Democratic leadership had months (years?) to become familiar with the Project 2025 playbook. Regardless of who the candidate was in 2024, a messaging strategy could have been developed to mimic Steve Bannon's "flood the zone" tactic, forcefully attacking each plan laid out in the playbook. Granted the minority party isn't in the strongest position in Congress and reliance on the Courts could be questionable. But in light of the DOGE blitzkrieg (Muskkrieg?), Democratic messaging still appears to be the equivalent of bringing a butter knife to a gun fight.
I'm tired of hearing the blame game. Make the phone calls. It is the most effective way to get your representative to listen, then take to the streets.
Since I read the the Sinclair Lewis book "It can happen here" about a year ago, I've been sounding the alarm, but deep down, I still don't believe it can happy, yet it is happening right now before our eyes. Sadly, deep down most media and politicians just don't believe it will happen. They can't fathom it.
Agree completely. Democratic leadership is to be blamed for the current situation. Biden’s enablers, Obama, all the far left progressives pushed their agendas to the tipping point so that centrists and left and right centrists voted to stop the woke insanity regardless of Trump. All the calls and emails to your Democrat officials will be useless other than providing some emotional relief. Our legal system may be the only barrier but Trumpist folks got their go head when the Supreme Court gave out Presidential immunity. Democratic leadership has been in shock and now Rome is burning and they are scrambling to put out the fire. Where are the new leaders? The Shumers, Pelosis, Gillibrands, Sanders, Warrens will not win this battle.
Sanders, Warren, AOC, Jasmine Crocket, Swalwell - these are the leaders who speak to the working class concerns who have not yet awakened from the decade of Trump Big Lies, but they are starting now. In another three or four or so, when the supermarket shelves are bare, and Trump blames it on Biden, they may begin to whisper among themselves that Biden's been out of office for a month and maybe, just maybe, with all those billionaires surrounding Trump, they begin to realize that he was never on their side to begin with.
Trump has tried to sell Bernie's politics to the working class and they believe him. The mask will fall altogether as programs that help the working class disappear and food banks start emptying out. What Trumpistan's helpers are doing elsewhere? The people who protested saying the government should stay out of their Medicare? They may realize their error.
Unfortunately - they AND all those voters who sat home or voted for a 3rd party to make their "feelings" known, share the blame.
Those of us who read these posts have been well aware of what was coming down the pike - but our Dem representatives and senators were not?
For the moment - we ARE allowed to disagree with our elected officials. That likely will change soon. So yeah - its past time for the people we elected to do what we elected them to do. Their job!
And hopefully the citizens who are able will have to stand up to this crap and make their feelings known - LOUDLY.
"Supporters of democracy must act immediately to bring overwhelming attention to what the Trump administration is attempting – every indication that this is a coup...."
This precise moment in time is when Democrats and others who are concerned about our country's democracy need to unify and act as one to oppose and resist the unlawful Trump administration. Sad to see some commenters here point fingers and scapegoat each other -- that's exactly what Trump wants -- to fragment the resistance.
Visiting Bew Orleans is always “an out of body experience” ! The first time i was there was July 2005. I celebrated my retirement from queensbury schools with 15 friends and family! We definitely enbraced the local culture. We paraded in the streets along with the locals and visitors. We tossed bead necklaces, we danced to the New Orleans jazz . And happy to say I survived and have photos to prove it!! Of course some parts will remain in the vault as Seinfeld would say!!
Good morning, all! Reading the early comments made me think of two things, where is Elliot Ness (from the untouchables) when we need him to fight the mafia? And, can we start a "go fund me" to buy the Supreme court justices that are on the take? After all, who on earth could have predicted corruption at all levels of government, at once? If you scroll through YouTube, you will find many brief segments of democratic representatives such as Jamie Raskin (MD) and Jasmine Crockett (TX) fighting for what's right. I agree that Project 2025 is comprehensive and thoroughly thought out. It should also be considered anti-American. We are all frustrated. Let's think of solutions. For now, we have to support Glendebien for Stefanik's seat. Stay warm.
