have and, therefore, helps keep all Jews everywhere safe.
Isaac, prefer the prophets all you want, the last Jew out of Yemen seemed pretty happy to come home to Israel.
Isaac, prefer the prophets all you want, the last Jew out of Yemen seemed pretty happy to come home to Israel.
I don't think it's particular helpful to compare the Weimar Republic and its demise to the post 9/11 US. However we need to remain vigilant. Trump talks about a movement, he projects himself as a strong man, he openly admires authoritarians like Erdogan and Putin and never before was the American democracy so close to the threat of fascism.
15
While the comparison of Post war Germany and present day America is thoughtful and resounds with NYT readers, how will this message get to the disaffected voters in the rust belt who are the power behind Trump?
The NYT serves the coastal market. What messenger will serve the central market.
The NYT serves the coastal market. What messenger will serve the central market.
3
One additional note to Trump's inaugaration speech, to which I have not seen any commentary, but which troubles me greatly: I do not recall the man ever using the word "democracy" once.
19
First of all Roger, it is outrageous for you or anyone else to compared Trump to Hitler. I presume you are Jewish. Trump has come down on the side of the Jewish establishment in order to keep from statehood a collection of people who do not recognize Israel's right to exist.
And yes, it is American carnage when well-paying manufacturing jobs have gone overseas and continue to do so. What other president has taken on big corporations, in his first week of presidency, to try and rectify this issue? Don't you know he is trying to set a tone with these corporate meetings, and that he realizes that he will need congressional help? Roger, this is how a leader leads. I know it is scary for you and others, since we have not had a true leader since Ronald Reagan, and even he did not take on big corporations.
So Roger, I suggest you and your ilk dispense with the ridiculous comparisons to Hitler and try to realize what needs to be done in this country.
And yes, it is American carnage when well-paying manufacturing jobs have gone overseas and continue to do so. What other president has taken on big corporations, in his first week of presidency, to try and rectify this issue? Don't you know he is trying to set a tone with these corporate meetings, and that he realizes that he will need congressional help? Roger, this is how a leader leads. I know it is scary for you and others, since we have not had a true leader since Ronald Reagan, and even he did not take on big corporations.
So Roger, I suggest you and your ilk dispense with the ridiculous comparisons to Hitler and try to realize what needs to be done in this country.
7
I suggest that you and those who are of your view dispense with ridiculous aversion to learning from history. To compare societal conditions and methods of gaining power is not to make a comparison with Hitler, but to make a comparison to disastrous historic movements. One might also mention Stalin, with his paranoia and willingness to believe in "alternate facts." To study cancer is to learn about it, as intelligent people learn from history.
2
Not outrageous. He's entitled to his view, as are you yours.
And if you and your ilk go on ignoring the lies, deceptions, corruption and nepotism of this fool, this idiot, this illegitimate carnival barker - but instead go on thinking he's a true leader, then you have only yourselves to blame when it all goes sideways.
And no; its not carnage. You either didn't read the article or have memory as short a s flea. Yeah, trump supporters ....
And if you and your ilk go on ignoring the lies, deceptions, corruption and nepotism of this fool, this idiot, this illegitimate carnival barker - but instead go on thinking he's a true leader, then you have only yourselves to blame when it all goes sideways.
And no; its not carnage. You either didn't read the article or have memory as short a s flea. Yeah, trump supporters ....
4
Roger is not overexaggerating. This is just how Hitler came to power. People didn't realize what he was all about until it was way too late. Luckily we have Hitler and Mussolini and other examples of fascist demagogues to see how it is done. And Trumputin is actually even more transparent.
As for Israel, the last time I was there, an enlightened Israeli said to us about the US-Israeli relations that the leadership in his country has to understand that a TRUE friend sometimes will tell you no when you are doing wrong.
As for Israel, the last time I was there, an enlightened Israeli said to us about the US-Israeli relations that the leadership in his country has to understand that a TRUE friend sometimes will tell you no when you are doing wrong.
5
Of course, a primary reason Trump calls media dishonest is to keep his base of supporters on board with him. As he convinces people there are no objective or factual sources, he can keep them convinced to believe him, when he tell lies they want to hear. So, any honest error is conflated with "fake news"; Trump does not want real news to be taken seriously.
10
You did a superb job explaining how fascist dictators rise. They do not begin the take over by marching into town with an army. No. What happens -- and happened in Germany -- is that a sizable minority swells with resentment and begins to target others for blame. Then the very people who pride themselves on being the most patriotic and the most ready to fight tyranny become the willing conduits for its rise.
19
Trump's vicious choice, Mike Pompeo, as his CIA Director, sets up the almost certain loss the loss of most Americans' civil rights. There's no question that Pompeo would use his vast Federal intelligence powers to collect information on Trump's "enemies" (read: whomever threatens his ego). the CIA would certainly be able to put together a dossier on anyone that proves that they were giving "aid and comfort to terrorists" by criticizing Trump. Pompeo's shifting position on torture means that enhance interrogation could be used on American citizens. His beliefs in the basic nature of Islam and the treasonous nature of "the Left" means that he would relish the opportunity to eliminate them all, in America and God's name.
When would Trump ask the GOP Congress to pass an emergency law that makes "giving aid and comfort" into an automatic Federal capital crime? Trump's Supreme Court would find it legal. Trump's Justice Deportment would willingly carry out the executions. From Chuck Schumer to the kid whose snarky anti-Trump tweet goes viral, all could be threatened with death if they don't conform.
Trump's is not "banal belligerence." It is like an endless spreading poison that will destroy this nation. The Senators who confirmed Trump's CIA Director have facilitated the possibility of their own executions. Perhaps Trump will even make a show out of it, shouting "You're outta here!" as they are hauled off to a televised meeting with the firing squad.
When would Trump ask the GOP Congress to pass an emergency law that makes "giving aid and comfort" into an automatic Federal capital crime? Trump's Supreme Court would find it legal. Trump's Justice Deportment would willingly carry out the executions. From Chuck Schumer to the kid whose snarky anti-Trump tweet goes viral, all could be threatened with death if they don't conform.
Trump's is not "banal belligerence." It is like an endless spreading poison that will destroy this nation. The Senators who confirmed Trump's CIA Director have facilitated the possibility of their own executions. Perhaps Trump will even make a show out of it, shouting "You're outta here!" as they are hauled off to a televised meeting with the firing squad.
7
Saddam Hussein s consolidation of his power in the executive in 1979 was punctuated by a violent settling of scores with political opponents in which he personally participated with his firearms. I could easily see Trump trying to score some points with his NRA allies by staging a similar televised scenario to dispose of convicted criminals. Trump has recently stated that he is sensitive to Rodrigo Duterte s unabashed vigilante style form of justice towards supposed drug dealers.
Donald Trump is not the banal as Hannah Arendt used the phrase of Eichmann, for the banality of evil.
First, he is the showman face of what is happening, not the banal workman of it.
Second, the evil of Eichmann is not to be compared to any American political dispute. I don't say that to defend Trump, but to highlight the evil of Nazis who ran death camps. That sort of thing happens rarely, as in Cambodia and Rwanda, but it does happen, and it is not the same as electing Trump.
First, he is the showman face of what is happening, not the banal workman of it.
Second, the evil of Eichmann is not to be compared to any American political dispute. I don't say that to defend Trump, but to highlight the evil of Nazis who ran death camps. That sort of thing happens rarely, as in Cambodia and Rwanda, but it does happen, and it is not the same as electing Trump.
6
I don't agree with your premise. There are all sorts of evil. Genocide as in the case of Hitler or cleansing of intellectuals and murdering of political enemies as with Pol Pot and Stalin are the extremes, but that does not mean that Hitler without concentration camps would not have been evil, too. Besides, once you start lying, distorting reality and repressing freedom of the press, where do you go if more stringent methods are needed when the press doesn't roll over? Change libel laws? Prison? Torture? Murder? A lot of really evil people started out as pragmatists and ended up as brutal dictators like the Shah of Iran, Saddam Hussein and Assad.
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
3
Well regulated militia, OK.
Rednecks playing with assault weapons, NO!
I am retired Military.
Rednecks playing with assault weapons, NO!
I am retired Military.
19
How is it that the phrase "well-regulated militia" has come to mean "pretty much anybody".
So much for the "strict constructionalist" school of conservative jurisprudence. They seem to do a lot of cherry-picking.
So much for the "strict constructionalist" school of conservative jurisprudence. They seem to do a lot of cherry-picking.
1
No one man has the ability to solve all problems. When we is replace by I alone then get ready for a big let down. The people that he has surrounded himself with cannot and do not have the ability to feel the pain of the common man. Let us see where Americans end up in two years from now.
3
Since history is repetitious, I am expecting arson in the Capitol (aka Reichstag), martial law and termination of elections.
6
Arson not necessary, the Republicans have done that through gerrymandering and unequal representation. The rest can follow unimpeded.
I believe we'll avoid repeating the history of the 1930s due to social media. Go on, laugh if you must. But Twitter, Facebook, etc and so on, has the power to save democracy because that's where you'll find the People's Voice.
That is where we'll call out Trump on his lies and Trump-ertantrums before the media. That is where we'll highlight the latest egregious, overreaching power grab that the media hasn't yet caught on to or, for reasons known only to them, they've yet to report on. And Twitter, Facebook, etc is where the media and the government will be held to account and where We, the People, will fight whatever "alternative fact"-driven narrative they're trying to push by hitting them, repeatedly, with the truth.
And social media where be where we gather together and plan our protests and marches. Where we coalesce our powerful anger into even more powerful action.
With elected Representatives no longer representing us and our votes - via gerrymandering, voter suppression, theft and Russian hacking - no longer counting, our voices will be found on social media. And they'll be loud.
That's how we'll avoid repeating history.
That is where we'll call out Trump on his lies and Trump-ertantrums before the media. That is where we'll highlight the latest egregious, overreaching power grab that the media hasn't yet caught on to or, for reasons known only to them, they've yet to report on. And Twitter, Facebook, etc is where the media and the government will be held to account and where We, the People, will fight whatever "alternative fact"-driven narrative they're trying to push by hitting them, repeatedly, with the truth.
And social media where be where we gather together and plan our protests and marches. Where we coalesce our powerful anger into even more powerful action.
With elected Representatives no longer representing us and our votes - via gerrymandering, voter suppression, theft and Russian hacking - no longer counting, our voices will be found on social media. And they'll be loud.
That's how we'll avoid repeating history.
1
Unless Trump and Pompeo insist that all communications be screened for "correct thinking", and they use your cellphone location to track down the "uneducated terrorist resistance"
1
just like social media worked so well in Egypt, Syria, Libya.
Mr. Roger , you did not mentioned why American politics ,only cares about the costs of wars, on americans casualties (soldiers) and strategic costs ? They don't care, and totally ignore the human costs to the Iraq's. About 640, 000 people civilians and fighters( 2006), by Hopkins scientists. Actually the media does the same, ignored that. I am sick of american politics, administrations, this unhinged in Chief, now provoking the Iraq's because their oil. Very stupid and very dangerous. Many Americas don't know or forgot about the crimes committed against other nations around the globe, during Nixon presidency, when Kissinger were Secretary of State. We can make a big list of nations , Chile is the one were Kissinger enjoyed giving advise for Pinochet, ignoring the human misery, destruction and dignity of Chilean citizens. The same happened with other 19 nations, thanks to CIA. Now we have this narcissist, that enjoys to see ,and to do damage here inside and outside. He has no capacity to focus, he has no compassion. He enjoys to destroy everything that most institutions created for a health progress. Nothing justify why republicans in the house and senate applauds with smile our decadence. Our nation has more sociopaths, individualists. racists, misogynists zealots than other countries together. The only hope is November 6/2018, we will not stop.
1
There is a well-known story about Igor Stravinski meeting a woman after the premiere of Le Sacre de Printemps, who told him: "i loved your new composition, I hummed it all the way home." This puts me in mind of the surreal dissonance we are experiencing with the Trump phenomenon. How can the various parts of his promises to voters possibly happen together? Yet, people are humming "more jobs" all the way home, while others are humming "lower taxes." Another more ominous dissonance, to me is the precedence given to reporting on Trump's seeming obsession with crowd size and voting numbers, while underreporting the quantity and nature of the funding cuts he is just beginning to make. I grant that the tweets are noteworthy, but I find more and more that they are a distraction from what's going on backstage. "The denial of 'why'" is an apt allusion for this administration, but a more sophisticated questioner needs to notice those things about which asking "why" is most important, and not be overwhelmed by sensory overload – which seems to be the Trump strategy.
