The World and especially China loves Ivanka.
She has become a Global superstar and will likely be the first Female President of the United States.
That terrifies the leftist hack Press so much that they are trying to make the terminally homely, hopelessly stupid, Un-charismatic Chelsea Clinton into a thing.
The destruction of the arrogant elite Mainstream Press and the Democratic Party continues. It is so fun to watch. It never gets old.
She has become a Global superstar and will likely be the first Female President of the United States.
That terrifies the leftist hack Press so much that they are trying to make the terminally homely, hopelessly stupid, Un-charismatic Chelsea Clinton into a thing.
The destruction of the arrogant elite Mainstream Press and the Democratic Party continues. It is so fun to watch. It never gets old.
3
ASOL— very clever humor in humorless times.
9
I wonder why you left Britain out of the A.S.O.L ring! I would imagine they will also have "self-respecting A.S.O.L. leader" in time.
2
" privilege Barbie ". Seriously.
5
The wax "dummy" should stand in for the real dummy during the State Visit to Britain. Waxy Trump would probably have just as much, if not more to offer, than the living dummy.
I'm sure that the Queen, for instance, would feel much safer being in the vicinity of Waxy Trump. She wouldn't have to worry about him grabbing the jewels or other objects in the room, including herself.
All things considered, Waxy would probably carry on a much more coherent and understandable conversation. A win win situation for all concerned.
I'm sure that the Queen, for instance, would feel much safer being in the vicinity of Waxy Trump. She wouldn't have to worry about him grabbing the jewels or other objects in the room, including herself.
All things considered, Waxy would probably carry on a much more coherent and understandable conversation. A win win situation for all concerned.
12
Really, you think we're going to make it to the 250th anniversary?
4
"President Ivanka Trump (“Keep America Greater Than Ever!”) had been elected in a landslide in 2024 after her father’s two-term presidency."
Better Ivanka than Chelsea. Both benefitted from their famous families but Ivanka has accomplished far more with her life. As for Chelsea, anyone can go around giving speeches to the fawning choir. What else has she done, other than get a media job which I'm sure had no connection to her last name.
Better Ivanka than Chelsea. Both benefitted from their famous families but Ivanka has accomplished far more with her life. As for Chelsea, anyone can go around giving speeches to the fawning choir. What else has she done, other than get a media job which I'm sure had no connection to her last name.
4
Why is this even a topic for discussion?? You have the right to speak but who cares?
5
Exactly what has Ivanka done, other than profit from her father's, um, reputation and example? I don't think that qualifies her to be president of anything except her own company. Come to think of it, that didn't qualify her father to be POTUS either.
16
This is the updated version of "1984"
Thank you Roger for a look at the future!
Anything is possible, isn't it.
Thank you Roger for a look at the future!
Anything is possible, isn't it.
7
We can only hope, that when this aberration called Trump finally goes away, that he will not have caused so much irreparable damage, that the country cannot recover. We, as a country, have accomplished far too much to let this man sweep it all away. Light will surely triumph over the darkness.
7
If the congress, the lawful authority to enforce and create laws, cannot and will not do the same, then it is up to the people themselves. Many say that elections are the country's safety net. We've all seen what happens with that. Just more of the same politicians looking out for themselves.
WE THE PEOPLE will ultimately have to step in and bring about change if the congress continues to refuse to do their job.
The leeches, (the Trumps) should be out on notice that their behavior will not be condoned any longer. The graft and the thievery must stop. Is this going to happen? Probably not. Until the people ultimately speak, it's business as usual. It's put up or shut up time. Welcome to the new order.
WE THE PEOPLE will ultimately have to step in and bring about change if the congress continues to refuse to do their job.
The leeches, (the Trumps) should be out on notice that their behavior will not be condoned any longer. The graft and the thievery must stop. Is this going to happen? Probably not. Until the people ultimately speak, it's business as usual. It's put up or shut up time. Welcome to the new order.
6
You liberals destroyed our economy with free trade. Even worse, you flooded our countries with Third World immigrants in order to replace the White American electorate with a permanently dependent one of your choosing. Do you think we'll ever forget?
1
hoping this is satire....
12
Spoken like a true diehard Trump supporting deplorable. Well said indeed. Fox News has taught you well. You probably also think that the ACA is great, but Obamacare isn't. Where do you people come from?
6
And just maybe the Kushners are there because they know something we are not privy to about Donald Trump's health. There is nothing in these first months of his presidency to contradict this assumption, and there's no way we'll find out anything more about the subject in the near future.
6
I'm going to save this article so that one of these years (if I should live so long, something being made increasingly unlikely by our Present Frump) I can get out my little red pen and check off all that came true. Of course, what really frightens me is that things are likely to be even worse. We are already in Museum Mode: Washington itself is now nothing more than a museum to the possibility of democracy and freedom with a bunch of mice and rats scurrying about the monuments.
3
The only sequence of time that is missing is Pence's assumption of the presidency following Trump's nervous breakdown after his seventh failure to eliminate Obamacare.
3
The tie needs to hang about an inch lower.
And Roger, educated as he was in Britain, should be a better speller than "A.S.O.L." suggests.
But his vision of a President Ivanka is heartening for the prospects of discontinued lines of jewelry everywhere.
And Roger, educated as he was in Britain, should be a better speller than "A.S.O.L." suggests.
But his vision of a President Ivanka is heartening for the prospects of discontinued lines of jewelry everywhere.
2
Yeah, I, too thought that there should have been an "H" in the middle. But I'm from New Jersey.
2
Here's a scary thought: Nothing offered in this column is more ridiculous than Donald Trump being elected president in the first place.
24
The Tusseaud Trump is more intelligent than the one in the White House.
23
The bees gave wax, by the time Trump is done there won't be any bees anymore.
8
And the grand champion is the Trump 'Peace of America' Rose!!! Beautiful bloomage.
Yes, it is so obvious, "we, the people" were sold a dead parrot; and the Trump "base" of Archie Bunker's throw-a-monkey-wrench-at-government brain trust is simply thrilled, thrilled, thrilled with all of the wise chit chat that they hear from our clever, clever, clever, but quite dead, bird.
So, everyone not of the Trump persuasion: when an Archie tells you how clever that bird is, it is time to launch into your very own John Cleese impersonation and firmly declare that "Trump and all he stands for is a dead parrot. He is not just pining for the fjords."
Yes, it is so obvious, "we, the people" were sold a dead parrot; and the Trump "base" of Archie Bunker's throw-a-monkey-wrench-at-government brain trust is simply thrilled, thrilled, thrilled with all of the wise chit chat that they hear from our clever, clever, clever, but quite dead, bird.
So, everyone not of the Trump persuasion: when an Archie tells you how clever that bird is, it is time to launch into your very own John Cleese impersonation and firmly declare that "Trump and all he stands for is a dead parrot. He is not just pining for the fjords."
4
The art of the con.
8
You can have your life and liberty brother, I'll take Ivanka
I understand Ivanka is hawking a new book -- more drivel about Women Who Work, as if she wasn't born on third base. She reminds me of Marie Antoinette and her ladies cavorting at Le Trianon, playing at "shepherdess." I hope Grab Your Wallet will soon publish the names of bookstores and websites stocking this latest Trumpist trash so we may boycott them.
15
The democratic liberal idea has a pre-requisite which is a strong, healthy and educated middle class. Perhaps, the excesses of capitalism during the past three decades have weakened the middle class to such an extent that liberal democracy is no longer functioning! Perhaps, the right-wing propaganda machine together with the Russian government have manufactured and amplified dissent in the West. We are also facing a Republican Party which has lost its soul and stands for nothing except further enriching the rich. To save the Western Civilization, we need a second Enlightenment based on reason and science. As Bernie Sanders has repeatedly mentioned, a political revolution based on a new grass roots movement is needed.
Exercises in fantasy and surrealism were much more amusing before they became reality - and hurt and killed us.
Now they are like clowns - hidden in suits that everybody sees but will not say - not emperors with bodies underneath and no clothes over, uncloaked by a child - but as emperors with no bodies underneath and only many cloaks covering- cast on and offs as the winds blow.
Faces painted on and off - new colors, new smiles and frowns, new costumes, - no need to be the character you were the week- the performance - the night before - the crowd just wants to be entertained.
You can train the lion, tame the tiger, make the bear stand up, the elephant do "handstands", what you want it to do - even if it is cruel. Because it pleases the crowd.
You can takeaway healthcare, keep the private companies from defining what a clean and safe environment is, keep pharmaceutical companies that we subsidize with our tax dollars we should pay more for their profits for rich people at the expense of our children.
Now they are like clowns - hidden in suits that everybody sees but will not say - not emperors with bodies underneath and no clothes over, uncloaked by a child - but as emperors with no bodies underneath and only many cloaks covering- cast on and offs as the winds blow.
Faces painted on and off - new colors, new smiles and frowns, new costumes, - no need to be the character you were the week- the performance - the night before - the crowd just wants to be entertained.
You can train the lion, tame the tiger, make the bear stand up, the elephant do "handstands", what you want it to do - even if it is cruel. Because it pleases the crowd.
You can takeaway healthcare, keep the private companies from defining what a clean and safe environment is, keep pharmaceutical companies that we subsidize with our tax dollars we should pay more for their profits for rich people at the expense of our children.
5
Trump's nomination and election are remarkable testimony to his ability to manipulate the media and game the system, but certainly journalists such as Roger Cohen must take some of the blame (or credit, depending on your point of view.)
Trump's foibles, greed, and incompetence are a huge problem for the nation, but have provided the media with a wealth of opportunities to occupy the talking heads and fill newspapers with criticism, satire, and commentary. Trump is a creature of the media, and unfortunately, the reverse is also true. The media has a Trump dependency.
The next time Mr. Cohen needs to write a column to earn his weekly the paycheck, let's hope he can pick a subject other than Donald or Ivanka Trump.
Trump's foibles, greed, and incompetence are a huge problem for the nation, but have provided the media with a wealth of opportunities to occupy the talking heads and fill newspapers with criticism, satire, and commentary. Trump is a creature of the media, and unfortunately, the reverse is also true. The media has a Trump dependency.
The next time Mr. Cohen needs to write a column to earn his weekly the paycheck, let's hope he can pick a subject other than Donald or Ivanka Trump.
6
Cohen's scenarios would be laughable if we had an opposition party with leadership, a plan, and a strategy, but there is none. No bright young stars rising from the ranks, no active experienced mentors to guide them. Nancy Pelosi is a face of the past; it is time for her and her Armani suits to make way for a younger, newer person. Chuck Schumer, once described to me as New York’s LBJ, only elicits the thought: "Senator Schumer, you are no President Johnson".
On an LA to DC red-eye flight, my millennial seatmate and I discussed politics, reluctantly coming to the same conclusion. Obama's lackluster performance and Hilary's entitlement as Obama's successor led to the current administration. She and her strategists were out of touch with the beat of the countryside. But then, crown princesses don't have to be in touch...
During Constitutional Convention deliberations, Benjamin Franklin was asked by a friend: "...what do we have, a republic or a monarchy?" His response: "A republic, if you can keep it." This is a scary time. I suggest that the passing of the "crown" from Obama to Hilary was the first misstep, an anointed successor rather than an open primary in which others, not only Bernie but also Biden, might have been given serious consideration. Joe would have been a great president, especially at this time of restlessness and populace polarization.
Cohen's satire won't happen. But when history books are written, it may be said that Democratics fired the first shot.
On an LA to DC red-eye flight, my millennial seatmate and I discussed politics, reluctantly coming to the same conclusion. Obama's lackluster performance and Hilary's entitlement as Obama's successor led to the current administration. She and her strategists were out of touch with the beat of the countryside. But then, crown princesses don't have to be in touch...
During Constitutional Convention deliberations, Benjamin Franklin was asked by a friend: "...what do we have, a republic or a monarchy?" His response: "A republic, if you can keep it." This is a scary time. I suggest that the passing of the "crown" from Obama to Hilary was the first misstep, an anointed successor rather than an open primary in which others, not only Bernie but also Biden, might have been given serious consideration. Joe would have been a great president, especially at this time of restlessness and populace polarization.
Cohen's satire won't happen. But when history books are written, it may be said that Democratics fired the first shot.
2
lf there is anybody who looks like fugitives from Madame Tussauds, its Ivanka and Jared. He in particular, bears such a wan, affectless expression that it would ordinarily alert an FBI profiler.
6
cynicism, Mr. Cohen, sometimes reflect frustration and in you case its screaming. President Trump, like many CEOs who were called to save a company on the verge of bankruptcy, is facing a huge task to correct the management mistakes done by his predecessor, President Obama who, with the best intentions, led the USA to an abyss. If President Trump will succeed the free world will benefit but I am not sure the damage can be repair. By the way I do hope that your "$38 billion bequest from Sheldon Adelson..." does not connect your story somehow to Israel as well.
Roger you forgot to write the gala was underground due to excessive radiation.
4
When I first glanced at the picture that accompanies this piece, I assumed that it showed the real Donald Trump preparing for a televised speech. The pose certainly captures his attitude towards the world, although the wax figure exudes a warmth and humanity totally foreign to the flesh-and-blood man.
The scenery glimpsed through the windows of the Oval Office date the photo to the early years of Trump's presidency. Any picture snapped at the time of the events described by Mr. Cohen would reveal a blasted landscape, one of the climate-denier-in-chief's enduring gifts to the American people.
From the perspective of 2026 (or even 2017), it seems clear that a wax dummy would have served the interests of the country better than did the real man.
The scenery glimpsed through the windows of the Oval Office date the photo to the early years of Trump's presidency. Any picture snapped at the time of the events described by Mr. Cohen would reveal a blasted landscape, one of the climate-denier-in-chief's enduring gifts to the American people.
From the perspective of 2026 (or even 2017), it seems clear that a wax dummy would have served the interests of the country better than did the real man.
Unfortunately, this column is not very far fetched. When the disastrous revolution happened in Iran, and the fanatic religious molasses took over that beloved country, changing it from a progressive country, back to seventh century, we believed that it wasn't going to last. Almost 38 years later, they are still ruling that country, cheating, stealing, murdering anyone they feel could be a threat to their empire and way of life. Of course, they're not all related by blood, like Trump family, but they follow the same principle.
We laughed at Trump whe he first said he was going to run, then laughed at him during each debate, and when he was nominated, we laughed at him, thinking it was a big joke. We thought people have more sense and they will never elect him as president. But in the end, they were laughing at us. He was elected, ruling this country as a dictator, has undone everything good and decent about this country, and most of his family are in position of power.
Unless we wake up and take back our country, it isn't too far fetched, to see Ivanka, Jarred, Barron, and the rest of Trump clan in the White House, and ruling as president of this country. Trump became president without any qualifications, Ivanka and her husband are given positions they're not qualified for, why not the rest? I have earned never to say never.
