21 hrs ago·edited 21 hrs agoLiked by Elliot Kirschner
And... I would like to add... This is what I just wrote to a friend who said we needed to 'fight back' against what is happening and what I tell media outlets: I agree with all except "FIGHT back" needs discussion. If we see this war as a physical battle we will lose. As in Tienanmen Square the tanks will simply roll over us and our ideals. We are defending not fighting. To counter a blow is vastly different than instigating violence or retaliating. This has to be a war of strategy, words, ideas, wit, intelligence, caring for and expressing higher ideals... We want hearts and minds, not bodies. The words we use matter.
I'm remembering the picture from the Viet Nam War protest, where the young woman, standing in front of a soldier, put her finger into the barrel of his gun. Stupidity or courage, it save a multitudes of lives.
Thank you John for your more accurate memory, and for the link. Yes, a much more powerful symbol. I wonder, what will be the symbols of this revolt against fascism and tyranny?
I agree! In the grand effort to find “clarity” and “sense” and “purpose” for moving forward, Elliot is getting there more quickly than many of us…thank goodness.
Thanks, Elliot. Once again you've presented a cogent, thoughtful discussion that encompasses the vast scope of American history and how the past is always a component of the now. I imagine there are many -- probably too many -- Americans who haven't the faintest clue as to the items on your list. I'm certain your readers are far more aware of all of these items, and can name more evidence of what has contributed to this moment in our history. I'm tired of the finger pointing, and am mindful of the saying "each time you point a finger out, there are three more pointing back at you." We all do well to examine ways in which, knowingly or otherwise, have participated in ways that are less than optimal for helping create a "more perfect Union." I'm so glad you're taking the long view -- it's so much more realistic than the shortsighted views too many are promoting.
So well said. The arc of history feels more like a straight line from the days of Reconstruction to 2026 when we might be able to start to bend it back. Democrats were deluded during the Obama days into thinking we had changed when in fact the planning never stopped. Eyes are wide open now.
Thank you for the perspective Mr Kirschner…it’s spot on. The real concern is that so many of our Americans felt the need to vote for Trump and now do not seem to be surprised at all by what he is doing… loyalty over intelligence and experience will put our country and our NATO Allies in a weaker, less intelligent position in relation to the rest of the world. We’re essentially stepping backwards and the mass of Trump supporters don’t appear to care…..at least not yet.
I think the message - to everyone who voted for Trump should be: This is what you wanted, is it not? .... and I expect as the Trump 2nd term reality sinks in, many millions will come to their senses - albeit a bit late. Four years is a long time to wait, but with mid-terms in two years, it's 'how much damage can he do in the first 100 days?' Given his lobbying senators to 'immediately go into recess' so he can appoint everyone he wants without oversight is beyond unconscionable, but that's who the country elected. That together with a majority in both houses implies that he can run the table. But, if he keeps appointing congressmen and senators, maybe the thin margins will get the leadership to rein him in ... ???
Whatever damage he does we can counter, though some of the countering will take a while. We must pay attention. Some who supported Trump may start to change when his decisions begin to affect them personally.
The lens of history does bring this period into sharp focus.
Fighting back involves a long process of encouraging individuals to remain well-informed, to make ethical and practically sound solutions (from a social, not business, perspective), and to be willing to stand up to abuse and ridicule for doing so.
Moreover, Evil follows fear and weakness, feeding off of it. That is why FDR’s statement “the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself,” is so important. These words brought American people together to battle against forces of evil no less terrifying than those which we confront today. Individuals stepped up, women into the work force, gardens, hospitals and classrooms; men to the killing abroad. Alone, and in fear, we could not have withstood the threat but together, knowing we were defending the ideals we cherish, shoulder to shoulder, we did, have done, and will do again.
20 hrs ago·edited 20 hrs agoLiked by Elliot Kirschner
Thanks Elliot for the perspective. This is was not an election but a primal scream at the level of dysfunction and hypocrisy the American system has become especially for the youth and working class.
It is time to stop finger pointing, hand wringing, and rearranging the Titanic's deck chairs. What emerges after four years of Trump's chaos will not resemble what liberals have vainly been attempting to sustain. "We had to destroy the [nation] in order to save it."
Trump boldly dared us to give him a mandate to destroy it all. Actively or passively we did and believe him when he says he will do so. A majority of Americans have lost faith in the 18th-century vision for our nation. It is time to begin discussion of what we want to build in its place to meet the challenges of the 21st century. This is well beyond simple politics, this is revolutionary.
Reimagining our collective vision for America requires discussing and understanding the very things you outlined. Perhaps the right time to start is now while the wounds are exposed and fresh for everyone to see and feel. Once Trump is sworn in his every action will push the process forward. When the folks who voted for him see and feel real economic pain they will realize they were duped by a charlatan who doesn’t care about any of them.
