GOP: I won't soon forget this.
115
There is a clear and present danger to the country when important and complex decisions are made in a precipitous rush, by an individual who sees the world in black and white, and looks at everything with the simplistic mind of Jerzy Kosinski's Chance Gardener. We should be afraid....very afraid.
105
Blow said it himself.
"Republicans were apoplectic about his use of executive orders. They called them “unilateral edicts” and “power grabs.” As Iowa Senator Charles Grassley once said in a floor speech: “The president looks more and more like a king that the Constitution was designed to replace.”
Liberals seemed to want a dictator. As the Chinese curse goes, be careful what you wish for. Now you've got one.
Maybe we should try the rule of law instead ? Maybe we should remember that the Constitution intentionally made the President weak and required him to get the consent of Congress via Checks and Balances ... and left most things to the States ...something blue states are now hypocritically finding a newfound love of Federalism. Strange how things work out.
"Republicans were apoplectic about his use of executive orders. They called them “unilateral edicts” and “power grabs.” As Iowa Senator Charles Grassley once said in a floor speech: “The president looks more and more like a king that the Constitution was designed to replace.”
Liberals seemed to want a dictator. As the Chinese curse goes, be careful what you wish for. Now you've got one.
Maybe we should try the rule of law instead ? Maybe we should remember that the Constitution intentionally made the President weak and required him to get the consent of Congress via Checks and Balances ... and left most things to the States ...something blue states are now hypocritically finding a newfound love of Federalism. Strange how things work out.
22
I just wanted to thank the Red Meat America minority again for electing Trumpicus. You now have a self declared 'Leninist' installed into the National Security Council with Mr. Bannon. And you screamed for eight years about Obama the evil socialist? I'm now officially a pessimist.
96
Dear Mr. Blow,
I consistently read your articles and appreciate your refusal to pull punches. But some of this is hyperbole. E.g., you say that "Trump [is] a literacy-lite, conspiracy-chasing, compulsively lying ... [bigoted] narcissistic workaholic." I agree. But then you say that we "could not have conceived of a more dangerous combination of characteristics." Sure we can. Just add murderous trigger-happy megalomaniac with imperialistic plans for Canada and Mexico. The resulting combination would obviously be more dangerous.
I fully support holding his feet to the fire and resisting every nasty thing that spews from his White House. But I am rightly wary of hyperbole and exaggeration. After all, if you say, today, that things are as bad as they can be - that Trump couldn't be worse - then tomorrow, when he decides that a nuclear war suits his political ends, you have nothing new to say.
Hyperbole and exaggeration have a boy-who-cries-wolf effect. If Trump is maximally dangerous right now, then he wouldn't get more dangerous by starting nuclear war. But, obviously, he would. So, he isn't maximally dangerous right now.
Saying he is weakens your ability to criticism him when he worsens - a criticism that becomes more important the worse he gets.
I consistently read your articles and appreciate your refusal to pull punches. But some of this is hyperbole. E.g., you say that "Trump [is] a literacy-lite, conspiracy-chasing, compulsively lying ... [bigoted] narcissistic workaholic." I agree. But then you say that we "could not have conceived of a more dangerous combination of characteristics." Sure we can. Just add murderous trigger-happy megalomaniac with imperialistic plans for Canada and Mexico. The resulting combination would obviously be more dangerous.
I fully support holding his feet to the fire and resisting every nasty thing that spews from his White House. But I am rightly wary of hyperbole and exaggeration. After all, if you say, today, that things are as bad as they can be - that Trump couldn't be worse - then tomorrow, when he decides that a nuclear war suits his political ends, you have nothing new to say.
Hyperbole and exaggeration have a boy-who-cries-wolf effect. If Trump is maximally dangerous right now, then he wouldn't get more dangerous by starting nuclear war. But, obviously, he would. So, he isn't maximally dangerous right now.
Saying he is weakens your ability to criticism him when he worsens - a criticism that becomes more important the worse he gets.
30
Poor Mr Blow - suffering from outrage overload.
Donald Trump is living rent-free inside his head.
Donald Trump is living rent-free inside his head.
33
Thank you Mr. Blow. One day we may look back on this as a second Declaration of Independence.
62
Yep, CMB, we can Just Say No. And ignore Trump. Refuse to obey his dictates. Shun him. Just Say No.
11
Just wondering exactly what dirt Bannon has on Trump--I bet he's got even more than Putin.
57
We must take our country back
63
Thank you for your thoughts, Mr. Blow. Perhaps more than anything else, our Country needs to have these klaxons of alarm sounded.
My own continuing lament is that the regular readership of NYT has not been offered a platform to voice much-needed, staunch opposition to Bannon -- by any other name, a profound threat to America and American values -- and a common, gutter-level gnash shoal.
My own continuing lament is that the regular readership of NYT has not been offered a platform to voice much-needed, staunch opposition to Bannon -- by any other name, a profound threat to America and American values -- and a common, gutter-level gnash shoal.
38
Trump was a Trojan Horse for KKK control of the United States.
I think a fair number of his supporters are just fine with that. No problem.
I think a fair number of his supporters are just fine with that. No problem.
82
For the past 80 years the world has asked,"Why didn't the good Germans rise up and throw him out?"
80 years from now will the world ask that about us?
80 years from now will the world ask that about us?
183
none of this would be happening if mrs. clinton were president now
82
What next??? We are responsible for this insane president and should be very worried about what he might do next. If only Melania had some influence on him. He is the Wizard of Oz.
17
Amen brother Blow. Please keep writing, keep leading, keep thinking. We are facing a coup at this point and the Republican Party is completely complicit unless they stand up, but we know of course, that they won't. To the streets! Yes. But the progressive, liberal, decent, whatever you want to call them, institutions, businesses, law firms, etc. have to bury this regime with legal, financial, resistance. If they don't do that we will still be in the streets but we will lose this round.....where are they? And the Democratic Party cannot ride the fence, they have nothing to lose. I admire you so much Charles. Keep on keeping on.
56
To our Senators and Representatives: Quit waiting to see which way the wind is blowing. Quit thinking about your next campaign and where the money will come from. You were elected as leaders; it's time to be a leader. Put your moral compass next to your Constitution and speak out about the insanity coming from the White House and the bold and shameless power-grab by Bannon. You were elected to represent us and the values that America is based on. Do your job. Now.
111
trump once again proves his ignorance, cowardice and inability to govern. Americans need to Stand Up!
39
Why do I feel like crying? Shame on you Mr. Trump. Maybe each of us need to get out and picket, and make it part of our daily habits, like brushing our teeth. Our friends in Europe are scratching their heads, trying to figure out what is happening to our beloved country. If this keeps up, not only will we be keeping out people from seven countries, but no one else will want to visit the USA either! Why would anyone want to visit a country that seems a shell of what it has been, for so many years???
48
Thank you Charles Blow, a stand-out writer in a garden of wilting violets here at the NYT, where the new motto seems to be "Fear and Balanced." Thank you for saying it straight, however ironic that might sound. We need writers who simply tell the Truth in this age of Lies.
Also, for those seeking truth, today's piece by former Bush administration official Eliot A. Cohen. We need to support and encourage voices of truth. Trump is a loser who will go down in history as the laughingstock of all time.
Sadly, he will continue to do damage until the bitter end.
Also, for those seeking truth, today's piece by former Bush administration official Eliot A. Cohen. We need to support and encourage voices of truth. Trump is a loser who will go down in history as the laughingstock of all time.
Sadly, he will continue to do damage until the bitter end.
47
Is a vote of no confidence (as opposed to impeachment) ever possible for a sitting president? If yes, we may need to explore this.
21
The focus on bannon and compnay is a misdirectio for the real agenda of those who are runninng the Trump robot. Pence and the fanatic christian extremist terrorists are have a huge role in all of htis. This action was on the level of a First Strike. It was an intercontinental ballistic missile on the emotional and mental planes. It eliminated 7 Muslim nations from this Nation’s concept of Humanity. One of its hideous and intended effects will be the planting of the seeds of religious war by making it seem that the United States of America thinks that Muslims are inferior to Christians, are blasphemers, heretics and enemies of the Christian world. This will provide the Muslim religious fanatic terrorists with the kind of selling points they need to whip up fear and hate in those populations.
Incidentally, both of these groups of religious extremist terrorists work for the same Cabal of the super Wealthy controllers.
The tiny group of extremist Christian terrorists—who in no way reflect the basic principles of Christianity and the Teachings of Christ, any more than the insane members of ISIS reflects the basic principles of the Koran and prophet Muhammad—who have worked their way into the leadership of our Nation, like their ISIS cohorts, would like nothing more than a religious war.
Incidentally, both of these groups of religious extremist terrorists work for the same Cabal of the super Wealthy controllers.
The tiny group of extremist Christian terrorists—who in no way reflect the basic principles of Christianity and the Teachings of Christ, any more than the insane members of ISIS reflects the basic principles of the Koran and prophet Muhammad—who have worked their way into the leadership of our Nation, like their ISIS cohorts, would like nothing more than a religious war.
24
You failed to mention Trump leaving off the Muslim countries where he has business interests. No surprise there as Trump's first priority is ensure that Presidency makes money for him and his greedy vulgar family.
40
I have a horrible feeling that we'll not get through the next four years. Either this odious imbecile goes, or the whole world will go. Up in an atomic mushroom cloud.
He must be impeached, with new emergency elections in 2018!
He must be impeached, with new emergency elections in 2018!
47
Trump's actions on immigration this past weekend were alarming and extreme, to be sure. In that, I agree with the article. But in the interests of fair and accurate journalism, it should be pointed out that there is an alternative explanation for Trump's choices for the list, which Mr. Blow and other Times reporters have attributed to Trump's financial interests. Trump's list in fact mirrors exactly Obama's Visa Waiver Ban List of 2015, which is comprised of the same 7 countries. See the link below:
http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/29/politics/how-the-trump-administration-chos....
http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/29/politics/how-the-trump-administration-chos....
10
i guess we all have to keep doing what we can do. Mr. Blow, your opinion columns are critical to shedding light and those of us who can protest need to do it however we can.
The hypocrites, a.k.a. the GOP have shown themselves to be the 'we first' party for a long time. They are gutless cowards enjoying their 'run' at turning this country backwards and continuing to hurt the most needy among us.
It has to end next election. They have to be called out and shown the door.
I do worry that all this craziness is a diversionary tactic while worse we don't yet know about is going on.
Trump is the child king being easily manipulated by his evil handlers. This is almost Shakespearean I would say except I don't think they're that clever, just greedy and crazed. And Trump, well he's deranged and sadly misinformed about everything. it is clear that this 'list'' of countries is based on what's good for Trump's business interests and what isn't.
How's that for making America great?
The only greatness is to resist and show who we really are and have been and reclaim our dignity, our values and look for ways to end the madness.
The hypocrites, a.k.a. the GOP have shown themselves to be the 'we first' party for a long time. They are gutless cowards enjoying their 'run' at turning this country backwards and continuing to hurt the most needy among us.
It has to end next election. They have to be called out and shown the door.
I do worry that all this craziness is a diversionary tactic while worse we don't yet know about is going on.
Trump is the child king being easily manipulated by his evil handlers. This is almost Shakespearean I would say except I don't think they're that clever, just greedy and crazed. And Trump, well he's deranged and sadly misinformed about everything. it is clear that this 'list'' of countries is based on what's good for Trump's business interests and what isn't.
How's that for making America great?
The only greatness is to resist and show who we really are and have been and reclaim our dignity, our values and look for ways to end the madness.
14
It's important not to get too distracted with only one thing that Trump is doing.
It's a side show or shell game. LOOK! Over here at this! denying green cards!
In the meantime, he and his cabinet are moving around the other shells that may be more important to our democracy. In other words keep your eyes wide open. Don't focus entirely just upon one issue (or shell) alone.
The Carny-in-chief is highly deceptive and has a plan.
It's a side show or shell game. LOOK! Over here at this! denying green cards!
In the meantime, he and his cabinet are moving around the other shells that may be more important to our democracy. In other words keep your eyes wide open. Don't focus entirely just upon one issue (or shell) alone.
The Carny-in-chief is highly deceptive and has a plan.
33
Thank you Charles. You have been very clear these past couple of months. However, I still cannot get over my belief that had you separated from your op-Ed buddies and championed Bernie Sanders for president rather than Hillary, we would be in a far, far different position today. The Democratic Party bosses insisted on the only candidate ho could have lost to the danger ho now occupies the White House.
I am working on finding forgiveness in my heart for the DNC and the media who essentially froze the best man out. Not sure it ill come to me anytime soon.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The illustrious Ben Franklin.
I am working on finding forgiveness in my heart for the DNC and the media who essentially froze the best man out. Not sure it ill come to me anytime soon.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The illustrious Ben Franklin.
12
Who, exactly, would rise against President Trump, Mr. Blow?
After all, though he himself apparently has trouble accepting it, he was duly elected. As such he is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, the Chief Executive of the US Administration and he will need to do far worse to many more people before there's any chance of a popular uprising (if that's what you're implying will happen).
Do not forget that, for the moment and until the disappointment set is, Mr. Trump also has millions of supporters, who fervently applaud what he is doing. And, you may have noticed that his "decisive actions" attack outsiders and minorities. Minorities who are unlikely to gel into a cohesive opposition and who would, if they did, ironically prove Mr. Trump's assertion that they are a danger to the USA...
No, Mr. Blow, I'm afraid you have let the genie out of the bottle and getting it back in will be quite a challenge.
After all, though he himself apparently has trouble accepting it, he was duly elected. As such he is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, the Chief Executive of the US Administration and he will need to do far worse to many more people before there's any chance of a popular uprising (if that's what you're implying will happen).
Do not forget that, for the moment and until the disappointment set is, Mr. Trump also has millions of supporters, who fervently applaud what he is doing. And, you may have noticed that his "decisive actions" attack outsiders and minorities. Minorities who are unlikely to gel into a cohesive opposition and who would, if they did, ironically prove Mr. Trump's assertion that they are a danger to the USA...
No, Mr. Blow, I'm afraid you have let the genie out of the bottle and getting it back in will be quite a challenge.
8
Besides the do-nothing Congress, business people need to speak up. Where are the chairmen of our corporations who rely on free trade and immigration to make their companies run? They need to stand at the windows and shout to Congress: get rid of these tyrants and conspirators now! Chaos will sink all boats.
23
Hope everyone is calling their senators regarding the Devos, Sessions, and Price cabinet appointments. Let's not forget that they are as great a threat to the United States as the Muslim ban.
38
Did it ever occur to you that there are those of us who voted for President Trump due to his promises of making America safe and great again? The bleeding heart liberals are always screaming about civil rights. What about the civil rights and safety of American-born citizens? Don't we count?
19
In "only" Week 2 of Trump's presidency, I admire principled Republicans, primarily in the Senate, who are speaking out against some of Trump's actions.
These are not ordinary times. Trump's alteration of the composition of the National Security Council to include Bannon and demote generals is scary. Just what will Trump and Bannon cook up or disastrously shape behind closed doors?
When the President of the United States sends strong signals that he is the equivalent of a little kid with no impulse control and a gigantic need for attention, all Americans who care about democracy need to be vigilant. Trump told us he could single-handedly solve the problems of the world in a brief time. He must be held to the checks and balances that buy us time when a tyrant attempts to seize control of the levers of power for ends that are not yet clear.
I urge Republican Senators to retain the requirement for 60 votes to advance a nominated Supreme Court justice for a vote by the Senate. The future of our democracy and of so much that Americans have fought and died for is on the line.
These are not ordinary times. Trump's alteration of the composition of the National Security Council to include Bannon and demote generals is scary. Just what will Trump and Bannon cook up or disastrously shape behind closed doors?
When the President of the United States sends strong signals that he is the equivalent of a little kid with no impulse control and a gigantic need for attention, all Americans who care about democracy need to be vigilant. Trump told us he could single-handedly solve the problems of the world in a brief time. He must be held to the checks and balances that buy us time when a tyrant attempts to seize control of the levers of power for ends that are not yet clear.
I urge Republican Senators to retain the requirement for 60 votes to advance a nominated Supreme Court justice for a vote by the Senate. The future of our democracy and of so much that Americans have fought and died for is on the line.
10
"The greatest two motivators of electoral activism in this country are a desire for change and durable fear: In Trump, those two are wed."
"Change" could be going from brushing one's teeth incorrectly to smashing them out with a hammer.
What we really want is "improvement".
"Change" could be going from brushing one's teeth incorrectly to smashing them out with a hammer.
What we really want is "improvement".
4
Trump and his henchmen and women have thrown so much at us in the past - could it only be ten days? - that it's hard not to be distracted and forget about his incredibly unqualified and scary choices for secretaries of health and human services, education and energy. Don't take your eyes off that ball (which may be what this current crisis was manufactured for, at least in part)! This trio of incompetents will slip in over the transom. Can you imagine how bullied and tooled they will be by Bannon, et al?
12
it appears Bannon's plan is moving along without a hitch. He will not stop until he has created a terrorist attack in the U.S. that will be the excuse to use the military to employ martial law. They are not simply sowing chaos. They are plotting the complete overthrow of the country. Fox News lets us know they will have support. This is not a nightmare. it is reality.
30
There is a difference between being inconvenienced and being banned. I've had travel plans cancelled too. I was a little mad. I did not rage.
14
Since he was sworn into office Trump has struggled mightily to show that he means what he says and says what he means by taking whatever steps that he can to fulfill his campaign promises and to reward those who supported his election, including the stalwart right wing Christian block, and he has revealed his weaknesses as a leader and as a man in the course of it. His actions have been headline grabbing but bereft of any evidence of sound consideration and of confirming the facts so as to anticipate the likely consequences. His defenders hail this as a breath of fresh air, an unblocking of the functioning of things for the better, but it shear incompetence and it's caused his credibility amongst people who are in habit of processing facts reasonably to plummet. He can be expected to deny any faults, assert that every the most obvious defeats are victories, and poor outcomes are actually most clearly the most successful ones. He does not take seriously his responsibilities and he refuses to take responsibility when they do not work as intended. He may think that he is preserving a favorable image but he's eroding his credibility with such carelessness that he may never be able to be considered a serious person, again.
7
The only thing that can save Trump from the outrage and scorn of his citizens now and his reputation as anything but a failure is a war, sooner or later--so look for some bombing of Iran or such a thing--a some military adventure in the China Sea.
8
malfeasance, noun: the performance by a public official of an act that is legally unjustified, harmful, or contrary to law; wrongdoing (used especially of an act in violation of a public trust).
Trump should be impeached...now.
When he was sworn in to office, he made an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. And he's already forgotten his oath.
Members of Congress also swear to uphold and protect the Constitution. It is now their duty to abide by that oath.
Every member of the Armed Forces of the US also swear such an oath. Even after they have been discharged from the military, that oath is not erased. All former members of the military, in keeping their oath, should contact their representatives and insist that they keep their oaths, and remove Mr. Trump from the presidency.
Trump should be impeached...now.
When he was sworn in to office, he made an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. And he's already forgotten his oath.
Members of Congress also swear to uphold and protect the Constitution. It is now their duty to abide by that oath.
Every member of the Armed Forces of the US also swear such an oath. Even after they have been discharged from the military, that oath is not erased. All former members of the military, in keeping their oath, should contact their representatives and insist that they keep their oaths, and remove Mr. Trump from the presidency.
21
Protesters have continued their pattern of the last several years that has contributed to a general sense that things are “out of control,” the climate in which a strong leader was desired.
7
Let me get one thing straight. I have never been a Trump fan- never bought into the myth that he is a great business man, never purchased one of his products, never watched his TV show. So, please let not one Trump mouthpiece put my most recent reactions down as sour grapes because my side lost and his side won. Ignoring this carbuncle on the butt of our country used to be my choice. Now, because I am a devoted lover of my country, and among the first to speak up in criticism of my country when it is in the wrong, I am forced to watch Trump's latest reality show because we cannot afford to take our eyes off this guy for even a moment. He can serenely declare that his latest atrocity is "going nicely", and tell us to tune in to the next episode, "The One About the Naming of the Next Supreme Court Justice" tomorrow at 8:00 PM. He can make a point of ridiculing Senator Schumer, dismiss his sincere emotions of compassion for the unjustly mistreated, laugh at his tears of shame for the degradation this monster has brought upon this land we all love, and ask to meet his "acting coach". For those who believe in a Supreme Being, (I, alas am not among them.) that coach would be _od. The son-in-law can explain why I do not wish to spell the word in full. In terms that any native New Yorker would understand, Chuck Schumer is a mensch.
15
The Narcissist-in-Chief remains wildly popular with his core supporters. He and his Administration are unconstrained by decency, tradition, principles or law. Our enemies are smiling, and Marx is exulting in his grave in London. One of his notions was that for a true revolution to happen in an advanced capitalist country, conditions had to get truly desperate, as bad as possible. Maybe when the deplorable she realize this Administration has been lying to them about improving their lives, we will get there.
Or maybe we are seeing the beginnings of what might be a second, much uglier Civil War. Perhaps, having elected this obscenity, we deserve that.
Or maybe we are seeing the beginnings of what might be a second, much uglier Civil War. Perhaps, having elected this obscenity, we deserve that.
13
I realised today that "the feeling in the air" reminds me of the fateful summer when the Watergate scandal was barreling towards its ignominious conclusion. The circumstances are different but the tension in the country feels similar. I hope some who are old enough to remember that will confirm that feeling for me. It took six years for Nixon's paranoia to precipitate his removal from office. Frankly he did some good things during his tenure but it was his personality flaw that was his great undoing.
Although many of us sensed that the Trump administration would begin just as it has, it has been surprising how rapidly this has gone downhill. This frenetic pace of confrontation can't be sustained relatively peacefully for long. Tolerance is going to wear out and the proverbial dam is going to burst somewhere.
Before that occurs it would behoove both sides of the aisle to get together and press for invocation of the 25th amendment or begin impeachment proceedings.
We are now being led by a pathetic individual who suffers from Malignant Narcissistic Personality disorder whose chief advisor is a White Nationalist racist and anti-semite, Steve Bannon. This house needs to be fumigated before the termites currently occupyiing it bring it crashing down.
Although many of us sensed that the Trump administration would begin just as it has, it has been surprising how rapidly this has gone downhill. This frenetic pace of confrontation can't be sustained relatively peacefully for long. Tolerance is going to wear out and the proverbial dam is going to burst somewhere.
Before that occurs it would behoove both sides of the aisle to get together and press for invocation of the 25th amendment or begin impeachment proceedings.
We are now being led by a pathetic individual who suffers from Malignant Narcissistic Personality disorder whose chief advisor is a White Nationalist racist and anti-semite, Steve Bannon. This house needs to be fumigated before the termites currently occupyiing it bring it crashing down.
26
I agree with everything except one thing: a very large segment of our population seems to want this. I voted for Clinton and I liked Obama. But during his eight years, despite his personal popularity, look how much ground the democrats lost on a state and national level. The only way to beat this guy is to retake the senate or house in two years. Or to hope for some republicans to vote against this president. Because despite what I see as horrific actions, this man has significant support. And he will be formidable until some block in his party crosses the aisle
15
It would be interesting if the 2 shooting suspects held in custody by Canadian authorities for the mosque shooting are from 1 of the 7 countries the entry ban is in place on.
Many people may rethink their position but would be embarrassed to admit jumping in the bandwagon in criticizing President Trump's executive order.
Many people may rethink their position but would be embarrassed to admit jumping in the bandwagon in criticizing President Trump's executive order.
3
I didn't believe Trump would last two years, but at this point, I suspect Republicans are already privately discussing impeachment.
Fine. But two problems: Considering how Republicans now use impeachment for political purposes, I suspect the only reason they would impeach and remove Trump is because they view him as a threat to the party, not the country. I don't believe they would impeach him to protect the country if they felt he was fine or especially good for the party.
Second is that, if Trump is removed, Pence takes over, and I think Pence may well be more damaging and dangerous than Trump, since Pence would have a rubber stamp by the Republican Congress. At least they will challenge Trump on occasion.
Regardless, we are in for a very tough and destructive four years.
Fine. But two problems: Considering how Republicans now use impeachment for political purposes, I suspect the only reason they would impeach and remove Trump is because they view him as a threat to the party, not the country. I don't believe they would impeach him to protect the country if they felt he was fine or especially good for the party.
Second is that, if Trump is removed, Pence takes over, and I think Pence may well be more damaging and dangerous than Trump, since Pence would have a rubber stamp by the Republican Congress. At least they will challenge Trump on occasion.
Regardless, we are in for a very tough and destructive four years.
8
I had to march in high school in order for girls to be allowed to wear pants to school. Yeah, we won. But now we're fighing against a madman with the ultimate power of the American Presidency at his fingertips. Except that we have power too, and we have got to convince all of us that we must exert our power every inch of the way as this madman implodes and takes his administration (not our country) with him.
7
Let me first applaud Mr. Blow for his willingness to speak out, and speak plainly. We need his voice now more than ever, and we will continue to need it even more so, in the coming months. He understand the personal risks he is taking, and because of this, his willingness to speak out is all the more meaningful.
I also applaud the many tens of thousands of protesters who turned out this weekend, in response to the immigration order. As a sixty-something American, it heartens me to finally see many of my fellow citizens awaken.
But I must ask this: If you do continue to protest (as I hope all of us do), are you willing to face arrest and imprisonment? Are you willing to live under martial law? Are you willing to lose your employment? Are you willing to see family and friends taken away in the middle of the night? Because these actions are the stock-in-trade of fascist regimes.
I believe many Americans now understand that fears such as these are no longer outlandish, particularly in light of Bannon's installment in the National Security Council.
I was a college student during the Ohio State and Jackson State shootings, and I firmly believe we are in for much worse. We are truly going to learn the meaning of sacrifice for our country.
God speed to all in the Resistance.
I also applaud the many tens of thousands of protesters who turned out this weekend, in response to the immigration order. As a sixty-something American, it heartens me to finally see many of my fellow citizens awaken.
But I must ask this: If you do continue to protest (as I hope all of us do), are you willing to face arrest and imprisonment? Are you willing to live under martial law? Are you willing to lose your employment? Are you willing to see family and friends taken away in the middle of the night? Because these actions are the stock-in-trade of fascist regimes.
I believe many Americans now understand that fears such as these are no longer outlandish, particularly in light of Bannon's installment in the National Security Council.
I was a college student during the Ohio State and Jackson State shootings, and I firmly believe we are in for much worse. We are truly going to learn the meaning of sacrifice for our country.
God speed to all in the Resistance.
16
"Trump’s America is not America: not today’s or tomorrow’s, but yesterday’s."
Not yesterday's either.
Not yesterday's either.
12
People got what they voted for. They wanted this. They were not duped, they knew what they were getting. They wanted a leader who made them fearful, who looked strong.. This is an example of what you get when the education system fails to educate and capitalism is more important. The dollar drives, goodness does not. We all think our neighbors will give up something to help others, but in the end, they all want what they consider to be rightly theirs. GREED GREED GREED is what drives our country. And people would rather have the chance to win a lottery than to have a country that cares for its citizens.
15
Mr. Blow accurately described Trump's financial involvement in countries with more terrorist activity than the 7 he banned: 18 out of the 19 September 11 terrorists are from 3 countries NOT on Trump's banned list because he has hotels, golf courses and his name brand investments there (UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt). This appears to be clear violation of the Emoluments Act of the Constitution (please see Eisen and Painter's New York Times Op-Ed). McCain and Graham also bucked the cowards in their party to protest the ban - calling the ban "self-inflicted wounds in the fight against terrorism." We must praise them and every other GOP leader who speaks out against Trump, and coin the name "Cowardly Ryan" immediately. No one expected any backbone at all from the slithering Priebus, but there was some brief sign of bravery from Cowardly Ryan during the campaign that has long since disappeared.
We have all been concerned about how Trump will pay back Putin for his involvement in Trump's election. We must also watch Bannon like a hawk - he is now paying back his Neo-Nazi supporters for voting for Trump. Both this ban and Bannon's new heightened role OVER the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Director of National Intelligence on the National Security Council is repugnant and dangerous.
Hate has no color - but Bannon, Trump and the Cowardly Ryan are doing everything they can to make hate White. It's up to every decent person of every color to stand up and say No.
We have all been concerned about how Trump will pay back Putin for his involvement in Trump's election. We must also watch Bannon like a hawk - he is now paying back his Neo-Nazi supporters for voting for Trump. Both this ban and Bannon's new heightened role OVER the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Director of National Intelligence on the National Security Council is repugnant and dangerous.
Hate has no color - but Bannon, Trump and the Cowardly Ryan are doing everything they can to make hate White. It's up to every decent person of every color to stand up and say No.
10
Mr Blow, you are on the wrong side of history. You don't speak for me. Don't even pretend that you do. The press is out of touch and sacrificing its credibility to score cheap political points.
6
Charles Blow, thank you for not shutting up per the Trump administration. You've hit the nail on the head. We now have a puppet government controlled by Steve Bannon. This is what the electoral college has brought us to: geographic democracy, I.e., geographic dictatorship.
Today, Muslim immigrants; tomorrow, who?
All of Trump's initiatives remind me of Mao's China of the Great Leap Forward period. He tried to make China great again, too. Look how long China took to recover.
Today, Muslim immigrants; tomorrow, who?
All of Trump's initiatives remind me of Mao's China of the Great Leap Forward period. He tried to make China great again, too. Look how long China took to recover.
10
Dear nyt, as long as Trump does not like you, you are doing a fantastic job! Please continue to publish the facts! There are enough around that try to push the "alternatives". Please never forget - most readers depend on responsible journalism to find correct and in depth information of what is happening! You do know how important that is! Thank you for all your work and your great reporting!
14
Mr. Blow, I am writing you from Shreveport and as a retired History teacher (Albuquerque) I made sure my students viewed Frontline's "Syria Undercover" and "Muslims: An In-Depth Look At What It Means To Be A Muslim In The 21st Century." They were distributed in 2011 and 2002, respectively.
5
Trump tweet: "The joint statement of former presidential candidates John McCain & Lindsey Graham is wrong - they are sadly weak on immigration. The two Senators should focus their energies on ISIS, illegal immigration and border security instead of always looking to start World War III."
It is high time John McCain & Lindsay Graham openly caucus with Democrats in the Senate. "Little Marco" and "Lyin Ted" should join them as well to create an impervious wall to this Trump "presidency's" attempts to destroy our institutions and standing as the leader of the free world.
Donald Trump is under the now apparent influences of Steve Bannon as well as Vladimir Putin. Americans did not vote for this and there is an obvious need for a cohort of GOP Senators (loyal to country rather than party) to step into the breach and stop this nonsense before it goes any further.
It is high time John McCain & Lindsay Graham openly caucus with Democrats in the Senate. "Little Marco" and "Lyin Ted" should join them as well to create an impervious wall to this Trump "presidency's" attempts to destroy our institutions and standing as the leader of the free world.
Donald Trump is under the now apparent influences of Steve Bannon as well as Vladimir Putin. Americans did not vote for this and there is an obvious need for a cohort of GOP Senators (loyal to country rather than party) to step into the breach and stop this nonsense before it goes any further.
11
Don't you wish you had given Bernie a chance? Scathing attacks on a man whose life's work was fighting income inequality, and heedless support for a woman in cahoots with Wall Street, already rejected by the American people in 2008. Thanks a lot.
13
Time to put the toddler-in chief in the time-out corner. He won't stop stamping his widdle feet and making fisties out of his tiny paddies. He's a Republican brat, born and bred. Not advocating water-boarding, mind you, but maybe a well-placed swat on his plump behind...
9
i just wonder how many of those protesting today could not make the effort to get out and vote for HRC
13
We need to start planning impeachment hearings as early as this morning. Donald Trump is an ignorant man and he needs to be fired. He is a liar and a cheater. He is making global crisis after crisis and he must be stopped through peaceful and legal means. He is an enemy of America and a crook. How dare you elect this orange-colored pig!
8
Is Steve Bannon the real power behind the throne? What is going on here?
11
Many have called this Chaos, the heavy handed usurping of power a crime. Its just a distraction from the real atrocities to come once Bannon is in charge of the new Secret Police (for our safety, you know).
7
Mr. Blow forgets that at least half of all the American people agree with trump. That's how he got elected. There have ALWAYS been restrictions on immigration and that is just common sense. Open borders with no restrictions is lunacy. Allowing enemies into our country while thinking we are being generous is stupid.
10
Gandhi: "There goes my people. I must follow them, for I am their leader"
For any Democratic leaders who wonder what direction their party should go, pay attention your people are telling you.... whether the out-of-nowhere campaign of Bernie Sanders, the women's marches, or the airport protests... the message is clear. A party that fights against inequality and for the vulnerable in our society.
For any Democratic leaders who wonder what direction their party should go, pay attention your people are telling you.... whether the out-of-nowhere campaign of Bernie Sanders, the women's marches, or the airport protests... the message is clear. A party that fights against inequality and for the vulnerable in our society.
11
Whistleblowers: Please step up (you can do so anonymously) and leak Trump's tax returns, true health status, Russian links to a respected media source.
It is high time to call this election tainted. We need a redo.
SCOTUS: please call a state of emergency. Leaving Pence and the rest of Trump's cabinet members/candidates in power would be a massive error that we could end up paying for for a generation. HELP!.
It is high time to call this election tainted. We need a redo.
SCOTUS: please call a state of emergency. Leaving Pence and the rest of Trump's cabinet members/candidates in power would be a massive error that we could end up paying for for a generation. HELP!.
11
Dear Mr. Blow,
Thank you for your steady stream of outraged sanity. Thank you for not pulling punches and "telling it like it is." We are entering frightening times. My parents grew up under Adolf Hitler and they're having flashbacks - not kidding.
Please remain relentless and give voice to those of us that don't have that much of one on the national stage. It is time for good men and women to stand up to the racists and cowards in this country and fight, whether it's in newspaper columns, in political activism or out in the streets in rage, if needed.
I read your and your colleagues columns every day for a breath of sanity and to know that I'm not alone...
Thank you for your steady stream of outraged sanity. Thank you for not pulling punches and "telling it like it is." We are entering frightening times. My parents grew up under Adolf Hitler and they're having flashbacks - not kidding.
Please remain relentless and give voice to those of us that don't have that much of one on the national stage. It is time for good men and women to stand up to the racists and cowards in this country and fight, whether it's in newspaper columns, in political activism or out in the streets in rage, if needed.
I read your and your colleagues columns every day for a breath of sanity and to know that I'm not alone...
14
Mr. Blow,
Where is my armband? If being a Muslim means you cannot re-enter the country or maybe need to register, perhaps we all ought to wear some sort of armband, a red crescent perhaps. If we are all Berliners and if every Dane could wear a Star of David, then wearing a Muslim armband strikes me as the next logical step.
Where is my armband? If being a Muslim means you cannot re-enter the country or maybe need to register, perhaps we all ought to wear some sort of armband, a red crescent perhaps. If we are all Berliners and if every Dane could wear a Star of David, then wearing a Muslim armband strikes me as the next logical step.
6
Love your columns. You're one of the few who describes Trump exactly as he is.
11
I am afraid Mr. Blow the Trump/Bannon/Conway show is right out of Putin's playbook - Man with No Face -Vladimir Putin's Rise by Masha Gessen. First harp on discrediting the press and media. Bannon statement -the press is the opposition. Then take anyone who would oppose your actions and move them out of power-removal of the Joint Chief of Staff from the security council. While all of this is going on keeping everyone confused on what is going on regarding the legislative branch since you don't want people to know what their elected officials are doing. The final play is attack on US soil with the Constitution, Democrats, Judiciary and of course the ACLU being blamed. Then impose marshal law. Putin killed his own Russian citizens with "terrorists bombings" to turn the fragile Russian democracy into a autocracy and it seems we are watching the same playbook in America.
15
Mr Blow,
You have become my hero
You have become my hero
13
Reagan said "Tear down this wall" and was a hero to the right, and now Trump says build a wall, and he is a hero to the right. HUH?
10
Charles, the only "watch" you have is on your wrist... Your feckless rants accomplish nothing worthwhile. As a well known Community Organizer once said, " Elections have consequences." Think about those words...
14
As per The Washington Post, Giuliani was on Fox "News" and said explicitly that the short-fingered vulgarian--or more likely Bannon, his Rasputin--told advisors to find a legal way to ban Muslims. While they're killing our country, they should just change the name to the White Supremacists' House. There's probably someone printing up the t-shirts now.
