The Christian Nationalists have been infiltrating the military for a very long time. I worked on a mother/infant unit in a military town for about ten years. Listening to the men talk about politics, the military, and religion was scary. I stopped trusting the military. If you are not familiar with the movement Tim Whitaker's substack is a good place to learn.
You’re dead on, Marsha...the Christian Nationalist project didn’t appear overnight. They’ve been burrowing into the ranks for decades...and you saw it firsthand. That’s what makes it so dangerous: it’s not just policy...it’s culture. Appreciate the Whitaker tip...I’ll point folks there!
I've been waiting for the authoritarian to reach the military ranks. I figured it was coming as soon as he militarized the terrorist formerly known as ICE and deployed National Guard. I don't have a teen anymore, but I can still alert.
You saw it coming, Jo...and you were right...authoritarians always reach for the military. First ICE...then the Guard...now the ranks themselves. That’s the playbook. And you’re damn right...even if you don’t have a teen to warn...you can still sound the alarm. That matters.
We keep saying Trump. But really, he doesn't seem smart enough to come up with all these maneuvers. Isn't Stephen Miller (and a core few others) really in charge? They present, Trump rubber stamps. I know Trump is vile and evil. But he doesn't seem to be this smart if you call any of this smart. Miller is OZ behind the curtain? Trump the scary face on the screen? All gold and the like? He seems more interested in making the White House looking like a cheap version of MAL.
You’re not wrong, Karen...Trump is the showman...the branding machine...the gold-plated mask. But the machinery behind him? That’s Stephen Miller and a tight little cabal who do the paperwork...the policy...the fine-print authoritarianism. Miller is Oz pulling levers while Trump bellows on the big screen. Both are dangerous...one for the con...the other for the blueprint.
All the key players making policy are not in the public eye. Trump is the Fascist Vaudeville Act with a gangster crew who will beat the audience until they give a standing ovation to the psychopath who is besotted by North Korea and Hungary. The fantasy father, the fat son and the Holy Hungarian!
I have 4 grandchildren, 2 of whom are in this age group. They live near a small close-knit town, attend a church that has lots of mutual aid focuses and have wonderful parents who are raising them on a working ranch. They all work it while being active members of their community.
I have my fears for them, naturally, but I trust their parents, even though I don’t agree with some of their “church stuff.”
I need to look into that further - if for no other reason, to ease my mind.
Thanks for building us a community here. It’s important.
That’s exactly the balance so many of us wrestle with, Cherae...loving our kids and grandkids...trusting the good values they’re being raised with...while still keeping one eye on the forces trying to creep in through the cracks.
Sounds like they’ve got strong roots and strong parents...and that’s half the battle. Glad you’re here...we’re building this community so none of us has to carry those fears alone.
Jack, as always you nailed it. The portion of your newsletter addressing teens and MAGA was a great road map on how to properly communicate with my grandkids. I'm very grateful for these tools you've given me. Stay safe everyone!
That means a lot, Lynn...I wrote that section exactly for moments like those with your grandkids. If we can give the next generation a compass that points away from authoritarian poison...we’ve done our job. Appreciate you being here and putting the tools to work. Stay safe, too!
Exactly, Tina....that’s the core of his playbook. He doesn’t think in terms of right or wrong... only “what can I get away with?” Test the waters, push the line...see if anyone pushes back. If not...the next step is darker...bolder...nastier. Eyes wide open is the only way we beat that game.
I just signed up as paid. I have a teen daughter and what you wrote in this one really hit home. Thank you for all you do.
My wife and I struggle with our own parents who are on the other side of things and our daughter is starting to come to her own terms with what her grandparents stand for. It’s truly sad but I am and will always be on the correct side of history.
Thank you for clarifying how the daily deluge of whacko political demands -aka the NEWS -by RepubliCoN suck ups for a Conservatism,Christianity and Corporate control are pieces of a grand puzzle which goals are to desensitize overwhelm and trap Americans who believe in democracy, science, free speech, habeas corpus, independent branches of government, an honorable justice department and, you know, simple stuff like we ALREADY HAD -civil rights,voter rights, consumer protection, free press, a capable FBI and a FOREIGN POLICY built on protecting other countries.
But, hey instead of duck hunting Pres Psychopath decided to airplane sniper shoot alive people -on 3 Venezuelan boats. Pres. Rambo got the idea from a video game. His drugs kicked in and he said, " Which poor broke country can we take the video live? Oh, South America! Beautiful!. Call the air force! What do you mean you lost the number??
Satire is a minute reprieve against hate and their fire hot willingness to provoke Civil War.
A simple plan of nihilism. Round up the minorities! Kick! Shoot! False Arrest! Frame! Detention camps! Jail! Threaten! Deport! Disappear!
The Christian Nationalists have been infiltrating the military for a very long time. I worked on a mother/infant unit in a military town for about ten years. Listening to the men talk about politics, the military, and religion was scary. I stopped trusting the military. If you are not familiar with the movement Tim Whitaker's substack is a good place to learn.
