Thank you for putting all of this in one document, including the link to Micah Sifry's relational post. It was on my "to do" list to incorporate that action item into a comment on your newsletter; now I don't have to!
I am very concerned that despite this well-constructed rebuttal to the idea that T is for freedom, anti-censorship, and antiwar, people much prefer to hear that than to hear that we have our work cut out for us pressuring a Harris/Walz administration to do the right thing over the next 4, 8 years. And then the political work beyond — well, for the rest of our lives, as you rightfully point out we should have been doing all along. Hence my undying resentment (I'm really working on it but it's stubborn) towards those who just think the whole operation is like an ongoing county fair, where we can dip in once a year and celebrate the continuous work that others are doing and get that nice cotton-candy jolt.
HOWEVER. My "concern" (to put it mildly) is neither here nor there. What I also think we need is add a much more non-cognitive, emotional, and energetic focus coupled with our active work on the ground. The Right is pretty much harnessing the sun's energy with a mirror to fry an ant; the best metaphor I could come up with for the left (in the car last night) is that we are sort of like an essential oils diffuser, spraying a misty haze across the land. We need to focus our energy like the mirror., but towards the felt-sense of regenerative possibilities presented (as imperfectly as you articulate) by a H/W administration and not just the fear-sense of doom.
To that end and towards establishing such a practice 3 weeks out (one that I'm brewing), I'm wondering from your thoughtful readers: do you have any vision of a regenerative future for the US, the planet, for peace? Can you actually picture it? Can you feel it in your body? Not just what we want to not lose, but what we wish to GAIN and CREATE and BUILD?
Can you connect with a feeling of hope at all, like really feel it?
This is almost silly, but I have never been able to shake the power and beauty of this little Chobani commercial, depicting a world like that: not romanticizing the past, but incorporating tech into a values-driven future that nourishes all, in soul and body. I know it's just a dumb commercial, but I still think it's such a useful touchpoint with which to ground a vision and I have watched it many times. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Ng5ZvrDm4
This is that time when those who can see a new way of governing, come to real life.
A way of nurturing ourselves into fully realized humans whom act differently
I can say without any doubt making sure Harris and company are in the white house brings together this coming together possible, Trump is the Total opposite of Enlightenment
What's needed is 3 collectives from three different Spheres of Influence to come together as one and create and form a new fabric to live upon. A new Economic Sphere where we collectively pool our resources, our Political Sphere is to support Harris.
Our Cultural/Social Sphere will be those projects that make those changes, which we deem essential to growing Healthy Humans
What's truly sad is that the majority of us ever become fully human we die never knowing any difference. So many souls dieing without ever becoming fully Conscious of themselves is the real tragedy.
I can say for certain reincarnation is Real . We have been coming back to fully realize who we truly are.
We are all at different levels of knowing that as fully real. There are very few on the planet that are fully Conscious of this process, hopefully now 20 million in America whom can bring together another 20 million and make the collective 40 Million Strong
Allison - thanks for your light. You ask: thoughtful readers: do you have any vision of a regenerative future for the US, the planet, for peace?" Please check out The Whole Social substack which describes Rudolf Steiner's generative concept of "social threefolding" and ways its being - and could be - applied at this moment in 21st Century America. https://thewholesocial.substack.com/p/how-can-we-work-for-threefolding. Daniel, I have your book and will get it out now!
Brilliant Daniel. Thank you! It's a tragedy that Biden/Harris have so muddied (bloodied) their own water by supporting/ funding genocide. If the Democrat faithful had risen, with one voice and threatened to withdraw support at the ballot box, until Biden made necessary changes, very few would vote 3rd party.
As it is now, according to recent article in New Yorker (could have been NYT. I forget which one) Biden's actions in Gaza, are the straw that will break the camel's back.
The US has a history of imposing dictatorships, forming alliances and killing brown people. If Trump does win, due to Biden's support of yet another dictator, it can be viewed as bringing the third world home.
Speaking of the Saudi’s, Jared Kushner, who was ACTUALLY in Trump’s White House, took 2billion from the Saudis 7 months after Trump left office: “Six months after leaving the White House, Jared Kushner secured a $2 billion investment from a fund led by the Saudi crown prince, a close ally during the Trump administration, despite objections from the fund’s advisers about the merits of the deal.”
Contrast that to Hunter Biden, who NEVER had a position in the White House, and the republicans constant crowing about him being compromised by what? 2 Million from China?
Who’s compromised here? Was that a thank you bonus for his efforts while working in a capacity in the Trump White House? And it seems no one ever speaks of this…
Thank you, Daniel, for your thorough work. You seem to me like a dentist removing a bad tooth. Even if the patient doesn't know that it is infected and affecting his health. But once the tooth is out, a new sense of clarity and well-being sets in.
Delay is a great thing. Life is a constant delay against inevitable death. Hope you can join our call on Tuesday and activate your network around the election. Thank you for listening. Kind regards, Daniel
Damn, this article from 6 weeks ago was so prescient:
"Netanyahu clearly knows that he has Harris in a bind. If he continues the war in Gaza until “total victory,” with more civilian casualties, he will force Harris either to publicly criticize him and lose Jewish votes or bite her tongue and lose Arab and Muslim American votes in the key state of Michigan. As Harris will likely find it hard to do either, this will make her look weak to both American Jews and American Arabs.
Based on my reporting and all my years watching Netanyahu, I would not be surprised if he actually escalates in Gaza between now and Election Day to make life difficult for the Democrats running for office.
Netanyahu may do this because, I believe, he wants Trump to win and he wants to be able to tell Trump that he helped him win. Netanyahu knows that many in the rising generation of Democrats are hostile to Israel — or at least to the Israel he is creating."
Also eye-opening:
"Netanyahu’s survival doctrine became even more important after he was indicted in 2019 on charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust. Now he must stay in power to stay out of prison, if convicted. (American readers, does this have a familiar ring?)"
Your take on Gaza has never been commensurate with the horror of what is unfolding there. The US is actively enabling genocide, and that is indeed just as important as all the other big-picture concerns you focus on. Your glib attempts to convince people to vote for Harris don't do justice to the moral stakes. You are asking people to endorse someone who is helping provide cover for genocide. You may be right about Trump being worse, but your dismissiveness with regard to the concerns of those who don't want to vote for Harris is unlikely to win any converts. Trump is awful, but the Biden/Harris approach to Israel has been so disastrous that is hard to say at this point who would be worse. If you'd like to make the case for Harris, great, but again, dismissiveness won't get you far.
Thanks, yes, Starhawk and Mehdi Hasan present much more compelling cases. But I remain unconvinced. Yes, Trump was awful on Yemen, but has the Biden/Harris administration been much better? What's especially tragic about the Biden/Harris approach to Gaza is that they give lip service to Palestinian concerns, which ends up helping to obscure the horrific reality. Trump's approach is more blatantly opportunistic, which might at least make it harder for other Western powers to go along with him. What's your vision of would likely happen under Harris and Trump administrations?
I see what you're saying and appreciate what you're questioning.
For whatever it's worth, I personally sense/feel that Harris is a decent human being and that her hands are currently tied. Her power as VP is very limited. Even if she wanted to, she wouldn't be able to single-handedly make an arms embargo happen at this time. I believe her campaign is walking a treacherous line in trying not to alienate the 400,000 Jewish people in Pennsylvania with a message that she intends to abandon Israel, nor ignore the largest Arab population in the US in Michigan who are primarily anti-genocide.
Beyond that, the situation is deeply entrenched and complex regardless of which party wins. I'm praying that progress will be made in the Nov 12 congress vote on Bernie Sanders' arms embargo legislation. He and other progressive democrats (AOC, Tlaib, etc) deserve all our support.