12
He should recruit Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hennity too. What's he waiting for?
4
One correction: Trump didn't demonize blacks in the "inner city", he assumed all blacks lived in the "inner city" because, you know, why bother actually understand non-white group.
5
"Over the weekend, protesters spontaneously popped up at airports across the country to send an unambiguous message: Not in our name; not on our watch."
Of course, Charles Blow is using the "royal" we: it's not as though he was at an airport; nor was he at the million women march. When someone yelled "Get on the bus!", he heard "What's the rush?"
Like all rabble rousers everywhere, Charles Blow is all whine and hysteria.
Of course, Charles Blow is using the "royal" we: it's not as though he was at an airport; nor was he at the million women march. When someone yelled "Get on the bus!", he heard "What's the rush?"
Like all rabble rousers everywhere, Charles Blow is all whine and hysteria.
8
Two years ago, I often wrote the comment in this forum that "next thing you thing you know the Republican party will try to privatize the presidency."
It was meant as sarcasm. I was naive enough to think it was impossible.
But now, astonishingly, the impossible, the unthinkable, has ACTUALLY happened.
The grand old party of Abe Lincoln has managed to insert a con-man and his friends in the office of the presidency.
WE the People are coming after those selfish people.
It was meant as sarcasm. I was naive enough to think it was impossible.
But now, astonishingly, the impossible, the unthinkable, has ACTUALLY happened.
The grand old party of Abe Lincoln has managed to insert a con-man and his friends in the office of the presidency.
WE the People are coming after those selfish people.
16
Mr. Blow-
I read with amusement your opinions. Your not at all veiled hatred of our President is always the theme. Please stop using the opinion page to make yourself feel good. Here's the reality - he won a very polarized election. He will be president for at least 4 years. He will implement policy's you will disagree with. Attack the policy, not the person. You're an intelligent guy, but your writing slides into the gutter when half your opinion article HATES on Mr. Trump. As a journalist who is read nationally, your focus should be on the shortcomings of policy. The Times already knocks him daily, maybe have your content differ slightly.
I read with amusement your opinions. Your not at all veiled hatred of our President is always the theme. Please stop using the opinion page to make yourself feel good. Here's the reality - he won a very polarized election. He will be president for at least 4 years. He will implement policy's you will disagree with. Attack the policy, not the person. You're an intelligent guy, but your writing slides into the gutter when half your opinion article HATES on Mr. Trump. As a journalist who is read nationally, your focus should be on the shortcomings of policy. The Times already knocks him daily, maybe have your content differ slightly.
15
I'd like to know how many public schools are in Muslim controlled Country's, how many athiests are in Muslim controlled Country's, and how many Christians were murdered in Muslim controlled Country's.
4
Mr. Blow. Good piece. One disagreement though.
You write: "Trump’s America is not America: not today’s or tomorrow’s, but yesterday’s."
I disagree. This is now,today, trump's America.
It is heading towards a dictatorship.
Remember bannon's "Shut up and listen."
He doesn't want just the media to shut up but all Americans.
Time to stand-up and be counted.
We will not shut up.
You write: "Trump’s America is not America: not today’s or tomorrow’s, but yesterday’s."
I disagree. This is now,today, trump's America.
It is heading towards a dictatorship.
Remember bannon's "Shut up and listen."
He doesn't want just the media to shut up but all Americans.
Time to stand-up and be counted.
We will not shut up.
15
Charles, trump is not a workaholic. He is insane!
14
Bannon is a danger to our country. Why is Trump adding him to the NSC..and what does that bode for the future?
Coup attempt?
Coup attempt?
13
Yes, Blow, Trump is very terrible, the Anti Christ, you have depicted. Imagine, actually trying to enforce our immigration laws. Deporting only illegals who have commmitted serious crimes. How awful!! They are just like us, only alien criminals. They have every right to stay and do us more harm. Viva Sanctuary Cities.
Building a wall that, if successful, will cut down on the importation of drugs and will permit, only legal immigration, from Mexico and Central America. How perverse! How very cruel! We need our heroin and ILLEGAL immigration. The idea of a border is ridiculous and noxious..
My God, a TEMPORARY ban on visitors from certain countries that have become a breeding ground for terrorists so that we may re-examine our vetting process. Abominable! While the NYT decries the fact that these countries are predominantly Muslim, it is slient on the terrorst groups that floursh there. Imagine Trump's gall. Trying to make us safer! Balderdash!
I too fondly remember Obama. I kept my doctor. Ooops, I didn't. I kept my health plan. Ooops, I didn't. Libya and Yemen worked out well for us, the red line also. I still miss him terribly. How can we live without another Banghazi?
Building a wall that, if successful, will cut down on the importation of drugs and will permit, only legal immigration, from Mexico and Central America. How perverse! How very cruel! We need our heroin and ILLEGAL immigration. The idea of a border is ridiculous and noxious..
My God, a TEMPORARY ban on visitors from certain countries that have become a breeding ground for terrorists so that we may re-examine our vetting process. Abominable! While the NYT decries the fact that these countries are predominantly Muslim, it is slient on the terrorst groups that floursh there. Imagine Trump's gall. Trying to make us safer! Balderdash!
I too fondly remember Obama. I kept my doctor. Ooops, I didn't. I kept my health plan. Ooops, I didn't. Libya and Yemen worked out well for us, the red line also. I still miss him terribly. How can we live without another Banghazi?
5
To the bigot racist unAmerican unpatriotic deplorables; you were warned and didn't listen so, TOLD YA SO! First, inauguration protests all across the globe not just in this country, and now immigration protests all across the globe. What does this tell you?! But you aren't smart enough to figure it out as per your actions not words. Anyway, what's next with your "hero?!" Hint: your "hero" is fighting with everyone across the globe. Not a good thing. Gonna miss good person President Obama rather than the dictator and masochistic sadistic unAmerican Republican'ts we have now, unfortunately. You made a humongous mistake and you will never admit to it or realize it. Let's do this if there is a next time, stay home and don't vote as you aren't smart enough. And stop watching the children's network Fixed Noise propaganda coolaid. You listened to liars, thieves and fascists instead of good people the Democrats. Hint: life is NOT a so called reality show, a television show, a myopic NASCAR race or football game or political campaign where my team beats yours and too bad for you. Grow up.
Should've voted for President Hillary Clinton and the Dems.
Should've voted for President Hillary Clinton and the Dems.
10
I think we should pay some attention to the attitude Trump has towards the other other 192 UN member nations, On Friday our UN ambassador Nikki Haley made this public pronouncement (her first) at the UN:
“You’re going to see a change in the way we do business, our goal with the administration is to show value at the U.N., and the way we’ll show value is to show our strength, show our voice, have the backs of our allies and make sure our allies have our back as well.
For those who don’t have our back, we’re taking names; we will make points to respond to that accordingly.”
So from now on the correct posture at the UN, for other countries, is have our back or we're coming after you. Machiavelli couldn't have said it better.
“You’re going to see a change in the way we do business, our goal with the administration is to show value at the U.N., and the way we’ll show value is to show our strength, show our voice, have the backs of our allies and make sure our allies have our back as well.
For those who don’t have our back, we’re taking names; we will make points to respond to that accordingly.”
So from now on the correct posture at the UN, for other countries, is have our back or we're coming after you. Machiavelli couldn't have said it better.
13
Lock him up!
12
KKK have taken over your country. There is no LBJ to put them in their place
When will the Americans realise that the Republican Party is racist to the core and slowly destroying this great country.
Perhaps they don't care
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07yjk0j via @bbciplayer
When will the Americans realise that the Republican Party is racist to the core and slowly destroying this great country.
Perhaps they don't care
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07yjk0j via @bbciplayer
12
"Now many of those Republicans are as quiet as church mice "
This congregation includes BLACK as well as WHITE voters.
christians are quite because their hate & fear generated ban and got trump elected so they could make money & be great again.
We the People will continue to demonstrate - I hope as we move forward more of the BLACK community will join us.
When it is a matter of electing a BLACK president or marching for "black lives matter", the BLACK community rises to the occasion but for any other issue effecting humanity, they are as silent as the mice in their churches.
This congregation includes BLACK as well as WHITE voters.
christians are quite because their hate & fear generated ban and got trump elected so they could make money & be great again.
We the People will continue to demonstrate - I hope as we move forward more of the BLACK community will join us.
When it is a matter of electing a BLACK president or marching for "black lives matter", the BLACK community rises to the occasion but for any other issue effecting humanity, they are as silent as the mice in their churches.
2
Charles, you seem to forget that Trump was elected by the American people. he is doing EXACTLY what he said he would do. You seem to think that he somehow just seized the office and find it alarming he's doing what he's doing.
7
We did not elect Steve Bannon, and his appointment is to a role that does not require Congressional confirmation. He is not qualified to make policy, and he has not been vetted in any way. Trump is not qualified either, but he is supposed to appoint a qualified Cabinet to carry out his ideas. He had the good sense (if I were to give him credit, and I'm not) or the blind good luck to appoint Mattis and Kelly, who are the only two members of his proposed Cabinet to actually be suitable for their roles. And HE DID NOT CONSULT THEM for this executive order. Instead, it was written by Bannon.
This is terrifying. It is government by beginners.
This is terrifying. It is government by beginners.
13
Senate & House Democrats...you need to present as outraged, yell loudly your/our opposition before every form of media...forget the tendency for polite discussion. This country is in crisis...treat it that way.
And Republicans...what a pathetic shame and sham. For those of you who know/admit that trump et al behaviors are dangerous, pathetic, and cruel, come out of your protective, cowardly shell. Acknowledge that winning the next election is not vital to your existence; the current administration is a threat to all people's existence...step up to the plate...you also must sound the alarm.
And Republicans...what a pathetic shame and sham. For those of you who know/admit that trump et al behaviors are dangerous, pathetic, and cruel, come out of your protective, cowardly shell. Acknowledge that winning the next election is not vital to your existence; the current administration is a threat to all people's existence...step up to the plate...you also must sound the alarm.
7
Positive news: The ACLU got 24 million dollars in donations, 6 times its annual average.
Viva La Resistance!
Viva La Resistance!
17
This POTUS and advisors are not keeping us safe.
8
bannon is trump's string-puller and nazi-whisperer. putin is bannon's puppeteer and comrade in malevolence.
9
I agree with ER of New Paltz, NY, to have a durable anti-Trump sign at the ready, but better ...yet, we all need to carry a fabric "resisT" banner that is small enough to fold and tuck into pocket or purse and can be quickly employed when needed at airports, city plazas etc. Please, some entrepreneur out there, get one onto production and offer online so we can react en masse to the next outrage!
9
I'm sure the Predator-in-Chief doesn't give a hoot about demonstrations, and he's already blaming everything on the people he has harmed and outraged. BUT, I think Republicans may be beginning to get the big picture, here. THEY have to get reelected in 2 years, which is looking increasingly more unlikely. WE, real Americans, are not going away. We do not like this hateful administration. We do not like this apologist Congress. YOU have united us. Executive orders are only necessary when CONGRESS refuses to act on important issues. Your Republican Rep. Bishop's response to trump's vs Obama's executive orders is completely OFF. trump is just grabbing power at the behest of the Fascist Steve Bannon. Obama signed executive orders because Congress refused to do their jobs.
11
Thank you, Mr. Blow!!
8
I absolutely reject president Bannon and his puppet Trump who seem in a huge hurry to make America small and mean and start a war, trade and military, with the rest of the world, impoverishing us in the process.
Their enablers in Congress and Christians far and wide need to read their Gospels and check the teachings of Christ:
The doctrine of hatred and exclusion and success as a sign of god's favor was created by an exploiter class that is running all the way to the bank with the money they persuade you to give them from their pulpits.
These are not spiritual people, and they have made their god into a small mean-spirited reflection of themselves.
http://biblehub.com/matthew/25-35.htm
Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
Job 31:32
"The alien has not lodged outside, For I have opened my doors to the traveler.
Isaiah 58:7
"Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry And bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Ezekiel 18:7
if a man does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing,
Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
...
Their enablers in Congress and Christians far and wide need to read their Gospels and check the teachings of Christ:
The doctrine of hatred and exclusion and success as a sign of god's favor was created by an exploiter class that is running all the way to the bank with the money they persuade you to give them from their pulpits.
These are not spiritual people, and they have made their god into a small mean-spirited reflection of themselves.
http://biblehub.com/matthew/25-35.htm
Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
Job 31:32
"The alien has not lodged outside, For I have opened my doors to the traveler.
Isaiah 58:7
"Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry And bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Ezekiel 18:7
if a man does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing,
Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
...
28
"the good ole days"
On Jan 18, my husband finally qualified under Medicare for Oxygen. The very next day the oxygen machines and tanks and even backpacks and a push-cart for them arrived. What a huge difference it made. Right away!
My husband, an immigrant with a Green Card (he loves his country, where he grew up under a dictatorship), said: "I'm so glad I got the oxygen under Obama!"
But will that last??? Medicare. Our most basic civil rights. Like Freedom of the Press. Freedom of Assembly. Freedom of Speech. Our Republic itself!
I just made a contribution to the ACLU: https://action.aclu.org/secure/donate-to-aclu
Thank you, Charles! For your Voice.
Thank you, Times! For exercising our Freedom of the Press so fiercely.
Thanks to Americans who, over the weekend, contributed 24 Million Dollars to the ACLU - "six times its yearly average" according to the WaPo!
Keep up the Struggle!
Dissent is Patriotic. (T-shirts and Totes that say that are out of stock at the ACLU store.)
On Jan 18, my husband finally qualified under Medicare for Oxygen. The very next day the oxygen machines and tanks and even backpacks and a push-cart for them arrived. What a huge difference it made. Right away!
My husband, an immigrant with a Green Card (he loves his country, where he grew up under a dictatorship), said: "I'm so glad I got the oxygen under Obama!"
But will that last??? Medicare. Our most basic civil rights. Like Freedom of the Press. Freedom of Assembly. Freedom of Speech. Our Republic itself!
I just made a contribution to the ACLU: https://action.aclu.org/secure/donate-to-aclu
Thank you, Charles! For your Voice.
Thank you, Times! For exercising our Freedom of the Press so fiercely.
Thanks to Americans who, over the weekend, contributed 24 Million Dollars to the ACLU - "six times its yearly average" according to the WaPo!
Keep up the Struggle!
Dissent is Patriotic. (T-shirts and Totes that say that are out of stock at the ACLU store.)
19
Thank you so very much, Mister Blow, for speaking to truth to the power mad White Supremacists Trump, Trump's Goebbels Bannon and his ultra-White bleached out Kellyanne KonJob.
First they came for the Muslims...
The Trump Resistance has Begun Full Force.
God Bless You.
DD
Manhattan
First they came for the Muslims...
The Trump Resistance has Begun Full Force.
God Bless You.
DD
Manhattan
18
I absolutely stand with the NY Times and with every progressive, open-minded, inclusive ideal out there. But when you say 'that most of the people in this country cannot and will not abide' aren't you kidding yourself? We have half the country who supported Trump! We cannot lie to ourselves that all this negativity and hatred exists in our country. We have to ADMIT IT and then do something about it!
20
The Fake President issues these extreme policies as a smoke screen for his terrifying actions he is initiating behind the scenes. Removing the Director of Intelligence and The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs from the National Security Council while installing Steve Bannon to patrol the most likey place our military could plan a coup to remove him is hardly being talked about. Follow the money people. At heart he who shall not be named is still a greedy oligarch. His greed will be the chink in his armor to take him down.
29
Dear Mr. Blow,
I agree with your article, Your analogy of the countries banned & those where the 9-11 terrorists came from & were not banned is suspicious, & may be criminal in nature.An article explained in todays Times, that Trump has business dealings in some of the countries that were omitted by Trumps Ban.Trump is nothing but a charlatan, driven by the almighty buck, & covering it up with phony patriotism.
I agree with your article, Your analogy of the countries banned & those where the 9-11 terrorists came from & were not banned is suspicious, & may be criminal in nature.An article explained in todays Times, that Trump has business dealings in some of the countries that were omitted by Trumps Ban.Trump is nothing but a charlatan, driven by the almighty buck, & covering it up with phony patriotism.
22
The seven countries were the ones identified by the Obama Administration in 2015.
Do you think Obama called Trump and asked him which countries to leave off the list?
Do you think Obama called Trump and asked him which countries to leave off the list?
3
Charles, Thank you for your inspiring, truthful words. You are the voice of sanity. We as the American People, people of all races, cultures and religions need to ACT, strongly, loudly and non violently. I believe that what President Trump and Mr. Bannon's singular intent is to incite VIOLENCE within American Communities. VIOLENCE breeds CHAOS and will make it easier for them to take total control of our government and society. WE MUST SPEAK AND WE MUST ACT but WE MUST UNITE and RESIST peacefully. And we need to wake up. It is NOT just the Republican Senators and Congressional Representatives who are complicit in this mess through their silence and inaction. It is TWITTER & FACEBOOK. Both of these Social Media Businesses are the TOOLS that the ALT-RIGHT is using to perpetuate fear. It doesn't matter if they are intentionally or unintentionally complicit. They are complicit. They are fueling the fire (and laughing all the way to the bank). Freedom of the Press involves responsibility and accountability. The American People need to rise up and ACTIVELY RESIST. Mr. Trump, Mr. Bannon and their inner sanctum need to know that this is not a game..and that the there is no such thing as a "Superior Race". A line has been crossed, WE MUST STOP THE MADNESS but we must not resort to violence because that is exactly what they want.
22
I think the CHAOS is in your head
5
Bannon is Rasputin to Trump. Having a Rasputin on board didn't work out for the Czar and it won't work out for Trump.
26
All individuals and countries betray themselves sooner or later. The United States is not an exception, but it shows more because of our constant claims as defenders of human dignity and democratic values. We proclaim to the world our virtues and go all over the world to offer them as examples to be followed. Unfortunately, often we fall short of them.
We have had the YELLOW scare of late 19th century and mid 20th century. We have had the RED scare of the 20's and 50's, we have had the BLACK scare for nearly two centuries. We are now witnessing the BROWN scare ,with Muslims and Latin-Americans. We can complete the full chromatic scale, if we include the people contained within the RAINBOW.
We are now able to reveal our true colors, the one that rejects all light: WHITE.
We have had the YELLOW scare of late 19th century and mid 20th century. We have had the RED scare of the 20's and 50's, we have had the BLACK scare for nearly two centuries. We are now witnessing the BROWN scare ,with Muslims and Latin-Americans. We can complete the full chromatic scale, if we include the people contained within the RAINBOW.
We are now able to reveal our true colors, the one that rejects all light: WHITE.
21
As you read these bullets decide if they sere actions by trump or Hitler. Some are obvious other's not so much:
1.promotes white supremacists to highest govt
positions
2.dupes politician's into supporting his angi- American acts in exchange for rubber- stamping their angi- govt.conservative agenda
3.deligitimizes and controls the press
4.divides citizens against each othet,fosters hate
5.scapegoats groups- Muslims Hispanics,women and protesters
6.divides and weakens military ,infiltrates with pro- Russian racist
7.deligitimizes the intelligence community
8.refers to those who disagree as the "opposition "
9.denies Science promotes torture
10.anti-immigrant ,violates Geneva convention
11.influences the FBI in a presidential election
12.encourages espionage of opponent
13.surrounds himself with billionaires and white supremacists
14.infiltratez govt.with anti- Americans
15.putin lover- Obama hater
16.anti-NATO and UN
17.stokes fear and uncertainty throughout the world.
18.Wants to militarize the police
19.uses large rallies to incite violence in supporters
20. mentally unstable and easily controlled by traitorous consultants.
Sounds like the ingredients to destroy our democracy.
Over- throw of democracy? Dismantling of the
Constitution?
1.promotes white supremacists to highest govt
positions
2.dupes politician's into supporting his angi- American acts in exchange for rubber- stamping their angi- govt.conservative agenda
3.deligitimizes and controls the press
4.divides citizens against each othet,fosters hate
5.scapegoats groups- Muslims Hispanics,women and protesters
6.divides and weakens military ,infiltrates with pro- Russian racist
7.deligitimizes the intelligence community
8.refers to those who disagree as the "opposition "
9.denies Science promotes torture
10.anti-immigrant ,violates Geneva convention
11.influences the FBI in a presidential election
12.encourages espionage of opponent
13.surrounds himself with billionaires and white supremacists
14.infiltratez govt.with anti- Americans
15.putin lover- Obama hater
16.anti-NATO and UN
17.stokes fear and uncertainty throughout the world.
18.Wants to militarize the police
19.uses large rallies to incite violence in supporters
20. mentally unstable and easily controlled by traitorous consultants.
Sounds like the ingredients to destroy our democracy.
Over- throw of democracy? Dismantling of the
Constitution?
8
Thank goodness for those who quickly organized and made their presence known at the airports. Thank goodness for the ACLU and all the lawyers who showed up and stood up for those affected by this abomination. One week is all that it has taken for us to begin the descent into fascism. One week. What is happening right now is the white nationalist's and the KKK's dream come true.
Closing borders can work both to keep people out and keep people in this country. Do any of us dare leave the country for fear we won't be able to get back in if we are registered Democrats or politically active? Nothing is far-fetched given the precipitous actions of this President or more appropriately his puppet master Bannon. How is the edict about preferential treatment given to Christian immigrants going to work? How do you vet someone's religious beliefs? Will you have to have your religion stamped on your passport?
We did not stop Trump from being elected. We thought he would lose in a landslide for Clinton. Yes she was victorious in the popular vote, but the electoral college overruled the will of the people. How are we going to stop him now? We need to stay focused and organized. We need to support the ACLU, and most of all we need a free press, unafraid of the consequences of calling out the fiend who is occupying the White House. Thank you Mr. Blow for standing up for all of us.
Stronger together.
Closing borders can work both to keep people out and keep people in this country. Do any of us dare leave the country for fear we won't be able to get back in if we are registered Democrats or politically active? Nothing is far-fetched given the precipitous actions of this President or more appropriately his puppet master Bannon. How is the edict about preferential treatment given to Christian immigrants going to work? How do you vet someone's religious beliefs? Will you have to have your religion stamped on your passport?
We did not stop Trump from being elected. We thought he would lose in a landslide for Clinton. Yes she was victorious in the popular vote, but the electoral college overruled the will of the people. How are we going to stop him now? We need to stay focused and organized. We need to support the ACLU, and most of all we need a free press, unafraid of the consequences of calling out the fiend who is occupying the White House. Thank you Mr. Blow for standing up for all of us.
Stronger together.
39
Sadly, the America "that will not stand for it" Blow refers to is not the America that millions of Americans said they wanted when they put Trump in the Oval Office.Sadder still, the party that fielded an unelectable candidate, worked ,often covertly, to ensure she became the nominee ,were sure of victory in spite of the lack of a clear platform, continues to be led by geriatrics and sycophants.so called leaders who, rather than learning from a defeat ,continue to blame the FBI and Russia while steadfastly addressing issues favored by those in their bubble but considered low priority by millions worried about the jobs and the roof over their head.
7
Mr. Blow, what is your point? That you don't like Trump? Well, we've heard that before from you. That you hate everything about him and his administration? Well, we've heard that before too. All the familiar derogatory terms and insults are there as well as your angry fist shaking. But what is lacking in your opinion piece is a reasoned argument for why the purpose of Trump's his executive orders is wrong. This piece is not about debating the issue, it is instead simply purposeless protest, and this piece is not journalism, it is merely propaganda. Your objective is solely to incite and further inflame the emotions of those people that hate Trump. This is nothing but a desperate call for someone will do something. And just what is that something Mr. blow? Your rhetoric is violent, are your ends violent as well?
15
Basically put, Blow hates fascism as do many of our citizens. If you stand for fascism then be careful what you wish for b cause it will not end well for you or many of the rest of us.
6
Blow believes that the First Amendment empowers him and others like him to incite others to commit violent acts in opposition to our government. He thinks he can preach sedition with impunity and is evidently encouraged to do so by irresponsible people who now run and staff the Times... He has no answers, just smears. His name calling and partisan rants, which were once merely tiresome, now point the way to sedition...
5
Trump built his campaign on insults and denigrating all. I don't know what you call it but I think the chickens are coming home to roost. If you call sticking up for what is right "purposeless protest " then sign me up.
5
I could never have imagined that I, at 78 years old, would find myself compelled to leave my house at a moment's notice and spend hours in the streets of NY, Philadelphia, or DC, or in their airports, or whatever other locations confrontation with the new Administration's disastrous edicts dictates. Can it really only have been a week? We are living with Rosemary's Baby, in full tantrum mode, overturning furniture, pulling lamps off tables, screaming for his dinner, all the while exhaling noxious fumes and expecting us to change his soiled diaper. ARE we or AREN'T we a country of laws?
53
Thank you, Mr Blow. You are so right. I keep wondering if anyone from either party is going to step up and defy this madness. But I also cast my mind to the Declaration of Independence, and I think, ah...we can do this, can we not? After all, we have a tyrant in our midst. Or two, actually. Bannon is the brains behind the brawn and bluster. We can to and fro about all the failings that got them in this position all we want, hindsight and all that. And yes, hopefully learn a lesson for once. But the deed is done, and we cannot sit back and allow his dystopian fantasy to materialise.
21
It's more than two, you need to add in Ryan, Pence etc.
2
Can someone with a legal background explain how we get this on the docket of the Supreme Court? Would that, presuming John Roberts is able to corral even the more extreme right wing justices (yes, perhaps a long shot) nail this shut? I'm dreaming aren't I?
4
Ryan and McConnell have shown us their true colors. May it stick at them for the rest of their political lives.
Despicable.
Despicable.
38
nothing sticks on slippery surfaces
2
Through all of this, where is the repulsive support for t-rump. Silence. Where are the Democrats? Silent. What is wrong with this picture. We the people are the only ones making our voices of discontent heard. Rightfully.
11
The NYT and other news outlets don't seem to be carrying much news of what Democratic politicians have been doing.
4
As always, Charles, you get right to the point. The uncomfortable truth that polite society typically eschews. That the Republican establishment, represented by the cowardly Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell, does absolutely nothing while an illegitimate president purposefully dismantles the foundations of American democracy.
We all understand Trump: an ignorant, insecure little man who has led a pretentious life based on greed and mistreatment of others - who believes himself above not only the law, but the moral precepts of society. We understand Bannon and his entire cadre of miscreants and sociopaths. It is the Republican party that most fascinates me.
Who can explain this party of weaklings and cowards who profess love of country while standing mute in the face of extremism and atrocious behavior? Who made it their sole mission for eight years to undermine a popular president who was the embodiment of graciousness, dignity and morality. Because he was African American.
It is up to the people. The Democrats are useless. The Republicans are a miserable lot weaklings bent on undermining the entire social structure of our civilized democracy. It is up to the people to oppose not only this president of ill-repute but the entire Republican agenda of anger, fear and disingenuous righteousness.
We all understand Trump: an ignorant, insecure little man who has led a pretentious life based on greed and mistreatment of others - who believes himself above not only the law, but the moral precepts of society. We understand Bannon and his entire cadre of miscreants and sociopaths. It is the Republican party that most fascinates me.
Who can explain this party of weaklings and cowards who profess love of country while standing mute in the face of extremism and atrocious behavior? Who made it their sole mission for eight years to undermine a popular president who was the embodiment of graciousness, dignity and morality. Because he was African American.
It is up to the people. The Democrats are useless. The Republicans are a miserable lot weaklings bent on undermining the entire social structure of our civilized democracy. It is up to the people to oppose not only this president of ill-repute but the entire Republican agenda of anger, fear and disingenuous righteousness.
20
It is important for Americans to understand what is going on right now. Mr. Trump's narcissistic mind is so occupied by petty things like the size of this inauguration crowd that he is unable to see beyond the simplistic concept of a Muslim ban that he asked Rudy Giuliani to assemble. Considering if the travel ban or wall will be effective is the furthest thing from Trump's mind.
Instead, this is obviously Steve Bannon and Kellyanne Conway plotting to get Trump re-elected, and not caring if they break the law along the way. So they craft an obviously illegal order that will be dismissed by the courts. Not only will they then argue to the voters in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Florida that they are trying to make the country safe, but they will argue that they are needed to replace the courts with judges who share their racist ideology. Bannon and Conway may be evil, but they are not stupid.
The issue is not just stopping the travel ban, which is urgent, but starting the process of replacing the Trump administration. Most Republican leaders do not seem to have the courage to do that, so it is up to the Democrats and Independents to turn the outrage into a realistic strategy to end the Trump presidency.
(And, yes, the small "p" was intentional)
Instead, this is obviously Steve Bannon and Kellyanne Conway plotting to get Trump re-elected, and not caring if they break the law along the way. So they craft an obviously illegal order that will be dismissed by the courts. Not only will they then argue to the voters in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Florida that they are trying to make the country safe, but they will argue that they are needed to replace the courts with judges who share their racist ideology. Bannon and Conway may be evil, but they are not stupid.
The issue is not just stopping the travel ban, which is urgent, but starting the process of replacing the Trump administration. Most Republican leaders do not seem to have the courage to do that, so it is up to the Democrats and Independents to turn the outrage into a realistic strategy to end the Trump presidency.
(And, yes, the small "p" was intentional)
19
Unfortunately, most of the democrats rant up to it ither. We need a total takeover of the Democratic Party/DNC to replace them with real social democrats that are not beholden to lobbies and Wall Street. If we can accomplish that in a year and a half, it will be a miracle.
1
I have always been engaged in our democracy because I understand we cannot take our form of government for granted and it does not work without an engaged and informed populous. But this wanna be autocrat has awoken in me a fire that will not be extinguished until he is stopped. I was in mourning for some time but now I am mad as hell and will not allow my country to be consumed and destroyed by Bannon and his ilk. You want a fight, bring it on, because I know to my core that me and millions of others are on the right side and we will prevail.
26
The bottom line to all of this will play out in two\four years.
Will all those that voted for republican candidates and fortress America realize that the racist tendencies they project, only hurt themselves and the country in the long run ?
Will Democrats\Liberals have candidates that are squarely progressive to represent the clear majority of Americans that will want their country back ?
Everything from now until then will be apologized for by the sycophants with any and all excuse to explain everything away becoming the norm.
Short of impeachment, the dictates will continue ( unfortunately )
Will all those that voted for republican candidates and fortress America realize that the racist tendencies they project, only hurt themselves and the country in the long run ?
Will Democrats\Liberals have candidates that are squarely progressive to represent the clear majority of Americans that will want their country back ?
Everything from now until then will be apologized for by the sycophants with any and all excuse to explain everything away becoming the norm.
Short of impeachment, the dictates will continue ( unfortunately )
7
As this nightmare for the whole world is gaining momentum I feel an obligation to recommend to you to familiarize with the German word "Gleichschaltung".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gleichschaltung
I feel that will be one of the next steps. Not only in the media sector. So much hate and chaos in less than two weeks and nearly all politicians submerged! I still can't believe it!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gleichschaltung
I feel that will be one of the next steps. Not only in the media sector. So much hate and chaos in less than two weeks and nearly all politicians submerged! I still can't believe it!
8
If things keep going the way they have been all those "God fearing" GOP tax saving businessmen might find a few unexpected items added to the expense column in their IRS returns before this is all over. Broken plate glass windows and burned out inventory. Be careful what you wish for as the saying goes.
5
Steve Bannon makes the scheming Karl Rove look like an Eagle Scout altar boy.
16
Charles -
I love your columns. What I think really requires focus is Steve Bannon. Trump, as we all know, doesn't have an idea in his head. But Bannon is a dangerous man whose influence appears to be growing. He is the right-wing extremist that was not supposed to "happen here". What is frightening is that he is a capable manipulator and far more cunning than Trump. He is genuinely dedicated to the destruction of the United States - it is not a talking point and he is seizing the levers of power to accomplish his goals. Perhaps you and your colleagues can shine more light on this dark and malignant man.
I love your columns. What I think really requires focus is Steve Bannon. Trump, as we all know, doesn't have an idea in his head. But Bannon is a dangerous man whose influence appears to be growing. He is the right-wing extremist that was not supposed to "happen here". What is frightening is that he is a capable manipulator and far more cunning than Trump. He is genuinely dedicated to the destruction of the United States - it is not a talking point and he is seizing the levers of power to accomplish his goals. Perhaps you and your colleagues can shine more light on this dark and malignant man.
19
Trump/Bannon are creating the America that reflects the sick, dark, hateful inner workings of their pathological minds. They see themselves as the perfect saviors. Delusional Trump is Bannon's wind up toy.
We, Americans, are being called to stop this dictatorship.
A million times over, thank you Charles Blow.
We, Americans, are being called to stop this dictatorship.
A million times over, thank you Charles Blow.
14
Folks still thinking Hillary was one of "two (equally) flawed candidates"?
14
"The ban is nonsensical and likely unconstitutional, as well as chaotic and damaging to our national security interests."
Unconstitutional?
Whatever you may think of the merits of the ban, pray tell: why is it unconstitutional?
Wade not into waters of which you are evidently ignorant, Mr. Blow.
Unconstitutional?
Whatever you may think of the merits of the ban, pray tell: why is it unconstitutional?
Wade not into waters of which you are evidently ignorant, Mr. Blow.
7
Whatever you may think of the merits of the ban, pray tell: why is it unconstitutional?
Wade not into waters of which you are evidently ignorant, Mr. Blow.
===================
Sorry, completely constitutional:
8 USC 1182
(f) Suspension of entry or imposition of restrictions by President
Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.
Wade not into waters of which you are evidently ignorant, Mr. Blow.
===================
Sorry, completely constitutional:
8 USC 1182
(f) Suspension of entry or imposition of restrictions by President
Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.
6
a carve out for minority religions facing persecution, but if you belong to a majority religion and face persecution, you are outa luck. just a coincidence the majority religion is Muslim.
The newspapers and cable news channels are not giving enough coverage to the speech from the governor of the State of Washington. He eloquently called out Trump in a five minute speech from the Seattle airport, but the only place you find much mention of it is by searching on YouTube. When a leader speaks out, it needs to be covered.
19
I'm curious about why the media isn't giving these things more coverage. Is it just a matter of click bait or is something else going on?
2
You are right Charles, we are ready to take it to the streets. I was out there for the Women's March and was amazed and heartened by the groundswell of anger and determination all around me.
14
With Trump in office Mr. Blow's "racism everywhere" rhetoric now has some relevance. Unfortunately 8 years of this rhetoric under Obama has severely dulled the edge. Will Blow hone this edge, or break the blade across the stone?
6
DT is showing the world his "insides." Surrounded by wealth and privilege he is incapable of joy, incapable of meaningful relationships, and filled to his orange gills with hate, envy, and emptiness. He will die this way, a dragon surrounded by gold that he can not spend, an empty soul to his last breath. Between his final day and now, he will seek ways to scorch the earth to save himself the taunt of knowing, that many of us with less material items, are far more happy and joyous than he has ever been or will ever know.
15
President Pence -- Kindly announce your selections for cabinet posts. I think it's time to try to save the two-party system. There are some good Conservatives and some good Liberals that will support you. And we can put the extremists in the same looney bin that the Donald will inhabit very shortly.
2
Seriously? Do you know anything about Pence? He's just as mean as Trump, he's just quieter about it.
4
Just as the Richter Scale measures earthquake severity, let us now turn to a scale to measure "despotic severity": the Trumpty Scale.
Using an equivalent metric, 1.0-10.0, of the Richter Scale, with 1.0 representing minor severity and 10.0 catastrophic, here are the Trumpty Scale's first measurements:
1. First week in office: 8.8 (signifies substantial damage to democracy)
2. Second day of second week in office: 9.2 (see #1)
Using an equivalent metric, 1.0-10.0, of the Richter Scale, with 1.0 representing minor severity and 10.0 catastrophic, here are the Trumpty Scale's first measurements:
1. First week in office: 8.8 (signifies substantial damage to democracy)
2. Second day of second week in office: 9.2 (see #1)
7
No it does not "fly in the face of our Founders and our Constitution". Does the phrase "When in the course of human events...." ring a bell? It's the opening phrase of the Declaration of Independence, the document that began our nation and made the men who signed it the Founding Fathers. I respectfully suggest you read it.
5
"Trump’s America is brutal, perverse, regressive, insular and afraid."
Can you cite, Mr. Blow any examples of illegal actions talen by President Trump that support your conclusiom?
Please be specific.
As far as I can see, Trump has merely been enforcing the laws that are on the books and using the legal tools that Congress, in their wisdom, have provided him to do his job.