We laughed at Trump whe he first said he was going to run, then laughed at him during each debate, and when he was nominated, we laughed at him, thinking it was a big joke. We thought people have more sense and they will never elect him as president. But in the end, they were laughing at us. He was elected, ruling this country as a dictator, has undone everything good and decent about this country, and most of his family are in position of power.
Unless we wake up and take back our country, it isn't too far fetched, to see Ivanka, Jarred, Barron, and the rest of Trump clan in the White House, and ruling as president of this country. Trump became president without any qualifications, Ivanka and her husband are given positions they're not qualified for, why not the rest? I have earned never to say never.
7
Well said.
1
The Triumvirate of Trumps--Dad, Ivanka, and Jared--is ridiculous. What is WRONG with America that this trio of plastic incompetents is controlling the country? Seeing them in the Oval Office is disgusting!
10
This scenario has an unpleasantly high chance of coming real. The major inhibitor would be a Congress that does its job, investigating the obvious corruption and treasonous relations with Russia. Republicans have, unfortunately, become the party of unreality--but climate change, economics, and job automation will mock their fantasies.
Chaffetz got lots of practice with his bogus Benghazi, and email Hillary Clinton attacks. Now he has something real to investigate, he quits.
Republicans are now fully responsible for what is to come because they were willing to trade one Supreme Court Justice for America.
Chaffetz got lots of practice with his bogus Benghazi, and email Hillary Clinton attacks. Now he has something real to investigate, he quits.
Republicans are now fully responsible for what is to come because they were willing to trade one Supreme Court Justice for America.
10
Mr Cohen, with respect, I wouldn't give my day job up to become a professional satirist! Where's the black humor? Where's the ridicule? The ridiculous logical extreme? Reading this just left me with a sinking sense of inevitability, not necessarily of the details, but of overall prospects. And barring absolute catastrophe (which no-one except maybe the 'End of Days' evangelicals really wants), how to escape this? Through Pence????? Through Ryan??????????? Through 2018 backlash ? (Good luck with that once full tilt political gerrymandering is sanctioned later this week (5-4?). This might be a viable 'least-worse' outcome...
2
Thank you,
You forgot though an important detail. The standard IQ test and the SAT were both replaced by a simulation game of the "art of the deal". Obviously those who can make more money are more intelligent and far more suitable for natural selection. The time for Eugenics finally arrived.
You forgot though an important detail. The standard IQ test and the SAT were both replaced by a simulation game of the "art of the deal". Obviously those who can make more money are more intelligent and far more suitable for natural selection. The time for Eugenics finally arrived.
6
The huge, wonderful success of the sea wall built around Mar-a-Lago (Sea-at- Lake in bad English, but the Spanish original name is grammatically deficient too.) It cost 25% of the $1 trillion-dollar infrastructure project from the 2016 campaign.
The former inhabitants of Palm Beach and Miami-Dade didn't care whether it was Sea or Lake because they'd been flooded out by rising ocean levels.
The former inhabitants of Palm Beach and Miami-Dade didn't care whether it was Sea or Lake because they'd been flooded out by rising ocean levels.
3
Huh. A Tussaud wax figure of the President*. One question (nod to Dorothy Parker): how could they tell it apart from the thing in DC?
4
Not fake news to me. Sounds way too real already. Good reporting, Roger. Now, go be the Brian Williams interview of the night. Afterward, you can check in with Lorne Michaels, up the stairs and to the Left. Or is it to the Right? No, it's definitely Left.
Is laughing at such a sorry situation in the Trump White House -- as we all must do to try to maintain our sanity -- normalizing what we are witnessing? I know people who have given up hope this ASOL will be reined in.
Is laughing at such a sorry situation in the Trump White House -- as we all must do to try to maintain our sanity -- normalizing what we are witnessing? I know people who have given up hope this ASOL will be reined in.
3
Ivanka or Jared? The scenario is completely serious. Trump has dementia and will become even more sheltered from unscripted interviews. Ivanka is there to cover his mental decline. Foreign and corporate leaders will begin going straight to Jared, bypassing the official president. Jared is building the media power to maintain files on voters to micro target emotional voting or suppression. His control of the files means Republican and Democratic candidates will need to kiss his ring for data access. Oddly, our only hope is Steve Bannon who could get angry enough at Kushner to blow the whistle.
7
Despite the wit of this and many other pieces that cogently analyze the dire straits of the American political system in the age of Trump, I confess that these articles no longer hold any solace for me. I was comforted that so many of us see the awful truth of what voters have wrought; but my sense of despair is profound now at the rapid disappearance of a political system that used to care for the have-nots, the poor, and the marginalized. The President, his family, and his friends have formed a club of kleptocrats, systematically robbing and sucking dry the public purse for their own enrichment. I almost cannot bear to read any more articles or listen to late night satire. Reality is just too awful to behold.
28
In its history, the US has only ever cared for have-nots during the New Deal & in those few decades coming to an end with Reagan in '81. We're finally back to where we used to be, a land of de facto slavery & robbing, in the past of lands belonging to the people who lived here, nowadays theft from the majority by the minority 1% … and we applaud their enablers, the Trumps and Clintons and their ilk.
I wonder what Ivanka and Jared tell their kids about grandpa!
I think Ivanka, Jared, Don Jr and Eric should be ashamed of themselves. Their dad is totally unfit to be president yet they are deathly silent about challenging "The Donald".
I think Ivanka, Jared, Don Jr and Eric should be ashamed of themselves. Their dad is totally unfit to be president yet they are deathly silent about challenging "The Donald".
16
At the root is Obama's non-performance and Hillary's selfishness. Just like Bill Clinton's awful behavior brought us Bush, so Obama's protection of Wall Street and choice of Hillary as candidate brought us Trump. She had no business running. She destroyed the other candidates who would have won, Bernie, of course, but others, too, because it was her turn. We can't avoid the consequences Roger Cohen satirizes unless we clear the Democratic Party of Obama and Clinton partisans. We can't do it with Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. We need new people with solid values.
8
Bill's awful behavior, Obama's non-performance and Hillary's horrible image were all brought to us by the masterful Republican propaganda machine, so effective that we all use their labels for what went down even if those labels represent negative branding rather than reality. Any Democrat will face this machine, which was a great enough threat to make Al Franken stop being funny in public for years and thus never experiment with the effectiveness of humor against the machine. Democrats still have found no effective countermeasures to it; Democratic candidates wind up looking bad and lose to Republicans who wind up being bad.
9
Why is it Clintons fault? Trump, a year ago promised to destry her and he did! She is much more capable than he is, only a woman!
1
So, it won't be enough until every Democrat who supported Hillary (and Obama) is purged from the party? Hope you know a lot of brand new Democrats.
I think we have President Trump because too many non-performing, selfish Democrats didn't bother to show up at the polls.
I think we have President Trump because too many non-performing, selfish Democrats didn't bother to show up at the polls.
2
I can't laugh because so much of this is becoming true. We look to Congress, we read the Constitution--and there is no remedy if Congress colludes rather than provides oversight. We are all horrified yet tired of the profiteering in office. Ivanka--dining with the Chinese leader the same day they also grant her trademarks in China. We will soon see the crawl detailing her outfits, prices and available stores. Jared--master of the universe without a word to say!
15
How about writing one that describes how impeached Donnie and his Russian loving kids live after daddy goes to prison for treason along with Jared and ivvvankka.
24
I wonder how much of my taxes are paying for Trump's weekend golfing. He's treating the presidency as a 9-to-5 office job. And after all the vile garbage he heaped on Obama. And Hillary. Trump's laziness and corruption makes anybody else look like an amateur. I hope he gets what he deserves some day.
37
That may come to pass, if Albert Einstein's commentary holds true. When asked if the Universe had limits, he thought for a minute, then said, "I do not know about that; but I feel confident in knowing that human stupidity has no limits whatsoever". If true, we deserve the idiots you mentioned.
22
Satire or prescience?
14
Be careful of those things you can conceive. Be very, very careful.
6
Mr. Cohen is always an edifying and interesting read. I would just comment that I think Trump knows exactly what he is but with his money he knows (or thinks he knows) he can ride out any situation he faces or creates, and the latter may be his undoing.
8
Trump's special assistant Ivanks has just hired a Chief of Staff.
Cohen is right on the mark.The Apprentice President who will never be fired.
Cohen is right on the mark.The Apprentice President who will never be fired.
9
I admire Roger Cohen and have shared many of his columns to my friends. Is this particular column intended to be humorous or ironic? If so, I don't see it. I find nothing funny in what Trump or any of his minions are doing to this country.
Rumor has it that Ivanka Trump was elected by promising the out of work coal miners that she will bring their jobs back.
12
Come on...Americans cannot be this gullible or this stupid. Oh, wait! We already proved we are. The late great Art Buchwald said that one cannot do good satire when the reality is more absurd than the satirical creation. Amen. When this happens, there is no laughter. Only tears.
23
Obama was a man of intelligence and grace sandwiched between two of the worst presidents in history, both Republicans.
40
Raises the question of whether "enlightened self-interest" has any meaning in the age of Trump. "Enlightened" is generally taken to mean balanced and well-informed. That seems to be an alien quality to this selfish family.
9
Thank you, Mr Cohen, for your satirical portrayal of the Trump nepotistic
and kleptocratic presidency ending in tyranny.
I laughed, but it could not assuage the fear and pain I feel for my country.
and kleptocratic presidency ending in tyranny.
I laughed, but it could not assuage the fear and pain I feel for my country.
18
Amen. Exactly my sentiments.
2
"The Plot Against America," Roth's terrifying vision of Charles Lindbergh possibly defeating FDR as Hitler asserts hegemony over Europe, was a retrospective work of fiction. The reader was comforted in the knowledge that it was fiction and in knowing FDR won and we defeated nazism.
This piece lacks both the fabric of fiction and the comfort of looking confidently backwards in history. It is brilliantly chilling. Thanks so much.
This piece lacks both the fabric of fiction and the comfort of looking confidently backwards in history. It is brilliantly chilling. Thanks so much.
8
@Regards, LC Princeton - Your final sentence applies equally well to the Hart Trilogy, a thriller series by dual citizen (Sweden-Israel) author Ilya Meyer from which I quote in my comment directly above yours. The first in the trilogy Bridges Going Nowhere, was chilling and almost believable, Palestinians burning bridges in Göteborg, all so familiar to me, but only symbolic burning with Swedish police winning. The next two look forward as does Roger's and seems impossible - but in this the age of impossibility perhaps the impossible can happen.
The footnote to Lindbergh is that there was strong support for Hitler in Sweden before and during WW II and much of Hitler's race beliefs came from Herman Lundborg, founder of the Swedish Institute of Race Biology. Nothing to be proud of there.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
The footnote to Lindbergh is that there was strong support for Hitler in Sweden before and during WW II and much of Hitler's race beliefs came from Herman Lundborg, founder of the Swedish Institute of Race Biology. Nothing to be proud of there.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
1
Roger, I have read carefully and offer you and readers an eerie parallel with your column something from my "Round Midnight" reading here in Sweden. Quotations from book "From The Shadows", book 3 of "The Hart Trilogy" by Swedish-Israeli dual citizen author Ilya Meyer.
From the dedication page: "I hope you read this book one day and marvel at how I got it all so very wrong. At the time of this writing (2016), this is my most fervent wish-to have been wrong, all along. My greatest fear, howevr, is that I may be proven right."
From Chapter 3, p. 16: "'Enough', Mahmud Sadeghi banged his fist on the desk. The Iranian-born prime minister of Sweden, the first Islamic Republic in Europe was furious."
00:20 CET 2017-04-22
My (LL) disclaimer: I have no financial interest in the trilogy which was a birthday present from my sister-in-law who knows of my 18 years of work at the Red Cross helping mostly Muslim refugees who seek or have Swedish citizenship.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen SE-US
From the dedication page: "I hope you read this book one day and marvel at how I got it all so very wrong. At the time of this writing (2016), this is my most fervent wish-to have been wrong, all along. My greatest fear, howevr, is that I may be proven right."
From Chapter 3, p. 16: "'Enough', Mahmud Sadeghi banged his fist on the desk. The Iranian-born prime minister of Sweden, the first Islamic Republic in Europe was furious."
00:20 CET 2017-04-22
My (LL) disclaimer: I have no financial interest in the trilogy which was a birthday present from my sister-in-law who knows of my 18 years of work at the Red Cross helping mostly Muslim refugees who seek or have Swedish citizenship.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen SE-US
5
If I might be allowed to talk about Friday's David Brooks op-ed on the demise of Western Civilization I think today's Cohen op-ed nails it.
The Bauhaus movement told us form follows function and somewhere in the 1960s Western Civilization lost all function as supply far exceeded demand and we needed to search for a new paradigm.
America refused to accept that growth was no longer needed or that we needed to reinvent our society and our economy.
The Trump legacy is that there is never enough and that if America has a future it is because someone out there will persuade us to buy gold embossed toilet tissue.
The Trumps are not right or left they are our portrait finally coming out of the closet.
The Bauhaus movement told us form follows function and somewhere in the 1960s Western Civilization lost all function as supply far exceeded demand and we needed to search for a new paradigm.
America refused to accept that growth was no longer needed or that we needed to reinvent our society and our economy.
The Trump legacy is that there is never enough and that if America has a future it is because someone out there will persuade us to buy gold embossed toilet tissue.
The Trumps are not right or left they are our portrait finally coming out of the closet.
17
I know my Dorian Gray reference is rather obscure but would a suggestion of giant international potlatch ceremony be more helpful?
5
This fractured tale is far too believable to dismiss.
6
Not so farfetched when you hear an announcement that "Today at the White House, President Trump ,his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner greeted Aya Hijaz,charity worker released from prison by Egyptian President "
We accept as normal that we are ruled by a triumvirate which is totally bizarre.
We accept as normal that we are ruled by a triumvirate which is totally bizarre.
13
Brilliant piece! Really scary stuff. I hope Ivanka and Jared read it. This is what they look like to more Americans than they would care to imagine. A truly sorry picture for American Democracy.
12
Ah, yes. There is all that. But Trump claims to be anti-abortion. And the Democrats don't. And Trump claims to represent absolute strength, and Democrats don't. And Trump claims to be completely free from any kind of corruption. And Democrats don't. And Trump claims to care about all Americans and Democrats...
Okay, Democrats do too. But the heartland doesn't believe them. It looks like Americans are still ready to keep Congress Republican in 2018. But after that happens, liberals will protest. The usual. The way French liberals who didn't vote protested against Le Pen in 2002. I'm voting tomorrow by the way. For Macron. I'm worried too.
Okay, Democrats do too. But the heartland doesn't believe them. It looks like Americans are still ready to keep Congress Republican in 2018. But after that happens, liberals will protest. The usual. The way French liberals who didn't vote protested against Le Pen in 2002. I'm voting tomorrow by the way. For Macron. I'm worried too.
11
Well, it was a great country while it lasted.
