This Bannon man is frightening. Trump is frightening. We the American people must never allow Trump or his kind to ever be elected to a public office again.
12
An avowed Leninist in the White House who has our President's ear should give us all pause. He is getting his way to dismantling our democratic institutions and doing it by calling into question the legitimacy of the judiciary and our free press. He uses big words to disguise his real intent. And he has a willing protegee in Trump. We can never lose sight of the big picture here and keep our eyes fixed on Bannon.
20
There is every indication Stephen Bannon is the Manchurian Candidate waiting in the wings, manipulating Trump, and likely blackmailing Priebus. Word is Priebus can barely get to Trump. Bannon has said Trump is his blunt instrument.
Like a dull hammer, I presume.
And what is being done that Priebus went to the Justice Department to tell them and the FBI to soft peddle and downplay the Russian connection investigation.
Like a dull hammer, I presume.
And what is being done that Priebus went to the Justice Department to tell them and the FBI to soft peddle and downplay the Russian connection investigation.
7
It would be nice if the Times listed the agenda of the Trump administration and what parts he specifically spoke about. We already know how much Trump is disliked by the Times but please your readers are looking for news facts and not how you feel his inner circle might be in disarray. Seems like a lot has been accomplished in just one month but your readers would like to know what things are in the pipeline ... no pun intended. Thanks!
5
I listened to dude bellow from the teleprompts, but there ain't no policy to talk about. ACA? All talk, no plan. Secret plan to defeat ISIS? Not so much, referred to Perot commission of experts. Tax plan? Oh those pesky details. Building the wall with Mexican cash? Remind me, was that "Day One" stuff? Laughable.
2
What Bannon said:
Naysayers are “absolutely dead wrong
about what’s going on today because we
have a team that’s just grinding it through….”
What Bannon meant:
“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious BANNONSNATCH!”
Naysayers are “absolutely dead wrong
about what’s going on today because we
have a team that’s just grinding it through….”
What Bannon meant:
“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious BANNONSNATCH!”
7
mike pense does NOT remind me of Ronald Reagan. I didn't like Ronald Reagan, but I have far more respect for him that I do for the liar vp mike pense, who knew all about the Russian connections they were happening. Impeach pense, too. Let him be questioned by the FBI, and let him lie to Them. Additionally, I noticed that bannon caught himself, a few times, before he went full Mussolini on us.
3
I was not assured by Bannon. His talk of tearing down the administrative state and nationalist economy was frightening and authoritarian. He is an arrogant, anti-semite, white supremacist who clearly thinks he is the leader of the free world and certainly above Trump. Both men have terrifying world views which make it unsafe for minorities in this country to live in safety. He, like Trump, is zenophobic, mysogynist and laboring under false superiority complex. And I did not buy the touchy-feely act between Bannon and Priebus. Priebus looked like a fool. Evoke Amendment 25 for both Trump and Bannon. Neither of them display any signs being in touch with reality. I saw clearly that Trump is Bannon's puppet.
10
Ok Trump voters
How do you like him now?
Deconstruction? Anarchy?
Is this really what you voted for?
How do you like him now?
Deconstruction? Anarchy?
Is this really what you voted for?
6
I am more and more concerned daily. I did not work in support of national defense and national security for 56 years to see this kind of thing become mainstream in our country.
Wake up, America. Please.
Wake up, America. Please.
12
What a joke, that Bannon, who made his fortune as an "internationalist, globa" hedge-fund manager, should now be touting "economic nationalism" and trying to push it on a guy who's "empire" is notoriously global. These CPAC people are totally unprincipled opportunities bent on employing our government to enrich themselves and their buddies, and to exercise power not unlike that of a much-feared (so they say) world government. More ludicrous than dangerous.
5
President Trump is very much like Amazon and Uber. The President is as disruptive a political force as Amazon and Uber are in the retail and taxi industries. Accordingly, the vested interests such as politicians and the news media that propagandizes for them are squealing like the pigs that they are.
4
I'll go along with the comparison of Trump to Uber
^ Sexual Harassment
^ Lack of Due Diligence
^ Story Spinner
^ Sexual Harassment
^ Lack of Due Diligence
^ Story Spinner
7
What a disgusting excuse for a human being he is. I am ashamed to be a member of the same species as Bannon.
13
Most worrisome to me is Bannon's statement that we are a "nation with a culture". And what would that culture be, Mr. Bannon?
11
On the bright side, it looks like Bannon is about to keel over at any moment.
Seriously, what's with the blue asphyxiation look and the eyes that say, "I haven't slept in 20 years"?
We can only hope that his current life span will be as short as his compassion for others.
Seriously, what's with the blue asphyxiation look and the eyes that say, "I haven't slept in 20 years"?
We can only hope that his current life span will be as short as his compassion for others.
16
Jeremy Peters suggests Mr. Bannon's reputation has taken on that of a "fire-breathing populist, emerging power center and/or man of mystery".
I would suggest Svengali, Machiavelli, Rasputin and/or all three.
I would suggest Svengali, Machiavelli, Rasputin and/or all three.
6
US unemployment rate fell to 4.9 percent in October 2016 from 5 percent in the previous month and in line with market expectations. The number of unemployed persons was almost unchanged at 7.9 million while the labor force participation rate decreased by 0.1 percentage point to 62.8 percent.Feb 3, 2017
5
I'm at a loss. Is there a finite definition of culture out there? Would someone please explain to me CPAC's definition of culture? Allow me to rephrase the question: What is your culture? Please think hard about this question.
You might answer some combination of national, regional, local, religious, political, institutional, or gender affiliation. "I'm American!" as one example. None of these things are really culture though. You're confusing culture with identity. Your identity is either what you choose it to be or what someone else decides it should be. That's not culture.
Let's try a different approach. Take out a map of the United States. Now draw lines where one culture ends and another one begins. You might notice that someone from Massachusetts is different from someone living in Arizona. Compare someone from Boston to someone from Hartford though? The lines start to blur. Now try the same exercise with a world map.
Eventually you should notice that the similarities between any two groups outweigh their differences. In biology, this is known as clinal variation. Culture is similar in the same subtle way. Anyone drawing a line in the sand isn't talking about culture. They're using the word to mobilize a unified identity for a particular purpose. This is how human populations organize collective enterprise. This is called dogma.
You might answer some combination of national, regional, local, religious, political, institutional, or gender affiliation. "I'm American!" as one example. None of these things are really culture though. You're confusing culture with identity. Your identity is either what you choose it to be or what someone else decides it should be. That's not culture.
Let's try a different approach. Take out a map of the United States. Now draw lines where one culture ends and another one begins. You might notice that someone from Massachusetts is different from someone living in Arizona. Compare someone from Boston to someone from Hartford though? The lines start to blur. Now try the same exercise with a world map.
Eventually you should notice that the similarities between any two groups outweigh their differences. In biology, this is known as clinal variation. Culture is similar in the same subtle way. Anyone drawing a line in the sand isn't talking about culture. They're using the word to mobilize a unified identity for a particular purpose. This is how human populations organize collective enterprise. This is called dogma.
7
Read HateWatch at the Southern Poverty Law Center. They've been tracking Bannon and Breitbart for awhile, as well as the rise in hate crimes associated with Trump. Almost all are white supremacists with various flavors of white supremacy, anti-immigrant, and anti-Muslim.
Now is a good time to give to both the ACLU and the SPLC.
Love trumps hate. Americans cannot sit and watch the rise of a Fourth Reich in the United States, led by the corrupt individuals in the White House.
Now is a good time to give to both the ACLU and the SPLC.
Love trumps hate. Americans cannot sit and watch the rise of a Fourth Reich in the United States, led by the corrupt individuals in the White House.
14
There has been no rise or spike in hate crimes as a result of Trump's presidency. That is a false narrative having it's roots in a dishonest media.
3
You need to get out more. Do you KNOW any Jewish, black, immigrant, Muslim, or other minority friends? Because I've seen mosques torched, synagogues and cemeteries vandalized, Nazi leafletting, and hajib wearing women attacked. Yesterday, two legal green card holders were shot by a drunken white man who told them to get out of this country-based on their skin color.
8
Conservatives should be uneasy about Bannon.
8
No. Liberals should be uneasy - very uneasy.
3
True. But I still stand by my comment.
3
The "Deconstruction of the administrative state"? What does that phrase even mean in 2017 in America?
It means destroying the social safety net - and leaving 40-80 million people in dire straits.
Time for revolution in the streets. Time for the populace and the DEMS to stand up and not be cowards. Where are people with the clout and moral fiber of a Teddy Kennedy? Where are the Walter Cronkites?
It means destroying the social safety net - and leaving 40-80 million people in dire straits.
Time for revolution in the streets. Time for the populace and the DEMS to stand up and not be cowards. Where are people with the clout and moral fiber of a Teddy Kennedy? Where are the Walter Cronkites?
8
Wait until the Social Security and Medicare and VA checks stopped being sent by, you know, the "administrative state."
6
My thought is that Bannon's CAT scan is pinned to Trump's CAT scan, and both are stored in Dr. Borenstein's office.
6
Reince has asked the FBI to claim the Russian contact was not constant, and now, CNN, NYTs and Politico are not allowed to know how Spicer is trying to deflect this shite storm?
Is Spicer revealing to the "good" press the sources of this breach of insecurity? I'd tell, too, because I've been to Watergate and it's not too late to turn back, flack catchers!!
Is Spicer revealing to the "good" press the sources of this breach of insecurity? I'd tell, too, because I've been to Watergate and it's not too late to turn back, flack catchers!!
6
Easy solution, Sean, sunshine--let's have an independent investigation and you can prove to us how what you're saying is true.
4
Uh oh, sounds like Sean spicer's talking smack about NYTs, CNN and Politicos' sources!!!
So, is Sessions threatening those called to the format with a loss of access or is he asking them to out their colleges if they want a piece of the action?
So, is Sessions threatening those called to the format with a loss of access or is he asking them to out their colleges if they want a piece of the action?
3
"Economic Nationalism." Have heard that one before, but it was called, "National Socialism," except there was nothing socialistic about the Reich.
"Culture." Have also heard that used before, except it was "Das Kultur." When do we get to "The blood of the sacred Volk," and "The sacred soil of the fatherland?"
William Shirer was there to write "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. Maybe we'll have our own, "The Rise and Fall of American Democracy: How Fascisim Overwhelmed and Strangled The Founding Father's America."
"Culture." Have also heard that used before, except it was "Das Kultur." When do we get to "The blood of the sacred Volk," and "The sacred soil of the fatherland?"
William Shirer was there to write "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. Maybe we'll have our own, "The Rise and Fall of American Democracy: How Fascisim Overwhelmed and Strangled The Founding Father's America."
12
As things progress in your divided states, I can only wonder when Civil War II will begin. Trump can complain all he likes about the "fake new" and "dishonest press", but to promote the idea that the stark divisions aren't there when they really are is tantamount to declaring that the sky is green and the earth is flat. And more than the divisions (80+% of democrats think he's doing a bad job, 5% of republicans think he's doing a bad job) is the fact that many more people didn't vote for him than those that did--not just the 11 million, but those who didn't (or couldn't) vote would have been equally or maybe even more likely to vote for another candidate. So what you have now is a tyranny of the minority.
7
Brazen dictatorial Pillsbury Dough Boy with his own solar system where he believes he's the sun, moon and the stars. His perceived reality is making things worse the better cause. Injustice and immorality rule his universe.
His chilling revenge on democracy unfold unfettered. A poisonous snake.
Prieibus and Trump merely do his bidding. Carnage without a truce.
Trump can't move past the historical fact he's joined Rutherford Hayes, Benjamin Harrison and George W. Bush in losing the popular vote. The word "losing" has him unhinged, as he continually repeats himself in every public square. His self-destructive nature on display.
As his mental state continues to deteriorate, Priebus and Trump can barely disguise their clever little takeover of the US government.
His chilling revenge on democracy unfold unfettered. A poisonous snake.
Prieibus and Trump merely do his bidding. Carnage without a truce.
Trump can't move past the historical fact he's joined Rutherford Hayes, Benjamin Harrison and George W. Bush in losing the popular vote. The word "losing" has him unhinged, as he continually repeats himself in every public square. His self-destructive nature on display.
As his mental state continues to deteriorate, Priebus and Trump can barely disguise their clever little takeover of the US government.
5
The 'deconstruction of the administrative state has begun'. What a chilling phrase. "The Nation" recently analyzed Bannon, his reading habits, his heroes. He believes apocalypse is necessary so a new order can be established. And then.....In my local newpaper this week were online reader opinions about the T.-Bannon immigration order. One reader was clearly against it and asked what would you do-turn in your parents? To my horror another reader answered that it wouldn't matter. They broke the law and the law must be enforced. If there was any doubt we are bounding into fascism, this removed it. Wasn't this one of the familial horrors of the Third Reich- indoctrinated children turning in parents who were deemed insurgents.
12
Bannon is a very interesting person. More American, impossible (he's born from a blue collar immigrant couple of Irish nationality in Norfolk, Virginia). He encapsulates the America of his time, and now his time has come.
2
A "Deconstructed Administrative State" looks like Mugabe's Zimbabwe. An Emperor surrounded by cronies and family members, in system that governs by oppression and not leadership. Mr. Bannon do not forget, our great country started with a loud protest over an English King and his tea tax. Accountability is not one sided. If you want more people to sing your praises, start by listening more and talking less.
9
Bannon seems drunk. Drunk on presidential power.
We did not elect this disturbed man.
We did not elect this disturbed man.
13
Does Kellyanne Conway realize how foolish she sounds when she says the attacks against Trump are from "political enemies still sore about the election?"
No, Kellyanne, we are not sore (although we have every right to be given the corruption in the Trump campaign). We are concerned citizens who fear for the destruction of our democracy and the fate of future generations. We are fearful because people like Bannon, Sessions, and Conway--and yes, Putin--are in charge of what the puppet Trump will say and do. If Conway is as smart as pundits say she is, she should be fully aware of this.
No, Kellyanne, we are not sore (although we have every right to be given the corruption in the Trump campaign). We are concerned citizens who fear for the destruction of our democracy and the fate of future generations. We are fearful because people like Bannon, Sessions, and Conway--and yes, Putin--are in charge of what the puppet Trump will say and do. If Conway is as smart as pundits say she is, she should be fully aware of this.
8
Steve Bannon is the "brains'" behind Trump's "brawn", eh? I've heard that Trump used to eat a whole orange (skin and pulp) to impress the other side when he played sports as a teen. Why would that be impressive? A prickly pear or even a pineapple might have been impressive but an orange?
And Bannon? Making immigrants the fall guys is not impressive either - it's the oldest play in the book and it's counterproductive too.
If you're eating out, then it's likely that most of the food on your plate was prepared by an immigrant, picked by an immigrant (even if you eat at home), and the place where you're eating gets maintained by immigrants so not only will price of food go up but the safety of the food chain will be affected as well.
And Bannon wants them out mostly so they can deconstruct the government. Who do you think is keeping unscrupulous individuals from preventing food poisoning (bacterial contamination)? The government is! While local gov't is mostly responsible food gets transported across state lines and that's the Feds.
When sewage is spilled onto California's fields, or imported from Mexico where sewage is used as fertilizer, it's the Federal gov't that checks for bacteria. There's been a lot of flooding in California and Mexico lately so be prepared for outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in fresh foods soon, followed by Tweets that it's "fake" and "not my fault".
Except it is Trump's fault when he destroys what he doesn't even understand!
And Bannon? Making immigrants the fall guys is not impressive either - it's the oldest play in the book and it's counterproductive too.
If you're eating out, then it's likely that most of the food on your plate was prepared by an immigrant, picked by an immigrant (even if you eat at home), and the place where you're eating gets maintained by immigrants so not only will price of food go up but the safety of the food chain will be affected as well.
And Bannon wants them out mostly so they can deconstruct the government. Who do you think is keeping unscrupulous individuals from preventing food poisoning (bacterial contamination)? The government is! While local gov't is mostly responsible food gets transported across state lines and that's the Feds.
When sewage is spilled onto California's fields, or imported from Mexico where sewage is used as fertilizer, it's the Federal gov't that checks for bacteria. There's been a lot of flooding in California and Mexico lately so be prepared for outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in fresh foods soon, followed by Tweets that it's "fake" and "not my fault".
Except it is Trump's fault when he destroys what he doesn't even understand!
9
Deconstruction of the Administrative State will require the services of a Very Intrusive Police State to contain the resulting chaos. Corporations have been allowed, because of lax campaign contribution ethics, to have too great a role in the legislative process, and now have captured most of our legislative bodies and regulatory agencies. Campaign finance reform, openly legislated in public view, would resolve most of the problem.
A handful of corporate interests now own most of the media. If the Bell System and Microsoft's monopolies were broken up - why not media? A free press controlled by corporate interests is not free.
If Conservatives have a problem with Big Government, they should see a problem with Big Business as well.
A handful of corporate interests now own most of the media. If the Bell System and Microsoft's monopolies were broken up - why not media? A free press controlled by corporate interests is not free.
If Conservatives have a problem with Big Government, they should see a problem with Big Business as well.
7
So sad how low US conservative movement has fallen... Who are these "conservative intellectuals"? Angry, farcical men - Leninist Banon, Fascist sympathizer (Gorka), clownish provocateur (temporarily rejected Milo Y), all from Breitbart, not surprisingly... I wonder if his "deconstruction" means removing public services and basic health and safety standards coming back to XIX century Dickensian reality, which may result in new October revolution - his dream? These people, recycling failed ideas from last century Europe, lacking basic knowledge, bullies with zero respect for facts are not intellectuals and not conservatives. They are a sad illustration of a saying that tragic history repeats itself as a farce. They cannot succeed and there is hope that conservative movement will be reclaimed by reasonable and knowledgeable people, with whom it would be possible to debate solutions to pressing problems like carbon tax...
6
Mr. Pence can be made President. It is in the Constitution. This is possible by virtue of them voting Trump unfit for office by virtue of his tenuous grasp of reality. The psychiatry community may be starting to show on the scene. There is a clause in their professional rules which gives a psychiatrist the Duty To Warn. The country needs to have Knowledge of this and it could become more prevalent and might help get the word out about Trump's mental fitness. This of course will take guts which seem to be lacking across the board, but considering the stakes of a mad man with access to the nuclear capabilities of our country and that Trump could plunge the world into nuclear winter with the end of civilization as we know it, it may be possible for enough Republicans to see where Trump's mind could take the country. It is worrisome and scary, isn't it?
The thug Bannon may have actually helped get things on a more even keel with his tirade at the CCPAC meeting in Washington today. This was extreme and part and parcel of his philosophy. He calls it deconstruction which means destroying liberty and our form of government. This extreme talk should help awaken the country. With an non-elected man pushing this garbage in Trump's ear, his grasp of reality will be sorely attacked. Then may be time for the Duty To Warn will shake up the psych. community and get them in action against Trump.
Maybe it is time for the Biblical admonition: Pray for Peace! It could help.
love Dad
The thug Bannon may have actually helped get things on a more even keel with his tirade at the CCPAC meeting in Washington today. This was extreme and part and parcel of his philosophy. He calls it deconstruction which means destroying liberty and our form of government. This extreme talk should help awaken the country. With an non-elected man pushing this garbage in Trump's ear, his grasp of reality will be sorely attacked. Then may be time for the Duty To Warn will shake up the psych. community and get them in action against Trump.
Maybe it is time for the Biblical admonition: Pray for Peace! It could help.
love Dad
4
I see so many references to racism, but don't see any evidence of racism from Trump or his administration. Fake accusations?
1
You cannot be serious. Muslim ban? Wall across border? Mass deportation? Do you not think that the shared fact of brown people being blocked from entering the country and forced to leave the country is not to a large degree racially motivated? For years, Trump and others sponsored the racist birther lie. President Obama was born in Hawaii, and there was never any smidgen of evidence to suggest otherwise. Back to Africa because he was a black man? That was absolute racism.
Almost every time Trump sees a black person or hears about a policy, he starts ranting about crime in the inner city. Look at his treatment of Civil Rights hero Congressman John Lewis whom he told to take care of the terrible inner city crime in his district. Lewis is the representative who includes some of the wealthiest and most prosperous parts of Atlanta in his district. But Trump equated his being an African American with being connected with the inner city. There are hundreds of similar examples.
Look it up. Do not watch Fox "News" or read Breitbart. Look up actual facts and analysis. The fake news is coming from the right (like Flynn's son making up the story about Hillary Clinton running a child sex ring in a Washington pizza restaurant that almost HALF of Trump voters actually believed). But then more than 60% of them also believe that President Obama is a Muslim from Kenya -- racist birther garbage.
Almost every time Trump sees a black person or hears about a policy, he starts ranting about crime in the inner city. Look at his treatment of Civil Rights hero Congressman John Lewis whom he told to take care of the terrible inner city crime in his district. Lewis is the representative who includes some of the wealthiest and most prosperous parts of Atlanta in his district. But Trump equated his being an African American with being connected with the inner city. There are hundreds of similar examples.
Look it up. Do not watch Fox "News" or read Breitbart. Look up actual facts and analysis. The fake news is coming from the right (like Flynn's son making up the story about Hillary Clinton running a child sex ring in a Washington pizza restaurant that almost HALF of Trump voters actually believed). But then more than 60% of them also believe that President Obama is a Muslim from Kenya -- racist birther garbage.
11
Remember the story of the frog in a pot. We are in a slow motion coup
5
You "progressives" work yourselves into a maniacal fury building and hating a straw-man that has no resemblance to reality. It is mentally unhealthy.
1
Trump is mentally unhealthy. No wonder everyone is freaking out.
2
The straw-man you're talking about (either Trump or Bannon) is grossly deluded and dangerous.
4
I think that suicide rates are going to go up. Watching this play out while nobody does anything is creating a sense of futility.
6
"Everything is going according to plan"
reminds me of something Darth a Vader would say. Closest I could come up with is:
"Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen"
-Emperor Palpatine, Return of the Jedi
Anyway, when your plans are evil, this ain't good news.
reminds me of something Darth a Vader would say. Closest I could come up with is:
"Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen"
-Emperor Palpatine, Return of the Jedi
Anyway, when your plans are evil, this ain't good news.
11
I find the animus directed to Stephen Bannon very disturbing and frightening.
2
That's not animus. It's deconstruction.
7
And I find Steve Bannon to be very disturbed -- and firghtening.
8
I find Bannon very disturbing and frightening. Read Breitbart.
5
This country is just about primed for a revolt. We simply cannot allow this horrifying circus to continue. Pretty soon they will be calling for all women of childbearing age to resign and go home and "raise their families." We will revert to some dystopian society where no one except very rich white men have any rights or power at all. When you have a little ignorant fascist like Trump taking orders from a white supremacist like Bannon, it's time to take up the cause and throw them out. Before it's too late.
6
Had forgotten, lo these 35 years, how amazingly different the
CPAC types are/ were in the 1980s. As I came into the administration
then as a GeorgeHW Bush campaign worker rather than with the
Reagan campaign cadre, making me a Rockefeller Republican,
probaably, I thought the far righties fat and funny and usually
nearly unbearable with their games and rants. They look
very much the same in 2017, could pick them out on the street.
CPAC types are/ were in the 1980s. As I came into the administration
then as a GeorgeHW Bush campaign worker rather than with the
Reagan campaign cadre, making me a Rockefeller Republican,
probaably, I thought the far righties fat and funny and usually
nearly unbearable with their games and rants. They look
very much the same in 2017, could pick them out on the street.
3
It seems like a long time ago now, but at one point, I actually believed that there were honorable Republicans although I usually did not agree with their policies. It wasn't just that political comity existed and mutual respect, but many positions were shared by both parties -- the protection of the environment, women's rights, gun control, civil rights, etc. For many years, these were strong beliefs on the part of Republicans (including Reagan) as well as Democrats.
One by one, the dominos have fallen, and the entire Republican Party has yielded to Trump's insanity, Bannon's white supremacy, and a cauldron of hate politics. It would be sad, if it were not so dangerous for the country.
One by one, the dominos have fallen, and the entire Republican Party has yielded to Trump's insanity, Bannon's white supremacy, and a cauldron of hate politics. It would be sad, if it were not so dangerous for the country.
5
It's unclear whether Reince Priebus really got smitten by Steve Bannon's "new political order" centred around economic nationalism and the "destruction" of what he called the "administrative state".
Bannon said "we are a nation with a culture and a reason for being," but his idea of America's raison d'être is quite revolutionary, which may not be what Priebus, a party functionary and the rest of the GOP wish for.
People wait and see what happens when the honey moon is over.
Bannon said "we are a nation with a culture and a reason for being," but his idea of America's raison d'être is quite revolutionary, which may not be what Priebus, a party functionary and the rest of the GOP wish for.
People wait and see what happens when the honey moon is over.
3
The more Trump squeals the more he has to hide.
5
Shouldn't the headline be that he *seeks to reassure* conservatives? I'd hate to assume that this was the case for everyone there.
2
"Ms. Conway said the stories of disarray in the White House, including recent accounts that she has been sidelined lately, were nothing more than tiresome palace intrigue."
How many bald-faced lies can a Republican be caught in before he or she loses all credibility? Apparently there is no limit and a large right-wing voting bloc that prefers to be deceived, abetted by "liberal" media like The New York Times feigning surprise that there's gambling in Casablanca.
How many bald-faced lies can a Republican be caught in before he or she loses all credibility? Apparently there is no limit and a large right-wing voting bloc that prefers to be deceived, abetted by "liberal" media like The New York Times feigning surprise that there's gambling in Casablanca.
6
I like the way that Conway always refers to "palace intrigue". This is a democracy, and the White House is the people's house. The salaries -- including hers -- are paid by taxpayers. She and everyone else in that place are accountable to the American people who are their bosses. She can take her "palace intrigues" to Trump Tower or to some third-world autocrat's palace but should remember lies are usually revealed. As a spokesperson, she is a joke.
14
Apparently, Bannon has now said something like: "Democrats and the news media never understood that the Trump agenda would be exactly what his campaign speeches said." Sorry to tell you, Steve, but what we understood was that he would be a fool to actually go through with many of the outlandish things in his speeches. By doing so, he is awakening a sleeping giant, who are going to swallow you and Trump whole. So foolish.
5
A malicious bigot and a hopeless buffoon...what a combo!
Time to take our country back...NOW!
Time to take our country back...NOW!
12
Trump was dishonest, he didn't reveal to his core backers that they were voting for Bannon. "Deconstructing the administrative state" means blowing up our capabilities to deliver on promises of better jobs and health safety net. If we only knew what Bannon means by the "right answers" - but no, despite his faux publishing background no one seems to know what he really wants to do.
6
Bannon's internal logic sounds like an addict on opioids. It's OK for the whole world to fall apart when he refuses to do his duty because he cannot get anyone to legitimize his malingering suffering. A misery of his own merry making. He does not want anyone to get better, or he loses his only leverage, the suffering index.
6
The deconstruction of the Administrative state has begun and the Authoritarian state is just beginning....peace and coexist....and may what ever god you believe in help us all...
9
I don't think anyone should be reassured by anything Bannon says, unless it's "Just Kidding!"
5
Bannon: remember Rasputin!
10
Speaking of Trump's counselor to the president, where is ol' Kellyanne "Motormouth" Conway? For the first month after the inauguration you couldn't turn on the TV without having to listen to her nonstop chattering and caterwauling. Then she got her lips caught in the wringer over serial declamations of Trump's unwavering support of Flynn, which forced silver-tongued language torturer/interpreter Sean Spicer to translate into the true alternative facts.
9
The principles of these so-called conservatives have apparently been distilled down to gaining power to enrich themselves and good riddance to anyone else.
5
Even though large tracts of America and many old and famous states have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Republicans and all the odious apparatus of Trump's rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in Washington, we shall fight in New York and Los Angeles, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength, we shall defend our nation, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the school boards, we shall fight on the city councils, we shall fight in the state legislatures, we shall fight in the halls of Congress, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets of our inner cities, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.......until, in God's good time, the new, just and decent America with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.
Inspired by Sir Winston Churchill
Inspired by Sir Winston Churchill
5
"...Deconstructing the administrative state" is a catchy phrase evidently designed to show that Bannon reads books. OK, Bannon, discourse. Lay out specifically and precisely what that deconstructing entails, and, equally important, describe your view of the anticipated results. Is the "final solution" more like anarchy, 1984, or perhaps that old classic, a dictatorship of the proletariat?
And again, what is this about the press being the enemy of the American people? Incidentally, I agree that the press is excessively corporate, but not that it's too "globalist", whatever that means. Perhaps your view of the press is that it should be in lockstep with that deconstructed nationalistic state you favor.
How about putting this picture together in your own words -- or Derrida's? After all, such a important task can't be left to Trump who prefers TV.
And again, what is this about the press being the enemy of the American people? Incidentally, I agree that the press is excessively corporate, but not that it's too "globalist", whatever that means. Perhaps your view of the press is that it should be in lockstep with that deconstructed nationalistic state you favor.
How about putting this picture together in your own words -- or Derrida's? After all, such a important task can't be left to Trump who prefers TV.
7
Barring legitimate media from the White House is another shot fired. I sincerely hope the Correspondents' Dinner is cancelled or that no real journalists attend. Enough trying to conciliate. Does no one read history anymore? To paraphrase Churchill, in defeat, defiance. Big time defiance with a side of obstruction is required to survive this president.
14
What profiteth a man if he gains the world but loses his soul? Conservatives and the GOP have completed their conversion into the White Supremacist Party, systematically attacking minorities, equality and the founding principles of this country. History will judge them. Like the Germans and Italians who voted for Hitler Anne Mussolini, nothing mattered to these people but gaining power and then using it to persecute and harm millions of their fellow Americans who do not share their beliefs or skin color.
First they came for the Socialists...
First they came for the Socialists...
7
neoconservatives remain strongly opposed to Trump. Neocons are globalist who want open borders and to wage wars against Syria and Russia. They are not to be trusted and will continue to sabotage this administration.
1
The “deconstruction of the administrative state” has just begun.
Great, now we can look forward to joining Somalia and South Sudan on the list of deconstructed nation-states. Thanks, Steve!
Great, now we can look forward to joining Somalia and South Sudan on the list of deconstructed nation-states. Thanks, Steve!
9
This is Dick Cheney 2.0 with a more sinister view of American ideals. This fear-mongering administration will continue to rally the support of the under-educated and dim-witted masses of rural America. Its up to the sensible majority to show up to the polls and vote appropriately in Nov 2018. Lesson learned.
5
Empowering corporations and banks and disempowering the Government does not empower the People.
They are appealing to less than 30% of Americans. We can only hope the remainder are enough to stop the Crazy Train.
They are appealing to less than 30% of Americans. We can only hope the remainder are enough to stop the Crazy Train.
7
It's all talk and we'll all see how successful President Bannon is when it's time to actually roll out legislation. Bannon is out to destroy the existing GOP and there's a backlash coming from Congress.
Give this 60 days or so and we'll see how enthusiastic Pence, the real leader of the GOP, is about Bannon's plans.
Give this 60 days or so and we'll see how enthusiastic Pence, the real leader of the GOP, is about Bannon's plans.
3
Tihis is not an important movement at all. It is a progressed., mentally ill alcoholic who has already been violent with his wife. It is a deranged, very sick individual elevated to a position no one should have allowed. Stop obfuscating about the politics, they are almost meaningless. Get him removed.
8
For anyone holding out hope that a majority of republican legislators will grow a conscience and the spine to speak it, thus putting the brakes on the likes of Bannon, Trump, etc., consider Louis Gohmert (R) Texas.
His explanation, i.e. excuse for not holding town halls is the warning to all members of congress, their safety cannot be guaranteed, as per the horrific shooting of Gabby Giffords.
Yet Gohmert in all of his blissful ignorance, signed a bill allowing people whose mentally stability is so challenged they can't manage their finances or their own well being, to acquire an assault rife.
The abject stupidity and cowardice in the republican party is rampant. We're going to have to do this ourselves, and do it we must.
His explanation, i.e. excuse for not holding town halls is the warning to all members of congress, their safety cannot be guaranteed, as per the horrific shooting of Gabby Giffords.
Yet Gohmert in all of his blissful ignorance, signed a bill allowing people whose mentally stability is so challenged they can't manage their finances or their own well being, to acquire an assault rife.
The abject stupidity and cowardice in the republican party is rampant. We're going to have to do this ourselves, and do it we must.
12
Glad to see the nyt has replaced dubious title, "Bannon Reassures Conservatives Once Dubious of Trump", with a semantically consonant one, "Stephen Bannon Reassures Conservatives Uneasy About Trump."
1
He will still never denounce racist and anti-Semitic acts or state that laws broken in the name of these deplorable acts, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Then as a Republican, I'll be re-assured.
2
Neoliberalism has failed America. It is failing Europe. We are now in a state of full Oligarchy.
The Democratic Party is fully fractured, has a drastic, serious choice to make, and needs to make it very, very soon. They need to move to the far left, to Bernie's side, on healthcare, tax policy, and infrastructure/education - while at the same time moving right of center on immigration and guns (mostly Bernie style). That's their only shot at 2018 and 2020. This will pull in all Bernie or Busters, Steiners, Johnson/Welders, disaffected Trumpers, and just enough chunk of the 43 million white working class voters who do NOT vote, but are eligible.
The time window is rapidly closing.
I fear, however, that the Democrats still have not learned their Bernie Lesson.
The Democratic Party is fully fractured, has a drastic, serious choice to make, and needs to make it very, very soon. They need to move to the far left, to Bernie's side, on healthcare, tax policy, and infrastructure/education - while at the same time moving right of center on immigration and guns (mostly Bernie style). That's their only shot at 2018 and 2020. This will pull in all Bernie or Busters, Steiners, Johnson/Welders, disaffected Trumpers, and just enough chunk of the 43 million white working class voters who do NOT vote, but are eligible.
The time window is rapidly closing.
I fear, however, that the Democrats still have not learned their Bernie Lesson.
1
Let's call a duck, a duck; "the movement" as Bannon calls it, has nothing Conservative about it. This is clearly a Fascist putsch, leading by the nose Republicans willing to give a lot to get a little.
Government aligned tightly with industry, with little oversight or public input or control equals Fascism.
There is great unease among some Republicans over the stench of authoritarianism emanating from the White House advisers control room.
We must continually remind these Congresspeople that the damage to America will be on them, forever stamped In history.
We are looking at Fascists, so the Press should stop calling them Conservative!
This is what Fascism looks like.
Government aligned tightly with industry, with little oversight or public input or control equals Fascism.
There is great unease among some Republicans over the stench of authoritarianism emanating from the White House advisers control room.
We must continually remind these Congresspeople that the damage to America will be on them, forever stamped In history.
We are looking at Fascists, so the Press should stop calling them Conservative!
This is what Fascism looks like.
3
OK US attorneys - pick your charges against Bannon and his Alt-right co-conspirators: 18 U.S. Code § 2384 - Seditious conspiracy -If two or more persons in any State or Territory, or in any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, conspire to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States ("administrative state"), or to levy war against them, or to oppose by force the authority thereof, or by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to
the authority thereof, they shall each be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both. or 18 U.S. Code § 2385 - Advocating overthrow of Government - Whoever knowingly or willfully advocates, abets, advises, or teaches the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying the government of the United States ("administrative state") or the government of any State, Territory, District or Possession thereof, or the government of any political subdivision therein, by force or violence, or by the assassination of any officer of any such government;....
the authority thereof, they shall each be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both. or 18 U.S. Code § 2385 - Advocating overthrow of Government - Whoever knowingly or willfully advocates, abets, advises, or teaches the duty, necessity, desirability, or propriety of overthrowing or destroying the government of the United States ("administrative state") or the government of any State, Territory, District or Possession thereof, or the government of any political subdivision therein, by force or violence, or by the assassination of any officer of any such government;....
2
"To announce there must be no criticism of the president or that we are to stand with the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile but is morally treasonable to the American public.- Teddy Roosevelt
"Our liberty depends on freedom of the press". Thomas Jefferson
Someone tweet President Bannon and fill him in.
"Our liberty depends on freedom of the press". Thomas Jefferson
Someone tweet President Bannon and fill him in.