What's this? He's not doing things the way Obama did?
My, my...Didn't you get the meaning of the election of 2016?
And, oh dear, Trump is not doing things in the way that you, Mr. Blow, approves.
Well, sir, elections DO have consequences. And, when our political leaders have been ignoring or breaking the laws as a matter of convenience, I can see clearly why you might be upset.
But you have to remember, Mr. Blow, that the laws were passed by Congress and duly approved by the President. On the Executive's approval they became "the law of the land".
Are you objecting, sir, to the laws of our nation being enforced? Or, are you suggesting a return to the rule of the laws of equity, a system that was bred out of our political system for a whole host of valid reasons.
Consider yourself fortunate for having Trump as president. You will heve either four or eight years of of self-righteous indignation about which to write rather than your usual "I'm a victim" drivel.
Can you cite, Mr. Blow any examples of illegal actions talen by President Trump that support your conclusiom?
Please be specific.
As far as I can see, Trump has merely been enforcing the laws that are on the books and using the legal tools that Congress, in their wisdom, have provided him to do his job.
What's this? He's not doing things the way Obama did?
My, my...Didn't you get the meaning of the election of 2016?
And, oh dear, Trump is not doing things in the way that you, Mr. Blow, approves.
Well, sir, elections DO have consequences. And, when our political leaders have been ignoring or breaking the laws as a matter of convenience, I can see clearly why you might be upset.
But you have to remember, Mr. Blow, that the laws were passed by Congress and duly approved by the President. On the Executive's approval they became "the law of the land".
Are you objecting, sir, to the laws of our nation being enforced? Or, are you suggesting a return to the rule of the laws of equity, a system that was bred out of our political system for a whole host of valid reasons.
Consider yourself fortunate for having Trump as president. You will heve either four or eight years of of self-righteous indignation about which to write rather than your usual "I'm a victim" drivel.
7
Owl, Did you notice how fast President Trump accomplished your first sentence quoted from Blow(hard)? Jeeze one week and someone's about to blow a gasket! I'm telling you there's an ill wind blowing around here over President Trump. President Trump, I like the sound of it but let's not blow it out of proportion.
1
Maybe, just maybe, he is referring to three federal courts striking down portions of Trumps executive order within *hours*?
I wonder if it could be that.
I wonder if it could be that.
4
Celebrating the "peaceful transition of power" to outright fascism. It gives a whole new meaning to "form over substance."
5
What is disturbing about the "standoff" is that the American public has the words but Crazy Man has the guns. All dictators resort to use of the military to take over. I hope there is a contingency plans for tanks in the streets of Washington, D.C.
8
Here is Syracuse, more than 1,000 people gathered at Hancock International Airport. led by our Mayor Stephanie Miner. We are the city of the Jerry Rescue, which defied the Fugitive Slave Act during Abolitionist times, so we've proudly stood by this tradition a long time. Hands off those who seek refuge.
12
Thank you Mr. Blow for your fervor. The American people need constant reinforcement of our natural dismay and shock. To say the citizenry is embarrassed is the least of it.
I am expecting a run on chains and padlocks at the hardware stores. We will need to bind ourselves to the paddy wagons to make our love of immigrants palpable.
Heaven knows no fury like a citizenry scorned.
I am expecting a run on chains and padlocks at the hardware stores. We will need to bind ourselves to the paddy wagons to make our love of immigrants palpable.
Heaven knows no fury like a citizenry scorned.
5
Some of the many chilling statements made in the last week were Nicki Haley's comment to the UN "we're taking names" and Trump's accusation that Sen John McCain and Sen Lindsey Graham are "looking to start World War III."
If this is reckless language it is dangerous foreign policy.
If, on the other hand, these words are slips of the tongue that reveal the planned repression of dissent, they are signs of a clear and present danger to democracy.
Or do they signify both dangerous foreign policy and a clear and present danger to democracy? I vote for this third alternative.
If this is reckless language it is dangerous foreign policy.
If, on the other hand, these words are slips of the tongue that reveal the planned repression of dissent, they are signs of a clear and present danger to democracy.
Or do they signify both dangerous foreign policy and a clear and present danger to democracy? I vote for this third alternative.
11
The 25th Amendment must be implemented. Donald Trump is mentally ill and must be replaced by Mike Pence.
7
Yikes
2
Do you really think that will be any kind of improvement?
2
If you walk into the Republican store on Capitol Hill, regardless of which party holds the White House, the biggest selling item is hypocrisy. Whatever a Democratic president does, the Republicans hate. Whatever a Republican president does, the Republicans love.
As long as the constituents of congressional Republicans let them get away with it, the sale of hypocrisy will continue.
Publicizing the names and views of the hypocrites in their hometown papers and on the local television channels will help more than national campaigns.
As long as the constituents of congressional Republicans let them get away with it, the sale of hypocrisy will continue.
Publicizing the names and views of the hypocrites in their hometown papers and on the local television channels will help more than national campaigns.
1
Amen.
6
People need to realize this is all very well orchestrated. With each half baked action, partial retraction or walk back, then an 11th hour "doubling down", followed by a series of misleading and inaccurate tweets, Bannon and Trump are merely testing the citizenry. They are measuring just how much they can get away . To them it is a game. Test the limits, see the blowback, repeat. This is how they will govern. Nothing deliberative or rational about it. It's all in their playbook. Written by Bannon.
12
I support all protests against President Trump's administration. I appreciate the opinion of Mr. Blow. We have got to do something to save the the fundamental principles of the United States of America.
9
Thank you, Mr. Blow and your NY Times colleagues for your collected wisdom and barrage of hurled epitaphs. Liar, misogynist, xenophobe, racist, clown, bigot, hatemonger, puppet, homophobe, coward, idiot, rage-acholic, and others echo and now rebound off eardrums and vocal cords in every office complex and classroom, repeated by business people and elementary school students.
Thank you for your fairness, patience, and respect while raising the bar for dialogue and empowering a nation with new words to describe their President.
These lettered missiles, a fuselage of words of mass destruction, have found their marks, landing and permanently etched in corridors of influence and hallways of learning, permanent reminders of the power of the press and its ability to frighten, divide and destroy.
Thank you for your fairness, patience, and respect while raising the bar for dialogue and empowering a nation with new words to describe their President.
These lettered missiles, a fuselage of words of mass destruction, have found their marks, landing and permanently etched in corridors of influence and hallways of learning, permanent reminders of the power of the press and its ability to frighten, divide and destroy.
8
Please explain how a xenophobe can be married to an immigrant?
1
The American people did their job and voted Mr Trump in as our President.
As despicable as he appears he is just the tip of a political iceberg which appears to be more dangerous to our democracy than any President.
He is and has always been the barker for his own sideshow which is clear to anyone who has used the various forms of tweeting, aka rumor, for their advantage. While he is being accepted by the shadow government it is only because they can use him to further their own agenda which means kissing up to a person they despise.
We may be stuck with him for the next four years, but again he is not the guy to watch. His fingers are free to tweet, but his hands like his precedent's are tied by governors and legislators who have no intention to help anyone beyond themselves
As despicable as he appears he is just the tip of a political iceberg which appears to be more dangerous to our democracy than any President.
He is and has always been the barker for his own sideshow which is clear to anyone who has used the various forms of tweeting, aka rumor, for their advantage. While he is being accepted by the shadow government it is only because they can use him to further their own agenda which means kissing up to a person they despise.
We may be stuck with him for the next four years, but again he is not the guy to watch. His fingers are free to tweet, but his hands like his precedent's are tied by governors and legislators who have no intention to help anyone beyond themselves
4
The New York Times should be granted a roomful of Pulitzers for apocalyptic accessments of Trump America. The journalism might indeed be accompanied by a theatrical bloodstream of emotional checks & balances via stage works. Now is the time for original, informed thinkers to shine their lights upon ambiguity & legality of words. The orders & uncertainty stimulate constant agons (Greek debates). As border officials improvise playwrights should follow suit. In stead of squacks of Hollywood stars let theater professionals process enlightened opinions into fiull fledged works of emergency theater. A new world order is upon us & it should ignite thinking dramatic artists to write.
3
What is REALLY scary is that Tony Schwarz and contrary to Trump's diatribes, the REAL and only writer of Trump's book, "Art of the Deal" and spent 18 months with him gathering info for that book, when finding out Trump was going to run for President, he stated quite unequivocally, among his other "attributes", "Trump is a sociopathic, empty suit with a short attention span, whom, in order to meet his goals, lies regularly and has little empathy and concerns for others around him. He would have no compunction whatsoever in starting a major war".
This guy has his finger on the nuclear button? I am not even sure the Republican Party believes what they have here in Trump, for the moment anyway, they are only selfishly concerned about enacting their agenda.
This guy has his finger on the nuclear button? I am not even sure the Republican Party believes what they have here in Trump, for the moment anyway, they are only selfishly concerned about enacting their agenda.
13
The majority of these comments are at least amusing since they lack substance that comes close to factual information .
5
President Trump expressed his concern about immigrants in a brief speech Sunday night 1/29. "I have tremendous feeling for the people involved in this horrific humanitarian crisis in Syria. My first priority will be to protect and serve our country, but as President, I will find way to help all those who are suffering."
1
All of us here see what is going on.
But too many people are getting their news from people like Sean Hannity.
For Hannity, Obama is still the elitist authoritarian dictator while Trump is the good guy protecting our nation.
By the way, I was always amazed that Obama could be feckless and an authoritarian dictator.
But too many people are getting their news from people like Sean Hannity.
For Hannity, Obama is still the elitist authoritarian dictator while Trump is the good guy protecting our nation.
By the way, I was always amazed that Obama could be feckless and an authoritarian dictator.
6
I hope there are at least 220 spaces in our Federal prison system reserved and available for the next fifty years.
They will be needed to jail Trump, Bannon, Pence, Ryan, Conway and all the other co-conspirators in the coup currently infesting our government.
This will not just be lock them up; this will be lock them up, throw away the key, and solder the cell doors permanently shut.
They will be needed to jail Trump, Bannon, Pence, Ryan, Conway and all the other co-conspirators in the coup currently infesting our government.
This will not just be lock them up; this will be lock them up, throw away the key, and solder the cell doors permanently shut.
12
How's that 'I want a businessman to run the country like a business' working out for you? This has more to do with the recent history of the United States of Central North America and allowing lawlessness from Nixon on and mostly Republican disaster. Bush 1 implementing Central American tragedy, the false promises and lies of Reagan, the neo liberal Clinton and on to George the lessor. War criminals. You haven't dealt with the criminal so the criminal continues. The rest of the world shakes our heads in disbelief. At least Putin knows who he is.
6
Why wasn't Obama's bombings of 7 countries not on your watch? It's amazing that this is the tipping point for so many people. The last two administrations have been creating this refugee crisis and opening up the door for these draconian policies to be implemented.
Don't get me wrong, I think the activism is wonderful I just don't know where it was, particularly during the last 8 years. Perhaps the next time around they will be more attentive to the behavior of the Democrats, the so-called "good guys," so we do not end up in a place like this again. Bush and Obama set the stage for this - we cannot forget that or this will happen again.
Don't get me wrong, I think the activism is wonderful I just don't know where it was, particularly during the last 8 years. Perhaps the next time around they will be more attentive to the behavior of the Democrats, the so-called "good guys," so we do not end up in a place like this again. Bush and Obama set the stage for this - we cannot forget that or this will happen again.
6
The Republican Party is complicit with the current fear-mongering administration. Silence is complicity. Period. Get ready for 2018, 2020 and scream, call, and protest in the mean time. Showing up at least shows the rest of the world we are not a nation of haters and fear peddlers. You can also boycott/contact the companies that do business with Trump. https://grabyourwallet.org/
9
The only way to defeat Isis, is for moderate muslims to infiltrate and betray its leaders.
Trump is just a blind bull in a china shop.
Trump is just a blind bull in a china shop.
5
If we have to protest in the streets for the next four years, count me in.
14
Thank you, Mr. Blow and your NY Times columnist colleagues for your collected wisdom and barrage of hurled epitaphs. Liar, misogynist, xenophobe, racist, clown, rapist, bigot, hatemonger, puppet, homophobe, coward, idiot, rage-acholic, and others echo and now rebound off eardrums and vocal cords in every office complex and classroom, repeated by business women and elementary school students.
Thank you for your fairness, patience, and respect while raising the bar for dialogue while empowering a nation with new words to describe their President.
These alphabetized missiles, a fuselage of words of mass destruction, have found their marks, landing and permanently etched in corridors of influence and hallways of learning, permanent reminders of the power of the press and its ability to frighten, divide, and condemn.
Thank you for your fairness, patience, and respect while raising the bar for dialogue while empowering a nation with new words to describe their President.
These alphabetized missiles, a fuselage of words of mass destruction, have found their marks, landing and permanently etched in corridors of influence and hallways of learning, permanent reminders of the power of the press and its ability to frighten, divide, and condemn.
1
It is only a matter of time until Blow calls for armed insurrection to overthrow Trump. His rhetoric is becoming increasingly strident, as is the reporting and opinion writing in The Times and the liberal media. Look at the front page of The Times today; it shows a photo of a dark skinned woman wearing a Muslim headscarf made from an American flag. Incitement to protest with violence is coming from the left. It is only a matter of time.
10
I believe it is only a matter of time until the donald uses troops against protesters, US citizens.
11
Paul, I have been reading your anti-liberal, I hate Obama, et al posts for years. Enough already. It's always the same old line. I have your posts from years back and it's the same tired, out comments all the time. You know what? Time for you and your kind to follow the words of Bannon and close your mouths. If you think that Blow is inciting violence than you have no clue about what's really going on. Then again, I wouldn't expect you and your kind too. Violence from the left? NO - - you folks own this - you are the ones who are violent and filled with hate. You own this.
4
But you're OK with Trump supporters waving guns and wearing flags?
1
Many friends think I am out of touch for being very optimistic about all this. It's the best thing that could have happened to Democrats, progressives, liberals. Get out of our Clintonian and suffocating comfort zone, become real Democrats (from the Democratic wing of the Democratic party), fight for what we believe in and get things done.
Thank you Mr Blow for reminding us. Your columns are the clarion for action.
Thank you Mr Blow for reminding us. Your columns are the clarion for action.
7
I was proud to take my five year old son to a protest held at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. He's now taken his first step into the world of activism.
Protest was led by city council member Jimmy Van Bramer. Also NYC Public Advocate Letitia James made a surprise appearance and a rousing speech. It's clear the Trump resistance means business.
Protest was led by city council member Jimmy Van Bramer. Also NYC Public Advocate Letitia James made a surprise appearance and a rousing speech. It's clear the Trump resistance means business.
6
It is one thing to send in the demonstrators but it has now become time to impeach. Stopping this inept, thoughtless fool should be our highest priority.
11
Would be nice if some of this moral outrage were directed at fixing the problems of actual Americans.
2
It was EXACTLY that moral outrage that fixed the problems of many actual Americans throughout our history from the Civil War to the Civil Rights era.
1
It has been, you just haven't been paying attention.
If you live in a red state, what good is employing the usual means of communication with your Congress members when they know very well that the majority who elected them are still supporting them and will vote for them again? People who voted for Trump love what he is doing and I cannot imagine anything he could do that they wouldn't love as long as it harms those "others" that Trump attacked during his campaign. We say that the Trump we saw in the campaign is the Trump we will get as president and the same is true of those who voted for him. They are the same people. Only when and if (and I doubt they will) they stand up and say, "This is not what we voted for!" will he and the Republican Congress stop what they're doing. Maybe. If it's not too late. All the opposition now is voters who didn't vote Republican, and they don't count. When he was elected, I didn't blame him, or the media, or anybody but my neighbors and family who voted for him. They weren't stupid. They saw who he is. And they voted for him anyway and gave Republicans total control. This is their government now. This is their country. It's all on them.
7
The GOP congressional silence is deafening, is it not?
They are absolutely loving this guy, and why shouldn't they?
He is their unchained id, and is trying to settle all family business once and for all in a fevered feeding frenzy. It's like they've broken into a candy store and don't know what to eat first.
Trump is no worse than the GOP, he's just the first guy with the brass to try and do what they had only spoken about in "quiet rooms".
And they're just getting warmed up.
They are absolutely loving this guy, and why shouldn't they?
He is their unchained id, and is trying to settle all family business once and for all in a fevered feeding frenzy. It's like they've broken into a candy store and don't know what to eat first.
Trump is no worse than the GOP, he's just the first guy with the brass to try and do what they had only spoken about in "quiet rooms".
And they're just getting warmed up.
8
Thank you for calling this what it is: a white nationalist agenda. On the margins for years, these groups now hold the reigns of power, and they are proceeding unchecked with a racist agenda. Now it is time to see if Republicans truly are the party of racism. Their silence isn't looking very promising thus far.
13
Plus they are Trump's enablers and the biggest hypocrites and liars to all their 'politically right" statements during the primaries and election.
Their silence is telling and deafening!
They just wanted a puppet that could sign whatever they place in front of him.
Their silence is telling and deafening!
They just wanted a puppet that could sign whatever they place in front of him.
This is the tipping point.
Anger is now at this moment rising to such a serious tipping point in our country that we ALL must not succumb to a subterranean desire to become violent.
But ---- real pathological righteous anger will work as the fuel to defeat the bait and switch hijacking of our country.
Anger is now at this moment rising to such a serious tipping point in our country that we ALL must not succumb to a subterranean desire to become violent.
But ---- real pathological righteous anger will work as the fuel to defeat the bait and switch hijacking of our country.
6
Thank you so much, Mr. Blow, for highlighting and coupling: (1) the changes to National Security Council, most particularly the removal from regular attendance of the Director of National Intelligence and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with the addition of Chief Political Strategist, Bannon with (2) the "people from poor Muslim countries" ban. I understand that the NSC reorg is par for the course with a new president. The inclusion of Bannon, however, is the first time this has ever happened (I read, Trump wants Bannon to give him cliff notes). However, what security issue, whether abroad or domestic today, would not benefit from the knowledge and guidance provided by the military and intelligence communities? If you're National Security Adviser, Mike Flynn though (the man who Colin Powell described in emails to his son as "right-wing nutty" and "abusive with staff"), maybe a little less contention at the table as you push an Islamophobic agenda might be welcome, no? Get ready for more amateur hour politics with real world consequences.
4
The electorate that voted for Donald Trump want to end immigration from the Mideast. Mr. Trump said he would restrict immigration from countries with a Islamic terrorist subculture, and he has. Mr. Trump should ignore the protesters who did not vote for him or Republicans, and continue the policy to secure the United States.
4
You and your electorate are a minority in this country. You just put a Fuher in the White House who has awoken a nation and will unite us against this ever happening again - despite our ignorant electorate.
2
Wake up. Read a book. Understand what your country is about.
2
How could anyone who watched (or read) the David Muir interview of Mr. Trump reach any conclusion other than that our current President is rabidly delusional and seriously mentally ill, thus unfit for office. Article 25 of the Constitution provides a mechanism to save the country from this mad man. Period.
18
During the elections I assumed Trump was just an overstuffed blowhard, mindlessly tweeting whatever came into his head. The last week has proven me (and thousands of others, I suspect) wrong. Yesterday's and today's Times articles have shone a light on the the whole web he is weaving and it scares the hell out of me. Even scarier is that, even if Republicans block some of his executive orders, Trump can make his own party the scapegoat along with Democrats. He can say to his base:' I kept my campaign promises but the Republicans blocked this one and that one and the Republicans are now also out enemy'. He will throw out any and all that don't fawn at his feet, and he will anoint himself king .
2
Trump is not lying. There is a medical term for the following statements: 1)"I saw thousands of Muslims cheering in New Jersey as the towers came down", 2)"There were millions of people at my inauguration", 3)"Three million illegal immigrants voted in the election". The term is "confabulation" and it is a serious symptom of brain disease. As a retired physician I am solemn when I suggest Trumps' wild and erratic comments suggest frontotemporal dementia. It is a bit complex and people make mis-attribution for some statements to demagoguery or personality disorder. Being a demagogue or having a personality disorder does not protect one from dementia. A careful analysis shows that many of his statements are against his own interest and better fit impairment of executive function seen with frontotemporal dementia. It has been said his elocution is at a sixth grade level; and not a very bright sixth grader at that. His speaking at a sixth grade level, tweeting at a sixth grade level and emotionally responding at a sixth grade level demand explanation. Tapes of him at a younger age suggest superior language and cognitive function. In a 70 year old male, the likely diagnosis is frontotemporal dementia. If you think he is just dumbing down his communication for his base, then you would observe a shift in elocution dependent on circumstances-----and you don't. It is a critical question. The NYTimes should study earlier tapes with a few academic neurologists and compare.
12
Among those detained was a 5 year old boy. Reports are he was detained for 19 hours before being released to his mother, who was at the airport.
A Christian couple was forced to return to Qatar. A family of 6, also Christians, were forced to return to Syria. That says a lot about President Trump's concern for Christians living in majority Muslin countries.
A Christian couple was forced to return to Qatar. A family of 6, also Christians, were forced to return to Syria. That says a lot about President Trump's concern for Christians living in majority Muslin countries.
7
It's on folks! Blow is on point, we are in the days of rage and anarchy, the blue states will not be having this, slowly, the flyover states and the South will figure this out too, this is a buffoon coup, as much as ever, the union is in danger
4
Astounding. In the span of a week, a week in which nothing remotely close to "brutal, perverse, regressive, insular and afraid" has taken place, we are already seeing the panic and fearmongering that comes with having ones' subjective ideology threatened by opposing views. Take a step back, and think about how such rhetoric would be received in 2008 or 2012 after the Election of President Obama (and no, nothing remotely close to this was ever lobbed at Obama by any mainstream news source, regardless of whether it originated in their opinion section or in their news sections). I'll give Mr. Blow credit, he's found innumerable ways to express his own opinion, but that's just it: an opinion. The dangerous aspect of this opinion is the attempt to pass it off as fact. Mr. Blow would do well to remember that simply because someone is implementing policies that he disagrees with, it doesn't make those policies "brutal," "perverse," "regressive," "insular," or "afraid." He might also do well to take a lesson from History, when lauded Democratic president Carter implemented immigration bans of his own. When it comes down to it, the best thing I can say for Mr. Blow is this: his attempts to rile up his followers are laudable, yet laughably obvious and transparent.
2
For CB and his echo chamber acolytes -- hey, great name for a group -- Chuck B and the Acolytes. If only...
Listen folks. Your analogies re Nazi Germany are ridiculous. Your cries for impeachment silly, not grounded in reality or law and simply partisan based. Moreover, the bad behavior of the left and its media mouths (Times et al) are simply divisive. I'm a moderate, but I doubt I'll ever vote for a democrat again because of this ridiculous behavior from the left over the last several months.
Listen folks. Your analogies re Nazi Germany are ridiculous. Your cries for impeachment silly, not grounded in reality or law and simply partisan based. Moreover, the bad behavior of the left and its media mouths (Times et al) are simply divisive. I'm a moderate, but I doubt I'll ever vote for a democrat again because of this ridiculous behavior from the left over the last several months.
6
Perhaps Blow would have a real job then which would be known as a .....
1
We can handle the resistance without you. If you can't see the parallels, you never were going to help us anyway.
2
Amazing, how one takes issue with people expressing their opinions in a democracy, but takes no issue with the relentless, verifiable, childish, lies from the highest office in the land.
There is very little hypocrisy on the left my friend. We are not challenging Trump's use of executive orders, simply the GOP's amazing change of heart. We are also willing to work with him, for example on infrastructure and fixing Obamacare; that is way more than the GOP gave Obama from day one. We have never attacked the very legitimacy of Fox News, as Trump et al. has attacked the very idea of free media ("the media needs to shut up"). Instead we are using our free speech and declaring our strong opposition to the government, while still seeking common ground. This is the heart of democracy, not partisanship.
I wonder, dear moderate, did you object to the losing Party's broad and total opposition when it was the GOP?
If yes, did you also doubt you will ever vote for a Republican?
If no, are we really the only ones being partisan? Where were you for the past eight, gerrymandered, years?
There is very little hypocrisy on the left my friend. We are not challenging Trump's use of executive orders, simply the GOP's amazing change of heart. We are also willing to work with him, for example on infrastructure and fixing Obamacare; that is way more than the GOP gave Obama from day one. We have never attacked the very legitimacy of Fox News, as Trump et al. has attacked the very idea of free media ("the media needs to shut up"). Instead we are using our free speech and declaring our strong opposition to the government, while still seeking common ground. This is the heart of democracy, not partisanship.
I wonder, dear moderate, did you object to the losing Party's broad and total opposition when it was the GOP?
If yes, did you also doubt you will ever vote for a Republican?
If no, are we really the only ones being partisan? Where were you for the past eight, gerrymandered, years?
1
Thank you, Sir! Keep telling it! Eleven days... only eleven days. I am already So. Sick. Of. This!
What would Congress do if Obama had done ANY of Trump's actions over the last eleven days? They would already be working marathon sessions to Impeach!
Our Government is broken. Naked, open, partisan politics only! When did Congress truly last act for the good of all people? Sometime in 2010 most likely, and only with difficulty, as that is the last of a rationally functioning body before the GOTP won full control... This MUST stop!
What would Congress do if Obama had done ANY of Trump's actions over the last eleven days? They would already be working marathon sessions to Impeach!
Our Government is broken. Naked, open, partisan politics only! When did Congress truly last act for the good of all people? Sometime in 2010 most likely, and only with difficulty, as that is the last of a rationally functioning body before the GOTP won full control... This MUST stop!
5
Only one thing matters to our president. His image. Mock him mock him. Mock him. Pull out your pen Maureen
4
I, too, have been wondering if Bannon is the alt-President. After all, he is a professed Stalinist, he wants to destroy any established government whether it is our or the EU's, he is a white Nationalist, a racist, a xenophobe and a misogynist. His idiological positions are well known, and until about a year ago, they were confined to the right-wing netherworld.
So if the goal is world wide revolution (ala Putin?) the logical way to do it is to foment civil disobedience in order to justify the use of force to instill "order." Then what follows is the imprisonment of dissenters, the demise of a free press and a dictatorship in the form of Bannon/Trump.
So far, it has worked according to plan. Can't say we haven't had adequate warning.
So if the goal is world wide revolution (ala Putin?) the logical way to do it is to foment civil disobedience in order to justify the use of force to instill "order." Then what follows is the imprisonment of dissenters, the demise of a free press and a dictatorship in the form of Bannon/Trump.
So far, it has worked according to plan. Can't say we haven't had adequate warning.
111
After all, he is a professed Stalinist, he wants to destroy any established government whether it is our or the EU's, he is a white Nationalist, a racist, a xenophobe and a misogynist.
===============
You guys seem real confused as to who is a Nazi and who is a communist. And it must be a contest to see who can put a sentence together stringing the longest list of pejorative nouns
===============
You guys seem real confused as to who is a Nazi and who is a communist. And it must be a contest to see who can put a sentence together stringing the longest list of pejorative nouns
1
While many have written & spoken about Trump's psychological disorders, his impaired character traits & his emotional age, stalled at 12 yrs old, why has no-one been discussing the possibility of dementia or alzheimer's? He is in the age group for this organic, progressive disease & he shows every sign of having it - in his denials, his utter lack of insight, his grandiosity - in its most obsessive & paranoid forms. Has anyone thought that perhaps he can't help doing what he's doing? And that his close family & supporters are enablers too close to see the real problem but able to gain much for themselves from it?
Since his supporters are mere sycophants & parasites & his base is deaf, blind & unknowing in the intensity of their emotional bias, it is the responsibility of the sane majority to acknowledge the sickness for what it is & do what any relative must do in such a situation in order to protect himself from himself & from others.
Since his supporters are mere sycophants & parasites & his base is deaf, blind & unknowing in the intensity of their emotional bias, it is the responsibility of the sane majority to acknowledge the sickness for what it is & do what any relative must do in such a situation in order to protect himself from himself & from others.
12
You raise an excellent point. His speech patterns, as well as the look in his eyes, are very reminiscent of my mother-in-law's early stages of dementia. Moreover, T's father suffered from Alzheimer's.
7
That would be a plausible theory in general, but those of us who grew up with Trump in NYC are all too well aware that this is who he always has been. That is why his "reign" disturbs me so much, I know there is no chance of change, or pivot, or enlightenment.
5
His reliance on a very limited vocabulary also reminds me of my mother's Alzheimer's when it was in the early stages. She was also easily angered, even though before her Alzheimer's she had been relatively calm and passive.
2
By age 13 Trump was so out of control his parents decided to dump him into a Military boarding school. Everything he said to them was a lie; lie after lie, and they realized that.
Trump did not change, but relative to his parents, the years in boarding school enabled him to somewhat clean up his act. His father would not have given him so much money had his older brother not been a total alcoholic.
Early in the campaign, it was reported the only book Trump ever read from cover to cover, and that, more than once, was Mein Kampf. Read that book and see the Adolph parallels to Donald for yourself. Trump intends on proclaiming himself president for life before the end of his term—sooner rather than later.
Trump threatens Chicago he is going to send in "The Feds." Newspapers should be prepared for Trump's "Feds" to come knocking with a Trumpian temporary publisher and Editor-in-Chief to take charge. Perhaps he will consult with Putin about that. You don't agree. Read Mein Kampf.
http://michaelslevinson.com
Trump did not change, but relative to his parents, the years in boarding school enabled him to somewhat clean up his act. His father would not have given him so much money had his older brother not been a total alcoholic.
Early in the campaign, it was reported the only book Trump ever read from cover to cover, and that, more than once, was Mein Kampf. Read that book and see the Adolph parallels to Donald for yourself. Trump intends on proclaiming himself president for life before the end of his term—sooner rather than later.
Trump threatens Chicago he is going to send in "The Feds." Newspapers should be prepared for Trump's "Feds" to come knocking with a Trumpian temporary publisher and Editor-in-Chief to take charge. Perhaps he will consult with Putin about that. You don't agree. Read Mein Kampf.
http://michaelslevinson.com
7
Come on, Blow, just because you write NYT "Opinion Kingdom" propaganda doesn't mean you have fill your daily screed with cliché--"as quiet as church mice". Of course, it does go "hand-in-glove" with your "thinking", doesn't it?
4
Blow expressed an opinion, whether you like it or not. What exactly are you expressing?
2
It should come as no surprise that Donald Trump is a mere figurehead, a puppet controlled by Steve Bannon, the real power behind the throne. Trump knows nothing and cares nothing about government policy. Trump cares only for personal glory and aggrandizement and hero worship by the masses. He signs with great fanfare the decrees that Bannon crafts. Trump is Bannon's useful idiot. Bannon is in charge, and it is his dangerous and nefarious plans that are unfolding.
6
Throughout Plato's "Republic" leaders are called Guardians (Robin Waterfield's translation). "They should represent people who are courageous, self-disciplined, just, and generous and should play only those kinds of parts, but they should neither do nor be good at representing anything mean-spirited or otherwise contemptible, in case they reap from representation is reality." (Republic 4.395c) Plato goes on to describe the bad leader as one who promotes disruption and disorder motivated by an immorality made up of "indiscipline, cowardice, and stupidity- in a word, badness of any kind." (Republic 4.444.b) We have a bad leader in POTUS who has demonstrated an incapability to guard the people and their Constitution.
1
Last week Trump issues the most ill conceived, poorly planned, and unconstitutional ban on Muslims. Chaos ensues. Today we wake up to a mass terrorist attack against a Mosque in Quebec City, killing and gravely wounding Muslims while they are praying.
It is unacceptable to have a President of this country who is carelessly and vindictively wielding power to create chaos, incite violence, and to promote an agenda of inequality and racism.
Republican leadership - please search your consciences. This is not right and you KNOW it. Hurting the people you serve and those who are vulnerable and helpless around the world is not right. Keeping people in poverty, keeping them under-educated, denying them basic healthcare, denying them civil rights and reproductive rights, muzzling their right to speak - all make for a weaker America, not a stronger one - one that you will not be able to stand on.
It is unacceptable to have a President of this country who is carelessly and vindictively wielding power to create chaos, incite violence, and to promote an agenda of inequality and racism.
Republican leadership - please search your consciences. This is not right and you KNOW it. Hurting the people you serve and those who are vulnerable and helpless around the world is not right. Keeping people in poverty, keeping them under-educated, denying them basic healthcare, denying them civil rights and reproductive rights, muzzling their right to speak - all make for a weaker America, not a stronger one - one that you will not be able to stand on.
5
Thank you, yet again Mr. Blow, for a hard-hitting response to the latest misguided, inept, and inflammatory edict from Trump World. I have read that group(s) are presently attempting to organize for another massive protest on April 15th, tax day, in D.C. against Trump's refusal to release his returns and associated documentation. It would be,I'm sure, greatly appreciated if you would employ your powerful voice in support of this increasingly vital effort. The hardening of Trump's position not to release his tax information speaks volumes to the dire threat it embodies to his presidential legitimacy on many different levels. My "dream" would be if the Times and other news organizations became active promoters of this protest. Just imagine: millions and millions of citizens on the National Mall and in public spaces across the land, in one resounding voice, demanding that Trump adhere to a decades-old political norm. This is his weak spot. Let's keep pressing on it!
4
Uncle Donald may turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to the Democratic Party. At what point do we have to consider the possibility that he’s really a Democratic Trojan Horse designed to make the Republican Party self-destruct?
Uncle Donald may turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to the Democratic Party.
======================
That's what Hillary thought, remember?
======================
That's what Hillary thought, remember?
If the president believes the election was rigged and unConstitutional via illegals voting, shouldn't we hold a new election?
I'm all for it. I suspect we'd have a very, very different outcome.
I'm all for it. I suspect we'd have a very, very different outcome.
9
As long as Hillary does not run and Liz warren/Bernie Sanders run on the democratic ticket.
1
more of the same from our resident faux revolutionary, Charles Blow. Neither are you a revolutionary (don't have the guts for it, I'm guessing) and you certainly aren't a constitutional scholar.
The roll out of the ban may have been Obama like (no attention to detail, didn't think it all through -- like the roll out of Obamacare) and in parts it may be wrong headed (like Obamacare). If so, it will be reduced or rescinded in a short time.
However, as Obama has shown, the executive has wide discretion to make executive orders. You didn't seem to mind that. Trump has the same authority, although you may not like it.
The intent of the order is to ensure we have better control of who enters our country. That is not something anyone can disagree with. As an overarching concept, fine. However, the optics of how it was carried out are not good. As to whether or not the details are acceptable, that is something for the courts to decide.
But don't give me the same recycled, I'm just like Che Guevara --except I live in the suburbs. Poseurs do not impress, nor do limo libs.
The roll out of the ban may have been Obama like (no attention to detail, didn't think it all through -- like the roll out of Obamacare) and in parts it may be wrong headed (like Obamacare). If so, it will be reduced or rescinded in a short time.
However, as Obama has shown, the executive has wide discretion to make executive orders. You didn't seem to mind that. Trump has the same authority, although you may not like it.
The intent of the order is to ensure we have better control of who enters our country. That is not something anyone can disagree with. As an overarching concept, fine. However, the optics of how it was carried out are not good. As to whether or not the details are acceptable, that is something for the courts to decide.
But don't give me the same recycled, I'm just like Che Guevara --except I live in the suburbs. Poseurs do not impress, nor do limo libs.
1
• "Trump has the same authority"
You sure about that?
Trump’s Immigration Ban Is Illegal
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/27/opinion/trumps-immigration-ban-is-ill...
The "revolutionary" Charles Blow finds himself in the company of "revolutionary" European leaders, "revolutionary" patriotic Americans, "revolutionary" Christian leaders, "revolutionary" Republicans, and all sorts of other "revolutionaries".
"European Leaders Reject Trump’s Refugee Ban as Violating Principles"
"Growing Number of G.O.P. Lawmakers Criticize Trump’s Refugee Policy"
"Thousands Protest At Airports Nationwide Against Trump's Immigration Order"
"Christian Leaders Denounce Trump’s Plan to Favor Christian Refugees"
You sure about that?
Trump’s Immigration Ban Is Illegal
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/27/opinion/trumps-immigration-ban-is-ill...
The "revolutionary" Charles Blow finds himself in the company of "revolutionary" European leaders, "revolutionary" patriotic Americans, "revolutionary" Christian leaders, "revolutionary" Republicans, and all sorts of other "revolutionaries".