52
Heard of cycles? Seasons have cycles too. So do civilizations, countries. It's only when we see bad and worse, we appreciate good and wonderful. No matter, half the country will always see bad when the other half sees good. It's called duality, on planet earth. No matter how bad things are, some good will come out of it, maybe it will awaken us from complacency and slumber? Get out the vote in 2018.
2
It's little enough comfort, but one minor detail has prevented this scenario from coming to pass in full. The Mar-a-Lago Beltway never made it off the drawing board; instead, a sea wall is being built because rising sea levels have flooded the Southern WH grounds several times a year. As a further precaution, funds have been diverted from the northern border wall (which Canada refuses to pay for) to finance a massive engineering work which will raise Mar-a-Lago by ten feet.
20
At least it's Ivanka and not Donald, Jr. He's on his way to Montana right now to shoot prairie dogs. The Republican candidate for governor who is hosting Donald, Jr. says, "It's fun to shoot rodents."
Of course, the prairie dog supports over 100 other animals, including the endangered Black-footed ferret. But why would that keep Jr. from killing them for fun? The whole Trump family has proved they don't care about any one or anything except themselves.
Of course, the prairie dog supports over 100 other animals, including the endangered Black-footed ferret. But why would that keep Jr. from killing them for fun? The whole Trump family has proved they don't care about any one or anything except themselves.
66
This is just awful. It is bad enough to kill animals for food...but just to kill them for "fun" is even worse. Who has to get their kicks like that? What does it say about the person who does something like this? I will tell you that I know for sure (and I am not a mental health specialist) that this is NOT NORMAL BEHAVIOR. In fact, in my opinion it is pathologic. Anyone who gets pleasure from killing is mentally unsound, to say the least.
17
Too prevent this scenario from coming true, we should right now be preparing for 2018 and 2020. There are no excuses for not doing this. Let's get moving, now!
46
I enjoy good satire as much as the next guy, However, Life, Liberty, and Ivanka is alarmingly frightening and realistic! It would be funny if it wasn't so scary! I mean, who knows "exactly" how TrumpWorld will play itself out, but your rendition may be as close to the mark as anything any other good satirist could conceive.
This bumbling buffoon, this self destructive narcissist, this anti-intellectual A.S.O.L. leader with no foreign policy experience is now President of the United States, and it just wasn't supposed to be this way!
I'm fearful, and I wonder beyond my pitiful protests and resistance efforts directed to the A.S.O.L. elected officials who "represent" my interests in the Congress; what's a citizen supposed to do?
This bumbling buffoon, this self destructive narcissist, this anti-intellectual A.S.O.L. leader with no foreign policy experience is now President of the United States, and it just wasn't supposed to be this way!
I'm fearful, and I wonder beyond my pitiful protests and resistance efforts directed to the A.S.O.L. elected officials who "represent" my interests in the Congress; what's a citizen supposed to do?
50
It all feels so surreal. I never imagined United States could descend into a calamity like this. How do we get out?
51
Impeachment and conviction, followed by organization to limit the damage President Pence could do.
10
A.S.O.L.
Nice! We have the A.S.O.L. in the White House right now.
Nice! We have the A.S.O.L. in the White House right now.
15
Ivanka the Less Terrible?
17
Time for all of us to stop complaining about Trump and his families.
Start preparing for the future, 2018, which is coming fast.
Let's get new candidates, not Clintons and not Bushes. Fantasy or fun, or whatever, don't even think of another Trump in politics, at least for another 25 years. I know voters who didn't vote for Hillary Clinton because of the dynasty notion, which they didn't like. They didn't vote for Trump, either.
Start preparing for the future, 2018, which is coming fast.
Let's get new candidates, not Clintons and not Bushes. Fantasy or fun, or whatever, don't even think of another Trump in politics, at least for another 25 years. I know voters who didn't vote for Hillary Clinton because of the dynasty notion, which they didn't like. They didn't vote for Trump, either.
So welcome to the Kleptocratic Oligarchy of Trump & Family. The grown kids have already moved in.
Their plans are to eliminate the legacy of FDR, dismantle the safety net for the nation's poor, & take away healthcare from millions. They stand proud of it.
Tax breaks for the wealthy, crumbs for workers. From Reaganomics onward, we've come to have a 70% drop in one's own ability to move from one economic station into one that's better.
And his budget proposals will bring further horrors to income inequality, enriching the billionaires who surround him. Everything thus far he has worked on reveals he is no populist, cutting services for the poor.
Trump's no Aristotle. He hasn't read philosophy or the constitution. He knows nothing of history other than Hitler. That should've sent red flags before election day.
As Aristotle noted in "The Politics:"
“Now in all states there are 3 elements: One class is very rich, another very poor, and a third in a mean. . . . But a [government] ought to be composed, as far as possible, of equals and similars; and these are generally the middle classes.
“Thus it is manifest that the best political community is formed by citizens of the middle class, and that those states are likely to be well-administered in which the middle class is large, and stronger if possible than both the other classes, or at any rate than either singly; for the addition of the middle class turns the scale, and prevents either of the extremes from being dominant.”
Their plans are to eliminate the legacy of FDR, dismantle the safety net for the nation's poor, & take away healthcare from millions. They stand proud of it.
Tax breaks for the wealthy, crumbs for workers. From Reaganomics onward, we've come to have a 70% drop in one's own ability to move from one economic station into one that's better.
And his budget proposals will bring further horrors to income inequality, enriching the billionaires who surround him. Everything thus far he has worked on reveals he is no populist, cutting services for the poor.
Trump's no Aristotle. He hasn't read philosophy or the constitution. He knows nothing of history other than Hitler. That should've sent red flags before election day.
As Aristotle noted in "The Politics:"
“Now in all states there are 3 elements: One class is very rich, another very poor, and a third in a mean. . . . But a [government] ought to be composed, as far as possible, of equals and similars; and these are generally the middle classes.
“Thus it is manifest that the best political community is formed by citizens of the middle class, and that those states are likely to be well-administered in which the middle class is large, and stronger if possible than both the other classes, or at any rate than either singly; for the addition of the middle class turns the scale, and prevents either of the extremes from being dominant.”
27
I guess it time for the 29th Amendment to the Constitution prohibiting nepotism as a bar to the office of seeking the Presidency.
I thought Ivanka was semi ok, but then she obtained trademarks from China on the same day she had dinner with China's chairman.
Also, Donald's youngest son is named Baron.
What would have the Founding Father's had to say about that. We can always ask Gorsuch.
I thought Ivanka was semi ok, but then she obtained trademarks from China on the same day she had dinner with China's chairman.
Also, Donald's youngest son is named Baron.
What would have the Founding Father's had to say about that. We can always ask Gorsuch.
11
The woman who told her dying husband that Trump had been impeached was truly being compsssionate.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/man-dies-home-falsely-told-trum...
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/man-dies-home-falsely-told-trum...
22
We need humor now more than ever. Shame on all the killjoy commenters. I thought this was brilliant!
13
Funny, ha, ha. Very scary. It may just happen.
Fellow Americans, please vote. It´s the only solution.
Fellow Americans, please vote. It´s the only solution.
15
ASOL, I love it!
10
Please, it is NOT "the Mar-a-Lago White House". It is a resort privately owned by the current president where membership fees--doubled since he became president--are charged to wealthy people. Trump makes money every single one of those weekends (the majority of the ones since he became president)--unless, of course, he is providing food and lodging for officials, staff, and presidential visitors accompanying him to his for profit resort. It is an insult to the American taxpayer to refer to it as having anything to do with with being a "White House."
32
Hear, hear to Annie
9
Ummmmm you realize this is a joke, right?
6
The appalling thing is how many people still support this disgraceful caricature of an administration of an otherwise great nation that has shaped, inspired and several times saved the world. But I do believe that we have to go wrong first, before we can choose to never go there again ever.
28
remarkblz, true we may have to go wrong first to never go there again, BUT, we are at the edge of the cliff now with Trump and His double swamp and the treasonous Republican party. May God help us.
7
Mr. Cohen please do not trivialize or dramatize the damage that everything Trump is doing to our great nation. Now more than ever, your readers need you to be at your best. We have a criminal and a few Russian financed provocateurs in the White House. Your humor and political theater needs to have teethe. Life, Liberty and Ivanka was a miss.
20
There's a simple way to avoid this outcome - vote Democrats into the House and Senate in 2018. They will limit the damage and Trump will decline to run again.
Nice piece, but lets not get defeatist.
Nice piece, but lets not get defeatist.
30
Maybe not so "simple." Will take hard work and persistence--and good candidates. But it's the only way out of this hole!
5
"The other awkward issue was President Trump’s decision to name her husband, Jared Kushner, as Special Envoy for the Resolution and Eradication of all Global and Domestic Problems, a new position." - Brilliant! Best laugh of my day!!
21
Orwell could do no better. I am relieved that the future is not dystopian only authoritarian.
8
At this point you can't be sure.
4
When I saw "Idiocracy" when it was released, I didn't realize that it was a documentary. I thought it was a comedy! I recommend it for all readers of this column - you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wonder if the 2nd Amendment folks aren't wrong about keeping stockpiles of large caliber weapons at home to defend against either a tyrannical government or a completely incompetent and ethics-less one.
9
I laughed and laughed with a chill running down my spine. I cannot fathom whether your column is hilarious or very scary. Lingerie displayed in the White House? What a breathtaking, incredulous sight!. And just think about the A.S.O.L Conference at gilded, Vegas Mar-a-lago. We'll never find another Round Table Conference of the world's greatest A.S.O.Ls.
Thank you Mr. Cohen for this wonderful Back to the Future trip.
Thank you Mr. Cohen for this wonderful Back to the Future trip.
6
Stop wingeing. Trump I won fair and square -- with a little help from the KGB and FBI. Like everyone else, Americans prize promises over performance. Who knows what would have happened had Hillary been elected (without KGB and FBI assistance)? It's more important to keep up with Game of Thrones than elections.
8
May I add "Hillary Clinton" to "with a little help from KGB and FBI"? After all she ran an awful campaign wanting to be president just because she is not trump!
1
I hope I won't be alive to see this horrifying image of USA in 4,8 or 12 yrs...
7
"May You Live in Interesting Times."
Chinese Proverb...or Curse.
Chinese Proverb...or Curse.
2
I hope Madame Tussauds London is also working on the replacement figure; orange jumpsuit...waist chain and manacles being perp-walked out of the Oval Office.
It should be a big attraction...knock-off action doll potential.
It should be a big attraction...knock-off action doll potential.
28
Roger, you left out that under the Trump admin, the structure of the U.S. Government's three branches of government shrunk to only two: the executive and the judiciary. The legislative branch, by the end of 2018, was determined to be superfluous and extinct. For those too young to remember, it was called the "congress" back in the day.
21
What? All that gerrymandering for nothing? An outrage!
5
Actually, Trump and his buddies are trying their mightiest to destroy the judiciary. Wonder where that leaves us.
11
Roger Cohen is looking for any sort of comfort, like whatever he can find in China, Russia and France to pretend that the whole world is spinning out of control.
Get over that nonsense, Mr Cohen ! You have but one giant problem and it’s right in front of you, in America. It is so concerning that neither litterary fiction nor any kind of humor, cynical or not, is appropriate. Your article is definitely not of the right tone.
Get over that nonsense, Mr Cohen ! You have but one giant problem and it’s right in front of you, in America. It is so concerning that neither litterary fiction nor any kind of humor, cynical or not, is appropriate. Your article is definitely not of the right tone.
5
When I first glanced at the photo at the top of the article, I imagined that it was depicting Trump's morning routine.
32
Exactly what I thought !he is a vain popinjay!
1
What a nightmare.
6
Confused me at first, but an interesting column. I love that it really irritates the commenting Trump haters!
5
it does? Trump is out to destroy democracy. So this bit of musing shows how making America Great ala Trump will make America stupider and less free.
13
Donald, it's still confusing you...
5
You mean the majority of Americans?
But hey, you at least guys who supported the draft dodging coward came in second in The American People's Vote.
Bravo!
Now, how's the Wall coming?
But hey, you at least guys who supported the draft dodging coward came in second in The American People's Vote.
Bravo!
Now, how's the Wall coming?
4
I remember watching, rapt, after 1975 (death of Franco), as democracy came to Spain and Portugal. Slowly it spread. During the 1980's, like a slow-motion pox or pandemic, democracy 'infected' all the different Latin American countries, bit by bit.
Of course, some have backslid, but that's a later story. Haven't we all?
This wave happened despite the Reagan administration's dogged determination to restart the cold war and repolarise the world, doing so especially without conscience in Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. I could name names, but why kick a sleeping John Negroponte? Oops!
Then there was the long, slow burn of final discontent with "Communist"rule in Central and Eastern Europe, characterised at first mainly by Solidarnosc. There was the impressive and surprising democracy movement in China.
Immediately after the Tien An Men "solution", undertaken with Deng Xiaoping's clear consent on 4 June 1989, one by one, all the Eastern European countries abandoned "Communism" (whatever it had been at the outset, it was no longer that at the end).
So the Democratic wave swept on. Some highly credentialed American pseudo-historians grew so excited they even invented the "end of history" and saw democracy---with a pretty clear American bias---as the 'one direction' forward, forever.
They have been explaining they did not mean what they said, ever since!
In 1989-90 also, South Africa abandoned official Apartheid! Good times, good changes.
Will they come back?
Of course, some have backslid, but that's a later story. Haven't we all?
This wave happened despite the Reagan administration's dogged determination to restart the cold war and repolarise the world, doing so especially without conscience in Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. I could name names, but why kick a sleeping John Negroponte? Oops!
Then there was the long, slow burn of final discontent with "Communist"rule in Central and Eastern Europe, characterised at first mainly by Solidarnosc. There was the impressive and surprising democracy movement in China.
Immediately after the Tien An Men "solution", undertaken with Deng Xiaoping's clear consent on 4 June 1989, one by one, all the Eastern European countries abandoned "Communism" (whatever it had been at the outset, it was no longer that at the end).
So the Democratic wave swept on. Some highly credentialed American pseudo-historians grew so excited they even invented the "end of history" and saw democracy---with a pretty clear American bias---as the 'one direction' forward, forever.
They have been explaining they did not mean what they said, ever since!
In 1989-90 also, South Africa abandoned official Apartheid! Good times, good changes.
Will they come back?
3
Please - don't even think that
2
Unfortunately, this satiric piece is not far from the truth.
13
Ivanka Trump may be a better president than her father who is mentally deranged having been elected by other less than well informed voters.
ASOL leaders, indeed
4
Well, who says the Times has no sense of humor? Roger Cohen forgot to tell everyone what Ivanka Trump's strategy was when she defeated Chelsea Clinton in the general election of 2024. The ultimate irony is that not only will the 46th president be female she'll be Jewish too!!!
3
You forgot the part where she donates another dwindling advance from yet another book to the YMCA in West Palm, wherever that is!
It covered warming up the jet for Jared to go skiing somewhere. Quatar?
It covered warming up the jet for Jared to go skiing somewhere. Quatar?