1
The conservative mind likes good rules, stable governance, and freedom from the imposition of social values that affect their wealth and freedom of action. Some conservatives have an affinity for authoritarian government, a strong and dominant personality who will offer what no democratic form of governance can offer, but these conservatives are better described as reactionaries because they do not want to preserve our liberal democracy. Bannon is a reactionary and Trump is the kind of egomaniac who thinks that he should be boss without suffering any limitations to his leadership, exactly what Bannon wants. It's a kind of authoritarian government that only a small minority of Americans think would be fine, even amongst conservatives. Trump is not showing any ability to accept the responsibilities and limitations upon the authority of the President, and his delay in adapting is going to result in more embarrassing situations.
3
When is prophetic pronouncement delusional or simply a religious belief ?
The imposition of Bannon's bizarre Leninist/fascist traditionalism based on social destruction & chaos does involve complex thought., but it doesn't make it sane.
Religious belief is dangerous when witches are burned and genocide is required.
Bannon has a similar grandiose delusion atop the bureaucracy; the casualties will be social order. His New World Order requires a paranoid landscape, isolationism, walls, identity politics of the macho white sort, a national version of Individualism defined by traditional notions of American culture (see 1950s).
He represents the death throes of white privilege & oligarchy.
The terrible danger is he can bring us all down with his crazy tantrum.
Complexity cannot be reversed by smashing it. Ask a surgeon, a pilot or an engineer.
Many 'leaders' have proclaimed their visionary beliefs- Jonestown stands out as an example - with dire consequences.
Yes Bannon will have to fight; it's an act of sanity to oppose his Dugin's “Fourth Political Theory” combining Communism, Nazism, Ecologism, and Traditionalism,
The imposition of Bannon's bizarre Leninist/fascist traditionalism based on social destruction & chaos does involve complex thought., but it doesn't make it sane.
Religious belief is dangerous when witches are burned and genocide is required.
Bannon has a similar grandiose delusion atop the bureaucracy; the casualties will be social order. His New World Order requires a paranoid landscape, isolationism, walls, identity politics of the macho white sort, a national version of Individualism defined by traditional notions of American culture (see 1950s).
He represents the death throes of white privilege & oligarchy.
The terrible danger is he can bring us all down with his crazy tantrum.
Complexity cannot be reversed by smashing it. Ask a surgeon, a pilot or an engineer.
Many 'leaders' have proclaimed their visionary beliefs- Jonestown stands out as an example - with dire consequences.
Yes Bannon will have to fight; it's an act of sanity to oppose his Dugin's “Fourth Political Theory” combining Communism, Nazism, Ecologism, and Traditionalism,
3
Bannon the man who said "Bring on the Hate" is now selling his boss to a bunch of people all too willing to take a hard turn into the ideological extreme if not already firmly there.
In the meantime, two people of Indian origin get shot in Kansas in a hate crime where the gunman apparently mistook them for people from the Middle East (as if that was condonable), Synagogues are under attack, people are protesting the construction of Mosques by peace loving American Muslims, LGBT rights are taking a licking, African Americans are getting falsely accused of escalating crime rates, Countries that are at ease with their refugees are being goaded into hostility, immigrants are hiding in our churches to take refuge from marauding authorities....
How many things do we need to let go wrong in our society before you eject this man along with his party into the wilderness of "Never again You"
Say Enough, 8 weeks was long enough.
In the meantime, two people of Indian origin get shot in Kansas in a hate crime where the gunman apparently mistook them for people from the Middle East (as if that was condonable), Synagogues are under attack, people are protesting the construction of Mosques by peace loving American Muslims, LGBT rights are taking a licking, African Americans are getting falsely accused of escalating crime rates, Countries that are at ease with their refugees are being goaded into hostility, immigrants are hiding in our churches to take refuge from marauding authorities....
How many things do we need to let go wrong in our society before you eject this man along with his party into the wilderness of "Never again You"
Say Enough, 8 weeks was long enough.
8
But who will reassure conservatives uneasy about Bannon? I was under the impression that conservatives love the First Amendment.
3
"Deconstruction of the administrative state" is nothing less than descent into anarchy. We are a nation of laws, legislative, administrative and otherwise. That is how conduct is managed and individual rights protected in a nation of some 370 million residents. Getting rid of those laws leaves a vacuum into which an autocracy can easily seize control and subjugate the rest.
Forget about getting along with Trump, Bannon and the Republican right. We are at war for the very existence of our democracy, and there should be no holds barred in fighting this administration's every move, while we still have a country left.
Forget about getting along with Trump, Bannon and the Republican right. We are at war for the very existence of our democracy, and there should be no holds barred in fighting this administration's every move, while we still have a country left.
3
Take a man, educated and trained and experienced in a vocation with the most demanding obligations to service on behalf of others, then send him to Wall Street where self service is the sole principle to which all devote their lives, and you end up with Bannon. Who is he? A man who rejects all ethics and constraints upon what he can do that affects others. Appetite without any conscience, and too much wealth and influence to be contained. He seeks more and more just for the sake of it, because in the center of the man is a vast emptiness.
1
deconstruction of the administrative state
-------------------
Now that the cat is out of the bag, it remains to be seen how President Trump shall react. Hope he sides with pragmatists and their constructive ways, and side tracks zealots who have no clarity about what they like, but are quite specific about what they do not. We need Bob the builder mindset to remain the core value of America.
-------------------
Now that the cat is out of the bag, it remains to be seen how President Trump shall react. Hope he sides with pragmatists and their constructive ways, and side tracks zealots who have no clarity about what they like, but are quite specific about what they do not. We need Bob the builder mindset to remain the core value of America.
2
Bannon, though rarely choosing to be in the spotlight, speaks his truth openly and honestly when he is and we should be listening carefully. He vows a daily fight for the "Deconstruction of the Administrative State." We are seeing some indications of what this means. Up to now we have seen the stripping of several regulations protecting the environment, immigrants, as well as the transgendered, while giving more power to the gun lobby and banking industry by rolling back regulations.
And so this "deconstruction" begins. But we must ask where it will end. These men are driven by an authoritarian ideology they believe will actually "make America great again." It sounds pithy. No one can imagine being against U.S. sovereignty. But when the leaders of this country decry our free press as being the enemy of the American people and speak of those who voted for Hillary Clinton as "coastal elitists" , we cannot help but be alarmed and wonder what lies ahead. What will reconstruction look like?
And so this "deconstruction" begins. But we must ask where it will end. These men are driven by an authoritarian ideology they believe will actually "make America great again." It sounds pithy. No one can imagine being against U.S. sovereignty. But when the leaders of this country decry our free press as being the enemy of the American people and speak of those who voted for Hillary Clinton as "coastal elitists" , we cannot help but be alarmed and wonder what lies ahead. What will reconstruction look like?
3
Bannon stating that the “deconstruction of the administrative state” has begun is un-American. Trump’s administration is trying to create a ruling class of Plato’ Philosopher-Kings. The test for these leaders of the ruling class is the accumulation of wealth. Citizens who have not achieved a certain level of material wealth are not worthy of consideration in the political realm.
We live in a nation comprised of 50 states. Each state, each city, each region help create a diverse and unique identity for its citizens. But we pledge allegiance to one flag and not to an individual state. Federalism is the thread that keeps this nation together not wealth. The deconstruction of the administrative state is an attack on the very civics that connect us as Americans. It is an attack on the very fabric of this society.
There is a commonality amongst Americans exhibited in common beliefs that each individual is worthy through the merit of their conduct in society. A citizen’s birthright does not give them more rights than another American. We believe in a civil society that is built around laws and conduct. We cherish the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country by any citizen in our armed forces. We believe in an accountable government that is transparent to its citizens. This is a small example of the basic tenets of our society.
To me, this is comparable to spitting on the flag because it goes against the oath each of these “leaders” swore to protect our nation.
We live in a nation comprised of 50 states. Each state, each city, each region help create a diverse and unique identity for its citizens. But we pledge allegiance to one flag and not to an individual state. Federalism is the thread that keeps this nation together not wealth. The deconstruction of the administrative state is an attack on the very civics that connect us as Americans. It is an attack on the very fabric of this society.
There is a commonality amongst Americans exhibited in common beliefs that each individual is worthy through the merit of their conduct in society. A citizen’s birthright does not give them more rights than another American. We believe in a civil society that is built around laws and conduct. We cherish the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country by any citizen in our armed forces. We believe in an accountable government that is transparent to its citizens. This is a small example of the basic tenets of our society.
To me, this is comparable to spitting on the flag because it goes against the oath each of these “leaders” swore to protect our nation.
4
The quintessence of elitism, posing not as an everyman but as an entitled savant. Why is this man relevant? He is not interested in governance. He is a power-idolatrist cretin extraordinaire who, as far as I can tell, has no constructive ideas. Just taunts and pseudo-Orwellian bull that speaks to his total cowardice to deal with real complex issues, without resorting to threats and anti-democratic screeds. Will anyone ask him why we should listen to anything he has to say as relevant beyond his sense of aggrieved navel-gazing? Also, given what is happening at town halls right now, he is in serious Marie Antoinette tone-deaf territory. I think the best strategy is to show him as out of touch, entitled, elitist. Repeat. Underline how he does not seem to care about issues that affect people's lives. Why is he in government if not to help people? Just keep questioning his relevance and fitness for office, along with his quasi-treasonous un-American and dangerous views in terms of our constitutional traditions, attacks on the press. Resist the "mystery man" narrative. Delegitimize the basics, deconstruct, marginalize the idea that destroying the "administrative state" is a viable construct. If a man spouts such stuff, go for the jugular with the follow-up -- how will this destruction of government affect people's lives? What will you have in place? Who is responsible when people lose their insurance, their environment? Aka no kid gloves, keep this guy in the ring and accountable.
4
This is your republican party today: Steve Bannon. Donald Trump. And the largest collection of some of the creepiest, most unfit and unqualified minds ever assembled in a government administration. Outright fraud, deals to the richest of the rich. A president in collusion with Russia. And it's all about money. Theirs. Not ours.
Racist, misogynist, hypocritical, dangerous. The middle American who votes republican is as lost as a soul can be. He votes in polar opposite of his best interest. He is indoctrinated to a frightening degree. I had hoped the women of America could save us from this. But, unfortunately, indoctrination knows no gender.
It's not about democrats being sore losers. It's about this administration being the most dangerous thing that has happened to our country in my lifetime. And anyone with high school level critical thinking skills should be outraged--as is evidenced now in even republican town halls.
Being conservative doesn't mean being stupid. It's just really hard to see the distinction at the moment--until conservatives wake up and find their voice.
Racist, misogynist, hypocritical, dangerous. The middle American who votes republican is as lost as a soul can be. He votes in polar opposite of his best interest. He is indoctrinated to a frightening degree. I had hoped the women of America could save us from this. But, unfortunately, indoctrination knows no gender.
It's not about democrats being sore losers. It's about this administration being the most dangerous thing that has happened to our country in my lifetime. And anyone with high school level critical thinking skills should be outraged--as is evidenced now in even republican town halls.
Being conservative doesn't mean being stupid. It's just really hard to see the distinction at the moment--until conservatives wake up and find their voice.
7
Trump. Pence. Bannon. Preibus. McConnell. Ryan. I cannot possibly envision a more unsavoury group of 6 individuals. I tried to watch Trump's blather this morning, but had to shut it off after 10 minutes. I could handle Bush I, Bush II, even Reagan. But I just can't watch this complete imbecile known as trump. If he is not the most vile, disgusting human being in the history of the world, he surely is in the top 10.
4
If anything, the photo of Steve Bannon and former Republican National Committe Chairman, now Chief of Staff, Reince Priebus embracing each other, should make it very clear where this country is headed.
How Americans have allowed this to happen is beyond comprehension.
We are on our way to becoming a white, conservative, nationalist state -- with the president leading the way.
Every American, and especially every American of color should be afraid.
Very afraid.
How Americans have allowed this to happen is beyond comprehension.
We are on our way to becoming a white, conservative, nationalist state -- with the president leading the way.
Every American, and especially every American of color should be afraid.
Very afraid.
3
Right from the get go, this president has been setting perilous precedents, almost one right after the other, much to the chagrin of the neutral bystanders. His incendiary speeches have triggered hidden fury in those who have been on the edge of acting errant, or those loners, who had served in the military, and who had been seeking solace in booze. A recent murder of an innocent Indian engineer in Kansas is a strong testimony to Trump's sloppy treatment of racism.
His transgender issue might be suffering form a similar fate. However his supporting cast have clamored a barrage of denials. Trump's occult objections towards the less privileged, including the LGBTQ community, and foreign nationals, working legally in the country, have been perceived to connive at the devious behaviors of his sympathizers. Evidently, the whole Trump team will deafeningly deny these allegations.
No matter Trump's outward amity towards the minorities, his ardent supporters will pick up clues from his talks of jingoistic patriotism, and act irrationally, by spewing malice towards the LGBTQ, and non-caucasians. Before long, crimes against these groups will spiral outta control, and will act as impetus for other ill-conceived vile acts of causing damage to other humans and property. Case in point - the recent attacks on a Jewish cemetery. Furthermore, Bannon's strident speeches will be another cause for concern. These will have to stop by an election debacle.
His transgender issue might be suffering form a similar fate. However his supporting cast have clamored a barrage of denials. Trump's occult objections towards the less privileged, including the LGBTQ community, and foreign nationals, working legally in the country, have been perceived to connive at the devious behaviors of his sympathizers. Evidently, the whole Trump team will deafeningly deny these allegations.
No matter Trump's outward amity towards the minorities, his ardent supporters will pick up clues from his talks of jingoistic patriotism, and act irrationally, by spewing malice towards the LGBTQ, and non-caucasians. Before long, crimes against these groups will spiral outta control, and will act as impetus for other ill-conceived vile acts of causing damage to other humans and property. Case in point - the recent attacks on a Jewish cemetery. Furthermore, Bannon's strident speeches will be another cause for concern. These will have to stop by an election debacle.
2
There are some whose ancestors arrived in North America long before their was a United States who might think that they are the original Americans but just about everyone recognizes that the only source for American nationality is our form of government and without that institution we would split up into many separate polities with many separate forms of identity. Bannon is talking trash because he's a fool or he's seeking to replace our liberal democracy with an authoritarian regime controlled by an oligarchy.
5
When considering deconstruction of the administrative state you have many examples around the world of the success of a more anarchic model. Just look to any one of the various failed states or countries run for the benefit of their rulers. A common factor in all of these is the lack of a competent civil service, which leads to misery and poverty for all but the few. Is the United States really modeling themselves in a manner to achieve the development level that those in the Third World are striving so hard to escape. Of course, if the system becomes that much meaner and less supportive then you will solve the problem of a refugee influx; trading it for flight of the most capable.
5
No wonder they did not permit comments on media bias nonsense story. What a weak effort. Conservatives want more good stories about the soldiers and cops, eh? Fair enough, but that does not render reporting on misconduct engaged in by soldiers or police biased because someone does not like that actual problems are reported on. By any valid measure, the MSM is a long way from being progressive. They are a corporate owned, product selling enterprise and thus deliver mostly center/right, watered down, moral equivalency on every issue. Think 15 box screen from CNN.
1
We know that by actual tally throughout the campaign, the president lies about 74% of the time. We know his staff and he have no government experience.
So when any of them tell us things are going great, how would they know? and how can we believe them?
It's not a question of trust: there isn't any.
So when any of them tell us things are going great, how would they know? and how can we believe them?
It's not a question of trust: there isn't any.
4
Conservatives and liberals reject the vision of this administration. It is time to unite all into two political parties, Trump versus everyone else.
Drop the idea that liberals and conservatives have no common bond, those that reject Trump should join forces before the divide and conquering machinations of Bannon prove prophetic.
We're down in the first minutes of this battle, but Bannon would not expect the people to unite in opposition to his vision, I have faith that the people can and will. They already are doing it.
But now is the time to kill the GOP and DNC labels, we need to unite against this man's vision for our nation. Hyper-partisanship is making it near impossible to build a strong front against the opposition.
Voters join together now, send every politician who supports Trump home in every election. Bannon's vision for the world must be defeated.
Drop the idea that liberals and conservatives have no common bond, those that reject Trump should join forces before the divide and conquering machinations of Bannon prove prophetic.
We're down in the first minutes of this battle, but Bannon would not expect the people to unite in opposition to his vision, I have faith that the people can and will. They already are doing it.
But now is the time to kill the GOP and DNC labels, we need to unite against this man's vision for our nation. Hyper-partisanship is making it near impossible to build a strong front against the opposition.
Voters join together now, send every politician who supports Trump home in every election. Bannon's vision for the world must be defeated.
8
Bannen's incendiary words as well as Trump's, have served as a catalyst for hate crimes. The anti semitic, anti black, anti immigrant attacks have escalated to the point, that their ultra right, fascist supporters, are now making threats, destroying, and even killing those that are not part of the ultra right. There is a direct correlation between their actions and Trump's and Bannen's despicable, racist talk.
9
Not to mention our reps are justifying denying us a chance to face them with our outrage because they have caged up animals seeking to show off for their cause celeb. We've seen several slug fests prompted by Donald's pomposity against voices that resist his charms,here, and yet he still refuses to ay for the extra police security.
Anyone would be crazy to show up at a town hall and not expect a Jared. They need security, that's for sure.
But even Gabby insists Congress not cower to the power of the people, but face them and be direct with them. I've asked all three of my members of Congress if my subsidy for insurance can be repealed and leave me broker than had I gone without insurance. None of them have the courage to reply. How's that looking out for the little guy?
Anyone would be crazy to show up at a town hall and not expect a Jared. They need security, that's for sure.
But even Gabby insists Congress not cower to the power of the people, but face them and be direct with them. I've asked all three of my members of Congress if my subsidy for insurance can be repealed and leave me broker than had I gone without insurance. None of them have the courage to reply. How's that looking out for the little guy?
1
Bannon wishes to be a prophet. His religion is Dugin-based traditional white patriarchy; his prophesy involves a 4th turning.The plan: destroy existing structures, 'the administrative state"- the organization of social institutions. All agencies now have cabinet heads who do not believe in government providing support, safety net, environmental regulation or civil rights.
If Americans heard this from Trump, they'd run away in the opposite direction. But this has been covert until now.
Trump is riding Bannon's momentum with sales&circus. He is the court jester.
Did his followers choose Trump for Ayn Rand/Italian fascists/fundamentalist beliefs with a dollop of Lenin ?
What a dreadful scam.
If Americans heard this from Trump, they'd run away in the opposite direction. But this has been covert until now.
Trump is riding Bannon's momentum with sales&circus. He is the court jester.
Did his followers choose Trump for Ayn Rand/Italian fascists/fundamentalist beliefs with a dollop of Lenin ?
What a dreadful scam.
15
The "administrative state" is the government based upon law not upon the most powerful and influential people. Bannon is a revolutionary, all right, he's seeking an authoritarian kind of state with a ruler that is unfettered by any limitations short of mortality. Conservatives had better consider whether they want to allow tolerate even the most humble to have a voice in our government or whether they want to have their freedom determined by how much wealth and power they can personally use to secure it. Bannon is a man who simply cannot respect democratic institutions nor the rule of law, it limits his freedom of action.
32
I don't think it's a big secret that the mainstream media is left-leaning and extremely skeptical of Trump. This was evident in the reporting up to the election and remains true.
For instance, watch CBS's election night coverage on youtube and you can literally hear the lump in Scott Pelly's throat when it became apparent Trump was winning. Or just look at the number of news articles in the Times taking a sympathetic stance towards illegal immigration vs. those taking a critical (or even balanced/objective) stance.
In that sense, it is true the mainstream media is in opposition to Trump. A huge contrast to the coverage of Obama, which was extremely sympathetic to his liberal policy agenda and only critical when he failed to live up to the progressive vision he outlined in his campaigns.
Personally, I prefer objective and balanced reporting without the liberal bias--I can apply my own normative judgments.
For instance, watch CBS's election night coverage on youtube and you can literally hear the lump in Scott Pelly's throat when it became apparent Trump was winning. Or just look at the number of news articles in the Times taking a sympathetic stance towards illegal immigration vs. those taking a critical (or even balanced/objective) stance.
In that sense, it is true the mainstream media is in opposition to Trump. A huge contrast to the coverage of Obama, which was extremely sympathetic to his liberal policy agenda and only critical when he failed to live up to the progressive vision he outlined in his campaigns.
Personally, I prefer objective and balanced reporting without the liberal bias--I can apply my own normative judgments.
2
In what sense? Trump lies almost every time he opens his mouth. Those lies are called out be media. That is not "bias". That is called reporting on facts. Deal with it.
4
"The cause of civil liberty must not be surrendered at the end of one or even 100 defeats." Abraham Lincoln, as quoted in The Civil War: A History, by Henry Hanson.
However crooked the trail to this recent defeat, we will not succumb to vague phraseology, delivered by a stern, angry group of poseurs. They are not the arbiters of honor, freedom and respect. They are the marketers of fear, doom and authoritarian control while claiming to speak for states rights, individual freedom and security.
Remember -- they are the minority in this country. At present they have gerrymandered their current congressional and executive branch control. This can change.
Exposing their creeping attempts to erode our rights and diminish us when we exercise those rights is vital. I am grateful to our free press and to the government agencies and individual citizens who record and report these tests of our resolve. Ultimately, it is up to all of us to see that we do not capitulate to this draconian faction.
However crooked the trail to this recent defeat, we will not succumb to vague phraseology, delivered by a stern, angry group of poseurs. They are not the arbiters of honor, freedom and respect. They are the marketers of fear, doom and authoritarian control while claiming to speak for states rights, individual freedom and security.
Remember -- they are the minority in this country. At present they have gerrymandered their current congressional and executive branch control. This can change.
Exposing their creeping attempts to erode our rights and diminish us when we exercise those rights is vital. I am grateful to our free press and to the government agencies and individual citizens who record and report these tests of our resolve. Ultimately, it is up to all of us to see that we do not capitulate to this draconian faction.
2
Bannon is Trump. But the most serious problem is not the Trump/Bannon Chimaera, it is the Republican Congress led by Ryan and McConnell who are sharing in Bannon's personal dream of unrestricted power. The threat of Trump=Bannon can be managed if and only if there is a shred of patriotism remaining in the GOP. Indications to date is that the GOP is quite willing to welcome the fascist dictatorship promised by Bannon's own words and echoed by his puppet, the so-called president.
11
People can be united by words, but they remain united by action.
1
Serious question: How is this not a straight-up confession of Sedition?
8
If Bush and Cheney couldn't bring down our great country, these clowns can't either. 45, Brannon and Conway are a national embarrassment, and the day of reckoning will happen, just like it did for Bush and Cheney, widely viewed as horrible failures. You think the pundits and polls had the election wrong? 45 and company have badly misjudged the people they are supposed to be serving, and we will not be going anywhere, except to protests and the voting booth at the earliest opportunity! We are engaged in a great national battle, and we, the people, will prevail!
6
Why do you use such a stupid headline instead of the truth. The truth is that bannon said he and his cronies plan to completely disrupt the government and crush the media. You have become enablers.
7
I'm far more dubious of Bannon than I am of Trump.
3
Trump is right. Fake news is the enemy of the people, whether it comes from Fox, Breitbart, or Trump and his staff.
5
If you want to know who Bannon is read the work of the men he admires: Julius Evola and Aleksandr Dugin. They are fascists who believe in the destruction of the modern state and all the human rights that came with it. They want to take the West back to a pre-Enlightenment time with a religious Europe united with a Christian Russia waging war on Islam. It sounds like an insane idea but so did Hitler's reimagining of the Roman Empire. In Trump they have found their puppet-fool through whom they can bring about their horrific vision while his simple-minded "under-educated" supporters don't have a clue as to what's really happening.
12
please explain to me.i don't understand.trump will be more capitalistic.however he is more proctectionist.i.e.me as a Canadian I will buy less American goods.travel less to the states .how does that help American business.
4
Trump. Pence, Preibus, Bannon. What a revolting bunch. The truth is nowhere to be found.
10
Bannon is a pseudo-intellectual borrowing from the French literary critic Jacques Derrida who introduced the term "deconstruction" into literary theory some years ago as a way to "read against the alleged meaning of the text." Bannon does not mean to destroy exactly but rather to undermine the presumed/given meaning of the structure of government by challenging the meaning of any and all words. As others have noted Bannon tosses out phrases Trump cannot begin to understand so he nods and signs. I hope other readers can help me sort out how Bannon has twisted or appropriated Derrida, but it is clear Trump has been fed a distorted view.
4
Bannon is a danger to our democracy.
7
People are arguably more uneasy about Bannon, so one wonders what makes him a good messenger.
Further, I'm not convinced that White Nationalists are only a "fringe element" among Trump's supporters. This sounds like wishful thinking by the Times, rather than a clear-eyed assessment of his base.
Further, I'm not convinced that White Nationalists are only a "fringe element" among Trump's supporters. This sounds like wishful thinking by the Times, rather than a clear-eyed assessment of his base.
7
Mr. Trump took the oath of office ON TWO BIBLES. The oath requires you swear to protect and preserve the Constitution. The Constitution clearly mandates a free press for the well being of this Republic. For Mr. Trump to blatantly label the free press as an enemy of the people, IS THIS NOT TREASON?
Even Adolph Hitler did not cross that line.
Even Adolph Hitler did not cross that line.
8
If nothing is done very soon, say goodbye to the life you were accustomed to. It was not always fair - that's because you weren't paying attention, only concerned with yourselves - but it did have it safeguards.
Deconstruction - he didn't mean it in the post-modern French sense, folks, he meant it in the Mussolini/Hitler/Stalin sense.
Wake up you poor innocents. Our safeguards are what are at stake.
Deconstruction - he didn't mean it in the post-modern French sense, folks, he meant it in the Mussolini/Hitler/Stalin sense.
Wake up you poor innocents. Our safeguards are what are at stake.
18
This is what confuses me, the GOP--whatever that is these days--is always touting this country as exceptional. They wear their flag pins and support their candidates while wearing ridiculous red, white and blue clothing. Yet, the goal, lately, of the GOP is to tear down those very things that have made the US unique: its diversity, its welcoming of newcomers, its support of its fellow citizens. When Republican voters were asked during campaign season if they would like to see a return to the 1950s, a majority of them said yes. Based on the party's constituency, I doubt many African-Americans were consulted and had they been, I doubt they would have wanted to go back to a time before the Civil Rights movement, but it's interesting to note that the 50s was the period of time when FDR's New Deal programs and the GI Bill had really kicked in and we were seeing positive results from the government helping people get on their feet. But tearing away the safety net and all of FDR's programs has been their goal in one form or another for years. In the end, a look back at the modern GOP confirms that they have been on the wrong side of every single social issue of the 20th and not 21st century. Bannon's deconstruction and language are dangerous omens of where we are heading as a country if this GOP administration is not stopped.
10
Bannon went scorched-earth on the political left and the Democrat Party yesterday. The liberal press, as in this piece, refrained describing it that and resorted to their usual weak tea reporting, but Bannon lit the place on fire.
Don't believe me? Here you go. It's all here:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2017/02/23/stephen_bannon_pillar_...
It's going to be a very interesting four years.
Don't believe me? Here you go. It's all here:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2017/02/23/stephen_bannon_pillar_...
It's going to be a very interesting four years.
3
How long do you think simple protest will suffice? If the GOP continues to do nothing, it will get violent.
1
Part right, which is better than his norm.
"Do not believe the “corporatist globalist media” that was “crying and weeping” on election night" -- True.
Everything else he said. Wrong.
"Do not believe the “corporatist globalist media” that was “crying and weeping” on election night" -- True.
Everything else he said. Wrong.
3
Mark, I think that you paint with a broad brush stroke, and don't define your terms, but in any event perhaps your ideal of no more corporatist global media is at hand:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/24/us/politics/white-house-sean-spicer-b...
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/24/us/politics/white-house-sean-spicer-b...
“Whether you’re a populist, whether you’re a limited-government conservative, whether you’re a libertarian, whether you’re an economic nationalist,” he said, “we want you to have our back.”
And, apparently, whether you're a racist, a bigot, a homophobic, a big-government-in-your-bedroom-and-womb libertarian, and an economic nationalist with plutocratic tendencies, they're already watching your back, propping you up and enabling you.
"deconstruction of the administrative state" my foot. That phrase has all the depth of the kiddie pool at my local park. No, Mr. Bannon, we see through that. What you're really talking about, but try to mask, is the construction of a quasi-fascist state.
And, apparently, whether you're a racist, a bigot, a homophobic, a big-government-in-your-bedroom-and-womb libertarian, and an economic nationalist with plutocratic tendencies, they're already watching your back, propping you up and enabling you.
"deconstruction of the administrative state" my foot. That phrase has all the depth of the kiddie pool at my local park. No, Mr. Bannon, we see through that. What you're really talking about, but try to mask, is the construction of a quasi-fascist state.
9
deconstruction of the administrative state ? Does that mean I don't have to pay income tax any longer? No services or employees so what is there to pay for then? Do we begin to only take care of local issues since nothing is centralized?
4
That fact that Bannon can reassure a roomful of people doesn't say much for the people in the room. PS - I wish CPAC would steer clear of my state. Yuk.
6
"Deconstruction of the Administrative State" ? Raise your hands if you think Trump has a clue what that means.
7
If that's the case, let's eliminate the office of the president. Then he's free to go back to Florida, where he belongs.
In memory of Ambrose Bierce, I paraphrase, Around the palace,the mob roared,"Give me Liberty, or give me Death! If Death will do, let me reign, I'll give no cause to complain.
Trump sees lies and baloney everywhere. Guess why!
4
Absolutely a depraved person.
10
Republicans: Name one country with poor administration and a high standard of living.
15
Bannon's mission is to sow distrust, sow fear, sow suspicion. Every step of his path to where he now incredibly sits in the WH is about creating the vulnerable atmosphere of distrust, fear, and suspicion. So that when the big bomb drops......when the IRS dude who can no longer, in good conscience, keep the most coveted tax returns in history under wraps...decides to leak these jewels......their only hope is that people won't believe, let alone listen to a word of it. There is no more calculating person in the White House.
8
So now we know Bannon's intent.
If I were him, I would be building a bunker, akin to the one Hitler used,
If I were him, I would be building a bunker, akin to the one Hitler used,
7
yeah, if i was uneasy a scolding from steve bannon would certainly settle me down.
2
What objective authority, if any, says our current "administrative state" is an outdated governance structure? Why? And before we destroy it, shouldn't we think about the consequences? And wouldn't having some sort of plan in place for what the shiny, new governance structure will look like be a good idea? Or will there be one at all? And wouldn't you make that plan available to us all in a timely fashion so that we the people can decide whether WE like it? I understand the sentiment to "burn it all down." I get the adrenalin rush that comes from declaring perpetual war against others - even your fellow countrymen. But then what? Inquiring minds want to know.
34
Yes, Bannon does have a plan in place--fascism.
By tommorrow CPAC will be TPAC? What exactly is reassuring about that?
3
I think I going to be sick.
12
Nobody elected this clown.
15
No. They elected the other clown.
1
I cant help but wonder if evangelicals and so called men of god really support a platform built on fear,loathing, hatred, male dominance, white male dominance, misogyny, racism bigotry etc. etc. etc, all in the interest of maintaining self serving division. It seems to me that simply looking away from all those prevalent ism's must be by religious standards as big a sin as exists. Morality seems to have been abandoned in favor of political ideology.
7
Governance just doesn't go away. Getting rid of the "administrative state" paves the way for a return to another Gilded Age of rule by rich industrialists and the wealthy. Welcome to the 19th century!
7
Idiocracy in the USA. Yay. The "admistration" is busily divvying the fiefdoms up. No time to waste,guys, make hay while the sun shines, right? It's all eggs benedict and mimosas now, kids. Don't forget to slash the capital gains tax, on your way out the door.
2
I think the deconstruction of the administrative state means: any role or program that our federal government administered, that provided opportunity, hope, dignity, human kindness, and that saved lives is in the process of being destroyed by these madmen.
11
What is the difference between “deconstruction of the administrative state” and Karl Mark's "withering of the state as the final stage of Communism"? Could somebody explain this? To me the first aims to replace administrative State functions by private business and the second is another utopia which aims to replace the State, ignoring the human nature, by good willing citizens .
3
Bannon has put all his eggs in the Trump basket and trying to reassure people that our Commander in Chief is not as unstable and petty as he seems? Talking about "deconstruction of the administrative state", in other words dismantling of our Democracy? Colluding with Russia, wall street billionaires, big oil and big money? This agenda has absolutely nothing to do with the plight of the middle class. Sure trump throws a few crumbs here and there by shaming certain companies not to ship jobs overseas, but that's not going to last long term. Add to that toying with our badly needed healthcare and it just doesn't add up.
9
Since the election I’ve been reading what historians have said and are saying about populism, fascism, authoritarianism, and Russia to try to understand where we’re headed. It seems that Trump is a demagogue, having successfully borrowed the style and technique of fascism; arriving at an airport hangar to Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries is somewhat astonishing, for example. But interest in the preservation and expansion of his wealth outweighs defining Trump by an ideology that subjugates the role of the individual to a mass movement. Bannon, however, is another matter. He is not a populist. The goal of “deconstructing the administrative state” would seem to mean removal of the normal functioning of government to pave the way for the repression of dissent. That the Republican Party has become the vehicle for the far right’s agenda is a troubling step. Have we arrived at the third stage of fascism as outlined in Robert Paxton’s essay, “The Five Stages of Fascism,” in which the far right invites the conservative party to share power? The CPAC conference would give that impression.
9
Deconstruction. Sounds like someone having an acid flashback from an undergraduate course in Paul de Man, Derrida and Jameson. Marx is largely its broader intellectual pedigree, which may be ironic--or telling. At any rate, if one means restructure, as in a bankruptcy restructuring, that may make more sense; however spending, or government debt--twenty trillion and counting--is not on the administration agenda. Indeed, the military state is being radically reinforced both managerially within traditional civilian roles, and operationally vis-à-vis the GWOT, and including the security state, codified in the Patriot Act.
3
President Bannon has spoken. And now, have more Kool-Aid....
7
Steve Bannon may denounce the “"corporatist globalist media", but his notion of "'deconstructing the administrative state'" is just a fancy term for selling off tax-payer funded government social programs in the arts, education and health care to the "'corporatist globalist'" oligarchy that is the Trump Administration along with protections for racial, religious, and sexual minorities that will transform the "administrative state" into a wealthy, white, Christian autocracy. It's now up to the corporatist globalist media to shine the antiseptic light of truth on Bannon's toxic stew of bigotry before the demolition of democracy is completed.
14
This report, and the other one today about Trump at CPAC, are so bizarre that they twist a rational person's mind.
Bannon gets up and proudly promotes the Trump administration's plans for "deconstruction of the administrative state", and the CPAC attendees applauded. They thought that was really good.
Trump, known internationally for his unabashed, unvarnished lies, denials and distortions of reality, and insane fantasies, gets up and psychotically declares that news reporters "...are very smart, they are very cunning, they are very dishonest" - and the CPAC attendees applauded. They believe him and they thought that was really good.
Some time ago Trump discovered the power of perception, and that common perception can actually displace reality. He discovered that he doesn't need facts to achieve his goals. All he needs is for people to believe in him.
So his campaign was a no-limits battle for perception and his tactics, a strident assault on facts. His presidency still is. What is bizarre is that he is still making progress in getting people to believe in him, no matter how outlandish his words and actions are. No matter how destructive. No matter how dangerous. It is bizarre, and very, very ominous.
Bannon gets up and proudly promotes the Trump administration's plans for "deconstruction of the administrative state", and the CPAC attendees applauded. They thought that was really good.
Trump, known internationally for his unabashed, unvarnished lies, denials and distortions of reality, and insane fantasies, gets up and psychotically declares that news reporters "...are very smart, they are very cunning, they are very dishonest" - and the CPAC attendees applauded. They believe him and they thought that was really good.
Some time ago Trump discovered the power of perception, and that common perception can actually displace reality. He discovered that he doesn't need facts to achieve his goals. All he needs is for people to believe in him.
So his campaign was a no-limits battle for perception and his tactics, a strident assault on facts. His presidency still is. What is bizarre is that he is still making progress in getting people to believe in him, no matter how outlandish his words and actions are. No matter how destructive. No matter how dangerous. It is bizarre, and very, very ominous.
48
Just listened to Trump's CPAC speech.
He promised tax cuts for everybody, infrastructure projects, a military build up, and on and on.
National debt: $19 trillion
So, "conservatives," where is the money coming from? It won't be Trump because he doesn't pay taxes.
He promised tax cuts for everybody, infrastructure projects, a military build up, and on and on.