12
Until Trump starts speaking truthfully, the media should ignore him. Boycott press conferences and briefings. Create an office to analyze and critique his tweets. We get no value from reports on his statements. It's all garbage. Besides, if Trump were to speak in front of a bunch of empty chairs it would drive him batty.
13
Tell it to Fox and Breitbarte. Besides, Trump carries around his own cheering section as with his meeting st the CIA the other day. The only thing that will happen if honest people ignore him is that dishonest people will control the message.
I like your proposition. Unfortunately, we as human beings gravitate towards train wrecks, without really needing to know WHY, as Roger Cohen so cleverly points out in his brilliant op-ed piece.
Kellyann Conway's shares notions of the "facts" with Josef Goebbels, who assured the Nazi party that "If you tell a lie long enough, it becomes the truth."
27
I didn't vote for Trump and join with those who make fun of his ignorance, but the idea that he's going to gain any serious power like a dictator is nonsense.
4
There is a difference between:
"The idea that he's going to gain any serious power like a dictator is nonsense"
and
"I don't think he is going to gain the power of a dictator."
The latter expresses a fair disagreement that might lead to further discussion or debate. The former is a pejorative statement It dismisses with certitude Mr. Cohen's suggestion of what might come if Americans do not fight for their civilization and rights. It says his words have no meaning and make no sense. That is a pretty strong statement. It says you have some knowledge making further discussion unnecessary. If you know something that Mr. Cohen does know, I am sure many readers would be comforted to hear it.
"The idea that he's going to gain any serious power like a dictator is nonsense"
and
"I don't think he is going to gain the power of a dictator."
The latter expresses a fair disagreement that might lead to further discussion or debate. The former is a pejorative statement It dismisses with certitude Mr. Cohen's suggestion of what might come if Americans do not fight for their civilization and rights. It says his words have no meaning and make no sense. That is a pretty strong statement. It says you have some knowledge making further discussion unnecessary. If you know something that Mr. Cohen does know, I am sure many readers would be comforted to hear it.
2
correction: "does not know" Too bad NYT does not provide for preview or edit of comments, like Disqus does.
Excellent piece---and I appreciate your "carefully treading" around the Trump/Hitler similarities...scary though they are. However, I have one request--of you and EVERY other legitimate journalist writing about this administration: no more use of the word "falsehood"...or any other vacuous term you might find in Roget's. What these people are telling are LIES...plain and simple. The sooner we start using that word, and the sooner we start using an ever-larger font on the front page of newspapers and lead-story page on TV...the better.
My grandmother was a wise woman, though she did not have much formal education. I'm certain that the word "falsehood" never crossed her lips. She might have toned it down to "fib" when dealing with small children---but to everyone else she called a lie a lie.
The rest of us, especially those with a huge bully pulpit like the NYT, should follow her example.
My grandmother was a wise woman, though she did not have much formal education. I'm certain that the word "falsehood" never crossed her lips. She might have toned it down to "fib" when dealing with small children---but to everyone else she called a lie a lie.
The rest of us, especially those with a huge bully pulpit like the NYT, should follow her example.
22
There is not enough discussion about the parallel between the 2017 America First slogan and its 1930s Lindbergh equivalent, aimed at appeasing Hitler. It is a central symptom of Trump's use of language. Although he pretends it has an entirely new meaning, he is well aware of the precedent and to which nauseating part of today's population it is adressed as adog whistle. Stve Bannon is reported to have contributed to the writing of Trump's inauguration speech. He knows too welle what 'America First' means. Add the clenched fist and the rude comtempt expressed for his predecessors at the White House and the message is blaring. It was indeed a historic moment in the US - a profoundly shameful one. Please, NYT, interview Trump's supporters and members of his Cabinet on this matter, which is too important to be only mentioned in passing here and there. When Trump lies about anything, please also ask his Press Secretary to name his sources.
22
The same words are not automatically parallel.
Few using those words now even know about the prior use.
The underlying ideas are entirely different. It is not alleging machinations of Jews, it is not accepting Nazis in Europe, it is not fearing the overwhelming military power of an opponent as was Lindbergh's view of the Luftwaffe.
It is not Fortress America. That phrase was like the Little Englanders, and bears no relationship to America's role in the world under any current American theory of international relations put forward by any group.
Few using those words now even know about the prior use.
The underlying ideas are entirely different. It is not alleging machinations of Jews, it is not accepting Nazis in Europe, it is not fearing the overwhelming military power of an opponent as was Lindbergh's view of the Luftwaffe.
It is not Fortress America. That phrase was like the Little Englanders, and bears no relationship to America's role in the world under any current American theory of international relations put forward by any group.
3
Whether or not listeners are aware of their prior referents, the words are designed to elicit the same response – blind allegience to empty phrases. Looking for exact analogies is futile. For Jews, read immigrants or Muslims, for the Luftwaffe, read ISIS, and for underlying machinations, read "the evil elitists." Then perhaps the comparisons will seem less odious.
3
I think we were well on our way to today's Trumpian raised fist before the flag when we started referring to our country as "the homeland." Gave me the creeps then and still does.
3
"Trump’s outrageous claims have a purpose: to destroy rational thought."
Well, certainly Trump exhibits little interest in "rational thought" and seems very successful in leading conversation and coverage elsewhere.
But the string-pulling puppeteers running Congress have the long game in mind. Trump is a momentary distraction. These manipulators behind the Ryan-McConnell facade have a very clear, purposeful, entirely rational plan almost a complete success - corporate control of Congress, the Supreme Court, ultimately the presidency (even if Trump isn't the best answer - maybe Pence will take over?) and most state legislatures.
Maybe reaction to Trump will mobilize resistance to corporate America? Maybe?
Well, certainly Trump exhibits little interest in "rational thought" and seems very successful in leading conversation and coverage elsewhere.
But the string-pulling puppeteers running Congress have the long game in mind. Trump is a momentary distraction. These manipulators behind the Ryan-McConnell facade have a very clear, purposeful, entirely rational plan almost a complete success - corporate control of Congress, the Supreme Court, ultimately the presidency (even if Trump isn't the best answer - maybe Pence will take over?) and most state legislatures.
Maybe reaction to Trump will mobilize resistance to corporate America? Maybe?
13
After reading this article, all I could think of was Dante's "Abandon hope all ye who enter here."
And if we do not struggle to make sure that Trump and those in congress who are willing to snatch from us any hope of fairness, justice, compassion and protection of everyone's rights, we will be abandoning our hope for a better outcome.
And if we do not struggle to make sure that Trump and those in congress who are willing to snatch from us any hope of fairness, justice, compassion and protection of everyone's rights, we will be abandoning our hope for a better outcome.
11
I see nothing banal about Trump's belligerence. Civilization has been here before and the one constant is that mankind never seems to learn their lesson. It didn't end well in the past and it won't end well now.
No one is going to out bully Trump. He is now Commander in Chief, king of the hill and master of the universe! Trump is provoking the Chinese, alienating Europe, and siding with another megalomaniac, Putin. Israel is adding fuel to the fire in the Middle East. Republicans are pulling out their jars of war paint and corporate America is giddy with excitement over the promise of a vast increase in military spending.
We are conceivably moments away from a destabilizing cyber-attack, or one or more terrorist attacks on a Trump property, or worse an ill advised nuclear or chemical weapons attack from an irrational and mad enemy - and America has a long list of bitter enemies. I think we can all guess how Trump will respond.
I don't know about totalitarianism but imperialism has definitely reared its ugly head. Be afraid, be very afraid.
No one is going to out bully Trump. He is now Commander in Chief, king of the hill and master of the universe! Trump is provoking the Chinese, alienating Europe, and siding with another megalomaniac, Putin. Israel is adding fuel to the fire in the Middle East. Republicans are pulling out their jars of war paint and corporate America is giddy with excitement over the promise of a vast increase in military spending.
We are conceivably moments away from a destabilizing cyber-attack, or one or more terrorist attacks on a Trump property, or worse an ill advised nuclear or chemical weapons attack from an irrational and mad enemy - and America has a long list of bitter enemies. I think we can all guess how Trump will respond.
I don't know about totalitarianism but imperialism has definitely reared its ugly head. Be afraid, be very afraid.
28
The radical Muslims are laughing, Putin is delighted, china now the world leader in commerce. How does that make the uniformed Americans great again? I would laugh at them also but they are poisoning my water.
17
Donald Trump acts more and more like a 'cheerleader' than an actual player in the field of politics. His rhetoric, his repetition of phrases come across as so simplistic, so limited in scope, thus nothing one can really place your faith in. His strategies seem so bound to accounting principles, things like bottom lines, losses and profits, just a constant stream of reporting financial related data. Everything he says comes across as being 'soul-less' and really disturbing to say the least.
(Really now, even with all his yammering about the guy and gal on the street, the Joe's and Jane six-packs, is this someone you could ever imagine yourself sitting down with and having a beer, a cheeseburger, and an order of fries? )
(Really now, even with all his yammering about the guy and gal on the street, the Joe's and Jane six-packs, is this someone you could ever imagine yourself sitting down with and having a beer, a cheeseburger, and an order of fries? )
3
A seventy year old man, overweight, out of shape, delusional, and almost daily gets all jacked up over being called on his lies.
Would you sell him life insurance?
Would you sell him life insurance?
6
A smoldering forest fire, slow- motion train wreck, gathering tornado. Pick your metaphor. Unfortunately, we ALL must suffer the consequences.
4
Did you hear Mr. Trump's interview wth Washington Post's Karen Tumulty, done a week or so before the inauguration?
She asked him how his supporters will know when America has become great again. His answer was: I will tell them.
He is saying a lot in that one sentence. He has become so bold he puts down even his supporters freely. He is saying that his supporters are imbeciles, they are robotic followers of him. He will think for them and let them know. They can't be the judge. I still wonder if I am in a bad dream.
Here is the link to the WashingtonPost article. If you watch the 5 minute video included in it you will hear the exchange.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/how-donald-trump-came-up-with-ma...
She asked him how his supporters will know when America has become great again. His answer was: I will tell them.
He is saying a lot in that one sentence. He has become so bold he puts down even his supporters freely. He is saying that his supporters are imbeciles, they are robotic followers of him. He will think for them and let them know. They can't be the judge. I still wonder if I am in a bad dream.
Here is the link to the WashingtonPost article. If you watch the 5 minute video included in it you will hear the exchange.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/how-donald-trump-came-up-with-ma...
19
Can we please dispense with the comparisons of Germany 1933 and Washington, DC in 2017?
The world is almost NOTHING LIKE it was in '33. People think, act, eat and live in ways unimaginable then. The very concept of what's considered "reality" is radically, irrevocably changed, and you know it and I know it.
Most importantly, the world was not at that time capable of being annihilated in a single day. That changes EVERYONE'S reality - forever.
Find another analogy if you must - and the treatment of veterans of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan is disgraceful. But so many things about America are disgraceful - mostly our colossal, yet prideful, ignorance, our utter tastelessness (listened to top 40 or watched television lately?) and our increasingly simplistic populace, 62,979,879 of which voted for Trump.
But you know why I voted for Hilary? Not because I wanted her in the White House. I most certainly did NOT. I voted AGAINST Trump.
We have what we deserve. But let's stop calling "Nazi! Nazi! Nazi!" Think of something else, please, pundits and talking heads.
The world is almost NOTHING LIKE it was in '33. People think, act, eat and live in ways unimaginable then. The very concept of what's considered "reality" is radically, irrevocably changed, and you know it and I know it.
Most importantly, the world was not at that time capable of being annihilated in a single day. That changes EVERYONE'S reality - forever.
Find another analogy if you must - and the treatment of veterans of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan is disgraceful. But so many things about America are disgraceful - mostly our colossal, yet prideful, ignorance, our utter tastelessness (listened to top 40 or watched television lately?) and our increasingly simplistic populace, 62,979,879 of which voted for Trump.
But you know why I voted for Hilary? Not because I wanted her in the White House. I most certainly did NOT. I voted AGAINST Trump.
We have what we deserve. But let's stop calling "Nazi! Nazi! Nazi!" Think of something else, please, pundits and talking heads.
1
Our genes haven't changed. And in the genes you will find the animal always ready to take up the stick or the stone, to bare the teeth, to extend the claw when the ubiquitous and timeless fight or flight instinct is triggered.
All Trump does is strum the fight or flight instinct of his followers.
