Why aren't you writing about Russell Vought? He is evil behind the orange carnival barker. Let's an indepth article about his actions and how to stop him. The orange one is only a mouth piece.
I get where you’re coming from, S. Russell Vought is absolutely a key player...and he’s not exactly hiding it...his fingerprints are all over Project 2025.
I’ve written about him in several pieces already...and I’ll keep doing it because you’re right: the “orange carnival barker” is the megaphone; guys like Vought are the engineers.
Please understand, this newsletter isn’t a menu you order off of in real time. I don’t skip a name because I don’t think it matters; I’m constantly prioritizing and sequencing these deep dives so readers see the whole machine...not just one part. When I go after a figure like Vought...I want it to land like a hammer...and that takes time and receipts.
So yes...Vought’s on the board. Yes, I know how important he is. And yes, when I publish another deep dive...you’ll know it, because it’ll be as relentless and documented as the rest of my work.
We need to be careful with the phrase “only a mouthpiece.” Because the truth is...we would almost certainly not be where we are today without Donald Trump himself.
There just aren’t many people alive at any given time who carry the same volatile mix of traits...charisma...grievance...shamelessness...and the ability to sway millions...and sustain it for years on end.
That’s a reality I’ve written about before...and one a lot of Americans still don’t want to face. They flinch when they hear the word “charisma” used alongside Trump’s name.
But that’s because they don’t fully grasp what charisma is. It isn’t inherently good or bad. It’s raw influence. It’s a force that can build or destroy...depending on who wields it. And in Trump’s hands...it’s been weaponized for some of the darkest purposes imaginable.
However-I don’t see this as the moment true patriots rise. Two reasons.
1. They don’t have to. Just nod,sign, and proceed until that moment arises. Give Hegseth his false hope. Strike at the moment when it matters.
2. They have nowhere to go. At this time no insurrection army, weak leaders, and objections lead to turmoil. Not the right time.
I firmly believe our military will NOT follow Trump but must have viable alternatives. If/when California secedes or similar multi states align in a similar effort there IS a place to go. Until then nod, sign, and wait for it. Timing is everything.
You laid that out well, Tom... and I agree with the core: timing matters. History shows us that true professionals don’t swing wildly at every provocation...they bide their time and act when it counts.
That’s why stone-faced silence at Quantico isn’t necessarily weakness. Sometimes it’s patience. Sometimes it’s protection.
But I’d also caution this: “waiting for California to secede” or any multi-state fracture isn’t the path. That’s collapse...not resistance. What matters most is that enough leaders inside the military...and enough of us outside it...keep the oath to the Constitution alive so that when unlawful orders come...there’s no ambiguity about the response.
I believe, like you...that the military will not march blindly into Trump’s fantasy. And our job is to keep building the civic pressure and public clarity that makes it easier for them to hold the line when the moment arrives. That’s the kind of timing that wins.
I was thinking the same thing, Tom. Nod and sign whatever bullshit loyalty contract that Shitler wants them to sign and wait for the shadow government's orders after the blue states secede.
It's like that movie Civil War is about to play out in real time.
It could happen my friend. Trump could die or perish in some way.
The magats don’t have a clue. A civil war cuts off all utilities, internet, grocery store supply, transportation, and many other things. People don’t go to work. You defend your own.
When it is over is the price of eggs or the banning of lgbtq folks, or the pissing off of the libs worth it? FAFO
Let’s hope the personal appearance of the unhousebroken, demented orange clown in all his inglory serves as a profound reminder of why our military serves to protect our Constitution and country and not an individual.
That is a solid hope to have, Lori. Regarding holding your breath....that feeling can creep in, for sure. When it does...shift your attention to your actual physical breathing...and breathe freely, deeply...and peacefully. It will be helpful.