I have faith that a Harris presidency will be somewhat receptive to popular political pressure. Whereas Trump has stated in many ways that he would absolutely crush any forms of dissent. Most importantly he's directly stated that he thinks Netanyahu is doing a good job and should have free reign to do what he wants: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRxmGRs7SC/
His utter lack of ethical/moral compass, craven self-interest, and just sheer idiocy would only continue to inflame geopolitical tensions and create dangerous global instability even if he's not looking to start new wars. Meanwhile, the battles he's hell bent on are the "enemy within" – again, using the military to crush dissent – and a massive brutal deportation effort, including denaturalization (tragic), which will cause untold suffering within our own country.
I will give you 10-1 odds that there will be no extrajudicial imprisonment or criminal penalty under Trump, and there will be another election.
Obviously the Democratic leadership are not earnestly afraid of democracy ending-the prominent ones abstained from a primary battle this year after calculating that their chances were better in 2028.
Most folks ain't worried about this because they're not watching the most inflammatory statements of Trump 24-7 and taking them seriously. In my experience most people who fit that description are older MSNBC viewers who tend to be richer than average and have completely lost touch with the beating heart of this country: contractors, restaurant owners, police, teachers, EMT's.
I know this is a popular narrative on the Left, and if a lot of Trump voters WANTED this I would agree the risks were significant. People are not voting for Trump for this reason though. I haven't spoken to one person who agrees this is a risk who still supports Trump. That indicates something. Even most independent voters honestly believe there's little chance of this and I agree. No one man can seize power. You need a HUGE organization of loyalists and a significant share of antidemocratic support in the armed forces. Trump doesn't have it as far as I know. If you have contrary evidence I'd be interested...
Even if I believed that Trump was a would-be dictator I would still place a great deal of blame at the feet of Democrats. Normal folks don't care about Gaza or equity or environmental justice. They want competent police and low prices and the opportunity to start businesses and raise their kids as they see fit. The sooner the Democrats return to that truth (rather than trying to remake society) the more effective they will be.
Again: 10-1, $1000. I will give you my Venmo info and post something online. ANY extrajudicial sanction against any American citizen which i instigated by Trump OR no election in 2028 OR no transfer of power - YOU WIN.
Jan 6th was a disgusting, disorganized, confusing mob which damaged Trump's approval for years (to this day) more than anything. It wasn't pre-arranged, it wasn't a standing conspiracy, and it failed.
You know what they say on the Right to this? BLM-related disorder directly killed dozens of folks, burned police stations, caused billions of dollars of damage, and was part of a movement widely supported by the powerful and corporations and politicians. Where was the scrutiny of that civil unrest? They're got a point.
EITHER side can resort to extremism or violence or try to grab power. Both have factions willing to try. Neither of these examples offer a certain reason to support the other. They just point you towards not (EVER!!!) supporting domestic political violence. I think most people agree with that. Trump has almost been killed twice and I know of NO VIOLENCE related to that. Is that the behavior of a violent and power-crazed insurgency?
Endless “whataboutism” is one of the Rights cognitive distortion strategies. Trump seeks dictatorship. He intends to end abortion rights. He is evil. The democrats are mediocre but at least accept the reality of climate change, want women’s rights, don’t demonize immigrants etc. It is all so obvious.
And, for the record whataboutisms are common on both sides. A whataboutism tries to justify one side using the bad behavior of the other. I’m not saying political violence or the Right aren’t so bad. I’m saying political violence is everywhere, in almost every ideology. That has nothing to do w Right / Left. Not a whataboutism. Honest mistake.
I value democracy above abortion rights and climate change legislation, etc. That means I’m willing to make my case and listen to others but ultimately if the voters want a candidate like Trump then that is who should be president. Even with your reservations surely you agree that Trump should be sworn in if he’s freely and fairly elected?
trump never won the popular vote & he never will, so "the people" never actually wanted him. If he cheats his way to grab the electoral college he still doesn't deserve to be president.
I think Trump will win the popular vote. That’s irrelevant under our system but it seems like it may happen. Surely now you’re willing to acknowledge a legitimate Trump presidency?
It’s obviously not obvious to most voters. You realize that you could be wrong I hope. Anyone who is ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN about future political events often seems to be a schizophrenic or an idiot.
If it’s so obvious make your case to me. I’m no Trump-supporter and I can be swayed. Your evidence until now has been insufficient to warrant certainty.
They are highly organized. They have hundreds of thousands of earnest, church lady, evangelicals behind them. You obviously haven't participated in a Southern Baptist bake sale, so you don't understand just how ruthlessly organized this crowd is.
They have been building power, behind the scenes, for decades. And because there is such a wide cultural chasm between the traditionally religious or atheists on the 'left,' most Dems don't appreciate how vast and deep Trump's support base is.
When push comes to shove, it's the military who holds the cards. And the grunts are nearly all evangelicals. Many underestimate how seriously they take the bible, particularly the 'end times' nonsense. Plus they are nearly all anti-abortion and would be happy to see women jailed for exercising choice.
All their talk about freedom, is freedom for them, but taking away the rights of others will be perfectly fine with them, as they frame it all as a battle of good versus evil.
They are much more of a threat to freedom, than you can imagine now, because Trump hasn't been elected. But if he is...watch out.
I’m not saying there’s no reason for concern. Regardless of who wins there is. But there is NOT enough data to say “if Trump wins… watch out!” the percentage of evangelicals notwithstanding.
NO ONE on Trump’s side (that I’ve met) wants him to install himself as a dictator, or remain in office. There’s a hard limit on presidential terms and enough people find our rules compelling to reassure me. Our military swears an oath to the Constitution… not the President.
“The grunts are almost all evangelicals”? Dude I was a combat infantryman. I can assure you you are incorrect. Evangelicals ARE over represented (so are Mormons) but we’re talking 10% tops. There are 5x more Hispanics than evangelicals. Oh… wait. They support Trump too 😂
If facts like this are making you uneasy I have some good news: you’re wrong. Church leaders and Christian grunts will not try to overthrow the government. They are the most profound supporters of the Constitution. Do you have ANY data that indicates otherwise?
Interesting! Yes, there are all kinds of extreme and bizarre (and popular) groups out there, linked to both candidates. The questions as I see them are: (1) Are Trump supporters enthusiastic about the prospect of him not leaving office (it looks like he’ll probably be legitimately elected) after four years? (2) would the military assent to or support such a move? Without these 2 ingredients any scheme of Trumpian insurrection seems like a fever dream to me. If you have any reading regarding those two points I’d love to read it.
I haven’t heard of groups linked to Harris who have significant numbers, extensive tactical plans, and openly violent intent. Please cite any you’re aware of. The percentage of Trump supporters who deny that he lost in 2020 offer some answer to your first q. But there’s so much more involved with this issue than what you’re (simplistically, imo) questioning. In the case of a victory for Trump this year, whether or not he is willing to leave office in 2029, if he’s even alive then, the much bigger issue is what he and his henchmen will accomplish meantime in vast efforts to dismantle fair elections, with lasting or permanent impacts. Republicans have been hell bent on fucking with voting laws for ages and, given a candidate surrounded by strategic plans for unchecked power in support of his own fascist impulses, especially if they’ve got a fully red congress and Supreme Court, they’d no doubt be able to make a staggering amount of progress. As for military, a president is “commander in chief” and I wouldn’t bet on widespread acts of insubordination or sedition. Fortunately last time he was in power there were a number of generals who restrained some of his worst impulses. We can’t count on that this time.
BLM was a multi-organization interstate movement which Harris explicitly supported and paid bail for members in jail for protesting. Members of BLM (including leadership) explicitly supported property destruction (violence) and dozens of people died in the ensuing events across America.
There are certainly many violent ANTI-Trump groups and individuals as well (Antifa, assassins). The point is that neither side has a monopoly on political violence. The majority of both sides abhor violence and believe in judging candidates based on issues and character.