1
Loved your satire! Judging from the almost first hundred days of the Trump presidency, God help America to get us through the next 3 1/2 years or until we get enough of him and throw him out of office before he does irreparable harm to our democratic institutions and we become the laughing stock of the world.
4
Too late.
6
Drop a wick down the center.........then light
4
Ivanka 2024 campaign slogan: "What's good for The Trump Organization is good for the country."
(with apologies to the often misquoted C E Wilson)
(with apologies to the often misquoted C E Wilson)
39
Global digital despotic order of the 21st century?
Sounds about correct where we are headed. The most advanced civilizations (The West,--democratic orders in general, Asian nations such as China, Japan, Korea, probably throw India in the mix) have never really done justice to their populations as a whole and they have been hierarchical no matter horizontal tendencies (represented by the wealthier members of society, etc. no matter democratic and/or socialistic tendencies). You get the picture--no need to be particularly accurate. The point is even the most advanced systems in an increasingly multipolar world, one dramatically rising in population, and with incredible environmental stresses, are in something of broken-hearted state: We were supposed to become more technological, more democratic, more socialistic, experience more justice and elevation of way of life!
But this overloading by billions of people, all grappling in different racial, ethnic, religious, nationalistic, cultural form seem unable to leap upward to the ideal...We rather are experiencing the usual organizers of society (the wealthy, the aristocratic, the religious, the autocratic, those with power and prestige in all too historical form) becoming more powerful than ever, and this time bolstered by incredible technology of violence and surveillance and control of society.
A global, digital despotic order is all too likely. The internet is already a joke. Rife with spying and subtle control. Freedom? Ha.
Sounds about correct where we are headed. The most advanced civilizations (The West,--democratic orders in general, Asian nations such as China, Japan, Korea, probably throw India in the mix) have never really done justice to their populations as a whole and they have been hierarchical no matter horizontal tendencies (represented by the wealthier members of society, etc. no matter democratic and/or socialistic tendencies). You get the picture--no need to be particularly accurate. The point is even the most advanced systems in an increasingly multipolar world, one dramatically rising in population, and with incredible environmental stresses, are in something of broken-hearted state: We were supposed to become more technological, more democratic, more socialistic, experience more justice and elevation of way of life!
But this overloading by billions of people, all grappling in different racial, ethnic, religious, nationalistic, cultural form seem unable to leap upward to the ideal...We rather are experiencing the usual organizers of society (the wealthy, the aristocratic, the religious, the autocratic, those with power and prestige in all too historical form) becoming more powerful than ever, and this time bolstered by incredible technology of violence and surveillance and control of society.
A global, digital despotic order is all too likely. The internet is already a joke. Rife with spying and subtle control. Freedom? Ha.
5
Yesterday trump claimed that Iran was not living up to the "spirit" of the deal.
Time to call out and name this Trump administration in like terms and in truth: "Corrupt in Spirit".
Time to call out and name this Trump administration in like terms and in truth: "Corrupt in Spirit".
8
Roger Cohen forgot to mention that TV stations have been consolidated into 4: Fox, 24/7 all-Trump, and the Far Right alternative news...plus another one where the government watches the viewers.
The word "control" is now a subject of political arts classes, as in the admirable social control Trump first attributed to Putin and Kim Jong Un...which has been declared as the Fifth Freedom, the freedom to live in Total Control.
Plays and movies (and well-behaved actors) must pass a Trump review board, and libraries have been converted into free tweet areas. Bookstores now exclusively sell telephones, the newest of which are tiny jewells embedded at birth in the upper lip.
NASA and Homeland Security have been combined, and located on a huge satellite, which provides global serveillance and a gilded space White House, for emergency use by the first family and friends who can afford the dues. A rocket ship is at the President's disposal, wherever she may go. By decree, A Trump hotel is the tallest structure in any large city, with the name "TRUMP" facing upwards on its rooftop, so as to welcome subsidiary life forms from any part of the universe. They are permitted to work summers as busboys and maids at $1/hour, but must return to space
by Labor Day, which is now known as Deal Day, when Trump Enterprises sells off surplus goods still made by slave labor in China, plus contracts on indentured servants, for whom there is a 50-year path to citizenship.
The word "control" is now a subject of political arts classes, as in the admirable social control Trump first attributed to Putin and Kim Jong Un...which has been declared as the Fifth Freedom, the freedom to live in Total Control.
Plays and movies (and well-behaved actors) must pass a Trump review board, and libraries have been converted into free tweet areas. Bookstores now exclusively sell telephones, the newest of which are tiny jewells embedded at birth in the upper lip.
NASA and Homeland Security have been combined, and located on a huge satellite, which provides global serveillance and a gilded space White House, for emergency use by the first family and friends who can afford the dues. A rocket ship is at the President's disposal, wherever she may go. By decree, A Trump hotel is the tallest structure in any large city, with the name "TRUMP" facing upwards on its rooftop, so as to welcome subsidiary life forms from any part of the universe. They are permitted to work summers as busboys and maids at $1/hour, but must return to space
by Labor Day, which is now known as Deal Day, when Trump Enterprises sells off surplus goods still made by slave labor in China, plus contracts on indentured servants, for whom there is a 50-year path to citizenship.
9
Enlightening, frightening and well-written, as this is certainly the horrific direction the US is moving toward. Has anyone noticed that Trump truly seems to be grooming Ivanka and Jared as his replacement, as your column posits?
The only roadblock missing to this depressing scenario is the impact of Climate Change and likely wars started due to loss of water.
The only roadblock missing to this depressing scenario is the impact of Climate Change and likely wars started due to loss of water.
12
More frightening than humorous, but the mobilization of those in opposition to Trump indicates that the pendulum is moving away from the GOP. Given control of Congress and the White House, the GOP is clearly demonstrating their inability to govern, and their allegiance to corporate entities and the 0.1% who know they can buy political influence with their money. As citizens, most Americans have been reminded of their two primary patriotic responsibilities: Do the homework, and vote. No matter how they felt about Hillary Clinton, had more voters done their homework on Trump's outrageous lies and promises and shown up to vote, Donald Trump would not have been elected.
7
Trump has been exposing himself since the 80's - anyone who ever saw a People magazine cover would have known about this half-wit's scam. On the other hand, maybe it was exactly why 47 million People magazine readers voted for him?
5
Too realistic and scary a prospect. It is the natural projection of the who cares and me first ideology.
Of course most of the east coast is underwater, children are dying of arsenic and asbestos poisoning, life spans have shrunk for the middle and lower classes by 10 years and Big Bird is a long gone nostalgic memory, but who cares.
Of course most of the east coast is underwater, children are dying of arsenic and asbestos poisoning, life spans have shrunk for the middle and lower classes by 10 years and Big Bird is a long gone nostalgic memory, but who cares.
11
Of course it would happen. Those predictions are right on target. Democrats deserve everything predicted for being too soft, too quiet, too generous, too polite, too considerate, too afraid of hurting egos, too afraid of saying too much, and too afraid of almost about everything. This world belongs to those who are billionaires, aggressive, speak loudly and forcefully, and are not afraid of hurting egos, exaggerating, lying, faking, whining, distorting, insulting, misleading, and everything else ad infinitum. Unfortunately real leaders who are visionary, honest, communicators, self-assured, positive, creative, and respectful are not politicians. The American people cannot change that because it is clear that millions have been brain washed. The ones that have not been brain washed should be debating the future of the US; however, only a huge event of the magnitude of a catastrophe will change the current steady and negative direction the US is heading.
8
It is hard to get through the gift shop. All those fervent Trump fans are crammed in there putting more debt on their already maxed out credit cards as they worship the leader who abuses them. Oh. Oh. we just need to show them more understanding and then everything will be better.
12
Ah, Wiley Ivanka and the Chinese Factory…
13
I wish you people would lighten up just a little bit. We can all use a laugh sometimes for a little relaxation. A.S.O.L indeed... naughty, naughty... but I had such a good guffaw. Thank you!
8
A.S.O.L. League of Nations. I love it! We certainly deserve to belong to that group.
5
I'm pretty sure I've got it right, Roger, but can you double-check my pronunciation of the A.S.O.L. acronym?
17
A.S.O.L. LOL.
11
In 1969, from a history professor and ex-White Russian colonel in the Russian civil war: "Kerensky promised democracy, Lenin promised bread. The outcome was never in doubt." I never imagined…
77
If this is a picture of the future, I want to die.
18
No! You can't die...We need you to fight with the rest of us! We must NEVER, EVER give up. We cannot become so depressed, and so beaten down that we allow tyranny to flourish, while we wither on the vine.
6
No kidding.
I think it probably is fair to imply that the Trumps in some sort of twisted manner would or maybe do consider themselves as royalty. Royalty deserving of complete and mandatory adoration from the masses. This bit of storytelling as a peek into the evolution of class in the modern day is a fun and humorous read. Given the fact that Trump even came close to winning the election let alone actually doing so lends some credence to future possibility.
All hail the chief and his ruling class family!
Or should that be damn the chief and his ruling class family!?
All hail the chief and his ruling class family!
Or should that be damn the chief and his ruling class family!?
13
My twitch as reemerged while reading this prophecy.
18
Roger, you forgot to mention the " no climate change" philosophy of the Trumpsters. Mar-a Loco has to be, or ought to be under water by 2026. No more golf weekends starting Friday noon. No more swanning around Mar-a-Loco. But swimming around might still be an option.
Oy vey!
Oy vey!
35
Excellent piece Mr. Cohen. We should all be very afraid that this could actually happen, with the blessing of the repulsives who seem to be totally complicit in all of this.
34
Are you sure that isn't a picture of Trump having his hair and makeup done?
21
Cohen, you are giving me the willies. But then...Disney bought up Washington, which now features Supreme Court fun rides and a wonderful display of automated representative bots and senator bots.
11
If Melania and Ivanka and Jared were concerned enough about this country to tell the American people a small portion of what they know, all of the chaos we are currently experiencing would be over in a few days.
31
It pleases me to know that the alt-left's attempts to connect with the rest of us have failed and they are left to filling the editorial page of the NYT with pallid attempts at sarcastic political humor. Perhaps someday they'll break rank and parody people with real personal issues like Maxine Waters, Elizabeth Ann Warren and Chuck Shumer.
2
Let me understand this. The lightly accomplished Chelsea Clinton is to be trumpeted as a beacon of future feminist political hope, and the actually accomplished Ivanka Trump is instead to be a subject of ridicule. Were there any editorials of yore mocking the Washingtons for continuing to run while in office what for the time was considered a real estate empire?
4
While they have a few things in common in common--POTUS fathers, status symbol educations, and jailbird fathers-in-law, to me the big difference is that Chelsea Clinton has never set herself up as an example of aspirational corporate female empowerment. She also appears to have more of the common touch than her old friend Ivanka T.
7
Wilbur it's the alternative facts that get in the way of the Left. See it's ALWAYS DIFFERENT when a democrat does things, it's always OK, always appreciated when the left does thing but never when a republican does it. Once you understand that you'll know all you need to know about the Left. They will deny it of course but you can't argue with facts.
The "actually" accomplished Ivanka Trump? Accomplished as in cashing in on shoes and daddy's money?
5
I think it probably is fair to imply that the Trumps in some sort of twisted manner would or maybe do consider themselves as royalty. Royalty deserving of complete and mandatory adoration from the masses. This bit of storytelling as a peek into the evolution of class in the modern day is a fun and humorous read. Given the fact that Trump even came close to winning the election let alone actually doing so lends some credence to future possibility.
All hail the chief and his ruling class family!
Or should that be reject the chief and his ruling class family!?
All hail the chief and his ruling class family!
Or should that be reject the chief and his ruling class family!?
14
Thank you, Roger Cohen. If/when we collectively reach the tipping point where the brand/name 'Trump' becomes the abject object of satirical derision it so richly deserves to be, then perhaps we will begin to come to terms with the devastating effects of kleptocracy in our society.
18
In 2026--the 250th anniversary I will be dead--bad genetics and since no health care for the 99% I have no chance.
Actually I’ve given up! Why try to educate myself with subscriptions to five newspapers, peer review journals, scientific seminars or try to educate my poor patients here in Georgia where Truth died in 2016. Poor in education, health, finances, and critical thinking--but we still have Walmart, Dollar General, and Waffle House.
How many times will I just keep hitting my head against this wall of sheer ignorance, cruelty, and no empathy from the top down?
I felt safe, invigorated under Obama’s calm hand on the tiller. Now I can’t even sleep each night..a fitful hour or two. The peach trees blossomed--what splendor--then the flowers dropped with a week of freezing temps and Georgia farmers will suffer greatly. Climate change? Just a hoax.
The March for Science may be shut down tomorrow in Atlanta as Governor Deal refuses to endorse it and may deny permits. Mayor Kasim Reed kowtows to the Guv so we won’t have his back.
There is NOTHING funny in this op-ed. I’ve done all I can. From working in the 44th Medical battalion in Vietnam, to returning to protest. Being on the committee to bring the first Earth Day to the University of Utah campus in 1970. So tired of lobbying to keep our 5 National Parks in Utah from being taken over by huge coal powered electrical plants.
Tired of working as underpaid MD in underserved areas of our country.
What’s the use?
Actually I’ve given up! Why try to educate myself with subscriptions to five newspapers, peer review journals, scientific seminars or try to educate my poor patients here in Georgia where Truth died in 2016. Poor in education, health, finances, and critical thinking--but we still have Walmart, Dollar General, and Waffle House.
How many times will I just keep hitting my head against this wall of sheer ignorance, cruelty, and no empathy from the top down?
I felt safe, invigorated under Obama’s calm hand on the tiller. Now I can’t even sleep each night..a fitful hour or two. The peach trees blossomed--what splendor--then the flowers dropped with a week of freezing temps and Georgia farmers will suffer greatly. Climate change? Just a hoax.
The March for Science may be shut down tomorrow in Atlanta as Governor Deal refuses to endorse it and may deny permits. Mayor Kasim Reed kowtows to the Guv so we won’t have his back.
There is NOTHING funny in this op-ed. I’ve done all I can. From working in the 44th Medical battalion in Vietnam, to returning to protest. Being on the committee to bring the first Earth Day to the University of Utah campus in 1970. So tired of lobbying to keep our 5 National Parks in Utah from being taken over by huge coal powered electrical plants.
Tired of working as underpaid MD in underserved areas of our country.
What’s the use?
99
I totally understand, and often feel the same way, but please don't give up. We really need people like you.
19
I agree. NOTHING funny here. I understand how tired you are but one person here thanks you for devoting your life to healing people and trying to do the right thing...
20
Thanks for your service Doc. I was a corpsman during the period - mostly ER but temporary deployments w/an air transportable hospital. Anyway, I've thought a good deal about your widely distributed frustrations and keep returning to the oath we took to support and defend the Constitution and the Country from all enemies both foreign AND domestic. Our work is not done - we have children and grandchildren to protect. Hope you get out for Science this weekend. Nathan Deal is an ignorant putz.