And the more things change, the more they remain the same. You would know that if you'd read much history, and paid attention, because every historian worth his or her salt has seen that reality about the human tendency to repeat the past jump off the pages of our written down past like a rattler striking the glass of its cage.
All Trump does is strum the fight or flight instinct of his followers.
And the more things change, the more they remain the same. You would know that if you'd read much history, and paid attention, because every historian worth his or her salt has seen that reality about the human tendency to repeat the past jump off the pages of our written down past like a rattler striking the glass of its cage.
4
They can't think, that's the problem. They are products of a simplistic indoctrination system that frowns on critical thinking. Their pundits, products of the same system do much better with hatred and slogans then the implications of propaganda. I voted for Trump because the better candidates were destroyed by the Wackamole mob mentality of the NYT/MSM/DNC. When the best people are intimidated by these simpletons of either party, that is the death of democracy. Slogan spewing cretins without a brain in their noggins are all around you.
If George Orwell were here, he'd thrash you roundly. I imagine a cage full of rats in your future.
Well, someone in these pages is at last paying attention.
But it is not just T rump. The republican party has been mastering the art of the "alternative fact (or reality)" for several decades and nowhere is the light of reason being shined upon it.
Republicans have sowed doubt and illegitimacy regarding many of our national institutions since at least Reagan. Elite professors, the University and educational systems everywhere, the Press, the entire Democratic Party, Obama and Clinton (both of them), movie stars and artists, all of these institutions that point to the U.S. as a liberal modern democracy have been under assault constantly. And by the republican party wholly.
T rump would not be president-defect were it not for Comey's monkey wrench, of this much we can be sure. But that he got so close that the election could be stolen (again like 2000) says nothing good about our democratic inner strength.
Our institutions have been under such attack for so long they might not survive this assault. Much like 1930's Germany.
But it is not just T rump. The republican party has been mastering the art of the "alternative fact (or reality)" for several decades and nowhere is the light of reason being shined upon it.
Republicans have sowed doubt and illegitimacy regarding many of our national institutions since at least Reagan. Elite professors, the University and educational systems everywhere, the Press, the entire Democratic Party, Obama and Clinton (both of them), movie stars and artists, all of these institutions that point to the U.S. as a liberal modern democracy have been under assault constantly. And by the republican party wholly.
T rump would not be president-defect were it not for Comey's monkey wrench, of this much we can be sure. But that he got so close that the election could be stolen (again like 2000) says nothing good about our democratic inner strength.
Our institutions have been under such attack for so long they might not survive this assault. Much like 1930's Germany.
20
A repeat recommendation from earlier in this string--
read Princeton Political Science Professor Sheldon Wolin's
"Democracy Inc.--Managed Democracy and the Specter of Inverted Totalitarianism".
read Princeton Political Science Professor Sheldon Wolin's
"Democracy Inc.--Managed Democracy and the Specter of Inverted Totalitarianism".
Are you writing a novel or reporting the news? Report the news for a change. I don't need to read your boring stories and hatred of President Trump. I come to see what he has done today and not to read your obnoxious comments and tutti fruiti stories.
2
You are reading the OPINION pages. If you want news you are in the wrong section of the paper.
5
This is an OPINION piece, not news. You need to learn the difference. Don't read the OP-ED page if you don't want to read opinion pieces. Simple.
5
Then just watch "Faux News Network". You will hear what he has done today and get the whole "truth".
5
More, please. every day, in the local papers around the country.
11
I agree with Cohen's analysis. However, I wonder if it could be taken a step further. I was struck by the picture of Trump with his raised clenched fist. As I recall, many pictures of Trump taken during his campaign talks showed him with a raised clenched fist. Such a fist often was (is) used by fascist leaders.
To parse Cohen's concerns about dangers of totalitarianism, I would suggest that the danger is fascist totalitarianism. Looking at his choices for cabinet members and other appointed positions, he has surrounded himself with corporate billionaires and right–wing conservatives whose concerns for anything other large corporate interests belies the imagination. The point is that a government that primarily serves to be informed by wealthy corporate leaders and fosters corporate interests while nibbling away at participatory democracy is by definition fascist.
Yes, this might be a paranoid view. But I think it is more an extension of Cohen's legitimate concerns about a slide toward totalitarianism. Perhaps I just need a heavy dose of sedatives.
To parse Cohen's concerns about dangers of totalitarianism, I would suggest that the danger is fascist totalitarianism. Looking at his choices for cabinet members and other appointed positions, he has surrounded himself with corporate billionaires and right–wing conservatives whose concerns for anything other large corporate interests belies the imagination. The point is that a government that primarily serves to be informed by wealthy corporate leaders and fosters corporate interests while nibbling away at participatory democracy is by definition fascist.
Yes, this might be a paranoid view. But I think it is more an extension of Cohen's legitimate concerns about a slide toward totalitarianism. Perhaps I just need a heavy dose of sedatives.
15
You can argue that Trump is the road to fascism but a more probable road is a road to (1) increased economic disparity, (2) hotter planet, (3) sicker people.
7
Not every evil is Nazism, and not every evil man is Hitler.
Even touching on that is hyperbole meant to excite poor thinking.
Even touching on that is hyperbole meant to excite poor thinking.
3
For the first time in my life, I am afraid of the leaders of my country. I don't know how to process this feeling. Now what?
19
You are not alone. Many of us have felt that way since the sixties. Seek out websites such as Consortiomnews that are open to that feeling. You are likely to come to see that reality is not at all what you thought, that the picture you got from the newspapers and the networks is a falsehood.
President Obama: "In my core, I believe we will be okay."
Said prior to his departure last Friday.
Said prior to his departure last Friday.
2
When I think of "banal" expressions, I think of meaningless drivel without force. The Twitterer in Chief's belligerence may be "drivel" but it is full of meaning and force. It is time for us to listen to what we hear.
Trivializing and excusing the words of the leader of the free world is dangerous. The "lesser" leaders of the free world have figured that out. The million+ protesters here and around the world over the last several days have figured that out. However, those in control of the legislature consciously turn a deaf ear to the harsh noise from on high. Why? The messages are the same as what they have been saying in a more PC way for decades. The difference now is that they are willing to force their agenda knowing that doing so through this leader imperils the free world militarily and socially.
Trivializing and excusing the words of the leader of the free world is dangerous. The "lesser" leaders of the free world have figured that out. The million+ protesters here and around the world over the last several days have figured that out. However, those in control of the legislature consciously turn a deaf ear to the harsh noise from on high. Why? The messages are the same as what they have been saying in a more PC way for decades. The difference now is that they are willing to force their agenda knowing that doing so through this leader imperils the free world militarily and socially.
9
After WWI Germany was required to pay crippling reparations, resulting in hyperinflation that all but destroyed the country. This created the conditions that allowed for the rise of Hitler. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, disastrous as they were, have not created anything remotely like what happened in Germany. We have low inflation, low unemployment, steady job growth and more. Yes, Trurump appeals to our darkest impulses. But he isn't Hitler and this isn't post-WWI Germany.
4
The crippling reparations did not cause the hyper inflation.
That was caused by deliberate German government policy aimed to defeat the French occupation of German territory and enforcement of Treaty terms. It got out of control, but it was a deliberate policy of non-cooperation and sabotage of the occupation.
If we face any risk of hyperinflation, it will come from a deliberate government policy run amok, not from debt or deficit.
That was caused by deliberate German government policy aimed to defeat the French occupation of German territory and enforcement of Treaty terms. It got out of control, but it was a deliberate policy of non-cooperation and sabotage of the occupation.
If we face any risk of hyperinflation, it will come from a deliberate government policy run amok, not from debt or deficit.
Were you pointing out our low inflation, low unemployment, job growth, etc. BEFORE this misbegotten election?i
1
So, if things are so great, why was Trump elected? Because there is a significant number of people in our country who feel left out. Sure, their lives are much better than that of post-WWI Germany, but not nearly so good as the rest of the population. There are those who are going to always vote either Democratic or Republican no matter what, but then there are these people who are left out who number enough to swing the election results. The sad thing for them is the very people who got Trump elected are the ones who will be most harmed by his administration. And if this keeps up, things could start to look like post-WWI Germany.
1
Sean Spicer asked the media to offer a more balanced view of the Trump administration. He said that all of the negative coverage was "demoralizing." Oh, I so want to ask him how he thinks we feel about Trump's view of America. Doesn't he know (or care to know) that when we listen to Trump's rhetoric about a broken country, we feel misinterpreted, misunderstood, and marginalized? This country that has come so far in the past eight years in terms of providing economic security and human rights is portrayed as wrong and bad. Demoralizing, indeed. I'd like to say, "Look in the mirror."
24
The murder rate has increased in many American cities. It's reported right here in the NYT. Our medical system is the most expensive in the world and medical error kills an estimated 400,000 a year.
One definition of banality is unoriginality. Like a young child trying on Daddy's clothes before a mirror, our Leader might be seen each day to be trying on the image of another Leader, to which we might casually remark: Leader, today you look just like Hitler, or, Leader, today you resemble Mussolini, or, Leader, today you're a convincing replica of Kim Jong Un. And thus we might encourage our little Leader to grow up someday to become, perhaps, a junior Stalin.
2
Does anyone else think that Donald Trump might be in the early stages of Alzheimer's? I thought about it during the debates and yesterday's meeting with the CIA.
He seems to get confused with locations and their meaning. Some type of dementia seems an explainable reason he would stand in front of a memorial to fallen CIA members and not recognize their sacrifice. Even Hitler knew a good photo op when he saw one.
Alzheimer's would also explain his need to be surrounded by his daughter and sons, and his co-dependent staff members, Kellyanne Conway and Sean Spicer, who haplessly defend his behavior and his inane statements. Can they reasonably believe what they are saying? Exactly how much are these people being paid?
He seems to get confused with locations and their meaning. Some type of dementia seems an explainable reason he would stand in front of a memorial to fallen CIA members and not recognize their sacrifice. Even Hitler knew a good photo op when he saw one.
Alzheimer's would also explain his need to be surrounded by his daughter and sons, and his co-dependent staff members, Kellyanne Conway and Sean Spicer, who haplessly defend his behavior and his inane statements. Can they reasonably believe what they are saying? Exactly how much are these people being paid?
21
Either Alzheimer's or some other organic brain disease. He can't seem to understand the context of the situations in which he finds himself, or how to respond to outside influences in a rational and responsible manner. And, as Terence points out, his family or close flunkies are always acting as a cordon around him, to deter him from interacting with others.
I am not a medical professional, but I can see there is something wrong with this man.
I am not a medical professional, but I can see there is something wrong with this man.
12
If watched the entire address by Trump at the CIA headquarters you would have seen and heard him honor the sacrifice of those memorialized on the wall. Where did you get the impression that he did not recognize them? Did you make it up, or were you told this by the lyingnewspapers?
Trump paid lip service to the CIA's fallen before rushing to the really important stuff, like how many times he's been on the cover of Time. This to a group of professionals whose job it is to defend this country. Sad!
1
I love you NYT, but can you please cut down on the number of huge close-up photos of Herr Donald? We are suffering enough.
23
SHEEP BEING LED TO SLAUGHTER, OTHER SHEEP BEING LED TO CULTURAL WARS! Democrats and Republicans respectively. Being led by this massive, focused effective push by Trump-led republicans to brainwash half of us. Assaults on human decency, environment, women, global peace etc are far worse than expected, but this assault on facts and truth is the scariest. Republican leaders have been making progress on this for half a century, baiting voters with the red meat of lies and propaganda feeding their basic fears and ignorance. While democrats have disregarded, over analyzed and over intellectualized the propaganda threat, seeking security in group hugs, petitions, and talking in circles–baaa, baaa, bleat bleat, blah blah. Most mainstream media are now of little value having been bought out, or have sold out to the false god of balance in reporting, instead of objectivity and truth. We progressives must take aggressive, non-violent, action to reverse this Orwellian threat. Smarter people will have more effective ideas but we will must get out of our comfort zones. For instance, let’s drive a radical change in progressive philanthropy that will fund paid advertisements attacking the lies during primetime news and during things like the super bowl. We must be fast, mobile, responsive and go after their propaganda jugular. And, we must act fast, or the republican wolves will tear us apart - limb by public policy limb.
17
Who said, " those who do not learn from history, are destined to repeat it"...?
9
Thank you Mr Cohen, for all that you write. I trust you will continue
(and your colleagues at the Times) to reveal the terrible dangers of
Trump - one of the most dangerous people in the world today. The lies alone are
terrifying.