"European Leaders Reject Trump’s Refugee Ban as Violating Principles"
"Growing Number of G.O.P. Lawmakers Criticize Trump’s Refugee Policy"
"Thousands Protest At Airports Nationwide Against Trump's Immigration Order"
"Christian Leaders Denounce Trump’s Plan to Favor Christian Refugees"
2
However, as Obama has shown, the executive has wide discretion to make executive orders. You didn't seem to mind that. Trump has the same authority, although you may not like it.
=====================
8 USC 1182:
(f) Suspension of entry or imposition of restrictions by President
Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.
=====================
8 USC 1182:
(f) Suspension of entry or imposition of restrictions by President
Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.
I ask my fellow readers (not with any sarcasm): What can the Democratic Senators do exactly? Of course, they can oppose nominations, etc., and I have no patience for any who not oppose (they should be voted out). However, I HAVE heard and seen their consistent opposition to this ban. Schumer (again, I know - no love lost here) is calling for legislation. Chris Murphy has been a powerful voice. Perhaps we can actually come up with ideas for them - this is new ground and a new playing field. We are all struggling.
3
The "two Steves" are clearly a problem; both need to go. One (Miller) for procedural incompetence and the other (Bannon) because he is antithetical to American values. Trump may like having them around but he will find that the disruption and distrust of the populace isn't worth it for him to keep his poisonous favorites. Poor judgment. Let's hope they don't get us into wars everywhere in the first month.
Send them away, Mr. Trump.
Send them away, Mr. Trump.
2
While not yet a call to arms, America is at least hearing this call to action. It is important that this resonates not just on the home front but is also seen & heard around the world. Our government needs to be "of, by and for the people" now more than ever, if we are to remain a beacon of hope.
3
My throat closes if I try to say the word president followed by the last name of the current occupant of the White House. I tried POTUS 45 as an alternative, until the most recent "executive orders." Today NYTimes referred to these outbursts as decrees, but that is too mild. Ukases, a term originating in czarist Russia meaning orders or proclamations by an arbitrary authority, are what have been spewing forth. The appropriate name for man who believes he was anointed supreme leader of the USA is T-Wrecks (pun intended).
3
I don't say it and never will say it. I've got another term for him but it's unprintable here.
1
Now is the time to publish the names of all those in Congress who have been, and who continue to be silent about this travesty. These cowards need to be voted out of office two years from now. We may be stuck with Trump/Pence/Bannon for four years, but we can weaken their insane bullying through a strong Congress two years from now, assuming we get there.
9
ttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/1hSGjyWJZIQJpGz4V2ftX_qioCgBtL59oJkkhx146nFE/htmlview?sle=true#gid=0
Putin/ Trump scores - America loses big. If anyone doubts that King Trump is doing Russia's dirty work - get a clue. The two leaders are twins separated at birth. The KGB finally have their inside "Manchurian Man" creating chaos and destruction on their arch rival. Makes the Cold War tactics look like child play. Will somebody stand up and try this jerk for treason?
2
Decided to check out Russia Today, and by golly, they're in complete lockstep with the WH. They have a very attractive and enthused commentator, along with well spliced videos agreeing with, and seeming to justify, everything that DJT did with the exclusion policies he announced. Mr Bannon seems to have made friends in the Kremlin.
The Reverend Blow's rants (church mice!) remind me of the old fire and brimstone, bible thumping old testament revival tent preachers - Elmer Gantry on steroids. We are inching toward anarchy, the Reverend thunders, as he casts another torch on the funeral pyre he has erected. No one is immune to his tongue - lily-livered liberals (Charles loves his alliterations, doesn't he?) are as demonical as Satan himself and His henchman Bannon (that Bannon), too. Only that holy choir, The American People, are welcome in Blow's flock. Well, except for the damnable American People who strayed from the path of righteousness and voted for Lucifer. Charon will deliver Them to their just desserts. Onward, Blowian soldiers, marching off to protest. Four more year, four more years of anarchy!
1
To me, one of the most grating and unforgivable issues raised by the Trump "election" has been the craven sanctimonious hypocrisy of the so-called "fundamentalist Christians" who voted to elect a man who epitomizes everything they say they oppose. Could anything better illustrate the sham that their value systems represent?
3
I find through Blow and the libs that they know how to hurl unwarranted invective far better than objective Americans. Today, Blow-oh talks about "atrocities emanating from the White House." Atrocities?
To Blow, these presidential executive orders are "atrocities." We wonder what name he saves for real atrocities that have taken place around the world in the past 25 years, e.g., in his own native soil of Ruwanda and Sudan? Sick, sick, sick Blow. -The Colonel
To Blow, these presidential executive orders are "atrocities." We wonder what name he saves for real atrocities that have taken place around the world in the past 25 years, e.g., in his own native soil of Ruwanda and Sudan? Sick, sick, sick Blow. -The Colonel
1
Your argument is that he shouldn't call something an atrocity because you *wonder* what he thinks of other atrocities?
What?
Is your cognitive dissonance so large that you must go to a Somalian genocide to defend an illegal and chaotic executive order?
What?
Is your cognitive dissonance so large that you must go to a Somalian genocide to defend an illegal and chaotic executive order?
Mr. Blow, while your hope is in the American people, my hope in this dark and embarrassing hour of America’s history is in investigative journalism. This is your hour to shine and your opportunity to bring a presidency down that bears the potential to dismantle democracy as we’ve known it in the western world. The power of the people in a dictatorship, towards which we seem to be quickly moving, is non-existent and if this president isn’t stopped now, the American people may not have the chance in four years to “punish” the politicians and government that fail now to act on our behalf. This dangerous duo Trump-Bannon is the most frightening political power to come down the pipeline since Hitler so please, don’t let the dust created by the havoc and chaos of the latest executive orders keep you all from the real job-at-hand, namely that of digging for and exposing facts that will lead to an early impeachment. We need and are counting on you to utilize the power of free press while it is still possible.
1
For a year now I have been watching the New York Times descend into the most depraved hate-mongering I have ever seen a newspaper perpetrate.
I'm responding here to Mr. Blow, but it could have been almost any article in the entire publication.
Your shock at and hatred for direct action according to the people's will is noted. What your photos cannot show are the millions--not carefully framed hundreds or even thousands, but millions--of Americans who are cheering what Trump is doing, and know he is doing not the wrong thing, but the right thing. It may be sloppy and abrupt, but that's because we cannot afford to have decorum kill it.
Scream your politically correct screams to the heavens. You are still wrong.
I'm responding here to Mr. Blow, but it could have been almost any article in the entire publication.
Your shock at and hatred for direct action according to the people's will is noted. What your photos cannot show are the millions--not carefully framed hundreds or even thousands, but millions--of Americans who are cheering what Trump is doing, and know he is doing not the wrong thing, but the right thing. It may be sloppy and abrupt, but that's because we cannot afford to have decorum kill it.
Scream your politically correct screams to the heavens. You are still wrong.
5
"That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." In just over one short week, we seem to be inching closer to this final, self-evident truth that Jefferson so eloquently laid out in the Declaration of Independence. Perhaps we can avoid overthrowing the entire government and simply eliminate the petty tyrant who seems never to have known that he may only "deriv[e] [his] just powers from the consent of the governed."
4
It makes me sick at heart that a cowering America has so easily decided that we really don’t care enough about the suffering of refugees to take a statistically negligible risk to help them. (Only one successful terrorist since 9/11 was not homegrown; the average American faces only a 1 in 20 million chance of being attacked by any terrorist, homegrown or otherwise; and the refugee vetting process is already extreme, lasting for well over a year, the least likely route a terrorist would choose to reach our shores.) What exactly are the values that make America "great" and "exceptional"?? We should just stop being hypocritical and tear down the Statue of Liberty.
Or, we should grow a spine and stand up to defend our precious American values of compassion, charity and human rights. Americans in the past have thought these values worth fighting and dying for. Surely they are worth the miniscule risk we citizens might face today.
Or, we should grow a spine and stand up to defend our precious American values of compassion, charity and human rights. Americans in the past have thought these values worth fighting and dying for. Surely they are worth the miniscule risk we citizens might face today.
3
i am iranian born, but lived in the us since 1977 ( when i was 12). i am a physician, as is my wife (same immigration history) ,as are at least 40 of my closest friends. i have never caused/ wanted/ encouraged terrorism , nor has any other iranian i know (or documented by fbi/cia ) in the usa. In fact during 9/11 i was horrified (as were all my friends/family) about the events.
All those hijackers were from in Saudi Arabia/ other countries not on this list.
the hypocrisy is unbelievable and heart breaking. this was supposed the country in which all "equal under law". not any longer it seems. this is how democracies end.
All those hijackers were from in Saudi Arabia/ other countries not on this list.
the hypocrisy is unbelievable and heart breaking. this was supposed the country in which all "equal under law". not any longer it seems. this is how democracies end.
7
On May 4, 1970, the National Guard fired on rowdy but unarmed protesters. They killed four kids and wounded nine.
I will not be surprised if a parallel incident happens fairly soon.
I will not be surprised if a parallel incident happens fairly soon.
6
Indeed, Trump's reign is an insult to decency and common sense, where this vulgar bully (a coward in disguise) is trying to impose his unscrupulous nonsense...on the basis of spite, hate and division, where racism and xenophobia and misogyny 'triumph', at least temporarily. The rising of the people, in whose name the trampling is going on, is a just response to the institutionalized violence being witnessed, some in the flesh, some in the spirit, an affront to any and all democratic values thought inviolable...until now.
3
Charles, please try to not make it about race ---- the entire mid section has been placed under extreme stress, from Detroit downward. These same people voted for President Obama. We have watched our entire communities, beginning with Clinton, descend into dilapidated decay. (Frequently visiting the more prosperous manicured areas it wears on one's mind!). Many of those who voted for Trump don't watch or understand politics close enough to know how Mitch McConnell threw a wrench in anything Obama tried to do to help. As far as this independent is concerned, enemy number one should be McConnell. But, don't kid yourself -- your beloved Dems have helped bring us all to this point.
3
Thank you for resurrecting the "not on my watch" tradition! I am a retired physician, Vietnam Vet who has been in both the Army and the Navy. Both had a very strong tradition of, above all else, not on my watch. But this has happened on our watch. It happened because we left in place the tools to ignore the will of the majority, ignore the intent of our Declaration of Independence that we be governed only with "consent of the governed". We need to take back our government from the frightened "child who would be king". Perhaps it will start with our tradition to open our hearts and shores to "your tired, your oppressed, . . ." Keep up the great work. Cheers.
6
Trumpty Dumpty is a new kind of despot. Most, like the monarchs of pre-industrialized Europe, and the totalitarians like Hitler and Mussolini of the 20th century, couldn't care less about what the people thought; the despot's sole agenda was to please himself.
Pathological Self-Lover Trumpty is different. He yearns to please everyone who voted for him (all others be damned) to the same degree that he pleases himself.
What will ultimately happen to Trump and his blind followers will be what we -- who fortunately are not Trump or his blind followers -- have known from the very beginning of his farcical bid for the presidency: They will fade away to oblivion, their disastrous Grand Delusion fractured and forgotten.
Pathological Self-Lover Trumpty is different. He yearns to please everyone who voted for him (all others be damned) to the same degree that he pleases himself.
What will ultimately happen to Trump and his blind followers will be what we -- who fortunately are not Trump or his blind followers -- have known from the very beginning of his farcical bid for the presidency: They will fade away to oblivion, their disastrous Grand Delusion fractured and forgotten.
3
Excuse me Mr. Blow, but with all due respect, you need to look at the "Real Politik" in America. Trump's party controls every level of government in the US and from what I'm hearing, are largely supporting Trump's policies.
Trump took 60% of the white vote in the last election and I think they are well pleased. When something happens in the mid-terms you can declare victory for the protests. Until then its a minority waving signs in the park.
Trump took 60% of the white vote in the last election and I think they are well pleased. When something happens in the mid-terms you can declare victory for the protests. Until then its a minority waving signs in the park.
3
America, if it's any consolation, the rest of the world is laughing along with us; however, as time goes by, our smiles are turning more, and more to tears, and certainly not of joy, The lying, hatred, ignorance, disrespect for people of all ills. What kind of a Monster lurks in The Oval office?
I have been suggesting to my readers, all along, that we might be seeing the beginning of a Regime, rather than a new Adminisrration.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
I have been suggesting to my readers, all along, that we might be seeing the beginning of a Regime, rather than a new Adminisrration.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
1
Thank you, Black Lives Matter, for illustrating four years ago why fighting for justice and equality matter. BLM was vilified by the right who labeled them anti-police. They were met with militarized force. They were vilified by liberals, who whined from the drivers' seats of their Range Rovers that if only they weren't so, well, black and didn't block traffic, maybe we'd listen, maybe. Now commenter Critcal Rationalist says he is "ready to show up in my suit and tie and, for the first time in my life, sit in the street, blocking traffic."
Now the streets are filled and intersections are blocked by incensed white people. Thank God they finally get it. Police brutality, mass incarceration, voter suppression, redlining, detainments, deportations. These are not disconnected issues.
Thank you, BLM, for paving the way.
Now the streets are filled and intersections are blocked by incensed white people. Thank God they finally get it. Police brutality, mass incarceration, voter suppression, redlining, detainments, deportations. These are not disconnected issues.
Thank you, BLM, for paving the way.
5
Pres. Trump is fulfilling his campaign promises, which is more than can be said for most politicians.
The pollsters and pundits were wrong about Trump's electoral chances - and so was the writer who said his supporters don't take him literally (but do take him seriously while his opponents do the opposite).
Those that took him literally - and still voted for him - are applauding.
The rest of us (the approx 60% who don't approve of him) are seeing our worst fears coming to pass - bad policy implemented badly - and he is just getting started.
The pollsters and pundits were wrong about Trump's electoral chances - and so was the writer who said his supporters don't take him literally (but do take him seriously while his opponents do the opposite).
Those that took him literally - and still voted for him - are applauding.
The rest of us (the approx 60% who don't approve of him) are seeing our worst fears coming to pass - bad policy implemented badly - and he is just getting started.
The essential elements of a functioning democracy is a an engaged electorate.
All those who choose to protest need to get registered to vote. If they claim they have no candidates, then recruit someone you trust. Not voting is no longer an option for any sane person.
The time for action is now. There are elections happening between now and November 2018. We need to send a decisive message to the World. The American people will act, our citizen are engaged, we are voting our way out of this mess.
The days of 92 million American not bothering to show up at the polls must end.
Do everything you can to talk to everyone you can to get them to be registered, and then make sure on election day that everyone you know shows up. Our voices need to be heard at the ballot box.
All those who choose to protest need to get registered to vote. If they claim they have no candidates, then recruit someone you trust. Not voting is no longer an option for any sane person.
The time for action is now. There are elections happening between now and November 2018. We need to send a decisive message to the World. The American people will act, our citizen are engaged, we are voting our way out of this mess.
The days of 92 million American not bothering to show up at the polls must end.
Do everything you can to talk to everyone you can to get them to be registered, and then make sure on election day that everyone you know shows up. Our voices need to be heard at the ballot box.
5
While mass spontaneous protests are cathartic for the participants and reassuring for those whose fears they wish to allay, and show the rest of the world that this administration has an immense opposition to it, I'm not counting on them to change jack squat about anything potus and his band of goons are planning to accomplish. I think that in order to get congress to pay attention, everyone opposed to 45 ought to stop buying anything other than the basic necessities. Just stop. They will hear this and take notice. And then maybe impeachment proceedings can begin already.
6
After the election, I tried to figure out why. Then I read the Milwaukee barber shop interview in the Times. The reason Trump is President is that all your fellow blacks in the states that counted couldn't be bothered to vote. Maybe Oprah one said.
1
Trump will cut off a finger to save his face.
Fire Bannon and Fire Miller should be the new chants.
Fire Bannon and Fire Miller should be the new chants.
6
The march and rally we attended in NY City on Sunday gave us hope that this battle will continue with the support of people and politicians. The power of so many gathering and protesting is all that will work. It must continue. It worked in the Civil Rights and Vietnam eras, and it was wonderful for us to see so many "younger" people out protesting instead of, as one speaker said, "sitting behind their computers". The time has come for much more or this. Kudos to all organizing and keeping us going!
7
Donald Trump rode a wave of support from people around the country who sat around kitchen tables with family and at local diners with friends, who long advocated the same simplistic, uninformed, wholly unworkable, and possibly unlawful, policies for the issues faced by our country. Unless these people come to see the obvious problems with these positions and admit their mistake, there will continue to be a movement that supports the current presidential administration and its intellectual heirs.
8
I urge all Americans who truly love their country to display our flag. During this reign of terror, you may wish to consider displaying it upside-down, a symbol of extreme distress. I have been doing so since Nov 9, 2016. If you don't have the courage to fly our flag upside-down, at least display it at half-staff.
Patriotic Americans should resist and defy the Donald Duck Trumpet; he is unfit--not my president.
God bless America, from sea to shining sea!
Patriotic Americans should resist and defy the Donald Duck Trumpet; he is unfit--not my president.
God bless America, from sea to shining sea!
5
Where are the audible protests from the US House of hypocrites? The Senate? They were sure loud when Pres. Obama issued his LEGAL executive orders. Where is there a democrat to stand up to this 70-yr old 7-yr old? Where are the impeachment hearings for violating the emoluments clause of the US Constitution with this latest ban (excluding countries with whom he does business)? The time is now to act. It cannot get better, only worse. Where do we draw the line????
9
Trump's signature policy issue was immigration and border control. I think he made that loud and clear, talking about a wall, illegal immigration, Muslim ban, etc.
And then he won largely because people agreed with his views on these issues.
I know these protesters believe that these policies are wrong, but the Presidential election happened with full knowledge of the issues on the table. I don't really understand the rage given we just had an election after the longest campaign in history -- except I guess these people assumed Trump wouldn't fulfill his campaign promises?
And then he won largely because people agreed with his views on these issues.
I know these protesters believe that these policies are wrong, but the Presidential election happened with full knowledge of the issues on the table. I don't really understand the rage given we just had an election after the longest campaign in history -- except I guess these people assumed Trump wouldn't fulfill his campaign promises?
3
Why do these people hate their country so much? DT describes us as the worst of the worst, dark and backwards, then proceeds to facilitate this ugly characterization. I feel that he has declared war on my nation and he has a gang of pitchfork, tar and feather armed zealots behind him. The gang is somewhat pitiable due to their appalling ignorance and small spirits. The upper level? More terrifying than many fanatics of any persuasion. America's own jihadists.
5
Many people in this nation ,new exactly how this unhinged Trump would act if he becomes a president. He's an uncontrollable bully liar and careless about how the consequences would affect the general population. Mr.Narcissist,is surrounded by bigots, racists self-centered people, that wants to damage our nation. It's too late now . The media for long time worried about Hilary's emails. Don't forget about Nixon, was the media that did the job to end his lies , and he was impeached . Now what? We all are fighting inside the same basket . The next damage is the ACA(Obama Care). Where are democrat politicians?Are they cowards ? Why only few of them are really working with protesters? We need them every day to fight against dangerous policies. A group of democrat politicians should take a bus and do rallies in red state to tell this people,that they will lose their health insurance , and explain in a simple language, why Trump and cohorts want to destroy the ACA. A who exactly they are protecting.
5
We are reliving Germany in 1933 with Steve Bannon becoming Trump's Chancellor of State. Unless Congress stands up to Trump's decrees it will not be long before we see a Trumpian Decree restricting civil liberty as a matter of nation security.
If the Democrats are able to show some backbone, the key question remains: Are there any Republicans left in Congress to join them who have the patriotism and courage to stand up to the wave of fascism that threatens our nation?
If the Democrats are able to show some backbone, the key question remains: Are there any Republicans left in Congress to join them who have the patriotism and courage to stand up to the wave of fascism that threatens our nation?
13
It is a truly frightening (and wholly realistic) prospect that, when faced with growing mass street protests, the trump regime could declare martial law. Is that what it's going to take for Washington DC to wake up? Thus far, the Democrats' response to trump has been all too muted.
3
When Trump says his administration will return power to the people, he really means that by electing him, he and he alone became the power of the people. The other branches of government are purely ceremonial.
2
Thank you for another well written summary of Trump and Bannon. Because so many did not realize Trump is a pathological narcissist, they overlooked the one person with as hateful an agenda and who saw Trump as the puppet to unleash Bannon's agenda. He appears to be the one person who has figured out how to successfully manipulate Trump without Trump realizing who really holds the power. I have seen at least one article where Trump bristled at the journalist who suggested Bannon had power. Neither cares about anyone or anything other than their own self interests, but Trump will care if he starts to believe Bannon is upstaging him.
2
With credit to Martin Niemöller ~~
First they came for the Obamacare, and I did not speak out—
Because I am on Medicare.
Then they came for women's bodies, and I did not speak out-
Because I am a man
Then they came for public schools , and I did not speak out—
Because I have no children in public schools
Then they came for the environment, and I did not speak out
Because I didn't think there was anything I could do
Then they came for the Muslims, and I did not speak out—
Because I am not a Muslim.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Unless Mattis and sane Republicans stop the madness, unless voters flip the Republican majority in the House in 2018, there will be nobody to speak for the overwhelming majority of Americans horrified that our country has been hijacked by the prevaricating, cruel, and corrupt "leadership" of Steve Bannon and Donald Trump.
First they came for the Obamacare, and I did not speak out—
Because I am on Medicare.
Then they came for women's bodies, and I did not speak out-
Because I am a man
Then they came for public schools , and I did not speak out—
Because I have no children in public schools
Then they came for the environment, and I did not speak out
Because I didn't think there was anything I could do
Then they came for the Muslims, and I did not speak out—
Because I am not a Muslim.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Unless Mattis and sane Republicans stop the madness, unless voters flip the Republican majority in the House in 2018, there will be nobody to speak for the overwhelming majority of Americans horrified that our country has been hijacked by the prevaricating, cruel, and corrupt "leadership" of Steve Bannon and Donald Trump.
5
No big surprise that Bannon is pulling the strings. He is the eminence grise of this administration: a racist, an anti-Semite, a sexist, a xenophobe, an America First isolationist and jingoistic nationalist. He calls it the alt right. That is a euphemism for neo-Nazi. He found a perfect vessel in Donald Trump, a blustering narcissist, a man of no substance and no moral compass. Trump likes glory and attention, not hard work. He thinks he can rule the US by fiat as his flurry of executive orders has shown. The GOP will not be able to control him. It may well come to the point that he is impeached or forced to resign for ethical lapses or some form of high crimes and misdemeanors. That will not improve things as he would be replaced by Mike Pence who despite his mild manner and soft voice is a true blue right wing religious zealot.
America, America, what have you done? This was just Trump's first week. We have four years of this to come.
America, America, what have you done? This was just Trump's first week. We have four years of this to come.
3
Hey Kentucky wake up! Vote McConnell out. Spineless.
7
Mr Blow is skating on thin ice. The Orlando shooter's father came in from Afghanistan, and was reportedly a Taliban sympathizer /advocate. Not hard to guess where the shooter's views came from. While not one of the seven countries, it may well have been. Point being, radical views do make it to our shores. Trump is spot on.
Lastly, everyone is tired of Mr Blow playing the race card. He needs counseling.
Lastly, everyone is tired of Mr Blow playing the race card. He needs counseling.
4
"Also excluded are Pakistan and Afghanistan."
1
It is beyond me why the Times is selecting hateful comments as their choices. I understand there are two sides (sometimes) to each issue, but please select intelligent ones rather than spiteful and hateful viewpoints.
5
It never was correct to support the racist, sexist, anti working citizen, cowardly policies and actions of the Obama administration. Now thankfully it is no longer going to be accepted.
When the facts and results are known perhaps it will become fashionable to be for the US citizen middle class instead of world elites and socialists!
When the facts and results are known perhaps it will become fashionable to be for the US citizen middle class instead of world elites and socialists!
1
I didn't vote for trump for president and I sure didn't vote for bannon for president but it looks like voters got 2 for 1.
5
I just want to point out how disrespectful it is of this publication to use "Trump" in the headline of Mr Blow's rant, rather the "President" or "Mr" Trump.
We know it's intentional. Just don't be surprised when the same disrespect is returned to you.
We know it's intentional. Just don't be surprised when the same disrespect is returned to you.
3
Trump is a Reality TV host brought to us by the Russians and the FBI. Trump is not OUR president.
5
• "I just want to point out how disrespectful it is of this publication to use "Trump" in the headline ... We know it's intentional."
Gosh ... Charles Blow was SO disrespectful to Obama, with headlines like:
Obama Reboot
Obama Rebound?
The Obama Years
Obama, Gun Policy and the N.R.A.
No. The headline was not disrespectful (even though Trump has earned it).
Gosh ... Charles Blow was SO disrespectful to Obama, with headlines like:
Obama Reboot
Obama Rebound?
The Obama Years
Obama, Gun Policy and the N.R.A.
No. The headline was not disrespectful (even though Trump has earned it).
3
"When" the same disrespect is returned?! President Donald (boycott the brand!) thus far in his life has famously shown zero respect for anyone who disagrees with him or from whom he wants to extract something. He has built his business model around humiliation, bullying, and threats. The entire election was a big "f* you" extended by Donald and his supporters to the country as a whole. If you want respect, earn it.
3
You've hit another bases loaded home run with this article. Bannon is the puppet master with his unthinking instrument sitting on his lap. Dystopia is their goal so they can completely take over the country. I believe they are together gleefully relishing what they are fomenting everywhere.
Every time Trump releases intestinal fumes out pops another sycophant. None of his advisers have any knowledge or experience in government.
Bannon, Conway, Kushner (2), Hanitty, Spicer and others are all basically enabling knuckleheads.
You are absolutely right that,we,as American citizens have to voice our opposition to this administration. They are out of control in Washington and have to be reigned in.
RESIST. Time is of the essence.
Every time Trump releases intestinal fumes out pops another sycophant. None of his advisers have any knowledge or experience in government.
Bannon, Conway, Kushner (2), Hanitty, Spicer and others are all basically enabling knuckleheads.
You are absolutely right that,we,as American citizens have to voice our opposition to this administration. They are out of control in Washington and have to be reigned in.
RESIST. Time is of the essence.
6
It is truly horrifying. I have a chronic illness and from the moment that "HE who shall not be named" was elected, the stress of knowing what it would mean in terms of everything good, everything that matters, triggered a flare of my symptoms that has still not abated. How I feel physically is a direct reflection of how I feel about the way our republic, our democracy and our people are being attacked. This is not the America I know.
We must resist.
This is NOT NORMAL.
We must resist.
This is NOT NORMAL.
7
Now the fact that Donald Trump excluded Saudi Arabia from the immigration 'hit list', and the fact that he has vested financial interests in Saudi Arabia, and the fact that most of the 9/11 killers came from Saudi Arabia, and the fact that he is to uphold the Constitution of the United States, doesn't this suggest that Donald Trump should be considered for impeachment.
12
Trump's mode of mis-governance--mis-governance by impetuous executive "disorders"--will assure that mis-governance by the Plutocrats will not vanish from the face of the earth.
1
At some point we as Americans need to decide who we are and who we want to be. Are we the big-hearted fair-minded nation that embraces and defends the downtrodden or the greedy, selfish oppressors torturing people in secret prisons? The things our current administration is doing are sadly reminiscent of the old Soviet regime. How appropriate that "1984" has risen to the top of the best-seller lists. "Idiocracy", "Moscow on the Hudson" and the old Bullwinkle cartoons should also be on your watch lists.
Whether you're a democrat that found Hillary Clinton less than inspiring as a candidate or a republican willing to overlook the excesses of Trump in order to regain the presidency it's time to put these differences aside and stand against this Newspeak Alternative Facts crowd. This is not who we are, at least I sincerely hope not.
Whether you're a democrat that found Hillary Clinton less than inspiring as a candidate or a republican willing to overlook the excesses of Trump in order to regain the presidency it's time to put these differences aside and stand against this Newspeak Alternative Facts crowd. This is not who we are, at least I sincerely hope not.
3
Right on, and I suggest we all call our Senators to start impeachment proceedings against Trump. His ban "the list avoided Muslim countries where Mr. Trump has major business ventures.” is a back door execution that violates the emolument clause of the constitution. This man child needs to be ousted.
3
Hello Congress? Where are you courageous statesmen hiding while this very hostile takeover of the United States government is proceeding with any official impediments? Reps and Senators: Look at the people in the streets. Look at the Constitution. Look at the history books. Now: Decide just exactly what your silence and inaction will reap. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
6
So much talk here about how to remove Trump. Nice try. Meanwhile the British Queen has agreed already to meet with him and all International Airlines flying into the US are cancelling numerous passengers from the Middle East, just to be sure. No, America has voted for Trump, the Republicans just had some generic points of potential concern and Chuck Schumer, the new Democratic Senate Leader was literally crying when expressing his anger. Crying by a top leader?? - for crying out loud!!
2
Chuck Schumer -- a joke.
2
Blow raises a seminal point: "We are inching toward anarchy as both the people and the president refuse to back down.". This has not been seen since the "Saturday Night Massacre" 10/20/1973. Eventually, Nixon either came to his senses or backed down, but the rule of law did prevail. What will King Donny do?
2
Why won't anyone ever call-out the likes of Limbaugh, Bannon and Hannity for the seditionists they are?
9
When Trump is finally driven from office just as East Germans asked if you collaborated with the Stasi people will ask of Republicans what did you do in the age of Trump.
3
Quislings.
There may not be very many true fascists in this country but there's no shortage of opportunists, bootlickers, and cowards quite content to look the other way while bad things happen. We cannot allow them to live quietly in the shadows.
There may not be very many true fascists in this country but there's no shortage of opportunists, bootlickers, and cowards quite content to look the other way while bad things happen. We cannot allow them to live quietly in the shadows.
1
It certainly appears that bannon is running the show. Dark times.
2
I'd like the Trump administration to put out a list of things which "made America great" or, if that's too much to ask, respond to a questionnaire. Here are a few questions of interest to me -
1. Killing indians and taking their land - great or not great?
2. The Civil Rights Act of 1965 - great or not great?
3. Being able to beat the tar out your wife or a gay person and not having to worry about getting in trouble for doing so?
4. The South losing the Civil War?
5. Social Security?
6. Women being allowed to vote?
You get the idea. Please feel free to add some questions of your own.
1. Killing indians and taking their land - great or not great?
2. The Civil Rights Act of 1965 - great or not great?
3. Being able to beat the tar out your wife or a gay person and not having to worry about getting in trouble for doing so?
4. The South losing the Civil War?
5. Social Security?
6. Women being allowed to vote?
You get the idea. Please feel free to add some questions of your own.
7
Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid our our great country. We must not sit silently while the president violates the trust which was given to him through our democratic process. Rise up and raise you voice and your body if need be to stop the president's unlawful and undemocratic policies.
6
It's highly unlikely that popular protests will be enough to put a stop to the Trumpian frenzy, but the Joint Chiefs of Staff may soon have grounds to depose him and forestall the 'carnage' to American values:
https://silverberg-on-meltdown-economics.blogspot.com/2017/01/joint-chie...
A military coup would indeed be 'unpresidented', but then again this is the first president to openly boast that he is a Russian intelligence 'asset'.
https://silverberg-on-meltdown-economics.blogspot.com/2017/01/joint-chie...
A military coup would indeed be 'unpresidented', but then again this is the first president to openly boast that he is a Russian intelligence 'asset'.
According to the order, the US will " prioritize refugee claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the individual's country of nationality". Sunnis are a persecuted minority in Iraq; some of them are ISIS. Can they get US visas? Shia are a persecuted minority in Yemen. Can they get US visas? ETC....
1
This is now an Orwellian nightmare. All the airport detentions and problems were caused by Delta? That's a lie and the media needs to label it as such.
6
Mr. Blow, I look forward to your columns. No doubt that Trump and the GOP will provide a constant source of stupidity to write about. And keep being hard on liberal Democrats with no backbone. Your writing is very engaging and motivating. But be cautious. Keep away from hysterical rants which tend to undermine credibility. We need you for the long run (hopefully it will only be 4 years).
1
Don John (the royal flush and dystopian) is making America into what he had described, criticized and demonized - into a carnage of people, truth and decency while deceiving his followers by calling it "Make America Great Again." This man is causing more damage than any terrorist or Russian leader could ever dream of doing to our nation.
Given that this commander-in-chief lives in a delusional world of fantasy, what American is willing to sacrifice his/her life to his pettiness and orders based on fake information, lack of impulse control, and advice from the Bannon crew of conspirators? How can a General take any "order" seriously?
As the Mr. Khan stated accurately, Trump has sacrificed nothing. Why should anyone, let a lone a country or world, sacrifice for this perverse being?
Given that the GOP would not dare impeach the grabber-in-chief because he is not a Clinton or Democrat, is there a mechanism in this country that allows for a recall election? A do-over? Can't we deport him to Russia? Can we turn him into a permanent refugee without resources or a welcoming country?
Given that this commander-in-chief lives in a delusional world of fantasy, what American is willing to sacrifice his/her life to his pettiness and orders based on fake information, lack of impulse control, and advice from the Bannon crew of conspirators? How can a General take any "order" seriously?
As the Mr. Khan stated accurately, Trump has sacrificed nothing. Why should anyone, let a lone a country or world, sacrifice for this perverse being?
Given that the GOP would not dare impeach the grabber-in-chief because he is not a Clinton or Democrat, is there a mechanism in this country that allows for a recall election? A do-over? Can't we deport him to Russia? Can we turn him into a permanent refugee without resources or a welcoming country?
2
The country is starting to experience what we in NC have been experiencing since 2011 -- everyday we picked up the newspaper wondering what next, what more could they do. You start thinking there's nothing left to take away or impose, but then there's some new insult/assault. As the testing ground for ALEC and the right wing we have been thru this. That's why the Moral Monday movement is still going strong and will continue.
2
No Blow "And that is a vision of America that most of the people in this country cannot and will not abide. That is a vision of America that has galvanized ordinary American citizens in opposition in a way that is almost without precedent. '....... just you and your minions East and West Coast elites who hate middle America, anyone who does not cower to your dogma, anyone who has the courage to enlist in the military (something you and your followers would never do ) You are the enemy plain and simple !
Mr. Blow- While this latest action by Mr. Trump did not proceed as smoothly as he had hoped, he is simply doing what he told the American people he would do. I distinctly remember Mr. Trump saying he was going to stop immigration until "we figure out what the he** was going on." So, he did it, as he was elected to do. Like it or not.
I am not supporting this action, only stating that he is within his power as the President to do this. Others have done it too. It is actually quite tame compared to what he could have done.
Let's not overly dramatize what is actually taking place, because that always emboldens Trump and his supporters. I suspect that Mr. Trump is grinning when he sees all of the uproar over this. He is playing you and the other liberals like a fiddle.
I am not supporting this action, only stating that he is within his power as the President to do this. Others have done it too. It is actually quite tame compared to what he could have done.
Let's not overly dramatize what is actually taking place, because that always emboldens Trump and his supporters. I suspect that Mr. Trump is grinning when he sees all of the uproar over this. He is playing you and the other liberals like a fiddle.
3
What this country needs is a good 5cent cigar and an ashtray big enough to dump the Trump crowd -- crown and all. President Bannon needs to go and the GOP needs to step up to the plate before we are all blown to hell and get rid of this ridiculous bunch of clowns. Whoever heard of the clowns running the circus?
5
And that is a vision of America that most of the people in this country cannot and will not abide
I am not so sure about this. Plenty of people are in 100% agreement on Trump's actions. And trump is pushing back, attempting to silence his critics, including the press. While his party silently falls in line, ignoring the Constitution.
I am not so sure about this. Plenty of people are in 100% agreement on Trump's actions. And trump is pushing back, attempting to silence his critics, including the press. While his party silently falls in line, ignoring the Constitution.
4
We need Obama to speak out now he can't wait. Please, we need you.
8
"When Barack Obama was in office —Republicans were apoplectic about his use of executive orders."
Absolutely and when Barack Obama was in office ----Democrats were apoplectic about Republican obstructionism.
Today we have a President who uses executive orders and we have a Democratic Party that has sworn to be as obstructionist as they can for the rest of this administration. What's your point Blow?
Absolutely and when Barack Obama was in office ----Democrats were apoplectic about Republican obstructionism.
Today we have a President who uses executive orders and we have a Democratic Party that has sworn to be as obstructionist as they can for the rest of this administration. What's your point Blow?
3
Lock him up.