18
There remain these three, faith, hope, and love (agape); and the greatest of these is love. But in the daily grind, hope is indispensable. Give them enough rope and they'll hang themselves. They are not only uninspired and incompetent. They are vindictive. When they float schemes like having GIs pay a premium for benefits, they open more ears and eyes. Post-9/11 GI benefits for housing and education have been under attack for some years, but they could blame Obama for that. But now, nasty vindictiveness comes in GOP proposals.
16
This amateurish political display as painful as it is to watch, is still a far saner situation than W's administration, which destroyed any remaining allegiance the people may have had with the established representatives in this branch of our government.
5
Roger Cohen thinks The Donald will serve 2 terms, whereas I think he will be impeached before he serves 6 months.
29
I think Razor is off by 6 months.
1
Not if we don't let him play golf................................
and I think we should properly call him "The Don"
and I think we should properly call him "The Don"
2
I fail to understand why people think the Republican House of Representatives will bring a bill of impeachment. Every time I read comments like this they strike me as the height of liberal delusion. (I say that as a liberal myself.) I suppose you might argue that the Republicans in the House would prefer Mike Pence over Donald Trump as President, but honestly, do you think Pence would be easier to manipulate than Trump?
You yourself might think that Trump has committed his share of "high crimes and misdemeanors," but I doubt there are many Republicans in House who would agree with you.
Perhaps you think that Russia will provide the smoking gun? Sorry, but I expect the fall guys in the scenario to include people like Manafort while the President claims he is "shocked, shocked" to learn that such shady dealings went on around him. Maybe a diplomatic blunder? Again I seriously doubt that. We're not going to end up in a shooting war with the DPRK (thankfully) and losing track of a carrier group doesn't rise up to the level of a high crime.
You yourself might think that Trump has committed his share of "high crimes and misdemeanors," but I doubt there are many Republicans in House who would agree with you.
Perhaps you think that Russia will provide the smoking gun? Sorry, but I expect the fall guys in the scenario to include people like Manafort while the President claims he is "shocked, shocked" to learn that such shady dealings went on around him. Maybe a diplomatic blunder? Again I seriously doubt that. We're not going to end up in a shooting war with the DPRK (thankfully) and losing track of a carrier group doesn't rise up to the level of a high crime.
2
I've seen this scenario playing out in my head for months now. Let's all hope its only a nightmare and will never survive the sunlight.
14
It would be nice to wake up to read that someone has finally done something to stop this travesty before this actually happens. Waking up and reading the words that tell us this presidency is becoming the laughingstock of the world with no end in sight, with news of collusion with Russia, corruption at the highest level, conflicts of interest too many to count, and the deconstruction of the administrative state happening before our eyes, and it just continues to mount each day. When do we stop talking about it and someone actually do something to stop it?
22
Donald Trump is what we have always aspired to be.
He's the giant pustule of pure greed and unabashed, unapologetic self interest that we've been trying to keep hidden below the surface but despite our best efforts finally erupts in all it's glory.
The presidency now for the first time accurately reflects in an uncloaked fashion these aspirations. Predictably, half of us are thrilled to death while the other half are horrified and are forced to look away in shame and bewilderment.
This is what we are. In your heart, you knew this but just couldn't handle it, so you told yourself bedtime stories like "this isn't who we really are" as a nation so you could sleep at night and get up the next day with some hope that we could get on with the work to perfect this grand experiment.
After 250 years, don't you think we ought to be a little closer to perfection than this?
He's the giant pustule of pure greed and unabashed, unapologetic self interest that we've been trying to keep hidden below the surface but despite our best efforts finally erupts in all it's glory.
The presidency now for the first time accurately reflects in an uncloaked fashion these aspirations. Predictably, half of us are thrilled to death while the other half are horrified and are forced to look away in shame and bewilderment.
This is what we are. In your heart, you knew this but just couldn't handle it, so you told yourself bedtime stories like "this isn't who we really are" as a nation so you could sleep at night and get up the next day with some hope that we could get on with the work to perfect this grand experiment.
After 250 years, don't you think we ought to be a little closer to perfection than this?
30
Wonderful that you've trotted out THE perfect word to describe
this loser...................Pustule...............It satisfies so many edges to his "so-called"
existence.......
Pustule.......Pustule....say it again and again......it fits like a very small glove!
this loser...................Pustule...............It satisfies so many edges to his "so-called"
existence.......
Pustule.......Pustule....say it again and again......it fits like a very small glove!
4
We were pretty close to perfection with Obama. All we needed was someone more cynical and more experienced to continue his legacy. But the "Mad Men and women" wouldn't vote for a female.
2
The unhinged, knee-jerk rejection that Obama had to endure was disgraceful and foretold what you are witness to now.
We had the great fortune to finally have a brilliant, distinguished man as president but what we got as a result was a puerile 8 year temper tantrum and obstruction by a bunch of congressional GOP cowards.
We had the great fortune to finally have a brilliant, distinguished man as president but what we got as a result was a puerile 8 year temper tantrum and obstruction by a bunch of congressional GOP cowards.
4
Through the first half of the 21st century, successive Trump presidents enlarged the sea wall protecting the Mar-a-Lago White House from rising Atlantic tides. In 2053, however, a slow-moving Category 5+++ hurricane passed directly over Palm Beach, leveling Mar-a-Lago and washing away much of the city as well.
Today, in 2135, only a few intrepid divers are willing to brave the widespread tropical parasites, mosquito-borne viruses and carnivorous monkeys of the South Atlantic Coast to explore the remains. Though buried deep in silt on the ocean floor, the site still yields a few artifacts. One lucky treasure hunter recently salvaged a perfectly preserved Trump Campaign Golf Ball, circa 2016. It sold at auction for a record price of 46 billion Trumps.
Today, in 2135, only a few intrepid divers are willing to brave the widespread tropical parasites, mosquito-borne viruses and carnivorous monkeys of the South Atlantic Coast to explore the remains. Though buried deep in silt on the ocean floor, the site still yields a few artifacts. One lucky treasure hunter recently salvaged a perfectly preserved Trump Campaign Golf Ball, circa 2016. It sold at auction for a record price of 46 billion Trumps.
244
good one
3
Beautiful!
2
I read Roger Cohen's column today with bemusement, as did many here. His writing continues to surpass. And yet, it raised questions that many of us thought unthinkable just a few short months ago.
My questions are these: Given the profound ignorance of most American voters, what is there, institutionally or otherwise, to prohibit Mr. Cohen's scenario from happening? I frankly see no such safeguards in place.
And for me, this leads to an even darker scenario. Given the relative passivity of our populace, what stands in way of this president's seizing power beyond term limits, for himself and his family? Many would say the Constitution, as if it were some impregnable barrier. It is not. History is replete with examples of dictators who suspended civil rights, civil liberties and the rule of law indefinitely.
Should we even be making the assumption that this dictator will simply walk away in 2024? From what I've seen of this administration in a few short months, I'd say we ought to start seriously considering the previously unthinkable.
My questions are these: Given the profound ignorance of most American voters, what is there, institutionally or otherwise, to prohibit Mr. Cohen's scenario from happening? I frankly see no such safeguards in place.
And for me, this leads to an even darker scenario. Given the relative passivity of our populace, what stands in way of this president's seizing power beyond term limits, for himself and his family? Many would say the Constitution, as if it were some impregnable barrier. It is not. History is replete with examples of dictators who suspended civil rights, civil liberties and the rule of law indefinitely.
Should we even be making the assumption that this dictator will simply walk away in 2024? From what I've seen of this administration in a few short months, I'd say we ought to start seriously considering the previously unthinkable.
171
What will stop Cohen's dystopia is you together with the majority of people in this country who value and support democratic institutions and abhor the kleptocracy that rules us today. Resist and vote!
17
With the GOP is TOTAL control of Congress and nearly 2/3 of the state governments - the passage of a Constitutional Amendment to allow for this scenario is now within the realm of possibility. And from what I have read - under consideration.
8
Elections for the House are coming up soon. We CAN do something. Elect a Democratic Congress that will make it impossible for The Donald to accomplish anything. A majority could authorize the investigations that will expose him!
Find a Democratic candidate for Congress and give her/him your time, and money. DO IT NOW.
Find a Democratic candidate for Congress and give her/him your time, and money. DO IT NOW.
4
Great satire but fortunately we dont have to worry about it. After 8 plus years of Trump rule, both Mar a Lego and the White House, as well as a lot of the country if not the world, will be uninhabitable due to climate change.
10
Don't forget the part about Ted Nugent singing the Star Spangled Banner at Ivanka's inauguration.
10
Who is Ted Nugent??? ( I jest )
3
Mar a Lago may indeed be under water by then from sea level rise due to climate change, which would be directly attributable to the Trump climate deniers' environmental policies.
21
Don't blame the Internet. Blame Tin Pan Alley: "God Bless America" is now "Under God, and His Gospel of Grace through Greed, America is Great again." Lousy meter but the message is powerful.
An exceptional change is a-comin' to slouch and be reborn, as inherited wealth becomes the sign of God's Grace. The Puritans would puke.
"Nothing is certain but Death and Taxes" is now "Nothing is certain but Dynasty and Demagoguery". When Ivankellah names 90-year old Ted Nugent to be Court Jester and Sara Palin to be Honorary Cheerleader for America, Tiffany Trump will be nominated as next Trumpident of the air-deprived island of ignorant, nook-free billionaire misionaries, called USAWorld.
An exceptional change is a-comin' to slouch and be reborn, as inherited wealth becomes the sign of God's Grace. The Puritans would puke.
"Nothing is certain but Death and Taxes" is now "Nothing is certain but Dynasty and Demagoguery". When Ivankellah names 90-year old Ted Nugent to be Court Jester and Sara Palin to be Honorary Cheerleader for America, Tiffany Trump will be nominated as next Trumpident of the air-deprived island of ignorant, nook-free billionaire misionaries, called USAWorld.
10
I thought Americans were smart and recognized that they accidentally voted for a United States monarchy - King Donald and Princess Ivanka (and handsome Prince Jared). But the fact that Jon Ossoff can't even get 50% of the vote proves my theory wrong.
14
But that's Georgia!!
3
Meanwhile, California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii have left the United States to form their own country during the first Trump administration! President Pelosi is leading them to greater prosperity, while the U.S. under Trump is deeply in debt without all the money from the wealthy left coast.
39
And New York City has struck out on its own, after a series of cataclysmic tidal waves (due to climate change!) successfully detached it from the rest of the continent....
14
"The best lack all conviction
While the worst are full of passionate intensity."
W.B. Yeats, "The Second Coming"
While the worst are full of passionate intensity."
W.B. Yeats, "The Second Coming"
17
While I hope and pray that this scenario never occurs, you have to admit that it isn't all that farfetched. It seems that every day our president says and does things that move us further and further from the democratic traditions that we have built up over the last 241 years. He doesn't know or care about those traditions, he is driven only by what pleases him or what enriches his family.
I don't know if the country will survive this creeping corruption of our institutions for another 45 months. While we will survive physically (excluding the possibility of WW III), what kind of a country will we have? Will all religions still be allowed? Will people still believe in upward mobility? Will the arts still have support? Will science still lead us into the future? Will elections matter?
As the grandfather of six, I worry about the kind of country these children will find as they grow up. Unless we find a legal way to remove this unfit and unstable man, I truly believe that it will not be a country that they can be proud of.
I don't know if the country will survive this creeping corruption of our institutions for another 45 months. While we will survive physically (excluding the possibility of WW III), what kind of a country will we have? Will all religions still be allowed? Will people still believe in upward mobility? Will the arts still have support? Will science still lead us into the future? Will elections matter?
As the grandfather of six, I worry about the kind of country these children will find as they grow up. Unless we find a legal way to remove this unfit and unstable man, I truly believe that it will not be a country that they can be proud of.
222
Unfortunately, removing President Trump gives us President Pence.
We have to get past the impeachment idea--unless there is film of Putin handing Trump a suitcase full of money, the Republican toadies running Congress will never vote to impeach--and focus on 2018 and 2020, and throw the bums out!
We have to get past the impeachment idea--unless there is film of Putin handing Trump a suitcase full of money, the Republican toadies running Congress will never vote to impeach--and focus on 2018 and 2020, and throw the bums out!
Dear Mr. Cohen: Thank you very much for this novel column. Will it perhaps become a book, akin to "Animal Farm" or "1984"? I have one small suggestion: Change A.S.O.L. to A.S.S.A.U.L.T. (Autocratic Super Slimy Autocrats Under Leader Trump).
Never before has a column made me angry, weep, and [almost] laugh at the same time...
I had a dream last night, a dream of the very near future. A small, localized, climate change event occurred at a spot in Florida, and the Mar-a-Largo Gold House was forever submerged in 20 feet of sea water, Unfortunately the Orange One was at home...
Never before has a column made me angry, weep, and [almost] laugh at the same time...
I had a dream last night, a dream of the very near future. A small, localized, climate change event occurred at a spot in Florida, and the Mar-a-Largo Gold House was forever submerged in 20 feet of sea water, Unfortunately the Orange One was at home...
13
The suggested A.S.O.L. acronym is perfect. Say it as a single word three times out loud, and then reread the sections where it is mentioned.
8
You're right!
2
ROGER COHEN'S Wonderfully creative scenario is missing one important element. Mar a Lago will have been changed to Mar a LEGO and made into an amusement park, thereby sealing the union between government and money irrevocably. Of course all employees will have to wear fashions a la Ivanka. The first Presidentess. After being Donald's princess she was entitled to an additional honorific. Of course her children are known as Presidentlets and Presidentlettes. With a view toward keeping the dynasty growing, Trumping merrily along into the bright future, lit by the glow of Noo Kyuh Ler bombs.
10
I voted for HRC but the attitude of legacy never crept into the vocabulary of The Times nor the left when HRC was nearly given a coronation. Funny how that works out so well on the left. Hypocrisy at it's zenith.
1
Cohen's brilliant essay makes Toffler's Future Shock read like Romper Room. Imagine a Trump dynasty running from 2017 through 2033. By then, Barron will have a seat in Congress!
13
The frightening part is that if an autocrat could guarantee peace and an acceptable mimimum income for everyone, this kind of system might be voted in by a majority of Americans. Today.
20
Would be funnier if it didn't seem possible with such an idiotic electorate out there, who ignorance started this whole disaster. I still reel from the reality of it.
37
Edmund,
This is not fair at all.
These "idiotic electorate" gave us some special men fo past 30+ years.
Just look @ list:
1) The Decider: gave us 2 never ending wars, sink New Orleans, and a financial meltdown in 2008
2) Mitch McConnell: famously said his job in Senate if to see Obama fails
then-literally-stole a supreme court seat.
3) Sarah Palin: a true gem who can see Russia from her home.
4) Newt Gingrich: led a zealous impeachment of Clinton for an affair while he was carrying on his own for years. A true Christian.
5) John McCain: who never saw a war he doesn't like and love to bomb any country/people for any reason.