(and your colleagues at the Times) to reveal the terrible dangers of
Trump - one of the most dangerous people in the world today. The lies alone are
terrifying.
33
From Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World Revisited", the chapter "Propaganda Under a Dictatorship":
"Let us see what Hitler thought of the masses he moved and how he did the moving. The first principle from which he started was a value judgment: the masses are utterly contemptible. They are incapable of abstract thinking and uninterested in any fact outside the circle of their immediate experience. Their behavior is determined, not by knowledge and reason, but by feelings and unconscious drives. It is in these drives and feelings that "the roots of their positive as well as their negative attitudes are implanted." To be successful a propagandist must learn how to manipulate these instincts and emotions. "The driving force which has brought about the most tremendous revolutions on this earth has never been a body of scientific teaching which has gained power over the masses, but always a devotion which has inspired them, and often a kind of hysteria which has urged them into action. Whoever wishes to win over the masses must know the key that will open the door of their hearts." . . . In post-Freudian jargon, of their unconscious. "
"Let us see what Hitler thought of the masses he moved and how he did the moving. The first principle from which he started was a value judgment: the masses are utterly contemptible. They are incapable of abstract thinking and uninterested in any fact outside the circle of their immediate experience. Their behavior is determined, not by knowledge and reason, but by feelings and unconscious drives. It is in these drives and feelings that "the roots of their positive as well as their negative attitudes are implanted." To be successful a propagandist must learn how to manipulate these instincts and emotions. "The driving force which has brought about the most tremendous revolutions on this earth has never been a body of scientific teaching which has gained power over the masses, but always a devotion which has inspired them, and often a kind of hysteria which has urged them into action. Whoever wishes to win over the masses must know the key that will open the door of their hearts." . . . In post-Freudian jargon, of their unconscious. "
13
As soon as the author criticizes Trump for using the word "carnage" I tune out. We have CARNAGE in our cities by every definitiopn of the word. Chicago had over 4,000 shootings and 762 murders in 2016.
Also, the hyperbole about Naziism used is offensive to Americans and every soul that perished at the hands of the Nazis.
Also, the hyperbole about Naziism used is offensive to Americans and every soul that perished at the hands of the Nazis.
2
Mr. Rational,
Americans have carnage, as you have explained in your post, because of your country's insatiable need to own guns!! It really is quite simple. Without the plethora of guns and assault weapons that are sold freely, many many lives would be spared.
Look at other countries as leading examples. In Canada, we do not live in fear of our neighbours.
Get control of your guns and you'll get control of the insane violence and killing.
Americans have carnage, as you have explained in your post, because of your country's insatiable need to own guns!! It really is quite simple. Without the plethora of guns and assault weapons that are sold freely, many many lives would be spared.
Look at other countries as leading examples. In Canada, we do not live in fear of our neighbours.
Get control of your guns and you'll get control of the insane violence and killing.
6
The fact that Trump met with the NYT in an effort to "bury the hatchet" and you guys still post article after article to smear his name is incredible. What happened to middle of the road reporting? Instead, you Google Donald Trump and see headline after headline from the NYT calling Trump this and that. I mean, this is not all that surprising given the apology you had to issue after the election. Let's face it though, your candidate lost. Trump is now our leader. High time to give him the support he needs rather that trying every way in the world to shut him down right out of the gate.
3
Well actually my candidate received three million more votes than Trump. It is only through the idiocy of the electoral collage, a national capitulation to the slave states two hundred years ago, that has placed Trump in the White House. The electoral college is national disgrace and one is is very difficult to explain to citizens around the world who think of America as the great democracy. We have proved them wrong.
5
Just like all you Republicans supported Mr. Obama right.? Jeeeze .
6
Since when is calling someone out when they continue to broadcast demonstrably false "alternative facts" (in plain terms, a "lie") a "smear". In the past, it's usually been called "good reporting".
4
RC, You are getting to the heart of the matter.
12
We have to repeat over and over again until it becomes commonly accepted - NOTHING ABOUT THIS IS NORMAL. Make no mistake, the beating heart of Trump and his enablers, in politics and the media, is dark and evil. The banality of evil!
33
Three quick things come to mind. The Times reported that President Obama not only paid frequent visits to wounded veterans, but would make a point of returning and working out with them, as their therapy and recovery progressed.
We have a populist amoral crook in the White House who plans to be tough on Sesame Street and PBS, while rolling over for his idol and enabler, Putin. The "banal belligerence" of a bully is spot on for who he is.
Fortunately, we also have a free press, a beloved former president in the wings, a ferocious group of brilliant comedians, film makers, and above all, writers beloved by generations, and a lot of pretty pissed off women. Trump's vigilante comic book vision of America can succeed only if we let it.
It says something about you when the creators of popular culture, JK Rowling, George RR Martin, Stephen King, John Green, Joss Whedon, Leigh Bardugo, RJ Palacio, Jeff Smith, M T Anderson, Neil Gaiman, Judy Blume, Rainbow Rowell, Art Speigelman, and so many others, are fiercely against everything you stand for.
Many of us have fond memories of the moment when Maurice Sendak, quite frail and ill, spoke his mind about the Republican party on Stephen Colbert's show. Sendak lost family in the Holocaust. He knew something about fascism. We need that truth to power, every day, as well as the creation of art that celebrates empathy and the universal values that make us human.
We have a populist amoral crook in the White House who plans to be tough on Sesame Street and PBS, while rolling over for his idol and enabler, Putin. The "banal belligerence" of a bully is spot on for who he is.
Fortunately, we also have a free press, a beloved former president in the wings, a ferocious group of brilliant comedians, film makers, and above all, writers beloved by generations, and a lot of pretty pissed off women. Trump's vigilante comic book vision of America can succeed only if we let it.
It says something about you when the creators of popular culture, JK Rowling, George RR Martin, Stephen King, John Green, Joss Whedon, Leigh Bardugo, RJ Palacio, Jeff Smith, M T Anderson, Neil Gaiman, Judy Blume, Rainbow Rowell, Art Speigelman, and so many others, are fiercely against everything you stand for.
Many of us have fond memories of the moment when Maurice Sendak, quite frail and ill, spoke his mind about the Republican party on Stephen Colbert's show. Sendak lost family in the Holocaust. He knew something about fascism. We need that truth to power, every day, as well as the creation of art that celebrates empathy and the universal values that make us human.
47
And from Sendak's generation, the Political Scientist/Princeton Professor
Sheldon Wolin who just died last year; read "Democracy Inc.--
Managed Democracy and the Specter of Inverted Totalinarianism".
He studied and wrote about just what we are now seeing brought to fruition.
Sheldon Wolin who just died last year; read "Democracy Inc.--
Managed Democracy and the Specter of Inverted Totalinarianism".
He studied and wrote about just what we are now seeing brought to fruition.
1
I was wasting some time in the car and heard you on NPR the other day.
You couldn't feign a more elitist, snobbish sounding affectation to your speech if you tried. You don't relate well to the little people.
Quoting great historians in some banal attempt to call Trump Hitler is pathetic.
You couldn't feign a more elitist, snobbish sounding affectation to your speech if you tried. You don't relate well to the little people.
Quoting great historians in some banal attempt to call Trump Hitler is pathetic.
2
Dearest Ken,
Please kindly provide a coherent translation of what you're trying to express here. Thank you.
Please kindly provide a coherent translation of what you're trying to express here. Thank you.
1
Trump believes in "Divine Intervention". In his speech at the CIA he mentions a rainy day in a most peculiar way: "The rain should have scared them away. But God looked down and he said “we’re not going to let it rain on your speech”. In fact, when I first started I said “oh no”. First line, I got hit by a couple of drops. And i said “oh, this is too bad, but we’ll go right through it”. But the truth is: that it stopped immediately. It was amazing. And then it became really sudden, and then I walked off and it poured right after I left – it poured."
There is a parallel to be noted:
Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad says that when he delivered his speech at the UN General Assembly in September, he felt there was a light around him and that the attention of the world leaders in the audience was unblinkingly focused upon him. The claim has caused a stir in Iran, as a transcript and video recording of Ahmadinejad's comments have been published on an Iranian website, baztab.com. There are also reports that a CD showing Ahmadinejad making the comments also has been widely distributed in Iran. Is the Iranian president claiming to be divinely inspired?
http://www.rferl.org/a/1063353.html
There is a parallel to be noted:
Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad says that when he delivered his speech at the UN General Assembly in September, he felt there was a light around him and that the attention of the world leaders in the audience was unblinkingly focused upon him. The claim has caused a stir in Iran, as a transcript and video recording of Ahmadinejad's comments have been published on an Iranian website, baztab.com. There are also reports that a CD showing Ahmadinejad making the comments also has been widely distributed in Iran. Is the Iranian president claiming to be divinely inspired?
http://www.rferl.org/a/1063353.html
6
This is a beautiful, carefully thought out and written piece. It calls to mind Joseph Roth's story, "Die Rebellion," about a disabled veteran who returns home after WWI. It's that "why." I plan to spend 2017 watching "Berlin Alexanderplatz" in its entirety. Oh, and to show up at any planned protests near me.
34
And here we have another example of Goodwin's Law.
Mike Cody,
So let's do nothing?
So let's do nothing?
I see what you're getting at, but Godwin's law (note spelling) relates to an internet discussion. Cohen's piece is not an internet discussion. It is an op-ed column.
Thank you, Roger Cohen, for stating exactly the danger we face. The parallels you succinctly invoke are not the "alternate facts" advanced by Trump and his supporters in the dismantling of our democratic principles. They are the thing itself, easily discernible to those with eyes and ears to see and hear. The clear majority of Americans are not supportive of the Orange Menace. Without his "willing enablers" (executioners?), Trump can not succeed in remaking America in his own image. Those enablers also represent a clear and imminent danger to all that which used to make us proud to be American. We could suffer a fate similar to the proud German intellectual heritage that was dragged into the mud. The situation requires us to answer the question "warum" not just with words.
28
Years ago, Jon Stewart lamented the too-easy comparisons of any given political, social, or cultural event in America to Nazism, any hated figure to Hitler. Most of those comparisons were facile and minimized the atrocities that were the Third Reich. And it would be wrong here to say simply that Trump is, or is like, Hitler. But it would also be wrong to reject such comparisons out of hand. From my perspective, Trump lacks none of Hitlers megalomania, his egotism, emotional immaturity, his totalitarian and tyrannical tendencies, his ability to foment hatred. What I don't know is whether Trump and his selected advisors will be able to attain the level of diabolical competencies that marked Hitler's National Socialist regime. If he isn't Hitler, it may only be because he is just much less capable. But we should not wait to find out. The protest that began the day after his inauguration, and the sentiments and political activism that they expressed, are our best defense against a Trumpublican oligarchy.
43
A more apt comparison would be between America today and Germany in the 30's. I don't think Trump is a Hitler (although neo-nazis hope he is) I think he has taken advantage of a population that has lost its sense of direction, and in some sense its national self-respect. Easy answers are the fodder of demagogues everywhere. Will the conflict of the peoples needs with Trump's pretensions bring about fascist-style repression of dissent? It's too early to tell, but the straws are definitely in the wind.
2
Well said James. And i hope that it is true of Trump's regime what Admiral Yamamoto is qouted as saying "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve" We need to sustain that resolve and so far Trump has given us no reasons not to!
I'm waiting for the "Second Amendment people" to recognize that government tyranny they're always yapping about now that it's taken the form of a Republican named Donald Trump who is obviously prepared to jettison every constitutional norm in the book in order to get what he wants. Or did they just need their guns when it was Barack Obama in the White House?
29
It's the liberals who are crying 'Tyrannical government' now. And it's the liberals who want to jettison our Constitutional rights and norms to get what they want.
Liberals never threatened to toss the press (and the First Amendment) under the bus because they don't care for the coverage. Which is exactly what the Trump administration is in the process of doing right now. "Alternate facts" indeed!
What exactly is the Trump administration doing to attack the first amendment?
Be specific. Liberal rhetoric doesn't count.
Be specific. Liberal rhetoric doesn't count.
Moreover, to say that "a decree goes forth from this day forward" is to assume the role of a king or emperor ("and a decree went forth from Caesar Augustus"). Presidents don't make decrees, only autocrats do.
38
Donald Trump is an embarassment to the human race.
34
So are you and everyone else breathing, what do you think, you're some kind of exception?
Winston Smith.....perhaps you really should take your meds today. Your comment is utterly without merit or context.