Hi Ethel, I went to Blake Gendebien’s website for Congress https://blakegendebienforcongress.com/ and clicked on “WHY I’M RUNNING” I like what I read. Although I do not see how he plans on bridging the gap that has created the gridlock in Washington.
Does he have a plan, a strategy, or does he just hope he will be able to bridge the gap?
for me the takeaway from The Apprentice was the depiction of young Trump ingesting the Cohn playbook of "attack, deny/never admit fault, and frame the narrative" and how much it formed a cutthroat character which now drives the energy around gutting our democracy.
If you want a local dose of fun for all ages with music and dance, I suggest the Dance Flurry in Saratoga next week - danceflurry.org. You will see happy people everywhere and hear incredible live music from the hallways to the ballrooms. There's nothing like it. The vibe is a real boost.
Ahhhh, Mardi Gras. My son made sure we got to Mardi Gras before he moved back to NY. We spent 5 days watching the parades and marching bands on Magazine Street. Without having to expose myself, we still came home with 2 full shopping bags of beads and medallions. It is a city like no other in these United (???) States.
Agree that blame game is not the answer but see nothing in sight other than judicial barriers. Where are the new Democratic center left leaders? You cannot mount a credible opposition from the far left. Newsoms and Hochuls et.al. don’t work in todays political climate.
I think a lot of Democrats have the problem that Obama used to call out as “letting the perfect be the enemy of the good.” In a perfect world, everyone would be progressive and see the wisdom in saving the planet and democracy and allowing people to live their lives as they see fit…Kumbaya and hugs all around. But our world isn’t perfect and people have all kinds of reasons why they feel uncomfortable around big changes. Look at gay marriage: how long that took to happen. Then it became a thing, and as time went on and the sky didn’t fall, people slowly came around. Maybe some still can’t quite approve, but they can at least grudgingly accept that it seems fair to allow it, even though some folks will never come around. But it didn’t happen overnight. I think if one had to blame Democrats for something it would be for believing that the tide of progressive thinking was picking up more steam than it actually was, and totally underestimating the resistance of conservatives to change.
I don't buy into the blame the democrats. Plenty of blame to spread around including, but not limited to, Fox News channel. How about now? Are any republicans speaking out against Elon Musk and the ransacking of our government? Musk has said he will primary any republican who doesn't implement Trump's agenda. I guess their careers are more important than our country and what the unelected Musk and his 19-24 year old men who are currently dismantling our government. According to FEC filings Musk spent $290 million to buy our government. That should make all of us sick.
I miss the Mardi Gras parades. When we lived in Biloxi, MS we used to hit all the parades in the local towns on the coast. We had such a great time.
I believe instead of distraction maybe it is a type of self care? We are not designed to go at something 24/7 and if we do we will burn out. We need to find moments to see the beauty and fun in the world even as Rome is burning. Take care of yourself and your family and friends as this is going to be a long fight.
Love the diversion! Thank You…the epitome of hope… and making lemonade out of lemons…life is ever sweet…especially love the Fempire strikes back sign!!! Yes!!!!! There is Hope🎊🎉
No apology for enjoying yourself in the parades. We all need these wonderful distractions. The next few years are going to be tough so take the time to enjoy oneself.
Dear Ken, The delight and amazement you shared at your first Mardi Gras made me smile, and yes, momentarily divert from the unbelievable, criminal assault on democratic and moral values and the world. Thank you for availing us with telephone numbers and emails. Our reps need to know we are listening and reacting.
Democratic leadership had months (years?) to become familiar with the Project 2025 playbook. Regardless of who the candidate was in 2024, a messaging strategy could have been developed to mimic Steve Bannon's "flood the zone" tactic, forcefully attacking each plan laid out in the playbook. Granted the minority party isn't in the strongest position in Congress and reliance on the Courts could be questionable. But in light of the DOGE blitzkrieg (Muskkrieg?), Democratic messaging still appears to be the equivalent of bringing a butter knife to a gun fight.