National debt: $19 trillion
So, "conservatives," where is the money coming from? It won't be Trump because he doesn't pay taxes.
18
Perhaps he can try again to get Mexico to pay for everything.
Bannon's remarks are no different from the big tent nonsense Republicans have been putting out for years. Trump will get caught in the middle, because when you combine the people who don't want to be in the Republican's tent with the people who are not welcome, that's millions of people.
4
Bannon and Pres Trump's fight is with the truth - not with the 'media'. If they base their policies and actions on lies - crime is up - a terrorist attack in Stockholm - refugees are flooding in w/out vetting etc, etc - then they will be fighting every day.
6
Bannon's agenda of "Deconstruction of the administrative state" is nothing less than a wholesale shredding of all every legislative and institutional structure, (as well as every ethical standard) protecting public health and well being, ensuring stability in our daily lives, and safeguarding civil rights and government from corruption. Those have taken 200 years to build. How can anyone with an iota of intelligence not comprehend the magnitude of the chaos and degradation this unleashes on us all? The consequences are real. They will be devastating. And responsibility for what is to come rests squarely on to the shoulders of the GOP for supporting it, NOT just Trump and Bannon.
6
Bannon has come right out and stated his aim to dismantle our government. Seems like treason to me.
19
Hey, if that's the case, he should resign immediately, as should this entire administration.
1
The deflection and finger pointing are incredible. When they say "unbelievable incessant focus on the most mindless things,” .... “Let’s talk about crime rates. Let’s talk about economic viability. Let’s talk about joblessness.." Sure, we'd all love to talk about those things but since the president (and his administration) usually won't, or provide totally bogus stats when doing so, then it's not really something the media can control. Look at his first solo press conference. How could they expect the media to report some serious discussion Trump had about any real issues when he didn't? He was unhinged, unfocused, not accurate, yet it's somehow the reporters jobs to attribute something meaningful to that?
7
Bannon proclaims that "destruction of the administrative state" had begun. That's an odd description of a cult busily trying to replace the federal government with a permanent right wing dictatorship. Somehow I just don't feature fascists as the sort who will drown government in the bathtub and politely bow out while militarizing the police, issuing executive decree by the dozen and turning minority rule into a totalitarian bulldozer. Sorry, bub - I'll stick with democracy. If there's any left in four years.
7
I wonder what the now-famous white working class types who so fervently support Trump will think if Bannon's vision of deconstructing the administrative state proceeds? Certainly the social safety net will be shredded and discarded - can't have the federal govt dictating to the states, right? Let the states, sans any kind of sufficient funding, handle that (and too bad if they can't). Medicare, Social Security, unemployment insurance, the ACA - these are all products of the administrative state and therefore need to be disrupted (defenestrated). So what will Joe Sixpack, who voted for Trump to, among other things, ensure these programs would not be shredded/cut back, do if Bannon's vision is taken up by the Trump Administration?
6
As a Californian, the only bright side to administrative erasure might be that CA taxpayers would get to keep more of our dollars than is returned to us from D.C. Currently.
We now send $6-8 Billion dollars more to D.C. than we get back from the Federal Government, largely used to subsidize Red States who voted these bozos into office.
This is, of course, if the money saved on Reduced Admin is not spent on armaments and invasions, and Walls.
We now send $6-8 Billion dollars more to D.C. than we get back from the Federal Government, largely used to subsidize Red States who voted these bozos into office.
This is, of course, if the money saved on Reduced Admin is not spent on armaments and invasions, and Walls.
While everyone focuses on the word deconstruction (and rightfully so) one little nugget that slipped thru was the reference 'that we're a nation with a culture and a reason for being.' By the President's actions to date, banning Muslims, building a wall, it shouldn't surprise anyone that the culture he is referencing doesn't include anyone who isn't white.
19
From today's NYC headline story of Trump's speech at CPAC Trump again declares war on the press. He says the media is the enemy of the people and that “It doesn’t represent the people; it never will represent the people.”
The media's job is not to "represent the people". The media's job is to present the truth to the people. Which they do. Much to Trump's dislike.
Trump is a man in search of an enemy to vanquish, in order to prove (to his followers) that he is the "strong man" they need to fix things.
Bannon enables Trump by pointing him towards the windmills at which Trump will then tilt (tweet).
The media's job is not to "represent the people". The media's job is to present the truth to the people. Which they do. Much to Trump's dislike.
Trump is a man in search of an enemy to vanquish, in order to prove (to his followers) that he is the "strong man" they need to fix things.
Bannon enables Trump by pointing him towards the windmills at which Trump will then tilt (tweet).
20
CPAC loves the Donald. But deep inside how many would gladly trade him for Pence, Kasich, Rubio, or even Bush? I know I would. Although I support much of what he has tried to do I am appalled at how he is trying to do it. And personally I wish he would leave the locker room and move up to the White House. Enough twitter, please.
13
You support much of what he has tried to do? Like what?
Here's something to think about: Attendance at CPAC 2017 is estimated at 10,000. Only 10,000. This tiny little crowd is celebrating that hate-anger-fear-money and LIES, LIES, LIES supposedly "won" the election.
How many people live in your town/city? Think about how small that number 10,000 is. It is nothing. This was not an election. It was the culmination of the 40+ year hostile financial takeover of OUR governments at all levels by the Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical Religion Good Old Boys' Party who are trying to take over the world with their unconscionable, insatiable greed for power.
They live in la la land if they think WE, average people in America and around the worldm are going to allow it.
The media is giving them extraordinarily outsize attention - which is how they "won". The REAL story is on the streets of America where The Silent Majority is Roaring OUR Disapproval of their destructive agenda. WE will not let this stand in America. Not now. Not ever.
How many people live in your town/city? Think about how small that number 10,000 is. It is nothing. This was not an election. It was the culmination of the 40+ year hostile financial takeover of OUR governments at all levels by the Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical Religion Good Old Boys' Party who are trying to take over the world with their unconscionable, insatiable greed for power.
They live in la la land if they think WE, average people in America and around the worldm are going to allow it.
The media is giving them extraordinarily outsize attention - which is how they "won". The REAL story is on the streets of America where The Silent Majority is Roaring OUR Disapproval of their destructive agenda. WE will not let this stand in America. Not now. Not ever.
25
If we don't get a grip, we won't have a country in a few short months. Bannon is monstrous.
Kleptocrats and Russophiles, who don't want a democracy but a dictatorship, are putting in looters and haters and exploiters who want to tear down everything that is good about our country.
The poor working schlubs who think putting in a country club brat, Putin's oligarchs, and people bent to destroying every form of public protection and public asset we hold in common are not patriots.
These guys are traitors, pure and simple!
Kleptocrats and Russophiles, who don't want a democracy but a dictatorship, are putting in looters and haters and exploiters who want to tear down everything that is good about our country.
The poor working schlubs who think putting in a country club brat, Putin's oligarchs, and people bent to destroying every form of public protection and public asset we hold in common are not patriots.
These guys are traitors, pure and simple!
25
Sorry, the deluded schlubs who haven't noticed that the greedsters and looters who want to put hate in charge are not traitors, they are dupes. It is not the media trying to get the truth out who are exploiters, it's the ones with the lies in place of facts: that would be Bannon and his Putineers.
12
OXYMORONIC TITLE:
"Stephen Bannon Reassures Conservatives Uneasy About Trump"
The belligerent, radicalized and ill-kempt Steve Bannon could not possibly "reassure" anyone. Scary is as Scary does.
"Stephen Bannon Reassures Conservatives Uneasy About Trump"
The belligerent, radicalized and ill-kempt Steve Bannon could not possibly "reassure" anyone. Scary is as Scary does.
12
Disappointed with many newspapers referring to President Trump simply as "Mr. Trump." The reality of the situation is that he is our president, whether one agrees with his policies or not. Referring to him as "Mr. Trump" only strengthens his argument that the media is out against him, trying to undermine his position.
It has always been the case that the NYT uses "president" the first time a president's name is mentioned in an article, and "Mr." in all subsequent references. It's been that way for years. People like you complained about this during the Bush years, but I don't recall seeing you complain during the Obama years. There is no conspiracy here, and you damage conservatism by suggesting there is.
4
I know this is just a side-issue but for years everyone, including the media, has often referred to a number of presidents as Mr. Obama or just Obama or Bush as opposed to President Bush. I'm not thrilled by this lack of decorum but it's not isolated to President Trump
2
So why did so many Republicans refer to President Obama as "Odumbo" and other variations of his name.
4
Bannon is a terrifying figure. This is not a person who should hold power.
13
Bannon doesn't hold power, though he IS the puppeteer-in-chief.
Then Bannon holds power -- Namely, the power to influence, as puppeteer-in-chief.
1
Republicans are in the process of selling America down the river. To hold onto power they are willing to ally themselves with people who would, and will if they get the chance, render freedom of the press a meaningless incantation, ignore or find ways to oust judges who seek to constrain them, purge administrative agencies of anyone who won't toe the party line, and nullify due process and basic individual rights in the name of combatting "enemies" domestic and foreign. My only satisfaction lies in knowing that they too will become targets of Bannon & Co. when they have outlived their usefulness.
11
They began selling us down the river in the Nixon admin when in collusion with the DEMs they secretly spent the Social Security Endowment leaving IUO's in its place with one of those built for the purpose but turns out not to work later GOP jobs of "reasoning" to justify the unjustifiable. I don;t recall it but it was something like "wait we can fund it whenever we want so why don;t we just spend it and then as needed refill...." or something very wrong like that. They never repaid it and I think that was the intent as have been all of their policies to destroy the dedicated H&W and Retirement funds of Union workers and other worker funded benefits across the country.
The GOP has been intentionally deconstructing Americans social support systems since then and this is just the continuation of same. They want a return to the pre Union pre government actually controlled by the people for their own benefit days before the 1929 crash.
The GOP has been intentionally deconstructing Americans social support systems since then and this is just the continuation of same. They want a return to the pre Union pre government actually controlled by the people for their own benefit days before the 1929 crash.
They scare me. Sorry - not a sore loser- I just hate talk of supreme leaders and my way or the highway type leaders
16
They are hell bent on gutting the constitution and imposing
a totalitarian form of government in the United States of
America.
Democratic opposition is going to be rebranded in the same way
that Muslims now are all terrorists and Mexicans as rapists.
Free press and right to assemble will soon be under attack from these
self righteous madmen.
a totalitarian form of government in the United States of
America.
Democratic opposition is going to be rebranded in the same way
that Muslims now are all terrorists and Mexicans as rapists.
Free press and right to assemble will soon be under attack from these
self righteous madmen.
12
Progressives, exercise your 2nd Amendment rights.
First they came for the immigrants
Then they'll come for the protesting "rabble" at DAPL
Then they'll come for their political enemies, like Hilary
Then they'll amend the Constitution in many ways
Then they'll come for you and you'll not be ready
First they came for the immigrants
Then they'll come for the protesting "rabble" at DAPL
Then they'll come for their political enemies, like Hilary
Then they'll amend the Constitution in many ways
Then they'll come for you and you'll not be ready
1
'Deconstruction of the administrative state.'
Maybe when Bannon's Katrina comes along--and it will, likely on an accelerated timeline the way this first month has unraveled--and the 'administrative state' is entirely ill-equipped to deal with the ensuing messes, we can put this experiment in handing over the reins of government to amateur vandals and radical ideologues to death and try to pick up and reassemble some of the pieces, since the public has always been pretty clear about valuing the services that government--yes, through the executive branch--historically provides.
Maybe when Bannon's Katrina comes along--and it will, likely on an accelerated timeline the way this first month has unraveled--and the 'administrative state' is entirely ill-equipped to deal with the ensuing messes, we can put this experiment in handing over the reins of government to amateur vandals and radical ideologues to death and try to pick up and reassemble some of the pieces, since the public has always been pretty clear about valuing the services that government--yes, through the executive branch--historically provides.
14
Only a liar would call the media the opposition and in calling the media the opposition prove that he is a liar. The republican party is corrupt. It has taken in a monster. The voters need to wake up and reject these twisted people.
20
So what exactly do all the Trumpsters and Republicans in Congress think about Bannons plans for deconstruction of the administrative state? Hmm...so far I all I hear is silence
21
Perhaps, what you are hearing is the quiet before the storm? Thunder and lightning may follow soon enough.
Or, maybe all sides will come to their senses and actually work together. One may dream, don't ya think?
Or, maybe all sides will come to their senses and actually work together. One may dream, don't ya think?
1
I hope I am dreaming this.
Kind of like how they all came together and worked for the betterment of the U.S. and its citizens under the Obama administration, right?
Dangerous demagoguery from an extremist. To continually attack the media and get their base to cheer his accusatory attacks on our freedom of speech must be confronted and defeated! In his reference to a "fight", Mr. Bannon ain't seen nothing yet!! We will defend our Constitution, the freedom of the press, our free speech and the right to assemble and protest peacefully. These continued overtones of a dictatorship and threats has the majority of Americans fired-up to use everything the law allows to remove them from office!
9
Is it really surprising to the liberal media and the Democratic left that the Trump Administration is going to make every effort to put its agenda into practice? I suppose their thinking was that, like other establishment Republicans of the past, a conservative and nationalistic agenda was for campaigning only, and not for governing. Whether you agree with him or not, Trump deserves some credit for keeping a laser-like focus on his well-publicized platform and the issues that were broadcast at his many rallies.
Bannon is seeking to unite conservatives around the Trump agenda, even those parts that they do not like, for the overall conservative objective of a smaller, less regulatory federal bureaucracy and a growing, more capitalistic state with greater job opportunities for all. The Trump Administration is not too interested in some of the pet social issues that beguile many conservatives, like gay marriage, abortion, same-sex bathrooms and morality based legalisms. Conservatives should be more interested in restricting federal power than forcing social issues on an unwilling public.
Bannon is seeking to unite conservatives around the Trump agenda, even those parts that they do not like, for the overall conservative objective of a smaller, less regulatory federal bureaucracy and a growing, more capitalistic state with greater job opportunities for all. The Trump Administration is not too interested in some of the pet social issues that beguile many conservatives, like gay marriage, abortion, same-sex bathrooms and morality based legalisms. Conservatives should be more interested in restricting federal power than forcing social issues on an unwilling public.
2
"the overall conservative objective of a smaller, less regulatory federal bureaucracy and a growing, more capitalistic state with greater job opportunities for all"
I remember Reagan; do you?
What happened, because the reality did not turn out so great.
So, should I assume that we are trying the same thing and to prove what exactly?
That what did not work then, will not work now?
This is not to say that either governing philosophy is up to the task.
For example, no one is talking about the financialization of the US economy and the disconnect between Wall and Main St. If you invent an unregulated financial market that is driven by making money from money, what can go wrong?
Lets not talk about the REAL impact of both automation and artificial intelligence and how it has created the obsolete human, while not talking about the human cost.
Let's talk about the commodization of human capital, which has lead to a disconnect from real human need and underutilization of this capital.
Yes, I can see exactly where you are coming from.
Let's keep on trying the same formula and THIS time it will turn out better than it did every other previous time. Makes perfectly rational sense, as long as you have Mexicans, Chinese, Liberals, Commies, Satan and whatever else is not you to blame.
If at first you do not succeed, try, try again!
I am also thrilled that we have such deep thinkers like Trump and Bannon to guide us to this new level of failure.
Exciting times!
I remember Reagan; do you?
What happened, because the reality did not turn out so great.
So, should I assume that we are trying the same thing and to prove what exactly?
That what did not work then, will not work now?
This is not to say that either governing philosophy is up to the task.
For example, no one is talking about the financialization of the US economy and the disconnect between Wall and Main St. If you invent an unregulated financial market that is driven by making money from money, what can go wrong?
Lets not talk about the REAL impact of both automation and artificial intelligence and how it has created the obsolete human, while not talking about the human cost.
Let's talk about the commodization of human capital, which has lead to a disconnect from real human need and underutilization of this capital.
Yes, I can see exactly where you are coming from.
Let's keep on trying the same formula and THIS time it will turn out better than it did every other previous time. Makes perfectly rational sense, as long as you have Mexicans, Chinese, Liberals, Commies, Satan and whatever else is not you to blame.
If at first you do not succeed, try, try again!
I am also thrilled that we have such deep thinkers like Trump and Bannon to guide us to this new level of failure.
Exciting times!
So we have nearly the entire White House inner circle parading in front of a political action committee (conference) which represents a fraction of the country and the word is everything back at the house is running smoothly and we have your back.
Who has the back of the rest of the country? Who has the back of the other people who people elected Trump on promises of jobs, better healthcare, and security?
Nationalist economics does not increase profitability or employment. So yes, by all means, "lets talk about economic viability" Governor Bevin. "Lets talk about joblessness." Its the lowest its been in 8 years. What are you doing to continue that downward progress? I don't hear anything. Even Wall Street will have to start getting a little nervous soon.
And why does the leader of our country and all of his supporters and spokespeople continually talk about "Them" and "They?" Because they don't have their backs. They only have some backs. Trump missed and lost every opportunity so far to unite a divided country. Nothing we are hearing from the conference (PAC) suggests that any of that will change. This is an administration that only wants to attack to preserve its stature in the eyes of a fraction of the populace and the special interests that support it. As a result, his country will continue to divide and DJT is responsible for that. In the meantime, I assume he will head to Florida for a unifying round of golf with some chosen threesome.
Who has the back of the rest of the country? Who has the back of the other people who people elected Trump on promises of jobs, better healthcare, and security?
Nationalist economics does not increase profitability or employment. So yes, by all means, "lets talk about economic viability" Governor Bevin. "Lets talk about joblessness." Its the lowest its been in 8 years. What are you doing to continue that downward progress? I don't hear anything. Even Wall Street will have to start getting a little nervous soon.
And why does the leader of our country and all of his supporters and spokespeople continually talk about "Them" and "They?" Because they don't have their backs. They only have some backs. Trump missed and lost every opportunity so far to unite a divided country. Nothing we are hearing from the conference (PAC) suggests that any of that will change. This is an administration that only wants to attack to preserve its stature in the eyes of a fraction of the populace and the special interests that support it. As a result, his country will continue to divide and DJT is responsible for that. In the meantime, I assume he will head to Florida for a unifying round of golf with some chosen threesome.
6
The evident strategy here is to dangle enough carrots of state regulation dismantling in front of enough Rand boys, and enough carrots of originalist
judicial appointees in front of enough Scalians, and you can insure
yourself quiet on the cpac front as other war fronts are opened that
cpac types would ordinarily object to (such as trade protectionism). Can
ideological conservatives actually be convinced to sign on to support
trade policies that oppose multinational corporate interests? It will be
amusing to watch as the twisting and turning might morph into
genuflecting without irony, only sychophancy.
Presumably there will only be the illusion of protectionist policies
with accompanying and equally illusory labor creation "numbers" down
the road ahead since the essential strategic idea is to convince by illusion
and spectacle (aka smoke and mirrors) not by argument and evidence.
judicial appointees in front of enough Scalians, and you can insure
yourself quiet on the cpac front as other war fronts are opened that
cpac types would ordinarily object to (such as trade protectionism). Can
ideological conservatives actually be convinced to sign on to support
trade policies that oppose multinational corporate interests? It will be
amusing to watch as the twisting and turning might morph into
genuflecting without irony, only sychophancy.
Presumably there will only be the illusion of protectionist policies
with accompanying and equally illusory labor creation "numbers" down
the road ahead since the essential strategic idea is to convince by illusion
and spectacle (aka smoke and mirrors) not by argument and evidence.
3
It must be said, Bannon has the physical appearance of a bloated substance abuser. Having said that; this theme of "deconstruction" in this administration is bewildering and a misnomer. Their game seems to be absolutist (their "dramatic" way of governing) in destroying policy and institutions. There is a difference. "Deconstruction" is dismantling and saving the pieces for re-use. Destroying what has come before is a tacit admission that they wish to put a match to everything with NO idea what to replace it with. Boys with toys in the West Wing, seems to me. Ugh.
3
"'The de[struction] of the [United] State[s]' has just begun."
4
The 9-11-01 attacks started in motion a series of events that has led us to this. We are more divided than ever, more scared and therefore more easily-manipulated, and are digging into trenches. The long-view plan of 9-11 are playing out as planned. And, sadly, instead of stopping, taking a deep breath, and realizing we are behaving just how Osama bin Laden had hoped, we are simply sliding faster and faster into the trap.
6
The "Deconstruction of the Administrative State" has just begun!
This all encompassing statement has sent shivers down the spine of
my family, courtesy of Bannon.
I am sure every american knows the meaning of this weighty statement.
People must organize to commit themselves to a firm answer to counter
this treasonous act.
Impeach Trump and his gangster administration!
This all encompassing statement has sent shivers down the spine of
my family, courtesy of Bannon.
I am sure every american knows the meaning of this weighty statement.
People must organize to commit themselves to a firm answer to counter
this treasonous act.
Impeach Trump and his gangster administration!
8
The two opposing forces within the trump admin kissing up to each other? Didn't think I'd live long enough to see this hypocritical display. Ideologically, these two can't stand each other. Priebus represents the old-guard conservatives, Bannon the alt-right who are determined to bring down the government. If anything, it's a reassurance that they are keen on this notion that there is a split in the party right now.
4
Perhaps this has been said already, so forgive me for repeating it.
The unambiguous requirement for a "free press" in a functional and representative democratic republic is, I understand, enshrined in your constitution, that very same constitution that 45 and the horde of congressional boot-lickers swore to uphold. Who is reminding them of that sworn oath? And what are the legal avenues to address the capitulation of that sworn oath?
The unambiguous requirement for a "free press" in a functional and representative democratic republic is, I understand, enshrined in your constitution, that very same constitution that 45 and the horde of congressional boot-lickers swore to uphold. Who is reminding them of that sworn oath? And what are the legal avenues to address the capitulation of that sworn oath?
6
Who is reminding them...? A. We, the people.
What are the legal avenues...? A. The Constitution itself, and if they really want war, the Second Amendment and States' rights.
But I don't think it will come that far. Trump and Bannon are doing what bullies always do: Make a lot of noise and do a lot of chest-beating in an attempt to scare people, but in the end they're just too lazy and/or incompetent to get anything done by anyone.
What are the legal avenues...? A. The Constitution itself, and if they really want war, the Second Amendment and States' rights.
But I don't think it will come that far. Trump and Bannon are doing what bullies always do: Make a lot of noise and do a lot of chest-beating in an attempt to scare people, but in the end they're just too lazy and/or incompetent to get anything done by anyone.
Whether you’re a populist, whether you’re a limited-government conservative, whether you’re a libertarian, whether you’re an economic nationalist,” he said, “we want you to have our back.”
He didn't say bigots and racists. May be economic nationalist is the new term for bigots and racists?
He didn't say bigots and racists. May be economic nationalist is the new term for bigots and racists?
3
If conservatives are so concerned about the nation's economy perhaps they shouldn't have consistently voted for GOP politicians who favor tax cuts and monopolies for the rich over protections and relief for working people.
8
Bannon and rural America like to tout old fashioned values, aka racism. Meanwhile Trump fleeces this country for his own personal wealth and these rural folk are too wrapped up in hatred and fear to notice it.
8
"If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you."
http://www.snopes.com/lbj-convince-the-lowest-white-man/
Fact is most Trump voters were in the $70K per anum range so I'm not so sure the working poor are his people though I am sure many are.
http://www.snopes.com/lbj-convince-the-lowest-white-man/
Fact is most Trump voters were in the $70K per anum range so I'm not so sure the working poor are his people though I am sure many are.
4
Was the photo correct, were they really Pledging Allegiance or singing the National Anthem to a TV image of a flag?
Did you see the way Trump lighted up like a child who just saw Mickey Mouse for the first time upon spotting a man who'd been seen on TV endorsing his brand? I hope his guards are hip to that insecurity in Trump's daily schedule.
1
Be concerned! Bannon selected his words carefully when he listed the administration’s top three priorities as national security and sovereignty, “economic nationalism,” and the “deconstruction of the administrative state.”
Contrary to the campaign, he did not say “world peace,” “economic security,” and “government that represents the people.”
National security and sovereignty is democracy vilified to justify the usurpation of democracy by using the laws meant to protect people, against the same people using smoke and mirrors. Instead we have a paternalistic few governing all. For example, the current deconstruction of the entities meant to provide research and data; develop education; and protect labor, the consumer and the plant.
Economic nationalism is not economic security. It’s to live inside our shores, impermeable to people, ideas, and products, exercising opportunistic exceptions for imports, demanding ransom (NATO, for example) for our exports.
Deconstruction of the administrative state is to RULE the administrative state, not give it back to anyone or make it kinder or gentler; just the opposite. This REIGN will see more racist nationalistic behaviors expressed publicly toward non-whites. The end result is that everyone who disagrees with the administrative state will be afraid to express their freedom of speech for fear of having your life vandalized.
History does repeat itself.
Contrary to the campaign, he did not say “world peace,” “economic security,” and “government that represents the people.”
National security and sovereignty is democracy vilified to justify the usurpation of democracy by using the laws meant to protect people, against the same people using smoke and mirrors. Instead we have a paternalistic few governing all. For example, the current deconstruction of the entities meant to provide research and data; develop education; and protect labor, the consumer and the plant.
Economic nationalism is not economic security. It’s to live inside our shores, impermeable to people, ideas, and products, exercising opportunistic exceptions for imports, demanding ransom (NATO, for example) for our exports.
Deconstruction of the administrative state is to RULE the administrative state, not give it back to anyone or make it kinder or gentler; just the opposite. This REIGN will see more racist nationalistic behaviors expressed publicly toward non-whites. The end result is that everyone who disagrees with the administrative state will be afraid to express their freedom of speech for fear of having your life vandalized.
History does repeat itself.
4
History does not repeat "itself." The living memory of people lapses and old, bankrupt, discredited, scary ideas, despite mounds of evidence, somehow make it through a spin-dry cycle and emerge smelling fresh and new. Then you put a new name on the marquee: Alt-Right as opposed to Fascism, deconstruction as opposed to destruction, enemy as opposed to adversary and people, no matter how intelligent or willfully-ignorant or just plain stupid, especially during bad economic times when they are most vulnerable, will flock to it either as true believers or cynical opportunists. The end result may appear to be "history repeating itself" but history, per se, is an inanimate, intangible that cannot repeat "itself." What we are witnessing, unfortunately again, is cynical opportunists who legally obtained power endeavoring to accomplish the same thing with an entirely new vocabulary and through new processes. They want total control.
"...deconstruction of the administrative state..". And all the CPAC seals slapped their flippers together and barked for more of the tasty fish being shoved down their throats.
10
If I were a Republican conservative (which thank god I am not) I would be look for the knife in Bannon's hand as he pats my back.
8
Nothing has changed since the first couple were suckered by fake news delivered by the serpent, "more crafty than any beast of the field," the first spin-master.
"You believe reality is A, but I'm telling you, if you believe reality is B, you'll be better off. You believe your reality is based on facts, but what, after all, is a 'fact'?"
While their heads are spinning in epistemological vertigo, the crafty one wins the day without needing to defend against facts. He is the authority of the moment, overtaking reason and the very need to fact-check, because the humans have been fully mesmerized. Their desire to be "better off" has defeated them while the meaning of "better off " has been blurred.
This sinister virtual reality has been sold by multilevel marketers since the first couple bought in. Trump, Bannon, Kellyanne, Pense, etc live in a long line of suckers who will choose the reality that suits their desires, regardless of whether that reality is true to what is...a tragic repeat of the blind leading the blind.
"You believe reality is A, but I'm telling you, if you believe reality is B, you'll be better off. You believe your reality is based on facts, but what, after all, is a 'fact'?"
While their heads are spinning in epistemological vertigo, the crafty one wins the day without needing to defend against facts. He is the authority of the moment, overtaking reason and the very need to fact-check, because the humans have been fully mesmerized. Their desire to be "better off" has defeated them while the meaning of "better off " has been blurred.
This sinister virtual reality has been sold by multilevel marketers since the first couple bought in. Trump, Bannon, Kellyanne, Pense, etc live in a long line of suckers who will choose the reality that suits their desires, regardless of whether that reality is true to what is...a tragic repeat of the blind leading the blind.
2
Reince is just Reince. Bannon is a delusional -less than mid level incompetent. He is self absorbed. Married and divorced 3x. Completely adverse to personal hygiene and was not above fighting with nuns and other school principals. See, i. e. ARCHER, MARYMOUNT and ST PAUL THE APOSTLE.
6
Ah, Bannon. Our own Rasputin in the court of the foolish, delusionary czar.
Well, we all know what happened to both of those guys in the end.
Well, we all know what happened to both of those guys in the end.
9
Another article on Bannon and his protege who was called "Bannon's Bannon", Julia Hahn, (where is she these days??), quoted him as saying he and this young woman "weren't even sure that Trump knew what was going on".
That and this story have me wondering about this guy- he seems to be running our government and suggesting that we dismantle it.
That and this story have me wondering about this guy- he seems to be running our government and suggesting that we dismantle it.
4
Wouldn't it be great if we could get both President Roosevelts back?
Teddy Roosevelt discussed the Square Deal at length. No favoritism to unions, capitalists, rich, or poor. It would be a level playing field for all. No advantages to any particular group.
Or Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, which created the tremendous infrastructure we have today, from major dams and TVA to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The financing of WWII was through war bonds and limiting the profits of military industries. Social Security was created. (Too bad that universal health care was not included.)
When will we find a President and Congress that is of the Roosevelts' caliber?
Teddy Roosevelt discussed the Square Deal at length. No favoritism to unions, capitalists, rich, or poor. It would be a level playing field for all. No advantages to any particular group.
Or Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, which created the tremendous infrastructure we have today, from major dams and TVA to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The financing of WWII was through war bonds and limiting the profits of military industries. Social Security was created. (Too bad that universal health care was not included.)
When will we find a President and Congress that is of the Roosevelts' caliber?
Phew!
I thought Trump/Bannon were trying to destroy our institutions.
Turns out they're just planning to "deconstruct" them.
That's SO reassuring!
I thought Trump/Bannon were trying to destroy our institutions.
Turns out they're just planning to "deconstruct" them.
That's SO reassuring!
10
This is good. Let the progressives obsess over a white supremacist nationalism that isn't there, while the progressives select an actual anti-Semitic, Nation of Islam leader for their own party on Saturday.
Has political rope-a-dope ever been easier?
Has political rope-a-dope ever been easier?
2
Just when will republicans push back against these egregious statements? The
White House used to be a symbol throughout the world of American values. Now all I see is a sad, dark building filled with people who wish to tear apart the very fabric of our democracy and divide our nation with hatred and bigotry.
White House used to be a symbol throughout the world of American values. Now all I see is a sad, dark building filled with people who wish to tear apart the very fabric of our democracy and divide our nation with hatred and bigotry.
5
Republicans are not going to take a good hard look at Bannon. Republicans are the authoritarian party. Despite their mewling about freedom, they need to be led by authoritarians because of their rigid mind sets. This makes America ripe for fascism or at least oligarchy. Americans will wind up with a dirty environment, a diminished standard of living, and trampling of minority rights and of course a rapid concentration of wealth at the top. That's it. America was conned. Get ready to swallow the bitter pill.
7
Bannon daily demonizes a free and varied press, envisions a culturally pure society rooted in primarily Christian norms, promotes hatred of Muslims and anyone who disagrees with his model, touts ruthless Leninism as his tactical guide, and seeks to destroy any functional federal government for the people - except for militarized federal forces to round up millions of residents and (my prediction) occupy targeted cities like Chicago. He is an ideologue seeking an authoritarian regime that trounces our Constitution and destroys every aspect of what made America truly great. If the communists of old were traitors, then the Bannonists of today are as well.
9
This is reassurance? Reminds me of Communist Party dialog and is definitely not reassuring! "Deconstruction?" Really?
8
who voted for this ? NO ONE.
6
I am not one given to quick analogies between people and imaginary characters, but for some reason I find myself increasingly unable to make the distinction between Steve Bannon from "Voldemort".
How such a venal creature has managed to ingratiate itself into White House is only further evidence that Donald Trump has taken his eyes off the wheel in order to focus more on himself.
Bannon's attack on everything is perplexing. Especially his rants against the "corporatist globalist media" , which courtesy of FOX and Breitbart, have essentially provided him with the stage on which he now stands.
And his plans for the "deconstruction of the administrative state" can only appeal to those who haven't even a clue to ask just what he plans to replace it with.
Is he an Anarchist?, Stalinist? Lenninist?, Nihilist?, or a Satanist?
And all this within the course of five-weeks.
This country grows more firghtening day by dy.
How such a venal creature has managed to ingratiate itself into White House is only further evidence that Donald Trump has taken his eyes off the wheel in order to focus more on himself.
Bannon's attack on everything is perplexing. Especially his rants against the "corporatist globalist media" , which courtesy of FOX and Breitbart, have essentially provided him with the stage on which he now stands.
And his plans for the "deconstruction of the administrative state" can only appeal to those who haven't even a clue to ask just what he plans to replace it with.
Is he an Anarchist?, Stalinist? Lenninist?, Nihilist?, or a Satanist?
And all this within the course of five-weeks.
This country grows more firghtening day by dy.
8
He is Bannonist. A harvard educated, goldman sachs veteran who then made a fortune in the entertainment and media industries.
He is everything Red State America detests, but for some strange reasons, they love him.
He is everything Red State America detests, but for some strange reasons, they love him.
5
"Bannonist" is too trite. He could be called a "Trumpist" as well -- since he's no different from Donald Trump, who claims to be the voice of "AMERICA", while doing little more than giving lip-service, and driving this country into the ground.
1
On the one hand: "Deconstruct the administrative state." On the other: "Hey kid, I'm going to need to see your birth certificate before you use the bathroom." Which is it?
I'd also like Mr. Bannon to show me an example of a modern economy, providing a high standard of living for its citizens, that doesn't involve an administrative state. My understanding is that lack of a functioning state is closely correlated with civil wars, anarchy, and a hellish existence for ordinary citizens.
If he can't find one (and he won't, because it doesn't exist), then he's just another example of an insane ideologue who's willing to force others to sacrifice so that his fantasies of libertarian wonderland can be enacted. We've seen this kind of ideology before, in the last century, and it was called Communism. It killed hundreds of millions of people and left the survivors in a state of misery. Sure, the details were different, but the basic problem, that a few powerful actors are willing to do anything to impose their vision on the rest of us, is the same
I'd also like Mr. Bannon to show me an example of a modern economy, providing a high standard of living for its citizens, that doesn't involve an administrative state. My understanding is that lack of a functioning state is closely correlated with civil wars, anarchy, and a hellish existence for ordinary citizens.
If he can't find one (and he won't, because it doesn't exist), then he's just another example of an insane ideologue who's willing to force others to sacrifice so that his fantasies of libertarian wonderland can be enacted. We've seen this kind of ideology before, in the last century, and it was called Communism. It killed hundreds of millions of people and left the survivors in a state of misery. Sure, the details were different, but the basic problem, that a few powerful actors are willing to do anything to impose their vision on the rest of us, is the same
97
Bannon seems to sample from fascistic and communistic diatribes as fits his fits of insanity. Cheka out those SS operators on both sides of the great divided. They all start to sound the same, but each has a different strain to sustain their exceptionalism.
2
Bannon, the fool, thinks he's Robespierre, Priebus doesn't even know who Danton is (Constantine Gingrich aspires to that). And these two have the ear of one of the most ignorant prezzes we've had in a long time. The American Reign of Terror is coming - ask yourself who's gonna win?
3
Bannon hardly tries to conceal his white supremacist goals.
He couches it in the catchy, Breitbart parlance of the day but
he is trying to do an end run around the constitution in order
to usurp it.
Totalitarian, iron fisted rule is his goal.
He couches it in the catchy, Breitbart parlance of the day but
he is trying to do an end run around the constitution in order
to usurp it.
Totalitarian, iron fisted rule is his goal.
3
It is time for someone, not at the NYT unfortunately with the possible exception of Ross Douthat, to explain calmly the point of view that Steve Bannon is espousing without turning it into a Chicken Little conniption fit. I'm tired of hearing that he is a racist, a sexist, an anti-Semite, etc. all labels pasted on him by people that they are motivated to believe. Steve Bannon is not a idiot: he has a lifetime of accomplishment that few if any of the readers here can hope to match, including me. Obviously he must have something working upstairs. What is his vision, and what would the world look like if it is realized? I find it hard to believe that Bannon wants to create a dystopia. What is his vision of the better world? Try to articulate that clearly and calmly, and use that as a basis for engaging in criticism. I, for one, do not accept his vision of the way things ought to be, and I can say that without inventing pejoratives to paste on Bannon that give me an excuse for shutting down my thought processes.