4
Moderate Americans all over this country are grappling with how to think of all this. They know these moves by Trump sound harsh in our world of political correctness, but in their hearts they are happy to at last see something being done to try to take on the problems they see in the country. I believe the actions need to be better planned and communicated to the people, not necessarily that they are wrong in their scope.
2
You are wrong. His actions do have consequences that will affect us more than you think. Trump and his underlings do not deserve any benefit-of-the-doubt.
"Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, no one has been killed in the United States in a terrorist attack by anyone who emigrated from or whose parents emigrated from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, the seven countries targeted in the order’s 120-day visa ban, according to Charles Kurzman, a sociology professor at the University of North Carolina.”
The Minnesota mall knife attacker who wounded 10 people in September 2016 was a Somali born in Kenya. So technically, the professor is correct as none of the victims died and the attacker wasn't born in one of the 7 countries on Trump's list, but the thrust of the professor's comments, and The Times adoption of them, are highly deceptive.
The Minnesota mall knife attacker who wounded 10 people in September 2016 was a Somali born in Kenya. So technically, the professor is correct as none of the victims died and the attacker wasn't born in one of the 7 countries on Trump's list, but the thrust of the professor's comments, and The Times adoption of them, are highly deceptive.
3
That's the best you can do? One (non-fatal) exception?
Resistance is patriotic. Not on our watch!
4
Congress needs to step up; however, no member wants to do anything that might jeopardize their job. If representatives and senators were term limited they just might do what's best for the country rather than what's best for themselves since they couldn't make a career of being in Congress. The protest we are witnessing around the country is justified but it needs an issue to rally around that can truly make America great again. Term limiting Congress is just such an issue. It won't solve the near term problems that Trump & Co. present but long term it may return Congress to its rightful place of being a meaningful check on executive power run amok.
4
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter."
Martin Luther King, jr.
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Edmund Burke
"Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred."
Vaclav Havel
Martin Luther King, jr.
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Edmund Burke
"Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred."
Vaclav Havel
8
“Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, no one has been killed in the United States in a terrorist attack by anyone who emigrated from or whose parents emigrated from ... Somalia, …"
Somali young adults, who came here as children, have gone to Syria to join ISIS.
The Ohio State student who drove his car into a campus crowd, and then jumped out of his car to go after people, with a butcher knife, was also a Somali refugee. While he was not successful at killing anyone, he did injure seriously several people.
To say no American has been killed here is wording the sentence too carefully. Please tell the full truth!
Somali young adults, who came here as children, have gone to Syria to join ISIS.
The Ohio State student who drove his car into a campus crowd, and then jumped out of his car to go after people, with a butcher knife, was also a Somali refugee. While he was not successful at killing anyone, he did injure seriously several people.
To say no American has been killed here is wording the sentence too carefully. Please tell the full truth!
3
There have been hundreds of arrests on terrorism related charges of immigrants from these nations and others. The fact that all of them are not from these 7 nations argues for a wider ban, not against the principle of a ban.
The point is that many of the terrorists in America are the home grown ones. Ignoring Saudi Arabia and Egypt in the order shows that Trump really only cares about his own businesses and that poor people can be tossed overboard, whether they are refugees or American. Tell the truth!
1
He did tell the full truth. The examples you cite didn't kill any Americans. Meanwhile we have plenty of terrorist acts committed by persons born in America: Fort Hood, San bernardino, Orlando, Charleston, Newtown, Columbine, Oklahoma City, and too many others to count. Only the first three were by Muslims. By all means, we need to know who is in the country, how they are radicalized, and maybe even how they get their weapons.
Medical professionals no ID Donald Trump as mentally ill. You don't have to be a medical professional to recognize florid, "textbook" manifestations. IMO, manifestations that are so powerfully omnipresent obviate the need for in-person inspection by medical professionals that will likely be howled by the "what, me worry?" Republican leadership. Still, professional diagnostic corroboration may add to political recognition of a clear and present danger. Will that largely laughable "elite" do anything about it? I'd guess doubttful. *Very* doubtful! http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/shrinks-break-silence-president...
1
White nationalists agenda?
Flat out lie Blow.
Flat out lie Blow.
6
Bannon is a white supremacist. Breitbart is a collection of this hatred that combines racism, misogyny, and other bigotry. He is very open about it. This is not Charles Blow's characterization of Bannon: it is the majority opinion, including by the Southern Poverty Law Center that tracks hate crimes.
4
Should we be concerned about how quickly officials worked to enforce confused and unclear orders? How PA police prevented citizens from taking the subway to JFK? The reported snide comments by customs officials? Nothing disturbs me more than representatives of law enforcement jumping to the finger snap of a wannabe tyrant.
6
The silence among the spineless Republicans tells us just about everything we need to know about where their allegiance belongs. Bannon is calling the shots with their approval.
4
I got two older white males in my office right now murmuring about how they support this move and that it will protect America. I'm outraged at Trump as the author describes but he's the outside blemish, the cancer is growing within.
6
Don't look for the Republicans, in the House, Senate, or anywhere else, to do anything to stop Trump's idiocies and illegalities. For all their loud talk of morality and principle, the only principles they've ever known are "More money and power for us!".
5
Many in America are happy at the news that America now has borders again. We are happy that someone is actually watching the door and starting to look at who we let in and how many. There is someone on watch after 8 years or longer of toothless policy and open borders.
Rage all you want Mr. Blow. Rage against the bigots that you so callously call your American brothers and sisters. Rage against the tide of folks who are tired of the liberal open borders and false Constitutional crisis that you are trying to start.
It's time that the regular Americans stood up to the liberal pundits who know nothing about the real America and what we want. We want a country with borders, people who actually look at who comes in the country and stops those who should not be here, either legally or illegally.
There is no dictator here. Our President is doing what he was elected to do. Protect us from others and ourselves.
Until I see pictures of you with Syrian refugees living in your home, pictures of the Obama's, Biden's, Pelosi's, Reids's, Schumer's, Maddow's, Blitzer's and other liberal media and government leaders with the same illegals and refugees in your homes, then I won't really believe you have this outrage and commmitment.
What you have is hate. Hate for those who don't believe as you do and so you want to vilify them and those that follow them.
You won't see their side nor do you try. Words like Nazi, separatists or supremacists give you cover.
Nothing gives you legitimacy.
Rage all you want Mr. Blow. Rage against the bigots that you so callously call your American brothers and sisters. Rage against the tide of folks who are tired of the liberal open borders and false Constitutional crisis that you are trying to start.
It's time that the regular Americans stood up to the liberal pundits who know nothing about the real America and what we want. We want a country with borders, people who actually look at who comes in the country and stops those who should not be here, either legally or illegally.
There is no dictator here. Our President is doing what he was elected to do. Protect us from others and ourselves.
Until I see pictures of you with Syrian refugees living in your home, pictures of the Obama's, Biden's, Pelosi's, Reids's, Schumer's, Maddow's, Blitzer's and other liberal media and government leaders with the same illegals and refugees in your homes, then I won't really believe you have this outrage and commmitment.
What you have is hate. Hate for those who don't believe as you do and so you want to vilify them and those that follow them.
You won't see their side nor do you try. Words like Nazi, separatists or supremacists give you cover.
Nothing gives you legitimacy.
2
What I want to to America where people are informed before they comment. In which case you would know that all of the people most severely affected by thi order to been thoroughly vetted, by numerous agencies and over several years. It's an incredibly controlled process.
Mr. Blow is not obliged to take refugees into his home to support his position, any more than you are oblige to adopt a child of the woman who would otherwise have an ab ortio if you oppose abortion.
Mr. Blow is not obliged to take refugees into his home to support his position, any more than you are oblige to adopt a child of the woman who would otherwise have an ab ortio if you oppose abortion.
1
Trump, having never read the US Constitution, has no idea what it says,much less the spirit behind those words.
Yes, there are violent Islamists, but Trump does business with them, so their travel to the US is unaffected. He doesn't have his money in a blind trust. He's temporarily signed over the management of his empire to his sons -- or so he says. We've seen no documents, just folders full of blank xerox pepers. Let's not leave Ivanka and Jared out if this stinking pile of lies. Jared hired a different, much smarter lawyer, but don't believe his nonsense either.
Netanyahu wants the US to pay to move our Embassy in Israel to another city. (That will include moving Embassy staff, both State and CIA, as well as Marines posted at the Embassy.) Why? Has Netanyahu told the citizens of Israel that on the anniversary of the freeing the first survivors of Hitler's death camps, Trump intentionally failed to mention the Jews? I know that Hitler's war caused the death of countless millions, but Jews were singled out for torture, slave labor, and extermination--the final solution.
Do Netanyahu or Kushner think they face better from Trump? They are today's Three Stooges.
Yes, there are violent Islamists, but Trump does business with them, so their travel to the US is unaffected. He doesn't have his money in a blind trust. He's temporarily signed over the management of his empire to his sons -- or so he says. We've seen no documents, just folders full of blank xerox pepers. Let's not leave Ivanka and Jared out if this stinking pile of lies. Jared hired a different, much smarter lawyer, but don't believe his nonsense either.
Netanyahu wants the US to pay to move our Embassy in Israel to another city. (That will include moving Embassy staff, both State and CIA, as well as Marines posted at the Embassy.) Why? Has Netanyahu told the citizens of Israel that on the anniversary of the freeing the first survivors of Hitler's death camps, Trump intentionally failed to mention the Jews? I know that Hitler's war caused the death of countless millions, but Jews were singled out for torture, slave labor, and extermination--the final solution.
Do Netanyahu or Kushner think they face better from Trump? They are today's Three Stooges.
2
"What does Bannon know about national security"? About as much of any other Trump appointees know about the departments he's appointed them to. Lack of knowledge in Trump World is an attribute.
2
Why is no one talking about impeachment?
Do we have to wait for something dangerously stupid?
A week seems long enough to find out what is going on.
Why is no one talking about charges of sedition for conspiring with a hostile foreign power to disrupt the election?
Why??
Do we have to wait for something dangerously stupid?
A week seems long enough to find out what is going on.
Why is no one talking about charges of sedition for conspiring with a hostile foreign power to disrupt the election?
Why??
3
Trump is just keeping his promises, and Blow is just continuing his 18 month rant against Trump. Americans who voted for Trump are getting what they voted for, and Americans who voted against Trump (or who didn't vote) are getting what they expected. The Times is now Faux News, and the pseudo-progressive opposition is now the Tea Party.
3
Steve Bannon needs the boot out of the Whitehouse an off the NSC. Trump needs to be impeached. This is not my America!!! Not with these two clowns at the helm!
8
Trump and his inner circle stir up an equivalency to the "dementors" from Harry Potter. A chilly equivalency.
2
Thank you. I applaud your fearlessness. It is up to us, isn't it? And, no, not on my watch.
3
My Fellow Citizens,
Now that we've had our catharsis, courtesy of Charles Blow, let's Do something.
It's not enough to whine, moan, kvetch, say, "ain't it awful", run around crying, "the sky is falling in, the sky is falling in", à la Henny Penny.
How many of us have actually called our state's Senators & Representatives to ask for initiation of impeachment proceedings ?
YOU are their constituents (which is a euphemism for I'd like my requests fulfilled or I may find it hard to vote for you next time).
Now that we've had our catharsis, courtesy of Charles Blow, let's Do something.
It's not enough to whine, moan, kvetch, say, "ain't it awful", run around crying, "the sky is falling in, the sky is falling in", à la Henny Penny.
How many of us have actually called our state's Senators & Representatives to ask for initiation of impeachment proceedings ?
YOU are their constituents (which is a euphemism for I'd like my requests fulfilled or I may find it hard to vote for you next time).
4
As a signatory to the Geneva Conventions the US is obligated to taken in refugees from war torn countries. I can't help but think if the President had consulted someone other than Banning he would have known this.
5
Article ll, Section 4, of the United States Constitution - "The President, Vice President, and all civil Officers of the United States shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other High Crimes and Misdemeanors."
Trump, Bannon,et al will surely qualify for one of these qualifications very soon!
Trump, Bannon,et al will surely qualify for one of these qualifications very soon!
2
Mr. Blow, another excellent article. You miss one major point. The silence on the part of the GOP congressional representatives is because the "literacy-lite, conspiracy-chasing, compulsively lying bigot [,and] narcissistic workaholic" (as you put it so well) is doing precisely what those representatives want. They, too, are Bannonites, but can't admit it in public. So they remain silent and let the White House do their bidding. And that, more than the White House, is what is fatal to the Constitution. And we must stand up against this.
3
Thank you, Mr. Blow, for continuing to express so clearly what the rest of us are feeling. It is hard to believe that it has only been a week since Trump took office, with all of the damage he has caused. He must be stopped before irrevocable harm has been done.
2
I believe Trump's cabinet picks and adding Steve Bannon to NSC is tantamount to act of terrorism. While banning Muslims from entering the country is horrible, we also need to keep the pressure on the cabinet nominations. I'm incensed that the media has "forgotten" about the dismantling of our government from the inside. We're playing into Trump's hand!
And all of Trump's "successes" as of late has been made possible by Cambridge Analytical, a data mining and processing company where Bannon has a seat on the board. The computer model probably said the crowd for Trump's inauguration should be 1.5 million, and that's why Trump is convinced. Or it said that questioning the crowd would keep us too busy to deal with the real problems we face. Ditto with the Muslim ban.
And what about Mercer, the billionaire who backed Trump, and for whom both Conway and Bannon worked, and whose daughter was on Trump's transition team?
Our nation is being attacked. Our laws and regulations are being ignored and dismantled. I appreciate your writing, Mr. Blow, but tell us, from your perspective and what you know, how we can stop this destruction.
And all of Trump's "successes" as of late has been made possible by Cambridge Analytical, a data mining and processing company where Bannon has a seat on the board. The computer model probably said the crowd for Trump's inauguration should be 1.5 million, and that's why Trump is convinced. Or it said that questioning the crowd would keep us too busy to deal with the real problems we face. Ditto with the Muslim ban.
And what about Mercer, the billionaire who backed Trump, and for whom both Conway and Bannon worked, and whose daughter was on Trump's transition team?
Our nation is being attacked. Our laws and regulations are being ignored and dismantled. I appreciate your writing, Mr. Blow, but tell us, from your perspective and what you know, how we can stop this destruction.
4
This reads delusional. The unity you describe could as easily be attributed to the "Deplorables", a similar reactive movement in the face of an unfamiliar political agenda.
1
Mr.Blow, thank you for your always clear-thinking (and brave) stand on what is happening in today's sad and frightening political nightmare. Please keep it up. And (not so ridiculous a warning any more) please stay safe.
3
Many, but not all of us, have said that we didn't and couldn't see these series of events ever occurring; However, it was quite obvious!!
Alas, while the penguin in the movie Batman Returns was defeated...we are now have sad and devastating twist in our real-time reality show..
Perhaps, we can look forward to Humpty Dumpty Trumpty and the demise of what can occur.
Alas, while the penguin in the movie Batman Returns was defeated...we are now have sad and devastating twist in our real-time reality show..
Perhaps, we can look forward to Humpty Dumpty Trumpty and the demise of what can occur.
A beautifully-written call to arms!
4
Mr. Blow - Great article! When I first read about Stephen K. Bannon, when he became Trump's strategist during the campaign, I became very worried about his influence! He is a very dangerous man and seems to thrive on chaos and destruction of his version of the Establishment. How can we get rid of him?
4
No one other than Trump can get rid of Bannon, but all of us who are appalled by the elevation of this bigot can let our senators and representatives know that we demand that they hold Trump and his advisors accountable
"Make Our Enemies Stronger"
Trump 2017
Trump 2017
3
This morning I placde yet another phone call to my District 8 Michigan representative Mike Bishop, wrote out two letters to Pence and Trump, and will continue through the day to contact my two state senators, etc. I strongly encourage all who read this to contact your senators and representatives and deluge the administration with letters and phone calls, as a first step. Then we'll need to move toward visiting them in person in their offices, attending town hall meetings, etc., where we face them in person and demand an end to these catastrophic, foolish, reckless presidential actions and orders. This sort of thing cannot go on. Americans, stand up and make yourself heard! Do it now! The longer we delay the harder and worse it will become.
4
"Notably, perhaps, the list avoided Muslim countries where Mr. Trump has major business ventures.” This outrage can't get much worse before it becomes Satanic.
Google pointedly posted today's doodle: Fred Korematsu's 98th birthday. He was "an American civil rights activist who objected to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II."
He was born in the same place I was, Oakland. And he is buried in Marin, across the the bay from where I live now. To me, he is a hero. Compared to Trump, a saint. His kind of bravery is what is needed now in this country. Charles has brilliantly laid out why.
Google pointedly posted today's doodle: Fred Korematsu's 98th birthday. He was "an American civil rights activist who objected to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II."
He was born in the same place I was, Oakland. And he is buried in Marin, across the the bay from where I live now. To me, he is a hero. Compared to Trump, a saint. His kind of bravery is what is needed now in this country. Charles has brilliantly laid out why.
5
" If no one else is going to fight for American values, it falls to the American people themselves to do so."
I am less confidant that enough US adults/voters will remember the Trump follies & be ready to vote out the Republicans in 2 yrs or 4 yrs. Gerrymandered districts will still be in place & Critical Thinking abilities of our species was not emphasised during our evolution. EG. 46% Americans Believe In Creationism According To Latest Gallup Poll http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/05/americans-believe-in-creationism
46% of Americans believe in creationism, 32% believe in theistic evolution & 15% believe in evolution without any divine intervention. The data shows that the percent of Americans who believe in creationism has increased slightly by 2% over the last 30 years. The poll indicates that more than 100 million Americans are not ready to abandon the biblical understanding of the natural world, insisting that the Earth is but a few thousand years old & that humans were created in their present forms. FYI: a majority of these people self identified as Republicans. As Romney said to win the election he must get the independent voters. The ~46% of voters who would take poison before voting Democrat are locked in (voting against their interests).
Hillary should have been out campaigning for Bernie & this mess would have been avoided.
I am less confidant that enough US adults/voters will remember the Trump follies & be ready to vote out the Republicans in 2 yrs or 4 yrs. Gerrymandered districts will still be in place & Critical Thinking abilities of our species was not emphasised during our evolution. EG. 46% Americans Believe In Creationism According To Latest Gallup Poll http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/05/americans-believe-in-creationism
46% of Americans believe in creationism, 32% believe in theistic evolution & 15% believe in evolution without any divine intervention. The data shows that the percent of Americans who believe in creationism has increased slightly by 2% over the last 30 years. The poll indicates that more than 100 million Americans are not ready to abandon the biblical understanding of the natural world, insisting that the Earth is but a few thousand years old & that humans were created in their present forms. FYI: a majority of these people self identified as Republicans. As Romney said to win the election he must get the independent voters. The ~46% of voters who would take poison before voting Democrat are locked in (voting against their interests).
Hillary should have been out campaigning for Bernie & this mess would have been avoided.
2
Mr. Blow: Trump has done exactly--no matter how crazy--what he said he would do to America. His True Believers will not object to any of it because they want him to blow up the history of our great nation. Trump wants to withdraw into a bubble of ignorance that defies any reason because he and his posse are ignorant about anyone's rights except their own gain from running this country away from any allegiance to Democracy as we historically know it.
Forget about the Republican Party having concern to stand up to Trump and his gang because the Republican Party leaders like the despicable Paul Ryan care about only one thing and that is Power. And they've finally got it after about 20 years of swindling the American People with the help of actors like Reagan that the Federal Government is the problem.
Forget about the Republican Party having concern to stand up to Trump and his gang because the Republican Party leaders like the despicable Paul Ryan care about only one thing and that is Power. And they've finally got it after about 20 years of swindling the American People with the help of actors like Reagan that the Federal Government is the problem.
4
For those who were too young or not even born yet in 1968, as you protest this demagoguery in airports, public squares, state capitals, you're going to need a catchy chant. Here's one that worked pretty well: THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING! Because it is.
9
Thank you for calling out the GOP Mr. Blow. Trump and his team of white bigots are to blame, surely, but those enablers that have been ruining the Congress by acting in the same vein if not explicitly since Gingrich times, share as much if not more of the blame! The Republican rule of the house must end, even if they've gerrymandered their districts. Hopefully, this will sink in with conservative voters because we need their help too.
5
“I have made my decision on who I will nominate for The United States Supreme Court. It will be announced live on Tuesday at 8:00 P.M” -- Tweeter-In-Chief
I don’t intend to do much worrying about Tweeter’s choice for the Court.
I do intend to spend some time thinking hard about why anyone would want to be nominated to the Court by him.
I don’t intend to do much worrying about Tweeter’s choice for the Court.
I do intend to spend some time thinking hard about why anyone would want to be nominated to the Court by him.
4
The joke of a new millennium is the Trump-Putin-May alliance to defeat the terrorism!
Who is better positioned to do it than the pact between Washington D.C., Moscow and London?! Haven’t exactly those three superpowers whipped the previously dormant Muslim world into the radical religious frenzy?
Before the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 the Muslim world created on their own several local secular semi-socialist countries in Iraq, Syria and Libya. Actually, it was the White House that was protecting the extremely radical Wahhabi ideology of its puppet regime in Riyadh in order not to collapse under the upcoming modernization of the Arab world. Even more stunningly, during the fifties of the last century the Iranians created their own local liberal secular parliamentarian democracy that was overthrown by the undercover coup of the American and British secret agencies.
The Soviet occupation of Afghanistan and the American financing, arming and training of the Sunni Wahhabi radicals and intentional stirring up of their religious fundamentalism have sawn the seed of the modern terrorism.
Those who created the terrorism should know the best how to dismantle it...
Or maybe not! If they knew what they were doing, they would have never done it...
Who is better positioned to do it than the pact between Washington D.C., Moscow and London?! Haven’t exactly those three superpowers whipped the previously dormant Muslim world into the radical religious frenzy?
Before the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 the Muslim world created on their own several local secular semi-socialist countries in Iraq, Syria and Libya. Actually, it was the White House that was protecting the extremely radical Wahhabi ideology of its puppet regime in Riyadh in order not to collapse under the upcoming modernization of the Arab world. Even more stunningly, during the fifties of the last century the Iranians created their own local liberal secular parliamentarian democracy that was overthrown by the undercover coup of the American and British secret agencies.
The Soviet occupation of Afghanistan and the American financing, arming and training of the Sunni Wahhabi radicals and intentional stirring up of their religious fundamentalism have sawn the seed of the modern terrorism.
Those who created the terrorism should know the best how to dismantle it...
Or maybe not! If they knew what they were doing, they would have never done it...
Thank you Mr. Blow for being the most persistent voice of dissent to this charade of presidency.
Without Bannon, Kushner, and Conway, Trump would merely be a puppet without strings. This trio IS the axis of evil.
Without Bannon, Kushner, and Conway, Trump would merely be a puppet without strings. This trio IS the axis of evil.
4
He was as persistent in damning Bernie during the democratic primaries. We get Trump Because of that! Bernie would have won the white votes in mid America, by landslide, if only the democrats had even considered him on the ticket instead of stubbornly and ignorantly supporting Hillary, like Charles Blow and NYT did.
1
Obama showed the way with executive orders. Bless him. Also bless Harry Reid for using the nuclear option. Both Democrats have shown the way for President Trump to begin making America great again no matter how many deadbeats and laggards protest in the streets.
And after President Trump establishes a safe zone in Syria the excuse to bring in countless Muslims into the US will go the way of the Dodo Bird. And after the economy starts hitting 3% GDP even ilk like Crocodile Tears Chuck Schumer will admit that America is great again.
And after President Trump establishes a safe zone in Syria the excuse to bring in countless Muslims into the US will go the way of the Dodo Bird. And after the economy starts hitting 3% GDP even ilk like Crocodile Tears Chuck Schumer will admit that America is great again.
3
Trumpty Dumpty wants a wall
Trumpty Dumpty will have a yuge fall
No one will bother
putting Trumpty together
back again, ever!
Trumpty Dumpty will have a yuge fall
No one will bother
putting Trumpty together
back again, ever!
2
Oh yeah, on your watch.
whole issue gone in 48 hours
whole issue gone in 48 hours
2
It's going to take more than a few concisely worded op-eds to affect change, but it's magnificent to watch Charles lay into the Blowhard in Chief. It was particularly encouraging this weekend to see the two corporate parties marginalized as the people took to the streets spontaneously without direction from their 'leaders.' It is those two parties that brought us to this desperate juncture in the nation's march into the future.
5
Let's put it in context. In 2014 over 30,000 Americans were shot on U.S. soil. Of those, over 12,000 were killed. Perhaps the Twitter Twit should ban assault weapons as a start. We have enough carnage of our own.
5
I sympathize, but just because one situationis not good hardly justifies letting other ones go as erll
"In 1984, the psychiatrist Otto Kernberg described a sickness known as Malignant Narcissism. Unlike ordinary narcissism, malignant narcissism was a severe pathology.
It was characterized by an absence of conscience, a pathological grandiosity and quest for power, and a sadistic joy in cruelty." Impeach him now.
It was characterized by an absence of conscience, a pathological grandiosity and quest for power, and a sadistic joy in cruelty." Impeach him now.
10
The sleeping giant has been awakened. We are fighting at a three ringed circus. The clown king in the center ring stealing the show with illusion, bright lights and showmanship, Snapping his whip as his Republican flunkies perform to his every wish. The other two ring contain the subservient House and the Senate controlled by Republicans. If the Republicans don"t fill their duty to the Constitution and the American people they will have to be replaced in order to bring down the big top on this greatest insult to earth.
1
Good luck with that. A big part of your problem is that the American people do not agree with your all-knowing wisdom as to what constitutes the Republicans' duty to themselves and to the Constitution.
We heard a lot about Obama's imperial presidency and executive overreach, though it is never mentioned that Obama only turned to executive orders after 6 years of being stymied by Republicans in Congress. No good will prevailed, and Reps started the process of destroying democracy that tRump is continuing. Unfortunately this is the logical direction of this backward looking party. They can't win through normal electoral means, so they have to cheat. They have no governing plan except to take ever more for themselves & their corporate cronies, so they enact punishing policies to keep us all even further from the ballot box. But they have no mandate and they can't reverse demographic trends, so their tenure will be too long for those of us who despair at their actions, but ultimately it will fail. It cannot be sustained. They need the consent of the governed, as the Declaration of Independence states, and they are ensuring by these actions that our consent will be breathtakingly short. My only concern is for the violence that is also most likely to ensue.
We have no choice but to go forward. This president who is so obsessed with his legitimacy is fast destroying it, aided and abetted by the sycophants who surround him, including Bannon, and the spineless GOP.
We have no choice but to go forward. This president who is so obsessed with his legitimacy is fast destroying it, aided and abetted by the sycophants who surround him, including Bannon, and the spineless GOP.
4
I tried to call the office of Senator Dean Heller all weekend, and again this morning. No one is picking up the phone, the mailboxes are full. How can I have a voice if my senator won't respond to my efforts to contact him? It is hard to imagine that in this day and age they can't accommodate all the phone calls that are received.
I wanted to point out the chaos his party has sowed. Maybe he already knows.
I wanted to point out the chaos his party has sowed. Maybe he already knows.
5
I’m compelled to speak in resistance to Donald J. Trump, and in support of all those, like Mr. Blow, taking up the cause of rescinding his extremist executive order closing our borders to refugees. I do so remembering the words of the German Lutheran pastor and concentration camp survivor Martin Niemöller: “First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me." Let us speak by the millions.
4
Trump, the fake billionaire, is now our real president. His obsession with trivial matters such as inaugural crowd size and his self-declared intelligence is pathetic and troubling.
Now, the outrageous incompetence of this man and his ghoulish advisers has reached new levels through this blatant affront to the Islamic world having no wish to harm America.
Every Republican with a spine or a conscience must speak out against this travesty and the increasingly evident mentally unbalanced man in the oval office under the Republican banner. America and the world cannot afford to wait for the next election cycle.
Now, the outrageous incompetence of this man and his ghoulish advisers has reached new levels through this blatant affront to the Islamic world having no wish to harm America.
Every Republican with a spine or a conscience must speak out against this travesty and the increasingly evident mentally unbalanced man in the oval office under the Republican banner. America and the world cannot afford to wait for the next election cycle.
4
The degree of ignorance, hypocrisy and malevolence emanating from the White House and Congress is astounding. The disdain for the American people and contempt for people of other countries is breathtaking. And given the silence of the Democrats in Congress, I cannot absolve them of their share of the blame. Was there no one among the "president's" minions who could foresee the chaos and heartbreak that would ensue from this action? Or did they see it and not care? Day by day, the foundations upon which this country were created are being destroyed, and it is becoming unrecognizable to me. And worst of all, one of the men who appears to have the most influence on the "president" seems to be a Nazi; furthermore, no one in the White House or Congress seems to care! You are right, Mr Blow, "If no one else is going to fight for American values, it falls to the American people themselves to do so". Many of the American people might be blindly angry about their lot and willfully ignorant (you know who you are), but not all.
5
Our president, while astoundingly ignorant, pathologically dishonest and addicted to bullying and vilifying the weakest and most vulnerable, excels at what I'd call the low cunning of the sociopath. He knows that most people are timid and don't want to be seen doing the wrong thing, and that if he keeps coming at them his sheer aggressiveness will keep them off balance and reactive. This is how he wins. In this, Trump is a true brother to the fellow with the brush mustache.
The press went easy on him during the campaign because (1) they couldn't imagine that their preferred candidate would lose, (2) they thought his antics so preposterous they would self-refute and (3) they just couldn't keep up with him. Trump is nothing if not prolific, hence he drives every news cycle. No story can build the way Watergate did because there's a new one every other day.
Trump's enemies (and count me one) need to match him in aggressiveness. Use the courts. Share resources. Fund anyone who wants to sue him civilly. Wealthy law firms should grasp that they have a critical role is saving our democracy. Donate tens of thousands of hours of attorney time to tying him up like Laocoon. Demand that state tax authorities reopen audits on his still-unreported cancellation-of-indebtedness income from 1994. Trump is the mortal enemy of the American project. Show him no quarter.
The press went easy on him during the campaign because (1) they couldn't imagine that their preferred candidate would lose, (2) they thought his antics so preposterous they would self-refute and (3) they just couldn't keep up with him. Trump is nothing if not prolific, hence he drives every news cycle. No story can build the way Watergate did because there's a new one every other day.
Trump's enemies (and count me one) need to match him in aggressiveness. Use the courts. Share resources. Fund anyone who wants to sue him civilly. Wealthy law firms should grasp that they have a critical role is saving our democracy. Donate tens of thousands of hours of attorney time to tying him up like Laocoon. Demand that state tax authorities reopen audits on his still-unreported cancellation-of-indebtedness income from 1994. Trump is the mortal enemy of the American project. Show him no quarter.
8
Thank you, Mr. Blow. Donald Trump told us who he was and what he would do if elected president, and he is doing just as he promised. None of us should be surprised.
You are making the brave choice to shine moral light on his actions, and to illuminate how the Trump administration's concerted efforts are fast discarding civil protections for all Americans. No one will be exempt from the loss of liberty this administration (I include Congress in the term) is advancing. Please, keep speaking up. In the Clinton administration, Newt Gingrich held a daily press conference for months simply to characterize--in the most negative way possible-- what Bill Clinton was doing. The vehement repetition was incredibly effective, regardless of how true or false any of Gingrich's claims were. The right wing has used this tactic since, and has used it to appeal to people's most visceral emotions, rather than their reason. The left wing and centrists of all stripes have so far failed to use the tactic of repetitious characterization, or to develop any strategy to send visceral messages that basic and essential liberties -- without which no one but those in power can ever succeed -- are being illegally and immorally erased. These authority figures will not protect the public interest, or the public trust. We need journalists like you to keep speaking out in truth, with clarity, for us all.
You are making the brave choice to shine moral light on his actions, and to illuminate how the Trump administration's concerted efforts are fast discarding civil protections for all Americans. No one will be exempt from the loss of liberty this administration (I include Congress in the term) is advancing. Please, keep speaking up. In the Clinton administration, Newt Gingrich held a daily press conference for months simply to characterize--in the most negative way possible-- what Bill Clinton was doing. The vehement repetition was incredibly effective, regardless of how true or false any of Gingrich's claims were. The right wing has used this tactic since, and has used it to appeal to people's most visceral emotions, rather than their reason. The left wing and centrists of all stripes have so far failed to use the tactic of repetitious characterization, or to develop any strategy to send visceral messages that basic and essential liberties -- without which no one but those in power can ever succeed -- are being illegally and immorally erased. These authority figures will not protect the public interest, or the public trust. We need journalists like you to keep speaking out in truth, with clarity, for us all.
6
This will be a week when the American President put up a closed sign. The sign isn't just about immigration. His actions signalled to business that they can no longer take America's stability for granted. Any business watching Trump lurch from tweet to tweet about possible taxes, health care vhanges, trade and international relationships culminating with his executive order about immigration. Business needs to know that if the rules are changed there will be a process in place. Watching Trump tweet about specific company actions he doesn't like, which in turn may affect we value of stock is unnerving. The same concern faces business with his decision makingng process that has no structure. The way to that Trump and his inner circle refused advice from their lawyer is not reassuring. The chaos could have been minimized if those responsible for enforcement were given info. Business across America found themselves uncertain about the impact on their business. The fact that Congress has made no meaningful steps to restore order to the chaos means business thinking of coming to the US or even staying have to weigh the risk. Tax cuts don't solve everything
2
Demented Nero fiddled.
Demented Trumpty tweets.
Demented Trumpty tweets.
3
Let's hope the NYT will call out specifically which members of Congress are keeping quiet about this "President's" orders. They need to be named, challenged and examined. Relentlessly. We all know Trump is a dangerous, thoughtless fool. There's no news there. So go after the members of Congress who are silent or siding with Trump.
4
Charles: Brilliant column, and you speak for all of us. Putting Bannon on the NSC and kicking off heads of Intel and Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well a the wall and the Muslim ban, should cause outrage to all Americans. We do NOT allow dictatorships in our country! Ever! The lessons of history are too costly in this regard. I stand on one leg these days, but this Vietnam vet, with more time in combat than Trump has sitting on his gold toilet seat, will be only too glad to kick that traitor, coward and moral leper and his ghastly entourage out of the White House.
5
Thank you for your service. Impeach Trump !
It is all quite depressing.
I honestly think Trump's approach to this office he coveted so fervently, is that being president of the United States is like owning a high-class hotel.
And as owner, he has the right to refuse service to anyone he sees fit. I truly believe, that is about as sophisticated a view of what this country is he ever gets to.
So write those orders, Donald. The US belongs to the law and our constitution, not to any man.
I honestly think Trump's approach to this office he coveted so fervently, is that being president of the United States is like owning a high-class hotel.
And as owner, he has the right to refuse service to anyone he sees fit. I truly believe, that is about as sophisticated a view of what this country is he ever gets to.
So write those orders, Donald. The US belongs to the law and our constitution, not to any man.
4
Regular America, we the people, have experienced a remarkably fast learning curve in one week. The protests, the phone calls, the "indivisible" movements are a prelude to a 'new' day in America. . .one that Bannon and his puppet are convinced that they are insulated from. It is the reverse of the 27% who voted for Trump and the majority that voted for Clinton. The fury of those who see the direction -- the injustice, the lies, the deceptions -- will soon overtake the 'do-nothing' Congress. This moniker takes on new meaning as a core group of members join with the vast swath of Americans who will not tolerate seeing human and civil rights, humanitarian actions and financial growth (slow but sure) die in the rubble of Bannon's acts and pronouncements channeled through his childish intern in his movement, "President" Trump. Those do-nothings will pay a price in the short-term as they see their reputations dragged through the gutters of this presidential path to social carnage. They will pay an historical price -- and who among them doesn't want a place in history -- as 'public' servants out to see their conservative agendas accomplished. This last week of protest is a prelude. The Dems are not organized completely but they will be pulled along in this tsunami of social justice and those stalwarts, new and old, will see that justice is done. Drain the swamp? No, throw the bums out and hope in the process, they hoist themselves on their own pitards. Welcomed fireworks await.
3
Bannon serves as a clear and present threat to national unity and peace, as well as to world order. Get him out. Trump is nothing without him.
And the silent majority in Congress, are contemptible and pathetic. We need to weed them out too.
And the silent majority in Congress, are contemptible and pathetic. We need to weed them out too.
4
Our race to the bottom in so many different areas of American culture has been supplanted by a race to the past. We all knew that the campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again,” was yet another line in the sand to galvanize division and dissension within our nation.