But, what is necessary to coalesce and power a reimagined vision for change? FDR had a vision and an economic depression to power his efforts. Reagan’s neoliberalism was powered by the results of Lewis Powell’s August 1971 memorandum that created the Federalist Society and commandeered the Supreme Court to give corporations personhood, speech, and allow unlimited amounts of political funding.
What will power this reimagining revolution sufficiently to overcome the past 50 years of Democratic Party inaction and infighting distractions that allowed Trump, MAGA and their elected minions to assume autocratic power? Anger isn’t enough.
That’s a great question, and one I’ve thought about great deal about this past year. One way to start is to mirror image Lewis Powell’s August 1971 memo to reflect where America is today, a vision for the future, and likely use similar methodologies to effect change. Of course there will be variations for today’s messaging systems, but the thrust of a current plan would be very similar to the one he laid out simply because it worked very successfully. Once the drafting process starts the memo will take on a life of its own.
After figuring out how to pay for it, the biggest challenge that I see is creating an overarching vision that subordinates all other issues and perspectives to achieving and maintaining that vision so the effort is not splintered by fractious factions. That specific issue has diminished the Democratic Party’s fighting effectiveness for decades.
My gut tells me there are three overarching issues are 1) the judiciary being co-opted by corporate or any special interest, 2) corporations being granted citizenhood, speech rights using money, and being allowed to spend unlimited amounts of money to sway public opinion, “purchase” politicians, and infiltrate regulatory agencies, and 3) allowing monopolies to exist in any form. [The term “corporations” includes capitalists with enough money to act like oligarchs.]
In some ways, this could sound like class warfare, and, given the neoliberal policies that brought America to where it is with unbridled wealth accumulation at the expense of people, perhaps it is. Corporations are tools, not people.
The unfettered capitalism of neoliberalism must be reined in to work for the people and the state, while remaining profitable and productive. FDR’s policies created the middle class that was effectively ended by Reagan’s neoliberalism. Developing a balanced formulation to get to serving all three interests is the challenge, but eliminating corporate citizenhood and “speech”, and balancing the judiciary are mandatory.
A long term program similar to the one Powell proposed is likely necessary, but maintaining the People’s focus over one or two generations is a very big challenge. Perhaps a charismatic leader like FDR will emerge while the program is being flushed out and short circuit the need for a long range program. We won’t know unless we start. In the meantime, Trump will build a fire that will motivate the People to seek change.
How our citizens get information should be our major concern. Information that is not true is akin to brainwashing, and should be discouraged (penalized).
Very interesting and workable perspective. This has been a long time coming and you are exactly right. I believe that the truth resides in the hearts and minds of the American people. We are gullable, pursuadable, and even teachable. However, we are sometime too easily fooled, by the master manipulators. At least now the real estate magnate and other moguls do not have to use the phrase, "Curses, foiled again". He and they, have the widdow tied neatly to the railroad tracks, and are now waiting for the wailing and begging to begin. Are there any princes in shining armor left to come to rescue, or will the horrific ending come to pass? Tune in next week for the exciting, upcoming episode; 'Giant Monster Sheds One Tiny Tear of Remorse', or, 'Biggly Surprise, No Ugly Shocking Revelation!'. In the mean time, think I will switch to a different channel.
We just have to recognize that many citizens in the US are happily low educated or happily disinterested in major issues facing us and the world today. I’m not blaming anyone. It’s a descriptive illustration of how we have a diverse population with ever growing belief and we’re not good at communicating with each other. I’m meeting some good friends of mine this weekend that are happily disinterested with how the global economy works as well as what benefits a democracy makes in their everyday lives. We communicate well, but we acknowledge our disconnects and we love each other. I wish my group was more illustrative of the population as a whole. I don’t think we’d be in this predicament.
Enjoy your weekend David. When I was in Texas in 1983 I saw a bumper sticker that said ' I'm so broke I can't even pay attention '. I thought it was funny because I could identify with that. But perhaps that attitude brought us down. John Lennon said 'There are no problems, only solutions'. It's not that simple but perhaps it's a better attitude and going forward we can keep an eye out for solutions that will help the poor as well as the rich.
Thank you as always. You have a great way of clarifying and redirecting. I do believe we are on a journey here, and it will be important to be focused. I am finding that getting involved in local events/ politics/ people is my primary focus.
I live in rural America, and I am finally immersing myself in my community. My community that is draped in trump flags but is at the same time mostly made up of people who are kind. I am convinced there is a way to break through, and coffee shops are where I am starting.