This, above all the other ignorant calls by Trump, worries me the most. However, I do believe they may attend. They may give the appearance of agreeing. But deep down they remember who and why the serve and what allegiance truly is. I also think they will be laughing deep down at Hegseth. They know he has no clue about leadership, values, war fighting, or command. Many careers will also hold the same for Trump.
I get it, Jo. It’s the kind of move authoritarians make to test just how far they can push. But like you...I don’t read stone faces as surrender. In a room like that...attendance isn’t agreement; it’s observation. Senior officers know exactly who they serve and what their oath actually binds them to.
And yes...a lot of them are quietly sizing up Hegseth and Trump the same way you just did. They know what real leadership...values...and warfighting experience look like...and what they don’t.
Careers have been built on reading a room without tipping your hand. Don’t confuse that discipline with compliance.
Our job is to keep shining light on the spectacle so that when the real test comes...those officers know the country is behind them if they hold the line.
Ain’t gonna pass the smell test…the leaders of our military all have finely attuned bullshit meters…kegsbreath and Cheetolini are about to step on Willy Peter!!!
You’re right about one thing, James...those generals have been in enough war rooms and combat zones to smell BS a mile away. Their meters are finely tuned...and they know when someone is trying to sell them a cheap con dressed up as “leadership.”
Hegseth and Trump may think they’re putting on a show of strength...but to people who’ve actually led troops in war...it looks like amateur hour.
They know the difference between command and cosplay. And the more these two overplay their hand...the more credibility they burn in the eyes of the very people they need most.
That doesn’t mean we can sit back and laugh it off. Our job is to keep exposing the spectacle for what it is...so when the real test comes...those same generals feel the full weight of the country behind them if they choose their oath over the circus.
Strongmen eventually step on their own landmines...all we have to do is keep shining the light so everyone sees the blast.
Why aren't you writing about Russell Vought? He is evil behind the orange carnival barker. Let's an indepth article about his actions and how to stop him. The orange one is only a mouth piece.
I get where you’re coming from, S. Russell Vought is absolutely a key player...and he’s not exactly hiding it...his fingerprints are all over Project 2025.
I’ve written about him in several pieces already...and I’ll keep doing it because you’re right: the “orange carnival barker” is the megaphone; guys like Vought are the engineers.
Please understand, this newsletter isn’t a menu you order off of in real time. I don’t skip a name because I don’t think it matters; I’m constantly prioritizing and sequencing these deep dives so readers see the whole machine...not just one part. When I go after a figure like Vought...I want it to land like a hammer...and that takes time and receipts.
So yes...Vought’s on the board. Yes, I know how important he is. And yes, when I publish another deep dive...you’ll know it, because it’ll be as relentless and documented as the rest of my work.
We need to be careful with the phrase “only a mouthpiece.” Because the truth is...we would almost certainly not be where we are today without Donald Trump himself.
There just aren’t many people alive at any given time who carry the same volatile mix of traits...charisma...grievance...shamelessness...and the ability to sway millions...and sustain it for years on end.
That’s a reality I’ve written about before...and one a lot of Americans still don’t want to face. They flinch when they hear the word “charisma” used alongside Trump’s name.
But that’s because they don’t fully grasp what charisma is. It isn’t inherently good or bad. It’s raw influence. It’s a force that can build or destroy...depending on who wields it. And in Trump’s hands...it’s been weaponized for some of the darkest purposes imaginable.
-Jack
-Jack
Excellent article! Thank you for your diligence! Your article are well written and easy to understand. Thank you for your reply.
Right on the head as usual Jack.
However-I don’t see this as the moment true patriots rise. Two reasons.
1. They don’t have to. Just nod,sign, and proceed until that moment arises. Give Hegseth his false hope. Strike at the moment when it matters.
2. They have nowhere to go. At this time no insurrection army, weak leaders, and objections lead to turmoil. Not the right time.
I firmly believe our military will NOT follow Trump but must have viable alternatives. If/when California secedes or similar multi states align in a similar effort there IS a place to go. Until then nod, sign, and wait for it. Timing is everything.