@Winston Smith
At this point, the only exception is you, with your unrelenting snark and inability to stay on topic.
Why not try that sometime?
At this point, the only exception is you, with your unrelenting snark and inability to stay on topic.
Why not try that sometime?
Some day I may read this paper and find a grown up has written the article I had just read, but that day isn't today. Petty grade school writing from the whole bunch of you. If you folks only had enough maturity to actually see how childish you really are.
The disunity you folk sow against our President and nation wont be with out consequence?
Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.
Matthew 12:25 (ESV)
The disunity you folk sow against our President and nation wont be with out consequence?
Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.
Matthew 12:25 (ESV)
3
Yes, with Mr Trump as the Divider-in-Chief.
Allen, your point of view is fine, but one sincere request: Can you please keep the Bible out of it? Thanks.
With maturity comes the ability to not condescend.
1
"America First. America First."
Am I the only one who believes Trump was poised to lead a chant in the middle of his Inaugural Address???
Truly frightening.
Am I the only one who believes Trump was poised to lead a chant in the middle of his Inaugural Address???
Truly frightening.
20
Truly frightening is that I half-way expected him to lead the chant "Trump First".
Let us remember and boast of the people's movement! The Women's Marches around the world on Saturday! We rose up and raised our voices together against this in-American isolationist, totalitarianism. We lifted our voices together and said, "Welcome to your first day, We will not go away." And, we won't.
15
Okay, okay, I see that this genie of hate and malice is completely and utterly out of the bottle. I'm not talking about Trump, I'm talking about the now insane response to him. What ever you do don't look in the mirror as you have become the personification of all of the evil intent you somehow hope to prevent.
4
Was no one else alarmed by the call for "total allegiance"?
24
Some have said that Trump wanted to bring us back to the 1950s. It seems in one way he has succeeded. But now it is Nazis, not Reds that are under the bed. It's disappointing that Mr. Cohen has so little faith in our democracy. It was specifically constructed to prevent Kings or autocrats from taking power and I see nothing to suggest that it cannot take care of any would-be Hitler at present. We just had a huge and successful protest march against Trump and a couple of grumpy tweets to not equate to Brown Shirts killing protesters.
It's possible, thought I think unlikely, that sometime in the future we will have Weimar like conditions here and will need strong and clear headed people to save us from a dictator. I doubt that they will come from the ranks that "Cried Wolf" at the sight of Trump.
It's possible, thought I think unlikely, that sometime in the future we will have Weimar like conditions here and will need strong and clear headed people to save us from a dictator. I doubt that they will come from the ranks that "Cried Wolf" at the sight of Trump.
1
Some of the comments here are calling the comparisons of Trump to Hitler ridiculous. I disagree. He shares many extreme personality characteristics with the Fuhrer. Highly narcissistic. They both have a messianic complex. They both marginalize and demonize minorities. Extremely thinned skin, they feel immune to criticism. Let's not forget their propensity to lie.
Hopefully our Congress will dig in, and enough in the GOP will grow a spine to stand up to him when he so often veers out of line.
Hopefully our Congress will dig in, and enough in the GOP will grow a spine to stand up to him when he so often veers out of line.
31
Unfortunately the majority GOP is unlikely to grow a pair of low hanging fruit any time soon.
"Perhaps someone might mutter, “Thank you for your service.” "
I challenge the author to find in the historical record where anyone uttered those exact words to anyone who was a veteran of WW1.
That's a uniquely American invention to compensate for the reception many Vietnam veterans received when returning from the war where My Lai was on the minds of Americans who were horrified that American soldiers would commit such atrocities.
I challenge the author to find in the historical record where anyone uttered those exact words to anyone who was a veteran of WW1.
That's a uniquely American invention to compensate for the reception many Vietnam veterans received when returning from the war where My Lai was on the minds of Americans who were horrified that American soldiers would commit such atrocities.
4
This election was not about an acceptance of Donald Trump, but rather a rejection of the established Republican and Democrat parties. Trump is very unpopular now, but not as unpopular as congress.
9
The article is not bout who is more unpopular than whom nor is it about why the establishment was rejected.
1
This article poses theories on why people turned to Trump, comparing the event (with reservations) to buildups to fascism and rooted in the desire for a strong national unity. I reject that theory, arguing that people dislike Trump, just not as much as they dislike the political status quo.
Roger,
The United States of America is divided. 'Why' don't you write an opinion narrative on the reasons 'why' America should continue to support other countries? America has a multitude of issues (the burning of American Flags, the mass rioting displayed in cities, the absolute hatred for the opposing views), yet the opinion pieces are never written to convince, but rather to scare. Convince me why, as an American, I should care about other parts of the world when i'm so frightened to even live here? Why I should care that planned parenthood across the globe will suffer because Donald J. Trump has decreased American Tax dollars for their cause? What benefit am I receiving as an American?
The United States of America is divided. 'Why' don't you write an opinion narrative on the reasons 'why' America should continue to support other countries? America has a multitude of issues (the burning of American Flags, the mass rioting displayed in cities, the absolute hatred for the opposing views), yet the opinion pieces are never written to convince, but rather to scare. Convince me why, as an American, I should care about other parts of the world when i'm so frightened to even live here? Why I should care that planned parenthood across the globe will suffer because Donald J. Trump has decreased American Tax dollars for their cause? What benefit am I receiving as an American?
Well, to start with, when we intervene thoughtlessly in foreign countries with little understanding of their culture and history, we create chaos and lay the groundwork for extremist violence. When we destroy alliances with our allies, we open the door for Putin to sow chaos and disrupt trade, and for China to start dominating economic activity around the Pacific, and then even more US jobs will disappear. We live in a small world now, one in which other countries directly affect your life.
And Planned Parenthood's services are primarily to poor women here in this country. There are hundreds of thousands of American women who could be directly affected by limitations on services PP provides. Some of them will die if services are cut back.
And Planned Parenthood's services are primarily to poor women here in this country. There are hundreds of thousands of American women who could be directly affected by limitations on services PP provides. Some of them will die if services are cut back.
3
And let us know lose sight of those surrounding the new President. Mr. Trump's megalomania has been co-opted by Bannon and his minions to gain access to the centers of power in Washington, DC. They are the ones requiring real scrutiny and monitoring -- Trump is simply the shiny object meant to distract us from the real power brokers behind the scenes.
13
Roger Cohen finds the right key word in his title, i.e., "Belligerence." If the United States has any "exceptional" role to play for the future of humankind and the future of the planet, we need to be among (not alone, but among) the lead countries advocating for peaceful, just and fair solutions to ours and the world's problems. President Obama has been doing this quite admirably. President Trump, with his zero sum schoolyard belligerence instincts, is decidedly unable (intellectually, emotionally) to see the world this way and apparently unwilling to get beyond his puerile "America First" and "USA-USA" notions. We've elected a belligerent bully. All we can (absolutely must) now do is contain, block, resist and ride it out until a sane man/woman can replace him in 2020, a "long national nightmare" that we have only ourselves to blame for.
14
"The banality of evil" was the deep insight coined by Hannah Arendt to explain the nature of a certain type of inhumanity. Populism is a euphemism for nationalism and demagoguery.
From the Corsican Napoleon to the Austrian Hitler to the Georgian Stalin there lies the darkest most evil demonic essence of our human nature and nurture. A world where asking "Am I my brother's keeper?" seems moral and humane and normal and natural. Wondering "..what rough beast slouches towards Bethlehem to be born.." is a dire diagnostic prophesy into a super massive inhumane black hole.
Neither Abraham Lincoln nor Woodrow Wilson nor Franklin Roosevelt nor Barack Obama ever uttered the words "bleed" nor "carnage" nor "tombstones" nor "disrepair" nor "sad" in their Inaugural Addresses.
Donald John Trump represents a family tradition of cowardly dishonorable unpatriotic dodging of any military draft or evading volunteering for any military service. Beginning with his German grandfather who fled to America to avoid criminal prosecution for dodging the German military draft, the Trump men are clucking war hens.
Since 9/11/01 a mere 0.75% of Americans have volunteered to put on an American military uniform. Neither of Trump's boys Donald, Jr. and Eric along with his son-in-law Jared Kushner have been among them.
"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel" Samuel Johnson
From the Corsican Napoleon to the Austrian Hitler to the Georgian Stalin there lies the darkest most evil demonic essence of our human nature and nurture. A world where asking "Am I my brother's keeper?" seems moral and humane and normal and natural. Wondering "..what rough beast slouches towards Bethlehem to be born.." is a dire diagnostic prophesy into a super massive inhumane black hole.
Neither Abraham Lincoln nor Woodrow Wilson nor Franklin Roosevelt nor Barack Obama ever uttered the words "bleed" nor "carnage" nor "tombstones" nor "disrepair" nor "sad" in their Inaugural Addresses.
Donald John Trump represents a family tradition of cowardly dishonorable unpatriotic dodging of any military draft or evading volunteering for any military service. Beginning with his German grandfather who fled to America to avoid criminal prosecution for dodging the German military draft, the Trump men are clucking war hens.
Since 9/11/01 a mere 0.75% of Americans have volunteered to put on an American military uniform. Neither of Trump's boys Donald, Jr. and Eric along with his son-in-law Jared Kushner have been among them.
"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel" Samuel Johnson
8
Quoting you on Trump's inaugural:
"To say, as he did, that the elected representatives of American democracy are worthless and that the people are everything is [totalitarian]... and all that counts is the great leader and the masses he arouses. "
To insult & dismiss members of the government he stands before is a blunder that must cost him in support. What can he achieve without them?
Trump believes that he has more or less all the people with him. It is megalomania & delusion.
"To say, as he did, that the elected representatives of American democracy are worthless and that the people are everything is [totalitarian]... and all that counts is the great leader and the masses he arouses. "
To insult & dismiss members of the government he stands before is a blunder that must cost him in support. What can he achieve without them?
Trump believes that he has more or less all the people with him. It is megalomania & delusion.
8
"Not a puppet. Not a puppet. You're the puppet. Somebody's doing the raping. We're building a wall."
The rallying cry for a new American century.
The rallying cry for a new American century.
1
Mr. Cohen, please send a copy of your article to your colleague Mr. Brooks and the many others who seem perplexed about the meaning of the global-wide demonstrations/protests last Saturday. Your article sums up their purpose.
7
Isn't this prediction a little premature, even, possibly, hysterical and divisive? Just asking.
1
Roy, this our first orange fruitcake POTUS.
Who knows what to expect? Trump responds to random emotional impulses.
Who knows what to expect? Trump responds to random emotional impulses.
1
Who will rise from the left, center, or even near right and call out this fool for what he is? Who will have the stomach, fire, thick and thin skin to take him on? Who can go high and (sadly) go low when it is needed? Decorum lost, Marquess of Queensberry rules are to be set aside, the gloves are off.
Bernie, Hillary... back to the gym... there's a fight to be had in 2020, prelims start 2018.
Bernie, Hillary... back to the gym... there's a fight to be had in 2020, prelims start 2018.
2
"Trump’s outrageous claims have a purpose: to destroy rational thought."
I don't disagree with the piece's point, but do you really think djt knows what is "rational thought?" I'm beginning to believe he really does live in his self-created fantasy world.
I don't disagree with the piece's point, but do you really think djt knows what is "rational thought?" I'm beginning to believe he really does live in his self-created fantasy world.
3
An extremely powerful piece of writing here, thank you Roger Cohen, for making so clear why we need to bravely demand "why" in the face of Trump's totalitarian project.
8
Donald Trump's supporters are much more frightening than him.
10
By chance, today, two German journalists, who broke the "Panama Papers" story, offer a solution on how to tackle Trump in the Guardian, and in effect, help us protect the "Why".
They offer the following solutions:
1. If he, or his speaker refuse to take a question from an journalist, the next journalist should ask the very same question as his denied collegue, and so forth. Journalists have to start to stick together to avoid being gradually singleld out, therby loosing their "why". It is their game to divide and conquer.
2. Journalists should be sticking together, just like the Pamana papers showed. In unity there is strength to find facts which might be hidden to a singular newspaper or station to discover. Especially in the light of his 500+ enterprises, the taxes of which he hides conspicously.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jan/24/panama-papers-medi...
They offer the following solutions:
1. If he, or his speaker refuse to take a question from an journalist, the next journalist should ask the very same question as his denied collegue, and so forth. Journalists have to start to stick together to avoid being gradually singleld out, therby loosing their "why". It is their game to divide and conquer.