I really think Bonespur is a full on chickenweed. If he was the real deal he would have pulled the trigger in Jan21 but he didn’t because he’s phony in the same way that Adolph was a Musso wanna be. The people behind him are not stupid so they know he’s weak and phony and they’ll be sliming along taking advantage of the situation for their own narrow interests, like Jered, Miller…etc…in other words they’re grifters themselves mostly so it won’t be a solid coordinated front, I hope.
So it could be, as you imply, that he’s just mouthing off when he’s on the stump blathering that he’ll do this or that on Day 1. Zero day eh?
The guy is a sad old B movie freak show. He’s a joke but the party is not.
“A trash bag full of buttermilk” dang that Bautista piece was amazing and hilarious.
James, I think you're underestimating the number of evangelicals in the military. The hard core put God and country, first, and in that order. They are nationalistic and theocratic.
If Vance runs on an even stronger biblical platform in 2028, with Trump in the white house, you can bet (whoops, shouldn't say that!😊) republicans will jerry rig the 2028 election to replace Trump with his vice president.
I'm somewhat reassured reading your own take and hope that level headed servicemen will overwhelm the hard core evangelicals and refuse to back anything unconstitutional. The thing is though, so many of Trump's base, Christian or not, can be easily persuaded that they are actually fighting for freedom, when the reality is the exact opposite.
And to state there is an equivalence, on that score, with the D party is mistaken. Domestically speaking, the D's are a safer bet, when it comes to protecting freedom, imo. The thing about fascism is the emphasis should be on preventing it rather than waiting around to see if it plays out and then come out against it. Once it's in, it's in and impossible to eradicate.
The other point that should be made here is BLM, did not have a military behind them, and were punching up, not down. The republicans, should they gain power, will be punching down with a trillion dollar military to support them.
Also, I should point out, it looks like Trump will be elected. No coup will be necessary for him to take power this year.
Now, In 4 years? Perhaps (I mean absolutely not but I guess it COULD happen). I think you’ll hear hints of it though, since it would literally require 1 million people breaking their oaths (to the Constitution) to be successfully executed and the ones I know (maybe 200, including evangelicals) would NEVER NEVER be interested in that.
My point is worry about all that later. Free-floating anxiety is not healthy.
I think you should talk to some servicepeople who have been in combat arms branches. They will affirm how ridiculous it sounds to predict evangelicals taking over the military and launching a coup. A few points: it doesn't matter how many are in THE MILITARY. It matters how many GRUNTS are involved. They're the ones who will be doing the fighting on the ground. >85% of the military are support personnel. I suspect that you might have no idea how the military functions or is organized. It would be like suggesting the fans at aa football game might get together and declare the stadium an independent country. It's ridiculous in too many ways to name.
Think about it: if this plot gets 20% support (which would NEVER NEVER happen) the other 80% would simply kill that 20% under orders from their commanders. Most of them would be willing to do it. These aren't police. (who basically don't train at all and get thrown into impossible situations).. they're soldiers who train every day to kill. A modern military uses 'force multipliers'-combined arms, jamming & comms, air support, CAS. Whoever controls the equipment and the chain of command controls the military. You're saying that 500,000 evangelicals (who don't actually serve in the military in those numbers but let's say) are plotting (based purely on their faith and political orientation, which might be extreme but has never proven to be insurrectionist in large numbers) a potential plan to take over the military (which would be quickly resisted by the others)... and no one has heard anything about this. Not Army Intel, DOD, NSA... And they're going to do this (with no coordination) by seizing a great deal of planes and ships and equipment (including at least 4-5 carrier battle groups, which would be absolutely necessary) and using them to launch a coup (which would quickly turn into a civil war and, since they would be a minority, a defeat). And they would do all of this without their plan being penetrated or detected or thwarted by the biggest intelligence complex in the world. A scheme which would-at minimum!!!-involve 500,000 people.
As I said, I recommend you talk to some folks in the military and probably also some evangelicals, since you seem to think that their loyalty to Trump and hardline religious ideas make them traitors. I haven't found any evidence of that among the dozens I know.
Also look at the Turkey coup of 2015, which is one of the few 'hot' coups of the 21st century with a modern military and is similar to the situation you might be envisioning. See how long that one lasted.
For God's sake, please do not stay in these alarmist echo chambers. I don't mean to be disrespectful when I say that you folks sound crazy, not in your predictions of coups or violent resistance (which could happen I suppose) but in your more basic conceptualizations of evangelicals and the military and Trump voters. Go fucking talk to some!
I've heard the 'punching up' thing so much but that's honestly irrelevant. Protests ALWAYS punch up, that's why their causes require protests. The only question is how receptive the system is to their message.
BLM didn't necessarily organize or even want the violence but they did divert tens (hundreds?) of millions into their own bank accounts and achieved absolutely nothing for the issue. They leveraged anger to get money and political influence and then squandered the latter because they misdiagnosed the problem as racism instead of police training and hiring and mental health support. Far more white people are killed by police (in fact, black men are not at an especially high risk of death from encounters with police, although there's some extra risk of assault and search) but BLM never wanted to talk abut them and broaden the movement. It HAD to be about racism rather than reforming police. The cities where BLM was strongest saw the biggest gains in violent crime (the 'Floyd Effect'). When that is the main legacy off your movement it'ss not a good thing.
You have an institution that is poorly trained and performing badly and you want to DEFUND them?! Before you even reorganize their areas of responsibly? I care about police shootings more than most people but I STILL care, because of my personal history. You idiots (not you but Americans) got all emotional and now don't seem to give a fuck. If only like 20% of the protesters had actually been protesting to implement new policies it could have been a good thing. Whenever the entire media and corporate complex and political structure is standing behind your movement you're not punching up. As it turns out they weren't 'punching' at all.
Yes! Read about dominionism. When I was in leadership in an evangelical church in the late 70s they were playing war games with the boys in the woods. I was in the meetings. They do intend to take over this country & the world for that matter. You have no idea how serious they are: Listen to Franky Shaefer: https://substack.com/@frankschaeffer/posts
I attended a Billy Graham crusade in the mid eighties and my first thought was how strong and almost sexualized the energy felt and how much it reminded me of a Nazi rally I'd only seen films of! It struck me as very dangerous, very organized and I figured, at that time, that it would be lethal one day.
I would recommend this to anyone (and I do) but if you're curious about a group so find some and talk to them. They might not be totally open with you but I often find people on the Right and Left making absurd claims about immigrants or Harris supporters or Evangelicals, and it's 20% basic facts +30% speculation + 50% intimation of dark motives to the group. Of course a group plotting a coup isn't going to tell you but don't try to qualify a huge and diverse group of people based on some known facts plus suspicion. I could do that and say Muslims in Dearborn believe in Sharia law and are therefore against our constitutional system and might ally with Iran in the event of a war. See that? Muslims DO believe in Sharia (at least in theory). Sharia DOES demand an Islamic government (according to some interpretations). Iran IS an Islamic country. Bada bing bada boom we have an enemy within.
Well all of those facts are correct and I could find alarming news articles about ISIS recruits and the Nation of Islam and bolster my case but it's fucking absurd on its face and I know that before investigating because I know a lot of suburban Muslims (mostly in NYC but still). This kind of shit is EXACTLY the same but valenced differently, in my opinion.
Don't believe me if you don't. But maybe before you start stoking fears of theocracy get to know some of the folks you're describing. Anti-muslim bias is more stigmatized but the error in thinking is of the same type.
I would love to believe that he doesn't have it (like he didn't the first time), but every indication points to the fact that he's been building it over the last four years and has learned a lot from the first 'go round. Now there is a much stronger tech/$ infrastrcture behind him, a much clearer plan. How do you measure/on what grounds do you stake your belief that he doesn't have it (it being a huge org of loyalists and antidemocratic support in the armed forces)?