You laid that out well, Tom... and I agree with the core: timing matters. History shows us that true professionals don’t swing wildly at every provocation...they bide their time and act when it counts.
That’s why stone-faced silence at Quantico isn’t necessarily weakness. Sometimes it’s patience. Sometimes it’s protection.
But I’d also caution this: “waiting for California to secede” or any multi-state fracture isn’t the path. That’s collapse...not resistance. What matters most is that enough leaders inside the military...and enough of us outside it...keep the oath to the Constitution alive so that when unlawful orders come...there’s no ambiguity about the response.
I believe, like you...that the military will not march blindly into Trump’s fantasy. And our job is to keep building the civic pressure and public clarity that makes it easier for them to hold the line when the moment arrives. That’s the kind of timing that wins.
-Jack
I was thinking the same thing, Tom. Nod and sign whatever bullshit loyalty contract that Shitler wants them to sign and wait for the shadow government's orders after the blue states secede.
It's like that movie Civil War is about to play out in real time.
It could happen my friend. Trump could die or perish in some way.
The magats don’t have a clue. A civil war cuts off all utilities, internet, grocery store supply, transportation, and many other things. People don’t go to work. You defend your own.
When it is over is the price of eggs or the banning of lgbtq folks, or the pissing off of the libs worth it? FAFO
Let’s hope the personal appearance of the unhousebroken, demented orange clown in all his inglory serves as a profound reminder of why our military serves to protect our Constitution and country and not an individual.
Indeed, Bren. (And, yes...I think that can always serve as a legitimate factor with Trump. For sure.)
-Jack
From your lips. . .
I hope these military commanders uphold their oaths. It would be great if they did, but I’m not holding my breath.
That is a solid hope to have, Lori. Regarding holding your breath....that feeling can creep in, for sure. When it does...shift your attention to your actual physical breathing...and breathe freely, deeply...and peacefully. It will be helpful.
-Jack
Thank you for the advice Jack. Much appreciated.
This, above all the other ignorant calls by Trump, worries me the most. However, I do believe they may attend. They may give the appearance of agreeing. But deep down they remember who and why the serve and what allegiance truly is. I also think they will be laughing deep down at Hegseth. They know he has no clue about leadership, values, war fighting, or command. Many careers will also hold the same for Trump.
I get it, Jo. It’s the kind of move authoritarians make to test just how far they can push. But like you...I don’t read stone faces as surrender. In a room like that...attendance isn’t agreement; it’s observation. Senior officers know exactly who they serve and what their oath actually binds them to.
And yes...a lot of them are quietly sizing up Hegseth and Trump the same way you just did. They know what real leadership...values...and warfighting experience look like...and what they don’t.
Careers have been built on reading a room without tipping your hand. Don’t confuse that discipline with compliance.
Our job is to keep shining light on the spectacle so that when the real test comes...those officers know the country is behind them if they hold the line.
Presence isn’t loyalty...silence isn’t surrender.
-Jack
Absolutely! Thanks, Jack!
Ain’t gonna pass the smell test…the leaders of our military all have finely attuned bullshit meters…kegsbreath and Cheetolini are about to step on Willy Peter!!!
You’re right about one thing, James...those generals have been in enough war rooms and combat zones to smell BS a mile away. Their meters are finely tuned...and they know when someone is trying to sell them a cheap con dressed up as “leadership.”
Hegseth and Trump may think they’re putting on a show of strength...but to people who’ve actually led troops in war...it looks like amateur hour.
They know the difference between command and cosplay. And the more these two overplay their hand...the more credibility they burn in the eyes of the very people they need most.
That doesn’t mean we can sit back and laugh it off. Our job is to keep exposing the spectacle for what it is...so when the real test comes...those same generals feel the full weight of the country behind them if they choose their oath over the circus.
Strongmen eventually step on their own landmines...all we have to do is keep shining the light so everyone sees the blast.
-Jack