I am glad we have places to gather and support each other during this journey. Places like Through the Fog! Thanks again for all you do. We all appreciate you. Peace.
And... I would like to add... This is what I just wrote to a friend who said we needed to 'fight back' against what is happening and what I tell media outlets: I agree with all except "FIGHT back" needs discussion. If we see this war as a physical battle we will lose. As in Tienanmen Square the tanks will simply roll over us and our ideals. We are defending not fighting. To counter a blow is vastly different than instigating violence or retaliating. This has to be a war of strategy, words, ideas, wit, intelligence, caring for and expressing higher ideals... We want hearts and minds, not bodies. The words we use matter.
I'm remembering the picture from the Viet Nam War protest, where the young woman, standing in front of a soldier, put her finger into the barrel of his gun. Stupidity or courage, it save a multitudes of lives.
Actually, she put a flower in the barrel of his gun... an even more powerful juxtaposition.
https://www.magnumphotos.com/newsroom/politics/behind-the-image-protesting-vietnam-war-with-flower/
Thank you John for your more accurate memory, and for the link. Yes, a much more powerful symbol. I wonder, what will be the symbols of this revolt against fascism and tyranny?
I think this is your best post ever. I agree with you. Thanks for this.
I agree! In the grand effort to find “clarity” and “sense” and “purpose” for moving forward, Elliot is getting there more quickly than many of us…thank goodness.
I agree, Lynette.
Yes Elliot, this is one of your best posts ever.
Sure wish the NYT, WaPo, and LAT would run this as a guest editorial.
Thanks, Elliot. Once again you've presented a cogent, thoughtful discussion that encompasses the vast scope of American history and how the past is always a component of the now. I imagine there are many -- probably too many -- Americans who haven't the faintest clue as to the items on your list. I'm certain your readers are far more aware of all of these items, and can name more evidence of what has contributed to this moment in our history. I'm tired of the finger pointing, and am mindful of the saying "each time you point a finger out, there are three more pointing back at you." We all do well to examine ways in which, knowingly or otherwise, have participated in ways that are less than optimal for helping create a "more perfect Union." I'm so glad you're taking the long view -- it's so much more realistic than the shortsighted views too many are promoting.
So well said. The arc of history feels more like a straight line from the days of Reconstruction to 2026 when we might be able to start to bend it back. Democrats were deluded during the Obama days into thinking we had changed when in fact the planning never stopped. Eyes are wide open now.
Eyes wide open! Let's stay focused and keep them that way.
Thank you for the perspective Mr Kirschner…it’s spot on. The real concern is that so many of our Americans felt the need to vote for Trump and now do not seem to be surprised at all by what he is doing… loyalty over intelligence and experience will put our country and our NATO Allies in a weaker, less intelligent position in relation to the rest of the world. We’re essentially stepping backwards and the mass of Trump supporters don’t appear to care…..at least not yet.
Yes Stephanie. On step back. Now two steps forward into the future, and tell people what we are seeing along the way. Let's bring our hopes with us.
I think the message - to everyone who voted for Trump should be: This is what you wanted, is it not? .... and I expect as the Trump 2nd term reality sinks in, many millions will come to their senses - albeit a bit late. Four years is a long time to wait, but with mid-terms in two years, it's 'how much damage can he do in the first 100 days?' Given his lobbying senators to 'immediately go into recess' so he can appoint everyone he wants without oversight is beyond unconscionable, but that's who the country elected. That together with a majority in both houses implies that he can run the table. But, if he keeps appointing congressmen and senators, maybe the thin margins will get the leadership to rein him in ... ???
Whatever damage he does we can counter, though some of the countering will take a while. We must pay attention. Some who supported Trump may start to change when his decisions begin to affect them personally.
The lens of history does bring this period into sharp focus.
Fighting back involves a long process of encouraging individuals to remain well-informed, to make ethical and practically sound solutions (from a social, not business, perspective), and to be willing to stand up to abuse and ridicule for doing so.
Moreover, Evil follows fear and weakness, feeding off of it. That is why FDR’s statement “the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself,” is so important. These words brought American people together to battle against forces of evil no less terrifying than those which we confront today. Individuals stepped up, women into the work force, gardens, hospitals and classrooms; men to the killing abroad. Alone, and in fear, we could not have withstood the threat but together, knowing we were defending the ideals we cherish, shoulder to shoulder, we did, have done, and will do again.
Thanks Elliot for the perspective. This is was not an election but a primal scream at the level of dysfunction and hypocrisy the American system has become especially for the youth and working class.
It is time to stop finger pointing, hand wringing, and rearranging the Titanic's deck chairs. What emerges after four years of Trump's chaos will not resemble what liberals have vainly been attempting to sustain. "We had to destroy the [nation] in order to save it."