History is not on the side of these freedom hating, fear mongering, self-serving and contemptuous suited rabble. Most of the world are against these alt-righters who share an evil affinity with “die kampf” of their spiritual leader who wrote of his struggle almost a century ago; their struggle is also doomed to fail.
History is not on the side of these freedom hating, fear mongering, self-serving and contemptuous suited rabble. Most of the world are against these alt-righters who share an evil affinity with “die kampf” of their spiritual leader who wrote of his struggle almost a century ago; their struggle is also doomed to fail.
1
Mr. Blow: I appreciate your column very much and agree wholeheartedly. But it is with resignation that I should tell you that 45% of the country and the majority of Congressional members do not agree with you. The Republicans are in power. They do not need to do anything and thus, they show themselves for what they are - - eager accomplices to Mr. Bannon's plans. Didn't we sense this already? These folks have a deep hatred for anything that smacks of liberalism, globalism, unity or solidarity. Those words mean almost nothing to them. Many Americans (the 45%) are quite happy with Mr. Trump and they feel that his words ring true; that we are in real danger from immigrants from these 7 countries and that Mexicans need to be stopped by building a 20 billion dollar wall. They believe this completely and efforts to change their beliefs are useless. The rest of us are on our own, hoping that our Democratic Senators and Representative will have the moral backbone to obstruct, obstruct and obstruct Bannon's policies as much as they can.
2
Being in power does not nullify the very important rule of checks and balances re abuse of the executive .
We do have the court system; we have the Constitution; we have the Congress ( yes, with its many failings ) we have the press, despite what Batman & Robin think about it.
And -- taking it to the street.
I live near Boston. In school, I heard about the Revolution. Recently I rowed a kayak under the bridge at Concord, where it all started. I had the freedom and resources to do that. Those brave soldiers were vilified as traitors by some. As the white raving alt-rights do today.
They do not represent " We the People "; they are in it for the power, as Orwell said so precsiently in his day...which has become our day. !
God help us. and let's do whatever we can to Stop this madness.
We do have the court system; we have the Constitution; we have the Congress ( yes, with its many failings ) we have the press, despite what Batman & Robin think about it.
And -- taking it to the street.
I live near Boston. In school, I heard about the Revolution. Recently I rowed a kayak under the bridge at Concord, where it all started. I had the freedom and resources to do that. Those brave soldiers were vilified as traitors by some. As the white raving alt-rights do today.
They do not represent " We the People "; they are in it for the power, as Orwell said so precsiently in his day...which has become our day. !
God help us. and let's do whatever we can to Stop this madness.
Fellow Citizens, we cannot take our precious democracy for granted any longer. Do something!
3
The narrative has to change:
1. detail the many ways this ill-thought out ban actually makes America less safe;
2. detail the many ways this bunch of dingbats don't know how to operate a government or within integrated government systems, leading to chaos and making America less safe;
3. Bannon is now president, trump the blustering idiot, and the National Security of the Country is in the hands of now two "crazy" people (bannon, flynn, and probably john bolt)....and America is less safe;
4. The rest of the World does not trust America, your allies do not trust you; the incompetence is breathtaking; all making America less safe;
5. Taking security out of the hands of the experts who have, under Obama's system, kept America safe, and putting it in the hands of an online conspiracy theorist and fabricator/promoter of lies and fake news, makes America less safe.
Trump's people are drunk on fear; make it clear that trump has now given them reason to be fearful, has made American Troops less safe. Publicity stunts do not make America safe.
(PS. Where is the outrage over the White House's statement commemorating the Holocaust that pointedly fails to mention the Jewish People. This is what Holocaust deniers do: if they can't get away with actually deny it, they whitewash it from history.)
RESIST.
1. detail the many ways this ill-thought out ban actually makes America less safe;
2. detail the many ways this bunch of dingbats don't know how to operate a government or within integrated government systems, leading to chaos and making America less safe;
3. Bannon is now president, trump the blustering idiot, and the National Security of the Country is in the hands of now two "crazy" people (bannon, flynn, and probably john bolt)....and America is less safe;
4. The rest of the World does not trust America, your allies do not trust you; the incompetence is breathtaking; all making America less safe;
5. Taking security out of the hands of the experts who have, under Obama's system, kept America safe, and putting it in the hands of an online conspiracy theorist and fabricator/promoter of lies and fake news, makes America less safe.
Trump's people are drunk on fear; make it clear that trump has now given them reason to be fearful, has made American Troops less safe. Publicity stunts do not make America safe.
(PS. Where is the outrage over the White House's statement commemorating the Holocaust that pointedly fails to mention the Jewish People. This is what Holocaust deniers do: if they can't get away with actually deny it, they whitewash it from history.)
RESIST.
3
Statistics clearly show that since the turn of the millennium the average American is well over 20 times more likely to be killed by a white Christian male US citizen with a handgun than by anyone with the traits that Trump has just banned. Shouldn't we remove the bigger threat first?
10
I mentioned, in another comment, that Trump doesn't seem to like
negative criticism very much. The thing I now worry about is the fact that he is getting negative criticism from the rest of the world as well as from home.
The worry comes from the fact that he is now the Commander In Chief of the world's biggest army and he has the atom bomb in his back pocket. What
have we done? The Founding Fathers designed some checks and balances but
it doesn't look like they ever thought they would have a Trumplike figure to
deal with.
negative criticism very much. The thing I now worry about is the fact that he is getting negative criticism from the rest of the world as well as from home.
The worry comes from the fact that he is now the Commander In Chief of the world's biggest army and he has the atom bomb in his back pocket. What
have we done? The Founding Fathers designed some checks and balances but
it doesn't look like they ever thought they would have a Trumplike figure to
deal with.
1
Listen to this from Mr. Blow:
"We are inching toward anarchy." OR how about this:
"It [America] is a vast expanse of darkness and desolation."
Give us a break, Mr. Blow. America has won more Nobel prizes by far than any other nation. Harvard alone has won 18, and MIT 17. And you are wholly absorbed by the "demonizing of blacks in the inner city." Please, get out of the way of people of all colors who believe in America and want to help the president. -The Colonel
"We are inching toward anarchy." OR how about this:
"It [America] is a vast expanse of darkness and desolation."
Give us a break, Mr. Blow. America has won more Nobel prizes by far than any other nation. Harvard alone has won 18, and MIT 17. And you are wholly absorbed by the "demonizing of blacks in the inner city." Please, get out of the way of people of all colors who believe in America and want to help the president. -The Colonel
2
The Republican Party is a euphemism for what the GOP has become: the American Nazi Party.
10
Ryan, McConnell, most in the GOP house and senate (with few) have no backbone and do not do the honorable thing to stand against trump and his agenda.
3
I can't decide which would be worse, this chaos with narcissistic Trump or a theocracy with Mike Pence if Trump were impeached.
2
This is a fight against AmeriKan Fascism. Nothing less. Trump is just the snake head. Bannon and his followers, and many Republicans, must be fought.
5
Trump, has no basic understanding of actions and reactions and are unwilling to learn. Trump and his cronies only wish to push their white, Christian agenda. They will destroy as much of American Democracy as possible without regard are thought.
3
Trump and his band of rogues, thieves and luars have never played by the rules and will not start doing so now. For Congress or the American people to continue try to "play nice " with this administration is to cede America to fascism. Wake up, America, it's 1938 all over again.
5
Mr. Blow, thank you for your consistent and clear voice supporting our civil liberties.
Yet, I write to ask if you think it's time to show Trump et al's. "shock and awe" blitzkrieg mode of governance some shock and awe from consumers worldwide objecting to it?
While citizens are protesting and marching,I fear Kellyanne and friends are watching cynically, chuckling to each other, possibly thinking something like, "just wait till they see our NEXT move; we'll keep them SO busy chasing bones that they will never be able to keep up with us; we'll come at them from every possible angle and keep them so busy, they will be immobilized."
All the while, Kellyanne boasts her expertise as a pollster who "listens to the people", but I ask, is she listening to "consumers" who object to her ideological agenda?
Thus I ask, Is it time to resurrect consumer power and issue a call to boycott all Trump, Bannon, etc. and related businesses, services, properties? Is it time for citizens objecting to Trump's agenda also to direct their rage using, in addition to protests, legal interventions, community organizing, etc. their "consumer people power"?
I'm not sure this administration will listen to much else.
Yet, I write to ask if you think it's time to show Trump et al's. "shock and awe" blitzkrieg mode of governance some shock and awe from consumers worldwide objecting to it?
While citizens are protesting and marching,I fear Kellyanne and friends are watching cynically, chuckling to each other, possibly thinking something like, "just wait till they see our NEXT move; we'll keep them SO busy chasing bones that they will never be able to keep up with us; we'll come at them from every possible angle and keep them so busy, they will be immobilized."
All the while, Kellyanne boasts her expertise as a pollster who "listens to the people", but I ask, is she listening to "consumers" who object to her ideological agenda?
Thus I ask, Is it time to resurrect consumer power and issue a call to boycott all Trump, Bannon, etc. and related businesses, services, properties? Is it time for citizens objecting to Trump's agenda also to direct their rage using, in addition to protests, legal interventions, community organizing, etc. their "consumer people power"?
I'm not sure this administration will listen to much else.
5
Mark Twain said,
"Loyalty to the Nation all the time, loyalty to the Government when it deserves it."
Great American Words from a Great American Author.
Who knew it would take Great American People showing loyalty to a Great American Nation to fight against a president who rallied his base with promises of Make America Great Again. I guess the rallying cry was on target, it's just that it's the Great American People who are going to show him how it's done, not vice versa.
"Loyalty to the Nation all the time, loyalty to the Government when it deserves it."
Great American Words from a Great American Author.
Who knew it would take Great American People showing loyalty to a Great American Nation to fight against a president who rallied his base with promises of Make America Great Again. I guess the rallying cry was on target, it's just that it's the Great American People who are going to show him how it's done, not vice versa.
3
President Carter did this same sort of thing. Where were your tears then?
Oh - it's okay when YOUR party does it.
Enforcement of the laws IS a novelty from the President for eight years.
Get used to it.
Oh - it's okay when YOUR party does it.
Enforcement of the laws IS a novelty from the President for eight years.
Get used to it.
3
And do not forgot he gave Fidel Castro a gift to empty the prisons in Cuba
1
Bravo Charles! It is so good to see you in the vanguard of sensible opposition to the horror that is unfolding every day in the (false) name of America. You have named the culprits, now it is our job to attack the problem. If our elected officials cannot be trusted to openly resist this outrage perhaps we should look to "the opposition" (the press according to Trump) for our next set of candidates. You get my vote.
4
An excerpt that begs for reflection, especially in view of Bannon's recent call to the NYT with its claim of "power" for the next 50 years and the NYT's powerlessness (I think that was the core of the call):
“ The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power. ... We are different from the oligarchies of the past in that we know what we are doing. All the others, even those who resembled ourselves, were cowards and hypocrites. The German Nazis and the Russian Communists came very close to us in their methods, but they never had the courage to recognize their own motives. They pretended, perhaps they even believed, that they had seized power unwillingly and for a limited time, and that just around the corner there lay a paradise where human beings would be free and equal. We are not like that. We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means; it is an end."
― George Orwell, 1984
“ The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power. ... We are different from the oligarchies of the past in that we know what we are doing. All the others, even those who resembled ourselves, were cowards and hypocrites. The German Nazis and the Russian Communists came very close to us in their methods, but they never had the courage to recognize their own motives. They pretended, perhaps they even believed, that they had seized power unwillingly and for a limited time, and that just around the corner there lay a paradise where human beings would be free and equal. We are not like that. We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means; it is an end."
― George Orwell, 1984
4
The 25th Amendment addresses how to deal with a president who's unable to discharge the powers and duties of office. Are we there yet?
12
LOL at the Democrats actually doing anything. Schumer, Pelosi, et al would rather tie themselves in knots "working across the aisle" than show any real backbone fighting this demagogue and his merry band of wannabe Putins.
At a time when Americans needs REAL heroes, we're stuck with do-nothing politicians more concerned with re-election than standing up for democracy.
At a time when Americans needs REAL heroes, we're stuck with do-nothing politicians more concerned with re-election than standing up for democracy.
4
Frankly, I'm surprised that the French haven't demanded that we return the Statue of Liberty.
4
I am not a political person by nature, but last week has been an unmitigated disaster for America. It is time for American's to support a national strike, maybe that would give our representatives something to chew on. They have got to stand up and fight for the principles that have made America great!
4
Sadly, these Americans of who you speak had their chance. But instead, apathy, hatred (of Clinton and Obama), indifference, and fear either kept them away from the polls or caused them to vote for Trump and Republicans. I'm not sure a few protests are going to reverse an election.
It's very likely this will take more than protest, sadly. We will all need to ask ourselves how much of our beloved country are we willing to see destroyed before we say "enough".
1
Of which people are you talking about?Those majority who voted Trump in or of the minority puppets of the mainstream media (MSM) whom the media could make them dance to their now stale Trump hatred weak sounds?No,NYT,this is your wishful thinking.American people who hated Trump have all staying back now to praise him because of his decisive no-nonsense actions which he had promised he will carry out once he becomes president.
Trump,not being a politician goes and does what he said he would do.MSM and the career politicians are shocked as they have never in their life seen any one doing what he says he would do.
People are fed up of lying prevaricating career politicians and we the people have put a non politician,a successful business man in the seat of POTUS to bring about CHANGE,a promise Obama couldn't carry out in his time.
It does not matter whether that CHANGE is good or bad.So long its CHANGE we the people would be supporting TRUMP and not the MSM who have lost their credibility with the public .
MSM,you may cry hoarse,but no one is listening to you.We the people have seen through your game,"you are not the French Horn at all as Danne Keye's ditty says. MSM you stand exposed naked before us . You are a hoax.The more adverse Trump hating noise you produce the less we the people hear it.
Learn to respect your POTUS.Not to respect your POTUS argues yourself disrespectful,disloyal.You are letting yourselves down.Trump is doing a fine job and he is doing it fast.
Trump,not being a politician goes and does what he said he would do.MSM and the career politicians are shocked as they have never in their life seen any one doing what he says he would do.
People are fed up of lying prevaricating career politicians and we the people have put a non politician,a successful business man in the seat of POTUS to bring about CHANGE,a promise Obama couldn't carry out in his time.
It does not matter whether that CHANGE is good or bad.So long its CHANGE we the people would be supporting TRUMP and not the MSM who have lost their credibility with the public .
MSM,you may cry hoarse,but no one is listening to you.We the people have seen through your game,"you are not the French Horn at all as Danne Keye's ditty says. MSM you stand exposed naked before us . You are a hoax.The more adverse Trump hating noise you produce the less we the people hear it.
Learn to respect your POTUS.Not to respect your POTUS argues yourself disrespectful,disloyal.You are letting yourselves down.Trump is doing a fine job and he is doing it fast.
2
Some of us care about facts, although Trump makes up his own. The fact is that 2.9 million more people voted for Hillary. How you turn that into a majority for Trump, I don't know. As of today, by Gallup polling, only 36% of the public approve of the job Trump is doing. And 51% disapprove.
2
CB, There is nothing nonsensical about vetting people from countries prone to terrorism when ISIS has declared the refugee program as a means of infiltrating the US. Contrary to your beliefs, in 2009 two Jihadists from Iraq entered the US and dozens more were suspected of also having entered in this way. Protecting the homeland is what most Americans want. How many years did this paper carry on about Bush's failure to "connect the dots" about some mostly law abiding individuals who happened to be Muslim? Obama received a free pass regarding the Boston Bombers even though Russia had given us numerous warnings about the Tsarnaev brothers. Fyi, these recent anti-Trump protests were not spontaneous but largely organized by CAIR, an organization with known terrorist ties. Sen. Cruz has introduced S.bill 2230 to Congress to declare CAIR as a terrorist organization with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Although liberal policies may make you feel good, they don't protect us. I applaud POTUS Trump efforts to make us safe and start with the countries that Obama, himself, chose and Congress approved, as sources of terrorism.
2
This isn't about protecting anyone.
This little shop of horrors is just a taste of some of the grand theater that will be produced to desensitize Americans to the disgusting injustices this "administration" will be directing at certain minorities, portraying them as dangerous existential threats undeserving of our sympathy. To make us “us” and them “them”.
And these elaborate shows, staged to generate maximum chaos and fear, will also serve to prime the crazy cra trumpistas to be ready to unleash their real violence when Brannon, Stone, et al. give the signal. Listen for it when a real or imagined alt-fact crises unfolds.
By that time Americans will be too shell shocked or scared to react, and many "patriots" among them will even come to support the violence unleashed against non-believers and defenseless sub-human minorities.
Ah yes, the newly minted "true" American who can only be saved by the orange flaming grease fire, who is their power and their glory. Classic fascism 101. Then they'll listen to him very closely for instruction of how to drive everyone off the cliff, whether they're drunk with orange cool-aid or not.
This is their dream, make no mistake. The time to rise up is now.
This little shop of horrors is just a taste of some of the grand theater that will be produced to desensitize Americans to the disgusting injustices this "administration" will be directing at certain minorities, portraying them as dangerous existential threats undeserving of our sympathy. To make us “us” and them “them”.
And these elaborate shows, staged to generate maximum chaos and fear, will also serve to prime the crazy cra trumpistas to be ready to unleash their real violence when Brannon, Stone, et al. give the signal. Listen for it when a real or imagined alt-fact crises unfolds.
By that time Americans will be too shell shocked or scared to react, and many "patriots" among them will even come to support the violence unleashed against non-believers and defenseless sub-human minorities.
Ah yes, the newly minted "true" American who can only be saved by the orange flaming grease fire, who is their power and their glory. Classic fascism 101. Then they'll listen to him very closely for instruction of how to drive everyone off the cliff, whether they're drunk with orange cool-aid or not.
This is their dream, make no mistake. The time to rise up is now.
3
I work corporate. The mood is basically head-in-the-sand, full ostrich. No one wants to hear or talk about it, even though they might agree with it. There are a few supposedly semi-rational people with donald-hats on their desks. When guards are down and they begin chatting, they look smug, but are not 100% sure it's right. It seems clear that business interests want to treat everything as business as usual. There are many many people who don't either understand the gravity, or think it'll stop, or think they can keep it at arm's length or think that it'll just stay at arm's length.
What good is sitting, alone in your room?
Come hear the music play!
Life is a cabaret, old chum!
Come to the cabaret!
Put down the knitting, the book and the broom
It's time for a holiday
Life is a cabaret, old chum!
Come to the cabaret!
Come taste the wine
Come hear the band
Come blow your horn
Start celebrating
Right this way your table's waiting.
What good's permitting some prophet of doom?
To wipe every smile away
Life is a cabaret, old chum!
So come to the cabaret!
Here, everything is beautiful.
What good is sitting, alone in your room?
Come hear the music play!
Life is a cabaret, old chum!
Come to the cabaret!
Put down the knitting, the book and the broom
It's time for a holiday
Life is a cabaret, old chum!
Come to the cabaret!
Come taste the wine
Come hear the band
Come blow your horn
Start celebrating
Right this way your table's waiting.
What good's permitting some prophet of doom?
To wipe every smile away
Life is a cabaret, old chum!
So come to the cabaret!
Here, everything is beautiful.
Thank you, Charles!
2
Bravo Charles!!! Keep it coming!!!
4
The African American community of Chicago that is being decimated needs to take note and seek out how to get President Trump to issue a EO about anything in the inner city, so they too might get help from the throngs of protesters, politicians, personalities in saving the African American youth of Chicago,since in 2016, 716 just killings, and 3663 shootings doesn't get any response anywhere close to this?
25
Tweet it
1
How about an EO banning guns, the real cause of American terrorism.
2
Harif2 is right--all Americans should want to shine a spotlight on the situation in Chicago, and the presence of troops and the possible imposition of martial law would certainly bring out millions of protesters. Alas, the response from the current "leadership" would likely be neither greater presence by police from the neighborhood, nor common-sense gun laws, nor any other reasonable, sincere attempt to help the African American community address its issues. After all, he and his swampsters are the folks who want to cut their own taxes, make the rest of us foot the bill for a ridiculous wall, farm out the rebuilding of our infrastructure to their friends and relatives, privatize the profits, and slap a fee or a toll on everything government used to provide. There will be no funds allocated for people for whom they have nothing but contempt.
1
Mr. Blow, I want to thank you for your courage at this critical time in our history. It's people like you who will protect our democracy, and we are all lucky to have you. Even though they are occasionally showing signs of journalistic courage, I only wish the NYT and other media outlets would take some responsibility for their role in promoting this dangerous and ignorant demagogue, who (as it turns out) is an even greater threat to our freedom than ISIS could even dream of being.
By the way, I am hearing of a rise (spontaneous and other wise) in racist outbreaks in places like Canada. So, this is a plague that has begun to extend far beyond our own borders.
Again, I thank and praise you for your courage.
By the way, I am hearing of a rise (spontaneous and other wise) in racist outbreaks in places like Canada. So, this is a plague that has begun to extend far beyond our own borders.
Again, I thank and praise you for your courage.
5
BRAVO, again, Mr. Blow, and thank you. I just emailed quoted excerpts from your Op-Ed today to whitehouse.gov and my agreement with you. I doubt that Trump will read it, but someone in the White House will hopefully read it and it remains a federal record - unless Trump purges the emails at "contact the White House". Next, up today are my phone calls and emails to select members of Congress including McConnell and Ryan for obvious reasons; and McCain and Graham to thank them and encourage them. Please continue to speak for the majority of Americans.
12
First I thought it was 1984. Not any more. A week later and now I know it's Dr Strangelove for sure.
This world's going to get worse before it gets better. NZ's looking even greener than Oz.
This world's going to get worse before it gets better. NZ's looking even greener than Oz.
2
Since the Republicans control both the House and Senate, it is up them to oppose the insanity unleashed by their party's 'President' or they will go down in history for destroying the country the were elected to serve. Don't any of them have the slightest degree of honor, ethics, or courage?
8
Trump's a symptom, not the cause. We're living in a dictatorship created by the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. Parading around won't repeal it.
5
"Parading around" as you put it, is better than nothing.
1
Unfortunately, the president could care less about the protests and what we as Americans feel. If you want to get him to change policy, you will have to hurt him where it hurts the most. The protests need to change the venue from airports, to any Trump property around the world. Hotels, golf courses, apartment buildings, etc. Destroy his brand....make him lose money. Boycott any product that advertises on "The Apprentice". As a narcissist, he only cares about himself .....and his money.
11
Good point. We also need to boycott stores (Nordstrom, Bloomingdales etc.) that carry Trump products.
2
Amen. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go make my first ever donation to the ACLU. Their swift actions over the weekend we can, and must for the sake of our democracy, stand up to this incompetent tyrant.
11
So true on the lily livered liberals. Democrats in the House and Senate take note, we are watching you and if you acquiesce to this blow hard, we will work to replace you next time around. Time to see some fire in those bellies. Our country is in trouble.
4
First they came for the Muslims, and we said "Not today. Not ever."
It doesn't matter who they come for next. We'll say the same thing.
It doesn't matter who they come for next. We'll say the same thing.
5
Congress could right this already sinking ship--- a brief visit from Ryan and McConnell with a facsimile of articles of impeachment in their brief cases. But they won't, we have no Tip O'Neil's or Ted Kennedy's at the helm, we have, unfortunately, cabin boys running the ship.
5
If trump is inviting anarchy Americans will respond.
2
With apologies to Dylan Thomas for my personal edits:
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Our frail deeds might have once danced in a blue bay
For Good are those who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, so grieved it on its way
Brave are those who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes will blaze like meteors and we say,
To you, my faithful,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage on and on against the dying of the light.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Our frail deeds might have once danced in a blue bay
For Good are those who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, so grieved it on its way
Brave are those who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes will blaze like meteors and we say,
To you, my faithful,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage on and on against the dying of the light.
1
Listen to the crickets (er church mice) ... the majority of the Republicans.
Trump has dialed up the alt-right cray-cray to the point where every decent American knows it is nutty, mean, and has no purpose except the destruction of American ideals and democracy.
But most of the Republicans are cowards or worse. Almost none are really supporting Trump, but the large majority are offering no resistance to Trump's principles while Trump is playing at being Franco or Pinochet.
There is a tide of the public that recognizes what Trump is about, and will not stand for it. The GOP is in grave peril -- it must choose and be counted.
Trump has dialed up the alt-right cray-cray to the point where every decent American knows it is nutty, mean, and has no purpose except the destruction of American ideals and democracy.
But most of the Republicans are cowards or worse. Almost none are really supporting Trump, but the large majority are offering no resistance to Trump's principles while Trump is playing at being Franco or Pinochet.
There is a tide of the public that recognizes what Trump is about, and will not stand for it. The GOP is in grave peril -- it must choose and be counted.
3
The best thing that all of us can do is to call Republican Senators and House members. Tell their staff that you believe Trump is a threat to world peace, and that his most recent decision to put Bannon on the NSC while removing the Joint Chiefs of Staff is unthinkable! This alone should be enough to make any Republican regret their decision to support the serial liar/sexual predator/tax-cheating/traitor/ jerk they placed in the Oval Office.
If even just 10,000 Americans call these blowhard obstructionist Republicnas every day it just might make a difference. I'm doing it and it feels amazing. If nothing else you can have a nice discussion with a staffer who will likely agree with your concerns.
The Republicans in office all need to man up NOW, and repudiate Trump immediately. They need to publicly state that the Trump presidency is a complete and total disaster.
If they do this it will be much easier to begin impeachment proceedings.
If even just 10,000 Americans call these blowhard obstructionist Republicnas every day it just might make a difference. I'm doing it and it feels amazing. If nothing else you can have a nice discussion with a staffer who will likely agree with your concerns.
The Republicans in office all need to man up NOW, and repudiate Trump immediately. They need to publicly state that the Trump presidency is a complete and total disaster.
If they do this it will be much easier to begin impeachment proceedings.
3
Why be angry with Trump? We know he is unfit for the office of President. Let's be rightly angry at Congress. Their most important mandate given by our founding fathers was to prevent a man such as Trump from obtaining the Presidency through popular ballot (perhaps as Trump did by lying to the electorate). Congress was to be the last and final bulwark against exactly this. Yet we have McConnell who has perfected his posture of pretending to be a statesmen but who in actual fact finds his highest calling in obstructing bipartisan governance. And, we have Ryan, a man who would not share his platform during the campaign because of his personal moral repugnance with Trump. How dare he foist such a man on us now! Most of Congress have foresworn their oaths of office by giving higher allegiance to their Party and personal ambition than to the wellbeing of our nation.
Congress: do your job.
Congress: do your job.
4
Mr. Blow, thank you for being clear and strong. It's hard to see how so many Americans voted for this president, because his attributes and goals were obvious before the election. Brawn, not brain, was on clearly on exhibit in his off-the-cuff rhetoric. When he was scripted, more brain was in the mix, but the same mean-spirited intent was wrapped in more cleverly worded propaganda. I am 73, but I was privileged to march with 20,000 others in the Phoenix women's march, and I will show up at any march I can get to. You are right, the people must stay front and center. I don't trust that activism will move Trump-Bannon off their awful dime, but it might bring greater push-back from Congressional members on both sides. I'm less hopeful about issues where his regressive agenda coincides with that of most Republicans...
4
Every morning I wake up to one more horror. Instead of reading the NYT thoroughly I now cherry pick articles that wont upset me. I am in a state of permanent anxiety, worried for my friends and neighbours (I'm a Canadian). And despite thinking we Canadians are more tolerant, the shooting at a mosque in Quebec City proves me wrong. The hate has leaked over the border. When will the members of Congress stop rubbing their hands in glee at the notion of being "in power" and realize that the only one in power is Steve Bannon? Please, America: keep up the protests, please NYT: keep reporting , please TV news reporters: report the truth, and please, TV political talk shows: stop inviting known liars like KellyAnne Conway to "explain" the actions of dt.
8
Please don't be wrong about Canada; and please implore your PM to put a stop to the hate. Don't nurture it, as we've done here. Come together.
We down here have our work cut out for us shoving the genie of hatred and intolerance back in the bottle. Don't let it get like this for you.
We down here have our work cut out for us shoving the genie of hatred and intolerance back in the bottle. Don't let it get like this for you.
1
So many things that should not happen on our watch. Limiting freedom of speech among the worst. How about Kellyanne Conway threatening Senator Reid with "legal action" for stating that the election of Trump had unleashed the hate in people? How about Trump shutting down the twitter account of the National Parks for publishing a picture that he didn't like? Identifying the media as opposition party?
7
God bless President Trump for standing up for our abused borders! Of course the globalists will howl--along with "useful idiots" in their employ like Mr. Blow.
The President's effort to gain control of our borders is radical. It is sudden. It is shocking--and is desperately needed.
Millions of us will not be in the streets because we are at work, raising families and being decent Americans. But we will thank the President at the ballot box in 2018 and 2020 when his toughness against the globalist agenda is rewarded.
You think you will isolate and vilify Trump? You will just make him more of a hero to the America you despise.
You're better off giving more column space to Dr. Krugman to cry out for cripplingly high interest rates--that's the way Mr. Blow's globalist masters will actually destroy Trump and finish off traditional America.
The President's effort to gain control of our borders is radical. It is sudden. It is shocking--and is desperately needed.
Millions of us will not be in the streets because we are at work, raising families and being decent Americans. But we will thank the President at the ballot box in 2018 and 2020 when his toughness against the globalist agenda is rewarded.
You think you will isolate and vilify Trump? You will just make him more of a hero to the America you despise.
You're better off giving more column space to Dr. Krugman to cry out for cripplingly high interest rates--that's the way Mr. Blow's globalist masters will actually destroy Trump and finish off traditional America.
12
No decent person supports Trump. I take some comfort in knowing that his supporters will be hit hardest by his viciousness, greed and ignorance.
4
Trump's actions are unconstitutional. If you support him, you are undermining the founding principles of the country. It requires no effort on the part of liberals to isolate Trump. He manages that very well by his illegal and indefensible behavior.
5
Decent Americans? I'd dial that back if I were you. The decent Americans are the ones out in the streets trying to save this country from utter ruin for their own families, and yours too. If you had a lick of sense you'd join them. Trump is not what he's convinced you he is.
6
I'll just add this to Mr. Blow's column. The movie "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" came on cable this past weekend. Back in the 60's, we considered it an excellent satire, though Gen. Curtis LeMay made many of us wonder if it was satire. Now, however, the idea of a lunatic closing off a base that has control over nuclear weapons is no longer satire. Mr. Trump is locking down a country with the largest nuclear arsenal in the world. General Jack D. Ripper got nothing on Trump.
1
The problem is that Trump can do this without effort endlessly, and we the people will not be able/ willing to protest endlessly. What a painful realization it is that congress (the swamp) is our only hope.
1
With regards to the last paragraph of Bob81 comments, this article from an Italian newspaper, Il Giornale , relays some disturbing information, if correct, I was not aware of. http://watchingamerica.com/WA/2017/01/24/cia-puts-israel-on-guard-carefu...
Is Congress or are the People going to demand answers to these question?
Is Congress or are the People going to demand answers to these question?
1
WHERE are Congressional "leaders" Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell??? Why am I only hearing McCain and Graham saying anything against this illegal and morally corrupt move by Trump? How can any of the 16 GOP aspirants to the presidency stay quiet and not be outraged. Even Christian leaders are appalled.
Cruz, Rubio, Ryan, McConnell should all be put on notice and realise their silence is acquiescence to the bankruptcy of American fiber and morality.
Cruz, Rubio, Ryan, McConnell should all be put on notice and realise their silence is acquiescence to the bankruptcy of American fiber and morality.
4
Paul Ryan and the rest of the Republican leadership are looking like fools right now. Trump is out of control, and they cannot or will not do a thing about it.
WAKE UP!!! DO SOMETHING!
WAKE UP!!! DO SOMETHING!
4
The heart of the Democratic party, still, and the calm, central voice that stands for the values of most Americans, is the man with the quirky name: Barack Hussein Obama. As it says on his website: Dad, husband, president, citizen. As it says on his resume: professor and: Constitutional scholar.
It is time to send up the Bat signal with a B for Barack. I think even some Republicans might be flicking their lighters into the night in Morse.
Let's hope he gets back from vacation soon. Really, really soon.
It is time to send up the Bat signal with a B for Barack. I think even some Republicans might be flicking their lighters into the night in Morse.
Let's hope he gets back from vacation soon. Really, really soon.
4
“Over the weekend, protesters spontaneously popped up at airports across the country…”
Oh yeah, the American people did Mahatma Gandhi and our First Amendment proud with their nonviolent protests all over the country.
Tyrannical
Rule
Under
Mr.
President
will be protested everytime and everywhere it occurs!
Oh yeah, the American people did Mahatma Gandhi and our First Amendment proud with their nonviolent protests all over the country.
Tyrannical
Rule
Under
Mr.
President
will be protested everytime and everywhere it occurs!
4
Mr. Blow, Thank you for your convictions. In this time of national emergency and democratic urgency, I urge you to utilize the powerful platform of your column to cut even deeper into analysis that exposes the bones of the moment. Excoriate Republicans, for all the reasons you intimate, but please take it further. Resist platitudes like "what a difference a week makes" and "Republicans quiet as church mice." These observations are obvious to your readers. We are paying attention and always appreciate your willingness to clarify the agenda of white nationalists' vision of our nation and ways they employ racialized discourse to demonize all communities of color. But the extreme danger of this historical moment requires writers like you to an even bolder necessity of critique. We get it, that Trump's America is not America. The millions of protestors last weekend at the Women's Marches On Washington and the thousands at airports and in the streets this weekend have already pronounced that truth. We look to you to distill the energy and purpose of these protests to calibrate what you rightly named "an uprising" in your column last week. "We" are not "inching toward anarchy." "We" are not in a stand-off as in two sides refusing to back down. "We" are resisting what is clearly the installment of a fascist regime in the executive branch of our government. "We" are counting on voices like yours to push harder, cut deeper, and speak fully to the profundity of the crisis.
4
Not even two weeks into this disaster of an administration and already the regrets are beginning to pour in. What's the approval rating at today? 36%? Just stunning. Trust me, it ain't going up anytime soon. The quisling Republicans in congress are all too aware of this fact and their innards are quickly liquefying in response.
Here's the beautiful rub: this could have been a cakewalk. Any reasonable interpreter of the election could see that the country was starkly divided. Indeed, if it wasn't quite evenly divided it's only because at least three million more voters favored the opponent. Nevertheless, the one thing that so many on the left and (temporary right) appeared to agree on was trade and jobs. This administration, given Trump's politically indecisive background, could easily have decided to focus on the one thing that a clear majority of Americans want. Instead, they've already blown it. What a bunch of dopes.
Here's the beautiful rub: this could have been a cakewalk. Any reasonable interpreter of the election could see that the country was starkly divided. Indeed, if it wasn't quite evenly divided it's only because at least three million more voters favored the opponent. Nevertheless, the one thing that so many on the left and (temporary right) appeared to agree on was trade and jobs. This administration, given Trump's politically indecisive background, could easily have decided to focus on the one thing that a clear majority of Americans want. Instead, they've already blown it. What a bunch of dopes.
4
As the Atlantic just said in an editorial, Trump may keep his cadre of supporters (the 25% of the electorate who voted for him). However, he is making no new friends. His approval rating is only going to decline further so his legitimacy will be progressively more tenuous as time goes by.
10
Another day in Wonderland. What's next? I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Trump nominated David Duke for the Supreme Court.
2
Are we talking about the same president who rang up an additional $9 Trillion in national debt exceeding all former presidents combined? The same one who let the Chicago black community descend into murder and chaos without lifting a finger? Oh ya those good ol days.
1
Thankfully we have a lot of lessons from history to motivate us to swift action now. Appeasement didn't do much for Neville Chamberlain in 1938, just wasted time. We can see clearly what is in front of us and what needs to be done. The media sound bites from the White House are a joke. How stupid do you think the American people are? We all know what propaganda looks like and we see right through it.
3
Thank you for continuing to speak out.
3
Trump and his radical cabinet and advisors have activated the anger and fear of the American people. We're not going to take it. And those of us who are Democrats are putting our elected officials on notice that they had better step up their game against the Trump and Republican Agenda. Trump supporters that I know have gone silent. Perhaps realizing for the first time what their votes have turned loose on their own country and finally paying attention to the fact that what Trump said he would do on the campaign trail he is doing in the White House--and it just may affect them and people that they care about. You are right Mr. Blow. I am angry. The sadness and mourning are over. Now it's time to step up, protest, and stop the Trump Agenda. If you're not part of the solution, you will definitely be part of the problem in the days and weeks ahead.