I'm tired of hearing the blame game. Make the phone calls. It is the most effective way to get your representative to listen, then take to the streets.
Since I read the the Sinclair Lewis book "It can happen here" about a year ago, I've been sounding the alarm, but deep down, I still don't believe it can happy, yet it is happening right now before our eyes. Sadly, deep down most media and politicians just don't believe it will happen. They can't fathom it.
I just spent some time reading about the stages of grief and loss. Denial and disbelief are immediate reactions. I have more to say on the subject.
Agree completely. Democratic leadership is to be blamed for the current situation. Biden’s enablers, Obama, all the far left progressives pushed their agendas to the tipping point so that centrists and left and right centrists voted to stop the woke insanity regardless of Trump. All the calls and emails to your Democrat officials will be useless other than providing some emotional relief. Our legal system may be the only barrier but Trumpist folks got their go head when the Supreme Court gave out Presidential immunity. Democratic leadership has been in shock and now Rome is burning and they are scrambling to put out the fire. Where are the new leaders? The Shumers, Pelosis, Gillibrands, Sanders, Warrens will not win this battle.
The blame game is not helpful. Full Stop.
Yeah, I agree.
The “woke insanity…?” Please…try and come up with something better than that…
Sanders, Warren, AOC, Jasmine Crocket, Swalwell - these are the leaders who speak to the working class concerns who have not yet awakened from the decade of Trump Big Lies, but they are starting now. In another three or four or so, when the supermarket shelves are bare, and Trump blames it on Biden, they may begin to whisper among themselves that Biden's been out of office for a month and maybe, just maybe, with all those billionaires surrounding Trump, they begin to realize that he was never on their side to begin with.
Trump has tried to sell Bernie's politics to the working class and they believe him. The mask will fall altogether as programs that help the working class disappear and food banks start emptying out. What Trumpistan's helpers are doing elsewhere? The people who protested saying the government should stay out of their Medicare? They may realize their error.
On a scale of one to ten, my disagreement of this post is eleven.
????????????
The blaming the party out of power post.
Unfortunately - they AND all those voters who sat home or voted for a 3rd party to make their "feelings" known, share the blame.
Those of us who read these posts have been well aware of what was coming down the pike - but our Dem representatives and senators were not?
For the moment - we ARE allowed to disagree with our elected officials. That likely will change soon. So yeah - its past time for the people we elected to do what we elected them to do. Their job!
And hopefully the citizens who are able will have to stand up to this crap and make their feelings known - LOUDLY.
"Supporters of democracy must act immediately to bring overwhelming attention to what the Trump administration is attempting – every indication that this is a coup...."
This precise moment in time is when Democrats and others who are concerned about our country's democracy need to unify and act as one to oppose and resist the unlawful Trump administration. Sad to see some commenters here point fingers and scapegoat each other -- that's exactly what Trump wants -- to fragment the resistance.
Visiting Bew Orleans is always “an out of body experience” ! The first time i was there was July 2005. I celebrated my retirement from queensbury schools with 15 friends and family! We definitely enbraced the local culture. We paraded in the streets along with the locals and visitors. We tossed bead necklaces, we danced to the New Orleans jazz . And happy to say I survived and have photos to prove it!! Of course some parts will remain in the vault as Seinfeld would say!!
Glad you lived to tell also, Ken!! 😉
Still living!
Good morning, all! Reading the early comments made me think of two things, where is Elliot Ness (from the untouchables) when we need him to fight the mafia? And, can we start a "go fund me" to buy the Supreme court justices that are on the take? After all, who on earth could have predicted corruption at all levels of government, at once? If you scroll through YouTube, you will find many brief segments of democratic representatives such as Jamie Raskin (MD) and Jasmine Crockett (TX) fighting for what's right. I agree that Project 2025 is comprehensive and thoroughly thought out. It should also be considered anti-American. We are all frustrated. Let's think of solutions. For now, we have to support Glendebien for Stefanik's seat. Stay warm.