6) Paul Ryan: a true patriot who love to kick out millions of old, sick Americans to the curb to get a tax cut to struggling little billionaires.
7) Best of all: Gomer Pyle aka Louie Gohmert, a buffoonish character who love to give 2 hrs speeches to any empty hall in Congress.
This is not fair at all.
These "idiotic electorate" gave us some special men fo past 30+ years.
Just look @ list:
1) The Decider: gave us 2 never ending wars, sink New Orleans, and a financial meltdown in 2008
2) Mitch McConnell: famously said his job in Senate if to see Obama fails
then-literally-stole a supreme court seat.
3) Sarah Palin: a true gem who can see Russia from her home.
4) Newt Gingrich: led a zealous impeachment of Clinton for an affair while he was carrying on his own for years. A true Christian.
5) John McCain: who never saw a war he doesn't like and love to bomb any country/people for any reason.
6) Paul Ryan: a true patriot who love to kick out millions of old, sick Americans to the curb to get a tax cut to struggling little billionaires.
7) Best of all: Gomer Pyle aka Louie Gohmert, a buffoonish character who love to give 2 hrs speeches to any empty hall in Congress.
18
Sink New Orleans, sorry no that would be the fault of Ray Nagin (now serving time in prison) and Kathleen Blanco both DEMOCRATS btw. And both declined Amtrak's offer to evacuate that state. Nice try though.
I reel not so much from the ignorance of those in the Walmart wastelands of flyover-land as from the ugly apathy of those who knew better but didn't bother showing up at the polls last November.
2
Funny, but no joking matter. The rise of the Trump autocratic dynasty empowered by the 435 Republican Representatives in House, 100 Republican Senators and nine Right Wing Supreme Court Justices and the newly established Trumplican Church - the official religion - celebrating the 250th anniversary is truly frightful. No, in Trump I will Never Trust!
From 100 days to 1,000 years. We have been warned!
From 100 days to 1,000 years. We have been warned!
14
What about the "O'Reilly Factor"?
=========================
How will Bill O'Reilly return to favor, in the new Ivanka Trump presidency? Will he become a member of her cabinet?
And what about Fox News? Will it take over from PBS TV?
These are important, unanswered questions!
--------------------------------------------------------
=========================
How will Bill O'Reilly return to favor, in the new Ivanka Trump presidency? Will he become a member of her cabinet?
And what about Fox News? Will it take over from PBS TV?
These are important, unanswered questions!
--------------------------------------------------------
13
Why are our spineless Representatives allowing this? Self-interest! They could start the ball rolling with forcing his taxes. They are as crooked as the Trumps.
45
Because they represent the "us" of the population that don't care to vote, or are too uninformed to make an informed decision. The system isn't rigged, its outdated. One vote one person would set things right. Term limits would take care of the rest, and limits of 3 month campaigning, definitive limits on contributions, and mandatory public scrutiny of tax returns of all candidates could would make the difference. If only I could write like Roger Cohen, I could be more amusing, but
am I musing that the system could be changed?
am I musing that the system could be changed?
10
It did not take long for the revisionist history to take root. Hillary and her campaign screwed up, big time! White workers were ignored! The coastal 'elites' were disdainful of the flyovers! Ad nauseum.
Of course Hillary was flawed. Has there ever been a perfect candidate for office? But what the bandwagon of revisionism fails to explain is that a good half of the electorate is just plain ignorant. Also, in large part hate-filled. And, last but not least, willing to put its faith in a lying, cheating and groping huckster. There is no revising this hard truth.
Of course Hillary was flawed. Has there ever been a perfect candidate for office? But what the bandwagon of revisionism fails to explain is that a good half of the electorate is just plain ignorant. Also, in large part hate-filled. And, last but not least, willing to put its faith in a lying, cheating and groping huckster. There is no revising this hard truth.
40
Franklin D. Roosevelt said in 1933, "We have always known that greed was bad morality; what we have learned is that greed is also bad economics."
Surely we'll learn it again before the vision in this piece becomes reality. With any luck at all, we should learn it before a 74-year-old Donald Trump can again dazzle millions of voters with his pizazz.
http://thefamilyproperty.blogspot.jp/
Surely we'll learn it again before the vision in this piece becomes reality. With any luck at all, we should learn it before a 74-year-old Donald Trump can again dazzle millions of voters with his pizazz.
http://thefamilyproperty.blogspot.jp/
12
...and, more to the point for the Trumps, bad politics.
2
George Orwell couldn't have said it better.
13
Ivanka is off on her first solo excursion representing the u.s. She'll be our gal in Germany at the g20 women's conference. And there's her new book, her second, on women and work. Are these the first steps toward the apocalyptic vision presented here?
How must trump people view her? Probably as cool, beautiful and accomplished, but still part of her father, who cares for them and their interests. Trustworthy, perhaps. God help those who cannot see. May this column be a cautionary tale.
How must trump people view her? Probably as cool, beautiful and accomplished, but still part of her father, who cares for them and their interests. Trustworthy, perhaps. God help those who cannot see. May this column be a cautionary tale.
19
Make no mistake, Ivanka is more like Daddy than either of the sons. Sad. I try not to be just a loser snowflake. I do feel that Trump and his family of grifters are using the office of POTUS to make as much money as possible. Rep. Chaffetz and the GOP Congress just look the other way.
But what really bothers me is the lack of human decency. The meaness, cruelty and disregard of civil rights is beyond appalling and Trump and Sessions haven't even started really. The lack of intelligence and disregard for history and tradition in the White House combined with a total lack of ethics has made our current administration an ineffectual embarrassment.
Ivan and Jared are there in the Oval Office to look after the Trump Brand. Titles and job descriptions are just for show. They are there for the money.
Who will stop this raping of America and the office of POTUS?
But what really bothers me is the lack of human decency. The meaness, cruelty and disregard of civil rights is beyond appalling and Trump and Sessions haven't even started really. The lack of intelligence and disregard for history and tradition in the White House combined with a total lack of ethics has made our current administration an ineffectual embarrassment.
Ivan and Jared are there in the Oval Office to look after the Trump Brand. Titles and job descriptions are just for show. They are there for the money.
Who will stop this raping of America and the office of POTUS?
38
"Grifters"? Really? Bill and Hill never met a donation they didn't like. Living off the public teat for most of their lives and no one seems to mind.
1
Bill and Hillary Clinton are both lawyers; both are considered academically brilliant. Hillary was in private practice initially, and Bill went into government service. Something is wrong with running for an office if you are qualified to do so? And getting paid for it? I would not call what they did "living off the public teat." Then I guess school teachers, policeman, firemen, etc. also live off the public teat????? And in later years, Hillary decided to go into government service. They were elected; they did their jobs; they got paid for doing their jobs. AND LET ME REPEAT: THEY DID (as in REALLY) THEIR JOBS! (Unlike trump and co.) Contrary to all the insidious lies about Benghazi and those moronic, trivial e-mails, Hillary Clinton did a damn good job as Secretary of State, and she was a great senator from the state of New York. The Clinton's aren't grifters. No parent left Bill or Hillary with any kind of significant inheritance on which they could capitalize. They achieved everything that they did and built on their own dime...and by the power of their own intellects. trump is a con artist and a cheat...and he has amassed money mostly through inheritance, morphing to graft, corruption, and outright thievery, such as stiffing contractors who worked for him. But he was left such a huge empire, and still he had 5 bankruptcies, and he is constantly being sued. Not such a smart businessman. He is more of an intellectual and moral morass. Evil and crass.
5
EMS, well said. There is no comparison.
You have to give her a little credit. She looks more presidential than daddy, and a lot smarter than hubby (a boy who looks a lot like a deer in the headlights).
3
This part is where the normalization process is starting to sound desperate.
5
Aside from the Trumps seeming to want to outdo Elvis and Las Vegas in tackiness, this is profoundly disturbing.
19
Swift did indeed have insight into the human condition but Twain was an American. The post epiphany Twain saw where America was headed and laughed during the incredible pain to what the USA is presently enduring. Yes the Yahoos are in charge but The Mysterious Stranger could make light of their most heinous activities.
5
keep at it, Cohen. The great satirist, Swift, did his part in bringing down the Trump of the hour, the heroic but vile hero, The Duke of Marlborough, who was indicted by Parliament for war profiteering.
Satire is an effective offensive weapon for those who have little recourse. It brings low the mighty. But constancy is key. The public must be made to understand that rulers are not gods and can be lampooned.
Stay the course.
Satire is an effective offensive weapon for those who have little recourse. It brings low the mighty. But constancy is key. The public must be made to understand that rulers are not gods and can be lampooned.
Stay the course.
22
If someone told me 10 years ago that Donald Trump would become President I would have laughed it off as a a inconceivable crazy proposition. Now the thought that Ivanka may become President is not so nuts. Mr. Cohen's column may be a prescient prediction of things to come. Donald seems to be grooming Ivanka for the Presidency. "Sad."
17
Yup that sounds about right, no irony for irony is dead. Why is it comedians from other countries and Stephen Colbert know what's really happening but the people don't. Life, liberty and the pursuit of shopping?
10
As an observer of and unwilling member of the audience with skin and everything underneath in this infernal game show , I am reminded of Honore Daumier’s “Very High and Mighty Legitimate Brats” , a lithograph that depicts the European Royalty of the 19th Century . Underneath the print there is the following:
“Peoples, defend yourselves, tear yourselves to pieces, sacrifice yourselves for these royals, you belong to them, imbeciles.”
A Americanized update of this print is in order.
Anyone?
“Peoples, defend yourselves, tear yourselves to pieces, sacrifice yourselves for these royals, you belong to them, imbeciles.”
A Americanized update of this print is in order.
Anyone?
6
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of more money, by any means, but not for anyone who isn't already filthy rich.
13
One thing we've already lost: the ability to create satire that isn't too bloody close to the truth.
11
Apparently only about 30 percent of us think it's essential to live in a democracy, a steep decline from earlier generations. Cohen is as perceptive as anyone about what this might mean.
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/democracy-meh/
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/democracy-meh/
6
Haven't you learned about not believing in polls by now???
As for "earlier generations", specifically those around in the 1930s -- there was an active threat to democracy, and the possibility of war. So of course, that makes a difference!
As for "earlier generations", specifically those around in the 1930s -- there was an active threat to democracy, and the possibility of war. So of course, that makes a difference!
A slight exaggeration of where this country is headed, but not by much. The republican party and its agenda of extending white privilege must be destroyed once and for all, starting in 2018.
13
Not bad Roger, but for the sake of balance let's add this. After Trump's first term Democratic party had a clear plan for regaining power. Its most trusted elders lead the charge. Mrs Clinton came out swinging with most elaborate campaigning technologies. Her impassioned plea for America's vote were described by CNN as raw and sincere. Regratably, an unforeseen glitch in AI running Clinton campaign caused a second narrow defeat. Four years later her third slim loss, this time to Ivanka is still being analyzed by best political technologists. Preliminary results indicate that deplorable socio strata has ticked up above critical 49%. A truly unexpected by experts demographic shift, that Hillary has so prophetically warned us about in her every campaign speech. To great relief of Democrats, through these turbulent nine years Nancy Pelosy was able to retain her inspiring leadership role in the party and in Congress. Proving once and for all that dementia disability should never impede a visionary politician, a rare point of agreement between Democrats and Republicans.
1
"Pass the Bill to see what's in the Bill" Pelosi? That one. I wouldn't buy a used car from her.
I know this is meant to be satire but I think we're more than halfway there. I weep for my country.
8
Oops! Predictions are that Mar-a-Lago will be underwater to the 2nd story by that year. The Atlantic ocean continued to rise from the melting of the Arctic.Mar-a-Lego would only be accessible by ships. President Ivanka Trump may have moved it to Aspen.
2
Absolutely scary, for every country in the world.
4
You can talk about people in all sorts of very general ways, One general way is that there are two types of people in this particular category. There are people who are only concerned about their own relative safety and wealth - the world could be burning and as long as they are safe, all is good. Then there are people who see themselves as part of the larger whole entity and they are concerned with caring for the greater.
7
The Trump family is a clear danger to American democracy, but they would be relatively powerless without the support of a Republican Congress that claims to love their country, but treats democracy with cold indifference.
30
President Trump's ignorant attempt to control our country is a disgrace to the Republican party. It's not even entertaining to imagine that he will serve two terms, and certainly not funny to call Mar-a-Lago the Northern White House. Please don't publish another horror story about a Trump dynasty.
11
If I had read the final paragraph of this wonderful piece, I wouldn't have had to read any that came before.
"Enlightened self-interest had always been an illusion. Self-interest was all there was."
That will be on my board above my desk until it, or I, fade away.
Thanks you for putting it in a nutshell so expertly, Mr. Cohen.
"Enlightened self-interest had always been an illusion. Self-interest was all there was."
That will be on my board above my desk until it, or I, fade away.
Thanks you for putting it in a nutshell so expertly, Mr. Cohen.
3
The little empress is expanding his trashy junk labels in China and India. She is actually doing us a great favor. Getting even with the Chinse and Indians who been dumping junk on us @ Wallmart for decades.
Thank you, your majesty!
Thank you, your majesty!
7
Very humorous... yet also sad that the current state has dragged even Roger Cohen to more crass style. Roger has been a pillar of intellectual sanity.
1
Roy Cohn was a lawyer. He was very aggressive, hurt people, and eventually was disbarred for unethical practice. He also gave D. Trump legal and strategic advice and
guidance. Here are some of Cohn's ways of dealing, which I place alongside D. Trump's:
"-I bring out the worst in my enemies and that's how I get them to defeat themselves."
[D. Trump behaves undiplomatically and aggressively toward whom he perceives to be opponents].
"-Go after a man's weakness, and never, ever, threaten unless you're going to follow through, because if you don't, the next time you won't be taken seriously." [D. Trump may have behaved this way during business dealings. It is not clear if he has behaved this way yet in the role of president. I'm not sure if what he has done in regard to Syria, apparently differing with Russia, is like this tactic (?); or, is it a behind-the-scene maneuver with Russia ?]
- "I don't want to know what the law is, I want to know who the judge is." [Could "the judge" be for D. Trump the court of public opinion, public opinion which does not equal reasonable good judgment (?) ]
- "I don't write polite letters. I don't like to plea-bargain. I like to fight." [There is evidence from D. Trump's campaigning and tweets that he adheres to these methods].
guidance. Here are some of Cohn's ways of dealing, which I place alongside D. Trump's:
"-I bring out the worst in my enemies and that's how I get them to defeat themselves."
[D. Trump behaves undiplomatically and aggressively toward whom he perceives to be opponents].
"-Go after a man's weakness, and never, ever, threaten unless you're going to follow through, because if you don't, the next time you won't be taken seriously." [D. Trump may have behaved this way during business dealings. It is not clear if he has behaved this way yet in the role of president. I'm not sure if what he has done in regard to Syria, apparently differing with Russia, is like this tactic (?); or, is it a behind-the-scene maneuver with Russia ?]