1
No one's calling him stupid or poorly accomplished. But his interpersonal relations (spousal abuse etc) suggest a pathological personality, he is only marginally ideologically coherent, and yes he's a racist and anti-Semite -- you don't have to look TOO far for evidence of that (sworn testimony in one of his three divorces, which he never contested, establishes it nicely). Or, start with his own media organization and the terrifying racist swamp of a comments section he's so proud of. It has very little to do with accomplishment. He's fascinated by darkness and destruction, he's a professional race-baiter, and he has articulated few if any ideas that could be called constructive besides some blathering about economic nationalism that's probably just dog whistling. Do your homework before accusing others of shutting down thought process.
28
A fascist surrounded by fascists at a fascists orders.
2
Nearly everyone appointed to Trump's cabinet is a Corporatist. If you recall Moonves' take on Trump as a profitable bargain with the devil, Bannon's not wrong about that. BUT...
Seems Bannon's out to paste others with his premium label.
Mussolini first coined the term, but in 1935 the press cornered the French militant militia funded by industry and finance who were making life a misery for immigrants and socialists in France. Were they fascist? The veteran's spokesman spit on the ground and said they were CORPORATISTS. Labor were as much the enemy as immigrants.
At least they don't lie to labor like Hitler and Trump have. And Bannon.
Seems Bannon's out to paste others with his premium label.
Mussolini first coined the term, but in 1935 the press cornered the French militant militia funded by industry and finance who were making life a misery for immigrants and socialists in France. Were they fascist? The veteran's spokesman spit on the ground and said they were CORPORATISTS. Labor were as much the enemy as immigrants.
At least they don't lie to labor like Hitler and Trump have. And Bannon.
5
" The “deconstruction of the administrative state” has just begun."
I ask you, seriously:
What is the United State of America if it ceases to be an "administrative state?"
What is the difference between Bannon's statement and sedition?
I ask you, seriously:
What is the United State of America if it ceases to be an "administrative state?"
What is the difference between Bannon's statement and sedition?
4
Let's be very clear: "Deconstructionism is notoriously difficult to define or summarize, and many attempts to explain it in a straight-forward, understandable way have been academically criticized for being too removed from the original texts, and even contradictory to the concepts of Deconstructionism. Some critics have gone so far as to claim that Deconstruction is a dangerous form of Nihilism, leading to the destruction of Western scientific and ethical values, and it has been seized upon by some conservative and libertarian writers as a central example of what is wrong with modern academia."
4
'The “deconstruction of the administrative state” has just begun.' Once this deconstruction has occurred, what will replace "the administrative state"? A return to the laissez-faire glories of the Gilded Age? Putin-style kleptocracy? A white-supremacist authoritarian regime with a facade of democracy?
Or is Bannon's strategy to leave all these options open? Is this the new version of a "big-tent" Republican Party?
Or is Bannon's strategy to leave all these options open? Is this the new version of a "big-tent" Republican Party?
6
allow me to translate this Breitbart / Bannon jargon for you.
"We are hell bent on gutting the constitution and imposing
a totalitarian form of government in the United States of
America.
Democratic opposition is being rebranded in the same way
that Muslims now are the equivalent of terrorists and Mexicans
as rapists. "
Authoritarian control over everything is the goal of this snake who
just snuck himself on to the NSC without the knowledge of the moronic
President.
"We are hell bent on gutting the constitution and imposing
a totalitarian form of government in the United States of
America.
Democratic opposition is being rebranded in the same way
that Muslims now are the equivalent of terrorists and Mexicans
as rapists. "
Authoritarian control over everything is the goal of this snake who
just snuck himself on to the NSC without the knowledge of the moronic
President.
7
They are not deconstructing (how 90's that is) the "administrative state," they are destroying our social democracy. That's a big difference. There will be plenty of big business-oriented "administrators" just no one around to make sure ordinary taxpayers have clean water and air, excellent schools, and affordable healthcare.
8
Saturday Night Live doesn't need to work on a Bannon character.
They've already had one called "The Drunk Uncle."
They've already had one called "The Drunk Uncle."
8
What happened to opposing unelected officials deciding policy without being held accountable?
3
Bannon is a lot smarter than Trump, which makes him dangerous. He reminds me of the some of the zealot Marxists I knew in college, clinically cold and calculating, except Bannon is a classic fascist-- mixing nationalism, racism, victimhood, fear-- and claiming that any disagreeable information in the media must be a lie. Republicans need to take a good hard look at this guy, who does NOT represent their party's traditional policies of compassionate conservatism, civic responsibility, and constitutional checks and balances. It's a bold power grab by a right-wing zealot.
47
"...that we're a nation with an economy, not an economy just in some global marketplace with open borders--that we're a nation with a culture and reason for being."
Can Priebus and the rest really be so insecure, so unsure of the nation's identity (it's exceptional constitutional uniqueness) that we have to fear and exclude the rest of the world? Are they so uncertain of what it means to be American, so fearful that the central idea of who we are might be lost to them (how?) or taken away (by whom?), that we need physical walls and laws designed as barricades?
This is weakness; it's cowardly and chicken hearted. The America these people want and so desperately yearn for is no more real than Ruritania, Graustark, San Escobar or the Duchy of Grand Fenwick. Those nations are indefensible because they don't exist.
Can Priebus and the rest really be so insecure, so unsure of the nation's identity (it's exceptional constitutional uniqueness) that we have to fear and exclude the rest of the world? Are they so uncertain of what it means to be American, so fearful that the central idea of who we are might be lost to them (how?) or taken away (by whom?), that we need physical walls and laws designed as barricades?
This is weakness; it's cowardly and chicken hearted. The America these people want and so desperately yearn for is no more real than Ruritania, Graustark, San Escobar or the Duchy of Grand Fenwick. Those nations are indefensible because they don't exist.
74
as usual, Republicans play to the cheap seats, knowing that otherwise they would never be able to assemble a quorum.
2
Sure, Bannon, make your fortune on Wall Street and then demolish the safety net many others rely on.
20
Mr. Bannon said, everything is going according to plan. The “deconstruction of the administrative state” has just begun. He could have said, we will destroy you. Fools are receptive to ambiguity, a daily tool of the administration.
13
The above Bannon statement sends chills down my spine.
2
The chaos is making it difficult to do anything.
8
Am guessing that a government without administration is a loose network of medieval princelings who make the rules according to their mood. Rule of law... I doubt it. Am concerned that their zeal for tearing up everything good and bad is not matched by a vision of a future than anyone else would want to share. Its easy to break things... much, much harder to build.
8
How can Bannon reassure conservatives about Trump when they need to be reassured about Bannon? We are living inside an unpublished Kafka novel.
12
Ionesco's Rhinoceros makes more and more sense every day, and that's not a good thing, Martha Stewart.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rhinoceros-play-by-Ionesco
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rhinoceros-play-by-Ionesco
1
Those with Premium article access will be illuminated by the NYT's coverage of the French Croix de Feu veteran's militia that was taken over by global industrial finance, outfitted and deployed with uniforms trucks and guns, and set upon beating up labor and corralling immigrants extra-judicially.
When asked by the press if they were fascist, the CF's spokes wheel claimed they were not low-class horse cart fascists like Hitler claiming labor is worthy of a voice. The were Corporatists, a term Mussolini coined, but could not get trademarked. Of course, Hitler hated labor, too, he just lied about it.
When asked by the press if they were fascist, the CF's spokes wheel claimed they were not low-class horse cart fascists like Hitler claiming labor is worthy of a voice. The were Corporatists, a term Mussolini coined, but could not get trademarked. Of course, Hitler hated labor, too, he just lied about it.
6
“unbelievable incessant focus on the most mindless things,” with regard to how the president is portrayed in the news media. “Let’s talk about crime rates. Let’s talk about economic viability. Let’s talk about joblessness,” Mr. Bevin added. “Let’s focus on things that matter and stop being so tabloid-like and titillated by idiocy.”
The "incessant focus" has been on crime rates, jobs, and economic viability. And unfortunately, all the time is spent on countering the fake news coming out of the "president's" mouth. HE is the one who stirs the pot, HE is the one who is destroying the environmental rules, the financial regulations, the educational system, our health care law, and now we have a racist for an AG. HE is the one who uses such sophisticated presidential language, such as "bad hombres" and "bad dudes." HE is the one who has made the white house and diplomacy into a really bad reality TV show. HE is ithe one issuing unconstitutional bans on immigrants, ad infinitum.
What's not to like?
The "incessant focus" has been on crime rates, jobs, and economic viability. And unfortunately, all the time is spent on countering the fake news coming out of the "president's" mouth. HE is the one who stirs the pot, HE is the one who is destroying the environmental rules, the financial regulations, the educational system, our health care law, and now we have a racist for an AG. HE is the one who uses such sophisticated presidential language, such as "bad hombres" and "bad dudes." HE is the one who has made the white house and diplomacy into a really bad reality TV show. HE is ithe one issuing unconstitutional bans on immigrants, ad infinitum.
What's not to like?
7
the Manchurian Candidate is now the Manchurian Leader....their continuous contacts with Russia and their feeble attempts to cover them up and discredit the facts will be their eventual undoing...while at the least they've committed impeachable offenses, they've most likely committed treasonous offenses. Bannon & Trump will go down with Julius and Ethel...keep up the investigative reporting NYT...this whole deal is VASTLY bigger than WATERGATE...
15
What strikes me most greatly is the lack of surprise, or outrage, with which we read about the participation of white nationalists in mainstream political culture. CPAC is, arguably, part of 'mainstream' politics. And yet there is Richard Spencer, in the center of the event, affirming that he is part of the conservative establishment. Furthermore, Steve Bannon, who is of course at the center of this article, has never unequivocally distanced himself from the white nationalist politics that he gave voice to while at Breitbart. In the article, Spencer is mentioned casually, in just a few sentences, and Bannon is treated as a discomforting, but nevertheless legitimate political leader. When will we, both the public and news media, draw a line and affirm that such racist bigots have no place in mainstream political culture, and certainly do not belong anywhere near the White House? Has the participation of open racists, xenophobes, bigots and neo-Nazis in the public sphere already become so normalized that we do not find it necessary to remark upon it?
17
That Republicans denounced Obama's statement to "lead from behind" while they profess to going backwards as a progressive movement would be laughable were it not so catastrophic to our present and future way of life.
5
Good to hear they are being reassured, Steve crammed hard for the test, probably brushing up on the latter works of that old master Goebbels.
16
It was like watching David Koresh, or any of the dozens of idiots I knew in the 80’s talk about how the government was coming to take their guns and all sorts of conspiracies created by ignorance, fear and bigotry.
A lot of the underlying fear that drives the people who support the GOP is that fear created by the ignorance of how the system is supposed to work and ignorance that prevents proper understanding of that method once they know it.
Combine that with the rather openly corrupt nature of Wall Street, the businesses we deal with daily (even the “god king nice guy” of capitalism Buffet rips the poor off) and the open encouragement of taking advantage of ignorance to make more than can be got by honest pricing and so on helps the fear based ignorant mind create things that “explain” reality in a way that properly puts responsibility for their inflicted plight on others. The problem is that they are placing that blame on the wrong party or party’s.
It is exactly as insidious as it seems that the perpetraitors[sic] of these crimes are controlling that storyline. Bannon et al know perfectly well that they are lying and these conspiracies they are promoting are not real. We are here now because we let reagan et al get away with propagandizing the religious evangelicals with lies about Women’s rights, Civil Rights, abuse of welfare etc.
This is the logical place in the evolution of the false idea that the edge must always be pushed or that growth must be constant.
A lot of the underlying fear that drives the people who support the GOP is that fear created by the ignorance of how the system is supposed to work and ignorance that prevents proper understanding of that method once they know it.
Combine that with the rather openly corrupt nature of Wall Street, the businesses we deal with daily (even the “god king nice guy” of capitalism Buffet rips the poor off) and the open encouragement of taking advantage of ignorance to make more than can be got by honest pricing and so on helps the fear based ignorant mind create things that “explain” reality in a way that properly puts responsibility for their inflicted plight on others. The problem is that they are placing that blame on the wrong party or party’s.
It is exactly as insidious as it seems that the perpetraitors[sic] of these crimes are controlling that storyline. Bannon et al know perfectly well that they are lying and these conspiracies they are promoting are not real. We are here now because we let reagan et al get away with propagandizing the religious evangelicals with lies about Women’s rights, Civil Rights, abuse of welfare etc.
This is the logical place in the evolution of the false idea that the edge must always be pushed or that growth must be constant.
14
Without Trump's remarkable cult-of-personality marketing skills, Mr. Bannon would be just another disheveled guy at the cocktail party spouting some political psychobabble to any fool who will listen. Now he's in a position to do some real damage to our country and our democracy. What I heard was a lot of fancy words communicating that even though these people took the oath to 'defend and protect the Constitution', their true intentions are to tear it up and replace it with an authoritarian regime. This is why they work ceaselessly to delegitimize our free press, intelligence community, independent judiciary and electoral process. Unless we can find a way to repeal and replace these people, we're in for some very big problems.
184
The replacement authoritarian regime is called fascism.
1
CPAC is having a great show at their annual 'assessment'. What everyone there seems to be glossing over is the 'American culture' part of the Trump/Bannon/Goldman Sachs agenda. We get that conservatives want BIG Business and small government. We get that Trump/Bannon /Goldman Sachs have given their blessings to oil, gas and fossil fuels as industries that will thrive.
Mnuchin as Secty of the Treasury WILL make the numbers work for BIG Military as well.
We get that Pruitt, DeVos and Carson will implode the regulations and entitlements for small government to succeed.
At CPAC no one wants to talk about the cultural 'gravy' to their meat and potatoes. The chosen have been selected. Now it is time for the rest to go.
When the uneducated worker who Trump so dearly loves starts to complain about health care or social security, the goal of a white Christian nation will be poured over the dissatisfaction. See, we got rid of the Muslims, we got rid of the Mexicans. There is no more rape, crime. There are no more undeserving 'takers'.
Just us white folks praying in school. So as Bannon put it stop complaining and "shut up and listen". Just what CPAC seems to be doing.
Mnuchin as Secty of the Treasury WILL make the numbers work for BIG Military as well.
We get that Pruitt, DeVos and Carson will implode the regulations and entitlements for small government to succeed.
At CPAC no one wants to talk about the cultural 'gravy' to their meat and potatoes. The chosen have been selected. Now it is time for the rest to go.
When the uneducated worker who Trump so dearly loves starts to complain about health care or social security, the goal of a white Christian nation will be poured over the dissatisfaction. See, we got rid of the Muslims, we got rid of the Mexicans. There is no more rape, crime. There are no more undeserving 'takers'.
Just us white folks praying in school. So as Bannon put it stop complaining and "shut up and listen". Just what CPAC seems to be doing.
17
Looks like things are unraveling for Bannon especially now that he's overplayed his hand at CPAC. Trump never tolerates this kind of self-promotion and seeking after stardom in his subordinates. Good riddance.
7
It is rather interesting that Bannon has made it quite clear that since they really only plan to cater to their base, they have no interest in making any attempt whatsoever in bringing the non-supporters in to their fold and will continue, at every opportunity, to demonize the press. Many Republican political commentators have also looked aghast as Reice Preibus, once the champion of making the Republicans more inclusive to Hispanics, blacks, the LGBT community and other minorities, has also drank the Kool-Aid of the Trump/Bannon/Miller policy of racism, xenophobia and the only the rich.
You are seeing fascism unfold here in America in 2017, folks.
You are seeing fascism unfold here in America in 2017, folks.
6
The photo of Preibus and Bannon hugging is a tell all of the sleaziness of the Republican Party. They love what is going on because Trump is doing what they want, but too afraid to put themselves out there.
Bannon's comment of "destruction of the administrative state is going as planned" should be sending shudders through the country, not embracing it.
Attempting to destroy the media (freedom of speech), Senators refusing to have town hall meetings or in Rob Portman (R-OH) not allowing Democrats into his town hall meetings (party affiliation verified at door). Now Arizona passes Senate Bill 1142 (R-17 yes/Dem's -13 no), equating protest with terrorism. Read it, it is appalling. If they arrest you they can confiscate your home and more. An indication of what is coming down the pike.
Bannon and his thugs/cronies are not going anywhere, this has been in the making for some time. Republicans are a huge part of this.
Bannon's comment of "destruction of the administrative state is going as planned" should be sending shudders through the country, not embracing it.
Attempting to destroy the media (freedom of speech), Senators refusing to have town hall meetings or in Rob Portman (R-OH) not allowing Democrats into his town hall meetings (party affiliation verified at door). Now Arizona passes Senate Bill 1142 (R-17 yes/Dem's -13 no), equating protest with terrorism. Read it, it is appalling. If they arrest you they can confiscate your home and more. An indication of what is coming down the pike.
Bannon and his thugs/cronies are not going anywhere, this has been in the making for some time. Republicans are a huge part of this.
21
The last time an administrative state was deconstructed, it was done by America in Iraq in the name of nation building.
I don't think the end result was to our liking. Expect similar here.
I don't think the end result was to our liking. Expect similar here.
19
I cannot hear the plans, and opinions of Bannon without instantly thinking of 1984. Never has their been a more mean spirited and dangerous person in US government.
29
Sorry salvador444 but I think you meant '1934.'
Scary is what jumps to my mind when listening to his 'worldview.' But the crowd in the room was eating it up.
Scary is what jumps to my mind when listening to his 'worldview.' But the crowd in the room was eating it up.
1
What's Bannon's follow up on " a nation with a culture and a reason for being"?? How does he interpret that? He hates, he divides, he does not believe in democracy. So what is this dangerous fascist's national view? What's the culture he wants? What's this administrations reason for being? A caste system? Women in their place? Indentured servitude of the poor, vulnerable and powerless? Deport whatever non-white's we can, and put those here legally in their "appropriate" place? Go ahead, articulate it specifically and clearly. Let the leopard detail his spots. Let the fascists give us their true national view.
18
Bannon is a frighteningly disturbed and malevolent individual. And he's in the White House.
19
How can Bannon say that the "dsimantlement of the administrative state has begun" when it's all being done by executive orders (presumably ghost written by Bannon and Steve Miller - who reminds me of Joseph Goebbels). It would take real legislative action to really accomplish that, even if it were desirable, and the Republican Congress is paralyzed.
6
RE: "“My friends, this is our time,” he told the conference Thursday night. “This is the time to prove again that our answers are the right answers for America.”
How is this time different from 2001 when conservatives wanted to prove "again" that they had the right answers for America? Did we really ask for stagnate pay? High unemployment? The worse recession in living memory?
That is what conservative "answers" brought is. Again. And now they want to repeat.
How is this time different from 2001 when conservatives wanted to prove "again" that they had the right answers for America? Did we really ask for stagnate pay? High unemployment? The worse recession in living memory?
That is what conservative "answers" brought is. Again. And now they want to repeat.
11
It is very scary and sad to see how the Bannons, the Millers (Stephen), and the Sessions are taking our country into dark times, while Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan are only thinking of reducing taxes, defunding Planned Parenthood and repealing Obamacare.
Some day history will judge them and the verdict won't be pretty, but it will be too late for all of us.
Some day history will judge them and the verdict won't be pretty, but it will be too late for all of us.
13
People can convince themselves of anything.
3
I notice that the normal trump supporters on this site are unusually silent here.
fear of what has emerged or embarrassment?
fear of what has emerged or embarrassment?
7
If he means reducing the bloated federal beauracracy and making it less about jobs that produce nothing, then I am for it. The government has gotten way too big. It is also inefficient by definition.
1
That's like holding your mouth and nose shut and letting your organs decide which will fail next. Come on, even Las Vegas knows how to bring down a losing proposition without taking out the gamblers. Controlled demolition.
These guys are nihilists on opioids who can't feel our resistance because they can't feel anything. I'm not for wasting money, but them seem hellbent on suicidal resentment.
These guys are nihilists on opioids who can't feel our resistance because they can't feel anything. I'm not for wasting money, but them seem hellbent on suicidal resentment.
3
Think about this for a moment: no other country on this planet has a government as big and as multifunctional like ours. Also, no other country on this planet has the power to lead the rest of the world the way we do. Now try to associate these two facts and reflect on what would happen if our government is deconstructed to the point it can no longer be as big, resourceful and multifunctional as it is. Hint: geographically big countries don't do well when their governments are weak.
Poor saps. The only beneficiaries of deconstructing the American administrative state are our enemies, most notably, Russia. They cheer this idiot thinking his crusade is going to benefit them. It won't. There's not enough room at the top in Third-World autocracies and the seats are already reserved in the one President Bannon is planning to establish in America.
8
"Everything is going according to plan" -- said every single cartoon supervillain ever
15
It is all done in the name of "Conservative".
Steve Bannon is in wolf's clothing. We have all read about his past. He is the man who helped steer the election campaign with his racial and nationalist tones. So, we all understand where all the distasteful campaign rhetoric was coming from. He is promoting his personal view and want to align them as new objectives for our country's future.
At the recent CPAC, Bannon has said everything is going according to plan. The "deconstruction of the administrative state" has begun. This man is bad news for our country, and his agenda will be destructive.
We have all seen the recent Executive Orders coming out of the White House, creating disagreement, unpleasantness and confusion to many. Perhaps, these initiatives and priorities are all coming from the newly appointed Chief Strategist to the President.
At the CPAC, Bannon goes on to say "Whether you're a populist, whether you're a limited government conservative, whether you're a libertarian, whether you're an economic nationalist, we want you to have our back".
What does this all mean?
What is surprising is that we do not hear from those members of the Republican Party, who are serving Office. By not challenging the so called Bannon motives, and yet worse, by staying silent, is troubling.
Steve Bannon is in wolf's clothing. We have all read about his past. He is the man who helped steer the election campaign with his racial and nationalist tones. So, we all understand where all the distasteful campaign rhetoric was coming from. He is promoting his personal view and want to align them as new objectives for our country's future.
At the recent CPAC, Bannon has said everything is going according to plan. The "deconstruction of the administrative state" has begun. This man is bad news for our country, and his agenda will be destructive.
We have all seen the recent Executive Orders coming out of the White House, creating disagreement, unpleasantness and confusion to many. Perhaps, these initiatives and priorities are all coming from the newly appointed Chief Strategist to the President.
At the CPAC, Bannon goes on to say "Whether you're a populist, whether you're a limited government conservative, whether you're a libertarian, whether you're an economic nationalist, we want you to have our back".
What does this all mean?
What is surprising is that we do not hear from those members of the Republican Party, who are serving Office. By not challenging the so called Bannon motives, and yet worse, by staying silent, is troubling.
9
Peters: "The destructive forces that Mr. Bannon and other conservatives complain about can sometimes come from within."
Yes, and that is where the "enemy of the people" can be found: within the White House.
Yes, and that is where the "enemy of the people" can be found: within the White House.
14
Conflating Bannon's agenda with Trump's is a mistake, especially for Donald Trump. When Bannon uses the word "deconstruction" what you are hearing is the dog whistle of nihilism consistent with Bannon's call for blowing up the system. Bannon's base is pure Breitbart.
Trump, misguided and off-compass as he is, is still a politician pandering to his own base with impulsive promises designed to soothe an angry minority of our country. Implicit is his desire to repair and *replace*, however poor those replacements may be. For Bannon, replacement is never the goal unless chaos and anarchy result.
Beware the Ides of March, Donald. Bannon does not have your back; he's just measuring it.
Trump, misguided and off-compass as he is, is still a politician pandering to his own base with impulsive promises designed to soothe an angry minority of our country. Implicit is his desire to repair and *replace*, however poor those replacements may be. For Bannon, replacement is never the goal unless chaos and anarchy result.
Beware the Ides of March, Donald. Bannon does not have your back; he's just measuring it.
12
I don't remember Obama ever referring to McCain, Romney, McConnel, or Ryan as his enemies. These people live in a totally different world with a totally different vocabulary than I do. Let us all sit back and take a deep breath though and remember that Clinton got three million more votes than President of the Electoral College Trump. The Trump/Bannon/Putin triad may be able to dismantle the Federal government, which just means that the elightened states will need to step up their game to ensure their own peace and prosperity instead of looking toward the Federal level.
11
Bannon is setting the tenor and the tone of the Trump presidency that is reflected in all aspects his administration. Trump keeps insisting that he is "the only one who can fix it".
Well he's certainly doing that. The "fix" is in folks.
Well he's certainly doing that. The "fix" is in folks.
7
My family got the news 15 minutes ago that my 85 year old step dad has lung cancer. Suddenly none of this political nightmare mattered to me anymore. Just saying.
1
Excellent news. Take it easy folks. Relax. Make America great again.
2
Relax?? There is no plan in place -- it's just destroy, destroy, destroy. As much as people dislike the Fed, the reality is that it takes administration to govern. Deferring to an oligarchy is not the solution either.
America was never great as a administratively gutted, unregulated, untaxed oligarchy.
America was never great as a administratively gutted, unregulated, untaxed oligarchy.
8
The title to this piece about Bannon's comments is weak and incorrect. Bannon threatened Americans with media annihilation and a 'deconstructed'form of government. Perhaps nytimes can be less polite and more precise in their word choice so the reader will get a true sense of what Bannon really said.
8
So all of you "let's take a chance on the outsider" Trump voters, and all you protesting 3rd party voters, and all you "I'm just stayin' home" non-voting protestors -- how are you feeling about this very predictable chaos and calamity of month one? It's well past time for you to get up and do something because your silence means you are with Trump / Bannon / Pence.
9
Let's, for one minute, forget the moral cancer this man espouses and look at the practical side of "deconstructing the administrative state". Rebuild the nation's infrastructure without an administration? Not gonna happen. Hey, all you folks in Oroville, California, grab some buckets and sandbags. Hey all you folks who voted for a wall, grab your hammers and some boards. Hey ICE agents enacting unconstitutional presidential edicts, you're agency just laid you off.
Welcome to the USA. Don't drink the water. We don't have an EPA anymore.
This will not bring jobs back. It will not "make America great again".
Bannon is the best advertisement for the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, the NAACP, the ACLU, and many others could ever hope for.
I can't wait until 2018.
Welcome to the USA. Don't drink the water. We don't have an EPA anymore.
This will not bring jobs back. It will not "make America great again".
Bannon is the best advertisement for the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, the NAACP, the ACLU, and many others could ever hope for.
I can't wait until 2018.
13
"Deconstruction of the administrative State" ... meaningless comment no doubt in Bannon's drug addled mind it sounds impressive as it might do to a self proclaimed political science wannabe. The only assurance Bannon seeks is that of an insecure, thin skinned, narcissistic buffoon as is evident from the grandiose praise he generously bestows on Trump ... "the best public speaker of all time" ... The only revelation is that he clearly has a firm grip on deeply insecure and needy old man.
11
I've felt for a long time that Steve Bannon was the most dangerous man in America. Rasputin is doing everything he can to destroy America as we know it. For what end, exactly? Just more power? A truly more Whites Only society (or at least Whites on Top society)? There was an article published last month in Medium entitled "Trial Balloon for a Coup" that was dismissed in the NYTimes by one opinion piece as left wing hysteria and fear mongering. But I'm not so sure that it was so far off the mark. I think that Bannon really wants to take over and not just for 4-8 years. I think he wants to take over as in getting Trump to be El Presidente for Life. With Bannon in the background pulling the strings. The fevered activity of this administration in the first month alone has gotten everyone spinning like a top, which is what he wants. He wants us so confused and so off our game there will be almost no one to oppose him. And to neuter journalists who could speak truth to power, he is actively trying to convince the electorate that the MSM is a bunch of liars. Each outrageous piece of legislation, each unqualified cabinet member proposed, each thing is calculated to destabilize the government and weaken all protections against the kind of coup he is seeking to stage. As people, we have to wake up and oppose him every step of the way until we can get rid of him and the orange front man who is dancing to Bannon's tune. This is a fight for the survival of America.
22
Every time Bannon finishes speaking, I hear in my head Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow saying "All evidence to the contrary nothwithstanding." "No chaos in the Trump Whitehouse." "All evidence to the contrary notwithstanding." Bannon's title should be "Illusionist in Chief."
11
"Deconstruction of the administrative state"
What about US military? Isn't that the the biggest part of the "administrative state"? Are we going to defend ourselves against our enemies with our personal weapons and snow shovels? Is there any any successful deconstructed Administrative state in History? If not we are in uncharted waters with an uncertain and probably a bleak future.
What about US military? Isn't that the the biggest part of the "administrative state"? Are we going to defend ourselves against our enemies with our personal weapons and snow shovels? Is there any any successful deconstructed Administrative state in History? If not we are in uncharted waters with an uncertain and probably a bleak future.
68
What if "we" are the "administrative state" and the military will be turned against us?
Yes, compared to today, the U.S. of even 20 or 30 years ago would be considered deconstructed. The amount of overreaching administrative mandates has blossomed, especially under Obama.
1
I'm thinking Liechtenstein. All things considered, that country is a very strange anomaly. I'm not sure the example sends quite the right message though. You would probably do better looking to Central and South America.
“that we’re a nation with an economy, not an economy just in some global marketplace with open borders — that we’re a nation with a culture and a reason for being." A statement by Bannon and a very good one.
Disrupting and dismantling the deep state is the task they undertake and should have been done long ago but no one until now could buck the system.
Good job President Trump.
Disrupting and dismantling the deep state is the task they undertake and should have been done long ago but no one until now could buck the system.
Good job President Trump.
2
Realities about America: Crime rates are down. There is virtually full employment. America continues to be a welcoming place where hard work and education increases your chances of success (of course, having your father start you off with millions is another route to some sort of success).
Realities about Mr. Trump: Mr. Trump is not a conservative and never has been a conservative.Mr. Trump has never been accountable to anybody and has never been outside his bubble of privilege. He is crude and classless (cash never equals class). He is not a student of history (This makes him unable to critically assess intellectual-sounding pronouncements from a fringe-dweller like Bannon). He is not a student of implementation science. He goes with the flow and the best flow for him at this time has been the GOP. He has no motivation to unite the country, which is why he continues to dwell on "us" and "them." This won't work for very long. The trick is to survive (literally) until the sleight of hand gets old and the lack of beneficial outcomes becomes to intolerable; even for the most ardent "burn down Washington" types. They will still need medical care, education, emergency assistance and other services provided by a strong and capable Federal government. They will still need laws, just as we all do. The only question is whether there is sufficient time for the logic to play out.
Realities about Mr. Trump: Mr. Trump is not a conservative and never has been a conservative.Mr. Trump has never been accountable to anybody and has never been outside his bubble of privilege. He is crude and classless (cash never equals class). He is not a student of history (This makes him unable to critically assess intellectual-sounding pronouncements from a fringe-dweller like Bannon). He is not a student of implementation science. He goes with the flow and the best flow for him at this time has been the GOP. He has no motivation to unite the country, which is why he continues to dwell on "us" and "them." This won't work for very long. The trick is to survive (literally) until the sleight of hand gets old and the lack of beneficial outcomes becomes to intolerable; even for the most ardent "burn down Washington" types. They will still need medical care, education, emergency assistance and other services provided by a strong and capable Federal government. They will still need laws, just as we all do. The only question is whether there is sufficient time for the logic to play out.
9
Because if there is one community besotted in this country it is Conservatives. With all the attacks on their social centers and regulations about their bodies.
3
In the immortal words of David Bowie, "I'm afraid of Americans/ I'm afraid of the world/ I'm afraid I can't help it/ I'm afraid I can't/I'm afraid of Americans." And yes, I'm an American.
1
Don't forget Bannon produced the most anti-Semitic "comedy" show of our time--Seinfeld.
3
The Al-Fascist Alt-President, when he SAYS "deconstruction," really means DESTRUCTION.
That is all Fascists are good for.
That is all Fascists are good for.
11
I don't remember Trump ever talking about deconstructing the state when he was campaigning.
14
"Ms. Conway said the stories of disarray in the White House, including recent accounts that she has been sidelined lately, were nothing more than tiresome palace intrigue."
Notice the word "palace"... if the WH is now a palace does that mean that, he who shall not be named, is our new king?
Notice the word "palace"... if the WH is now a palace does that mean that, he who shall not be named, is our new king?
9
If you thought that Cheney, Wolfowitz, Abrams and Perle were true neocons then you history will find they were liberals compared to Bannon and Miller. Those two believe that wars with Russia and China are "inevitable" and see America as emerging victorious - and white. Perfectly acceptable to the new neocons.
Unfortunately, white is the color of a nuclear winter. Lt. General McMaster, if you accomplish one thing only as head of the NSC it need be that you seek Bannon's immediate removal from the Council. It's been pointed out that such a decision is Trump's and not yours. You'd either best keep your enemies closer or speak the truth to power that you always advocated.
Unfortunately, white is the color of a nuclear winter. Lt. General McMaster, if you accomplish one thing only as head of the NSC it need be that you seek Bannon's immediate removal from the Council. It's been pointed out that such a decision is Trump's and not yours. You'd either best keep your enemies closer or speak the truth to power that you always advocated.
8
The agenda of this administration terrifies me. I wonder how many people have been prescribed an anti-anxiety or antidepressant in the last several months.
9
If Bannon wants to deconstruct the "administrative state," may I suggest he start with the administrative office of which he is a member. Time to disinfect and start over.
7
Well now, the very same conservatives that couldn't stand Donald all of a sudden will embrace him! How nice! They all voted for him, they agree with his xenophobia and bigotry. What hypocrites these people are!
And Bannon, I didn't read it in the article but he clearly stated yesterday what Donald's plans are "nationalism versus globalism". Do not be fooled folks, "nationalism" is another word for fascism! Read some history of Spain's nationalist leader, Franco, and tell me if you want to live in a nationalist country!
The Republicans are wrong, they are on the wrong side of history.
And Bannon, I didn't read it in the article but he clearly stated yesterday what Donald's plans are "nationalism versus globalism". Do not be fooled folks, "nationalism" is another word for fascism! Read some history of Spain's nationalist leader, Franco, and tell me if you want to live in a nationalist country!
The Republicans are wrong, they are on the wrong side of history.
7
Bannon's phrase “deconstruction of the administrative state” is his way of avoiding the word anarchy.
10
Bannon is only an opportunist.
Try to make any sense of what he says or his political philosophy and one gets no consistency, logic or continuity.
He comes from a working class catholic family and he sometimes sees to speak of an extreme form of philosophy which might start therein. That is, desiring a theocracy and being "populist" and super socialistic. But we don't see that. Comments here try to guess at it: is it just fascism (bigoted, illibral conservatives wanting control by any means) and hating jews and immigrants and non-whiter persons? That sounds just white, nationalist, supremacist?
The man is an opportunist and simply wants to advance himself financially and his monster ego. Sound like his boss?
Let us know if you really know this mans philosophy of life, his interpretation of the constitution and the bible.
Try to make any sense of what he says or his political philosophy and one gets no consistency, logic or continuity.
He comes from a working class catholic family and he sometimes sees to speak of an extreme form of philosophy which might start therein. That is, desiring a theocracy and being "populist" and super socialistic. But we don't see that. Comments here try to guess at it: is it just fascism (bigoted, illibral conservatives wanting control by any means) and hating jews and immigrants and non-whiter persons? That sounds just white, nationalist, supremacist?
The man is an opportunist and simply wants to advance himself financially and his monster ego. Sound like his boss?
Let us know if you really know this mans philosophy of life, his interpretation of the constitution and the bible.
4
I really don't want to have my government's back . I want them to have mine.
4
Bannon reassures? Everything he says is extremely disturbing to me. If he were to stop talking altogether that would be perfect.
4
Sounds like a threat! Or is that only if such a comment were directed at a minority?
I support Bannon; he makes a lot of sense. He is the right for the right time. We need a fresh vision, a fresh perspective, a different philosophy. Thank you.
3
A different philosophy? Bannon believes in the Old World Order of White men running everything and being special by dint of their Whiteness--what's special or different about this?
7
A silly man who puts down those he dislikes and promises great things by destroying the order. We've seen it before. Resist, resist, resist these fools before they become monsters.
9
What Bannon seems to mean from the meaningless phrase
"deconstruction of the administrative state" is that administrative
policy will be decided upon criteria that are evidence free and
driven by manipulation of data for purely political and ideological
ends.
