Only a Pawn in Their Game

 When reading the often truth-averse commentary coming from various apologists for the current authoritarian regime, my assumption has been that they repeat familiar talking points with the knowledge that they arelying but nevertheless willingly volunteer to repeat the propaganda perhaps in deference to some imagined fulfillment of conservatism’s destiny. I have increasingly become aware, however, that some of these devotees have become completely untethered from reality and actually believe the lies in keeping with the current White House occupant who similarly fails to separate fact from fiction.

By contrast, the architects of Project 2025 are not delusional in this sense. They are perfectly aware of the lie and embrace it’s practice as simply a means to a ‘greater’ end; namely, the establishment of a unitary executive with plenary power under indefinite authoritarian/autocratic rule in service and subject to perennial corporate oversight. The ‘true believer’, as a loyal sycophant, becomes especially useful in the Project’s attempt to bring to an end the democratic model of self governance and replace it with their favored, autocratic system of societal organization. Such a gambit will always require pawns like these to facilitate the realization (however misconceived) of their dark purpose.

Keeping War in Perspective

While welcoming the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, we also are well-advised to acknowledge that exercising US leverage over Israel is something that the current and past administrations could/should have done to bring an earlier end to this tragic war. 

Furthermore, to suggest that DJT is now a viable candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize while, under his direct orders, federalized military troops and ICE ‘brown shirts’ in Chicago and Portland are actively, illegally, and brutally attacking American citizens and others under the pretext of a non-existant  insurrection is manifestly absurd. 

 

Calling Out Fascist Tactics

In response to a recent portrayal of undefined ‘leftists’ as purveyors hate and violence:

Repeating a lie, as is the constant practice of DJT and his cadre of sycophants, does not and will never magically make it true. It’s a time honored fascist practice, employed throughout history by much smarter authoritarians than the current prevaricator. This iteration of the tactic is painfully transparent and largely ineffective. Por ejemplo: no one with even a cursory knowledge of Portland, Oregon would hold that it is a violent city. Does it feature a progressive/activist population of concerned citizens unafraid to oppose the lawlessness of the current regime? You betcha!! To act otherwise would be, you know, unAmerican! 

Countering Dark Visions of Our Future

 There exists among us today those who promote division within our culture as they yearn for a return to some mythical conception of the confederacy (let us not forget, a rogue state dedicated to preserving the institution of slavery under the guise of state sovereignty) while dreaming of a ‘second reconstruction’. To them we might inquire: Do you envision one replete with the traditions of enslavement of fellow human beings and their life-long subjugation, the practice of serial rape, and the hanging of those who might dare to resist their oppressor? Or perhaps you envision a milder form in which one class of people is merely segregated from society, denied full participation in its administration, made subject to untenable living conditions, taught in sub-standard schools, caught in the grips of generational poverty, rendered as superfluous to the mainstream, and otherwise condemned to a state of hopelessness? Either way, your dark and backward vision is neither compatible with nor will be tolerated by a future society that will have long since bid farewell to its regrettable past and your evil intentions for its revival. You will be better advised to begin the ‘second reconstruction’ with the implementation of reparations!

Authoritarian Rule Over Party Doctrine

 It is beyond ironic that Trump is simultaneously violating the Posse Comitatus Act by ordering the National Guard into Los Angeles while also rejecting the sacrosanct Republican value of states rights and sovereignty.

Self Care

Note to self and to whomever it applies: remember to exercise self-compassion and forgiveness when deviating from the core value of embodying that which you want made manifest in the world.  Gandhi was also a mere mortal. 

Proper Loyalty

In the aftermath of AG Pam Bondi’s decision to not investigate the posting of classified information related to an imminent military attack using an unsecured platform, perhaps she might be reminded that her task is the administration and impartial application of the law and that her loyalty should properly be to the sacred principle of justice; not to the demands or dictates of any one president.