- "I don't want to know what the law is, I want to know who the judge is." [Could "the judge" be for D. Trump the court of public opinion, public opinion which does not equal reasonable good judgment (?) ]
- "I don't write polite letters. I don't like to plea-bargain. I like to fight." [There is evidence from D. Trump's campaigning and tweets that he adheres to these methods].
4
It's too horrid even to joke about.
14
Put that wax dummy into the White House and he'll do a better job than the current occupant. At least he won't tweet.
23
Yesterday, while flying to a trade show, I read the first 180 pages of Michel Houellebecq's novel Submission, which imagines a future political landscape in France after the Socialists and Muslim Brotherhood form a coalition to defeat the Nationalists. Immediately upon landing I learned of the pre-election shootings in Paris.
Today I awoke to this piece by Roger Cohen. I think I have to give up satire for awhile.
Today I awoke to this piece by Roger Cohen. I think I have to give up satire for awhile.
2
I wish I could laugh but I could see this playing out in light of the inability of this country to rein in the current blatant self dealing and promotion in Washington,
We are truly without governance that in the citizens best interest.
Long live the almighty 1%.
We are truly without governance that in the citizens best interest.
Long live the almighty 1%.
3
I'll celebrate the day I longer have to hear the vapid brayings of the whole self-dealing, unscrupulous Trump clan.
18
I appreciate the quirky twist on this incredible nightmare, like the Scary Movie franchise that somehow made serial killer rampages hilarious.
3
The frightening thing about this scenario, imagined, or otherwise, is the scope of its limitations.
Evidently there will be no room for diversity at this 250th anniversary party ..... outside of the kitchen help.
Evidently there will be no room for diversity at this 250th anniversary party ..... outside of the kitchen help.
6
No one in the my life has scared me more than Donald Trump.
18
Ivanka is perfect in her role: The Mafia Dons Daughter. She, and the other Trumplings, are milking this Presidential " gig " to the max. And we are paying for their trips, " security ", etc. This entire enterprise is a huuuge money- making enterprise for the Family, for decades to come. The long con: writ large. Congratulations, GOP base, you've been conned. Bigly.
44
Have the Vegas bookies set odds that there will be no presidential election in 2020?
4
and in the rust belt, Trump voters gave thanks for their meal of cat food and grass soup.
23
My cats actually eat pretty well. I think those Rust Belt voters will get just the grass soup -- heavily sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup.
3
Ivanka is a sight for sore political eyes who can display her apparel lines anywhere she likes.
3
And what was that one and only book in the Trump Library?
8
Trump's The Art of the Deal
7
If you had written this column 10 years, the NYT would have had you committed. Now, you'll probably get a promotion and a raise.
1
What's so destructive about the Trump family in the White House is that, to them, if it's not against the law or required by law, whatever they do or don't do is just fine and dandy.
The Trumps are shameless and shameful in conducting themselves in this haughty, entitled manner, and it is besmirching the standards and values the vast majority of our leaders have held themselves to throughout our history -- not because they had to, but because it was the right thing to do.
The Trumps are shameless and shameful in conducting themselves in this haughty, entitled manner, and it is besmirching the standards and values the vast majority of our leaders have held themselves to throughout our history -- not because they had to, but because it was the right thing to do.
9
Remember the old days when Republicans and even some Democrats used to say that about the Clintons? Funny how quiet they are now about the Trumps.
2
If this weren't so plausible, it would be funny.
9
One question? Is the NY TIMES still failing in 2024? If so that would be long span of failing.
4
Firstly, Ivanka Trump knowingly became a highly placed employees of the U.S. Government while intending to continue operating her personal business. Ordinary knowledge of ethics and ethics in government should have led her to decline any offer of employment or to divest herself of her businesses. No other person in American life is in the position she is in to abuse the trust of the governmental entity for which she works. As the 30 something daughter of the President with three children and a husband with the weight of the world on him, she could reasonably told her father she has enough on her plate at this point. She might be qualified but that is no reason to take on the tasks in the job. But! Her father is the fewest qualifications of any previous POTUS and with many more irons in the fire so why she should shrink from duty plus nothing has to wait! A young daughter of a POTUS could be excused or even forgiven but this woman should know better. Many of Trump's supporters know better but appear not to care enough for our country or our place in the world. 40,000 more ethics complaints will not faze this family. If they don't stop themselves then who will stop them. Jason Chaffetz, won't. I guess we could be "in the vanguard of.....the global digital despotic order of the 21st century." I get a lot of comfort that the majority of voters voted against the menace that is his presidency.
11
Sad, dystopian and worrisome. Is there no hope that the GOP Congress will step up and restore some sanity to our government?
21
There is not.
4
None - I haven't seen any evidence of a group interested in that
4
they are young and probably still want to be popular with the liberal glitterati in new york. their behaviors in the white house will nip that. i guess they'll have to settle for friendships with the spawn of palin and nugent.
12
The only decoration lacking at the "Southern White House" is a bust of Uganda's late President-for-Life Idi Amin. Trump probably has never heard of him but if he did he'd be his kind of guy. Amin didn't play golf but also had a fondness for gold, dined on some of his opponents and tossed others to the crocodiles in Lake Victoria.
18
I love this, but pray this humor is not mimicking real life and these awful, awful people will be gone from the "scene" soon -- they are truly terrible people who care very little (if any) about their fellow Americans -- they don't even know that they serve the American people -- their pursuit of life, liberty and happiness is disturbingly centered only on themselves and here they sit at the top of the mountain with everyone (at least in the inner circle) genuflecting as they walk by --disgusting!
18
This article doesn't exaggerate nearly enough in view of likely outcomes.
19
Trump represents problems in or politics that have been festering for a long time. He did not bring the problems, he displays them.
It is money in politics, and donor control of politics, and politicians who cannot listen to voters for hearing donors and the demands of their particular interests.
Voters are not happy, and they are not getting any happier.
Not one of the known problems in our politics is getting solved -- every one is spinning on out of control.
Of course some people see it and protest. Some people ran against it, but lost in the primaries to the donor-controlled insider interests. Nothing is getting any better. Those who would make it better are making no progress among Democrats, and don't exist among Republicans.
It is money in politics, and donor control of politics, and politicians who cannot listen to voters for hearing donors and the demands of their particular interests.
Voters are not happy, and they are not getting any happier.
Not one of the known problems in our politics is getting solved -- every one is spinning on out of control.
Of course some people see it and protest. Some people ran against it, but lost in the primaries to the donor-controlled insider interests. Nothing is getting any better. Those who would make it better are making no progress among Democrats, and don't exist among Republicans.
37
This comment is the reality side of the context of Mr. Cohen's article.
2
This comment is terrifyingly true. Read it again.
3
None of this dystopia is unthinkable or impossible anymore. George Orwell is saying, Kudos, Roger Cohen. I'm saying something rather more vulgar, unfit for the Times, but totally in keeping with the present administration.
15
"And because of unchecked global warming, the sea rises higher and higher onto the sprawling gold-bedecked property of the Mar-a-Lago White House to finally overcome it. Time heals all."
27
Frightening scenario indeed, but just as Scrooge was able to avoid the horror of "Christmas yet to come" as portrayed by the spectre in his dream by reforming his miserly soul, American citizens need to stop moaning about the current horrors in the White House and Congress and steel themselves for on-going resistance and more enlightened voting in 2018 and 2020!
223
Not only more 'enlightened voting' - more voting! Especially the young people, whose future is being threatened by the Administration, climate change is real, vote as if your life depends on it because it will.
2
Would that this were that far fetched. Alas it is not. Notice how Pence was able to, unremarked upon, pepper his star turn in Linda McMahon's DMZ Stare Down production with mentions of the 'Winter White House!'
7
What a nightmare scenario. Our Founders' efforts to create a viable democracy would be trivialized if not displaced by wanton greed. Such a celebration would be only by the few, and not joined by the majority of those of us in America or around the globe who would be victims of this new elite celebrating in effect the reestablishment of tyranny.
7
As if Trump invented greed, 50% of those in the Capitol Dome are millionaires, that includes both dems and repubs. Ask yourself how on a civil servant's salary they could be millionaires. The left is so one sided as to blame one person on the ills of the world. You are living in fantasy land and don't even know it. You can't even see fault within your own party.
1
Mr. Brooks,
I have faith in the American people. In the 2016 election, the people voted against Trump. The electoral college elected him. There are more citizens who object to his policies and behavior than those who support him today. I am confident that the people will elect more democrats to congress and will by a landslide elect a new president in 2020. The new congress will protect the constitution and American democracy. That, I hope will include, investigations into the Trump family’s corrupt practices.
But then again, I also expect that extra-terrestrial life will contact us soon.
I have faith in the American people. In the 2016 election, the people voted against Trump. The electoral college elected him. There are more citizens who object to his policies and behavior than those who support him today. I am confident that the people will elect more democrats to congress and will by a landslide elect a new president in 2020. The new congress will protect the constitution and American democracy. That, I hope will include, investigations into the Trump family’s corrupt practices.
But then again, I also expect that extra-terrestrial life will contact us soon.
14
I started to smile until I read the last paragraph. Depressing or "sad" as our emperor tweets.
Only thing, Brooks didn't write this.
4
I, and I think more than a few others, have been guilty of thinking that we will endure four years of a Trump regime (I mean administration), at the end of which we will elect a "real"president and pick up where we left off before a nightmare. The painful reality is that every day, in small and big ways, precedents are being made that will lead us to the next nightmare, unless we do something now before it is too late. Roger's column depicts one version, but there are others much more frightening.
93
If this administration's retrogressive environmental policies, and its denialist stance on AGW, persist in their present form, much less worsen, by 2024 Mar a Lago, together with a great deal of coastal Florida, may no longer be a very welcoming place. Perhaps they'd better hang on to that Northern White House after all.
7
It's where we're headed if Congress and the American people allow the Trump family to run roughshod over centuries of presidential ethics rules. It has already begun with suspension of the nepotism laws, conflict of interest rules, and just plain common sense and values. The GOP wants to hold onto to its current absolute control of all branches of government, so it will allow whatever Trump wants to do. The 2016 election was about much more than a president. We appear to have voted away our future and left the decisions up to Trump, the GOP and of course, the Russians.
67
Unfortunately many American people still like Trump! His approval ratings, even at 35 to 40%, encompass millions. They hear something in Trump's dog whistle speeches that they believe will "save" them (and to hell with the rest of us). Most of Congress is either too busy feeding at the trough or genuflecting to be effective. It engenders cynicism and learned helplessness among true defenders of our democracy. Most Americans are not "allowing" Trump to do this but their power is limited. We need a plan. Opponents of Trump should disavow, continue to speak out and vote against this narrow, populist regime. Those who cannot be bothered to get informed and vote are truly foolish.
1
You know you're in trouble when satire, no matter how biting, loses its ability to move one even slightly. I salute Roger for giving it the college try, but our need is beyond what even a Jonathan Swift would be able to conjure. The Weimar artists were the best at capturing a zeitgeist.
15
JFK ran a brothel out of the white house. Ivanka's brands/sales are up to the highest yet; good for her, an entrepreneur. Wannabes take notice.
1
Alternative news
2
To be precise, JFK was womanizer. If he had run a brothel out of the WH, he would have been collecting money from a cadre of women for sexual favors given to others. Is that what you mean?
3
No Jill he entertained many women while Jackie was away.
Plain facts.
Plain facts.
1
Wow, Mr. Cohen the optimist! He thinks that we are going to survive until 2026? I hope that he is right, but I think he is hopelessly naïve.
17
"No More Kings!" has changed to "My Life For You"
America is mediocrity incarnate.
America is mediocrity incarnate.
11
LOL. That's all I can say. To keep from shrieking in terror.
13
NATO had long since disappeared, replaced in 2022 by the American-led Autocratic Solidarity Organization League (A.S.O.L.)
You should be proud, this is on par with Aldous Huxley's and Orwell.
You should be proud, this is on par with Aldous Huxley's and Orwell.
27
The United States of Trump.
IF we survive WW III with of all countries....North Korea.
Remember our fearless leader ,who never served in govr , nor the military, nor in a public company, believes one can win a nuclear war.
Given his sycophant advisors, who,will tell him otherwise?
IF we survive WW III with of all countries....North Korea.
Remember our fearless leader ,who never served in govr , nor the military, nor in a public company, believes one can win a nuclear war.
Given his sycophant advisors, who,will tell him otherwise?
48
What are American values? $99.95 for a new phone, and another 15% off if you show your Republican Party membership card. Now THAT's a value. Welcome to the Untied States of America, Inc.
11
You are too charitable in thinking Ivanka would be a president. Her father would more likely have dissolved the three branches of government by executive order and declared the country a Trump monarchy. So she would be "Queen Ivanka."
And the rest of us will refer to her in private as "Cercei Lannister Trump."
And the rest of us will refer to her in private as "Cercei Lannister Trump."
20
I wanted to laugh, but all I could feel was slightly suicidal.
19
Hope you're right about no world war.
6
I trust, Mr Cohen, that this piece was not meant to be humorous. Just your serious take on an updated version of 1984. Well done sir.
40
Nice job, Roger. I saw what you did there...
10
Leaden attempt at levity.
Not your style, sir.
Pursue the Russian connection.
Pursue the daily drip-drip-drip of the attack on our civil rights.
Pursue Mitch McConnell.
Go after the "freedom caucus."
Aim for facts, and not what passes for humor.
Not your style, sir.
Pursue the Russian connection.
Pursue the daily drip-drip-drip of the attack on our civil rights.
Pursue Mitch McConnell.
Go after the "freedom caucus."
Aim for facts, and not what passes for humor.
20
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks."
1
Queen Elizabeth is still alive and well as is British monarchy. America afterall began as a colony. We could revert to being a monarchy, given our flare for celebrity worshiping.
20
Queen Elizabeth is mostly a figurehead. The laws are made and enforced by the British Parliament and the Prime Minister. That is NOT what Trump wants. He prefers to be a dictator with the right to pass that dictatorship down to his family. Jared and Ivanka are definitely being groomed for their upcoming coronations as Autocrats.
3
Barbara, remember Princess Diana? Beloved. Ivanka is becoming that in China.
1
Ugh and double YUCK, I'm not a religious man but God help us.
I'd like to think I have a good sense of humor but this is not funny
I'd like to think I have a good sense of humor but this is not funny
36
This column gives voice to a future many have foreseen, some facetiously and others more seriously. The germ of truth that underlies satire, especially in this instance, is clear to us all. We're realizing that our institutions and traditions are more fragile than we believed and that a universal and self-renewing commitment to the "American experiment" is difficult and perhaps too easily subverted. We are at a crossroads.
382
The fragility of the "American experiment" was clearly dramatized this week in the sad statistic that in the 10th most highly educated congressional district in the country only 43.4% of registered voters bothered to vote in a nationally publicized election. To paraphrase Shakespeare: The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves.