In other words, one gets to read the tea leaves any way
one wishes, often for ideological purposes, or to pay back loyal
and very rich supporters. With control of congress and significant media outlets and a strategy of confining and putting on the defensive MSM to the role of disloyal enemy that can be dismissed with a few canonical phrases or
monosyllabic utterances, they can then expect to be able to spin the consequences of their policy decisions any positive way they wish, and for as
long as necessary until attention goes elsewhere to another devised
crisis of distraction and spectacle. Congress, aka
our Duma on the Potomac, will be happy to oblige since campaign
resources will flow to the loyal and obedient da men.
So, what he really seems to mean is the destruction of the rational
evidence based/driven policy state, such as it was understood to be
for a long time. Completely different criteria will now be used to
develop, implement, and measure the success of policy. Little of
it will have any significant coherent intellectual content justifying it.
This will be all fine and good for those in attendance at cpac of course
since they certainly feel likewise about the functioning of such a state.
"deconstruction of the administrative state" is that administrative
policy will be decided upon criteria that are evidence free and
driven by manipulation of data for purely political and ideological
ends.
In other words, one gets to read the tea leaves any way
one wishes, often for ideological purposes, or to pay back loyal
and very rich supporters. With control of congress and significant media outlets and a strategy of confining and putting on the defensive MSM to the role of disloyal enemy that can be dismissed with a few canonical phrases or
monosyllabic utterances, they can then expect to be able to spin the consequences of their policy decisions any positive way they wish, and for as
long as necessary until attention goes elsewhere to another devised
crisis of distraction and spectacle. Congress, aka
our Duma on the Potomac, will be happy to oblige since campaign
resources will flow to the loyal and obedient da men.
So, what he really seems to mean is the destruction of the rational
evidence based/driven policy state, such as it was understood to be
for a long time. Completely different criteria will now be used to
develop, implement, and measure the success of policy. Little of
it will have any significant coherent intellectual content justifying it.
This will be all fine and good for those in attendance at cpac of course
since they certainly feel likewise about the functioning of such a state.
2
Today’s Theatre Review: Steve Bannon Speech of 2/23/17.
There are no morals in politics; there is only expedience. A scoundrel may be of use to us just because he is a scoundrel. ---Vladimir Lenin
A typical Bannon performance: all bluster, bombast, fake bravado, pretension and self-satisfaction. Would have been received better by the audience if delivered by a thinner man resembling a Eutopean dictator wearing a snazzy brown shirt with a matching Sam Browne belt.
This actor -- in the opinion of your humble reviewer -- appears to very ill-suited for the stage unless it is the one leaving tomorrow at 12 noon for Whereabouts Unknown from the back door of the White House.
Friendly tip to potential theatregoers: If you happen to have free tickets for his performance and are determined to attend because you have a taste for the macabre and are interested in seeing what happens when decent public policies are replaced by conspiracy theories once popular in the Soviet Union and China and again now in Russia, do not do so without remembering to bring along your heavy duty gas mask. This man smells to High Heaven.
There are no morals in politics; there is only expedience. A scoundrel may be of use to us just because he is a scoundrel. ---Vladimir Lenin
A typical Bannon performance: all bluster, bombast, fake bravado, pretension and self-satisfaction. Would have been received better by the audience if delivered by a thinner man resembling a Eutopean dictator wearing a snazzy brown shirt with a matching Sam Browne belt.
This actor -- in the opinion of your humble reviewer -- appears to very ill-suited for the stage unless it is the one leaving tomorrow at 12 noon for Whereabouts Unknown from the back door of the White House.
Friendly tip to potential theatregoers: If you happen to have free tickets for his performance and are determined to attend because you have a taste for the macabre and are interested in seeing what happens when decent public policies are replaced by conspiracy theories once popular in the Soviet Union and China and again now in Russia, do not do so without remembering to bring along your heavy duty gas mask. This man smells to High Heaven.
7
If the dismantling of "the administrative state" has indeed begun, then I guess the round-up and deportation of undocumented workers will proceed mostly via racial profiling, not mining of databases. That's good b/c it's more easily challenged in court.
5
It is ironic that those who will most suffer from what Trump and the Republicans are doing are those that elected them. Bannon wants to take us to a bad Ayn Rand universe where everyone is on his or her own. Poetic justice for the deplorables.
14
Their not all deplorable. Some just have made a bad decision based on desperation. It is going to take some time for them to understand what people like Bannon really mean for them. It's time to stop being critical of them and concentrate all our criticism on the Trump Administration and what he is doing to destroy the country.
2
Bannon is one of the "enemies of the people" working in the White House.
8
For our country's future and the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must be respectful towards one another regardless of where we stand on the political spectrum. The importance of every American to express his/her opinion peacefully cannot be understated. I am an American who appreciates that our diverse opinions and backgrounds are our ultimate strength as a nation.
Trump has shown the American people, the ones that oppose his policies, the ones that do not look like the mainstream, the vulnerable ones, the one's that do their jobs and expose corruption and dishonesty --no respect. How do we have one united country when our leader does nothing but try and divide us, and does not respect the very people that he works for. Remember he works for all of us. When will he learn that?
Trump has shown the American people, the ones that oppose his policies, the ones that do not look like the mainstream, the vulnerable ones, the one's that do their jobs and expose corruption and dishonesty --no respect. How do we have one united country when our leader does nothing but try and divide us, and does not respect the very people that he works for. Remember he works for all of us. When will he learn that?
5
“I can run a little hot on occasion,” Mr. Bannon said
In other words, he has no idea what he's doing and is upset the media has exposed him as another fraud perpetrating fake news.
Bannon wants us to think he has an agenda and everything is under control, but it's obvious he has no discipline of any kind. Bannon and Trump both look like they're a month away from a heart attack.
In other words, he has no idea what he's doing and is upset the media has exposed him as another fraud perpetrating fake news.
Bannon wants us to think he has an agenda and everything is under control, but it's obvious he has no discipline of any kind. Bannon and Trump both look like they're a month away from a heart attack.
8
Stephen K. Bannon, T. Rumps advisor. Those words make me sick to my stomach, and I mourn the passing of this country and its ideals.
9
These fascists, for that is what they are, are going after the media and the immigrants first. It comes from the playbook of Hitler and Mussolini. Trump and Bannon are placing in the minds of their followers that any news from the press is false and biased. This is a chilling development, I never could've imagined that this sort of thing would happen to the degree that it has. Thank you NY Times, Washington Post for your brilliant work over the years. I have had disagreements with your slant and omissions at times but I can safely say you are respected for journalistic intelligence and integrity. You are doing crucial work in this age of Trump/Bannon for the survival of our nation and democracy.
13
"The deconstruction of the administrative state has begun"??
This is straight out of Lenin. In arguing for the necessity of a communist government, he argued that it was first necessary there be a "vanguard of the proletariat" to first insure that the working masses were all on the same page, and that "counter-revolutionary" forces and elements be thoroughly weeded out.
Then and only then, Lenin argued, could the State be done away with, which he termed a phase in which the State would "wither away" of its own accord.
Bannon has said he is a Leninist. A Leninist is someone who believes in a totalitarian theory of history, and that they are the ones who see it and are to usher it in. Bannon thinks he is the vanguard of a revolutionary moment.
This is almost unimaginably terrifying. A Leninist is loose at the heart of our nation's government.
This is straight out of Lenin. In arguing for the necessity of a communist government, he argued that it was first necessary there be a "vanguard of the proletariat" to first insure that the working masses were all on the same page, and that "counter-revolutionary" forces and elements be thoroughly weeded out.
Then and only then, Lenin argued, could the State be done away with, which he termed a phase in which the State would "wither away" of its own accord.
Bannon has said he is a Leninist. A Leninist is someone who believes in a totalitarian theory of history, and that they are the ones who see it and are to usher it in. Bannon thinks he is the vanguard of a revolutionary moment.
This is almost unimaginably terrifying. A Leninist is loose at the heart of our nation's government.
13
And the trains will run on time. Beware of someone who has no compunction about using such phrases.
9
Makes you kinda miss Dick Cheney doesn't he?
13
As a kid in school, when I learned how Jews had been rounded up and hauled off like cattle, I remember thinking, why didn't somebody do something? I think I get it now.
19
I too remember thinking, how could the Germans fall for Hitler's lies. I wonder no more. Trump's lies are so obvious, and still they believe and say he speaks truth.
7
Man of mystery? Bannon is a un-apologetic far-right white supremacist, look it up, and anyone who supports his position in this administration is by extension a white supremacist. The equivalent person on the Left, put in the position of tremendous power that Trump has given him, would be the object of such rage and outcry from the Right that you wouldn't be able to hear yourself think. Just one of the thousands of blatant hypocrisies the Republicans shower down on the nation every day.
8
Light is a great disinfectant.
Notice that anything that bears witness to what's going on in the Trump administration is actively thwarted.
It is clear from the CPAC rally by all the corrected "we" to "Trump", that fact that Trump (who is normally more liberal) is going totally hard core, it is Bannon and Co that are the controlling entities. There are some GOOD people in the administration. But as Condolesa Rice warned, are they strong enough to not be morally gutted by Bannon? Even before the election, others who have worked with Bannon have mentioned he just morally hollows out the folks around him.
Trump indeed is the perfect vessel.
Are the folks at CPAC and the GOP so blinded by their internal greed, they're selling their and America's soul to a devil? Who are the actual buyers?
Notice that anything that bears witness to what's going on in the Trump administration is actively thwarted.
It is clear from the CPAC rally by all the corrected "we" to "Trump", that fact that Trump (who is normally more liberal) is going totally hard core, it is Bannon and Co that are the controlling entities. There are some GOOD people in the administration. But as Condolesa Rice warned, are they strong enough to not be morally gutted by Bannon? Even before the election, others who have worked with Bannon have mentioned he just morally hollows out the folks around him.
Trump indeed is the perfect vessel.
Are the folks at CPAC and the GOP so blinded by their internal greed, they're selling their and America's soul to a devil? Who are the actual buyers?
87
It is the destruction of America and not the deconstruction. Bannen's ominous, dystopian agenda is designed to turn our great country into an authoritarian state run by an incompetent, self centered, misanthropic madman who is exploiting his position for personal gain at the expense of the American public. The sycophants, Priebus, Spicer, Miller and Conway are sellouts to his power and greed. The real danger is Bannen. This slovenly, messianic evil man needs to be confronted and stopped. Maybe he's met his match with the general who now heads NSC.
2
Yes, everything is "going according to plan." The question no one is asking is what is that plan (and whose plan is it)?
I am no conspiracy monger, but conservatives who are hitching their wagon to Bannon should think carefully. Read for yourself his remarks at The Vatican in 2014 and his comments at C-PAC. The plan appears to be (a) provoke a crisis then (b) start a war or wars as a means to some sort of (c) global "reset" -- or "cleansing" if you prefer.
I can only interpret Bannon's words and messianic tone one way: we are dealing with a dangerous lunatic. Do, please, read his own words and judge for yourself.
I am no conspiracy monger, but conservatives who are hitching their wagon to Bannon should think carefully. Read for yourself his remarks at The Vatican in 2014 and his comments at C-PAC. The plan appears to be (a) provoke a crisis then (b) start a war or wars as a means to some sort of (c) global "reset" -- or "cleansing" if you prefer.
I can only interpret Bannon's words and messianic tone one way: we are dealing with a dangerous lunatic. Do, please, read his own words and judge for yourself.
9
http://forward.com/culture/362872/meet-the-philosopher-whos-a-favorite-o... This story will tell you who Steve Bannon is.
“corporatist globalist media” Do these people ever look in a mirror and realize how much they sound like the communists and idealogues of old. These utterances are so like the usage of "bourgeois" "marxist leninist" and countless other words that flow effortlessly from the lips of "revolutionaries" across the world. These have only lead to pain, suffering and death for common people. This is not about left or right but simply about disruption for the sake of power. Stripping away the idealogical short term benefits, is this really what CPAC and the idealists of the Republican party truly want for the country they love?
5
He decries "corporatist global media " but he has taken part in corporatism when he was at Goldman Sachs. Trump is trying to repeal Dodd-Frank and take away our protections from Financial Corporate greed. A Fascist to his core. Bannon must go!
Gov. Bevin: we'd love to focus on meaningful issues. All we're getting from the White House is lies and idiocy. What are we supposed to work with? Promises that yuuuge change is coming? Promises that a great health package is coming? That jobs are roaring back...soon? Where's the beef, governor??
2
I don't think that all Republicans are happy with being labeled as part and supporters of the Alt-Right. I think that the RNC still has patriotic Americans who aren't supportive of the Alt-Right agenda to do away with everyone that they see as impediments to their vision of a White American agenda with no minorities living anywhere in the USA. That, of course, is Bannon's dream agenda along with that of his minions (which include Trump).
4
Future generations will point to this moment and ask their parents and grandparents where they were when this happened and what they did to stop it.
8
Many of our new leaders -- Trump, Bannon, etc., -- are clever in some respects but it is amazing how little they know about things in general and how they sometimes pursue contradictory objectives. For example, Trump says that he wants to encourage more oil exploration and production in the United States while he works to bring back coal. He doesn't seem to know that more petroleum production would mean more cheap natural gas. Cheap natural gas has done more to kill coal than anything.
The same with Syrian and other immigrants. The immigrants that I know about are many times working people with education and families. Many of the people fleeing Syria ran businesses or had good educations. They would be naturals for conservative and stable family life and culture. Many Muslims voted republican in the Bush years and before but Trump and company want to run them off.
Maybe we are lucky that Trump and co. don't know that they are doing and pursue contradictory goals. Imagine what it would be like if they had their act together. The country will survive but there is no telling the harm and destruction that will take place before the Trump era is over. Maybe the anti-trump forces (immigrants, minorities, ) will learn that they need to be more politically active.
The same with Syrian and other immigrants. The immigrants that I know about are many times working people with education and families. Many of the people fleeing Syria ran businesses or had good educations. They would be naturals for conservative and stable family life and culture. Many Muslims voted republican in the Bush years and before but Trump and company want to run them off.
Maybe we are lucky that Trump and co. don't know that they are doing and pursue contradictory goals. Imagine what it would be like if they had their act together. The country will survive but there is no telling the harm and destruction that will take place before the Trump era is over. Maybe the anti-trump forces (immigrants, minorities, ) will learn that they need to be more politically active.
7
"Because of the association that a fringe element of Trump supporters has with white nationalists, the CPAC organizers held a panel discussion on Thursday to signal their strong disapproval. Its title: The Alt-Right Ain’t Right at All."
And yet...who was at the event...let's see...
-- Stephen Bannon, founder of the self-proclaimed media platform for the alt-right
-- Richard Spencer, self-proclaimed leader of the alt-right
-- Milo Yiannopoulos, Breitbart editor -- oh, wait, he was dumped because his alt-right views are even too disgusting even for CPAC!
I fail to see how CPAC is signaling their "strong disapproval" of the alt-right. ACTIONS.......so much more telling than mere words, even in panel discussion format. So I give them "hypocrite" rating for their attempt to show their disapproval.
And yet...who was at the event...let's see...
-- Stephen Bannon, founder of the self-proclaimed media platform for the alt-right
-- Richard Spencer, self-proclaimed leader of the alt-right
-- Milo Yiannopoulos, Breitbart editor -- oh, wait, he was dumped because his alt-right views are even too disgusting even for CPAC!
I fail to see how CPAC is signaling their "strong disapproval" of the alt-right. ACTIONS.......so much more telling than mere words, even in panel discussion format. So I give them "hypocrite" rating for their attempt to show their disapproval.
7
CPAC's statement is in keeping with the Trump way of contradiction to truth and reality. CPAC has been totally indoctrinated. Maybe it didn't take much for that to happen.
Never never in my lifetime have we seen an administration filled with people who do not deserve our respect. White supremacists, America Firsters, racists, science non-believers, and those who want to take down everything this country stands for.
Only we can stop them from destroying who we are. Fight them, resist them and all they stand for. Don't let the hate and bigotry win.
Only we can stop them from destroying who we are. Fight them, resist them and all they stand for. Don't let the hate and bigotry win.
13
When a Republican or Libertarian starts talking "freedom", know that what they are talking about is complete freedom for corporations and the wealthy and limited, if any, freedom for the average American.
11
Exactly. Trump's con of the working Americans is well underway. Soon we will see the abolition of consumer protection, the rise of outrageous and hidden fees that corporate America loves. We have already seen that banking will be returned to its pre-recession deregulation. Soon, the SEC will be neutered so that companies can run wild with impunity. I am also waiting for the tax cut. I'm sure it will bring back memories of the Reagan cut which simply meant the gutting of deductions typically relied on by the middle class.
I am also waiting for Trump to enact his elimination of the carried interest loopholes which, outrageously, allows hedge fund people to pay capital gains rates on what are no different than wages.
I am also waiting for Trump to enact his elimination of the carried interest loopholes which, outrageously, allows hedge fund people to pay capital gains rates on what are no different than wages.
2
Jeremy:
Per your article:
“that we’re a nation with a culture and a reason for being."
On its face, this statement seems harmless enough.
But, there's something that sounds vaguely familiar about this that makes me uneasy.
(I can't quite put my finger on it.)
The central questions are:
How does Bannon define our nation's "culture"?
What does he see as our "reason for being"?
And, how do we, as Americans, feel about his answers to these questions?
Why don't you explore these questions?
Per your article:
“that we’re a nation with a culture and a reason for being."
On its face, this statement seems harmless enough.
But, there's something that sounds vaguely familiar about this that makes me uneasy.
(I can't quite put my finger on it.)
The central questions are:
How does Bannon define our nation's "culture"?
What does he see as our "reason for being"?
And, how do we, as Americans, feel about his answers to these questions?
Why don't you explore these questions?
6
Mr. Bannon’s attribution of “nationalism” or “nationalist” to several social institutions such as “Economic Natioanlism,” not surprising given his background, but none the less should be alarming:
“Nationalism is the main foundation of fascism. The fascist view of a nation is of a single organic entity that binds people together by their ancestry, and is a natural unifying force of people. Fascism seeks to solve economic, political, and social problems by achieving a millenarian national rebirth, exalting the nation or race above all else, and promoting cults of unity, strength, and purity.”
Wikipedia contributors. "Fascism." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 23 Feb. 2017. Web. 24 Feb. 2017.
“Nationalism is the main foundation of fascism. The fascist view of a nation is of a single organic entity that binds people together by their ancestry, and is a natural unifying force of people. Fascism seeks to solve economic, political, and social problems by achieving a millenarian national rebirth, exalting the nation or race above all else, and promoting cults of unity, strength, and purity.”
Wikipedia contributors. "Fascism." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 23 Feb. 2017. Web. 24 Feb. 2017.
2
Wow! You really do like throwing red meat in front of Clinton supporters, don't you? And you can see by the comments here how ravishingly they devour it. Of course, I don't mean to suggest you are playing them. Of course not!
1
If you look at what Trump has actually accomplished, it amounts to not much. The noisiest controversies are among the least significant. Transgender rights under Title IX will be decided by the Supreme Court in months. ICE's arresting of illegals has not much changed since the Obama years despite Trump's threats. Some of his most far reaching changes are regulations always enacted when a Democrat gives way to a Republican. As for Bannon he is not to be equated with Breitbart any more than any publisher is to be equated with every story the newspaper runs. And he is clearly a provocateur whose statements often are made more for effect than substance. It is standard to take him at his word and to view him as the devil. But often he seems to be just playing the devil for effect. Like Trump, he is mostly smoke, with little fire. He is an outsider on the inside, and he has little traction.
Congress has done next to nothing this month. Our laws have not changed. The same goes for the Courts. It is often stated that Obama was blocked by intransigent Republicans. Trump has undone a few of Obama's measures despite the fact that he has a Republican Congress ready to do much of his bidding.
Democrats seem not to understand that the devil they see is mostly pediddling around. If the Trump administration continues to muddle about for 2 years and then the Democrats win control o Congress, the bottom line will be not much harm done.
Congress has done next to nothing this month. Our laws have not changed. The same goes for the Courts. It is often stated that Obama was blocked by intransigent Republicans. Trump has undone a few of Obama's measures despite the fact that he has a Republican Congress ready to do much of his bidding.
Democrats seem not to understand that the devil they see is mostly pediddling around. If the Trump administration continues to muddle about for 2 years and then the Democrats win control o Congress, the bottom line will be not much harm done.
25
'The "deconstruction of the administrative state" has just begun.'
Here's an example:
Mark Chelgren, a Republican of Iowa has introduced a bill, SF 288.
It's a simple bill.
It simply says that public universities in Iowa must use voter registration information on hiring professors.
Preference will be given to Republicans until the hiring is equalized at no more or less than 10% difference, Democrats vs Republicans.
It seems that the public universities don't want to hire Republicans as professors. Creationists, Young Earth believers, anti-women and don't care much for blacks, Muslims or progressives, aren't the preference for putting in the classroom. The universities would rather hire Equalitists that focus on the commonality of societies rather than Ladderists who never met a rung they didn't love.
Too bad if you don't want troglodytes teaching, Chelgren shrugs.
We will force you universities to do so.
There's Bannon's "deconstruction".
Force.
A rigged game.
The Nazis pulled this same one, only change the name from "Democrats" to getting rid of "those Jews ( or trade-unionists, homosexuals, Gypsies, disabled, White Rose Society... fill in the blank)".
Someone had better ask this bunch exactly what it is that they will be "constructing" after all their "deconstruction", because I suspect that we have seen this movie before and it was rated "100% Rotten".
It's time to wake up now.
Here's an example:
Mark Chelgren, a Republican of Iowa has introduced a bill, SF 288.
It's a simple bill.
It simply says that public universities in Iowa must use voter registration information on hiring professors.
Preference will be given to Republicans until the hiring is equalized at no more or less than 10% difference, Democrats vs Republicans.
It seems that the public universities don't want to hire Republicans as professors. Creationists, Young Earth believers, anti-women and don't care much for blacks, Muslims or progressives, aren't the preference for putting in the classroom. The universities would rather hire Equalitists that focus on the commonality of societies rather than Ladderists who never met a rung they didn't love.
Too bad if you don't want troglodytes teaching, Chelgren shrugs.
We will force you universities to do so.
There's Bannon's "deconstruction".
Force.
A rigged game.
The Nazis pulled this same one, only change the name from "Democrats" to getting rid of "those Jews ( or trade-unionists, homosexuals, Gypsies, disabled, White Rose Society... fill in the blank)".
Someone had better ask this bunch exactly what it is that they will be "constructing" after all their "deconstruction", because I suspect that we have seen this movie before and it was rated "100% Rotten".
It's time to wake up now.
6
Bannon makes Cheney look almost human
7
The naked face of evil!
6
55% negative rating for Trump in only his first month.
And that's before the coo coo Republicans have even passed any "favor the rich over the middle class" legislation.
This administration and it's typical Republican tilt to the wealthy are heading for a public bashing that will have those happy CPACers in tears.
Just wait.
The backlash will be wicked.
And that's before the coo coo Republicans have even passed any "favor the rich over the middle class" legislation.
This administration and it's typical Republican tilt to the wealthy are heading for a public bashing that will have those happy CPACers in tears.
Just wait.
The backlash will be wicked.
5
President Bannon may believe he has the mandate to unleash disruption but that may fundamentally alter the notion that a set of shared values unites the states. Too far a divergence from the principles of the constitution may lead blue states to seriously consider whether their interests are still served by membership of a Union which doesn't share their values.
Trump is a major supporter of Brexit - the time may come when the idea of a Calexit or Nyexit starts to build support. All things change over time and it may fall to Trump to be the one who instigated the break-up of the United States into a 2-state solution - One based on the two coasts and one consisting of the central, southern and south-eastern states. The current administration are taking it for granted that no one wants change - but they should remember that everyone has a breaking point.
Trump is a major supporter of Brexit - the time may come when the idea of a Calexit or Nyexit starts to build support. All things change over time and it may fall to Trump to be the one who instigated the break-up of the United States into a 2-state solution - One based on the two coasts and one consisting of the central, southern and south-eastern states. The current administration are taking it for granted that no one wants change - but they should remember that everyone has a breaking point.
So in his world there will be only military enforcers I guess. Plus of course the ones in power now I guess. Giving money to support corporations I guess. So the law of the land will be greed I guess.
Let us be clear about what Bannon is:a confused old man with wacko anarchist aspirations. And the whole GOP willingly follows this pied Piper.
Collective idiocy.
Mr. Bannon, the world is complicated and if you think it is a linear one dimension system you are just a cool.
Collective idiocy.
Mr. Bannon, the world is complicated and if you think it is a linear one dimension system you are just a cool.
3
obvious typo "...just a fool" , of course
“unbelievable incessant focus on the most mindless things,”
That's right, Gov. Bevin, but you're talking about FACTS. All we've been getting from the new so-called administration is LIES. REAL FACTS are under attack from these unqualified extremists who want us to believe their warped world view, when, IN FACT, theirs is not representative of reality.
The parade of rich, unfit, unqualified, and apparently un-vetted "nominees" being pushed into cabinet posts is frightening. They appear to be the WORST possible selections to run OUR COUNTRY. Bannon, et al, seem to think they've been elected to "take over", instead of SERVE. The word service NEVER appears in any verbal or written communication from any of these people. Bu then, their "leader" is a draft dodger and a tax dodger.
Bannon is on the NSC ILLEGALLY. They all need to be removed.
That's right, Gov. Bevin, but you're talking about FACTS. All we've been getting from the new so-called administration is LIES. REAL FACTS are under attack from these unqualified extremists who want us to believe their warped world view, when, IN FACT, theirs is not representative of reality.
The parade of rich, unfit, unqualified, and apparently un-vetted "nominees" being pushed into cabinet posts is frightening. They appear to be the WORST possible selections to run OUR COUNTRY. Bannon, et al, seem to think they've been elected to "take over", instead of SERVE. The word service NEVER appears in any verbal or written communication from any of these people. Bu then, their "leader" is a draft dodger and a tax dodger.
Bannon is on the NSC ILLEGALLY. They all need to be removed.
2
I doubt many of the Trump supporters I live among would admit they voted for "destruction of the administrative state," even if they could describe lucidly what it entails. Many voted mostly their resentments, grievances, and intense dislike of Obama, others in irrational defense of their idea of Christianity, others defending their guns.
When Trump supporters speak of "taking our country back" and "making America great again," they are referring to some time in America--the '50s?--when they believe life was golden for folks like them.
Most assuredly, Trump supporters did not vote for "a new world order." Even those applauding his "shaking things up" must have some qualms at the prospective consequences of the current diplomatic chaos.
Bannon has co-opted the amorphous grievance of Trump's supporters and claimed it mandate for his own skewed ideology and "solutions" growing from it.
Republicans and those who call themselves "conservatives" should be the first to reject this subversion. And make it clear to Donald Trump, who may not yet comprehend the enormity of what he has unleashed, that America will not stand for this.
When Trump supporters speak of "taking our country back" and "making America great again," they are referring to some time in America--the '50s?--when they believe life was golden for folks like them.
Most assuredly, Trump supporters did not vote for "a new world order." Even those applauding his "shaking things up" must have some qualms at the prospective consequences of the current diplomatic chaos.
Bannon has co-opted the amorphous grievance of Trump's supporters and claimed it mandate for his own skewed ideology and "solutions" growing from it.
Republicans and those who call themselves "conservatives" should be the first to reject this subversion. And make it clear to Donald Trump, who may not yet comprehend the enormity of what he has unleashed, that America will not stand for this.
3
sorry, no pass. I knew what agent orange and bannon the hun meant when they want to "make america great again", the subtext of which was "don't worry, we'll get rid of the black president and restore your whiteness again".
I thaught my Fathers generation in Great Brirain and the USA fought a war against the rhetoric put out by President Trump describing immigrants and Mexicans in particular.Go back 80 odd years and the same derogatory language was used by the Nazis against the Jews and anybody else they took a dislike to.
4
Republicans should feel VERY uncomfortable when a white supremacist addresses them at a conference and asks for their support. Congressional Republicans must be realizing their party has been coopted by the Tea Party and other radicals--a direct result of the efforts of many of those same Republicans to wrest control of the government.
Be careful what you wish for.
Democrats need to meet with those Republicans to set aside our differences and unite to defeat this threat to our country.
Be careful what you wish for.
Democrats need to meet with those Republicans to set aside our differences and unite to defeat this threat to our country.
1
quote.....
Gov. Matt Bevin, Republican of Kentucky, said, “Let’s stop being so titillated by idiocy.” (.........with ellipses omitted for clarity)
....end quote
well put, governor!
but the "idiocy" on display in the oval office is of such high caliber that it simply demands attention.
and true.... depression, massive hilarity, and/or "titillation" are among the unavoidable reactions.
Gov. Matt Bevin, Republican of Kentucky, said, “Let’s stop being so titillated by idiocy.” (.........with ellipses omitted for clarity)
....end quote
well put, governor!
but the "idiocy" on display in the oval office is of such high caliber that it simply demands attention.
and true.... depression, massive hilarity, and/or "titillation" are among the unavoidable reactions.
2
Mr. Bevin: “Let’s focus on things that matter and stop being so tabloid-like and titillated by idiocy.”
Mr. Bevin needs to start with Donald Trump, who is utterly exhausting that he has sucked all the air out of an entire country, while Bannon as rat scurries around trying to wreck the machinery of our government while simultaneously imposing repressive policies.
First, unleashing a deportation machine on the very streets of America, then an all-out assault on voting rights.
You can see how unhealthy Bannon is, physically and emotionally. A wife-beater and demagogue who hired the pedophile Milo Y. He's sick and he needs to go.
Mr. Bevin needs to start with Donald Trump, who is utterly exhausting that he has sucked all the air out of an entire country, while Bannon as rat scurries around trying to wreck the machinery of our government while simultaneously imposing repressive policies.
First, unleashing a deportation machine on the very streets of America, then an all-out assault on voting rights.
You can see how unhealthy Bannon is, physically and emotionally. A wife-beater and demagogue who hired the pedophile Milo Y. He's sick and he needs to go.
5
Hollow rhetoric at the service of a hollow mind. Good luck America!
4
“...deconstruction of the administrative state.”
What say? I don't recall that being Trump's campaign message. And what, exactly, is going to replace "administration" - the chaos we are witnessing during the first month of this administration?
What does that "deconstruction" look like? Unregulated capitalism to replace government services in health care, infrastructure, even military defense (think Blackwater). In other words, corporate robber barons will own the government outright, if they do not already.
Bannon is doomed to fail because he is promoting an agenda that does not have wide-spread support even among Republican voters. He is an ideological crackpot without a substantial base. He will ultimately fail, but not before doing a great deal of damage to the country.
What say? I don't recall that being Trump's campaign message. And what, exactly, is going to replace "administration" - the chaos we are witnessing during the first month of this administration?
What does that "deconstruction" look like? Unregulated capitalism to replace government services in health care, infrastructure, even military defense (think Blackwater). In other words, corporate robber barons will own the government outright, if they do not already.
Bannon is doomed to fail because he is promoting an agenda that does not have wide-spread support even among Republican voters. He is an ideological crackpot without a substantial base. He will ultimately fail, but not before doing a great deal of damage to the country.
163
And if he was a White House democrat speaking to a democratic group the headline would have read...
Bannon Rallies Democrats Who Are Solidly Behind President
Bannon Rallies Democrats Who Are Solidly Behind President
And to think I took flak on my comment to yesterday's Times article encouraging the Democrats in the Senate to resist and filibuster this dangerous Administration at every turn. With me now?
2
It is indisputable that Bannon is a lucky man: the reservoir of gullible people is huge.
3
Bannon's statement that "[t]he “deconstruction of the administrative state” has just begun" so readily applies to Don's so called "business empire." The five or son bankruptcies and the rapid collapse of Don's "casino empire"; more like a twisted game of Monopoly were Don secured his profits while all others lost their proverbial shirts.
Clearly then, Don, and his Grigori Rasputin on steroids (AKA Bannon), have a blueprint for deconstruction based on Don's "mastery" of business.
Clearly then, Don, and his Grigori Rasputin on steroids (AKA Bannon), have a blueprint for deconstruction based on Don's "mastery" of business.
1
Will Congress ask if they are also considered impediments to the President's wishes?
This "man of mystery" may be cunning, but he suffers from grandiosity and is also stunningly inept. His own hubris will bring him down. It can't happen soon enough.
3
Republicans are uneasy?
I guess that is one label for what they are feeling, but misleading.
The first thing republicans are feeling is very very guilty glee. Bannon and his ilk are verbalizing that they dared not say, but kept buried in their hearts. Of course Blacks, Browns, Muslims, Immigrants have threatened status quo right since the 1950s. Instead of coming here to serve you as slaves, many communities are doing rather well. That must bother the heck out of you, because your core jobless, uneducated constituency did not like that one bit.
But you dared not to say it; instead you couched it in culture and religion related metaphors. Now to your utter and unmitigated delight, this election cycle has shown you that wide-open hate mongering wins you elections. You are not feeling uneasy, you are wondering whether this good fortune will last.
Well it will last my neighborhood republicans who wish me gone or dead. Bannon has delivered half of America that is spiteful, hateful, angry - not because all are jobless, drug addicted, and in debt (although many are), but because they suffered so much under a black president who had the temerity to fix the economy, get us out of wars, pay down some of the debt, reduce the deficit, deliver healthcare, and remain popular and without scandal. I could sense your anger anger, hurt, disbelief - I new it would erupt. It did.
Go ahead republicans, embrace your inner Bannon. Live proudly.
Kalidan
I guess that is one label for what they are feeling, but misleading.
The first thing republicans are feeling is very very guilty glee. Bannon and his ilk are verbalizing that they dared not say, but kept buried in their hearts. Of course Blacks, Browns, Muslims, Immigrants have threatened status quo right since the 1950s. Instead of coming here to serve you as slaves, many communities are doing rather well. That must bother the heck out of you, because your core jobless, uneducated constituency did not like that one bit.
But you dared not to say it; instead you couched it in culture and religion related metaphors. Now to your utter and unmitigated delight, this election cycle has shown you that wide-open hate mongering wins you elections. You are not feeling uneasy, you are wondering whether this good fortune will last.
Well it will last my neighborhood republicans who wish me gone or dead. Bannon has delivered half of America that is spiteful, hateful, angry - not because all are jobless, drug addicted, and in debt (although many are), but because they suffered so much under a black president who had the temerity to fix the economy, get us out of wars, pay down some of the debt, reduce the deficit, deliver healthcare, and remain popular and without scandal. I could sense your anger anger, hurt, disbelief - I new it would erupt. It did.
Go ahead republicans, embrace your inner Bannon. Live proudly.
Kalidan
6
It's true, the deconstruction of the administrative state has begun, and we have a clear example of it. The brave Navy Seal who gave his life in Yemen because the bureaucratic state was not consulted; the killing of innocent women and children (and men) who were collateral damage. The loss of an aircraft for which we taxpayers paid many millions of dollars. And Sean Spicar calling the raid a success!
George H.W. Bush had a mature, realist, and successful forge in policy. His advisers called George W.'s team "the crazies." Bannon and company make the crazies look…a lot less crazy, but hardly sane. I fear that the lunatics really have taken over the asylum.
George H.W. Bush had a mature, realist, and successful forge in policy. His advisers called George W.'s team "the crazies." Bannon and company make the crazies look…a lot less crazy, but hardly sane. I fear that the lunatics really have taken over the asylum.
7
Notwithstanding the "deconstructive" goals of Mr. Brannon, whatever that means, his constant use of the word "we"' as in " we will deliver what we promised" sounded very much like the proverbial mouse walking next to the elephant in the desert and proudly exclaiming " Whooa, look at the all the dust "we" make.
I don't remember anyone voting for him. He is way too cocky to last long. The elephant will squash him when he starts bringing Mr. Trump approval numbers to the low thirties.
I don't remember anyone voting for him. He is way too cocky to last long. The elephant will squash him when he starts bringing Mr. Trump approval numbers to the low thirties.
6
"It is the dark and dreaded ogre by the name of Matagoger with his four great arms whirling on his back...."
may all we men of La Mancha have the courage to take arms with our feeble lances and corkscrew swords to defend the ideals for which our soldiers fought--
may all we men of La Mancha have the courage to take arms with our feeble lances and corkscrew swords to defend the ideals for which our soldiers fought--
4
Is this an example of "enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC."