Hi Ethel, I went to Blake Gendebien’s website for Congress https://blakegendebienforcongress.com/ and clicked on “WHY I’M RUNNING” I like what I read. Although I do not see how he plans on bridging the gap that has created the gridlock in Washington.
Does he have a plan, a strategy, or does he just hope he will be able to bridge the gap?
I don’t think anyone could have a plan for that. …. That ship has sailed!
And, thank you, Ken. Your stories and photos of Mardi Gras are truly entertaining 😊
If just a short diversion.
for me the takeaway from The Apprentice was the depiction of young Trump ingesting the Cohn playbook of "attack, deny/never admit fault, and frame the narrative" and how much it formed a cutthroat character which now drives the energy around gutting our democracy.
Exactly, I think they nailed what he does every day now.
If you want a local dose of fun for all ages with music and dance, I suggest the Dance Flurry in Saratoga next week - danceflurry.org. You will see happy people everywhere and hear incredible live music from the hallways to the ballrooms. There's nothing like it. The vibe is a real boost.
Ahhhh, Mardi Gras. My son made sure we got to Mardi Gras before he moved back to NY. We spent 5 days watching the parades and marching bands on Magazine Street. Without having to expose myself, we still came home with 2 full shopping bags of beads and medallions. It is a city like no other in these United (???) States.
Agree that blame game is not the answer but see nothing in sight other than judicial barriers. Where are the new Democratic center left leaders? You cannot mount a credible opposition from the far left. Newsoms and Hochuls et.al. don’t work in todays political climate.
I think a lot of Democrats have the problem that Obama used to call out as “letting the perfect be the enemy of the good.” In a perfect world, everyone would be progressive and see the wisdom in saving the planet and democracy and allowing people to live their lives as they see fit…Kumbaya and hugs all around. But our world isn’t perfect and people have all kinds of reasons why they feel uncomfortable around big changes. Look at gay marriage: how long that took to happen. Then it became a thing, and as time went on and the sky didn’t fall, people slowly came around. Maybe some still can’t quite approve, but they can at least grudgingly accept that it seems fair to allow it, even though some folks will never come around. But it didn’t happen overnight. I think if one had to blame Democrats for something it would be for believing that the tide of progressive thinking was picking up more steam than it actually was, and totally underestimating the resistance of conservatives to change.
I don't buy into the blame the democrats. Plenty of blame to spread around including, but not limited to, Fox News channel. How about now? Are any republicans speaking out against Elon Musk and the ransacking of our government? Musk has said he will primary any republican who doesn't implement Trump's agenda. I guess their careers are more important than our country and what the unelected Musk and his 19-24 year old men who are currently dismantling our government. According to FEC filings Musk spent $290 million to buy our government. That should make all of us sick.
I certainly am ill just reading about it!!
I miss the Mardi Gras parades. When we lived in Biloxi, MS we used to hit all the parades in the local towns on the coast. We had such a great time.
I believe instead of distraction maybe it is a type of self care? We are not designed to go at something 24/7 and if we do we will burn out. We need to find moments to see the beauty and fun in the world even as Rome is burning. Take care of yourself and your family and friends as this is going to be a long fight.
Nice thought.
Love the diversion! Thank You…the epitome of hope… and making lemonade out of lemons…life is ever sweet…especially love the Fempire strikes back sign!!! Yes!!!!! There is Hope🎊🎉
Continued…some traditions dare i say…trump Trump
No apology for enjoying yourself in the parades. We all need these wonderful distractions. The next few years are going to be tough so take the time to enjoy oneself.
Congratulations on your Adirondack Theatre Festival play! Can't wait to see it. Good for you Ken.
Very excited to hear professional actors bring my former colleagues to life.
Dear Ken, The delight and amazement you shared at your first Mardi Gras made me smile, and yes, momentarily divert from the unbelievable, criminal assault on democratic and moral values and the world. Thank you for availing us with telephone numbers and emails. Our reps need to know we are listening and reacting.