3
Ivanka is beyond complicit, and so is Jared. They are lodged in the White House not to advise (for what could possibly be their scholarly or political expertise?) but to ensure that Trump does not irrevocably damage their "brand."
It's obvious that if he is removed from office in disgrace, no one will seek and pay for the Trump name splashed across large ugly buildings.
I am furious with them. If they did have an ounce of intelligence, they would clearly see that Trump has no discernible sense of what the truth is, is woefully uninformed and uneducated, has the attention span of a sparrow, has no ethics/morals, and is a disgrace. Most of us would not have encouraged a relative such as Trump to seek the highest office in the land, no matter how much we loved him.
And don't fret. There will be no President Ivanka. They are all headed for the trash heap of history.
It's obvious that if he is removed from office in disgrace, no one will seek and pay for the Trump name splashed across large ugly buildings.
I am furious with them. If they did have an ounce of intelligence, they would clearly see that Trump has no discernible sense of what the truth is, is woefully uninformed and uneducated, has the attention span of a sparrow, has no ethics/morals, and is a disgrace. Most of us would not have encouraged a relative such as Trump to seek the highest office in the land, no matter how much we loved him.
And don't fret. There will be no President Ivanka. They are all headed for the trash heap of history.
692
Even if headed for the trash heap, they are doing much harm, some of it perhaps irrevocable, along the way.
4
I agree. The whole entire Trump crew, including all the miserable heads of the federal agencies and – most especially – Gorsuch, have proven themselves to have no regard for ethics, public service or the institutions that support our democracy. They are all traitors, they are all complicit and should never be allowed to forget that they betrayed us all. They should live out their days in shame.
6
I have to say: Don't be so sure. Who expected a Trump win in the first place. Having known the Americans closely for more than 50 years I told my wife in early 2016 that I hoped not but there was a possibility that DT might become President. Until late on election day I still hoped Americans would vote with their heads and not the guts, but as you know ....
1
The difficulty with any Trump satire is that Trump reality is so much more absurd, dispiriting and frightening.
207
Ivanka does not have to be elected in the future to decide government actions. The White House does no generate public policy, just unrelated actions that affect many. According to her brother, the president decided to bomb Syria at Ivanka's advise.
The nightmare you are describing is not hard to visualize if Trump is not impeached and our system stops working. It is "the pursuit of the deal" and the victory of bullying.
The nightmare you are describing is not hard to visualize if Trump is not impeached and our system stops working. It is "the pursuit of the deal" and the victory of bullying.
19
I hate to admit it, Mr. Cohen, but your first paragraph had me for just a split second. In our time, no level of absurdity is beyond belief. Thank you for giving us something to look forward to.
12
Roger, make yourself useful. This article preaches to the choir and really does not say much. It wallows in misery.
Try an extended visit to a big politically 'red' area. Figure out their values and priorities and why they voted as they did. And then address that with an article designed to be read by people with that political perspective. Do that and you might actually achieve something.
Try an extended visit to a big politically 'red' area. Figure out their values and priorities and why they voted as they did. And then address that with an article designed to be read by people with that political perspective. Do that and you might actually achieve something.
8
Everybody talks about Democrats figuring out how to reach Trumkp voters, but I think it is more important to get eligible Americans to vote...period! approximately only half of eligible Americans voted in this last election and about half of those voted for Trump. This means that Trump got elected by about 25% of eligible Amerthe outcome election may have been different if more people had participated in their right to vote. What makes people so blasé about this right? We don't seem to realize how important this right is and how fortunate we are to have it. We need to make voting easy for people, not a burden. Why not make voting a national holiday when everyone is given the day off to vote..perhaps make Veteran's Day a mandatory holiday and hold voting on that day.
11
Like his followers read the New York Times?
1
Latent sexism at work. Ms. Trump is visiting Germany next month at the invitation of Chancellor Merkel, and male experts on Europe are letting it out on twitter. The other opinion piece says those neoliberals in France are banking on sexism, among other things, for La Pen's failure in the election.
Enormously merrier scenario than the one they offer us.
6
"Banners proclaiming “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of the Deal” — the catchy slogan chosen for the yearlong celebration — hung at every corner of the sprawling gold-bedecked property."
Madame Tussaud better get the Oval Office curtains right -- gold is indeed the color of the day. And clear off the Resolute desk -- photographs now show it typically devoid of anything of substance -- just like the materialistic and mercenary opportunist who currently rents it out.
Madame Tussaud better get the Oval Office curtains right -- gold is indeed the color of the day. And clear off the Resolute desk -- photographs now show it typically devoid of anything of substance -- just like the materialistic and mercenary opportunist who currently rents it out.
10
More sad than funny. The Trump administration keeps getting waivers so it can stick itself with people prohibited by previous American laws from serving--from a military leader instead of a civilian one to lobbyists who are ensuring their businesses are enriched at public expense to the ending of nepotism laws in the executive branch and the ignoring of all ethics laws about emoluments, conflicts of interest, and business profiteering through White House ties like Ivanka's enormous raking in of Chinese and other profits. It seems quaint in the Trump era to remember how Imelda Marcos' many pairs of shoes were a symbol of conspicuous corruption. Jared and Ivanka do not belong in the White House. Period. Full stop. They are related to the president and prohibited by nepotism laws. Trump and his cabinet members should have divested all business interests in blind trusts and kept a distance. Tom Price, busily trying to destroy healthcare for tens of millions of Americans, invested in some 40 medical companies and then tried to enact laws that resulted in personal profit--clear corruption. Sonny Perdue guided state monies into family and crony coffers.
This is corruption writ large. Democracy in America thanks to Citizens United and unrelenting attacks by the GOP aided and abetted by the Kochs, Adelson, Mercers, and other disgusting greedy plutocrats.
All but the 1% suffer.
This is corruption writ large. Democracy in America thanks to Citizens United and unrelenting attacks by the GOP aided and abetted by the Kochs, Adelson, Mercers, and other disgusting greedy plutocrats.
All but the 1% suffer.
32
What would be the venue for 'modernizing' the Declaration?
2
Ivanka is getting more orange by the day, her true color.
Thank you Roger, this would be humorous if not for the scariness of it.
Thank you Roger, this would be humorous if not for the scariness of it.
18
Yes, Mr. Cohen, that sounds about right! Oh, by the way, is Kushner a mime? For a guy that doesn't speak he sure gets around a lot.
12
Fantasy. Does anybody really doubt he will fail in starting WW III? And I notice no mention of Melania, still absent after all these years?
15
Perhaps Melania is the smartest of the bunch staying out of the fray and out of prison.
2
Son of Bricstan, Melania isn't absent. She's just sitting on her shelf like any other trophy to be brought out when needed.
3
apologies to G & S
I'm Jared's wife Ivanka, I'm the daughter of the Don
I live a life in clover not like Butler's Erewhon,
I manufacture products which the Public's loath to buy
And Daddy tweets destruction when store keepers lack supply
I seem to run his business which in fact I never do
The Trust he built is phony he makes all decisions, too,
I act as an Adviser yet my knowledge is so scant
I'd like to help all womenkind but Daddy says I can't
And I don't know why!
I'm Jared's wife Ivanka, I'm the daughter of the Don
I live a life in clover not like Butler's Erewhon,
I manufacture products which the Public's loath to buy
And Daddy tweets destruction when store keepers lack supply
I seem to run his business which in fact I never do
The Trust he built is phony he makes all decisions, too,
I act as an Adviser yet my knowledge is so scant
I'd like to help all womenkind but Daddy says I can't
And I don't know why!
222
Wow! Roger, I didn't know you had such a sense of humour, you've been so dark for the past few months. Of course, you're cast of A.S.O.L. characters do scare me, a lot. I'm still hoping to be right about something regarding the future consequences for Trump et al of their shenanigans, though your predictions today do have a certain, twisted and demonic appeal. I will hold on to my trust in karma.
26
While this was clever satire, I can't remember any newspaper going after a President and the first family so much in the past 50 years of my life.
4
I can't remember a President and family that so threatened the people and institutions of this nation so much in the past 50 years of my life.
127
You must have missed the Obama years. Check it out on You Tube.
58
Maybe because there's never been a president and first family like this in this country not only for the past 50 years, but ever. Hello, welcome to 2017.
63
Ivanka is young, blonde and pretty so she gets a pass from a lot of folks. But make no mistake, she is as execrable and duplicitous as the rest of the Trumps, using the presidency to line her pockets while blithely ignoring her ethics violations and conflicts of interest.
531
But she's got impeccable diction and enunciation. Almost makes you want to believe her until you realize she never says anything of worth. Now she's running amok. The world is not enough for this crew.
20
she's a wolf in cashmere
8
you know very little of her personally to make the kinds of charges you do. what does that say about you, i wonder? half baked much?
you forgot to say she is smart. she was an outstanding student at wharton. she probably did not have to be, as she would not have had the gpa concerns of other students seeking wall street jobs. but she was.
you forgot to say she is smart. she was an outstanding student at wharton. she probably did not have to be, as she would not have had the gpa concerns of other students seeking wall street jobs. but she was.
The other title for this column could have been "2024 - Forty years after 1984."
102
Yeah, who knows. I thought, surely the voters cannot be so simple-minded as to elect Reagan; then they did. Later I thought, surely the voters cannot be so gullible as to elect W, then they did (sort of). Recently, I KNEW the voters were not so stupid as to elect Trump*, yet they did (again, sort of).
Judging from the electorate 'wisdom', Ivanka may become President, if we have a future to 'become' in.
Judging from the electorate 'wisdom', Ivanka may become President, if we have a future to 'become' in.
209
......and then they came for me......
15
This country made Bill O'Reilly the most watched news commentator on television. He was worth a $25 million Golden Parachute. We got the presidents we deserved.
19
Not all of us get the leaders we deserve. Our children certainly don't deserve this "democracy" that is darkening more each day. Good Patriots don't give up the fight.
2
Oh Mr. Cohen - just when I thought meditation was helping me get a handle on my severe trump paranoia you write this column. I may never sleep again!
85
While there may be some truth in Roger's post, it is much too cynical and frankly undemocratic to pass a litmus test for the survival of our weakened and somewhat threatened nation. Millions have shot themselves in the foot before in voting lines. Given the amount of good many of them have done as well, I'm not willing to sell them short.
3
Many truths in here. In every jest there is a grain of truth is true!
23
I guess you felt that this would be "easier" satire than the the "real" essay you will need to write about the nuclear winter which will arrive still earlier because of these lunatics.
69
I can see by your coat, my friend you're from the other side
There's just one thing I got to know
Can you tell me please who won?
There's just one thing I got to know
Can you tell me please who won?
2
Democracy died with President's Trump Inauguration, and Putin's win. The illusions are real. Nothing is the same. My heart keeps breaking every day, for our world's children, and their powerless future. Throwing freedom in the dustbin is easy when citizens are led by poverty, division, and hate. What will stop the ruin and when? Me? Us? You?
234
Keep your eye on France. They're next.
2
Agreed. And unfortunately yesterday's Paris terrorism is going to stir up more xenophobia,
Even without that satirically sad look into the future, the current White House has already been quite demeaned as it is relegated to a secondary role wrt Mar-a-Lago and is deprived of a first family that actually lives there.
Additionally the TV shows of the signature of EOs, not only, add to the unfortunate downgrading of such a significant living monument.
SAD!
Additionally the TV shows of the signature of EOs, not only, add to the unfortunate downgrading of such a significant living monument.
SAD!
80
I'd like to see the prequel describing when and how people stopped feeling that they benefited from liberal democracy.
74
That's not too hard. It was when corporate profit interests tipped the scales and overwhelmed the interests of the people and their government.
13
It's absolutely frightening to see and experience America in 2017. I am so ashamed of what the nation has become. To think that this catastrophe we are living, the Trump years, could go on for decades sickens and distracts me, daily. Everyday there is another assault on the American dream. Another horrific attack on the American people. And still, the Trump clan keeps its base happy. Who are these people who care nothing about their country? Who are they?
480
A skeleton crew of Barbie Dolls in the 50s who came alive in 2017.
10
You ask "Who are these people who care nothing about their country? Who are they?"
Walt Kelly's Pogo gave the answer in a comic strip decades ago: "We have met the enemy and he is us."
That's even more depressing now than it was then!
Walt Kelly's Pogo gave the answer in a comic strip decades ago: "We have met the enemy and he is us."
That's even more depressing now than it was then!
17
Better to ask, "Who are the people who voted for him?"
Some are fools.
Some weren't fooled at all and are getting exactly what they want: the country is up for sale! Buy now!
Some are fools.
Some weren't fooled at all and are getting exactly what they want: the country is up for sale! Buy now!
2
I'm thankful that George Washington set the precedent for our country by choosing to simply be called Mr. President and by choosing to step down after two terms. Since the end of his presidency Americans have enjoyed the peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next. We've had good presidents and bad presidents but the peaceful transfer of power has never faltered.
We've had son's follow their father into the presidency all the way back to our founding. Not something that happened often but they were required to campaign on their own merit. The presidency is something you earn, it's not handed to you on a silver platter.
When FDR was elected to four terms our politicians wisely realized that while he was a good president, this wasn't a good precedence for the future and they wisely changed the law so that a president can only serve two terms. Even though Bobby Kennedy was a stand-up attorney general again politicians realized that nepotism wasn't good for the country and they passed laws to that effect.
My hope is that after the Trump presidency our politicians again pass laws that prevent family members other than the first lady from acting as advisors. We also need stricter rules regarding the commingling of family businesses and the presidency. Family dynasties weaken our democracy. Our president should be working on behalf of our country not personal gain.
We've had son's follow their father into the presidency all the way back to our founding. Not something that happened often but they were required to campaign on their own merit. The presidency is something you earn, it's not handed to you on a silver platter.
When FDR was elected to four terms our politicians wisely realized that while he was a good president, this wasn't a good precedence for the future and they wisely changed the law so that a president can only serve two terms. Even though Bobby Kennedy was a stand-up attorney general again politicians realized that nepotism wasn't good for the country and they passed laws to that effect.
My hope is that after the Trump presidency our politicians again pass laws that prevent family members other than the first lady from acting as advisors. We also need stricter rules regarding the commingling of family businesses and the presidency. Family dynasties weaken our democracy. Our president should be working on behalf of our country not personal gain.
293
There are laws against nepotism etc. now. Trump and his administration got secret waivers and bypassed the laws.
13
Our politicians wisely added term limits? No republicans rammed it thru to prevent another Roosevelt. Then changed their minds with "the gipper" You need to put more Vaseline on the lens of the past to make fuzzier.
All the big men of politics are dead we have Lilliputians now.
All the big men of politics are dead we have Lilliputians now.
4
Term limits after FDR were far less benign than you describe. They were specifically designed by the GOP to prevent another popular President who actually did things for the people.
If there are laws about nepotism, why is Ivanka now “employed”?
If there are laws about nepotism, why is Ivanka now “employed”?
3
And who ghost wrote it for her?