He has built a massive network of support but NOT support to remain in power after 4 years. I know many of those people. NO ONE will assent if he tries to outlast the office. They're not idiots and they have a great deal of respect for the Constitution.
I was in the army. So was my dad, my mom, my brother. I have cousins in the navy and uncles in the marine Corps. I know hundreds of servicepeople and so I'm not basing my suppositions on a news special or a Slate article. The military hates what Biden did to recruiting and standards but he still has a fair amount of support. I would estimate less than 5% (NO MORE) of the folks I know would cooperate if Trump tried to seize more power. The military is NOT used for political machinations in this country and that will not change during this generation.
Keep in mind: if you really want Trump to seize power you should use every available effort to stymie and obstruct him. If opponents use extralegal tools to oppose him it will give him the best pretext possible to do the same. If you want a democracy then go vote, live in your community, and avoid making predictions about dictatorship and coups. There's little basis for these ideas that I can see.
Nope - especially when I hope you're right! Such a bet would absolutely violate my general approach to life, wherein I like to put my time and energy towards what I WANT TO SEE and not just profit from being "right" in all the worst ways.
I like that! Of course I could be wrong but there are also powerful elements of the Harris coalition who support overthrowing the Constitution and have used mass political violence. Every election is a risk. Our system is resilient and every event will involve millions of decisions. If you don’t want people to execute political violence don’t treat them as if they’re evil or portray them as a threat. That never works.
The only folks I hear talking about violence
(Even just to express fear) are the folks who hate Trump. I think that says something.
I am not sure that what you're hearing is an indication of what's really happening (I do think there is plenty of talk of real violence on the Trump side) but again, I would never hope to be right about my worst fears about a T win as depicted by DP and others!
by that I don't mean "what you're hearing in your very strong network of military family and friends" - I am pointing to the more disregulated parts of society, where people have not been raised and trained to serve.
I’m voting for Cornel West from a historically blue city within a historically red state. I think he has the strongest leadership qualities of any candidate I’ve ever seen: Truth telling, truth seeking, justice seeking, principled, moral compass, wisdom, compassionate, great speaker, inspiring and inspired. I acknowledge he currently has a very low likelihood of winning. That has nothing to do with who I vote for or why. I’m voting from a mindset of being excited about a candidate and voicing my opinion of the kind of leader I want. When we vote from that perspective, I think our vote has the most power to transform.
In theory, I see your point that a more progressive person in a cabinet position could have some positive influence. In this particular instance, I think West is as likely to win the presidency as he is to be picked for Kamala’s cabinet.
Well, she said she'd appoint a Republican to her Cabinet so Cornel West has to be less of a stretch? Maybe she really is open to generative friction. That said, not sure he wants to be there but I would think it would be very unwise to turn down a position of influence on matters of great moral importance.
I wish I could find a way to square the circle; I know you know all of the arguments about that, and I understand your desire to vote for what you see as a true way forward. Would there be any merit in your mind in voting for her and then working your ass off to get him on her cabinet?
Hi T Sebastian. I must say that I find your comment a bit rude in its wording. I think the principle I use to vote is practical and logical. I accept that we have different perspectives on this.
You coach emotional integration and maturity yet, you aren’t taking responsibility for your rudely worded comment. Is that really the first thing you would say to me and the way you would say it if this was in physical reality?I’m giving you another opportunity to respond. Furthermore, Cornel West is a Dr. and professor of philosophy from Princeton. He would agree that my approach is both practical and logical.
I realize this is mild compared to some of the comments you receive on some of your essays and that you may agree with his perspective. I have a different standard for communication on here. I will continue to enjoy your pieces without participating in the comments. Thank you for your writing! I get so much from it.
Though he can’t be voted for in AZ or NV, I theoretically and in principle would vote for him from anywhere. He’s on the ballot or a write-in in all other “battleground” states.
Just a little shift of perspective: in Italy where I live the overwhelming concern is the war in the Ukraine which feels dangerously close to going nuclear and which most people I speak to, from the left or the right, believe is an American war. People here support the candidate who actively opposes that war. Personally I think it’s a long shot but Trump might do something to stop the slaughter there and Kennedy might be let loose on excising the corporate influence on the FDA, FCA and all the other so called regulatory bodies that consistently act against the interests of American citizens. As I say it’s a long shot but with Harris nothing changes. She is the smiling face of the military industrial complex. The candidate of Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Pfizer. It’s truly a horrible choice and anyone with any sensitivity or intelligence will have to hold their nose and cross their fingers whoever they vote for but from my small corner of the world Trump looks like the least worst option.
The US Presidency is the prow of the massive machinery of US policy with Israel. Which is why this piece of terrorism and barbaric warfare was put into motion. To force the machinery into action for all eyes to see, US people impotent to make it stop. Destroy US from within, make inroads to a different world order. Trump will rugpull so hard anyone who gives him a dollar, I certainly wouldn't give him a vote.
This has been the same argument for my political lifetime: we can't afford to vote for a third party candidate b/c the greater evil is just so so evil. I abhorred Trump's presidency and it pained me almost every day to read or hear about his latest craziness. But the world didn't come to an end under Trump and we didn't devolve into fascism -- despite his trying hard to do so by attempting to incite war against Iran as a last ditch effort to win the election (thankfully he failed at that) and then trying to incite an insurrection, which also failed.
I am in the group that due to the Dems' bizarre authoritarianism in the pandemic (which shook me to my core and made me leave that party) and now the utterly unconscionable bearhug embrace of Israeli genocide, with Dems supporting literally $23 billion in "aid" and bombs to Israel as they actively target civilians and entire residential neighborhoods, I reached a breaking point. I cannot and will not vote for the duopoly, probably ever again.
I am giving my vote, wholeheartedly, to Jill Stein, the only anti-genocide candidate, in the hope that our collective voice will get the Green Party over 5% nationally, which will get them on ballots automatically in coming cycles, and may create a viable third party that can change and challenge the duopoly in a real way. It's also important to note that in non-swing states like HI where I live, I don't need to worry that my vote for Stein will in any way affect the Electoral College b/c we're so Blue. And that holds true for most states.
Your link to "The Railroad to Civil War" leads to an Applie I-Phone ad. I would love to read this if you could provide the correct link. As for the rest of it, YES, I agree. However, being an aging MSNBC viewer as mentioned in the comments by James Mills, I am tempered a bit his words and would not take the bet he offered.
Thank you for putting all of this in one document, including the link to Micah Sifry's relational post. It was on my "to do" list to incorporate that action item into a comment on your newsletter; now I don't have to!
I am very concerned that despite this well-constructed rebuttal to the idea that T is for freedom, anti-censorship, and antiwar, people much prefer to hear that than to hear that we have our work cut out for us pressuring a Harris/Walz administration to do the right thing over the next 4, 8 years. And then the political work beyond — well, for the rest of our lives, as you rightfully point out we should have been doing all along. Hence my undying resentment (I'm really working on it but it's stubborn) towards those who just think the whole operation is like an ongoing county fair, where we can dip in once a year and celebrate the continuous work that others are doing and get that nice cotton-candy jolt.
HOWEVER. My "concern" (to put it mildly) is neither here nor there. What I also think we need is add a much more non-cognitive, emotional, and energetic focus coupled with our active work on the ground. The Right is pretty much harnessing the sun's energy with a mirror to fry an ant; the best metaphor I could come up with for the left (in the car last night) is that we are sort of like an essential oils diffuser, spraying a misty haze across the land. We need to focus our energy like the mirror., but towards the felt-sense of regenerative possibilities presented (as imperfectly as you articulate) by a H/W administration and not just the fear-sense of doom.
To that end and towards establishing such a practice 3 weeks out (one that I'm brewing), I'm wondering from your thoughtful readers: do you have any vision of a regenerative future for the US, the planet, for peace? Can you actually picture it? Can you feel it in your body? Not just what we want to not lose, but what we wish to GAIN and CREATE and BUILD?