1
"Trump is doing exactly what he said he'd do". He won the election. This is what America voted for, even if you, Mr. Blow, do not approve.
1
For all those who kept beating the drum of "wait and see" "give Trump a chance", the rest of us realistic, non -delusional Americans can now safely say "we told you so".
Trump's Administration is a travesty to the Nation, its democratic principles, and its well-being. Led by an inner-circle handful of inexperienced, immoral and inherently nasty folks (Miller, Kushner, Bannon) drunk with power like their ignorant and incompetent Tweeter Addict, it is safe to say the damage to America will not only be swift, it will be severe, and likely irreparable.
And Rust-Belters think they're getting their jobs back?
DREAM ON!
Trump's Administration is a travesty to the Nation, its democratic principles, and its well-being. Led by an inner-circle handful of inexperienced, immoral and inherently nasty folks (Miller, Kushner, Bannon) drunk with power like their ignorant and incompetent Tweeter Addict, it is safe to say the damage to America will not only be swift, it will be severe, and likely irreparable.
And Rust-Belters think they're getting their jobs back?
DREAM ON!
2
To the conspicuously-silent members of the GOP:
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." --- Edmund Burke
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." --- Edmund Burke
2
Please, someone, give Trump some reading material: the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address. Is it already too late to educate him in American core beliefs?
1
Shakespeare Trolls Trump: "That man that hath no music in himself,/Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds,/Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils;/The motions of his spirit are dull as night/And his affections dark as Erebus./Let no such man be trusted." (Merchant of Venice, 5.1.83-88)
Trump's immigration order is having an adverse impact on cultural institutions like the Met and is an attempt to hinder the advancement of human knowledge.
Yes but there was a Presidential election last November, 2016. And 46% of the American people delivered an Electoral College majority victory to Donald Trump to occupy the Oval Office of the White House for the next four years. Along with the avid support and assistance of FBI Director James Comey, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and WikiLeaks Julian Assange.
We lost on your watch with the Clinton's being supported by the Obamas. The 54% of Americans who voted against Donald Trump and the NYT Editorial Board and Charles Blow and Hillary Clinton all lost. It is President Trump now. And it is not clear who "our" is and what "watch" you are talking about. Both houses of Congress and 60% of state governorships and legislatures are under "their" control and it is "their" watch.
Big mouthed marching and writing is futile. Slavery and Jim Crow were legal. Native Americans were legally placed on reservations. Japanese Americans were legally put in concentration camps.
If the American people really cared anything about Muslim lives then there would have been no Iraqi invasion, no Libyan coup, no Egyptian coup, no alliances with Arab Muslim dictators and tyrants, no Syrian coup, no Yemeni coup and no alliance with Zionist Israel.
If the American people cared then under their Constitution the two other branches of government would be forced to act up to and including impeachment then removal or invoking the 25th Amendment.
We lost on your watch with the Clinton's being supported by the Obamas. The 54% of Americans who voted against Donald Trump and the NYT Editorial Board and Charles Blow and Hillary Clinton all lost. It is President Trump now. And it is not clear who "our" is and what "watch" you are talking about. Both houses of Congress and 60% of state governorships and legislatures are under "their" control and it is "their" watch.
Big mouthed marching and writing is futile. Slavery and Jim Crow were legal. Native Americans were legally placed on reservations. Japanese Americans were legally put in concentration camps.
If the American people really cared anything about Muslim lives then there would have been no Iraqi invasion, no Libyan coup, no Egyptian coup, no alliances with Arab Muslim dictators and tyrants, no Syrian coup, no Yemeni coup and no alliance with Zionist Israel.
If the American people cared then under their Constitution the two other branches of government would be forced to act up to and including impeachment then removal or invoking the 25th Amendment.
2
Remember that only 24% of voters voted for trump. 26% for Hillary and 50% didn't vote his mandate is nonexistent.
You are confused. Only 46% of the people who actually voted managed to allow Trump to have an Electoral College victory. Only 47% of eligible voters participated, so Trump's voter approval among the entire voting populace is only roughly 25%. Remember he lost the popular vote by almost 3 million. Further, 54% of the people actually voted voted for someone else. He has no mandate to put into place his awful policies.
1
The ban, is for 90 days in most cases, 120 days for a few cases, and indefinite for a select list of nations. That list was created by the Obama administration, and codified in:
8 U.S. Code § 1187 - Visa waiver program for certain visitors
And, BTW, the Obama administration (silently) halted visa processing for Iraqi nationals for 6 months after finding that terrorists (discovered after settling in Kentucky) slipped past the existing screening program.
So, Blow, your standard issue left wing progressive double standards are showing. Again.
8 U.S. Code § 1187 - Visa waiver program for certain visitors
And, BTW, the Obama administration (silently) halted visa processing for Iraqi nationals for 6 months after finding that terrorists (discovered after settling in Kentucky) slipped past the existing screening program.
So, Blow, your standard issue left wing progressive double standards are showing. Again.
2
Shock.
Outrage.
Resistance.
Repeat.
Shock.
Outrage.
Resistance.
Repeat.
Shock.
Outrage.
Resistance.
Repeat.
Outrage.
Resistance.
Repeat.
Shock.
Outrage.
Resistance.
Repeat.
Shock.
Outrage.
Resistance.
Repeat.
1
We have, in Office, a totally "Unvetted" "President", now in process of
Establishing the "Vetting" of prospective citizens of our Country. Again, this is comparable to the Normalization of the Abnormal, as in our "President".
Establishing the "Vetting" of prospective citizens of our Country. Again, this is comparable to the Normalization of the Abnormal, as in our "President".
2
Trump supporters, like him have no concept of truth - they believed his lies of extreme vetting without understanding the process. Like him, they believe that crushing foreign trade is a good thing - countries will retaliate and who will buy our goods as prices skyrocket? Alienate our allies and who will support us - Russia who is reveling in our chaos? Congress is afraid of him - weaklings all - And you are right - the majority of Americans who did not vote for him are not. Trump is not the President- Brannon and his xenophobic minions are running the country. I would disagree that Trump is a workaholic- he starts work at 9! Shooting from the hip. Experts are sidelined, Cabinet members ignored. I can't believe that Israel did not call him out on his Holocaust message - Steve Bannon who is anti-Semitic must have been the author. Yes - it is up to the majority to keep truth in the spotlight.
2
The seven countries on the travel ban list are the seven countries that the Obama Administration listed as “countries of concern” under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act signed by President Obama in 2015. Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Syria were placed on the list in 2005. The Department of Homeland Security announced the addition of Libya, Somalia, and Yemen to the list on February 18, 2016. Charles Blow is aware of this and is simply lying to his readers when he insinuates Donald Trump picked countries where he has no business interest.
Some people do think more countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Afghanistan should be on the list because they generated terror attacks in the past. However, the list is based on Homeland Security current threat assessment, not threat assessments of previous years.
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2016/02/18/dhs-announces-further-travel-restric...
Some people do think more countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Afghanistan should be on the list because they generated terror attacks in the past. However, the list is based on Homeland Security current threat assessment, not threat assessments of previous years.
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2016/02/18/dhs-announces-further-travel-restric...
2
As always William Case brings the facts into the discussion, yet sadly few that read Charles Blow personal blog masked as a New York Times editorial column will grasp the relevance of the facts.
1
Mr. Blow, as always - another great article today.
Both the Senate Majority Leader and the House Speaker, are two individuals in our legislature who are rejoicing today. It is like their prayers have been answered. Especially, when the Senate Majority Leader initiated obstruction at every turn, during Mr. Obama's presidency. There was so much of dissent and dislike to Mr. Obama. It was crystal clear, and people witnessed that.
What is more sad is to see the continued dismantling of the policies and the legacy of President Obama. The Affordable Care Act, the TPP, and other policies awaiting to be revoked - like the policy on Climate Change. It is not that these policies did not deserve continuity, but these policies had to be removed. Because, there was so much strong obsession in the minds of those who disliked Barack Obama. So much obsession, the new President's Executive Orders would prove the point. What is more disrespectful is when people are made to believe that up to the point of Mr. Obama's tenure in Office, our great country was never great.
Now, the people are made to believe, our great country is going to be 'great again'. What we see happening around the country, today, is very concerning. The whole world is watching us. As we retire for the day, there is anxiety and impatience to look for the news in the morning. I pray and seek blessings for all people. God bless the USA.
Both the Senate Majority Leader and the House Speaker, are two individuals in our legislature who are rejoicing today. It is like their prayers have been answered. Especially, when the Senate Majority Leader initiated obstruction at every turn, during Mr. Obama's presidency. There was so much of dissent and dislike to Mr. Obama. It was crystal clear, and people witnessed that.
What is more sad is to see the continued dismantling of the policies and the legacy of President Obama. The Affordable Care Act, the TPP, and other policies awaiting to be revoked - like the policy on Climate Change. It is not that these policies did not deserve continuity, but these policies had to be removed. Because, there was so much strong obsession in the minds of those who disliked Barack Obama. So much obsession, the new President's Executive Orders would prove the point. What is more disrespectful is when people are made to believe that up to the point of Mr. Obama's tenure in Office, our great country was never great.
Now, the people are made to believe, our great country is going to be 'great again'. What we see happening around the country, today, is very concerning. The whole world is watching us. As we retire for the day, there is anxiety and impatience to look for the news in the morning. I pray and seek blessings for all people. God bless the USA.
With all due respect Mr. Blow, your well written comments won't make a dent in the thinking of the president. Note his latest tweet, "study the Word.." Of course, he spelled it WORLD, but his actions show someone who considers himself god-like and his pronouncements as holy text. The musings of mere men and women won't reach his self-celestial consciousness.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, please don't leave. We need you on the Court.
1
I am worried that all the chaos is covering up the the real endgame. I am not a conspiracy theorist but I keep noting disturbing things and I have to ask whether there is a meaningful connection--1)Trump, a man who respects no one, is curiously admiring of Putin, 2) Trump's refusal to release his tax returns, 3) Trump nominating Putin's best buddy for Secretsry of State, Tillerman, 4) the firing of ythe top echelon of the State Department. 5) the contacts between Flynn and the Russians on the day of the sanctions, 6) the undermining of the intelligence community and the mainstream press, 7) the demotion of the intelligence and military in the National Security Council and elevation of Bannon, an avowed anarchist and White Supremacist; the flagrantly unconstitutionable ban on Muslims; and scariest of all, the refusal of the Border Patrol agents to acknowledge the court ordered stay of the executive edict. In addition, Trump's asking Russia in public to hack Clinton's emails, a rumored payment about to be made to Russia and the removal of pages from the WH website, today's being the Judiciary page! Please tell me I am wrong but it looks to me like a coup is in the works.
1
Blow I can't tell you how really heart warming it is to read your discomfort and see you attempt to make your diversity cult seem like it's America. I assure you and your band of liberal followers - it is not. You can claim fear and trepidation resulting from an abrupt right turn after 8 years of a laissez faire president- but yes it is going to and is happening on your watch. Your "diversity solves everything" club has been exposed for what it is- a politically correct bigotry with the disguised anti-free speech agenda.
1
Koch has come out and said his piece, from Robert and Rebekah Mercer the latter having a place on Trump's Transition team the silence is deafening. Bannon and Conway are both Mercer mouthpieces. Surely Rebekah Mercer has something to say publically.
Bravo, Charles Blow!
There is no middle ground left. Either you speak out, act out, and resist, or you support Trump and his band of hooligans and thugs. Silence is consent, and Trump is counting on that to carry out his program.
People resist making this choice. They resist abandoning the Barcalounger to tromp in the cold and snow to protest, to bear witness, to rage against the dying of the right. They already have a name: Good Americans, the silent echo of like-minded passive Germans two generations ago who left an indelible stain on two countries, Germany and Austria, a spot that will not out.
Maybe you thought Trump was kidding, exaggerating for effect during the campaign. Wonder no longer; it's not a joke, however laughable. Real people have already been caught up in his spider's web; if good people don't come forth to tear apart that web, more will be caught up.
Yes, the rhetoric of rebellion and resistance is easy for some of us; sounds overblown to others. How will you know when the hour has come to act? If you doubt that the hour is now, when you do find out, it will be too late. Sad.
There is no middle ground left. Either you speak out, act out, and resist, or you support Trump and his band of hooligans and thugs. Silence is consent, and Trump is counting on that to carry out his program.
People resist making this choice. They resist abandoning the Barcalounger to tromp in the cold and snow to protest, to bear witness, to rage against the dying of the right. They already have a name: Good Americans, the silent echo of like-minded passive Germans two generations ago who left an indelible stain on two countries, Germany and Austria, a spot that will not out.
Maybe you thought Trump was kidding, exaggerating for effect during the campaign. Wonder no longer; it's not a joke, however laughable. Real people have already been caught up in his spider's web; if good people don't come forth to tear apart that web, more will be caught up.
Yes, the rhetoric of rebellion and resistance is easy for some of us; sounds overblown to others. How will you know when the hour has come to act? If you doubt that the hour is now, when you do find out, it will be too late. Sad.
1
Thank you. Please continue to be a voice of reason.
I can almost see the smile on Putin's face.;
Everything we believe our country to stand for is being challenged by this man's presidency.
We are no becoming everything that many feel that Russia represents, Nazi Germany represents, Spain represented during the Spanish Inquisition.
I have to give great thought to the idea that Trump did indeed borrow money from the Russian Mafia and the way to pay it back is to destroy the very fiber of what we are supposed to represent.
We are supposed to be a nation that accepts all regardless of color, creed, ethnicity, religion.
In one way or another, we are all immigrants.
Now we are going to be the laughing stock of the world.
We only had our reputation as a fair country.
Now, that is gone.
As I said Putin must be smiling and saying 'thank you, Donald'.
You have done what we have been trying to do for years.
Show that America is nothing but a country of hypocrites.
See world, this is what America really is'.
Everything we believe our country to stand for is being challenged by this man's presidency.
We are no becoming everything that many feel that Russia represents, Nazi Germany represents, Spain represented during the Spanish Inquisition.
I have to give great thought to the idea that Trump did indeed borrow money from the Russian Mafia and the way to pay it back is to destroy the very fiber of what we are supposed to represent.
We are supposed to be a nation that accepts all regardless of color, creed, ethnicity, religion.
In one way or another, we are all immigrants.
Now we are going to be the laughing stock of the world.
We only had our reputation as a fair country.
Now, that is gone.
As I said Putin must be smiling and saying 'thank you, Donald'.
You have done what we have been trying to do for years.
Show that America is nothing but a country of hypocrites.
See world, this is what America really is'.
1
Echoes of 1930s Germany, Anyone?
1
We were just sussing this out last night.
Bannon = Bormann
Conway = Goebbels
Bannon = Bormann
Conway = Goebbels
2
There once was a White House advisor
With a temperament like a geyser
Who speaking to his boss
Was never at a loss
To spread lies just like fertilizer
With a temperament like a geyser
Who speaking to his boss
Was never at a loss
To spread lies just like fertilizer
While participating in protests and calls to Congress, I am already feeling their inadequacy. This is going to get old fast. Since the administration's goal is martial law, we too must raise the stakes while lawyers sue and reporters fact-check: civil disobedience by physically putting our bodies in front of anyone targeted, passive resistance among public servants asked to play any role in immoral policies, tax revolt.
By the way, Charles, every day is Christmas when I wake up and see your byline.
By the way, Charles, every day is Christmas when I wake up and see your byline.
2
Charles Blow has consistently been one of the strongest, smartest voices calling out Trump and his vicious little band of band of un-merry pranksters. Thanks.
Bannon has been quoted as say that Trump is "the blunt instrument" who possibly doesn't "get it" - a crucial puppet. Trump is currently working on setting up Trump TV, which intends to be a media empire (note his statement that all of the news organizations that he doesn't like should be "bought up"). That's pure Bannon propaganda machine. The recent edict unfolded as a transparent effort by the executive to simply bypass the judicial and ignore the legislative branches of government and any other internal check. Particularly scary to me were border officials who defied (and possibly are still defying, or are possibly just scared and confused) court ordered instructions, and that no one really seems to know if people are still detained or not.
History is instructive. Hindsight tends to moan, "We didn't see it until it was too late." Praying that that doesn't happen here - people in the street are important, but also not enough. And there may not be enough muscle or conviction where it matters.
"Too late" is a real thing. I think Bannon is one slick cookie. And so deeply hope not on our watch.
Bannon has been quoted as say that Trump is "the blunt instrument" who possibly doesn't "get it" - a crucial puppet. Trump is currently working on setting up Trump TV, which intends to be a media empire (note his statement that all of the news organizations that he doesn't like should be "bought up"). That's pure Bannon propaganda machine. The recent edict unfolded as a transparent effort by the executive to simply bypass the judicial and ignore the legislative branches of government and any other internal check. Particularly scary to me were border officials who defied (and possibly are still defying, or are possibly just scared and confused) court ordered instructions, and that no one really seems to know if people are still detained or not.
History is instructive. Hindsight tends to moan, "We didn't see it until it was too late." Praying that that doesn't happen here - people in the street are important, but also not enough. And there may not be enough muscle or conviction where it matters.
"Too late" is a real thing. I think Bannon is one slick cookie. And so deeply hope not on our watch.
If This Mexican border wall is as easy to puncture as the wall of alternate facts Trump and friends are attempting to build around themselves, it will never go up. At best it will be a pile of rubble and it may provide those near the border with extremely pricy building materials with which to build or remodel a home. While home building and renovation on the taxpayer's dime may be a nice policy, doing so with materials provided by Trump's friends at exorbitant rates that those friends will be able to charge is just plain stupid.
1
Well America what are you going to do now that you've got a Fascist Demagogue running the country?
All those who stayed home because they erroneously believed Hillary just wasn't "trustworthy" enough?
All those who did not realize how great a President Barack Obama has been, how he spent most of his presidency cleaning up the horrid mess left by his predecessor.
All those who let their latent racist and sexist baser instincts get hold of your better natures, those instincts that told you right from wrong, how to identify an obnoxious bully and know-it-all egotist? They failed you.
So, what now? Are you just sitting home on your backsides while your country is being turned into the most hated nation in the world?
Vlad Putin is chortling.
What the United States must do, and do it pronto, is call for a General Strike, a day when workers do not go to work, when shoppers refuse to consume, when people take to the streets or if home-bound write ALL their representatives, telling them in very explicit terms that if they don't do something to rein in this dictatorial dangerous megalomaniac you will do something next year about making sure they do not return to Congress.
They will listen. When their precious cushy jobs are put on the line they indeed will act, but only when we the people threaten them.
Politicians understand very little but they do understand money and power. The power of the people is very strong. Use it, or lose it.
DD
Manhattan
All those who stayed home because they erroneously believed Hillary just wasn't "trustworthy" enough?
All those who did not realize how great a President Barack Obama has been, how he spent most of his presidency cleaning up the horrid mess left by his predecessor.
All those who let their latent racist and sexist baser instincts get hold of your better natures, those instincts that told you right from wrong, how to identify an obnoxious bully and know-it-all egotist? They failed you.
So, what now? Are you just sitting home on your backsides while your country is being turned into the most hated nation in the world?
Vlad Putin is chortling.
What the United States must do, and do it pronto, is call for a General Strike, a day when workers do not go to work, when shoppers refuse to consume, when people take to the streets or if home-bound write ALL their representatives, telling them in very explicit terms that if they don't do something to rein in this dictatorial dangerous megalomaniac you will do something next year about making sure they do not return to Congress.
They will listen. When their precious cushy jobs are put on the line they indeed will act, but only when we the people threaten them.
Politicians understand very little but they do understand money and power. The power of the people is very strong. Use it, or lose it.
DD
Manhattan
4
The new fuzzy math:
Bannon= Goebbels + Rasputin
Bannon= Goebbels + Rasputin
2
a small correction: Bannon = Goebbels + Rasputin - Ras
1
If we don't stand up to the evils of the Trump administration we will be partly to blame for the damage he does. Republicans whined about President Obama's use of executive orders, which was fairly sparing by historical precedent. It appears that Trump is not anyone's President but more like the new king of the US.
Didn't we need to shake off the shackles of another king once in the past? If this is not the time to do it once again I don't know when the time will be. If we do not wrest our democracy back from this monster and the other scum in the White House the US will be lost.
Didn't we need to shake off the shackles of another king once in the past? If this is not the time to do it once again I don't know when the time will be. If we do not wrest our democracy back from this monster and the other scum in the White House the US will be lost.
1
Since McCain, Graham and Collins disagree with the Muslim ban, will they be joining with Democrats to pass a resolution of condemnation and censure?
I suspect that they will hem and haw over the most obvious procedural mistakes such as excluding an Iraqi translator or people awaiting citizenship. And that's about it.
Expect the Republicans in Congress who disagree with anything Trump does to shirk their Constitutional duty as checkers and balancers. As for common decency, and sensible policy--where is their courage? Are they so wedded to their pet policy issues like school vouchers, and repealing Obamacare that any Faustian bargain is worth it to them?
I suspect that they will hem and haw over the most obvious procedural mistakes such as excluding an Iraqi translator or people awaiting citizenship. And that's about it.
Expect the Republicans in Congress who disagree with anything Trump does to shirk their Constitutional duty as checkers and balancers. As for common decency, and sensible policy--where is their courage? Are they so wedded to their pet policy issues like school vouchers, and repealing Obamacare that any Faustian bargain is worth it to them?
2
America will not stand for this and neither will I.
But we the ordinary people have limitations, when a fascist Steve Bannon and Kellyanne Conway were given unlimited power.
No where in history an ordinary citizen is allowed in the briefing room, it should only be Trump and James Mattis, even George W never allowed Carl Rove in such situation.
Never I thought Donald Trump who was bad for the Country will end up being the head of the White Supremacist so soon and so fast.
Fasten your seat belts folks prepare for a disastrous ride .
But we the ordinary people have limitations, when a fascist Steve Bannon and Kellyanne Conway were given unlimited power.
No where in history an ordinary citizen is allowed in the briefing room, it should only be Trump and James Mattis, even George W never allowed Carl Rove in such situation.
Never I thought Donald Trump who was bad for the Country will end up being the head of the White Supremacist so soon and so fast.
Fasten your seat belts folks prepare for a disastrous ride .
2
Valium, Mr. Blow, Valium. I do appreciate that you actually admitted a grain of truth from Trump, that he is doing what he pledged to do while campaigning. So one half of the country is very pleased with this past week just as liberals were happy for the last eight years.
1
I'd like to fact-check the word "half" in this comment.
1
Not one half. Not even close. He lost the popular vote in a low turn out election damaged by GOP voter supression.
1
I'm sickof hearing "he's only doing what he promised". The things his promised were why I did not vote for him, and the things some of his supporters thought he old never do. It's as if Goldwater had won in the 1960's and dropped atomic bombs on Vietnam and people said "it's only what he promised". OK, that makes it OK.
And to think, Hilary Clinton could be president.
All those who did not vote for her should be ashamed.
All those who did not vote for her should be ashamed.
8
Thanks, Mr. Blow.
Only relentless pressure will bring the notoriously hypocritical
Republicans to their senses and hopefully rid the world
of Trump-Bannon constitutionally.
The GOP's 'party first' posture might just salvage U.S.
security when they realize Trump is destroying their
albeit backward brand as well.
Only relentless pressure will bring the notoriously hypocritical
Republicans to their senses and hopefully rid the world
of Trump-Bannon constitutionally.
The GOP's 'party first' posture might just salvage U.S.
security when they realize Trump is destroying their
albeit backward brand as well.
2
When do we start talking about impeachment or some removal from office? If the senate and house won't do it, then we the public will.
3
If we didn't impeach Obama why would we impeach President Trump who is putting America first, Muslim terrorists last.
2
Follow the money.
2
And the Republicans cowards stay home. This week, the Grifter will give to the world his Supreme Court nominee. Expected? Another Alabama bigot and women hater. Imagine: Sessions and the former Attorney General William Pryor. Prepare to demonstrate and overthrow the ignorant, pompous #notmy president. This is this week. What about the next one? The one after that. What are his intentions? Conspiracy to destroy Ameriica and make Trump even richer. Get rid of him. The world deserves a whole lot better.
5
Trump is a horrid mess. He is fulfilling his own vision of a dark and dangerous America by making it so in just over a week. He soils himself and America every day he has been in office. As to Paul Ryan he is a cunning politician, he supports Trumps craven behavior knowing full well that Trump is going to be impeached or "run out of office". Ryan has learned well from his worship of Ayn Rand ,The Corleone's and Machiavelli. Paul Ryan will support Trump right up to the point where he plunges the metaphorical knife into Trumps back. The Ryan/Pence regime will have it's day soon enough but the Trump carnage will continue until we the people do our part to resist him.
The world is watching us and they are more horrified than Americans at how America a beacon of liberty, hope and justice could allow Trump and his henchmen let all this happen in a little over a week. Plain and simple Trump is applying a religious test on entry into the USA. It appears the GOP is ok with that. Ryan shrugged!
The world is watching us and they are more horrified than Americans at how America a beacon of liberty, hope and justice could allow Trump and his henchmen let all this happen in a little over a week. Plain and simple Trump is applying a religious test on entry into the USA. It appears the GOP is ok with that. Ryan shrugged!
2
The only policy Trump has is to punish his enemies. With his latest attacks Trump is punishing liberals who value diversity and inclusiveness. That will teach us to get 3 million more votes than Trump.
2
'We are inching toward anarchy as both the people and the president refuse to back Down.'
I m Sorry, but isn t it precisely what Bannon said he intended to do? Bring down the state? The Guy is a monster, but he s not stupid. He knew this EO would trigger chaos.... He gave the resistance an impossible choice: either protest, and trigger chaos through the country, to send Trump supporters a message (leftists don t care about national security, they are blocking airports, etc), and give a good reason for triggering martial law, or accept the ban and sell your soul. I mean the ban wasn t even vetted, come on. He knew it would be chaos.
I m Sorry, but isn t it precisely what Bannon said he intended to do? Bring down the state? The Guy is a monster, but he s not stupid. He knew this EO would trigger chaos.... He gave the resistance an impossible choice: either protest, and trigger chaos through the country, to send Trump supporters a message (leftists don t care about national security, they are blocking airports, etc), and give a good reason for triggering martial law, or accept the ban and sell your soul. I mean the ban wasn t even vetted, come on. He knew it would be chaos.
3
Progressive change has always been pushed from the bottom up- citizens protesting for positive change, for a better quality of life. Mr. Blow, the only item I disagree with from your otherwise spot-on piece is that Donald has no vision, has no ideology. We don't know what he stands for which makes him so dangerous. His actions so far as President reflect the same shoot-from-the-hip-without-thinking big mouth.
5
There is a bright side, such as it is: Many have put down the remote, got up from the recliner, and have taken to the streets. Those who have remained in front of their flat panel TV have seen their compatriot's protests, and must feel the slightest twinge of guilt. So the bright side is a rise in participatory democracy. This is how democracy is supposed to work. The fear now is if Donald the lesser will send in the troops.
6
Trump is in power because many voters sat home rather than choose the lesser of the evils. They are in for an expensive lesson. Our next chance to check Trump is in 2018 when our congress is up for election. I hope those people get off of the couch and do their duty. Because your crazy uncle surely will vote.
10
At the Portland airport a Trump supporter was sucker punched by a liberal protester who was a part of a gang that attacked some Trump supporters.
Add this to the violence and vandalism perpetrated by liberal protesters at the inauguration and the violence against Trump supporters over the past year and a half.
This brings to mind two questions. Why do liberals and the left feel the need to behave in a criminal manner during protests? Tea Party demonstrations never turned violent. Secondly, are these the type people Mr. Blow is referring to when he says "Not on our watch"? For the furure of our country I hope not.
Add this to the violence and vandalism perpetrated by liberal protesters at the inauguration and the violence against Trump supporters over the past year and a half.
This brings to mind two questions. Why do liberals and the left feel the need to behave in a criminal manner during protests? Tea Party demonstrations never turned violent. Secondly, are these the type people Mr. Blow is referring to when he says "Not on our watch"? For the furure of our country I hope not.
7
Ironic isn't it? Perhaps they learned from watching footage of Trump rallies. Violence begets violence.
http://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2016/03/12/donald-trump-rallies-viole...
Alas...
http://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2016/03/12/donald-trump-rallies-viole...
Alas...
1
Trump and his cohorts represent an existential threat to the US and without hyperbole the world. Are feckless and flaccid political leaders smile blithely as Trump swings a wrecking ball saying give him some time, his heart is in the right place, and Trump will implement "our" agenda. Fools.
So no, don't expect citizens to stand by pacifly while anarchists control the reigns of power.
This is not a Liberal or Conservative dilemma. Both sides our outraged when Trump and Bannon act in a criminal manner. Bannon can advise all he wants but he is not a vetted department head or voted into any position of executive authority. So he can please shut up when it comes to execution of orders.
So no, don't expect citizens to stand by pacifly while anarchists control the reigns of power.
This is not a Liberal or Conservative dilemma. Both sides our outraged when Trump and Bannon act in a criminal manner. Bannon can advise all he wants but he is not a vetted department head or voted into any position of executive authority. So he can please shut up when it comes to execution of orders.
1
Tea Party demonstrations were never violent? Where are you getting your news? People were verbally and physically assaulted, at the instigation of the candidate, at a number of trump rallies.
1
The person in power to watch is less Trump than Bannon. He is Dick Cheney on steroids, but without the charm. In the past few days I have been seeing Trump described as 'President Bannon's sock puppet'. this epithet suggested as a way to get under trumps micrometer thin skin.
Also, it appears that any appointment to the NSC must be confirmed by Congress, and this has not been brought up. It is an illegal act.
Another development I haven't seen widely reported is the registration of Trump as a candidate for president in '20, done 5 hours! after taking the oath of office. IRS rules state that non-profits cannot be partisan, and cannot therefore criticize a political candidate without loss of tax exempt status. Clever gag rule, no?
But at least Las Vegas bookies are giving 4 to 1 odds that Trump won't last 3 months. It must be true--I read it on the internet.
Also, it appears that any appointment to the NSC must be confirmed by Congress, and this has not been brought up. It is an illegal act.
Another development I haven't seen widely reported is the registration of Trump as a candidate for president in '20, done 5 hours! after taking the oath of office. IRS rules state that non-profits cannot be partisan, and cannot therefore criticize a political candidate without loss of tax exempt status. Clever gag rule, no?
But at least Las Vegas bookies are giving 4 to 1 odds that Trump won't last 3 months. It must be true--I read it on the internet.
7
Yes, Charles "We, the People," must resist. But, marches and phone calls can only go so far. Where is the political opposition when the President is in violation of the "emoluments" clause of the Constitution? Where is the political opposition when the the President's executive order banning immigration from specific countries is in clear violation of "The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965"? Where is the "active opposition" from Congressional Democrats? Without a unified, forceful political opposition the people's "resistance [very well] may be futile." The "rule of law" is being undermined daily and it seems that only the ACLU is pushing back in the courts while the dispirited and demoralized Democrats with their geriatric leadership (with the sole exception of John Lewis) stand by in shocked silence.
12
Touche' That Democratic representatives were not lined up to introduce articles of impeachment on day one will hopefully haunt them to their graves. On the other hand, had they acted it might have taken some of the starch out of the resistance. We'll grow stronger. When the people lead....the leaders follow.
We are in the midst of a full-blown march to fascism. The complicity of our elected congressional representatives provides the punctuation needed by an addled leader to approve his unhinged and un-American ideas. Charles Blow has it exactly right. It is up to us, the citizens of the United States to stand up and show up at every possible moment and resist the dismantling of our democracy. We can do this, we will do this.
26
The Republicans are gobsmacked and appalled by their President's demented rush to "Make America Great Again" with his executive orders issuing like pumpkins from his loose cannon. Trump's America - his "alternative reality" sic lies, is not our America. We the people (notwithstanding his phalanxes of red-capped voters and supporters) do not recognize our own democracy. In just the past 10 days. the 45th President has raised the hackles of the people who did not want him as our leader, who did not vote for him, and who are appalled by his dictatorial actions. Never before (save the American Revolution against Mother England, The Civil War and and World War II against the Axis) have the American people risen in opposition to such a dark and false view of our country. Anarchy is afoot in every major city and the protesting crowds of anti-Trump people are marching by the hundreds of thousands. Anger and opposition dawned last Friday when President Trump issued his grotesque immigration decrees in addition to promoting his chief strategist, put-bull attack dog, Steve Bannon, to his security council - this man who told the Press, social media, and journalists, to "shut up!". Trump's draconian immigration ban against Muslims from 7 Middle-Eastern countries, in none of which he holds business interests, is the lit fuse. Revolt against President Trump is becoming a movement on our watch, Mr. Blow! May we the the people rise and fight for our American values. If not now, when?
3
President Trump is only doing what he promised to do during his campaign, but then, it's all rhetoric. Nothing more will come of it. The Executive Orders mean nothing if they're not enforced.
President Obama promised many good things for the American people and none of it happened. He was a slave to the Wall Street bankers.
The people who love/loved Obama, and the people who hate Trump, are so very ignorant, it just makes me laugh every day.
President Obama promised many good things for the American people and none of it happened. He was a slave to the Wall Street bankers.
The people who love/loved Obama, and the people who hate Trump, are so very ignorant, it just makes me laugh every day.
1
For Americans finding a great deal to praise in his recently announced immigration policies, let me be among the first to express to them the hope that something similar to this will one day befall them so they can experience the pleasure of it too.
4
No, actually we did wake up every morning to see what traitorous outrage Obama would enact next. Elections have consequences.
6
Wrong, Trump sucking up to Putin, that's traitorous, no matter how you spin it.
2
Do tell, name one.
1
health insurance for all!
Pretty much every pundit made light of the Women's Marches, saying that it's so easy to organize now that we have social media. They said we were just out to party and wear pink hats. As someone who was in all in black, I was there because we all needed to be there. Maybe we didn't have a single issue, but we understood we needed to band together and fight the loss of women's rights; loss of all rights, period. We needed to send a message. My feeling was and continues to be that the pundits just didn't get it.
Well, there certainly was no party atmosphere at the airports this weekend. I join you in hoping that all of us will continue to protest. Last weekend it was women, this weekend it was lawyers feeling exactly the same way I did: had to be there, couldn't not be there.
I'm already beginning to be vindicated.
Well, there certainly was no party atmosphere at the airports this weekend. I join you in hoping that all of us will continue to protest. Last weekend it was women, this weekend it was lawyers feeling exactly the same way I did: had to be there, couldn't not be there.
I'm already beginning to be vindicated.
6
At last, a chance for progressivism to match the grassroots energy of the Tea Party. No thanks to the befuddled Democratic Party who did little to ensure a robust operation at the state and local level.
It's clear the resistance to Donald will be formidable, as well as an ongoing embarrassment to a president who has a mortal fear of being unpopular.
It's clear the resistance to Donald will be formidable, as well as an ongoing embarrassment to a president who has a mortal fear of being unpopular.
3
Yes, "We, the People," must resist. But, marches and phone calls can only go so far. Where is the political opposition when the President is in violation of the "emoluments" clause of the Constitution? Where is the political opposition when the the President's executive order banning immigration from specific countries is in clear violation of "The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965"? Where is the "active opposition" from Congressional Democrats? Without a unified, forceful political opposition the people's "resistance [very well] may be futile." The "rule of law" is being undermined daily and it seems that only the ACLU is pushing back in the courts while the dispirited and demoralized Democrats with their geriatric leadership (with the sole exception of John Lewis) stand by in shocked silence.
2
The hysteria on the left is reaching a fever pitch of crazed vindictive and excess that even the racist fringes never managed to generate towards Obama. Trump shutting down immigration from countries that the US has either bombed, droned, sent Army or special forces into, or which are under punishing sanctions from the Obama years is just common sense. If we are going to bomb a nation, and inflict collateral damage (great term, Obama) on civilians, then why would we allow people from those areas to come and settle in our country? Wake up! Obama's America has been at war with Islam for 8 years and especially so in these 7 nations. Now it is time to clean up his mess, deescalate violence, and deal with the root causes of the refugees, not let them into the USA.
9
Good points. However this is a situation where one president pushes 5 million Syrians into the sea and then his successor comes along and refuses to throw them a life line. Something not right with that either.