2. Journalists should be sticking together, just like the Pamana papers showed. In unity there is strength to find facts which might be hidden to a singular newspaper or station to discover. Especially in the light of his 500+ enterprises, the taxes of which he hides conspicously.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jan/24/panama-papers-medi...
16
I thought this immediately after this incident. The press and the Democrats need to take a page from the Repugnants and stick together like glue and repeat the truth over and over ad nauseum. Of course they won't. It's not who they are
3
The oddest thing, though, about these parallels between the US now, and Germany after WWI, is that in Germany, things were really, really bad - the unforgettable image is of a cart horse that fell dead in the street - and was carved up for meat by the hungry crowd. We have serious problems, but it's nowhere near that bad - especially among Trump voters, who are far from the worst off in this country.
What this shows, though, is the truth of the cliche about not living by bread alone. What we have are people who are not actually desperately poor, but who feel, desperately, that something is going wrong.
JFK offered us a mission of idealism, and it seemed to be working until it went horribly wrong in our war in Vietnam - now Trump is offering us a new "mission" of selfishness, wealth and safety behind a wall - oddly enough, that vision might be plausible - but I don't think Trump's version is the right one - It's based on a false belligerence, and it ignores the amazing realities of modern technology and global communication.
I think we need a new sense of mission, but it's hard to see what it will look like. I know it has to include all the advances in technology that make many kinds of work obsolete - or at least, very different. We can't just say, everyone should study computer programming - but what can we say?
What this shows, though, is the truth of the cliche about not living by bread alone. What we have are people who are not actually desperately poor, but who feel, desperately, that something is going wrong.
JFK offered us a mission of idealism, and it seemed to be working until it went horribly wrong in our war in Vietnam - now Trump is offering us a new "mission" of selfishness, wealth and safety behind a wall - oddly enough, that vision might be plausible - but I don't think Trump's version is the right one - It's based on a false belligerence, and it ignores the amazing realities of modern technology and global communication.
I think we need a new sense of mission, but it's hard to see what it will look like. I know it has to include all the advances in technology that make many kinds of work obsolete - or at least, very different. We can't just say, everyone should study computer programming - but what can we say?
3
Bullies pick fights. Sooner or later they pick one with someone tougher than them, and get thrashed. Afterwards they invariably whine long and hard (to anybody who will listen) about the "unfairness" of the encounter. A reality which describes Trump to a capital "T".
I look forward to his "negotiations" with the Chinese government. Those people play for keeps, with life and death on the line as opposed to TV ratings -- a distinction which seems to escape Mr. Trump. Nor with they have much patience with (or be intimidated by) the billionaire daddy's boy style of temper tantrums alternated with extended sessions of preening and boasting.
I also look forward to the the excuses Trump will come up after he is put in his place. On the excuses he will use to explain away his failure. And how it is somehow (still) his predecessor's fault.
I look forward to his "negotiations" with the Chinese government. Those people play for keeps, with life and death on the line as opposed to TV ratings -- a distinction which seems to escape Mr. Trump. Nor with they have much patience with (or be intimidated by) the billionaire daddy's boy style of temper tantrums alternated with extended sessions of preening and boasting.
I also look forward to the the excuses Trump will come up after he is put in his place. On the excuses he will use to explain away his failure. And how it is somehow (still) his predecessor's fault.
8
Over and over we hear the same. This author comes a little closer, is more frank. The language is still too timid. We are well aware and nervous how this is playing out. How does it make YOU feel that Tokyo Rush Limbaugh has spent twenty five years demonizing "liberals" and has been monstrously successful with a significant portion of the public.
Our representatives in government are either 100% behind this, are compromised or timid(you Barrack Obama acted like there was a gun pointed at your chirens).
The need to vote out this crowd of potential homegrown ethnic cleansers in the next national election should be job 1. If it isn't you ain't gonna be comfy for long.
Our representatives in government are either 100% behind this, are compromised or timid(you Barrack Obama acted like there was a gun pointed at your chirens).
The need to vote out this crowd of potential homegrown ethnic cleansers in the next national election should be job 1. If it isn't you ain't gonna be comfy for long.
2
The article is scary and worrisome to read. On the other hand I think there is one saving grace for us facing Trump. No, it is not because American democracy is that resilient. But it is that Hitler had a purpose, however evil it was, and Germany was losing its national dignity. The US, on the other hand is not losing our dignity despite Trump's portrait of it and Trump has no purpose other than being a megalomaniac. I don't think he "planted" those words and phrases intentionally "to destroy rational thought". I don't think he is capable of that kind of long term planning?!
On the other hand can he and will he be manipulated by those surrounding him to do so? I am not so sure. Maybe we should hope, after all, that American democracy is that resilient as we "fight for their civilization and the right to ask why against the banal belligerence of Trump."
On the other hand can he and will he be manipulated by those surrounding him to do so? I am not so sure. Maybe we should hope, after all, that American democracy is that resilient as we "fight for their civilization and the right to ask why against the banal belligerence of Trump."
2
White supremacist Steven Bannon wrote at least a part of the inaugural address. He has said he wants to burn the system to the ground. I'd call that forethought.
1
Whether or not the words were deliberately planted is secondary to he consideration of what words he is attracted to, and the personality underlying that attraction.
1
Excellent column and warning about the dangers of the current occupant of the white house. Listening to morning talk I was dumbstruck by former defense secretary Gates saying Trumps public announcement were jarring, but in private he was so gracious. So all it takes is some milk and cookies and a few alternative facts to persuade the so called experts. He treated me so nice , what the hell let him do what he wants. Republicans want to believe its going to be all right if they just believe hard enough.
14
In the middle of 2016 during the primaries, my son who lives in NYC, woke up in a sweat, he had a nightmare that Trump was elected President and my son was drafted in a war with North Korea. Ugh. The alarm woke him up and he realized it was only a dream. Now he wonders if he is prescient.
13
Another interesting and non-trivial parallel is the amount of time that lapsed between the traumatic event and the authoritarian response. About 15 years from the German surrender to Hitler becoming chancellor; about 15 years from 9/11 to Trump's election.
That's about half a generation. It seems to take that long to recover from the shock and for the psychological damage to fester collectively, for the crisis measures to create new norms.
That's about half a generation. It seems to take that long to recover from the shock and for the psychological damage to fester collectively, for the crisis measures to create new norms.
4
Stay away from the sheep.
Please keep hammering these corollaries to Weimar Germany.
Baby Boomers would do well to remember that our young people are far removed from the horrors of WWII, and are unaware of how Hitler and his henchmen rose to power. Our kids were never surrounded and immersed in the culture of those who fought in that war, those who knew firsthand what fascism looked like.
Baby Boomers would do well to remember that our young people are far removed from the horrors of WWII, and are unaware of how Hitler and his henchmen rose to power. Our kids were never surrounded and immersed in the culture of those who fought in that war, those who knew firsthand what fascism looked like.
3
Perhaps you would do well to remember that Baby Boomers weren't born until after WW II.
1
But the difference is Jody, we lived with the aftermath of the people who DID live through it. We saw and we learned, many of us will never forget!! We listened in horror. I saw the numbers on people's hands, I held those hands. One man and his followers committed those atrocities!
2
"Baby boomers were . . .surrounded and immersed in the culture of those who fought in that war." Please read more carefully.
1
Such writing would have a greateer effect if I did not recall that Mr ohen was among the cheerleaders of Bush during the Iraq insanity. I recall articles by him
celebrating the coming of American victory as demonstrated by the ability of a few hundred heavily armed and armored American soldiers to set out in the all but empty capitol of Iraq , proudly driving Mr Cohen where he would, unmolested! (dressed carefully in two or three layers of armor and a helmet.) Ten years ago, this seemed more than enough proof to Mr Cohen of the power and might of the American project in Iraq.
By then, Afghanistan was all but forgotten, but we had silenced the Iraqis. . .!
celebrating the coming of American victory as demonstrated by the ability of a few hundred heavily armed and armored American soldiers to set out in the all but empty capitol of Iraq , proudly driving Mr Cohen where he would, unmolested! (dressed carefully in two or three layers of armor and a helmet.) Ten years ago, this seemed more than enough proof to Mr Cohen of the power and might of the American project in Iraq.
By then, Afghanistan was all but forgotten, but we had silenced the Iraqis. . .!
Roger.
Great column.
Lincoln famously remarked that one should pick one's fights carefully.
In essence he advocated fighting only for things that truly mattered.
Trump fights about everything.
He imprudently fights about inconsequential things. He draws attention to slights on subjects which would disappear, if simply left alone, within the new/24 hour news cycle that dominates our culture.
This is decidedly un-presidential and deranged.
He has repeatedly told us both directly and indirectly that he is smarter than everyone, that he has all the answers, and that he needs no help from anyone, INCLUDING leaders of his own party.
This is, by definition, aspirational totalitariansim
Great column.
Lincoln famously remarked that one should pick one's fights carefully.
In essence he advocated fighting only for things that truly mattered.
Trump fights about everything.
He imprudently fights about inconsequential things. He draws attention to slights on subjects which would disappear, if simply left alone, within the new/24 hour news cycle that dominates our culture.
This is decidedly un-presidential and deranged.
He has repeatedly told us both directly and indirectly that he is smarter than everyone, that he has all the answers, and that he needs no help from anyone, INCLUDING leaders of his own party.
This is, by definition, aspirational totalitariansim
10
As I recall, Donald mentioned something also about a millenium... I think Adolf had the same illusion.
1
Comparing post-9/11 America to post-WW1 Germany is an insane stretch of logic and grossly irresponsible. 18 million people died in WW1. There has been no conflict in the last 15 years that compares. Repeatedly drawing these sorts of hysterical analogies displays that the NYT writers are for more "banally belligerent" than their enemies on the right.
1
Thank you Mr. Cohen. I can't tell whether I'm more disgusted by the outright lies that Trumpolini spews constantly or the even more insidious rationalizations and deflections that Kellyanne Conway blithely spews in interviews where she is presented direct factual evidence confirming that what Trumpolini is spouting is in FACT a pack of lies. I think it's the latter. I was glad to see Chuck Todd stand up to her smarmy, smirky, brew of nonsense, non-answers, changes of subject, and oh isn't what someone else did so much worse crap. We need the media to hold the entire pack of lying jackals in the junta that is installed in the White House, accountable. Don't candy coat it, euphemize it, or excuse it. Then have the courage to take the brunt of the spiteful, vengeful, bellicose barbarians that have been foisted upon us by a minority of the voters with the aid of the uber rich donors.
The comparison to the path of Germany from the end of WW1 to a Nazi dictatorship capable of genocide and inciting another global war that claimed countless millions of lives is valid and not hyperbole.
The comparison to the path of Germany from the end of WW1 to a Nazi dictatorship capable of genocide and inciting another global war that claimed countless millions of lives is valid and not hyperbole.
5
Trump is a hyper-nationalist proto-dictator? A couple of weeks ago we was a foreign installed traitor who would sell the country out. Could the elites please settle on a narrative for us rubes to swallow? We have limited comprehension - as you well know.
2
From a lay perspective, Trump is mentally ill. He can't be trusted; he lies -- incessantly on matters large & small.
His staff (and kids) are unable/unwilling to stand up to him for the benefit of our citizenry. We can't trust Trump/his staff or family to self-police.
ACT NOW --We the people need to be heard and take control.
Indeed, Friday Trump proclaimed: “what truly matters is…this government is controlled by the people” – “the people [are] the rulers of this nation again” – “[this] nation exists to serve its citizens”.
So instead of just our comments here, let’s take him up on his declarations – or call his bluff.
Luckily, Trump has not (yet) removed the Petitions page Obama put on the official WH.gov website, and now the Petitions page has 2 petitions to ensure Trump is working for us not himself/family.
The First Amendment enshrines our right to petition the government.
Scroll down at https://petitions.whitehouse.gov for 2 petition demanding divestment and tax disclosure, respectively.
If Trump is correct that "You learn very little from a tax return", then he needn't fret over tax disclosure. But methinks he doth protest too much.
The urgency of divestment is illustrated in this 1/19/17 article http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/01/donald-trump-conflic...
We the people can not only comment and march, we may petition (and vote)!
His staff (and kids) are unable/unwilling to stand up to him for the benefit of our citizenry. We can't trust Trump/his staff or family to self-police.
ACT NOW --We the people need to be heard and take control.
Indeed, Friday Trump proclaimed: “what truly matters is…this government is controlled by the people” – “the people [are] the rulers of this nation again” – “[this] nation exists to serve its citizens”.