Can you connect with a feeling of hope at all, like really feel it?
This is almost silly, but I have never been able to shake the power and beauty of this little Chobani commercial, depicting a world like that: not romanticizing the past, but incorporating tech into a values-driven future that nourishes all, in soul and body. I know it's just a dumb commercial, but I still think it's such a useful touchpoint with which to ground a vision and I have watched it many times. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Ng5ZvrDm4
I spent ten years writing a book on this - How Soon Is Now
It's time to bring your book to Life!
This is that time when those who can see a new way of governing, come to real life.
A way of nurturing ourselves into fully realized humans whom act differently
I can say without any doubt making sure Harris and company are in the white house brings together this coming together possible, Trump is the Total opposite of Enlightenment
What's needed is 3 collectives from three different Spheres of Influence to come together as one and create and form a new fabric to live upon. A new Economic Sphere where we collectively pool our resources, our Political Sphere is to support Harris.
Our Cultural/Social Sphere will be those projects that make those changes, which we deem essential to growing Healthy Humans
What's truly sad is that the majority of us ever become fully human we die never knowing any difference. So many souls dieing without ever becoming fully Conscious of themselves is the real tragedy.
I can say for certain reincarnation is Real . We have been coming back to fully realize who we truly are.
We are all at different levels of knowing that as fully real. There are very few on the planet that are fully Conscious of this process, hopefully now 20 million in America whom can bring together another 20 million and make the collective 40 Million Strong
According to some Rabbis I once knew , 40 million
Would be like the David taking over Goliath
Praying 🙏 for all Of ".U."
UraW You are a Double You
just bought the audiobook
I need to read it
Allison - thanks for your light. You ask: thoughtful readers: do you have any vision of a regenerative future for the US, the planet, for peace?" Please check out The Whole Social substack which describes Rudolf Steiner's generative concept of "social threefolding" and ways its being - and could be - applied at this moment in 21st Century America. https://thewholesocial.substack.com/p/how-can-we-work-for-threefolding. Daniel, I have your book and will get it out now!
oooh thank you so much! I most definitely will! ❤️
Brilliant Daniel. Thank you! It's a tragedy that Biden/Harris have so muddied (bloodied) their own water by supporting/ funding genocide. If the Democrat faithful had risen, with one voice and threatened to withdraw support at the ballot box, until Biden made necessary changes, very few would vote 3rd party.
As it is now, according to recent article in New Yorker (could have been NYT. I forget which one) Biden's actions in Gaza, are the straw that will break the camel's back.
The US has a history of imposing dictatorships, forming alliances and killing brown people. If Trump does win, due to Biden's support of yet another dictator, it can be viewed as bringing the third world home.
Not endorsing it, just analyzing it.
Speaking of the Saudi’s, Jared Kushner, who was ACTUALLY in Trump’s White House, took 2billion from the Saudis 7 months after Trump left office: “Six months after leaving the White House, Jared Kushner secured a $2 billion investment from a fund led by the Saudi crown prince, a close ally during the Trump administration, despite objections from the fund’s advisers about the merits of the deal.”
Contrast that to Hunter Biden, who NEVER had a position in the White House, and the republicans constant crowing about him being compromised by what? 2 Million from China?
Who’s compromised here? Was that a thank you bonus for his efforts while working in a capacity in the Trump White House? And it seems no one ever speaks of this…
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/10/us/jared-kushner-saudi-investment-fund.html
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/1490359/jared-kushner-firm-received-2-billion-saudi-investment-after-white-house-exit-report/
Thank you, Daniel, for your thorough work. You seem to me like a dentist removing a bad tooth. Even if the patient doesn't know that it is infected and affecting his health. But once the tooth is out, a new sense of clarity and well-being sets in.
Daniel, You’ve nudged me to vote for blue Cthulhu but my intuition is that we are only delaying the inevitable
Delay is a great thing. Life is a constant delay against inevitable death. Hope you can join our call on Tuesday and activate your network around the election. Thank you for listening. Kind regards, Daniel
The idea that trump is for peace is delusional. Also, what about the CIVIL war he is fomenting?
FYI: the link to "Railroad to Civil War" goes to Apple . com
Great Article, will share far & wide.
Damn, this article from 6 weeks ago was so prescient:
"Netanyahu clearly knows that he has Harris in a bind. If he continues the war in Gaza until “total victory,” with more civilian casualties, he will force Harris either to publicly criticize him and lose Jewish votes or bite her tongue and lose Arab and Muslim American votes in the key state of Michigan. As Harris will likely find it hard to do either, this will make her look weak to both American Jews and American Arabs.
Based on my reporting and all my years watching Netanyahu, I would not be surprised if he actually escalates in Gaza between now and Election Day to make life difficult for the Democrats running for office.
Netanyahu may do this because, I believe, he wants Trump to win and he wants to be able to tell Trump that he helped him win. Netanyahu knows that many in the rising generation of Democrats are hostile to Israel — or at least to the Israel he is creating."
Also eye-opening:
"Netanyahu’s survival doctrine became even more important after he was indicted in 2019 on charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust. Now he must stay in power to stay out of prison, if convicted. (American readers, does this have a familiar ring?)"
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/03/opinion/netanyahu-trump-harris.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Tk4.PDAC.dgxNge5szWx_&smid=url-share
This is cogent & scary true.
Your take on Gaza has never been commensurate with the horror of what is unfolding there. The US is actively enabling genocide, and that is indeed just as important as all the other big-picture concerns you focus on. Your glib attempts to convince people to vote for Harris don't do justice to the moral stakes. You are asking people to endorse someone who is helping provide cover for genocide. You may be right about Trump being worse, but your dismissiveness with regard to the concerns of those who don't want to vote for Harris is unlikely to win any converts. Trump is awful, but the Biden/Harris approach to Israel has been so disastrous that is hard to say at this point who would be worse. If you'd like to make the case for Harris, great, but again, dismissiveness won't get you far.
Hear you. Maybe you’ll resonate with these other takes:
https://substack.com/@starhawk/note/c-73164796
https://x.com/mehdirhasan/status/1845476395729690980
Thanks, yes, Starhawk and Mehdi Hasan present much more compelling cases. But I remain unconvinced. Yes, Trump was awful on Yemen, but has the Biden/Harris administration been much better? What's especially tragic about the Biden/Harris approach to Gaza is that they give lip service to Palestinian concerns, which ends up helping to obscure the horrific reality. Trump's approach is more blatantly opportunistic, which might at least make it harder for other Western powers to go along with him. What's your vision of would likely happen under Harris and Trump administrations?
I see what you're saying and appreciate what you're questioning.
For whatever it's worth, I personally sense/feel that Harris is a decent human being and that her hands are currently tied. Her power as VP is very limited. Even if she wanted to, she wouldn't be able to single-handedly make an arms embargo happen at this time. I believe her campaign is walking a treacherous line in trying not to alienate the 400,000 Jewish people in Pennsylvania with a message that she intends to abandon Israel, nor ignore the largest Arab population in the US in Michigan who are primarily anti-genocide.
Beyond that, the situation is deeply entrenched and complex regardless of which party wins. I'm praying that progress will be made in the Nov 12 congress vote on Bernie Sanders' arms embargo legislation. He and other progressive democrats (AOC, Tlaib, etc) deserve all our support.
I have faith that a Harris presidency will be somewhat receptive to popular political pressure. Whereas Trump has stated in many ways that he would absolutely crush any forms of dissent. Most importantly he's directly stated that he thinks Netanyahu is doing a good job and should have free reign to do what he wants: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRxmGRs7SC/
Regarding Yemen, Trump vetoed 3+ bills prohibiting arms sales to Saudi Arabia and seems to have personally profited from the deals he made with them. Here's a deeper dive on his record there: https://www.genocidewatch.com/single-post/2020/05/17/american-made-bombs-have-been-killing-civilians-in-yemen
His utter lack of ethical/moral compass, craven self-interest, and just sheer idiocy would only continue to inflame geopolitical tensions and create dangerous global instability even if he's not looking to start new wars. Meanwhile, the battles he's hell bent on are the "enemy within" – again, using the military to crush dissent – and a massive brutal deportation effort, including denaturalization (tragic), which will cause untold suffering within our own country.
yes
I will give you 10-1 odds that there will be no extrajudicial imprisonment or criminal penalty under Trump, and there will be another election.