Donald Trump is a textbook sociopath, probably has BPD (borderline personality disorder), and needs to be removed from office. He is impulsive, untrustworthy and mean. And, he has the executive authority to launch nuclear weapons without congressional approval. We are all at risk, everywhere.
6
There will be anarchy in the streets. Blood will spill. And the entire republican party, punch-drunk with power, will sit silently while this fool destroys our country and democracy. The rest of our county, and indeed, the rest of the world, will never forget this cowardice.
6
Mr Blow. In case you haven't noticed elitism is tearing your country apart. American liberals have convinced themselves they are a morally and intellectually superior class of society. They cannot stomach the prospect of being governed by the ignorant masses. They now see racism, sexism and ignorance in every issue. Therefore every issue seems to reinforce the moral legitimacy of liberal America's anti-democratic refusal to accept a government chosen by what they see as a lower-class element of society. Democracy is definitely under assault in the land of the free. Maybe a good war or a natural disaster will bring the country back together. Failing that is hard to see all this ending well.
7
Steve Bannon is the counterpart to Dick Cheney who was the moving force behind George W. Bush. Both accomplished puppeteers, pulling the strings to their direction. Do people recall what happened then. We went to WAR. It is not be beyond comprehension for Bannon to advise donald, a way out of his domestic problems is to create a false international crisis, ala Cheney's WoMD, anything, based on "alternative facts" that pose a threat to this country.
Creating outside threats will keep from focusing on donald's real association with Putin, does Putin have something donald; Russian intentional hacking; donalds resistance to reveal his tax returns; revelation of some or all of this information could pose a serious threat to donalds presidency.
Creating outside threats will keep from focusing on donald's real association with Putin, does Putin have something donald; Russian intentional hacking; donalds resistance to reveal his tax returns; revelation of some or all of this information could pose a serious threat to donalds presidency.
4
For 8 long hard and often unbearable years we kept our mouth shut. Now it is our turn. We voted for Trump. We need to stand up against the constant assault by the NYT and others against Mr. Trump. The left is loud and boisterous and get the attention. They march instead of working. They make it seem we all welcome refugees. Well we don't. Especially Muslims. Don't let the left and right coast dictate what the rest of the country thinks. Of course, once again, we are quiet and enjoy their tantrums. Maybe we should take to the streets.
7
I am so incredibly proud of the legions of lawyers, ministers, priests, and veterans who stepped up to help the people affected by this sudden edict. That is "American Exceptionalism" in action. It was brave, because who knows what TrumpCo will do to retaliate, but it was the absolute right thing to do. It reminds me that We the People constitute a majority, possibly a growing one, against the looming darkness.
8
Your column is a voice of hope in very dark times. You are reminding the people that the country is theirs, not his. Everyone needs to remember the President is the servant of the people, not the other way round.
When England had a corrupt king, the barons rose up and forced him to comply with their demands on pain of being removed from office. They created magna carta and forced him to accede to it, the document that to this day defines many of our values. As you rightly say, where are the brave men and women of political parties and political office to stand up to this corrupt king and similarly demand from him a compliance to the constitution?
When England had a corrupt king, the barons rose up and forced him to comply with their demands on pain of being removed from office. They created magna carta and forced him to accede to it, the document that to this day defines many of our values. As you rightly say, where are the brave men and women of political parties and political office to stand up to this corrupt king and similarly demand from him a compliance to the constitution?
8
It's just a matter of time for the Republican leadership to realize that its support of Trump' s chaotic and dangerous form of Government puts them on an unsustainable position. The questions are: how long will take and, in the meantime, how much damage will be done to our country
4
Two thoughts. First, my respect for Paul Ryan, which was only 50-50 in the first place, has plummeted to zero. In all of Trump's bizarre actions since, and including, his inauguration, he has sat back and smirked and shown not one ounce of leadership.
Second, I would hope that "Trump supporters", who he is apparently appeasing with this flurry of executive orders (can't capitalize it because they don't even know how to execute an Executive Order) would start to splinter into two groups: those hard-line, rabid, angry, alt-right followers and those who voted for Trump because he was "a good business man and will bring my job back". If this second group agrees with what they are seeing from Trump in the early days, they will reveal themselves as frauds who were drawn to Trump for the same reasons as the first group. They have to decide if it is worth it to have all our American values should be shattered so they can have their old job back. Or they, too, have to speak up.
Second, I would hope that "Trump supporters", who he is apparently appeasing with this flurry of executive orders (can't capitalize it because they don't even know how to execute an Executive Order) would start to splinter into two groups: those hard-line, rabid, angry, alt-right followers and those who voted for Trump because he was "a good business man and will bring my job back". If this second group agrees with what they are seeing from Trump in the early days, they will reveal themselves as frauds who were drawn to Trump for the same reasons as the first group. They have to decide if it is worth it to have all our American values should be shattered so they can have their old job back. Or they, too, have to speak up.
9
All very valid points. However overriding them all is the fact that this clinical sociopath, this man-child who has demonstrated the impulse control of a teenager, now controls the nuclear codes. Every day during which he does so represents a renewed threat that our children will never grow up.
We need to apply the 25th Amendment in an urgent fashion.
We need to apply the 25th Amendment in an urgent fashion.
1
Well, it has taken less than two weeks to confirm that Donald Trump's mission is to pander to his base by any means necessary. He has managed to enrage millions of Americans and countless numbers abroad with his xenophobic orders, all in the guise of "Making America Safe Again." It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that what he is doing is playing right into the hands of those players who want to destroy us. And the meek and obsequious Republican congress will continue to stand idly buy to witness and condone the cataclysm upon us.
It just doesn't make sense to continue to allow unvetted people to enter this country. These countries were chosen for the executive order since they are the most egregious offenders. The omission of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan is regrettable. This is just a start. There ought to be a pause on most immigration until we can get a reliable vetting system in place.
2
Charles Blow - since election day your columns are saving my sanity. You give me pause in observing that we are on the brink of anarchy, a chaos and craziness that this truly destructive and malignant "president" wants. The only way to stem that tide is through a cohesive opposition that must evolve with strength and not back down. That is happening and heartening at the moment. Right now the protests are miraculously peaceful. But what happens if and when violence intercedes or martial law is instituted? What will our good people do then? Will we continue to stand strong in loud opposition or will we retreat to dark corners?
Thank you Mr. Blow for having the intestinal fortitude to expose Trump and his cohorts for the fraud they are. This is something missing in both houses of the Republican led Congress. As we watch this political theater of the absurd unfold and see the President hold aloft and proudly display hastily drafted executive orders drafted by Neo Nazis and right wing extremists with glee on his face, we must realize that these people present an existential threat to our country and must be addressed as such. The Republic is in danger, We must awake up and deal with it.
1
Keep saying it, Mr. Blow, over and over, louder and louder. We're right here with you.
"Not only is Trump a literacy-lite, conspiracy-chasing, compulsively lying bigot, he is also a narcissistic workaholic who now wields the power of the presidency."
His is a Minority President, having lost the popular vote by millions. And, he listens to Steve Bannon, who seems to be behind all these nefarious executive orders to silence, to exclude, and to destroy.
Bannon has openly stated he wishes to destroy the government, our government, bring it "crashing down." He is openly treasonous, yet Congress stands by with it's thumb in its ear. Something's going to come crashing down, and it won't be our government.
"Not only is Trump a literacy-lite, conspiracy-chasing, compulsively lying bigot, he is also a narcissistic workaholic who now wields the power of the presidency."
His is a Minority President, having lost the popular vote by millions. And, he listens to Steve Bannon, who seems to be behind all these nefarious executive orders to silence, to exclude, and to destroy.
Bannon has openly stated he wishes to destroy the government, our government, bring it "crashing down." He is openly treasonous, yet Congress stands by with it's thumb in its ear. Something's going to come crashing down, and it won't be our government.
3
What was so urgent about this policy that it had to be implemented in a panic? It appears to be a publicity stunt to underscore Trump's most controversial campaign promise.
It was implemented on a late Friday afternoon when the business week was over and the courts were closed. That guaranteed that there would be maximum drama and maximum publicity while the world scrambled to counteract the damage--the "inconvenience" in Reince Priebus' Orwellian discourse.
It was Trump sending out another dog-whistle about banning Muslims, while--wink wink--saying it was not about religion. Oh how clever!
Listening to Trump supporters, the dog-whistle worked. In interviews over the weekend they clearly got the message, and said as much: He was blocking Muslims from entering the country. Then followed floods of black bile ignorant hate speech about the Muslim community.
We move daily toward Dystopia.
It was implemented on a late Friday afternoon when the business week was over and the courts were closed. That guaranteed that there would be maximum drama and maximum publicity while the world scrambled to counteract the damage--the "inconvenience" in Reince Priebus' Orwellian discourse.
It was Trump sending out another dog-whistle about banning Muslims, while--wink wink--saying it was not about religion. Oh how clever!
Listening to Trump supporters, the dog-whistle worked. In interviews over the weekend they clearly got the message, and said as much: He was blocking Muslims from entering the country. Then followed floods of black bile ignorant hate speech about the Muslim community.
We move daily toward Dystopia.
2
In coup-prone "banana republics," politics becomes a study of which departments or military branches are aligned with whom. That's what we're becoming as the FBI was during the campaign and remains infested with Trumpistas. Same for Trump's praetorian guard, the court defying US Customs and Border Protection. (Note the firing of its director before the immigration executive order.) Are we facing the prospect of FBI or US Citizenship and Immigration agents battling Boston city cops at a city hall used as an immigrant sanctuary? Fortunately, the military currently appears above the fray, which is why the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff has been ejected from the National Security Council and replaced by Steve Bannon. Beware of Trump loyalty tests in the selection of the next joint chiefs chairman, four star regional commanders and generals/admirals. Soon the cable news shows could be debating whether the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard are aligned with the Trump empire or the republic.
2
These people took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Their oath apparently is at odds with their radical, ultra-nationalist, white-supremacist political agenda. At what point do their odious acts constitute treason? Bannon, in particular, appears to be committed to inciting rebellion. The high crimes and misdemeanors are piling up fast.
2
We must resist Trump becoming an elected king. Too many people wanted change, and not Hillary, that they voted for Trump. They were not paying attention to what he was implying in all of his statements. This should not come as a surprise now. We must protest and flood our representatives with our voices. This is as serious as it gets. Trumps remark that " he was like a smart person" when answering a question is an insult. He is implying that we are not so smart. I have a news flash for the king, we are smarter than him.
1
As Congress appears more than willing to pile on with Trump's increasingly egregious actions undermining the Constitutional foundations of this country, we have to hope that ordinary citizens will continue to vociferously protest his actions. In the end, democracy can only be protected by the citizens themselves. In normal times that would be by means of the ballot.
But, as is clear, these are not normal times. The much vaunted checks and balances in our system are being dismantled or rendered moot by an executive that is turning the country's control over to crony capitalists, racists, anti-Semites, scientific ignoramuses and dangerously unprepared individuals who will roll back decades of progress across virtually all fronts.
So, bravo, Mr. Blow!
Not in my name. Not on my watch.
But, as is clear, these are not normal times. The much vaunted checks and balances in our system are being dismantled or rendered moot by an executive that is turning the country's control over to crony capitalists, racists, anti-Semites, scientific ignoramuses and dangerously unprepared individuals who will roll back decades of progress across virtually all fronts.
So, bravo, Mr. Blow!
Not in my name. Not on my watch.
2
So much for that apologist idea about taking Trump "seriously but not literally" for his malignant rhetoric.
Let's face it: Trump (and each of the guys he seemingly has leased his brain out to--Bannon, Flynn, Kushner) must be counting on his enablers and supporters being convinced that both are vital in order to consolidate his ascendancy.
The rest of us--a significant majority of those who voted (and likely of our entire populace), notwithstanding Trump's relentless propaganda to the contrary--must keep calling out the serious and literal degradation to our national morality and safety that is resulting from the Trump team's rash divide and conquer strategies.
I'm with Mr. Blow. Everyday citizens must continue to peaceably stand up to the megalomania of this administration. We must work hard to protect our core democratic values, which are under such vicious assault both by those acting forcefully to undermine them and those standing by complacently as they are attacked.
Let's face it: Trump (and each of the guys he seemingly has leased his brain out to--Bannon, Flynn, Kushner) must be counting on his enablers and supporters being convinced that both are vital in order to consolidate his ascendancy.
The rest of us--a significant majority of those who voted (and likely of our entire populace), notwithstanding Trump's relentless propaganda to the contrary--must keep calling out the serious and literal degradation to our national morality and safety that is resulting from the Trump team's rash divide and conquer strategies.
I'm with Mr. Blow. Everyday citizens must continue to peaceably stand up to the megalomania of this administration. We must work hard to protect our core democratic values, which are under such vicious assault both by those acting forcefully to undermine them and those standing by complacently as they are attacked.
2
I am amazed at the silence that is emanating from the Republican Congress. These are the same people who attacked President Obama for his use of Executive Orders. Yet they are silent in the face of a torrent of EO's from our illegitimate president. The hypocrisy on display since January 20th is stunning.
Yes, the marches and demonstrations are important. They show our esteemed politicians that people really care about the mess that Trump is creating. But to really put the brakes on his degradations requires the Congress to step in and counter his most damaging EO's with legislation. And given the current makeup of Congress, that is not possible without the assistance of at least a few Republicans.
If they don't step up and defend our country from this mentally unstable individual, then it will be our duty to see that they are thrown out the next time they are up for election. For they will have shown that they put their own interests ahead of the interests and well being of the country. And that is not what they were elected to do.
Yes, the marches and demonstrations are important. They show our esteemed politicians that people really care about the mess that Trump is creating. But to really put the brakes on his degradations requires the Congress to step in and counter his most damaging EO's with legislation. And given the current makeup of Congress, that is not possible without the assistance of at least a few Republicans.
If they don't step up and defend our country from this mentally unstable individual, then it will be our duty to see that they are thrown out the next time they are up for election. For they will have shown that they put their own interests ahead of the interests and well being of the country. And that is not what they were elected to do.
4
The "ticking" we are hearing is the Impeachment Clock and if the first week of the Trump Presidency is any indication of imploding policy directives and his cronies like Kellyanne Conway pivoting on direct questions, impeachment proceedings will happen sooner rather than later.
It is difficult for me to watch Conway as she champions Trump and deflects questions with the skill of a mountain goat.
Not since 1968 has the country been this galvanized in protest over its government. The hypocrites in Congress, McConnell, Ryan and the like, should be ashamed of themselves, and they should be given the boot when they run for re-election. From my lips to God's ear.
It is difficult for me to watch Conway as she champions Trump and deflects questions with the skill of a mountain goat.
Not since 1968 has the country been this galvanized in protest over its government. The hypocrites in Congress, McConnell, Ryan and the like, should be ashamed of themselves, and they should be given the boot when they run for re-election. From my lips to God's ear.
3
Yes but what good will protesting do? How long did it take for the civil rights movement of the 60's to finally change the direction of our country? Even then, despite widespread support for change our political institutions did not respond until three political leaders were assassinated. Who is going to stop trump and his merry band of white supremacists now? Congress? Hardly. They are positively giddy at the prospect of rolling back the social safety net -- Obamacare, Medicare and Social Security -- and transferring even more wealth from ordinary folk to the richest of the rich. The Supreme Court? Paleze. The Supremes contributed to this mess by buying into the alt-fact that racism is a thing of the past in America. After all, we had a black president and still have a black justice. Despite the beautiful words of President Lincoln and the preamble to our Constitution, it's obvious that justice and decency and democracy are just ephemeral ideas, not a rock-solid foundation of who we are. Power trumps everything. No, to donald trump and his alternate-reality party, I'm afraid the throngs in the streets are just losers, collateral damage in pursuit of riches and self-aggrandizement.
1
The moral and political damage that Trump will cause our country is incalculable. Charles Blow and others have tried to warn the public about Trump, and dangers he will created now and into the future. Far too many failed to heed all of the obvious warnings coming from this White House in terms of policy, with an obvious disregard for the rule of law. What's next? Detention camps, not only for Muslims, but for all Trump's political opponents? We have lived a protective existence and tend to believe that it will always like this is forever. Unfortunately, that is not the case. We are not guaranteed a happy ending. Will our fate be determined by the thirty-five percent of Trump's base supporters or will we take charged of our own destiny and stand up to Trump's usurpation of our liberties?
2
I suspect that those working to protect US national security on the national security council are concerned more than ever about how the ban is self destructive and how it puts US in harms way. What better reason for Trump to place Bannon on that council to squelch any internal doubt that could be brewing. I'm sure Bannon is tasked with making sure there are no traitors to Trump on the NSC.
Who has done more damage to the United States, Osama Bin Laden or Lucky Luciano? Mr. Luciano was one of the young turks in the Mafia that made Heroin big business starting in the 1930's. It took off in the 1950's with the damaging result we have today in our country and around the world. The scourge of heroin addiction, destruction of families and society cannot be overstated. More people have died, and continue to die, from heroin addiction than died on 9/11. As an immigrant from Sicily, I am sure that if Mr. Trump had become President in 1932 or 1952, I, and many other Sicilians, would be on a fast plane back to Sicily. The many suffering for the crimes of the few. It would be easy, and wrong, to judge every wave of immigrants from the Irish immigrants of the 1800's to todays immigrants from the South Asia, South America and elsewhere by the criminal organizations that were formed and continue to flourish in today's America. We are more than an ethnic group and the worst within each group. Google the names of John Martin, Paul Kelly, Iron Eyes Cody and John Morgan. All were from Italy, both good and bad.
2
Thank you, Mr. Blow, for being one of the few to say it like it is concerning Trump and Bannon.
My revelation this week has been that the Constitution makes provisions for checks and balances against executive power (or any other government branch) but it cannot actually enforce them (being mere words). Enforcement requires will and effort, and thus far Congress has shown neither.
The courts are just beginning to get involved, but that takes time, and it is reasonable to expect an attack on the Judiciary from this administration, just as the attack on a free press has begun.
I have never looked forward more to midterm elections, and the check and balance role that a motivated populace can provide.
My revelation this week has been that the Constitution makes provisions for checks and balances against executive power (or any other government branch) but it cannot actually enforce them (being mere words). Enforcement requires will and effort, and thus far Congress has shown neither.
The courts are just beginning to get involved, but that takes time, and it is reasonable to expect an attack on the Judiciary from this administration, just as the attack on a free press has begun.
I have never looked forward more to midterm elections, and the check and balance role that a motivated populace can provide.
Mr. Blow, you said that the Muslim ban is nonsensical. That may be the case in a normal world, where there a president lives up to his obligation to uphold the law.
But we're not in a normal world. The game has changed, and all the commentators talking about how the ban will make us less safe have forgotten that that is the purpose of the ban. It's bait. And in the new world it makes perfect sense.
And when a few terrorists take it, there will be an excuse to clamp down on civil liberties, the free press and spend a whole lot of money on "defense." A few select people will get even wealthier. The rest of us will pay.
The power of the federal government is enormous. Imagine how quickly it can be used to turn us into a corporate/feudal system. Imagine how tempting it is for the radical Christians to want it to impose their religious laws.
We only have a few months before we have a Reichstag Fire.
But we're not in a normal world. The game has changed, and all the commentators talking about how the ban will make us less safe have forgotten that that is the purpose of the ban. It's bait. And in the new world it makes perfect sense.
And when a few terrorists take it, there will be an excuse to clamp down on civil liberties, the free press and spend a whole lot of money on "defense." A few select people will get even wealthier. The rest of us will pay.
The power of the federal government is enormous. Imagine how quickly it can be used to turn us into a corporate/feudal system. Imagine how tempting it is for the radical Christians to want it to impose their religious laws.
We only have a few months before we have a Reichstag Fire.
2
Thank you Mr. Blow for speaking for us. I am an American citizen and have lived here for over forty years. So many of my family members are impacted by this senseless executive order. We were scrambling yesterday to help a cousin whose husband is in Iran and she is here with two young children. She is a doctor and her husband is a dentist. They immigrated to this country two years ago with the hope of building a better future for themselves and their kids. They are cream of the crop of the Iranian society who won permanent residency through the lottery system (I wonder if the citizens of those seven countries are now barred from participating in the annual lottery too!) She was in shock yesterday and after calling lawyer friends the recommendation to her husband was to get back as soon as possible before the Federal Judge's stay on the ban is over because we can not trust anything that comes out of this Whitehouse. Only ten days have passed since Trump's inauguration and it feels like two months. We were at a major airport yesterday to see if we could help people who were detained. There were so many people protesting and so many people including many attorneys who were there to volunteer. That is that the America I know. That is the America I love!
6
If it was "Muslim ban" as the Times claims - how can it be that Muslims from 9 of 10 biggest Muslim countries are not affected? How can it be that overwhelming majority of the world's Muslims can come to the US without problems?
2
It seems clear that Steve Bannon is the real president. Trump is just his puppet. How else to explain his inclusion to the National Security Council while diminishing the role of the Joints Chiefs of Staff and the Director of National Intelligence? (I do understand, however, is part of this is that Flynn has started to get on the nerves of Trump and others in the administration for the same reasons he was fired in the Obama administration. Ironic?)
I think we should all start writing letters to the White House to PRESIDENT STEVE BANNON.
I think we should all start writing letters to the White House to PRESIDENT STEVE BANNON.
1
Fascism is on the march in the Trump administration. The Mercers bought this administration and have put their two top employees and mudslingers in charge to push their agenda. Brannon as deputy fuhrer and Conway as the new Goebbels advances their priorities.
Time for protest and legal action or we will slide right into 1930's Germany revisited.
Time for protest and legal action or we will slide right into 1930's Germany revisited.
2
Just think if it were Obama taking these actions! Think about it! Obama was accused of acting like a "king." He was labeled that dirty word, "socialist." All you have to do is reverse all of these actions to taking place on Obama's watch, and think of the GOP reaction to them. It tells you how sick and depraved this administration and Republican leadership is.
While Obama was going to bring our country crashing down with socialism, here is what Ronald Radosh reports in the Daily Beast about Bannon and his total identification with Lenninism.
"[Bannon] never called himself a 'populist' or an 'American nationalist,' as so many think of him today. 'I’m a Leninist,' Bannon proudly proclaimed.
Shocked, I asked him what he meant.
'Lenin,' he answered, wanted to destroy the state, and that’s my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today’s establishment.'”
Tell me that is not what is at work here. Bannon working as the true president, indeed. This man as a Trump puppet master is one of the most dangerous situations our country has ever faced.
While Obama was going to bring our country crashing down with socialism, here is what Ronald Radosh reports in the Daily Beast about Bannon and his total identification with Lenninism.
"[Bannon] never called himself a 'populist' or an 'American nationalist,' as so many think of him today. 'I’m a Leninist,' Bannon proudly proclaimed.
Shocked, I asked him what he meant.
'Lenin,' he answered, wanted to destroy the state, and that’s my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today’s establishment.'”
Tell me that is not what is at work here. Bannon working as the true president, indeed. This man as a Trump puppet master is one of the most dangerous situations our country has ever faced.
5
DSM-5, the latest edition of the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is the standard by which medical professionals and insurance companies base diagnoses.
Does this remind you of anyone in the news? If it weren’t so frightening it would be side-splittingly funny:
DSM-5 criteria for narcissistic personality disorder include these features:
1.Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
2.Expecting to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it
3.Exaggerating your achievements and talents
4.Being preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate
5.Believing that you are superior and can only be understood by or associate with equally special people
6.Requiring constant admiration
7.Having a sense of entitlement
8.Expecting special favors and unquestioning compliance with your expectations
9.Taking advantage of others to get what you want
10.Having an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others
11.Being envious of others and believing others envy you
12.Behaving in an arrogant or haughty manner
Bingo! 12 for 12, a perfect score. What’s-his-name should love it.
Does this remind you of anyone in the news? If it weren’t so frightening it would be side-splittingly funny:
DSM-5 criteria for narcissistic personality disorder include these features:
1.Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
2.Expecting to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it
3.Exaggerating your achievements and talents
4.Being preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate
5.Believing that you are superior and can only be understood by or associate with equally special people
6.Requiring constant admiration
7.Having a sense of entitlement
8.Expecting special favors and unquestioning compliance with your expectations
9.Taking advantage of others to get what you want
10.Having an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others
11.Being envious of others and believing others envy you
12.Behaving in an arrogant or haughty manner
Bingo! 12 for 12, a perfect score. What’s-his-name should love it.
1
Mr. Trump is far from normal. And, most unfortunately, he holds the scepter of power, likely by his sphincter. No one will pull it out for fear of what may hit them in the face, like Bannon's toxic waste. And to think, that scepter comes with nuclear codes, executive privilege, the title of Commander in Chief, with the authority over the entire executive branch of government including the ability to issue enforceable Executive Orders. I don't even want to think about what "goods" Bannon has on members of Congress, including Sen. McConnell and Paul Ryan - they are silent because their closets have been raided. Russia hacked us but good. HazMat suits are now required to pull the triggers of power from the dangerously depraved. It is a dangerous time. RESIST!
3
I live in a corrupt state of dark money and cement shoes, it is my suspicion that the majority of Republicans and maybe a lot of Democrats have taken money from the President. They play golf at his golf courses, taken girlfriends to his resorts.
It happened over time and now it is payback and they are now mute.
They have participated in pay for play and we the people are suffering for their decision and selfishness.
It happened over time and now it is payback and they are now mute.
They have participated in pay for play and we the people are suffering for their decision and selfishness.
1
Now ...... more than ever it is important that those adults registered to vote go out and VOTE.
Each state must work thru its citizens to defang the electoral college with an override. One person/ One Vote
Call your state and federal reps. Daily. Complain daily.
Offer santuary as needed
Impeach Now.
Rid us of Bannon. Rid us of Flynn.
We are heading toward Anarchy. Exactly what Bannon White Nationalists want.
Each state must work thru its citizens to defang the electoral college with an override. One person/ One Vote
Call your state and federal reps. Daily. Complain daily.
Offer santuary as needed
Impeach Now.
Rid us of Bannon. Rid us of Flynn.
We are heading toward Anarchy. Exactly what Bannon White Nationalists want.
3
I thought three little words were supposed to end threats from Middle East countries? That if only Mr. Obama uttered three little words, the threat would be gone? So why do we need this ban? My Trump has said those three little words.
2
C'mon, Trump, time for another "victory tour" of Middle American, to bathe in the adoration of the fools who voted for you.
1
Let's not overlook the influence of Mike Kelly who believes that Muslims present an existential threat to the US. I would say that he and Bannon present an existential threat to our Democracy.
2
While the man-child plays at being a reality show president, he is fulfilling Bannon's dark plan for complete chaos. And a passive and strangely silent Congress stands by as Trump erodes its function of checks and balances with his edicts. When will any of these cowards stand up and DO SOMETHING to get this cabal out of the White House before the military has to step in?
3
I think Trump is creating fear among our leaders. CEO's of major businesses will not tell him their multi-billion dollar plants scattered around the globe are not going to be rebuilt in America for a variety of reasons. No, they won't say a word because Trump will tweet and they will face stock issues and questions from their boards and investors - in other words saying anything to Trump means more problems than it's worth (oh dear!). And Republicans who refuse to join hands and stand up to the NRA, do we believe they have any "guts" to tackle Trump? And the Democrats - I have no idea, but clearly so far they are pretty much sitting on the sidelines. Now Trump has removed the judiciary from his WH web site. I'm sure he wishes it was that easy to rid himself of judges. But how far will he and Bannon go? Putin simply eliminates judges who disagree.
It is discouraging and frightening to find Congress almost silent.
My thanks to all who make time to protest. I have not been able to join any rally yet, but I am sending letters several times a week to my representatives. Don't know if they (house & senate) read any of their mail, but hopefully their assistants keep count of the letters questioning and challenging the Trump regime. "There may be times," wrote Eli Wiesel, "when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest."
It is discouraging and frightening to find Congress almost silent.
My thanks to all who make time to protest. I have not been able to join any rally yet, but I am sending letters several times a week to my representatives. Don't know if they (house & senate) read any of their mail, but hopefully their assistants keep count of the letters questioning and challenging the Trump regime. "There may be times," wrote Eli Wiesel, "when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest."
5
Well, I just LOVE you today, Charles!
Thanks for putting into such elegant words what so many of us are thinking.
I especially liked this: "Not only is Trump a literacy-lite, conspiracy-chasing, compulsively lying bigot, he is also a narcissistic workaholic who now wields the power of the presidency."
Thank you for being such an impassioned cheerleader for all of us who are saying "Not on my watch!"
Thanks for putting into such elegant words what so many of us are thinking.
I especially liked this: "Not only is Trump a literacy-lite, conspiracy-chasing, compulsively lying bigot, he is also a narcissistic workaholic who now wields the power of the presidency."
Thank you for being such an impassioned cheerleader for all of us who are saying "Not on my watch!"
5
What frightened me the most was that the customs agents did not respond to the legislative or judicial branches of government when a senator showed up at the airport, court order in hand. Who will they come for next?
319
Trump will just pardon them if they face legal consequences for defying a court order. Just like when he said he would pay the legal fees of people at his rallies if they punched out the protesters. It is frightening.
1
One couldn't come up with a more preposterous state of affairs in fiction. The whole world is now to be vetted by a clown who jumped the shark of vetting altogether to become Commander in Chief of the mightiest military the world has ever seen, though Trump the Unvetted deems it inadequate and in urgent need of further buildup.
I always figured the US to be ignorant, but that is a remediable condition. I have to downgrade my assessment to brain dead now.
I always figured the US to be ignorant, but that is a remediable condition. I have to downgrade my assessment to brain dead now.
12
It's hard to believe that it was just over a week ago that we had a President who was intelligent and compassionate and used his executive powers to help people, the vulnerable. And that made Republicans apoplectic. Now we have an ignorant, vengeful President who uses his executive power to hurt people, the vulnerable. And the Republicans genuflect.
8
I have been living with a foreboding feeling the day this man won the election. I have been trying to find some evidence that would erase this fear. Alas, I find none. With every stroke of his pen, this man is inviting a war to our door step.
I pray waiting 2 years to vote in a Democratic majority is not too long. I pray the voice of We the People prevail and this Malevolent and Narcissists person is impeached.
I pray waiting 2 years to vote in a Democratic majority is not too long. I pray the voice of We the People prevail and this Malevolent and Narcissists person is impeached.
3
It is not Trump as an individual that should worry us but rather each individual in this entire country. If the competitive race between Hillary Clinton, with the fullest in support of then President Obama, and Trump, running under the strongest of advise from Obama not to vote for him, and Trump still ending up with close to a 50/50 score then obviously America as a whole is one sick puppy. Perhaps whatever this disease is was kept hidden for many, many years but finally it popped up. Look in the mirror and find someone to blame.
4
If anyone is shocked at the first 10 days of the new administration, then I have no pity. As detestable as the characters may be, we were all given fair warning. Even Bannon's anarchic, Leninist views were published months ago. Lest anyone forget, there are matters yet to be addressed: the Supreme Court and the devastating consequences a right-wing voice would bring to the nation. It's all been core to the Trump message, and he will deliver.
And while this turbulence continues, the Russia hacking issue is pushed to the side, the business dealings, the volumes of suspected impropriety. All removed, purposely, by the daily dose of hair-raising psychological shock and awe employed by the Trump tacticians. Softly, softly, in the background, they neuter the ability of the IC to effectively carry out their duty to protect the people of America from a rapacious, possibly traitorous administration.
It's been out there, in bold headlines, for months. Who is protecting the people? The White House? Congress? The FBI? Anybody?
We saw this coming, and let it happen. E-mails? Give me a break...
At least the people & the some parts of the press show courage while the authorities, as yet, show none.
And while this turbulence continues, the Russia hacking issue is pushed to the side, the business dealings, the volumes of suspected impropriety. All removed, purposely, by the daily dose of hair-raising psychological shock and awe employed by the Trump tacticians. Softly, softly, in the background, they neuter the ability of the IC to effectively carry out their duty to protect the people of America from a rapacious, possibly traitorous administration.
It's been out there, in bold headlines, for months. Who is protecting the people? The White House? Congress? The FBI? Anybody?
We saw this coming, and let it happen. E-mails? Give me a break...
At least the people & the some parts of the press show courage while the authorities, as yet, show none.
8
Trust me, stuff like the Russia hacking and the business dealings have not been pushed to the side, you're just not hearing about it yet. We have many honest people working in the U. S. Government who are doing their jobs, as you say, softly, softly, in the background. The media will tell us all about it in due time. If the current administration tries to gag the agencies, information will get out anyway.
I've read a lot about folks in the red states who voted for Trump only because they hoped he would bring jobs back. They didn't like the racist, misogynistic, xenophobic rhetoric they were hearing. They don't think Muslims and Mexicans are evil people. They recognize that their own ancestors were immigrants.
They just wanted jobs and hoped what they were hearing was just stupid campaign rhetoric. Now that they're seeing the true colors of this administration, they will be rethinking things. A lot of honorable people voted for Trump. They will turn away in disgust.
I've read a lot about folks in the red states who voted for Trump only because they hoped he would bring jobs back. They didn't like the racist, misogynistic, xenophobic rhetoric they were hearing. They don't think Muslims and Mexicans are evil people. They recognize that their own ancestors were immigrants.
They just wanted jobs and hoped what they were hearing was just stupid campaign rhetoric. Now that they're seeing the true colors of this administration, they will be rethinking things. A lot of honorable people voted for Trump. They will turn away in disgust.
1
We are witness to the duality that has been woven into the fabric of the tapestry of American history from almost the beginning. The constant tension between those who are already here, and those who would come later. Trump is not as much a Republican, as he is the modern day champion of the Know-Nothing Party (a suitably apt name), by definition: "The Know-Nothing Party, also known as the American Party, was a prominent United States political party during the late 1840s and the early 1850s. The American Party originated in 1849. Its members strongly opposed immigrants and followers of the Catholic Church." The anti-Catholic sentiment may be more of a moot point now, but the anti-immigrant stance still remains. As Yogi Berra said, "Deja vu all over again."
1
Like magicians, Steve Bannon gets us riled up and distracted with these crazy policies while Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell do serious long term damage.
Remember when the Republican Tea Party shut down the government in protest of raising the debt ceiling?
On January 09, 2017 before Trump even took office, Republicans voted to raise the debt ceiling by $10 Trillion over the next ten years.
But the real problem is their deficits which they are predicting to go from $550 Billion per year to $950 Billion per year.
Reagan / HW Bush raised the deficit. Clinton balanced the budget. W. Bush took that balanced budget and gave Obama a whopping $1.1 Trillion deficit (before the subprime melt down, final number was $1.4 Trillion). Obama got that down to $550 Billion.
Our children and grandchildren will be paying for this.
Remember when the Republican Tea Party shut down the government in protest of raising the debt ceiling?
On January 09, 2017 before Trump even took office, Republicans voted to raise the debt ceiling by $10 Trillion over the next ten years.
But the real problem is their deficits which they are predicting to go from $550 Billion per year to $950 Billion per year.
Reagan / HW Bush raised the deficit. Clinton balanced the budget. W. Bush took that balanced budget and gave Obama a whopping $1.1 Trillion deficit (before the subprime melt down, final number was $1.4 Trillion). Obama got that down to $550 Billion.
Our children and grandchildren will be paying for this.
9
The only thing I disagree with is the term "workaholic." Someone who works hard and long hours implying that the person studies information to assure the competence and wisdom of the efforts. The Twit in Chief studies cable news and probably hasn't touched a briefing book once. Bannon is his briefing book. It's time for congress and the citizenry to act. Even though I dread a Pence presidency, at least he's sane.
5
How dangerous are these people? It will be interesting to see what happens in the life of "Charles Kurzman, a sociology professor at the University of North Carolina" now that he has "outed" himself by reporting the concrete facts. Indeed, our once-vaunted University of North Carolina has been seized by the same forces as part of the relentless assault on Academia, Academic Freedom, Science and Critical Thinking.
These people have a clear history of warfare on Enlightenment and Truth.
These people have a clear history of warfare on Enlightenment and Truth.
2
Trump did indeed promise his narrow minded and petty supporters that he would go in this direction. That in itself does not create a responsible approach. Even though the socially challenged minority elected him their views do not necessarily reflect those of the majority. Cowards hide from potentiality while truly brave people are willing to accept some risk in the name of democracy and decency. Decency is not a term that can in any way be applied to this president or his appointees. They are an embarrassment to the free world.
1