30 Comments
User's avatar
Andrea Jane Chambers's avatar

He has put himself at the top of the hierarchy from the start. I am a legal aid lawyer. I see the injustice of our society. We are parents of an adult with intellectual disabilities. I see the discrimination, the failure to value all members of society and that people earn millions playing games while care providers may work multiple jobs to make it through each week. (I also see their compassion and dedication to their clients.) I do not, however, see the national emergencies that he has identified from the start to justify his actions in superceding and supplanting the other branches of our government. Tariffs, I*CE terrorism, firing on boats, grabbing another head of state, pushing for armed conflict, mobilizing the National Guard in cities like Portland, LA and DC, while trashing what social network and competent government we had - responses to national emergencies? The mandate he received to allow us to be our most hateful selves? It's always been about him at the top of the totem pole.

Susan's avatar

Thank you for addressing this, Jack. I didn’t watch his speech. I just couldn’t do it. Sounds like maybe I should… as much as I hate listening to him.

This sounds concerning..

Thoughts?

#HOLDFAST

~Susan

Jack Hopkins's avatar

Susan...I get it. Not watching can be self-protection, not avoidance.

My take: you don’t need the whole speech. If you watch, do 5–10 minutes max...with a purpose: observe the pattern, not the emotion.

Pick a few key clips (opening + the “mandate/power” sections), and stop the moment you feel your body tense.

And...if you don’t watch, you’re not failing. Use a transcript or short excerpts so you stay anchored in primary source without letting it hijack you.

What’s concerning isn’t one speech...it’s the recurring move to treat constitutional limits like they’re negotiable.

#HOLDFAST

-Jack

Susan's avatar

Jack.. Thank you. I did see the opening and I’ve seen a few clips but didn’t pick up on what you addressed.

I CAN watch it. I’m not that fragile. Just sick of his BS. I’ll do what you suggested and I’ll be fine. That horrible, small man is not going to hijack anything in me… EVER!

I appreciate your advice.

#HOLDINGFAST

~Susan

HKJANE's avatar

This wasn’t just a speech—it was a master class in institutional reorientation and a gravitational shift. The Court wasn’t addressed as a co-equal branch; it was framed as subordinate to “the mandate.” Normalizing grievance as authority, redefining oversight as obstruction—that’s how structural erosion happens quietly, before anyone realizes the rules have changed. Epic lies flew freely, applause erupted—even from Democrats—and bipartisanship? Impossible to find in that chamber.

#gravity #shift #holdfast

Elaine's avatar

I didn't watch the speech. Or the counter-speeches. I've never watched politician's speeches. Their actions are what I care about, and tRump's actions have *always* been clear. He opposes democracy. He opposes the Constitution. He opposes the US. He continues his authoritarian march to destroy the country. He's angry that any court might stand against him - including the Supremes. If Congress weren't neutered by loyalty, he would have been removed long ago.

Karin Loess's avatar

As I listened, I watched the 4 justices present. Did they see through the manipulation? Did the other 5? I’d like to assume they all did.

My question is, going forward, what will they do with what they heard?

Teri Gelini's avatar

That is what I just wrote as Do they realize the error of their ways giving him immunity. That like giving an alcoholic more booze or a druggie more heroin..

Alexa Russell's avatar

The shift is key and his instability shows an incompetent wobble. Steady as we go. Thank you Jack.

Douglas Mackay's avatar

I think the justices will be thinking deeply about this issue. They know they carry the burden of protecting the Constitution and their rightful place in our system of justice and values. No longer can they believe they are above the fray but in the midst of a challenge to their authority. I am afraid they lack the cohesive thinking, the clarity of their position in the country’s political process, and the respect for their duty to defend our nation against ill informed political decisions.

NK's avatar

See it.

Imagining someone else wrote it. He always wants/ needs us to share HIS reality. The all powerful wizard of OZ.🗽🇺🇲🇺🇦

Karen Martinsen-Parli's avatar

SC Justices in their inane quest for individual power have facilitated the neutering of the SCOTUS as a foundational pillar charged with supporting & upholding our democratic Constitutional Republic, in much the same way that members of Congress in their pathetic individual power grabs kneecapped the second of the three pillars supporting our government. So when are they going to start defending the nation against tyranny? The clock's ticking.

MG D's avatar

I didn't watch his stupid lies. I watched Meidas Touches People's State of the Union instead.

J. M. Van Tassel's avatar

I don’t understand this post. I’m interested in what you saw …and I missed.

Could you add a few specific quotes or physical moves where Trump projected his claims to hierarchical dominance? It would help me understand better.

Thanks—interesting and thought-provoking, as always.

Roberta's avatar

Thank you for addressing the content. My suspicion is that many of your readers did not watch.

Ann Shelly Gilley's avatar

I did not watch, so I thank you for this information. His comments about SCOTUS are alarming. Did Stephen Miller write his speech? Will Chief Justice Roberts respond? Did Republicans pick up on that and will they recognize the threat? Midterms are now even more crucial. Folks better get up off their behinds and vote.

Cherae Stone's avatar

No desire to watch. I’ve seen clips, am sure I’ll see more, and I appreciate your pointing out what I need to watch for. The alternative programming was better for me.

Teri Gelini's avatar

Gravity. Shift.

I can not watch or listen to that pedo in charge as it upset my digestive system. Thank you for watching for us. It will be interesting to see how the un supreme court reacts to this and you have to wonder are they realizing the error of their ways giving him immunity...I am sure some do not care but I feel some may be feeling uneasy about their decision.

#HOLDFAST

Teri