Obviously the Democratic leadership are not earnestly afraid of democracy ending-the prominent ones abstained from a primary battle this year after calculating that their chances were better in 2028.
Most folks ain't worried about this because they're not watching the most inflammatory statements of Trump 24-7 and taking them seriously. In my experience most people who fit that description are older MSNBC viewers who tend to be richer than average and have completely lost touch with the beating heart of this country: contractors, restaurant owners, police, teachers, EMT's.
I know this is a popular narrative on the Left, and if a lot of Trump voters WANTED this I would agree the risks were significant. People are not voting for Trump for this reason though. I haven't spoken to one person who agrees this is a risk who still supports Trump. That indicates something. Even most independent voters honestly believe there's little chance of this and I agree. No one man can seize power. You need a HUGE organization of loyalists and a significant share of antidemocratic support in the armed forces. Trump doesn't have it as far as I know. If you have contrary evidence I'd be interested...
Even if I believed that Trump was a would-be dictator I would still place a great deal of blame at the feet of Democrats. Normal folks don't care about Gaza or equity or environmental justice. They want competent police and low prices and the opportunity to start businesses and raise their kids as they see fit. The sooner the Democrats return to that truth (rather than trying to remake society) the more effective they will be.
Again: 10-1, $1000. I will give you my Venmo info and post something online. ANY extrajudicial sanction against any American citizen which i instigated by Trump OR no election in 2028 OR no transfer of power - YOU WIN.
what do you feel about this? https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/18/politics/video/elon-musk-trump-campaign-danny-freeman-ebof-digvid
How did you feel about Jan 6? Just a fun little jaunt? Blowing off steam?
Jan 6th was a disgusting, disorganized, confusing mob which damaged Trump's approval for years (to this day) more than anything. It wasn't pre-arranged, it wasn't a standing conspiracy, and it failed.
You know what they say on the Right to this? BLM-related disorder directly killed dozens of folks, burned police stations, caused billions of dollars of damage, and was part of a movement widely supported by the powerful and corporations and politicians. Where was the scrutiny of that civil unrest? They're got a point.
EITHER side can resort to extremism or violence or try to grab power. Both have factions willing to try. Neither of these examples offer a certain reason to support the other. They just point you towards not (EVER!!!) supporting domestic political violence. I think most people agree with that. Trump has almost been killed twice and I know of NO VIOLENCE related to that. Is that the behavior of a violent and power-crazed insurgency?
Endless “whataboutism” is one of the Rights cognitive distortion strategies. Trump seeks dictatorship. He intends to end abortion rights. He is evil. The democrats are mediocre but at least accept the reality of climate change, want women’s rights, don’t demonize immigrants etc. It is all so obvious.
And, for the record whataboutisms are common on both sides. A whataboutism tries to justify one side using the bad behavior of the other. I’m not saying political violence or the Right aren’t so bad. I’m saying political violence is everywhere, in almost every ideology. That has nothing to do w Right / Left. Not a whataboutism. Honest mistake.
I value democracy above abortion rights and climate change legislation, etc. That means I’m willing to make my case and listen to others but ultimately if the voters want a candidate like Trump then that is who should be president. Even with your reservations surely you agree that Trump should be sworn in if he’s freely and fairly elected?
trump never won the popular vote & he never will, so "the people" never actually wanted him. If he cheats his way to grab the electoral college he still doesn't deserve to be president.
I think Trump will win the popular vote. That’s irrelevant under our system but it seems like it may happen. Surely now you’re willing to acknowledge a legitimate Trump presidency?
It’s obviously not obvious to most voters. You realize that you could be wrong I hope. Anyone who is ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN about future political events often seems to be a schizophrenic or an idiot.
If it’s so obvious make your case to me. I’m no Trump-supporter and I can be swayed. Your evidence until now has been insufficient to warrant certainty.
They are highly organized. They have hundreds of thousands of earnest, church lady, evangelicals behind them. You obviously haven't participated in a Southern Baptist bake sale, so you don't understand just how ruthlessly organized this crowd is.
They have been building power, behind the scenes, for decades. And because there is such a wide cultural chasm between the traditionally religious or atheists on the 'left,' most Dems don't appreciate how vast and deep Trump's support base is.
When push comes to shove, it's the military who holds the cards. And the grunts are nearly all evangelicals. Many underestimate how seriously they take the bible, particularly the 'end times' nonsense. Plus they are nearly all anti-abortion and would be happy to see women jailed for exercising choice.
All their talk about freedom, is freedom for them, but taking away the rights of others will be perfectly fine with them, as they frame it all as a battle of good versus evil.
They are much more of a threat to freedom, than you can imagine now, because Trump hasn't been elected. But if he is...watch out.
I’m not saying there’s no reason for concern. Regardless of who wins there is. But there is NOT enough data to say “if Trump wins… watch out!” the percentage of evangelicals notwithstanding.
NO ONE on Trump’s side (that I’ve met) wants him to install himself as a dictator, or remain in office. There’s a hard limit on presidential terms and enough people find our rules compelling to reassure me. Our military swears an oath to the Constitution… not the President.
“The grunts are almost all evangelicals”? Dude I was a combat infantryman. I can assure you you are incorrect. Evangelicals ARE over represented (so are Mormons) but we’re talking 10% tops. There are 5x more Hispanics than evangelicals. Oh… wait. They support Trump too 😂
If facts like this are making you uneasy I have some good news: you’re wrong. Church leaders and Christian grunts will not try to overthrow the government. They are the most profound supporters of the Constitution. Do you have ANY data that indicates otherwise?
Recommended reading:
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1845332652397625577.html
https://open.substack.com/pub/jimstewartson/p/railroad-to-civil-war
https://religionnews.com/2024/10/18/latino-christian-nationalism-is-on-the-rise-scholars-explain-why/
Interesting! Yes, there are all kinds of extreme and bizarre (and popular) groups out there, linked to both candidates. The questions as I see them are: (1) Are Trump supporters enthusiastic about the prospect of him not leaving office (it looks like he’ll probably be legitimately elected) after four years? (2) would the military assent to or support such a move? Without these 2 ingredients any scheme of Trumpian insurrection seems like a fever dream to me. If you have any reading regarding those two points I’d love to read it.
I haven’t heard of groups linked to Harris who have significant numbers, extensive tactical plans, and openly violent intent. Please cite any you’re aware of. The percentage of Trump supporters who deny that he lost in 2020 offer some answer to your first q. But there’s so much more involved with this issue than what you’re (simplistically, imo) questioning. In the case of a victory for Trump this year, whether or not he is willing to leave office in 2029, if he’s even alive then, the much bigger issue is what he and his henchmen will accomplish meantime in vast efforts to dismantle fair elections, with lasting or permanent impacts. Republicans have been hell bent on fucking with voting laws for ages and, given a candidate surrounded by strategic plans for unchecked power in support of his own fascist impulses, especially if they’ve got a fully red congress and Supreme Court, they’d no doubt be able to make a staggering amount of progress. As for military, a president is “commander in chief” and I wouldn’t bet on widespread acts of insubordination or sedition. Fortunately last time he was in power there were a number of generals who restrained some of his worst impulses. We can’t count on that this time.
BLM was a multi-organization interstate movement which Harris explicitly supported and paid bail for members in jail for protesting. Members of BLM (including leadership) explicitly supported property destruction (violence) and dozens of people died in the ensuing events across America.