So instead of just our comments here, let’s take him up on his declarations – or call his bluff.
Luckily, Trump has not (yet) removed the Petitions page Obama put on the official WH.gov website, and now the Petitions page has 2 petitions to ensure Trump is working for us not himself/family.
The First Amendment enshrines our right to petition the government.
Scroll down at https://petitions.whitehouse.gov for 2 petition demanding divestment and tax disclosure, respectively.
If Trump is correct that "You learn very little from a tax return", then he needn't fret over tax disclosure. But methinks he doth protest too much.
The urgency of divestment is illustrated in this 1/19/17 article http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/01/donald-trump-conflic...
We the people can not only comment and march, we may petition (and vote)!
2
As described here totalitarianism sounds a lot like miserable parenting. One can only imagine the Donald Trump's household growing up.
1
An excuse that many could use, it is probably just how he is wired. Not correctly.
1
You are so right to be anxious, to put it mildly. I was talking to a very close friend telling him the same thing and how we need to stand up and fight every day in order to keep American from destroying itself. He laugh at me, and yes he voted for Trump.
2
A very fine analysis.
I would suggest that even if Trump is not the authoritarian he is revealing himself to be, he is certainly paving the way for another in the same mold.
I would suggest that even if Trump is not the authoritarian he is revealing himself to be, he is certainly paving the way for another in the same mold.
6
We warned Trump voters that history was ripe for repeating itself here, but we were dismissed. For the most, their historical knowledge was limited, they didn't know the meaning of fascism, and primarily, they felt unimportant. Trump emboldened them, and they felt the power, he owned them.
Today, we, the anti-Trumps, have a duty to fight on every front...rum for office, volunteer at PP, work for the Democrats, for fledgling campaigns. We must turn energy and belief to action, and what better action than to beat them at their own political game.
Today, we, the anti-Trumps, have a duty to fight on every front...rum for office, volunteer at PP, work for the Democrats, for fledgling campaigns. We must turn energy and belief to action, and what better action than to beat them at their own political game.
3
"To utter falsehood after falsehood, directly or through a spokesman, is to foster the disorientation that makes crowds susceptible to the delusions of strongmen."
If the author had bothered to check his blatant and dishonest bias he would have seen in the first press conference that the presidential spokesman admitted to errors and clarified for the accusing media of what he actually meant by the words that caused so much consternation among the liberal press.
The author is fundamentally dishonest. That means you ROGER COHEN.
If the author had bothered to check his blatant and dishonest bias he would have seen in the first press conference that the presidential spokesman admitted to errors and clarified for the accusing media of what he actually meant by the words that caused so much consternation among the liberal press.
The author is fundamentally dishonest. That means you ROGER COHEN.
2
Listening to his Inaugural address was sickening: the words, the delivery, the body language. He only believes himself (and listening to himself), and surrounds himself with yes men (and those that can usurp more power for him). Sad.
8
Thank you for this well-reasoned editorial. I've read all your articles on Syria, none of which seemed thoughtful. Charge in and save those lives, or be a coward - that was the oft repeated message. This article on the rise of fascism is far better than you've given us before. Trump (and Fox) have inoculated their listeners from the bracing cure of fresh truth. Once his followers believe a lie (typically, that Obama is a a Muslim), anything is possible. This is the right time to start fearing the rise of a dictator. You have given us an eloquent ringing bell, and it chimes "danger".
3
Watching Trump yesterday when he was meeting with heads of different agencies, the body language of all present was one of deference to the "Chief" and when he called them, one by one, they came over to great HIM, like small boys going to see the head master... I am sure, soon we will see images of all the cabinet standing in order at front of the long meeting table, waiting the arrival of HIM, who will sit at the end of the table, and only then will they dare to sit down, like a clip I saw of Saddam siting down will all his court waiting in attention !
4
I'm no Trump fan. But - by writing articles like this comparing him to Hitler, you and others are becoming unwitting foils, driving more and more people into the Trump camp.
4
Are you saying that you agree that Trump is Hitler like but it should not be said ?
3
You are sadly, but very likely, correct. I see an additional reason for his "banal belligerence." He is trying to convince everyone who opposes him to stop, lest he be provoked to unleash his nuclear belligerence on the world.
3
The problem is that there are no Republicans made of the same clay as George Aiken, Edward Brooke, and Robert Stafford, among others. James Jeffords famously left the Republican Party in 2001 as a matter of principle. “I had to be true to what I thought was right,” Now we have sycophants, like Paul Ryan who follow power like puppies after a ball, disgracing themselves as puppies will. Trump was right, he "could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose voters. Nor will he lose Republican members of Congress for they evidently have neother self respect or principles.
11
Trump has his faults -- but the Times and its writers need to grow up. This childish whining day after day is beyond silly. It's pathetic. I can't be bothered to read about comparisons with fascists or identity politics or any of the other garbage here.
3
Why do you disagree with the comparison ?
1
I agree we should be very concerned.
Trump has already declared January 20 as a national holiday, "The National Day of Patriotic Devotion".
Anything more fascist sounding than that?
Or communist?
Trump has already declared January 20 as a national holiday, "The National Day of Patriotic Devotion".
Anything more fascist sounding than that?
Or communist?
15
" These CEO's are simply stroking Trump's ego (and God knows that's not hard to do!) in order to get their tax cuts and so-called relief from regulation. "
That same method COULD also work for progressives on at least some issues, like single payer health care.
Trump has indicated more than once that he would look kindly on single payer health care. But instead of taking him up on it, you progressives are bashing him.
Dogs like dogfood. It is insane to offer oats to a dog just because that is what horses like.
Progressives are doing something just like that. Even Putin is smarter than you guys and gals are.
You want to "get rid" of Trump. But you will not have a chance until 2018 when - maybe - the Democrats will capture the house. But if you act like petulant children, what are the odds that the nation will vote for Democrats in 2018?
That same method COULD also work for progressives on at least some issues, like single payer health care.
Trump has indicated more than once that he would look kindly on single payer health care. But instead of taking him up on it, you progressives are bashing him.
Dogs like dogfood. It is insane to offer oats to a dog just because that is what horses like.
Progressives are doing something just like that. Even Putin is smarter than you guys and gals are.
You want to "get rid" of Trump. But you will not have a chance until 2018 when - maybe - the Democrats will capture the house. But if you act like petulant children, what are the odds that the nation will vote for Democrats in 2018?
1
There is no evidence that Trump is really interested in single payer health care -- certainly not with his choice for HHS and the plans of the Repubican establishment. They are hooked on the "marketplace." The ACA came about because the marketplace did not work. We all suffer or prosper based on the health of our population. People need jobs, but they cannot work if they are ill or weak. Other democratic countries have a variety of single payer plans. There is no one size fits all. But our current president and legialators of his party seem to prefer an ideology. ACA has a lot of provisions for prevention, but those aspects are not getting any publicity. Also, it is evident that Price has conflicts of interest. Time to reject him.
1
Joan, did you read the article in the NYT by David Leonhardt on December 27?
He gives better arguments than I could on why you are wrong about "There is no evidence that Trump is really interested in single payer health care"
Trump has many faults, but there is enormous amount of anti-Trump prejudice around, especially in academia but also elsewhere. Having this prejudice prevents us from evaluating Trump fairly.
Maybe my local baker drinks too much and does not get on with his wife. But he still might bake good bread and if I obsess on the other things, I might miss a good deal on bread.
Joan, the times are difficult and in these difficult times it is crucial for us to Think, Think, Think.
He gives better arguments than I could on why you are wrong about "There is no evidence that Trump is really interested in single payer health care"
Trump has many faults, but there is enormous amount of anti-Trump prejudice around, especially in academia but also elsewhere. Having this prejudice prevents us from evaluating Trump fairly.
Maybe my local baker drinks too much and does not get on with his wife. But he still might bake good bread and if I obsess on the other things, I might miss a good deal on bread.
Joan, the times are difficult and in these difficult times it is crucial for us to Think, Think, Think.
I will be glad to read the article you cite. I frequently read that columnist. Mr Trump has frequenty said things that his actions have refuted. If he really acts to provide single-payer, fine. I will wait to see. I will also wait to see if Medicare and Medicaid are cut, as many Republicans want to do. There are many ways to improve both programs without cuts. We have two friends and relatives on Medicaid, who need it, and, if it was lost for our younger relative, we, at the ages of 86 and 87 would have to support him.
This fairly on-target attack on Trump & assessment of his threats to our democracy is a good mash-up of H. Arendt's themes in "Eichmann... the Banality of Evil" (substituting 'trump' for the word 'evil,' implicitly equating them), and "Origins of Totalitarianism." However, much as I detest trump, consider "Godwin's Law":
"As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Hitler approaches 1."
Godwin implies a 'banality of hitler comparisons' symptomatic of lazily self-serving analysis & pseudo-analysis, particularly the political sort trying to capture quick sympathy w/ catchy, easily appealing slogans, at the expense of deeper truth's nuance (insufficient characters remaining for me to suggest).
While I abhor Trump, his media antagonists overstate his recklessness/ mendacity in certain areas like unemployment & the economy. The Clihton, limousine liberal branch of the Democratic party, eg, was in bed with neoconservatives that in the hobbesian name of maximizing wealth at all costs, sold out workers in bad trade agreements. Their economic globalism subserved Wall Street.
Sanders & Trump share this message, calling attention to vast hidden unemployment whitewashed by official stats/dogma embraced by the likes of Clinton/HC surrogates. For purerer "banal belligerence" see N. Podhoretz, celebrating the "exuberant combativeness" he praised as neocons' greatest achievement, more deeply than trump embodying the totalitaruan evil Arendt decried.
"As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Hitler approaches 1."
Godwin implies a 'banality of hitler comparisons' symptomatic of lazily self-serving analysis & pseudo-analysis, particularly the political sort trying to capture quick sympathy w/ catchy, easily appealing slogans, at the expense of deeper truth's nuance (insufficient characters remaining for me to suggest).
While I abhor Trump, his media antagonists overstate his recklessness/ mendacity in certain areas like unemployment & the economy. The Clihton, limousine liberal branch of the Democratic party, eg, was in bed with neoconservatives that in the hobbesian name of maximizing wealth at all costs, sold out workers in bad trade agreements. Their economic globalism subserved Wall Street.
Sanders & Trump share this message, calling attention to vast hidden unemployment whitewashed by official stats/dogma embraced by the likes of Clinton/HC surrogates. For purerer "banal belligerence" see N. Podhoretz, celebrating the "exuberant combativeness" he praised as neocons' greatest achievement, more deeply than trump embodying the totalitaruan evil Arendt decried.
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To briefly (yes, I suppose lazily) flesh out my objection, for all his faults, It was only Trump among the two final candidates who challenged, implicitly and explicitly, neoconservative dogmas. To his credit, Jared Kushner rebuffed one office seeker with the message that "there is no place at the table for neoconservatives" (at least this is how the matter was reported by a rel I able source, perhaps in a paraphrase.
Trump is a grotesquely tainted figure, quite realistically capable of ruining the country, but so are/were the other contenders on the menu.
No-one regrets Trump's presidency more ardently than I do, but Trump, even if it is rather hypocritical to attack the dogmas/policies that helped him multiply his inherited fortune, rightly calls out the financier/banking-political class complex epitomized in the Goldman Sachs transcript debacle that scuttled Clinton credibility & by extension candidacy.
That "financier/banking-political class complex" expressing as it did/does the Hobbesian principles that undergirded the devastation of traditional liberal political norms, citizenship, civic freedom, for the ascendancy of the crudest form of "homo economicus," was in Arendt's subtle analysis one of the decisive factors leading to nazism.
For all his staggering faults, and even if hypocritically so, and even if only in his rhetoric, Trump at least shares with Sanders willingness to acknowledge insidious Wall Street-Washington collusion Arendt antipated-critiqued.
Trump is a grotesquely tainted figure, quite realistically capable of ruining the country, but so are/were the other contenders on the menu.
No-one regrets Trump's presidency more ardently than I do, but Trump, even if it is rather hypocritical to attack the dogmas/policies that helped him multiply his inherited fortune, rightly calls out the financier/banking-political class complex epitomized in the Goldman Sachs transcript debacle that scuttled Clinton credibility & by extension candidacy.
That "financier/banking-political class complex" expressing as it did/does the Hobbesian principles that undergirded the devastation of traditional liberal political norms, citizenship, civic freedom, for the ascendancy of the crudest form of "homo economicus," was in Arendt's subtle analysis one of the decisive factors leading to nazism.