11
For the longest time I thought progressive ideology was the force changing our society, and for the better. I never imagined that a bizarre coalition of plutocrats, theocrats, tabloid celebrity politicos, alt-right schemers and reborn tea partiers would ride the coat tails of the desperate old GOP into power, turning our government into a bad reality TV show. Woe is us.
7
Trump epitomizes the worship of force and the practice of cruel intolerance, an ugly spirit now emerging and taking hold in the US. Every word of Bannon's mindless utterings is the antithesis of securing a national minimum of civilised life ... open to all alike, of both sexes and all classes, by which we mean sufficient nourishment and training when young, a living wage when able-bodied, treatment when sick, and modest but secure livelihood when disabled or aged.
4
In the dock at Nuremberg, alongside Goering and other ideological Nazis, there stood a man named Hjalmar Schacht. He was not a Nazi. He used to be a leader of Germany's powerful conservative movement. He initially opposed both brown and red socialists - which is how Nazis and Communists were correctly known at the time. But out of fear of Communism he decided to collaborate with Hitler's regime. And this was how he ended up in the dock and Germany - in ruins. Bannon and alt-right are not conservatives. They are fascists. This is not an insult but a correct description of their ideology. It is for a reason that important scholars of the Holocaust compared the rise of Trump to the rise of Hitler. When Bannon says "we are a nation with a reason for existing", he means "we are a nation that needs to be purified of foreigners, Muslims and Jews". When he disparages economists and scientists, he means "laws of economy can be suspended if the Leader wills so". So, economic conservatives, remember the fate of Hjalmar Schacht.
15
Excellent point and history lesson!
Someone needs to quickly drill it into this deranged man's head that contrarianism in and of itself is what misbehaved little school boys are supposed to do, and not to be used as the guiding principle for the leader of the free world!
"Deconstruction of the administrative state" - what is that supposed to mean? So, are they calling for anarchy? Or what?!
These deranged people belittle all decent public discourse as "political correctness". They dismiss humanism as if it were Nazism. They attack the free press as if the United States is a police state. They rage against individual rights as if it is anathema to our constitution, and not one of its foundational rights. I mean, what are these people for? Pro-Satan?
Someone needs to put this Bannon dude in a psychiatric hospital and have him examined properly before he plunges our nation into more chaos!
"Deconstruction of the administrative state" - what is that supposed to mean? So, are they calling for anarchy? Or what?!
These deranged people belittle all decent public discourse as "political correctness". They dismiss humanism as if it were Nazism. They attack the free press as if the United States is a police state. They rage against individual rights as if it is anathema to our constitution, and not one of its foundational rights. I mean, what are these people for? Pro-Satan?
Someone needs to put this Bannon dude in a psychiatric hospital and have him examined properly before he plunges our nation into more chaos!
8
Keep Bannon and Conway talking, the more talk the deeper they encourage the divide. This administration is ruining America.
12
Bannon, Trump's Rasputin.
8
Bernie is a populist, Bannon is racist, sexist modern day Crusader who wants to wreck people's lives for his personal satisfaction. Under a Bannon-induced nightmare, the populace will be sans jobs, health, homes and a functioning infrastructure. If that's populism, someone needs a better dictionary.
Please ask those who voted for Trump, including old white men, if they voted to wreck their lives on behalf of President Bannon. They didn't.
Please ask those who voted for Trump, including old white men, if they voted to wreck their lives on behalf of President Bannon. They didn't.
14
Any "unity" in service to Trump and Bannon's particular brands of cowardice and bigotry is unspeakable. Paul Ryan, a leader within the GOP, has previously highlighted Trump's use of "TEXTBOOK racism." Behind Trump is Vice-President Pence, who's attempt to pass bigoted legislation in Indiana was thwarted SOLELY by a public uprising. It is fitting that Pence, with his theocratic designs, would usher in Davos, who believes it is her place to use education reform as a tool to "advance God's kingdom." Then there's Sessions. The same man the GOP deemed too racially biased to serve as a judge is now inexplicably defended by the GOP as a man suitable to lead the Department of Justice. BTW, I sincerely hope for all our sakes that SOMEONE is keeping an eye on Pompeo. The CIA is secretive by its very nature and Pompeo didn't even TRY to hide his enthusiasm for torture, so who knows what's going on behind the scenes (it certainly wouldn't be the first time).
And Bannon... the man who would be king. His claim to fame is, of course, is the wonderful marketplace of ideas known as Breitbart; forum of choice for white nationalists, neo-nazis, bigots and conspiracy-theorists the world over. At every opportunity Bannon makes it clear that he is trying to make ALL of Trump's campaign rhetoric into official policy. Despite the reassurances of Trump apologists, it is not just politics or hyperbole coming out of the administration. It is their true vision.
And Bannon... the man who would be king. His claim to fame is, of course, is the wonderful marketplace of ideas known as Breitbart; forum of choice for white nationalists, neo-nazis, bigots and conspiracy-theorists the world over. At every opportunity Bannon makes it clear that he is trying to make ALL of Trump's campaign rhetoric into official policy. Despite the reassurances of Trump apologists, it is not just politics or hyperbole coming out of the administration. It is their true vision.
8
I just have one question. Is Putin going to speak via teleconference to CPAC ?
6
Too bad we can't put a wall up to protect ourselves from the real invading barbarians set on the destruction of our society, or civility, and our country.
They just want to rampage and pillage to take what they can and leave people left to wander the wilderness vulnerable and afraid of where the next attack will come from.
They just want to rampage and pillage to take what they can and leave people left to wander the wilderness vulnerable and afraid of where the next attack will come from.
4
Guns good. Pot bad. That's all you have to know about the Republican party. Certain States, usually the ones in the middle of the country, whenever they feel that the country is getting too far in the direction of modern thinking, decide to put the Republicans in charge to reign in progressive ideas. The Republicans immediately start to A) take away things that people like, B) slash entitlements, because they are the party of control and punishment. After a while, when enough time has passed, the middle States decide that their lives really haven't changed for the better, and there usually is some kind of economic catastrophe and they welcome the Democrats back with open arms. Things get good again, they forget how bad the Republicans were, Progress begins again,after the Dems have spent about 4 years straightening out the mess the republicans have left, the progress gets too much, and soon the middle States are voting in the Republicans again . The middle states are the countries early warning system, they kick in when they think change is outweighing all else, they insure the status quo always stays within reach. But this foolish whiplash way of thinking, is taking its toll, and the country is starting too come apart at the seams.
4
The “deconstruction of the administrative state” has just begun. says Bannon.
Up first on the chopping block ... Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, the CHIP program, and Pell grants. That's just the beginning folks
Up first on the chopping block ... Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, the CHIP program, and Pell grants. That's just the beginning folks
6
By what definition of "state" can a state NOT be administrative? An nonadministrative state would be an anarchy. In other words, a failed state.
7
Tell them about the Muslim ban and the tasty little "j"s that you're making up for the lapel and overturning the constitutional rights for women's health and the rich people not paying taxes; they'll be reassured
5
So the Conservatives are bashing the media because they won't cover important subjects like crime, economy, and jobs. Attention Conservatives, the "news" is about actual demonstrated activity. So, Trump, give us some significant news on those topics. Don't just blow smoke. Please describe Trump implementation of actual programs to that will reduce crime, improve the economy and put blue collar workers back to work. I'm waiting. The media reports are on real activity: "unimportant" things like Trump associates collusion with Russians, failures of the Republicans to be able to come up with a "much better" health care plan, building a wall that American tax money will have to pay for, and so on. The campaign and all the hype is over. The time has come for Mr. Trump to put down his smart phone and Tweets and do the hard work of working with Congress to implement his promises. Bashing the media is easy; getting the work done is hard.
4
Bannon is leading his flock straight off a cliff. Deconstruction of the administrative state, huh. Does this include the federal highway administration, the bureau of reclamation, the army corps of engineers? Good luck with that infrastructure rebuild thingy you promised.
What, no roads, bridges or dams? Well, I guess the "make America great again" doesn't really mean bringing jobs back. Welcome to the USA. The year is 1880.
What, no roads, bridges or dams? Well, I guess the "make America great again" doesn't really mean bringing jobs back. Welcome to the USA. The year is 1880.
7
Over half of all eligible voters (some 100 million) didn’t even bother to vote. And this is the consequence. Voter apathy is tragic and dangerous
8
But the choice was between Trump and Clinton. You can't blame people for not wanting either candidate.
The conservatives at CPAC are trying to distance themselves from the white supremacist and deviant "Alt-Right" by having Bannon speak at the conference. If the results of their hypocrisy were not so devastating, it would be laughable. Conservatives (the modern GOP) are relying on the "Alt-Right" to win elections and they are now completely tied together. Even the Pope is disclaiming them.
5
Do Republicans and conservatives even know what they stand for? Comrade Bannon is anything but conservative, but seems like a revolutionary in the mold of Trotsky, Lenin, and Le Duan. How can one party, or movement, be populist, limited-government conservative, libertarian, and economic nationalist? That Pence has signed up for this demonstrates that they only care about being in power, and that is scary.
8
Yes, I said the same thing about Bannon elsewhere.
What do these people (the administration of Trump) stand for? What is it they hope to accomplish? What are they saying? Is it simple power? What will they do with that power?
We have a constitution -- do you think it will hold?
What do these people (the administration of Trump) stand for? What is it they hope to accomplish? What are they saying? Is it simple power? What will they do with that power?
We have a constitution -- do you think it will hold?
There is nothing "conservative" about this movement. CPAC represents extremism at the extreme right wing of the political spectrum. We should refer to them as extremists or right wingers or nationalists, but not conservatives.
8
Deconstructing the administrative state will get the lawyers who dominate and run the U.S. Congress and Judiciary angry. After all, it is the lawyers running the U.S. government who have a vested interest in regulation and over regulation.
1
Could Steve Bannon have been elected President? His policies, demeanor if said out loud are repulsive to the vast majority of Americans. Instead, he fronts a puppet and pulls the strings. Everything that Trump has said and done comes directly from Bannon. And you know it from the way Trump reads statements that were written for him as if he is seeing them for the first time, and half the time, doesn’t understand what he is reading.You only have to follow what the outcome will be of Bannon’s “deconstruction of the administrative state” actually means. And yes, he said it out loud, admitting he put the very people in charge of government who would destroy it. Bannon is Orwell’s “1984” incarnate.
5
"Could Steve Bannon be elected President? His policies, demeanor if said out loud are repulsive to the vast majority of Americans."
Trump was Bannon's mouth throughout the campaign. He won because of his celebrity status and the fact that so many people kept saying don't take his word for it.
We (collective Americans) were so naive. We should have taken his words for it, and I guess by today's standards, even Hitler would be celebrity.
Trump was Bannon's mouth throughout the campaign. He won because of his celebrity status and the fact that so many people kept saying don't take his word for it.
We (collective Americans) were so naive. We should have taken his words for it, and I guess by today's standards, even Hitler would be celebrity.
Bannon, Priebus and the collection of alternative clowns Trump is surrounded by is what fascism American style looks like. They're in an they will indeed deconstruct America. The only thing that stands to protect us from anarchy is the courts.
As a rough aside, it appears Trump is using the Republican Party to enhance his ego and wealth; Bannon is using an unstudied Trump as a vehicle for his peculiar (right word?) yet-to-be-fully-explored ultra-agenda; and the Party, including Penses and Ryans, is using Trump to stay in political power and push for privatization of everything in sight. Democrats quite aside, internal conflicts seem inevitable. What's a Republican to do? Currently, most are in hiding.
1
CPAC is just another venue to to put a cheery face on the chaos Trump is creating because he doesn't know what he's doing -- and criticize the media because they know it.
Did anyone give carte blanche to the inexperienced (by choice), uninformed, self-absorbed Trump and his minions? There are three equal branches of government, folks.
Did anyone give carte blanche to the inexperienced (by choice), uninformed, self-absorbed Trump and his minions? There are three equal branches of government, folks.
3
Bannon is happy licking the scraps from Trump's dinner table. He sees his job as keeping other pretenders away from the better scraps. The dies are cast now. Soon Bannon will run into a National Security Advisor who will send him and Stephen Miller back to boot camp.
3
What a freak show. These people and their organizations do not represent the majoring value system in this country.
4
The "deconstruction of the administrative state"? I assume that is a re-phrasing of the "smaller government" mantra favored by so many on the Right. I believe what they want is a central government that is too weak to protect ordinary citizens from the exploitation and abuses of the corporate interests that the republican elite represents. (In fact, the republican elite ARE those interests.) This isn't going to end well. I don't think the fools who voted republican in the last election understand what they've done to themselves and to the country.
7
I think those who voted Republican in the last election were too busy watching trash TV and buying Powerball tickets to bother getting informed. The fan is just beginning to spin and guess what usually hits the fan.
I suppose if their and Bannon's "plan" is to destroy our democracy, and Constitutional rights, then the "plan" is working very well for the conservatives at this convention. On the other hand, if you actually believe that our Founding Fathers had good , lasting ideas, and the Constitution still works to preserve our freedoms, maybe their "plan" is not a very good one for our future. It all depends on ones perspective.
57
And who elected Bannon to office anyway? His "plan" was not part of the election campaign.
1
This guy is an acute menace.
7
[Bannon] said, “we want YOU to have OUR back.” (please note Republicans, he doesn't say "we've got your back."
and about Donald Trump a few years ago
[CPAC] "feared he only wanted to promote himself." <-- has proved true.
Both Bannon and Trump are NOT about the success of the United States or even about the success of Republicans. Bannon & Trump are each only, ever about promoting themselves while continuing a path of hateful destruction and continued bankrupt failure. They are angry, ugly, dumb little boys who specialize in self-promotion and being bullies. And the Republicans are the bullied.
and about Donald Trump a few years ago
[CPAC] "feared he only wanted to promote himself." <-- has proved true.
Both Bannon and Trump are NOT about the success of the United States or even about the success of Republicans. Bannon & Trump are each only, ever about promoting themselves while continuing a path of hateful destruction and continued bankrupt failure. They are angry, ugly, dumb little boys who specialize in self-promotion and being bullies. And the Republicans are the bullied.
4
I would add Kellyanne Conway to this list of self-promoters. These people have no principles, and would jump on any bandwagon that would propel them into the limelight. They've certainly found the right dupes in the Republican Party. Conservatives know that Trump and Bannon aren't among them, but they are willing to sell their souls--political and otherwise--to stay in power. They all deserve each other.
But the rest of us deserve better.
But the rest of us deserve better.
1
Destroy the "Administrative state" by removing the laws and regulations the state provides protecting the people from the abuses of corporations, if you substitute the word protection for regulation, you get a much different picture of what is going on,and replace it with the Authoritarian State. The Authoritarian State is one in which the media is the enemy, civil liberties are crushed and corporate imperial fascism uses the assume power of the military to plunder the world and its resources. Look familiar?
7
Here's a point of view from the outside. Any group of people standing with their hands over their hearts singing to a flag is disturbing. It has the quality of citizenship as a religious experience.
6
So Bannon’s aim is the "deconstruction of the administrative state?" This is duplicitous doublespeak and is used by Bannon as a banal "academic" cover.
We are already witnessing what Bannon really wants to do. Who made the media the “enemy of the American people”? Who is responsible for the racist, sexist, xenophopic underpinnings of the Trump campaign? Who brought the alt-right into the mainstream of the Republican Party? Who brought “alternative facts” and “fake news” into the American political language? And who looks at Putin’s Russia as a model for America?
The bottom line is that what Bannon wants for this country is exactly what the framers of the Constitution wanted us to be protected against. Amazingly, Republican conservatives are applauding a man who deserves no role in American government, much less as Trump’s puppeteer.
We are already witnessing what Bannon really wants to do. Who made the media the “enemy of the American people”? Who is responsible for the racist, sexist, xenophopic underpinnings of the Trump campaign? Who brought the alt-right into the mainstream of the Republican Party? Who brought “alternative facts” and “fake news” into the American political language? And who looks at Putin’s Russia as a model for America?
The bottom line is that what Bannon wants for this country is exactly what the framers of the Constitution wanted us to be protected against. Amazingly, Republican conservatives are applauding a man who deserves no role in American government, much less as Trump’s puppeteer.
10
I wonder if the Trump supporters get it yet or if they ever will. They have been taken and their pockets will now be picked - no health care, high gasoline prices, choking on our air, gaging on our water and our democratic institutions dismantled, piece by piece. And last but not least, people of color - watch you backs.
5
Stephen Bannon, Reince Priebus, and Donald Trump remind me of the Three Stooges where two of them are suggesting to "Take a Left" and the third one says "Right." Obviously confusion follows. Welcome to an early morning meeting at the White House. Welcome to America the next 12 years.
5
The notion that his goal is one of "anarchy" and decentralization of power
is ludicrous. He wants to consolidate power around the executive in a
TOTALITARIAN manner that guts the constitution. White supremacy and fascism can then be imposed by law after this psychotic gang can slowly purge the country
of it's sacred institutions of democracy.
America first means White people first.
is ludicrous. He wants to consolidate power around the executive in a
TOTALITARIAN manner that guts the constitution. White supremacy and fascism can then be imposed by law after this psychotic gang can slowly purge the country
of it's sacred institutions of democracy.
America first means White people first.
11
The state of Kansas recently tried something similar to what Bannon is describing. It's really no different from the Grover Norquist anti-tax "drown it in the bathtub" fantasy. Slash taxes to the bone, undercut institutions so that government will wither away. Now we see that Kansas Republicans, facing reality, are hiking taxes dramatically to cover the costs of governing. Government exists to provide essential services to its citizens. It's the core of the social contract between Americans and their government. The crackpot idea that life would improve if we destroy the government will run head on, as it always does, into the reality of government's essential purpose in the modern nation-state. We already see a version of this happening with the debate over the Affordable Care Act. Bring it on, Bannon. We can only hope that you drag the rest of the crackpots down with you when you go under to a tidal wave of political reaction.
11
Steve Bannon's shallowness is showing when he tries (unsuccessfully) to impress us by using the word 'deconstruction.' I was educated in the days of New Criticism (which, like me, is now very old) not Deconstruction, but I think I get the idea: in a text, there are multiple layers of meaning, some of which the 'author' may be unaware of. I will try (perhaps incorrectly, perhaps unsuccessfully) to deconstruct Bannon's phrase "deconstruction of the administrative state."
First, the intent is to impress the audience with a big, unfamiliar, sophisticated-sounding word, deconstruction. What he seems to mean is 'dismantle or disassemble the administrative state.' This Malapropism unveils a world of trouble. It reveals that he doesn't know what he's talking about or how to talk and that he thinks he does and wants us to subscribe to a little conceit, let's pretend we're intellectual. The actual idea he appears to intend is absurd. In the future the U.S. will not be an administrative state? Is it possible to have a state without administration? No. I await a further and more precise elucidation of Mr. Bannon's vision.
First, the intent is to impress the audience with a big, unfamiliar, sophisticated-sounding word, deconstruction. What he seems to mean is 'dismantle or disassemble the administrative state.' This Malapropism unveils a world of trouble. It reveals that he doesn't know what he's talking about or how to talk and that he thinks he does and wants us to subscribe to a little conceit, let's pretend we're intellectual. The actual idea he appears to intend is absurd. In the future the U.S. will not be an administrative state? Is it possible to have a state without administration? No. I await a further and more precise elucidation of Mr. Bannon's vision.
8
What Jamie said....Bannon meant "destruction," I think. It's the usual neocon pretense. Jamie, you will wait a good long time before you are enlightened on that count....
Initiate deconstruction - You're fired!
Both of you.
Both of you.
4
It is refreshing to see so many liberals still crying about losing the election. It would seem to me that if you were so compassionate, tolerant, understanding and intelligent then you would get behind the change and help it work instead of being the ones causing so much disruption and chaos. I for one am glad to see DC getting turned upside down and shake out the corrupt life long politicians and their minions. MAGA.
Let the attacks begin. I'm a big boy fire away.
Let the attacks begin. I'm a big boy fire away.
2
Pat,
It's NOT about 'loosing an election'. I wish that were all it was. Back over here in Reality, we know that the person 'in charge' of our Nation is hopelessly over his head; winging it daily....and surrounded my Machiavellian cast of would be kings, each eager to push his or her own agenda.
Just as you wouldn't hire dog catcher to do brain surgery on your spouse; an uninformed narcissist is a poor choice for President.
And before you pop off with some foolishness about this being a 'liberal' comment, know that I PROUDLY supported the GOP in the past; I could not and WILL NOT support this pretender as the leader of Conservatism.
It's NOT about 'loosing an election'. I wish that were all it was. Back over here in Reality, we know that the person 'in charge' of our Nation is hopelessly over his head; winging it daily....and surrounded my Machiavellian cast of would be kings, each eager to push his or her own agenda.
Just as you wouldn't hire dog catcher to do brain surgery on your spouse; an uninformed narcissist is a poor choice for President.
And before you pop off with some foolishness about this being a 'liberal' comment, know that I PROUDLY supported the GOP in the past; I could not and WILL NOT support this pretender as the leader of Conservatism.
2
Except that Trump has installed a bunch of fixes to guard the henhouse, so to speak. He drained the swamp and put toxic waste in. How is this turning Washington upside down?
1
See, Pat, here's the problem. You see this as winning and losing, so you wrongly assume I do too. My issue is that I don't agree with the path you and your candidate want to blaze for the country. You call that an attack; I call it a conversation. I call it dissent in an open, democratic society. You ask for consideration, but give none. I can't be compassionate, tolerant, understanding toward those who lack those values; and who seem blindly or willfully ignorant in the face of intelligence, studious attention to fact and detail and objective reality! You want me to blindly follow in lock step. That's not democracy; it's dictatorship.
4
Mr. Bannon's impact is only now being revealed. It seems clear that Trump knows little or nothing about governance, history, policy-making, or what makes a society function as a nation that serves its people. Thus, Trump, whose talent is limited to marketing himself, is otherwise an empty vessel. His acute self-absorption allows him to be easily manipulated by a Svengali. Bannon recognized this early on and like a weasel, slipped his way into the dank tunnel of Trump's campaign. Only together do these two dangerous men make a complete person - a person, unfortunately, who will prove (and is already proving) to be disastrous for the United States of America.
212
Of all the metaphors, the one that suggests Trump is Bannon's Eva Braun resonates the most with me.
Well said!
1
Bannon said: "... we are a nation with a culture..."
A culture? As in Singular? Every region, heck, every organizational unit has a culture...
I don't expect Bannon to be imprecise in a public forum given his preference for reclusivity and knowing that people are hanging on to his every word.
But, I expect he was being circumspect given the presence of the media. To me, there are hints of "Aryan nation" and "racial purity" in that comment.
We need to understand better what that comment means. No image consultant can help Bannon given the views and agenda he represents.
A culture? As in Singular? Every region, heck, every organizational unit has a culture...
I don't expect Bannon to be imprecise in a public forum given his preference for reclusivity and knowing that people are hanging on to his every word.
But, I expect he was being circumspect given the presence of the media. To me, there are hints of "Aryan nation" and "racial purity" in that comment.
We need to understand better what that comment means. No image consultant can help Bannon given the views and agenda he represents.
4
The dark and scary stuff emerges when people like Trump and Bannon (and other demagogues) reveal their deepest ambitions to what they regard as their own group. Not that CPAC is clearly Bannon's own group; they are nervous about him, not at ease, and therefore his remarks to them are a little vague, he is holding back, not spelling it out fully. The reality is that Bannon cannot allow himself to be seen with what is truly his own group.
2
Thoughts? "Actions speak louder than words". Behavior is judged by the effect of every action has a reaction. Fact is Trump is president and President Trump is the CEO of the USA, not just a Commander and Chief of the Military. He executes the LAW the Law is summarized and the Purpose of the Preamble of the Constitution (American Rule of LAW). Not Opinion. Though many administration have tried to Interpret the Rule of Law not as written or amended by that LAW. Case in Points: 1) Common Defense is not Unprovoked Attack of the Middle East (twisting the AUMF as all Independent States in the Middle East not those who did 911). 2) Establish Justice fair and equal Economic TAXATION of 15% for Wealth Accumulation of unearned Income for Ownership on Assets and15% for the lowest W2 and Small Business earned Income of 100% of all Production of all goods and services for Ability and Effort Contribution.
Trump will be JUDGED by the EFFECT of what he does or did not do. Not the speculation of FAKE opinion of what might be. Gambling and Lotto potentiality of possibility or probability. FACT of the effect of his action. Just like Bush and Obama. What did the do and what was the effect. Of Obama attacking 7 Countries and Bush 4 Countries and was is that effect NOW and THEN.
Constant speculation driven by Wants/Desires, emotions or sense pleasures is not Right Behavior nor is Blind Following for the same reason. Is Opinion be that Media, Politicians or a Flock of Followers, Fake.
Trump will be JUDGED by the EFFECT of what he does or did not do. Not the speculation of FAKE opinion of what might be. Gambling and Lotto potentiality of possibility or probability. FACT of the effect of his action. Just like Bush and Obama. What did the do and what was the effect. Of Obama attacking 7 Countries and Bush 4 Countries and was is that effect NOW and THEN.
Constant speculation driven by Wants/Desires, emotions or sense pleasures is not Right Behavior nor is Blind Following for the same reason. Is Opinion be that Media, Politicians or a Flock of Followers, Fake.
Now comes word the White House tried to pressure the FBI into killng the Russian connection narrative....there is a traitor in the White House and our congress does nothing.....
7
Try as I might, I really struggle to understand Steve Bannon's core governing philosophy. It seems rife with contradictions: the man rails against "corporatists" in government yet serves in one of the most pro-corporate administrations in history; he advocates strong national sovereignty yet welcomes the meddling hands of Putin and Russia on our body politic.
Does he have a consistent ideology at all? Or is it merely the ultimate expression of Trumpism -- a mode of thinking where logic and facts don't apply, and no demerits are given for hypocrisy?
Does he have a consistent ideology at all? Or is it merely the ultimate expression of Trumpism -- a mode of thinking where logic and facts don't apply, and no demerits are given for hypocrisy?
4
Do not believe the “corporatist globalist media”
Modern day conservatism is both corporatist and globalist. If they now want to be anti-corporation and anti-globalists, that's their right. But they have to acknowledge that in one sell swoop, they have turned their ideology on its head. This is all very Hegelian.
Modern day conservatism is both corporatist and globalist. If they now want to be anti-corporation and anti-globalists, that's their right. But they have to acknowledge that in one sell swoop, they have turned their ideology on its head. This is all very Hegelian.
4
I just hope that we have laws on book, which can put all these in jail once their hate-filled balloon is popped.
3
"Mr. Bannon said, everything is going according to plan. The “deconstruction of the administrative state” has just begun." I don't recall the last time I heard such terrifying words coming from the White House.
"And he urged a ballroom full of activists to stick together against the forces that were trying to tear them apart. . . “we want you to have our back.” And there you have it - everything is about them and only them. One by one, Trump will dishonor each promise he ever made in his campaign speeches.
"And he urged a ballroom full of activists to stick together against the forces that were trying to tear them apart. . . “we want you to have our back.” And there you have it - everything is about them and only them. One by one, Trump will dishonor each promise he ever made in his campaign speeches.
5
Failed artists with authoritarian leanings tend to destroy great countries if they ever gain political power. Ask the Germans about that.
We should heed George Clooney's observations about Mr Bannon in this regard.
His screenplays have been a failure.
His latest one could well be a catastrophe.
We should heed George Clooney's observations about Mr Bannon in this regard.
His screenplays have been a failure.
His latest one could well be a catastrophe.
3
The man is a dangerous, evil-hearted individual who has no business being anywhere near a White House. If the so-called conservatives are reassured by this creature, that says all one needs to say about the conservative agenda. Now that the US is in the company of un-constitutional democracies let's call early mid-term elections.
4
God knows what the word "Conservative" means in American politics in 2017.
As an old guy, Conservative means Russell Kirk/Hayek/Bill Buckley and "God and Man at Yale"
Neither CPAC nor Donald seem in any remote way connected to this kind of American Conservatism.
Just as the Republican Party in Congress today seems in no way connected to the Republican party of Lincoln or Eisenhower.
So what does it mean to bring these elements together in 2017?
Probably not very much.
Respectable American conservatism has retired. The Classic Republican Party has retired.
The remaining rabble can squabble about just how far into White Supremacy one has to be to be asked to leave. But none of them bring anything redeeming to the table for contemporary America.
That said, are the Dems doing much better at articulating worthy concepts of governance? Not really.
The inmates seem to have taken over both of the asylums.
As an old guy, Conservative means Russell Kirk/Hayek/Bill Buckley and "God and Man at Yale"
Neither CPAC nor Donald seem in any remote way connected to this kind of American Conservatism.
Just as the Republican Party in Congress today seems in no way connected to the Republican party of Lincoln or Eisenhower.
So what does it mean to bring these elements together in 2017?
Probably not very much.
Respectable American conservatism has retired. The Classic Republican Party has retired.
The remaining rabble can squabble about just how far into White Supremacy one has to be to be asked to leave. But none of them bring anything redeeming to the table for contemporary America.
That said, are the Dems doing much better at articulating worthy concepts of governance? Not really.
The inmates seem to have taken over both of the asylums.
8
Read the Republican Platform for 1956. It's like a Bernie Sanders wish list.
"Stephen K. Bannon, President Trump’s adviser, reassured conservatives that everything is going according to plan. Soon, said Bannon, the Caped Kook and Boy Blunder will wander into our trap, and then Gotham will be ours for the taking."
3
And when does Bannon plan to have the fire staged in the Reichstag?
13
Everything going according to plan? Spoken like a true, cartoon villain.
9
Everything is going according to plan? I'm looking forward to SNL this weekend.
5
I guess he is for the ACA because it is at an all-time high favorability.
1
Oops, my post is for Teddy, below.
1
For Trump or anyone else in his clan to complain that the media isn't focusing on anything but the vile , offensive , reckless things coming out of the White House , I say to Mr. Trump , then why do you keep inserting yourself in our face everyday with your combative and aggressive tweets ? Why do you have press conferences that look like a scene out of some movie with a crazy person at the helm ? Why do you have a security advisor Flynn that tries to undercut the then president Obama by doing Russian deals on his own ?
They want to silence the press . They want us to just accept all the dangers coming out of the White House and report on " other things " . These things they report on are consequential to our survival as a democracy. What could be more patriotic ?
Besides looking unkempt and creepy , Bannon wants to " deconstruct the administrative state " . What does that mean ? No government agencies except the two autocrats , Trump and Bannon ?
This man sickens me and I feel for my adult children who will inherit this horrible stain on our country .
They want to silence the press . They want us to just accept all the dangers coming out of the White House and report on " other things " . These things they report on are consequential to our survival as a democracy. What could be more patriotic ?
Besides looking unkempt and creepy , Bannon wants to " deconstruct the administrative state " . What does that mean ? No government agencies except the two autocrats , Trump and Bannon ?
This man sickens me and I feel for my adult children who will inherit this horrible stain on our country .
7
Again it's Yeats who comes to mind: "Mere anarchy is unleashed on the world, the center cannot hold. and what rough beast, his hour come at last slouches toward Bethlehem to be born."
I just don't know if it's Donald, Bannon or both who represent the rough beast.
I just don't know if it's Donald, Bannon or both who represent the rough beast.
2
"Deconstruction of the administrative state".
What the heck does that mean. A country without a government? A country run by the oligarchs? A far right dictatorship. A Trumpian Monarchy.
Trump and Bannon make a fine pair. One has "great" plans and the other is "smart". How long will they last as a couple.
The Romans tried dual leadership. It usually ended with one dead and the other ruling.
America is half way through the Roman Decline as half of its citizens don't speak the same language as the other half. One side grants rights and the other side deconstructs them. One talks freedom and guns and the other grants freedom and healthcare. One side won the popular vote and the other side gerrymandered the results to steal the election. The thieves shout freedom and practice the opposite.
America is broken.
This will not end well.
What the heck does that mean. A country without a government? A country run by the oligarchs? A far right dictatorship. A Trumpian Monarchy.
Trump and Bannon make a fine pair. One has "great" plans and the other is "smart". How long will they last as a couple.
The Romans tried dual leadership. It usually ended with one dead and the other ruling.
America is half way through the Roman Decline as half of its citizens don't speak the same language as the other half. One side grants rights and the other side deconstructs them. One talks freedom and guns and the other grants freedom and healthcare. One side won the popular vote and the other side gerrymandered the results to steal the election. The thieves shout freedom and practice the opposite.
America is broken.
This will not end well.
3
four top characters: Trump, Pence, Bannon, Preibus.
which is Sacco, which Vanzetti?
which can be trusted playing with matches?
which is Sacco, which Vanzetti?
which can be trusted playing with matches?
Ghastly, the photo of Reince Priebus embracing Steve Bannon! Bannon - a Mussolini - assuring the global media that everything is going according to plan in the Trump White House. The "deconstruction of the administrative state" has been begun by his puppet, Trump. CPAC awful acronym for the desecration and despoliation of our democracy. Kellyanne Conway (the 'splainer of the "Bowling Green Massacre") put in her 2 cents - that tomorrow this CPAC will be TPAC. Ya think? Disorder and desperation and disarray are the hallmarks of this 45th Presidency. And the VEEP (soon to be our 46th President, (sans doute) Mike Pence promised "this is the time to prove again that our answers are the right answers for America". Yeah, right!
2
Man, KY Govenor, Matt Bevin, has a lot of gall suggesting the electorate quit being "titillated by idiocy." That's why he got elected.
4
In 1968 the 'Yippie' movement also strove to take down the government and the GOP went wild accusing them of treason and sedition.
In 2017 Bannon-Trump-Pence clearly voice the identical objective.
What is the difference between these two attempts destroying the Federal Government? Why is the GOP now backing this wholesale destruction of our Country? Why are voters not learning from history and en mass rising up against such threat?
In 2017 Bannon-Trump-Pence clearly voice the identical objective.
What is the difference between these two attempts destroying the Federal Government? Why is the GOP now backing this wholesale destruction of our Country? Why are voters not learning from history and en mass rising up against such threat?
4
Everything is everything is going to plan.
The deconstruction... has begun.
Why am I thinking of that Laurence Olivier movie, "The Boys from Brazil" right now? Or that Sinclair Lewis book, "It Can't Happen Here...?"
The deconstruction... has begun.
Why am I thinking of that Laurence Olivier movie, "The Boys from Brazil" right now? Or that Sinclair Lewis book, "It Can't Happen Here...?"
2
Stephen Bannon is the "brains" behind the Trump presidency. With each article, it becomes increasingly apparent that Bannon is at the helm and Trump is just a mouthpiece.
In Bannon's interview at CPAC, he boldly claimed that Trump was a great orator. Seriously? Trump cannot form a sentence without praising himself. Bannon is smart. He is shrewd. He knows how to use Trump to get what he wants. The mere fact he is on the NSC proves that point. Bannon is not an idiot.
Bannon is intent on destroying the system and he sounds as if he thinks he can do it. The sad part is that he can if people keep putting their heads in the sand and ignoring the reality of what is happening. The Republican majority is so blind to what is happening because they are just happy to be in power.
I used to be worry about being attacked by ISIS, now I am more concerned about what the Trump administration will do. Sinclair Lewis was right...it can happen here. God help us all!
In Bannon's interview at CPAC, he boldly claimed that Trump was a great orator. Seriously? Trump cannot form a sentence without praising himself. Bannon is smart. He is shrewd. He knows how to use Trump to get what he wants. The mere fact he is on the NSC proves that point. Bannon is not an idiot.
Bannon is intent on destroying the system and he sounds as if he thinks he can do it. The sad part is that he can if people keep putting their heads in the sand and ignoring the reality of what is happening. The Republican majority is so blind to what is happening because they are just happy to be in power.
I used to be worry about being attacked by ISIS, now I am more concerned about what the Trump administration will do. Sinclair Lewis was right...it can happen here. God help us all!
12
Bannon is dangerous, shrewd, cunning, and mean. did I mention selfish? in short, I don't like him, nohow.
but he spent time on Wall St. and he knows there's a bid and an ask of anything. I'm sure he'd sell his own mother if he saw a percentage in it, but if there were no takers, he'd happily saw off her arms and legs and sell you those.
such men are dangerous. even when they look like they just woke up behind a dumpster.
but he spent time on Wall St. and he knows there's a bid and an ask of anything. I'm sure he'd sell his own mother if he saw a percentage in it, but if there were no takers, he'd happily saw off her arms and legs and sell you those.
such men are dangerous. even when they look like they just woke up behind a dumpster.