There are certainly many violent ANTI-Trump groups and individuals as well (Antifa, assassins). The point is that neither side has a monopoly on political violence. The majority of both sides abhor violence and believe in judging candidates based on issues and character.
Thank you
I really think Bonespur is a full on chickenweed. If he was the real deal he would have pulled the trigger in Jan21 but he didn’t because he’s phony in the same way that Adolph was a Musso wanna be. The people behind him are not stupid so they know he’s weak and phony and they’ll be sliming along taking advantage of the situation for their own narrow interests, like Jered, Miller…etc…in other words they’re grifters themselves mostly so it won’t be a solid coordinated front, I hope.
So it could be, as you imply, that he’s just mouthing off when he’s on the stump blathering that he’ll do this or that on Day 1. Zero day eh?
The guy is a sad old B movie freak show. He’s a joke but the party is not.
“A trash bag full of buttermilk” dang that Bautista piece was amazing and hilarious.
James, I think you're underestimating the number of evangelicals in the military. The hard core put God and country, first, and in that order. They are nationalistic and theocratic.
If Vance runs on an even stronger biblical platform in 2028, with Trump in the white house, you can bet (whoops, shouldn't say that!😊) republicans will jerry rig the 2028 election to replace Trump with his vice president.
I'm somewhat reassured reading your own take and hope that level headed servicemen will overwhelm the hard core evangelicals and refuse to back anything unconstitutional. The thing is though, so many of Trump's base, Christian or not, can be easily persuaded that they are actually fighting for freedom, when the reality is the exact opposite.
And to state there is an equivalence, on that score, with the D party is mistaken. Domestically speaking, the D's are a safer bet, when it comes to protecting freedom, imo. The thing about fascism is the emphasis should be on preventing it rather than waiting around to see if it plays out and then come out against it. Once it's in, it's in and impossible to eradicate.
The other point that should be made here is BLM, did not have a military behind them, and were punching up, not down. The republicans, should they gain power, will be punching down with a trillion dollar military to support them.
Also, I should point out, it looks like Trump will be elected. No coup will be necessary for him to take power this year.
Now, In 4 years? Perhaps (I mean absolutely not but I guess it COULD happen). I think you’ll hear hints of it though, since it would literally require 1 million people breaking their oaths (to the Constitution) to be successfully executed and the ones I know (maybe 200, including evangelicals) would NEVER NEVER be interested in that.
My point is worry about all that later. Free-floating anxiety is not healthy.
I think you should talk to some servicepeople who have been in combat arms branches. They will affirm how ridiculous it sounds to predict evangelicals taking over the military and launching a coup. A few points: it doesn't matter how many are in THE MILITARY. It matters how many GRUNTS are involved. They're the ones who will be doing the fighting on the ground. >85% of the military are support personnel. I suspect that you might have no idea how the military functions or is organized. It would be like suggesting the fans at aa football game might get together and declare the stadium an independent country. It's ridiculous in too many ways to name.
Think about it: if this plot gets 20% support (which would NEVER NEVER happen) the other 80% would simply kill that 20% under orders from their commanders. Most of them would be willing to do it. These aren't police. (who basically don't train at all and get thrown into impossible situations).. they're soldiers who train every day to kill. A modern military uses 'force multipliers'-combined arms, jamming & comms, air support, CAS. Whoever controls the equipment and the chain of command controls the military. You're saying that 500,000 evangelicals (who don't actually serve in the military in those numbers but let's say) are plotting (based purely on their faith and political orientation, which might be extreme but has never proven to be insurrectionist in large numbers) a potential plan to take over the military (which would be quickly resisted by the others)... and no one has heard anything about this. Not Army Intel, DOD, NSA... And they're going to do this (with no coordination) by seizing a great deal of planes and ships and equipment (including at least 4-5 carrier battle groups, which would be absolutely necessary) and using them to launch a coup (which would quickly turn into a civil war and, since they would be a minority, a defeat). And they would do all of this without their plan being penetrated or detected or thwarted by the biggest intelligence complex in the world. A scheme which would-at minimum!!!-involve 500,000 people.
As I said, I recommend you talk to some folks in the military and probably also some evangelicals, since you seem to think that their loyalty to Trump and hardline religious ideas make them traitors. I haven't found any evidence of that among the dozens I know.
Also look at the Turkey coup of 2015, which is one of the few 'hot' coups of the 21st century with a modern military and is similar to the situation you might be envisioning. See how long that one lasted.
For God's sake, please do not stay in these alarmist echo chambers. I don't mean to be disrespectful when I say that you folks sound crazy, not in your predictions of coups or violent resistance (which could happen I suppose) but in your more basic conceptualizations of evangelicals and the military and Trump voters. Go fucking talk to some!
I've heard the 'punching up' thing so much but that's honestly irrelevant. Protests ALWAYS punch up, that's why their causes require protests. The only question is how receptive the system is to their message.
BLM didn't necessarily organize or even want the violence but they did divert tens (hundreds?) of millions into their own bank accounts and achieved absolutely nothing for the issue. They leveraged anger to get money and political influence and then squandered the latter because they misdiagnosed the problem as racism instead of police training and hiring and mental health support. Far more white people are killed by police (in fact, black men are not at an especially high risk of death from encounters with police, although there's some extra risk of assault and search) but BLM never wanted to talk abut them and broaden the movement. It HAD to be about racism rather than reforming police. The cities where BLM was strongest saw the biggest gains in violent crime (the 'Floyd Effect'). When that is the main legacy off your movement it'ss not a good thing.
You have an institution that is poorly trained and performing badly and you want to DEFUND them?! Before you even reorganize their areas of responsibly? I care about police shootings more than most people but I STILL care, because of my personal history. You idiots (not you but Americans) got all emotional and now don't seem to give a fuck. If only like 20% of the protesters had actually been protesting to implement new policies it could have been a good thing. Whenever the entire media and corporate complex and political structure is standing behind your movement you're not punching up. As it turns out they weren't 'punching' at all.
Yes! Read about dominionism. When I was in leadership in an evangelical church in the late 70s they were playing war games with the boys in the woods. I was in the meetings. They do intend to take over this country & the world for that matter. You have no idea how serious they are: Listen to Franky Shaefer: https://substack.com/@frankschaeffer/posts
I attended a Billy Graham crusade in the mid eighties and my first thought was how strong and almost sexualized the energy felt and how much it reminded me of a Nazi rally I'd only seen films of! It struck me as very dangerous, very organized and I figured, at that time, that it would be lethal one day.
I would recommend this to anyone (and I do) but if you're curious about a group so find some and talk to them. They might not be totally open with you but I often find people on the Right and Left making absurd claims about immigrants or Harris supporters or Evangelicals, and it's 20% basic facts +30% speculation + 50% intimation of dark motives to the group. Of course a group plotting a coup isn't going to tell you but don't try to qualify a huge and diverse group of people based on some known facts plus suspicion. I could do that and say Muslims in Dearborn believe in Sharia law and are therefore against our constitutional system and might ally with Iran in the event of a war. See that? Muslims DO believe in Sharia (at least in theory). Sharia DOES demand an Islamic government (according to some interpretations). Iran IS an Islamic country. Bada bing bada boom we have an enemy within.
Well all of those facts are correct and I could find alarming news articles about ISIS recruits and the Nation of Islam and bolster my case but it's fucking absurd on its face and I know that before investigating because I know a lot of suburban Muslims (mostly in NYC but still). This kind of shit is EXACTLY the same but valenced differently, in my opinion.
Don't believe me if you don't. But maybe before you start stoking fears of theocracy get to know some of the folks you're describing. Anti-muslim bias is more stigmatized but the error in thinking is of the same type.
If true, it is somewhat reassuring.
So… bet?
Stop the boring idiocy with your stupid bet.