For all his staggering faults, and even if hypocritically so, and even if only in his rhetoric, Trump at least shares with Sanders willingness to acknowledge insidious Wall Street-Washington collusion Arendt antipated-critiqued.
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I am looking for a richer analysis than Hilary Clinton and the limousine liberals selling out the workers. How did that happen again? Which workers were sold out? A long time ago I realized two things about work: everyone who can work should be able to get a good-paying job; no one can be guaranteed to keep the job they currently have. There has always been, as best I can tell, economic dislocation due to changes in the economy. People make choices, and among those people are the politicians we elect. We need to provide better opportunities for people to change jobs as they become less economically viable. But workers need to be willing to retrain and relocate.
I would be curious for you to play out your scenario. What proposals do you have that would have improved the economy for all those “sold out by global capitalism”? When people stop buying imports and are willing to pay more for everything, then we can talk about bad trade agreements. Almost everyone wants others to buy expensive American products while they buy cheaper imports. How many of us go to big businesses as opposed to Mom & Pop stores?
Please explain how “his media antagonists overstate his recklessness/mendacity in certain areas like unemployment & the economy”. It is President Trump who has to prove himself. He ran; he won; he now needs to lead. The record so far is rather bleak. Let’s not blame those who criticize President Trump for President Trump’s own failings.
I would be curious for you to play out your scenario. What proposals do you have that would have improved the economy for all those “sold out by global capitalism”? When people stop buying imports and are willing to pay more for everything, then we can talk about bad trade agreements. Almost everyone wants others to buy expensive American products while they buy cheaper imports. How many of us go to big businesses as opposed to Mom & Pop stores?
Please explain how “his media antagonists overstate his recklessness/mendacity in certain areas like unemployment & the economy”. It is President Trump who has to prove himself. He ran; he won; he now needs to lead. The record so far is rather bleak. Let’s not blame those who criticize President Trump for President Trump’s own failings.
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Trump's path is the one Obama might have pursued with a cooperative congress, if Republicans would see their way clear to massive Keynesian deficit spending (unlikey, I suppose, given their having made careers swearing off this very thing, but maybe when their own, particularly co-ethnic, constituencies are to be the beneficiaries, they can have a change of heart): staggering rebuilding of infrastructure from high speed rail (that above all), airports, bridges.
Frankly, Trump could guarantee himself a legacy by donating half (or more) his wealth to the project, calling on ALL billionaires to do the same, inaugurating a new spirit of economic patriotism acknowledging sacrifice must always be shared, proportionately to one's means if it is to be fair.
Acknowledgment of Matthew Principle ("rich get richer, poor get poorer") as a basic feature of contemporary capitalism, rejection of "trickle down" as a gesture of basic honesty would be necessary.
Redistribution, open and blunt, should follow. Give workers substantial share in profits, find ways to distribute the $ efficiency of automation. Guaranteed minimum income like Milton Friedman endorsed.
In such a context, pursue a more protectionist policy while still allowing rich people to stay rich, by promising not to take and redistribute ALL their loot.
Something along these lines.
Frankly, Trump could guarantee himself a legacy by donating half (or more) his wealth to the project, calling on ALL billionaires to do the same, inaugurating a new spirit of economic patriotism acknowledging sacrifice must always be shared, proportionately to one's means if it is to be fair.
Acknowledgment of Matthew Principle ("rich get richer, poor get poorer") as a basic feature of contemporary capitalism, rejection of "trickle down" as a gesture of basic honesty would be necessary.
Redistribution, open and blunt, should follow. Give workers substantial share in profits, find ways to distribute the $ efficiency of automation. Guaranteed minimum income like Milton Friedman endorsed.
In such a context, pursue a more protectionist policy while still allowing rich people to stay rich, by promising not to take and redistribute ALL their loot.
Something along these lines.
1
For the first few paragraphs I thought you were recalling the Viet Nam debacle. It begins to seem like the cliche'd funhouse hall of mirrors. The results are disorienting for us all. Your reference to Primo Levy is most salient. "There is no why." Four years is a very log time. Also recall "And then they came for us and there was nobody left..."
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I agree with the conclusion that the closest historical analogy is the rise of fascism in the 1930s, but trying to "prove" that with comparison to the preceding 15 years is a big mistake. The Brexit vote and the Trump vote both occurred in countries with longstanding Murdoch empire "news" organizations. Rural voters submitted to those propaganda efforts. Thank you Roger Ailes for your enormous impact on American history. Today NYT sent me another self-congratulatory email "Holding Power to Account" and on page 1 calls out Trump's lies. During the campaign, 'holding power to account' meant going after HRC, the emails, presumably because she was the preemptive favorite. NYT must change the standard during the horse race to reporting truth in context from dutifully reporting and fact checking whichever side is most aggressive with their accusations. If the Trumpian/Breitbart/Republican fake news machine takes over as government propagandists, NYT may not get another chance to reform their standard for reporting during a political campaign. Not sure that is so bad provided others rise to take your place.
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Blue states need red states like a fish needs a bicycle.
It's time for enlightened states to separate themselves from the benighted states.
It's time for enlightened states to separate themselves from the benighted states.
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Yeah, let's have a civil war because your corrupt candidate lost the election. Hillary was right about one thing, there are deplorables out there.
Yes to this. And just think how much the climate of Canada will instantly improve with the addition of Washington, Oregon, and California. MAKE CANADA WARM (for the first time...!)
What a nightmare. It's clear now that it's not Trump who is the horror, but the number of people who voted for him. That's a whole lot of horror. The stuff of nightmares. The question, "How did the German people ever support Hitler?" is now being answered. Right here. In America. This is how it happens: unchecked lies, bullying, deceit, and oppression made possible by millions of actively unthinking stupid sheep.
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Two butchers playing a very bizarre game might be an image that will satisfy many over--enthusiastic and certainly the somewhat melodramatic critics of Trump. Hence, I propose this “image” and, it might even stick. Israel worship has become, over these long years, really tedious. I suspect that Netan-yahoo may win the gamble. He is, I suspect, even more “diabolical” than Trump, while Trump is even further to the Right than his chosen ally. All very interesting! Who will out-smart whom turns into a very fascinating question. I cannot wait to see the outcome. In any event, let the builders of empire have their day. Building a new US embassy in Jerusalem will probably give work to poor Palestinians, and might even reduce the endemic Palestinian unemployment problem, at the same time. We can only stand aside and watch a new history in the making. But, your article reminds me that Americans still must make a very long journey in any effort to understand it. I remind myself now of Von Ranke's insight into history, that it is only "Wie est eigentlich gewesen" suggesting that we must become realists who can no longer afford sallies into mythology or ideology in unrewarding attempts to understand what is going on! They had better begin that tortuous process of growing up, finally! American must learn how to think? Will they ever? Not quite a response to your article, but useful reflections that supplement its content!
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Eventually I realized that I was suffering from "Trump overload" and I resolved to not read or listen to every news story about his latest tweet or ridiculous claim.
That lasted about a day. The fact of the matter is that Trump is like a car wreck on the Long Island Expressway. I know I shouldn't slowdown to look but I do anyway. I just can't turn away.
That lasted about a day. The fact of the matter is that Trump is like a car wreck on the Long Island Expressway. I know I shouldn't slowdown to look but I do anyway. I just can't turn away.
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the donald did succeed in pulling off the biggest SCAM in history. By comparison Trump University was just a dress rehearsal
Oh, if only the media would impose a 48 hour black-out of all things Trump and his minions, I'm not even sure it would be an affront to the 1st amendment since he has spewed insults to their face.
Oh, if only the media would impose a 48 hour black-out of all things Trump and his minions, I'm not even sure it would be an affront to the 1st amendment since he has spewed insults to their face.
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I am no fan of Trump. I am however increasingly worried about the media's campaign against him. This puts the Republican response to Obama to shame. The media, after backing his early campaign by giving him free PR, now seems to be working themselves up to going to war with Trump, this is particularly true of the NYT. You know how he will respond, he will drop everything else and hit back. Such actions will paralyze the setting up of a new administration.
Is this what we really want? We have had a non-functioning government for almost a decade now, is the Times vendetta worth making that worse? And isn't the Times being more than a little two faced given their actions in getting him elected?
In the past, Presidents were usually given the benefit of the doubt at the beginning of their term in order to get their administration set up and new policies started. That does not appear to be happening here. Can we at least see what the effects of the new policies are first? There is plenty of time to go to war later.
Is this what we really want? We have had a non-functioning government for almost a decade now, is the Times vendetta worth making that worse? And isn't the Times being more than a little two faced given their actions in getting him elected?
In the past, Presidents were usually given the benefit of the doubt at the beginning of their term in order to get their administration set up and new policies started. That does not appear to be happening here. Can we at least see what the effects of the new policies are first? There is plenty of time to go to war later.
Reporting facts and not lunatic assertions does not constitute attacks on the new administrations. It is hardly unfair of the NYTimes to point out the plethora of lies that may be captivating to the "deplorables", but suggest to the rest of us, a majority in reality, that there is something very wrong with this administration.
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The reply was too much for you wimps? Too bad the truth hurts.
I was born a few months after WWII and, as do many Danes of my generation, I remember the almost innate hatred of the many things that led to this terrible war.
I am not totally clear if this is what makes my stomach churn and my heart ache, but somewhere something is burning and what can I do?
I read the many comments where anger wants to give way to heartache and I sense that it's too early, that we cannot give way - not yet.
I don't know how we can live much longer with our anger and our fear.
LIGHT!
I am not totally clear if this is what makes my stomach churn and my heart ache, but somewhere something is burning and what can I do?
I read the many comments where anger wants to give way to heartache and I sense that it's too early, that we cannot give way - not yet.
I don't know how we can live much longer with our anger and our fear.
LIGHT!
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Trump has a recurrent phrase he uses in many of his 'speeches' - "The People". This is, to me, terribly reminiscent of "Volksgemeinschaft", or "people's community", a central point of Nazi propaganda. Us vs "them". Once you establish the "us" - it becomes simpler and easier to lash out at "them" - which Trump does on a nearly every day basis. "Us" versus the media. "Us" versus intelligence agencies. "Us" versus the rest of the world. Nazi propaganda was, (I don't think I really have to point this out) immensely successful. Woe betide us if the President's non-stop splitting us into "real Americans" and "the other" leads us down the same path as that which befell Germany under Hitler.
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The hysterical tone of the Times with which it treated both the Trump and Sanders candidacies has not subsided now that the unthinkable has occurred and the country's obvious desire to distance itself from the drift into the neoliberal ideology of both of our traditional parties has been realized. It is interesting that during the nightmarish administration of George Bush, the Times, along with the rest of mainstream U.S. media never struck anything near the alarm it now daily manifests in its pages. That, in spite of the most serious attack on American values in our history, tearing up our most sacred documents--from the constitution all the way back to Magna Carta. Bush and his neoconservative cohorts are viewed as war criminals in most foreign capitals yet the Bushes--pere et fils--from Iran Contra to two illegal wars allegedy fought as appropriate responses to the attacks of 9/11, yet both men are presently painted in Norman Rockwell hues of folksy Americana. To students of our history, Donald Trump, far from being a proto-Nazi, is a character far more in keeping with a long tradition of American hucksterism perhaps best chronicled in Melville's "The Confidence Man." We should never become so smug as to believe that "it can't happen here," but, as the Bush family should have demonstrated, if it does, it is far more likely to emerge from our supposedly elite establishment than from a wheeler-dealer from Queens with a shock of dyed blonde hair.
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Wrong- it has happened here. It has just now happened!
Andy told me his hair was supposed to be red... never mind.
It's time we face the truth that Trump is mentally ill.
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Yhe only good news is that Democrats will elect the next President and change the composition of the House an Senate.
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Bravo.
The analogy to Germany as it soured into the Nazi fortress might be presented with finesse; this you have done. The one fisted salute should not be ignored; it is a powerful symbol.
He must be held to account, to our system of laws. The Dems need to stand tall, not shrink in fear.
And the press is protected by the Courts....at least they have been since the founding of the republic. The public will not accept a diminishing of the press so go forth and publish.
The analogy to Germany as it soured into the Nazi fortress might be presented with finesse; this you have done. The one fisted salute should not be ignored; it is a powerful symbol.
He must be held to account, to our system of laws. The Dems need to stand tall, not shrink in fear.
And the press is protected by the Courts....at least they have been since the founding of the republic. The public will not accept a diminishing of the press so go forth and publish.
4