Trump already sold us out to Wall Street and his billionaire friends have his ear. This snow job Bannon did scares me because so many suckers believed it. I have never been so ashamed of the intelligence of Americans as an indicator of a lack of progress and understanding. We are on the verge of a bloody revolution that will engulf us and take us down. Osama Bin Laden is smiling in his grave.
9
So Donald Trump, who as recently as 2005, was either a Democrat or certainly left leaning, wants conservatives to trust him and unite behind his agenda? Please. The President spent much of the primary season assailing the GOP establishment, going after respected figures such as Senator McCain and the Bush family in general. I understand that politics is politics and a candidate needs to establish his own bona fides, but to do so using such vitriol and then to turn around months later and ask for support is ridiculous.
Mr. Bannon is a media personality masquerading as a member of the NSC and the president's inner circle. As disconcerting as that is, one can say similar things about President Trump.
Mr. Bannon is a media personality masquerading as a member of the NSC and the president's inner circle. As disconcerting as that is, one can say similar things about President Trump.
5
"everything is going according to plan."
This is an exact echo what Hitler said when he invaded Soviet Union until the Stalingrad defeat which I remember quite well. An old and overused, generally misleading statement without any specific information of value.
This is an exact echo what Hitler said when he invaded Soviet Union until the Stalingrad defeat which I remember quite well. An old and overused, generally misleading statement without any specific information of value.
5
Trump is not our Hitler, he's more like Louis XIV.
2
well, THAT'S a relief!
interesting how he refers to "your country". it belongs to all americans, not just the right wingers, particularly the white right wingers. how embarrassing having a racist as one of the top advisers to the president!!! but trump is proud of that.what does that say about a man who speaks at a sixth grader level.
7
Bannon was probably the "leaker" regarding Priebus.
3
Bannon is as smooth as Barack Obama and funny to boot. I love how the coastal press trains its droids - even teenagers on video now - to fear and hate people and then they show up on TV and totally blow that image away.
This is an indicator of how the failures of these party outlets will go. They constantly paint horns of people and then those images get totally blown away.
This is an indicator of how the failures of these party outlets will go. They constantly paint horns of people and then those images get totally blown away.
2
Sure, I suppose that's possible if you ignore everything he says and stands for. But then again, that supposes you would be opposed to what he wants to do. Or else you imagine he doesn't really mean any of it, and promoting white supremacy and anti-semetism is just a cynical ploy get ahold of power. To which I would then have to ask: to what ends? If he is NOT going to eventually unleash the hounds, then what is the point?
1
How insulting. Steve Bannon could not shine President Obama's shoes. You think a so-called man who wants to "deconstruct the administrative state" is smooth and funny. You people are so invested in your hate you cannot see or think straight, yet you have the gall to accuse others of what you wallow in.
1
Bannon is driving a train that will accelerate America's working-class decline. Trump supporters cheering that Bannon-led clown posse applauded its own, dire fate: a life without health insurance or a safety net, a dirtier, more poisonous and deadlier existence that is fast approaching the grass-shacks-and-fish-heads stage of a fourth-world country, one that has a veneer of wealth on top of relentless poverty and hopelessness, all self-inflicted.
9
"Deconstruction of the administrative state" is an oxymoron coming from someone sitting in the executive branch of government. He is talking about cutting off the head of the dragon when he himself is that very beast. And if his deconstruction succeeds then the executive branch will be hobbled and ineffective? He wants the president to have dictatorial powers while at the same time decreasing government power? Does any of that make sense? No, absolutely not.
Removing government protections like healthcare, social security, medicaid/medicare, and repealing regulations against polluters, retirement fund thieves, etc. just allows Trump and Bannon to give the US treasury dollars to their rich friends. Trump's revulsion at working with anyone who is not a billionaire is proof that the ordinary US citizen means nothing to him or his anti-democratic, xenophobic, dead-wrong, deconstructionist, advisor.
Removing government protections like healthcare, social security, medicaid/medicare, and repealing regulations against polluters, retirement fund thieves, etc. just allows Trump and Bannon to give the US treasury dollars to their rich friends. Trump's revulsion at working with anyone who is not a billionaire is proof that the ordinary US citizen means nothing to him or his anti-democratic, xenophobic, dead-wrong, deconstructionist, advisor.
6
It's about destroying the government and then the country. The 5-6 families left around after it's over will control everything, as in Nigeria....
Thanks for voting for Trump!!!
Thanks for voting for Trump!!!
11
Hawkeye, that's nonsense.
The 50% of voters who elected Trump won't let that happen. Trump is sticking to the promises he made during the election, but if he ever really became a threat to America, we would step in. The second amendment is alive and well and assures that internal government forces will never take negative control. We are a nation of patriots who will always and ultimately control for the good of all citizens. Why do you think we elected Trump?
The 50% of voters who elected Trump won't let that happen. Trump is sticking to the promises he made during the election, but if he ever really became a threat to America, we would step in. The second amendment is alive and well and assures that internal government forces will never take negative control. We are a nation of patriots who will always and ultimately control for the good of all citizens. Why do you think we elected Trump?
"The 'deconstruction of the administrative state' has just begun."
So said Joseph Goebbels, the foaming hate-monger reincarnated as Stephen Bannon. The same Stephen Bannon banned from speaking at CPAC "when he was running Breitbart News." The same Stephen Bannon whose Breitbart colleague, Milo Yiannopoulos, disgusted the world when he gave us a small peek into his deviant mind. The same Stephen Bannon whose traveling companion Richard Spencer speaks of "defending a culture." Code words for White Supremacist.
Yes, this Stephen Bannon now has the ear of Donald, as empty an intellectual vessel as one might hope to find in a dozen lifetimes. And into this empty vessel Bannon is pouring his poisonous philosophy.
What Americans voted to deconstruct the administrative state? What does that even mean, other than the elimination of social programs which a former Goldman Sachs millionaire doesn't personally see the need for? Perhaps the NYT would like to start a daily column, called "Real Quotes from Bannon When Even His Mother Wasn't Listening to Him." It's a target-rich environment; just ask the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Bannon is the clear and present danger to this country, and no effort should be spared to educate the public to his twisted anarchistic rage.
So said Joseph Goebbels, the foaming hate-monger reincarnated as Stephen Bannon. The same Stephen Bannon banned from speaking at CPAC "when he was running Breitbart News." The same Stephen Bannon whose Breitbart colleague, Milo Yiannopoulos, disgusted the world when he gave us a small peek into his deviant mind. The same Stephen Bannon whose traveling companion Richard Spencer speaks of "defending a culture." Code words for White Supremacist.
Yes, this Stephen Bannon now has the ear of Donald, as empty an intellectual vessel as one might hope to find in a dozen lifetimes. And into this empty vessel Bannon is pouring his poisonous philosophy.
What Americans voted to deconstruct the administrative state? What does that even mean, other than the elimination of social programs which a former Goldman Sachs millionaire doesn't personally see the need for? Perhaps the NYT would like to start a daily column, called "Real Quotes from Bannon When Even His Mother Wasn't Listening to Him." It's a target-rich environment; just ask the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Bannon is the clear and present danger to this country, and no effort should be spared to educate the public to his twisted anarchistic rage.
21
Bannon's most horrifying assertion: "If you think they are going to give you your country back, you are sadly mistaken."
3
I would love to hear from professors of political science and other experts on the topic of Steve Bannon. If we as Americans fully understand Bannon's thinking, motives, and agenda, we will have a better handle on the level of danger he poses to the executive branch. One thing that surprised me is his eloquence of speech relative to Trump. Bannon does not speak in sound bites. This intelligent man, who has such full access to such a malleable, uneducated president, is a powerful, dangerous man indeed. It is crucial to educate ourselves on this person, just as crucial as it is for the federal law enforcement community to get the full picture on what is happening between the White House and Russia.
7
Bannon ca;;s for unity? He relentlessly spews hate. Who will be his next target? No one knows.
These people whine about focus on "stupid" things? The Trump administration focuses on stupid things. Don't do stupid things, and the focus will go away.
They have deconstructed the administrative state and the result is a disaster which is destined to become more apparent as crises arise. Bannon's pipe dream will inevitably crash and burn, and we'll all be wearing the bandages.
These people whine about focus on "stupid" things? The Trump administration focuses on stupid things. Don't do stupid things, and the focus will go away.
They have deconstructed the administrative state and the result is a disaster which is destined to become more apparent as crises arise. Bannon's pipe dream will inevitably crash and burn, and we'll all be wearing the bandages.
5
"... according to plan"? It is going a lot better than it would had any other candidate been elected.
The Trump Administration has already done much to protect the American people, and their livelihoods. With more concern and legitimacy than a renegade Appeals Court, that consistently rules-fervently with illegitimate political banter.
The Trump Administration has already done much to protect the American people, and their livelihoods. With more concern and legitimacy than a renegade Appeals Court, that consistently rules-fervently with illegitimate political banter.
1
You sound like Trump himself. You're delusional if you believe that angering many of the countries that he's dealt with, (including our allies) makes you any safer in this world. And attacking the judiciary endangers us as well as it's one of the pillars holding up the government. As far as Trump's "legitimacy"? That gets a chuckle.
1
"The Trump Administration has already done much to protect the American people, and their livelihoods." Really? Such as what? Is dismantling all environmental regulations, which are barely enough as it is to protect the planet and our future, included in your list of things?
But no talk of the world war he sees in the near future.......and will welcome with open arms.......
7
we're not doing well on the world stage, but the sabre rattling tells me Trump is thinking of attacking Mexico, our friends to the south and his puffed up bully version of Reagan's bid to create his poll numbers by attacking Grenada. it will be huge.
Every skilled narcissist will triangulate admirers, sycophants, and opponents against one another. This keeps everyone busy and prevents any effective opposition from forming. And the best way to do it is to install a desperate, loyal, particularly contentious follower in a position of great influence for which he has little qualification. Witness, Bannon being given a seat on the National Security Council. His main functions there are 1) to keep an eye on everyone for Trump, and 2) demonstrate that Trump has given him inappropriate authority. This conveys to any rational people that Trump is primarily concerned with loyalty, not what qualifications are best for the nation.
4
"The 'Deconstruction of the administrative state'? What does that phrase even mean in 2017 America?"
Most lawyers, myself included, can tell you exactly what it means: the various agencies within the government comprise the "administrative state." They're made up of the millions of Americans who quite literally keep the country running. The Social Security Administration (SSA) ensures that millions of retirees receive their benefits checks each month. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) monitors the use of public funds to ensure they're not being misspent. The Department of the Interior alone has dozens of agencies within its ranks: the National Parks Service; Fish & Wildlife; the Bureau of Indian Affairs, etc.
The various parts of the administrative state also create rules and regulations that are considered equal in authority, in most cases, to legislative bills -- which the U.S. Supreme Court deemed as constitutionally allowable decades ago. As one example: NHTSA regulates safety standards for motor vehicles, and takes action when automakers or parts fail to meet those standards (e.g. the recent Takata airbag recall).
Gannon either fails to understand the true scope of the administrative state -- and like many Republicans holds the view that "all bureaucracy is bad" -- or legitimately wants to implode the government from within. While none of this is truly possible, the mere fact that Trump's chief adviser *advocates* it should rattle every American to the core.
Most lawyers, myself included, can tell you exactly what it means: the various agencies within the government comprise the "administrative state." They're made up of the millions of Americans who quite literally keep the country running. The Social Security Administration (SSA) ensures that millions of retirees receive their benefits checks each month. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) monitors the use of public funds to ensure they're not being misspent. The Department of the Interior alone has dozens of agencies within its ranks: the National Parks Service; Fish & Wildlife; the Bureau of Indian Affairs, etc.
The various parts of the administrative state also create rules and regulations that are considered equal in authority, in most cases, to legislative bills -- which the U.S. Supreme Court deemed as constitutionally allowable decades ago. As one example: NHTSA regulates safety standards for motor vehicles, and takes action when automakers or parts fail to meet those standards (e.g. the recent Takata airbag recall).
Gannon either fails to understand the true scope of the administrative state -- and like many Republicans holds the view that "all bureaucracy is bad" -- or legitimately wants to implode the government from within. While none of this is truly possible, the mere fact that Trump's chief adviser *advocates* it should rattle every American to the core.
8
In my view, it's the latter. So we need to be on the move to protect the country against this anarcho-fascist deconstructionist and his puppet.
So pedophilia is the line that CPAC types won't cross? Bravery.
7
"Deconstruction of the Administrative State" is the Trump Administration intent on following Pol Pot's playbook??
4
No Emperor, you and vader have only struck back--we will return.
6
Bannon a fire-breathing populist? Man of mystery? Please call him what he is, a facist. There is not enough lipstick to go around to put on this pig.
10
"The “deconstruction of the administrative state”..."
"...whether you’re a limited-government conservative, whether you’re a libertarian, whether you’re an economic nationalist..."
"...the president’s enemies..."
Unity? This is not the language of unity. This is the language of force, of Us Vs. Them, "Them" being their fellow Americans.
"...whether you’re a limited-government conservative, whether you’re a libertarian, whether you’re an economic nationalist..."
"...the president’s enemies..."
Unity? This is not the language of unity. This is the language of force, of Us Vs. Them, "Them" being their fellow Americans.
8
"Everything is going according to plan"??
Bannon is a sick man and looks like a sick man. The FBI needs to tell us if this unelected End Times conspiracy nut is running the Trump WH and the GOP had better step up and investigate his connections. Interesting that he wants the US to be "economic nationalists" while he goes global and spreads hate in right wing circles in Europe via his Brietbart connections.
Bannon is a sick man and looks like a sick man. The FBI needs to tell us if this unelected End Times conspiracy nut is running the Trump WH and the GOP had better step up and investigate his connections. Interesting that he wants the US to be "economic nationalists" while he goes global and spreads hate in right wing circles in Europe via his Brietbart connections.
8
CPAC was a credible organization of Conservative intellects and politician. When President Reagan stated at CPAC he supported the "E and the R but not the A" everyone understood that the ERA was dead. Clear and conscience no questions asked- Conservatives were against the ERA. But now you need an interpreter to understand what is being espoused at CPAC. "Corporatist globalist media" Rupert Murdock? Wall Street? Or just another threat against the free press especially the press that doesn't agree with your intellectually corrupt ideas. Fox, Breitbart and InfoWars are OK but everyone else is under attack? If it is this is the theory Bannon is espousing it is getting really old, it is intellectually corrupt and no one is buying it. CPAC can do better and you deserve better but you need to drop Bannon and his hanger-ons.
6
I hope most listening (from the outside that is) caught the meaning of the word "culture" in describing Americans. I am just horrified and terrified that this man has such a position at the table. Please people! Do not become complacent or numb to this danger. The fact that CPAC had him speak after years of considering him too fringe speaks loudly to what is happening.
DO NOT NORMALIZE.
DO NOT NORMALIZE.
7
The future of our democracy and way of life is at stake. Trump, Bannon and their evil minions will destroy us if we let them. We can't let them.
Resist. Persist. impeach. Convict. Remove.
Resist. Persist. impeach. Convict. Remove.
7
I have heard too many of these anti-government types over the years and they are basically all the same: I don't like the government unless of course I do.
They really just want to cherry pick the parts of government that provide immediate benefit to themselves, and posture and pose for the benefit of the rubes who line up at the polls and continually vote against their own self interests.
It is such a lie. And I fear that for the next four years we will witness President Bannon pulling Puppet Trump's strings. I further predict that before long the real enemy of the American people will be identified as that darn democracy. And at CPAC's next convention they'll be talking about the need to "deconstructed that out of date, totally inefficient democracy."
They really just want to cherry pick the parts of government that provide immediate benefit to themselves, and posture and pose for the benefit of the rubes who line up at the polls and continually vote against their own self interests.
It is such a lie. And I fear that for the next four years we will witness President Bannon pulling Puppet Trump's strings. I further predict that before long the real enemy of the American people will be identified as that darn democracy. And at CPAC's next convention they'll be talking about the need to "deconstructed that out of date, totally inefficient democracy."
5
Buffet Christians like Buffet government. Go figure.
The notion that his goal is one of "anarchy" and decentralization of power
is ludicrous. He wants to consolidate power around the executive in a
TOTALITARIAN manner that guts the constitution. White supremacy and fascism can then be imposed by law after this psychotic gang can slowly purge the country
of it's sacred institutions of democracy.
America first mean White people first.
is ludicrous. He wants to consolidate power around the executive in a
TOTALITARIAN manner that guts the constitution. White supremacy and fascism can then be imposed by law after this psychotic gang can slowly purge the country
of it's sacred institutions of democracy.
America first mean White people first.
5
Does anyone remember Moe, Curley and Larry, The Three Stooges: "Who's on first"? We have deja vu on the stage right now.
It's hard to make sense of what's coming out of Washington, everyone has a different spin on what's going on and what's to come. Now, it's an attempt at a reassurance plan where they're saying, "Don't worry, we have it under control".
At this point, Trump appears to be a last thought. Bannon is usurping Trump's power and we'll see how long that lasts. Ego rules at the highest levels, that's never a good thing. With three former military men in positions of power, the plot thickens.
Standing in the wings, wearing the Emperor's no-clothes, are McConnell and Ryan.
It's hard to make sense of what's coming out of Washington, everyone has a different spin on what's going on and what's to come. Now, it's an attempt at a reassurance plan where they're saying, "Don't worry, we have it under control".
At this point, Trump appears to be a last thought. Bannon is usurping Trump's power and we'll see how long that lasts. Ego rules at the highest levels, that's never a good thing. With three former military men in positions of power, the plot thickens.
Standing in the wings, wearing the Emperor's no-clothes, are McConnell and Ryan.
3
This report terrifies me. Repealing the "administrative state" sounds like overthrowing the Constitution. Bannon is the opposite of the Originalists beloved by conservative ps interested in Supreme Court nominees. And the replacement for the "administrative state" -- that would be the chaos of the Disunited States of America.
6
Steve Bannon and Reince Preibus are the two main reasons I voted Republican for the first time in 50 years (except once for a friend).
No doubt, I many millions of other never-to-return Democrats finally saw the light, cut the cord with the liberal thinking and Obama and Clinton worship, and voted for Donald J Trump.
I pray for him everyday and find no problem whatsoever with bringing God into my personal equation. Too many liberals, even of the neo-con variety, are now completely godless, and I cannot abide it.
No doubt, I many millions of other never-to-return Democrats finally saw the light, cut the cord with the liberal thinking and Obama and Clinton worship, and voted for Donald J Trump.
I pray for him everyday and find no problem whatsoever with bringing God into my personal equation. Too many liberals, even of the neo-con variety, are now completely godless, and I cannot abide it.
Sir,
I also live down Mexico way and can't understand a word you are saying. Can you put that in terms a real cowhand can understand, because I think you've been sipping water from a loco spring.
I don't worship my politicians the way you seem to need to do. I expect clarity regarding policy, not some vague promise my enemies will feel my wrath. The Indian Wars are over, Geronimo. The only orders I take come from Brad Pitt. Don't sit with fascists unless you are the bomb, Apaches.
I also live down Mexico way and can't understand a word you are saying. Can you put that in terms a real cowhand can understand, because I think you've been sipping water from a loco spring.
I don't worship my politicians the way you seem to need to do. I expect clarity regarding policy, not some vague promise my enemies will feel my wrath. The Indian Wars are over, Geronimo. The only orders I take come from Brad Pitt. Don't sit with fascists unless you are the bomb, Apaches.
You have got to be kidding. He's the godless one.
I find it interesting that you would invoke godliness while supporting people who reject the most basic teachings of compassion and love for others that Jesus supposedly represents.
If you left the Democrats for Trump and feel comfortable with Bannon, I would assume your ideas never aligned with the Democrats in the first place but you hadn't bothered to realize it.
If you left the Democrats for Trump and feel comfortable with Bannon, I would assume your ideas never aligned with the Democrats in the first place but you hadn't bothered to realize it.
My dear departed auntie would have said of Bannon, "why, he looks like something that crawled out from under a big rock". Indeed, his look is one of a confirmed alcoholic, just back from a long weekend bender. His soul though, seems as disheveled as his outward appearance. That he is at the top level of governing, or at least has the ears of those that do, is horrifying.
9
The main method to unite the entire Conservative party is through opposition. There must be an enemy. Liberals. Paid protestors. The media. Hilary. This is the smokescreen that they create to unite conservatives and allow them to focus on the "enemy" while the WH completely dismantles all conservative principles, from the constitution to the free press.
What Bannon, Trump, and others within the WH and Republican Party forget is that they are in control now. There is no enemy except themselves. They control 2 branches of government and it's time to produce. In 2018 that is the way 70% of this country will judge them. And so far it's not looking good.
What Bannon, Trump, and others within the WH and Republican Party forget is that they are in control now. There is no enemy except themselves. They control 2 branches of government and it's time to produce. In 2018 that is the way 70% of this country will judge them. And so far it's not looking good.
11
If they don;t call the press the enemy they will have to address the criticism and admit to the failures they have had. They can't do that. Trump can't admit to ever being wrong and neither can Bannon and I expect many others in this latest cabal of GOP criminals. I hated and feared reagan because he was so clearly a fraud intent on destroying our government. These guys I fear are actually diagnoseable with pathology's that make them much more dangerous than the man intent on and largely successful at destroying our government.
Just read Preibus put pressure on FBI to make the bad news go away. They haven't, but that smacks of Nixon's kinda creeping around the Constitution. What would the GOP say if Hillary had her chief make a similar call? COME ON, GOP.
Bannon suggests letting our government's administration fall apart from negligence and crosswise policy is his answer to our problems. Seems he expects the FBI to pull his hat tricks for him, too.
I expect both of the men in this picture will go to jail, eventually, but they'll land on Park Ave a few more times before they get parking violations.
Bannon suggests letting our government's administration fall apart from negligence and crosswise policy is his answer to our problems. Seems he expects the FBI to pull his hat tricks for him, too.
I expect both of the men in this picture will go to jail, eventually, but they'll land on Park Ave a few more times before they get parking violations.
12
Bannon is the Rasputin of the Whitehouse. He'll bring us all down with hate and descent. Prebus is along for the ride with incompetence along with most of the King's court.
16
I absolutely agree with Al. Preibus and the president have been suckered into a fascist pit out of their own ignorance. Talk about a swamp!! But must we join them. No.
1
Sometimes the King wakes up in time, and it's off with their heads court jesters and all.
"The deconstruction of the administrative state." I asked my senior high school students this morning what that meant. Some interesting answers: "No more oversights or rules," "No more guidelines about what is safe, like safe water, safe highways," "What about flying? Who oversees our airports? And flight patterns and the safety of our airplanes" Those were just the answers and questions in the first five minutes of our discussion.
We live in a complex society, both urban and rural, a giant land mass with over 350 million people of varying ethnicities, ages and abilities. Our infrastructure alone demands continual oversight; our military is unbelievably complicated, our economy global and diverse. Bannon thinks simply in his quest for power and presupposes, like so many stupid, unprincipled people who only want influence, that he can wave his anarchic wand and poof! the evil "administrative state" he demonizes will disappear. But I have students who have actually lived in such a world. Some are from Somalia, and they answered: "A lack of an administrative state looks like Mogadishu or the South Sudan--no rules, no regular clean, running water or consistent electricity, warlords, destruction, corruption and chaos." Yup. Bannon's silly pipe dream is a dangerous fantasy--he wants us all to believe that on the other side of the "deconstruction of the administrative state" lies freedom. Nothing could be further from the truth.
We live in a complex society, both urban and rural, a giant land mass with over 350 million people of varying ethnicities, ages and abilities. Our infrastructure alone demands continual oversight; our military is unbelievably complicated, our economy global and diverse. Bannon thinks simply in his quest for power and presupposes, like so many stupid, unprincipled people who only want influence, that he can wave his anarchic wand and poof! the evil "administrative state" he demonizes will disappear. But I have students who have actually lived in such a world. Some are from Somalia, and they answered: "A lack of an administrative state looks like Mogadishu or the South Sudan--no rules, no regular clean, running water or consistent electricity, warlords, destruction, corruption and chaos." Yup. Bannon's silly pipe dream is a dangerous fantasy--he wants us all to believe that on the other side of the "deconstruction of the administrative state" lies freedom. Nothing could be further from the truth.
467
Deconstruction would indeed mean total freedom -- but only for the guy on top. For the rest it would mean serfdom.
Most of the people on this planet at present live in dictatorships. For some, especially nuts and sociopaths, democracy means an opportunity to become a dictator. The end of colonialism was brought by calls for democracy, but resulted in dictatorships, often disguised. The end of communism: to a large extent the same story.
Maybe democracy only works in countries wealthy because of trade, which requires a functioning judicial system?
Democracy requires eternal vigilance - hard to attain in a society in which many only want to amuse themselves.
Most of the people on this planet at present live in dictatorships. For some, especially nuts and sociopaths, democracy means an opportunity to become a dictator. The end of colonialism was brought by calls for democracy, but resulted in dictatorships, often disguised. The end of communism: to a large extent the same story.
Maybe democracy only works in countries wealthy because of trade, which requires a functioning judicial system?
Democracy requires eternal vigilance - hard to attain in a society in which many only want to amuse themselves.
Kids get it. Thanks so much for turning this into a productive, reflective dialogue with your students. I learned so much by this activity. You sound like an amazing teacher!
Thank you for discussing Bannon's statement and its implications with your students. You are making a difference to this generation and future ones. I value and so appreciate you.
Trump, Bannon and Conway all three of them, have the self-satisfied and self-righeous look of people relishing a well executed con.
14
As Trump's chief advisor, Steve Bannon, was very clear at CPAC yesterday. He pontificated that he and Trump are dedicated to "deconstructing the administrative state," — a direct quote — which means, in real words, getting rid of Social Security, Medicare, the "corporatist" free press, Public Schools, the Post Office, Public Hospitals, the EPA, the FAA, the FDA, the CDC, Public Roads, Airports and Trains... anything and everything that is run by the Government EXCEPT for the Military; where Trump promises increases in spending and funding. This is Trump's plan to make America Great Again...
12
If this group is the governing force behind our nation, we are all in a lot of trouble. The concept of deconstruction, as proposed by the most hateful, bigoted, and mysogynistic amongst us, should frighten even the most stoic American. And the president is just a puppet, someone to put a face and signature on a movement that bears no resemblance to the United States that the world has grown to know and admire.
14
My theory is Americans deserve what happens to them as retribution for the wreckage, death, and turmoil they've brought to Latin America, the Middle East, the countries of Indochina, blacks they once enslaved, and Indians they once slaughtered.
There's certainly no lack of sin to be paid for in unpleasantly stark terms.
There's certainly no lack of sin to be paid for in unpleasantly stark terms.
2
What is the Government, if not an "Administrative State"?
Is that not, in essence, what the United States Government is? Is not then this creature and those under his spell, "levying war" upon the United States?
Lets refer again to the US Constitution, Article III, Section 3 Paragraph 1:
"Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to
their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court."
It is no stretch to see other actions of this cast of characters that easily fall under this section.
Let us refer also to Article II, Section 4
"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."
Has Congress the courage? The love of Country and Freedom?
Can a private Citizen bring this issue before the Congress?
Is that not, in essence, what the United States Government is? Is not then this creature and those under his spell, "levying war" upon the United States?
Lets refer again to the US Constitution, Article III, Section 3 Paragraph 1:
"Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to
their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court."
It is no stretch to see other actions of this cast of characters that easily fall under this section.
Let us refer also to Article II, Section 4
"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."
Has Congress the courage? The love of Country and Freedom?
Can a private Citizen bring this issue before the Congress?
14
Bannon and Trump seem to think they can some how roll over most of us
with their America First smokescreen. They have no plan other than
some wacked out ideology that will somehow make America safer and
those left behind richer.
Good business and good government require details. Thousands and
thousands of them.
But for Grifters they only need to convince someone that the
most tremendous, winningest, bestest, and awesome times are
coming if only you trust me.
with their America First smokescreen. They have no plan other than
some wacked out ideology that will somehow make America safer and
those left behind richer.
Good business and good government require details. Thousands and
thousands of them.
But for Grifters they only need to convince someone that the
most tremendous, winningest, bestest, and awesome times are
coming if only you trust me.
16
Why is the so-called president taking time off from work to make a speech at CPAC? Doesn't he have more important things to do, like run the country, and make America great again?
11
Accordion to Bannon, Trump doing nothing is exactly how one destroys government from the inside. Negligence and then bankruptcy, Trump's specialty. A Glick for the 21st Century, Fox. Universal language.
Bannon's got a LOT of nerve calling US "Corporatists." I know Corporatism. My SSMom's family imported PU TABU stinking Corporatism from France in 1935. They and their global industrial financing friends paid folks to march around in uniforms ringing bells and stepping all over their clangers praising the anti-immigrant AND anti-labor militia of the day, the Croix de Feu.
These are the men Zola accused of rabid Anti-Semitism. The CF's morphed into an immigration deportation squad funded by their friends, then a party which overturned the French Third Republic in the next election.
YOU'RE the Corporatist, Bannon; I can smell that stench a mile away. Making a fortune off of futures is not enough, you need others to suffer for you to feel any gains. I know your pathology, but listen closely. You can't get Americans to pee on the Constitution. It's been tried, and no one will stand for it.
SSMom's aunt spent millions trying to turn America into a slave state for industry. Now Bannon's trying to revive that old hate machine, but he's got another ring coming.
Bannon's got a LOT of nerve calling US "Corporatists." I know Corporatism. My SSMom's family imported PU TABU stinking Corporatism from France in 1935. They and their global industrial financing friends paid folks to march around in uniforms ringing bells and stepping all over their clangers praising the anti-immigrant AND anti-labor militia of the day, the Croix de Feu.
These are the men Zola accused of rabid Anti-Semitism. The CF's morphed into an immigration deportation squad funded by their friends, then a party which overturned the French Third Republic in the next election.
YOU'RE the Corporatist, Bannon; I can smell that stench a mile away. Making a fortune off of futures is not enough, you need others to suffer for you to feel any gains. I know your pathology, but listen closely. You can't get Americans to pee on the Constitution. It's been tried, and no one will stand for it.
SSMom's aunt spent millions trying to turn America into a slave state for industry. Now Bannon's trying to revive that old hate machine, but he's got another ring coming.
1
Make America like 1958, again. That cannot happen. That will not happen.
1
Bannon has made it clear, if there weren't already signs to suggest, that his agenda is simple - disrupt everything. Let chaos reign and new world order emerge. Fortunately the man does need to brag a bit and come in from the shadows, which what he just did at CPAC. He clearly stated that it was his mission to find the very worst among us to re-organize our government by having the worst agency and cabinet picks in history. It was clear from the choice in DeVos, Sessions, and Perry to name a few, that placing the unsuited into the engines of government would soon cause havoc and disruption.
If conservatives were reassured by hearing the theory behind his "chaos theory", then we are in worse shape than I thought. On the other hand, by doing a bit of bragging he made clear to the rest of the country that nothing but chaos will do. Perhaps, though, this can be used as a clarion call for moderates in both parties, led by the people (since Congress appears to be abetting Mr. bannon's wishes) in using the 2020 elections to reset America's "idle speed" to a more comfortable, sustainable point along the political pendulum arc.
Whether Bannon is the fictional Svengali, a mad Rasputin, or a shadow-boxer seeking to remake us in his own image, CPAC is not going to be our future. That will be decided by the people...whose voice is rising daily...
If conservatives were reassured by hearing the theory behind his "chaos theory", then we are in worse shape than I thought. On the other hand, by doing a bit of bragging he made clear to the rest of the country that nothing but chaos will do. Perhaps, though, this can be used as a clarion call for moderates in both parties, led by the people (since Congress appears to be abetting Mr. bannon's wishes) in using the 2020 elections to reset America's "idle speed" to a more comfortable, sustainable point along the political pendulum arc.
Whether Bannon is the fictional Svengali, a mad Rasputin, or a shadow-boxer seeking to remake us in his own image, CPAC is not going to be our future. That will be decided by the people...whose voice is rising daily...
188
Need to start with every election from this point on. A 2018 reset is necessary to be successful in 2020
1
I generally agree with you, but don't think America can wait until the 2020 elections to do something about Trump/Bannon. He has wreaked so much havoc in only one month -- hard to imagine what the damage would be after 4 years. I personally am hoping Trump will do something so terrible (or he will displease the Russians and Putin will release something so terrible) that the Republicans will finally see the need to impeach him. 2020 is too far off.
Agree. Meant to write 2018...
It is strange to see when people to the right start to make use of anarchist and communist ideas such as the 'withering of the state'. It is also strange to see how many people fall for an attitude in which it is taken for granted that the state maintains law and order, both internally and externally, and takes care of social security, but in which one objects when one has to pay tax for it.
How silly to think for so many people to think that they will somehow profit from the end of civilization: they would probably be the first victims.
All we can do is wait for the nuttiness to reach the treshold that it is not useful for the ruling republicans any more and that they in fact will be hurt by it, and that they start impeachment proceedings. I fear that that will take a long time.
How silly to think for so many people to think that they will somehow profit from the end of civilization: they would probably be the first victims.
All we can do is wait for the nuttiness to reach the treshold that it is not useful for the ruling republicans any more and that they in fact will be hurt by it, and that they start impeachment proceedings. I fear that that will take a long time.
5
It's a coup. How does one fight a coup, especially when the "administrative state" becomes compliant and complicit in it?
9
Look for Timothy Snyder's forthcoming book, "On Tyranny," and be prepared. We are moving toward fascism and we've got about a year to stop it. Bannon wants regime change, and he means the 1930s kind. Google Snyder, listen to his interviews on Radio Open Source and with Rick Perlstein on FB yesterday. We have no time to lose, people. Bannon wants a pre-New Deal, Christian, anti-multicultural society, and is willing to employ the most murderous means to get there. He's an extreme nationalist, and we know how that ends up.
8
In Bannon's case, 'deconstruction' is just a socially acceptable term for 'destruction. ' And deregulation means removing any kind of oversight that benefits the common good. Interesting how much Bannon hates the mainstream (aka fact-checking, responsible) media, and yet he loves his own brand of hate journalism. I applaud retired Admiral McRaven, now Chancellor of the University of Texas, for stepping up yesterday and calling Trump and Bannon's calculated attacks on our free press as "the greatest threat to democracy in my lifetime." But the most interesting part of Bannon and Priebus' talks was that neither one of them mentioned democracy, freedom, the will of the people. Instead, they talked of "a new political order," when our political order is democracy. No one asked for a new political order and the destruction of the state. Truly alarming. No wonder Bannon's face is so bloated and unhealthy looking. He wears his conscience on his face.
14
"Everything," says Bannon, "is going according to plan."
That's possibly true, but does anyone besides a few initiates know what that plan entails?
Simply destroying/deconstructing the old and replacing it with something that will benefit the few already very wealthy and well-connected politicians or businessmen, but not We the People?
That's possibly true, but does anyone besides a few initiates know what that plan entails?
Simply destroying/deconstructing the old and replacing it with something that will benefit the few already very wealthy and well-connected politicians or businessmen, but not We the People?
7
Pence:
“My friends, this is our time,” he told the conference Thursday night. “This is the time to prove again that our answers are the right answers for America.”
That's the whole debate I'd say.
Let's lay out the conservative plans and solutions vs the more liberal plans and solutions - using objective facts and reasoned analysis based on historical experience - and see who has the better answers.
I bet we find one set of answers favors the wealthy most and the other set favors the broader middle class.
You know instinctively which side always wins with the Republicans.
But, hey, let's have the debate and let Americans decide.
(spoiler alert: Americans support liberal positions on most major issues according to polling over the last 80 years)
“My friends, this is our time,” he told the conference Thursday night. “This is the time to prove again that our answers are the right answers for America.”
That's the whole debate I'd say.
Let's lay out the conservative plans and solutions vs the more liberal plans and solutions - using objective facts and reasoned analysis based on historical experience - and see who has the better answers.
I bet we find one set of answers favors the wealthy most and the other set favors the broader middle class.
You know instinctively which side always wins with the Republicans.
But, hey, let's have the debate and let Americans decide.
(spoiler alert: Americans support liberal positions on most major issues according to polling over the last 80 years)
6
Sad part is that the Trump train was voted for ny people with a median income of $70K. Apparently they can just feel they are so close to getting rich too if we could just get rid of those parasites dragging them down.
Keep the American Press on these people- they are talking freely about taking a wrecking ball to our institutions and expecting compliance.