You sound like a bookie
I would love to believe that he doesn't have it (like he didn't the first time), but every indication points to the fact that he's been building it over the last four years and has learned a lot from the first 'go round. Now there is a much stronger tech/$ infrastrcture behind him, a much clearer plan. How do you measure/on what grounds do you stake your belief that he doesn't have it (it being a huge org of loyalists and antidemocratic support in the armed forces)?
He has built a massive network of support but NOT support to remain in power after 4 years. I know many of those people. NO ONE will assent if he tries to outlast the office. They're not idiots and they have a great deal of respect for the Constitution.
I was in the army. So was my dad, my mom, my brother. I have cousins in the navy and uncles in the marine Corps. I know hundreds of servicepeople and so I'm not basing my suppositions on a news special or a Slate article. The military hates what Biden did to recruiting and standards but he still has a fair amount of support. I would estimate less than 5% (NO MORE) of the folks I know would cooperate if Trump tried to seize more power. The military is NOT used for political machinations in this country and that will not change during this generation.
Keep in mind: if you really want Trump to seize power you should use every available effort to stymie and obstruct him. If opponents use extralegal tools to oppose him it will give him the best pretext possible to do the same. If you want a democracy then go vote, live in your community, and avoid making predictions about dictatorship and coups. There's little basis for these ideas that I can see.
Thank you so much for this!
I'm willing to put my money on the line. Are you?
Nope - especially when I hope you're right! Such a bet would absolutely violate my general approach to life, wherein I like to put my time and energy towards what I WANT TO SEE and not just profit from being "right" in all the worst ways.
I like that! Of course I could be wrong but there are also powerful elements of the Harris coalition who support overthrowing the Constitution and have used mass political violence. Every election is a risk. Our system is resilient and every event will involve millions of decisions. If you don’t want people to execute political violence don’t treat them as if they’re evil or portray them as a threat. That never works.
The only folks I hear talking about violence
(Even just to express fear) are the folks who hate Trump. I think that says something.
That is utter bullshit. Stop the endless “whataboutism” please.
If we give the fascists power they will never give it up. Vance is worse than trump. Project 2025 is worse than the Taliban.
I am not sure that what you're hearing is an indication of what's really happening (I do think there is plenty of talk of real violence on the Trump side) but again, I would never hope to be right about my worst fears about a T win as depicted by DP and others!
by that I don't mean "what you're hearing in your very strong network of military family and friends" - I am pointing to the more disregulated parts of society, where people have not been raised and trained to serve.
I also can tell, Trump does not have much longer to live. It’s an obvious choice to vote for Harris/Walz in 2024. Stay grounded. Peace. ✌️
Leaving us with Vance, who's far worse. No thank you.
I’m voting for Cornel West from a historically blue city within a historically red state. I think he has the strongest leadership qualities of any candidate I’ve ever seen: Truth telling, truth seeking, justice seeking, principled, moral compass, wisdom, compassionate, great speaker, inspiring and inspired. I acknowledge he currently has a very low likelihood of winning. That has nothing to do with who I vote for or why. I’m voting from a mindset of being excited about a candidate and voicing my opinion of the kind of leader I want. When we vote from that perspective, I think our vote has the most power to transform.
what state is that?
Indiana
In theory, I see your point that a more progressive person in a cabinet position could have some positive influence. In this particular instance, I think West is as likely to win the presidency as he is to be picked for Kamala’s cabinet.
Well, she said she'd appoint a Republican to her Cabinet so Cornel West has to be less of a stretch? Maybe she really is open to generative friction. That said, not sure he wants to be there but I would think it would be very unwise to turn down a position of influence on matters of great moral importance.
I wish I could find a way to square the circle; I know you know all of the arguments about that, and I understand your desire to vote for what you see as a true way forward. Would there be any merit in your mind in voting for her and then working your ass off to get him on her cabinet?
By making a lot of noise etc. however one does that ;)
When you're an ideologue it's hard to be practical or logical.
Hi T Sebastian. I must say that I find your comment a bit rude in its wording. I think the principle I use to vote is practical and logical. I accept that we have different perspectives on this.
You coach emotional integration and maturity yet, you aren’t taking responsibility for your rudely worded comment. Is that really the first thing you would say to me and the way you would say it if this was in physical reality?I’m giving you another opportunity to respond. Furthermore, Cornel West is a Dr. and professor of philosophy from Princeton. He would agree that my approach is both practical and logical.
People are heated up, frustrated. Let’s all cut each other some slack! D
I realize this is mild compared to some of the comments you receive on some of your essays and that you may agree with his perspective. I have a different standard for communication on here. I will continue to enjoy your pieces without participating in the comments. Thank you for your writing! I get so much from it.
Would you vote for him if even if you lived in, say, Maricopa County, AZ? Genuine q.
Though he can’t be voted for in AZ or NV, I theoretically and in principle would vote for him from anywhere. He’s on the ballot or a write-in in all other “battleground” states.
Just a little shift of perspective: in Italy where I live the overwhelming concern is the war in the Ukraine which feels dangerously close to going nuclear and which most people I speak to, from the left or the right, believe is an American war. People here support the candidate who actively opposes that war. Personally I think it’s a long shot but Trump might do something to stop the slaughter there and Kennedy might be let loose on excising the corporate influence on the FDA, FCA and all the other so called regulatory bodies that consistently act against the interests of American citizens. As I say it’s a long shot but with Harris nothing changes. She is the smiling face of the military industrial complex. The candidate of Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Pfizer. It’s truly a horrible choice and anyone with any sensitivity or intelligence will have to hold their nose and cross their fingers whoever they vote for but from my small corner of the world Trump looks like the least worst option.
Well... Italy IS the country that brought Fascism to the world. I expect that folks in Hungary & Poland might see things a tad differently.
Exactly nothing will change with the deep / national scrutiny, neocon infested state’s hand off to Harris.
The US Presidency is the prow of the massive machinery of US policy with Israel. Which is why this piece of terrorism and barbaric warfare was put into motion. To force the machinery into action for all eyes to see, US people impotent to make it stop. Destroy US from within, make inroads to a different world order. Trump will rugpull so hard anyone who gives him a dollar, I certainly wouldn't give him a vote.
This has been the same argument for my political lifetime: we can't afford to vote for a third party candidate b/c the greater evil is just so so evil. I abhorred Trump's presidency and it pained me almost every day to read or hear about his latest craziness. But the world didn't come to an end under Trump and we didn't devolve into fascism -- despite his trying hard to do so by attempting to incite war against Iran as a last ditch effort to win the election (thankfully he failed at that) and then trying to incite an insurrection, which also failed.
I am in the group that due to the Dems' bizarre authoritarianism in the pandemic (which shook me to my core and made me leave that party) and now the utterly unconscionable bearhug embrace of Israeli genocide, with Dems supporting literally $23 billion in "aid" and bombs to Israel as they actively target civilians and entire residential neighborhoods, I reached a breaking point. I cannot and will not vote for the duopoly, probably ever again.
I am giving my vote, wholeheartedly, to Jill Stein, the only anti-genocide candidate, in the hope that our collective voice will get the Green Party over 5% nationally, which will get them on ballots automatically in coming cycles, and may create a viable third party that can change and challenge the duopoly in a real way. It's also important to note that in non-swing states like HI where I live, I don't need to worry that my vote for Stein will in any way affect the Electoral College b/c we're so Blue. And that holds true for most states.
I'm done.
Your link to "The Railroad to Civil War" leads to an Applie I-Phone ad. I would love to read this if you could provide the correct link. As for the rest of it, YES, I agree. However, being an aging MSNBC viewer as mentioned in the comments by James Mills, I am tempered a bit his words and would not take the bet he offered.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jimstewartson/p/railroad-to-civil-war
Here’s another if you have a NYT subscription: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/16/opinion/trump-election-crisis.html