You’re dead on, Marsha...the Christian Nationalist project didn’t appear overnight. They’ve been burrowing into the ranks for decades...and you saw it firsthand. That’s what makes it so dangerous: it’s not just policy...it’s culture. Appreciate the Whitaker tip...I’ll point folks there!
-Jack
I've been waiting for the authoritarian to reach the military ranks. I figured it was coming as soon as he militarized the terrorist formerly known as ICE and deployed National Guard. I don't have a teen anymore, but I can still alert.
You saw it coming, Jo...and you were right...authoritarians always reach for the military. First ICE...then the Guard...now the ranks themselves. That’s the playbook. And you’re damn right...even if you don’t have a teen to warn...you can still sound the alarm. That matters.
-Jack
Thanks Jack, for you diligence!
We keep saying Trump. But really, he doesn't seem smart enough to come up with all these maneuvers. Isn't Stephen Miller (and a core few others) really in charge? They present, Trump rubber stamps. I know Trump is vile and evil. But he doesn't seem to be this smart if you call any of this smart. Miller is OZ behind the curtain? Trump the scary face on the screen? All gold and the like? He seems more interested in making the White House looking like a cheap version of MAL.
You’re not wrong, Karen...Trump is the showman...the branding machine...the gold-plated mask. But the machinery behind him? That’s Stephen Miller and a tight little cabal who do the paperwork...the policy...the fine-print authoritarianism. Miller is Oz pulling levers while Trump bellows on the big screen. Both are dangerous...one for the con...the other for the blueprint.
-Jack
All the key players making policy are not in the public eye. Trump is the Fascist Vaudeville Act with a gangster crew who will beat the audience until they give a standing ovation to the psychopath who is besotted by North Korea and Hungary. The fantasy father, the fat son and the Holy Hungarian!
I have 4 grandchildren, 2 of whom are in this age group. They live near a small close-knit town, attend a church that has lots of mutual aid focuses and have wonderful parents who are raising them on a working ranch. They all work it while being active members of their community.
I have my fears for them, naturally, but I trust their parents, even though I don’t agree with some of their “church stuff.”
I need to look into that further - if for no other reason, to ease my mind.
Thanks for building us a community here. It’s important.
That’s exactly the balance so many of us wrestle with, Cherae...loving our kids and grandkids...trusting the good values they’re being raised with...while still keeping one eye on the forces trying to creep in through the cracks.
Sounds like they’ve got strong roots and strong parents...and that’s half the battle. Glad you’re here...we’re building this community so none of us has to carry those fears alone.
-Jack
Immense gratitude to all in this space.
Jack, as always you nailed it. The portion of your newsletter addressing teens and MAGA was a great road map on how to properly communicate with my grandkids. I'm very grateful for these tools you've given me. Stay safe everyone!
That means a lot, Lynn...I wrote that section exactly for moments like those with your grandkids. If we can give the next generation a compass that points away from authoritarian poison...we’ve done our job. Appreciate you being here and putting the tools to work. Stay safe, too!
-Jack
You speak the truth.
I’d rather go in Eyes Wide Open❗️
That’s what Trump has always done:
Test the Waters.
I forget now exactly what was said about Hillary Clinton at the time, but it was beyond the pale & years ago..
Trump was on one of the news stations at the time, either CNN or MSNBC & they asked him what he thought:
I’ll never forget what he said:
It depends.. On whether or not they get away with it❗️❗️❗️
Exactly, Tina....that’s the core of his playbook. He doesn’t think in terms of right or wrong... only “what can I get away with?” Test the waters, push the line...see if anyone pushes back. If not...the next step is darker...bolder...nastier. Eyes wide open is the only way we beat that game.
-Jack
💯 Jack❗️💜✊🏻💜
I just signed up as paid. I have a teen daughter and what you wrote in this one really hit home. Thank you for all you do.
My wife and I struggle with our own parents who are on the other side of things and our daughter is starting to come to her own terms with what her grandparents stand for. It’s truly sad but I am and will always be on the correct side of history.
Thank you for clarifying how the daily deluge of whacko political demands -aka the NEWS -by RepubliCoN suck ups for a Conservatism,Christianity and Corporate control are pieces of a grand puzzle which goals are to desensitize overwhelm and trap Americans who believe in democracy, science, free speech, habeas corpus, independent branches of government, an honorable justice department and, you know, simple stuff like we ALREADY HAD -civil rights,voter rights, consumer protection, free press, a capable FBI and a FOREIGN POLICY built on protecting other countries.
But, hey instead of duck hunting Pres Psychopath decided to airplane sniper shoot alive people -on 3 Venezuelan boats. Pres. Rambo got the idea from a video game. His drugs kicked in and he said, " Which poor broke country can we take the video live? Oh, South America! Beautiful!. Call the air force! What do you mean you lost the number??
Satire is a minute reprieve against hate and their fire hot willingness to provoke Civil War.
A simple plan of nihilism. Round up the minorities! Kick! Shoot! False Arrest! Frame! Detention camps! Jail! Threaten! Deport! Disappear!
THE TALIBAN ARE HERE!
Pp