19
The problem I have with all the focus on Bannon & the various clowns in Trump Inc.'s circus is the background noise is filtered out. While they hog the headlines and Trump keeps spinning and distracting the real work of dismantling democracy is going on in congress & state / local governments. This is being done by tea party types and funded by Koch Bro's & their cable of wealthy conservatives. They are behind all destructive changes that are going on right now. While we focus on the Washington reality show they operate in the shadows working to turn democracy into a blend of fascism & plutocracy. To them Trump, Bannon & the republican leadership are merely tools & the show is a distraction from the real takeover of government and civil society by people who see themselves as superior to the masses of common people.
9
Actually at this point, the Koch Bros. are like spliff-smoking hippie radicals compared to the corporo-fascist anarchists currently running the show.
1
When is congress going to get some backbone and do something about this very dangerous man, our so-called President.
His ranting against the EPA and wanting to eliminate all the rules providing safe air and water is nothing short of treason to the United States citizens.
His new slogan should be "Make American Dirty Again."
If congress doesn't do something to stop this arrogant, egotistical person we are in for a sh-t load of trouble.
His ranting against the EPA and wanting to eliminate all the rules providing safe air and water is nothing short of treason to the United States citizens.
His new slogan should be "Make American Dirty Again."
If congress doesn't do something to stop this arrogant, egotistical person we are in for a sh-t load of trouble.
11
Perhaps a wiser commenter might be able to help me:
What is 'conservative' about "deconstructing the administrative state"?
I don't have a clue.
NOT my president.
What is 'conservative' about "deconstructing the administrative state"?
I don't have a clue.
NOT my president.
27
We are back to basics of reagan which was essentially an admin that appealed to a base of ignorant conspiracy believers. reagan/GOP took control by creating a storyline about nonexistent black female welfare cheats, making all women's issues abortion, using graphic pictures of torn bodies, and otherwise playing to the fear of ignorant people instead of lifting them out of fear by educating them they chose to create fear and feed it with fallacy and propaganda meant to spread it.
And here we are at the logical progression of the model.
And here we are at the logical progression of the model.
Deconstruct=getting rid of all those pesky regulations that protect pople and the environment, a state of laissez faire, or the more powerful you are, the more you can get away with, i.e. The rich conserve their $$$.
Supposedly this state of affairs will provide more jobs for Trump voters, bless their hearts.
Supposedly this state of affairs will provide more jobs for Trump voters, bless their hearts.
Rasputin Bannon speaks. And you can hear his puppet master ventriloquist Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin Kremlin explaining.
9
Thugs and brutality and renouncing of compassion. Bannon is supposed to have a sword to demolish government, and all the people affected by government.
Babies are sacred in the womb, fodder for poverty and sickness and death once born.
Tyranny and dehumanization of everyone starting with himself and all those who follow him.
The claims to religion are actually declarations of hatred and tyranny.
The working class will be stripped of health care, medicaid, education, and life.
Only billionaires and their sycophants are people. Everyone else is a grist for the mill of dehumanization. Transgender children are not people and have no existence in the Bannon-Trump-Sessions lily white billionaire fantasy they believe is all ther is to reality.
Babies are sacred in the womb, fodder for poverty and sickness and death once born.
Tyranny and dehumanization of everyone starting with himself and all those who follow him.
The claims to religion are actually declarations of hatred and tyranny.
The working class will be stripped of health care, medicaid, education, and life.
Only billionaires and their sycophants are people. Everyone else is a grist for the mill of dehumanization. Transgender children are not people and have no existence in the Bannon-Trump-Sessions lily white billionaire fantasy they believe is all ther is to reality.
5
President Bannon insists that Donald attend the CPAC.
5
Will the real United States President please stand up. . .
Bannon's war cry: deconstruct the administrative state and he talks about conservatives "taking your country back." If Steve Bannon were a paid Soviet agent he could not be a more destructive element at the highest level of political power.
And on another note, I didn't realize how wonderful it was NOT to have seen Kellyanne Conway on the airwaves these past weeks until I saw her interview at CPAC. She, along with Bannon, Millet, Priebus et al., give me the creeps.
Oh, and Mr. Bannon, I am a Vietnam Veteran, a retired police officer and a patriot. You can't have my country back.
Bannon's war cry: deconstruct the administrative state and he talks about conservatives "taking your country back." If Steve Bannon were a paid Soviet agent he could not be a more destructive element at the highest level of political power.
And on another note, I didn't realize how wonderful it was NOT to have seen Kellyanne Conway on the airwaves these past weeks until I saw her interview at CPAC. She, along with Bannon, Millet, Priebus et al., give me the creeps.
Oh, and Mr. Bannon, I am a Vietnam Veteran, a retired police officer and a patriot. You can't have my country back.
18
Somebody please define just what "deconstruction of the administrative state" is?
Last week we were all treated to the crazy-speak spewing from Steve Miller's pompous mouth, this week we're being treated to Steve Bannon's.
The Two Steves seem to be driving the bus. And we're all bozos on it (in their mind).
Last week we were all treated to the crazy-speak spewing from Steve Miller's pompous mouth, this week we're being treated to Steve Bannon's.
The Two Steves seem to be driving the bus. And we're all bozos on it (in their mind).
7
The 4th Turning! Bannon seeks to precipitate the sort of chaos that Mao achieved with his "cultural revolution". The program he's following is laid out in ""The Fourth Turning: What Cycles of History Tell Us About America's Next Rendezvous with Destiny." It may be that critical thinking skills have never been a big part of the American scene but now is the time. Bannon sees himself as the new messiah, leading America to the final crisis. That will allow his views of reality to be turned into all of our reality, using his dupe Trump. How did he get into the position of forcing his paranoid and self serving fantasy on to our nation? The complacency of the populace and the mendacity of the Republican party, that's how. Time to wake up, my fellow Americans.
10
The euphemistic terminology "white nationalist" and "alt-right" whitewashes the likes of Spencer. It seems calling out this rabble as "white supremacists" or "racists" would provide more apt denotations and connotations of them and their world views.
Bannon too is allowed to sugarcoat his bigotry as "economic nationalism" or "populism."
Then we have Priebus, Pence, Schlapp and the rest of the traditional CPAC crowd who like to proclaim their virtuousness. Yet they eagerly go along to get along, or worse agree, with Trump and those of his odd-lot collection of enablers and supporters who advocate for bigotry and white supremacy. As CPAC fills its tent with racists and bigots, these traditionalists would like us to euphemistically believe this outreach purely reflects advocacy of "freedom" or "states' rights."
Let's not allow all these folks to promote their "alternative facts" without challenge.
By the way, no one is paying or organizing me to speak up (in this forum or otherwise) against normalizing Donald Trump and his brand of hate. This is a grass roots outcry no matter how the right would like to paint it.
Bannon too is allowed to sugarcoat his bigotry as "economic nationalism" or "populism."
Then we have Priebus, Pence, Schlapp and the rest of the traditional CPAC crowd who like to proclaim their virtuousness. Yet they eagerly go along to get along, or worse agree, with Trump and those of his odd-lot collection of enablers and supporters who advocate for bigotry and white supremacy. As CPAC fills its tent with racists and bigots, these traditionalists would like us to euphemistically believe this outreach purely reflects advocacy of "freedom" or "states' rights."
Let's not allow all these folks to promote their "alternative facts" without challenge.
By the way, no one is paying or organizing me to speak up (in this forum or otherwise) against normalizing Donald Trump and his brand of hate. This is a grass roots outcry no matter how the right would like to paint it.
3
Fascism, by any other name would smell as rotten....
1
"Deconstruction of the administrative state." Is that what you voted for Republicans ? That sounds a whole lot like those pesky Social Security deposits into your bank accounts and Medicare payments for your physician visits are in the cross hairs.
4
These people, these so-called "conservatives," are absolutely frightening in their ideology, in their value systems, in their total lack of empathy for anyone outside their belief code. True Fascists without uniforms, oblivious to history or their own failed track record running this country, they now have a super-majority that can and no doubt will totally wreck what was once a functional democracy, the pride of the free world.
"So it goes," as Kurt Vonnegut would say.
"So it goes," as Kurt Vonnegut would say.
3
I wish Bannon had used the term "nanny" state. The term "administrative" is too bland.
"Whether you’re a populist, whether you’re a limited-government conservative, whether you’re a libertarian, whether you’re an economic nationalist,” he said, “we want you to have our back.”
Sir, you people ran on having the backs of the middle class - not vice versa!
Stop talking like you're a victim & get to work with the folks who need work in the middle & rural parts of the country -
Sir, you people ran on having the backs of the middle class - not vice versa!
Stop talking like you're a victim & get to work with the folks who need work in the middle & rural parts of the country -
1
Bannon cannot understand your perspective (our perspective).
1
"And he urged a ballroom full of activists to stick together against the forces that were trying to tear them apart. “Whether you’re a populist, whether you’re a limited-government conservative, whether you’re a libertarian, whether you’re an economic nationalist,” he said, “we want you to have our back.”"
This is what is so ridiculous about this conference. One of these three things clearly doesn't fit in with the others. Nationalism by default includes a heavy control by the State. The fact that they all gather under the same banner shows how that their stances are merely a front to a selfish agenda focused on the accumulation of wealth for the few.
This is what is so ridiculous about this conference. One of these three things clearly doesn't fit in with the others. Nationalism by default includes a heavy control by the State. The fact that they all gather under the same banner shows how that their stances are merely a front to a selfish agenda focused on the accumulation of wealth for the few.
6
Devastating.
I watched the recent movie "Leviathan" about a government official who evicts landowners to acquire their property for a pet project. When they resist, the politician ruins the family. I felt devastated after watching, knowing that these things do happen. And, now happening here.
Oh, the movie is set in Russia.
I watched the recent movie "Leviathan" about a government official who evicts landowners to acquire their property for a pet project. When they resist, the politician ruins the family. I felt devastated after watching, knowing that these things do happen. And, now happening here.
Oh, the movie is set in Russia.
5
"The “deconstruction of the administrative state” has just begun."
Just does not mean anything and or it means whatever Banana man wants it to mean at the moment.
Look, none of these people can answer a straight question with a straight answer. Of course how often does our news media ask for specifics. almost never.
When will a reporter follow the lead of a town hall meeting attendee hosted by Joe Cotton When called on he prefaced his question with; "don't even think of answering me with your Republican talking points. If you can't produce a real world answer just don't say anything.
Just does not mean anything and or it means whatever Banana man wants it to mean at the moment.
Look, none of these people can answer a straight question with a straight answer. Of course how often does our news media ask for specifics. almost never.
When will a reporter follow the lead of a town hall meeting attendee hosted by Joe Cotton When called on he prefaced his question with; "don't even think of answering me with your Republican talking points. If you can't produce a real world answer just don't say anything.
6
All we need is the picture of Priebus hugging Bannon- worth a thousand words. Thank you, Republican Party. We get it- you embrace "the deconstruction of the administrative state" as brought to you by such entities as the Heritage Foundation- aka the Kochs and their cohorts. What does that mean for our Republic?
All the agencies tasked with ensuring our rights will be destroyed- concerns for clean air and water, protection of fair labor laws, fair housing standards, anti-discrimination laws, financial regulations, food and drug safety, healthcare, national parks and national education standards- among the few things we lose.
Our civil and voting rights and our right to protest will be curtailed. All this in the service of Mammon- the god of greed.
We will enter a new age of slavery- corporate slavery. Erosion of our rights began with Citizens United recognizing corporations as people; now corporations are far more important than people. As our rights erode, their rights grow exponentially.
We have seen them co-opt religion and patriotism for their evil ends. Remember, "It's the economy, stupid." Well, clearly many who voted for this administration did not expect a bunch of robber barons to take over.
They will poison, pollute, divide and conquer, and, ultimately, enslave.
How will the media sound the alarm? Will they call out the Republican party? Without the GOP, 45 and Co. would be ineffective. The media needs to truly inform; otherwise, you are the enemy.
All the agencies tasked with ensuring our rights will be destroyed- concerns for clean air and water, protection of fair labor laws, fair housing standards, anti-discrimination laws, financial regulations, food and drug safety, healthcare, national parks and national education standards- among the few things we lose.
Our civil and voting rights and our right to protest will be curtailed. All this in the service of Mammon- the god of greed.
We will enter a new age of slavery- corporate slavery. Erosion of our rights began with Citizens United recognizing corporations as people; now corporations are far more important than people. As our rights erode, their rights grow exponentially.
We have seen them co-opt religion and patriotism for their evil ends. Remember, "It's the economy, stupid." Well, clearly many who voted for this administration did not expect a bunch of robber barons to take over.
They will poison, pollute, divide and conquer, and, ultimately, enslave.
How will the media sound the alarm? Will they call out the Republican party? Without the GOP, 45 and Co. would be ineffective. The media needs to truly inform; otherwise, you are the enemy.
8
Anne Toner
Freedom of the Press is the hallmark of Democracy. Without it we have a dictatorship. Wash your mouth out with soap and never again use the word enemy for the best thing America has going for it You have bought into alt-right bigotry. Shame, sad, horrible and terrible!
Freedom of the Press is the hallmark of Democracy. Without it we have a dictatorship. Wash your mouth out with soap and never again use the word enemy for the best thing America has going for it You have bought into alt-right bigotry. Shame, sad, horrible and terrible!
It stands to reason that the destruction of the liberal administrative state naturally has to be followed by another form of administrative state. That, or anarchy.
The restrictive form that state takes is already plain to see in the words and deeds of Bannon and Trump. It will be a locked down, closely guarded militaristic regime.
Done deal? Not really. There is atill time to stop this upcoming nationalist socialist nightmare.
Wake up, Republicans. You have been co- opted. Re- education camps cannot be far behind!
The restrictive form that state takes is already plain to see in the words and deeds of Bannon and Trump. It will be a locked down, closely guarded militaristic regime.
Done deal? Not really. There is atill time to stop this upcoming nationalist socialist nightmare.
Wake up, Republicans. You have been co- opted. Re- education camps cannot be far behind!
171
What abandoning the 'administrative state' means to me is allowing 'market forces' to rule the economy and our lives. Letting market forces run wild without some sort of regulatory checks and balances will simply not work in today's society. This is due to the fact that we no longer live in a society where business is grounded in ethics. Back in the 50's managers cared about their subordinates. It was common for people to work for one company for decades because they felt valued and returned that sentiment with loyalty to their employers. Now blue-collar workers are treated as expendable and white-collar workers are not that much better off. There is no longer that feeling of collegiate fellowship in the workplace which is a real shame.
I fear that without adequate checks and balances, market forces will lead to unsafe products (reduced food and product inspection services), a more hazardous environment (reduced role for the EPA), and possible reduced access to health care for the underserved in our society.
As a recent retiree after a 36-year career with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, I do not look forward to what will happen to that agency and agencies like it (NIH, FDA, etc.) during this administration. Public health has never been a Republican or 'market forces' priority.
I fear that without adequate checks and balances, market forces will lead to unsafe products (reduced food and product inspection services), a more hazardous environment (reduced role for the EPA), and possible reduced access to health care for the underserved in our society.
As a recent retiree after a 36-year career with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, I do not look forward to what will happen to that agency and agencies like it (NIH, FDA, etc.) during this administration. Public health has never been a Republican or 'market forces' priority.
305
and I, like many sensible physicians, are appalled.
As an Australian geographer and activist once remarked, "We all have one vote in the polling place, but in the market, it's the amount of one's dollars that count." Markets are basically policymakers based on the accumulation of wealth. Sadly, the Founders were for the most part wealthy (white) men themselves, for whom the colonial market was all theirs once America broke with Britain...and they cherished it.
1
Just who is the enemy here? America? Sure seems like it. This nightmare-circus is a study in lunacy. Swords fighting imaginary windmills. So much for "Freedom and the American Way". So much for "States RIghts" (now the Feds are going to roll back Recreational Use of Marijuana laws passed by States): The U.S. Constitution has now become an Optional Document written with erasable ink.
4
Well that makes it all better. They MEAN to do a really terrible job of governing. And I thought they were just really bad at their jobs.
6
Bannon stated that The “deconstruction of the administrative state” has just begun.
Gee, that's an easy thing to say when YOU'RE the administrator who's in charge of dismantling the administrative state. That means that your job is safe until every other administrative state job has been destroyed. That's a rather cushy place to be while you're destroying the government that our country needs to run itself.
I propose that we take away YOUR job first, because the MAJORITY of Amerians didn't vote to put you in your current position.
Gee, that's an easy thing to say when YOU'RE the administrator who's in charge of dismantling the administrative state. That means that your job is safe until every other administrative state job has been destroyed. That's a rather cushy place to be while you're destroying the government that our country needs to run itself.
I propose that we take away YOUR job first, because the MAJORITY of Amerians didn't vote to put you in your current position.
10
Sure, chaos and disarray are now synonymous with the “deconstruction of the administrative state”. Spin, alternative facts or a genius in the White House? In a democracy we get to decide, everyday. Get used to it, o masters of doublespeak. We the people are here to judge you. Everyday.
Loose the garbage-like arguments that any criticism of the not-genius in the White House is because all critics are "sore about loosing the election" or the free press is against you. It is the destruction of democracy and policies that benefit ordinary Americans, the enirin
Loose the garbage-like arguments that any criticism of the not-genius in the White House is because all critics are "sore about loosing the election" or the free press is against you. It is the destruction of democracy and policies that benefit ordinary Americans, the enirin
3
"Deconstruction of the administrative state?" Who ordered that? I thought we were promoting national self-interest and finding jobs for the Midwest. It turns out that not just Trump was a vessel for Bannon; the whole election campaign was, too.
10
Every day brings yet another nightmare. The last time I was sp completely at odds with my government was when Nixon was first elected president. I was still in high school and was unable to vote. There are too many obvious similarities between these two administrations to list.
One similarity is corruption. Nixon chose Spiro Agnew as vice president with very little forethought. Agnew was forced to resign among allegations of corruption.
blnbetween ..'ackmail.
One similarity is corruption. Nixon chose Spiro Agnew as vice president with very little forethought. Agnew was forced to resign among allegations of corruption.
blnbetween ..'ackmail.
2
So apart from being a white supremacist, a neo-nazi, and working to undermine the Pope, we now learn that President Bannon is also a radical nihilist,
What could go wrong?
What could go wrong?
7
I would think that the last thing a nihilist would want to be doing is working for a government that runs the lives of millions of pointless people.
"The deconstruction of the administrative state has just begun." Behold the beginning of the authoritarian state, where the president's pronouncements will be followed blindly and never questioned. What is conservative about any of this nonsense?
11
Bannon, who wears his scruffiness as a symbol of his power: trump tells everybody how to dress, but not him.
Bannon, who spends time with the LePen Family, sipping wine (although Bannon's face looks like he chugs it), sneering, and discussing Diderot's deconstruction of the administrative state.
Bannon, who was so accurately described last evening as one who: "reeks of the arrogance of intellectual power". And that's the power he has over trump: bannon has some, trump has none.
American Left: do not ever forget, even in the darkest of days, 92 million people did not vote. If they were rabid trumpists they would have voted for him and republicans generally do vote: 92 million missing voters...get out there, find them, persuade them: everyday the incompetence and danger of this administration and trump's clearly unstable personality are helping you.
Bannon, who spends time with the LePen Family, sipping wine (although Bannon's face looks like he chugs it), sneering, and discussing Diderot's deconstruction of the administrative state.
Bannon, who was so accurately described last evening as one who: "reeks of the arrogance of intellectual power". And that's the power he has over trump: bannon has some, trump has none.
American Left: do not ever forget, even in the darkest of days, 92 million people did not vote. If they were rabid trumpists they would have voted for him and republicans generally do vote: 92 million missing voters...get out there, find them, persuade them: everyday the incompetence and danger of this administration and trump's clearly unstable personality are helping you.
3
"Bannon urges unity"? So much wrong with making this the headline NY Times
1
Since Donald J. Trump became President, Bannon has shown himself to be a rank political amateur. He is clearly hanging on the coat-tails to retire into the billionaires boy club.
I relish the idea of the next big march, a series of them. It has seemed a bit too quiet the last 2 weeks.
The "deconstruction of the administrative state"? Yes, Trump and Bannon, we will deconstruct your policies and administration, with challenges this country hasn't seen since the 1960s. The enemy of the people has taken control, but not without enormous resistance.
The "deconstruction of the administrative state"? Yes, Trump and Bannon, we will deconstruct your policies and administration, with challenges this country hasn't seen since the 1960s. The enemy of the people has taken control, but not without enormous resistance.
1
Not too smart of the very over-confident Bannon to trumpet his plans for deconstruction of the administrative state.
Civil servants can read too and that river of leaks to the mainstream media coming out of the Deep State is going to become a raging torrent now.
Civil servants can read too and that river of leaks to the mainstream media coming out of the Deep State is going to become a raging torrent now.
2
At what point is there an intervention regarding the questionability of this administration and it's now open verbal intent to destroy the American Government and it's foundation of Democracy? This is an attack on the American people and all we believe in. Where is the evidence that we all know is in existence? How is there no accountability to release it and tear the veil created by this gaslighting coup?How is it the are not in prison already? Of course now they are so confident they are just stating their intent with no longer any secrecy. they have gone public "the deconstruction of the administrative state" has beuin. The uprising is growing and I know we are counting on elections to correct this, however, by then I'm afraid the elections will be disbanded and doubt we would be able to trust their outcomes given the interference and "rigging" of the November election. We were told directly this was the case. We didn't listen. Now we pay the price. God help us all.
2
CPAC reminds me of an ocean liner where all the passengers on deck have rushed to one side. Huddled together, the GOP ship is listing.
Some GOP pundits call for sanity. But the Bannon Huddle may be the undoing of the entire GOP.
Let's promise ourselves, it will stop there.
Some GOP pundits call for sanity. But the Bannon Huddle may be the undoing of the entire GOP.
Let's promise ourselves, it will stop there.
3
So now the man who described himself as a Leninist who seeks the complete destruction of both political parties, who has referred to himself as Darth Vader and said that evil is good, and only very recently told a rightfully critical press to shut up, is suddenly a "man of mystery".
Funny that, especially since there's nothing at all mysterious about him.
Funny that, especially since there's nothing at all mysterious about him.
2
What does "deconstruction of the administrative state" even mean? We have serious problems. Witness today's article on work in America. Facing the desolation that has become a work place of sub-living wages, a desperate American minority elected a baffoon and his puppet master. We have Jeff Sessions reversing LGBT guidance of the Obama era making it OK to discriminate. Sessions struck again today, re-establishing the travesty of private corporate prisons which Obama wisely sought to end. Home Land security is gearing up a legion of goose-stepping brown shirts to remove up to 11 million people, tearing apart highly productive families. We, as a country, are far more desperate than Hiliary with her politically suicidal "deplorables" and her implied "let them eat cake" attitude could imagine. Now, we all pay the price. Comparisons to Germany in the 30's are rampant, but I see the Bolshevik revolution. In desperation for some real change we have stuck a deal with anarchists who would dump the Constitution and give us Stalin.
3
Divide and conquer! We should all be worried when Republicans embrace a Fascist. Keep pounding your Republican officials. Keep protesting the militaristic deporter-in-chief. Keep writing, Keep calling. Nothing but intense vigilance is going to save us from these monsters. Illegitimate. Traitorous. Not a president. Never trump OR culpable, lying pense. Hang in there, American. RESIST!
2
Delusional world means just that living in a world that is not real. Both Bannon and Priebus want to create that world so that they can rule. Most comments are correct in realizing King Trump does not rule alone, he does his business transactions on our dime in Florida. Yet the bubble is going to burst when Congress finally tries to pass a piece of legislation and King Trump will sign it. After all those executive orders, Congress can say "we didn't do it", Bannon will slither around and make sure the media is there for the show. Bannon and Priebus view the media as an instrument to show their journey, like people show images on Facebook. When will the media finally show us journalistic bravado and dig deeper into this relationship. Bannon is a coward, Priebus is the inside man in the Republican Party (Empire), why are they so cozy? Does Bannon really believe the Empire won't drop him like a hot potato if he goes off their path? The Conservative Party just made a wrong turn, they are colluding with King Trump and his court. Their downfall is our victory.
1
“Let’s talk about crime rates. Let’s talk about economic viability. Let’s talk about joblessness,” Mr. Bevin added. “Let’s focus on things that matter and stop being so tabloid-like and titillated by idiocy.”
Yes, media, heed the advice. Talk about the reality of those things, what really goes on in the real world. They are giving you the hint. Take a breath. Turn off the microphones and twitter for a whole week (gasp!). You have plenty of material to work on by now. Head to the library, the sources, the databases on immigration and crime, the citizens, the border patrol agents, and simply unleash the truth. But isn't that what we are already doing, you ask? perhaps, but it does not cut through the unending noise of this administration. Wanna know my dream? I tell you. The same identical section, on the first page of every sane newspaper. Listing the wrong assertions, and the real-world truth below, with sources. In first page, every single day for as long as it takes. You must forbid us to forget, and drill reality into our brains. Oh, what a dream.
Yes, media, heed the advice. Talk about the reality of those things, what really goes on in the real world. They are giving you the hint. Take a breath. Turn off the microphones and twitter for a whole week (gasp!). You have plenty of material to work on by now. Head to the library, the sources, the databases on immigration and crime, the citizens, the border patrol agents, and simply unleash the truth. But isn't that what we are already doing, you ask? perhaps, but it does not cut through the unending noise of this administration. Wanna know my dream? I tell you. The same identical section, on the first page of every sane newspaper. Listing the wrong assertions, and the real-world truth below, with sources. In first page, every single day for as long as it takes. You must forbid us to forget, and drill reality into our brains. Oh, what a dream.
6
The conservative movement will never change and the Trump Presidency is not their ring of gold. It is a movement that has excluded so many Americans, that they need to look for lists that will frame a wall and their offices. The puppets of this party live on, dancing with themselves, and the current media, while endless wars mask their cruel beliefs that fear and poverty in our nation, and our government, is the whitest recipe for a Christian and intolerant nation.
1
When I hear someone say the "deconstruction of the administrative state" has just begun, that sounds like sedition, by any other description. The willful deconstruction of the American government sounds like a high crime and misdemeanor to me. What I am really hearing from this conference is the last gasps of the so called white Christian majority. They are strangling the life out of our country in what will be a failed and possibly bloody attempt to be the authoritarians they feel they need to be to maintain their privilege. It is sad, ugly and filled with some of the most reprehensible Americans ever birthed to our nation and led by the absolute worst of them; a man so anti-Christian in his demeanor and attitude as to defy logic that he could ever be the voice of evangelicals and true Christians. It is the whiteness of this screed that is so damning of their efforts and so transparent in their futility. The desperation of their message with its slant towards hatred and exclusion, engineered by the white supremacists now despoiling the halls of the White House. It will take years to undo the bloody stains they have brought to our country. Their highest crime is they have lost what America stands for amidst their lust for power. I do yet believe their reign will be short lived. America will eventually awaken to the truth of their deceit and their heads will be hoisted on the America First petard with the same fervor which brought them to power. America love reality shows.
9
Time will tell if America will accept Bannon's "Great Dismantling." If Trump and Bannon began to listen to their voters rather than Tweet at them, they might notice that very few of them signed up for this. They thought they were getting jobs and strength. They do not want their religious freedom dismantled. They do not want economic liberty dismantled. They do not want the free market dismantled. They do not want the constitutional liberties of free speech dismantled.
Replacing liberty, rights, and truth with delusional propaganda is an act of war against America.
Replacing liberty, rights, and truth with delusional propaganda is an act of war against America.
13
Where would this country be without guys like Bannon, Trump and McConnell?
Well, it wouldn't be the moral sewer it's turned into.
Well, it wouldn't be the moral sewer it's turned into.
8
From Trumpy I hear "Mass Deportation" and Bannon "opposition party" so I know we're in deep trouble folks. These people in OUR White House are dictators. We were warned about this, so let's do our job and make our founding fathers proud.
9
During his CPAC speech, Bannon said Trump is "maniacally focused" on fulfilling his campaign promises. That is such a relief to me. There's no quality that puts my mind at ease more than knowing my president suffers from mania.
7
If we need a definition of "deconstruct the administrative state", just ask Kellyanne Conway. I'm sure she could clear that up in a heartbeat.
7
I fail to see what's conservative about the Trump/Bannon desire to turn America into the anarchy and ignorance of Somalia.
8
The reason some conservatives hate government is because they've never seen a headless state from the inside. They may have some romantic notion of what it's like to live in a country with no institutions, no tax system and no regulations, but they've never had to live everyday in one. I suggest that before they proceed with their "deconstruction", Bannon et al be required to spend 6 months in one such state. If they don't run home crying for mama before that time is up, I'll donate the wrecking ball myself.
1
Extremist Presidents who lose by three million votes are in office thanks to foreign corruption of the election and the undemocratic electoral college do not have a mandate to deconstruct anything.
The Democrats and any remaining sane Republicans need to remind President Bannontrump about that reality.
The Democrats and any remaining sane Republicans need to remind President Bannontrump about that reality.
10
Sure, all you conservatives should jump on this rolling dumpster fire so you can all crash and burn together. Sounds like a plan.
3
It's certainly okay to call yourself "conservative". There's a little of that in most of us. What's trying is the polarization that has been brought to the forefront and in some instances, yes, has caused playground-like name calling. Of particular concern should be the battle with the "dirty" press which this President has waged but really hasn't been specific in directing his ire.
So when Mr. Bevin says "Let’s talk about crime rates. Let’s talk about economic viability. Let’s talk about joblessness,” [he] added. “Let’s focus on things that matter and stop being so tabloid-like and titillated by idiocy," he only underscores the mission of the press, to point out "idiocy" which, in this Administration so far, has been more of a constant than an aberration.
I'm perfectly willing to listen to what conservatives have to say and can form my opinions one way or another. But I also feel obliged to raise my hand and say "enough" when the conservatives cross the line with regards to individual rights. Dismantling may be what they do best and when the pendulum swings the other way it will take lots of time and money to bring it back.
So when Mr. Bevin says "Let’s talk about crime rates. Let’s talk about economic viability. Let’s talk about joblessness,” [he] added. “Let’s focus on things that matter and stop being so tabloid-like and titillated by idiocy," he only underscores the mission of the press, to point out "idiocy" which, in this Administration so far, has been more of a constant than an aberration.
I'm perfectly willing to listen to what conservatives have to say and can form my opinions one way or another. But I also feel obliged to raise my hand and say "enough" when the conservatives cross the line with regards to individual rights. Dismantling may be what they do best and when the pendulum swings the other way it will take lots of time and money to bring it back.
3
I am so happy this country is now on a clear path to eliminate bureaucracy and regulations. I love my new President. This country has been reborn again as it has throughout history.
2
Yeah--who needs clean drinking water or clean air?
1
Yea, 'cause who needs clean air, water, healthcare, Social Security, Medicare, public schools, safe food, safe highways and cars, or any of that. What we do need is more nukes, no foreigners, private prisons and schools, and a return to coal.
Mr. Hombre, please tell us what you are smoking! You better stock up since Trump's latest mission is to eliminate recreational marijuana.
Everyone...go visit Breitbart news right now to see what Bannon represents.
7
A great deceiver like his boss.
It's not the media who are "corporatist, globalists."
No, historically that's the province of the Republican ultra rich who seek to put corporations and profit ahead of working people - including finding the cheapest labor anywhere on the globe.
There's your "globalists" folks.
But Bannon's bashing of the media instead is like a thief bashing the night watchman. If someone is watching the criminal it's harder for him to rob us blind.
The Trump people, like all dictators, hate scrutiny.
Cause scrutiny leads to truth. Truth leads to their demise.
As for dismantling the administrative state, maybe Bannon can personally run the water or sewage plant in your town, or ensure that your kid doesn't die from eating that meat in her burger. Nasty meat or regulations? Choose.
Maybe he can throw on a set of overalls and personally fix the potholes on my street. (Probably never held a shovel in his life)
I'll take a state that democratically "administers" with our reasonable consent over the conservative, no account, nut-job chaos that his crowd would usher in.
If they have their way, half of America will be living in their cars. And not the wealthy half.
Reject them!
It's not the media who are "corporatist, globalists."
No, historically that's the province of the Republican ultra rich who seek to put corporations and profit ahead of working people - including finding the cheapest labor anywhere on the globe.
There's your "globalists" folks.
But Bannon's bashing of the media instead is like a thief bashing the night watchman. If someone is watching the criminal it's harder for him to rob us blind.
The Trump people, like all dictators, hate scrutiny.
Cause scrutiny leads to truth. Truth leads to their demise.
As for dismantling the administrative state, maybe Bannon can personally run the water or sewage plant in your town, or ensure that your kid doesn't die from eating that meat in her burger. Nasty meat or regulations? Choose.
Maybe he can throw on a set of overalls and personally fix the potholes on my street. (Probably never held a shovel in his life)
I'll take a state that democratically "administers" with our reasonable consent over the conservative, no account, nut-job chaos that his crowd would usher in.
If they have their way, half of America will be living in their cars. And not the wealthy half.
Reject them!
320
One can only hope that Steve Bannon, this president and all of his misguided, ignorant administration get hold of some bad meat. I wouldn't shed a single tear.
No fan of CPAC, But I'll still warn them not to embrace Trump who will dismantle them immediately starting right from their name, CPAC to TPAC. Take it from the enemy you know than the friend you don't.
For once, there is truth from the scary Bannon, " The deconsrtuction of the administrative state has begun ".
For once, there is truth from the scary Bannon, " The deconsrtuction of the administrative state has begun ".
3
I don't think anyone voted for the deconstruction of the administrative state.
7
The "deconstruction of the administrative state". Wow. Bannon's ideas are indeed frightening. I believe that his goal is to take down all the laws and regulations that protect civil rights, our environment and our workers. These actions would allow him and his surrogate, 45, to put in place gradually laws and institutions that would limit freedom, destroy the free press, and enable even further, the rich to get richer and the poor to get poorer. If his agenda is allowed to move forward, we will not recognize this country. Resist!! Be watchful!! Persist!!
7
About the only good thing that can come of this is that the very people who voted for Trump will be exposed as the losers that they really are. I don't recall Bannon telling the electorate when he was running for office that he was going to "deconstruct the administrative state."
9
These people live in an alternate universe. Dark times.
8
This confirms what the press and 60% of the country has been saying...the Republicans are making a deal with the devil...
What Bannon said yesterday was tantamount to turning back the clock to the 1920s where regulation was minimal and the everything was about making money. After 2 major crashes and many recessions, I would prefer not to invite another one.
Priebus is a sellout and to me a sheep that follows the pack and does what he is told.
Bannon's comments on culture were especially chilling in that their objective is to try to delay or limit the demographic shift that the country is experiencing. Limiting immigration into the country might delay but it is inevitable.
The Republican Party, indeed a plurality of the country have averted their eyes and their minds when it comes to morality and the society we want to be....Diversity...no...Segegration...Yes.
What Bannon said yesterday was tantamount to turning back the clock to the 1920s where regulation was minimal and the everything was about making money. After 2 major crashes and many recessions, I would prefer not to invite another one.
Priebus is a sellout and to me a sheep that follows the pack and does what he is told.
Bannon's comments on culture were especially chilling in that their objective is to try to delay or limit the demographic shift that the country is experiencing. Limiting immigration into the country might delay but it is inevitable.
The Republican Party, indeed a plurality of the country have averted their eyes and their minds when it comes to morality and the society we want to be....Diversity...no...Segegration...Yes.
13
I think there is room in the middle when it comes to immigration. It needs to be controlled somewhat until we have taken care of the people that already live here. Immigration is about cheap labor for the rich. Yes, we need to honor our pledge to welcome people who want to bring their skills here, or are fleeing a war which Bush began and we cannot stop; but our children are falling behind due to an inferior education, our infrastructure is crumbling, and overcrowding has become a problem in many areas. We have environmental problems such as Flint, Michigan that offers its citizens poison water. We need to care for the tired and hungry who already live here before we open the floodgates. Our efforts would be better spent trying to help war torn countries stabilize and thrive so their people wouldn't want to leave. That being said, it makes no sense to jump from the frying pan into the fire. We have problems neither party has been willing to fix, but Trump and Bannon are certainly not the answer.
2
We need to make sure that the White House doesn't create a tail wagging the dog situation to show us how wrong we are about not being just a white culture.
Trump and his lackeys have called this a great movement. It's a movement, all right. An enormously fetid one, and there are 'medications' to stop those movements.