Trump boldly dared us to give him a mandate to destroy it all. Actively or passively we did and believe him when he says he will do so. A majority of Americans have lost faith in the 18th-century vision for our nation. It is time to begin discussion of what we want to build in its place to meet the challenges of the 21st century. This is well beyond simple politics, this is revolutionary.
Thoughtful post John, Do you have ideas of how this discussion can begin? Half of us seem to have lost trust in major media. Let the planning begin.
Reimagining our collective vision for America requires discussing and understanding the very things you outlined. Perhaps the right time to start is now while the wounds are exposed and fresh for everyone to see and feel. Once Trump is sworn in his every action will push the process forward. When the folks who voted for him see and feel real economic pain they will realize they were duped by a charlatan who doesn’t care about any of them.
But, what is necessary to coalesce and power a reimagined vision for change? FDR had a vision and an economic depression to power his efforts. Reagan’s neoliberalism was powered by the results of Lewis Powell’s August 1971 memorandum that created the Federalist Society and commandeered the Supreme Court to give corporations personhood, speech, and allow unlimited amounts of political funding.
What will power this reimagining revolution sufficiently to overcome the past 50 years of Democratic Party inaction and infighting distractions that allowed Trump, MAGA and their elected minions to assume autocratic power? Anger isn’t enough.
Thanks KB, What force would you set in motion to re-image our future? How could we manage/begin this discussion in a way that has thrust?
That’s a great question, and one I’ve thought about great deal about this past year. One way to start is to mirror image Lewis Powell’s August 1971 memo to reflect where America is today, a vision for the future, and likely use similar methodologies to effect change. Of course there will be variations for today’s messaging systems, but the thrust of a current plan would be very similar to the one he laid out simply because it worked very successfully. Once the drafting process starts the memo will take on a life of its own.
After figuring out how to pay for it, the biggest challenge that I see is creating an overarching vision that subordinates all other issues and perspectives to achieving and maintaining that vision so the effort is not splintered by fractious factions. That specific issue has diminished the Democratic Party’s fighting effectiveness for decades.
My gut tells me there are three overarching issues are 1) the judiciary being co-opted by corporate or any special interest, 2) corporations being granted citizenhood, speech rights using money, and being allowed to spend unlimited amounts of money to sway public opinion, “purchase” politicians, and infiltrate regulatory agencies, and 3) allowing monopolies to exist in any form. [The term “corporations” includes capitalists with enough money to act like oligarchs.]
In some ways, this could sound like class warfare, and, given the neoliberal policies that brought America to where it is with unbridled wealth accumulation at the expense of people, perhaps it is. Corporations are tools, not people.
The unfettered capitalism of neoliberalism must be reined in to work for the people and the state, while remaining profitable and productive. FDR’s policies created the middle class that was effectively ended by Reagan’s neoliberalism. Developing a balanced formulation to get to serving all three interests is the challenge, but eliminating corporate citizenhood and “speech”, and balancing the judiciary are mandatory.
A long term program similar to the one Powell proposed is likely necessary, but maintaining the People’s focus over one or two generations is a very big challenge. Perhaps a charismatic leader like FDR will emerge while the program is being flushed out and short circuit the need for a long range program. We won’t know unless we start. In the meantime, Trump will build a fire that will motivate the People to seek change.
How our citizens get information should be our major concern. Information that is not true is akin to brainwashing, and should be discouraged (penalized).
Very interesting and workable perspective. This has been a long time coming and you are exactly right. I believe that the truth resides in the hearts and minds of the American people. We are gullable, pursuadable, and even teachable. However, we are sometime too easily fooled, by the master manipulators. At least now the real estate magnate and other moguls do not have to use the phrase, "Curses, foiled again". He and they, have the widdow tied neatly to the railroad tracks, and are now waiting for the wailing and begging to begin. Are there any princes in shining armor left to come to rescue, or will the horrific ending come to pass? Tune in next week for the exciting, upcoming episode; 'Giant Monster Sheds One Tiny Tear of Remorse', or, 'Biggly Surprise, No Ugly Shocking Revelation!'. In the mean time, think I will switch to a different channel.
If MAGA voters’ remorse happens we will see it in 2026. Until then, sadly, there's not much to do except read and talk about the truth.
A blue wave in 2026 could happen if we work hard enough.
We just have to recognize that many citizens in the US are happily low educated or happily disinterested in major issues facing us and the world today. I’m not blaming anyone. It’s a descriptive illustration of how we have a diverse population with ever growing belief and we’re not good at communicating with each other. I’m meeting some good friends of mine this weekend that are happily disinterested with how the global economy works as well as what benefits a democracy makes in their everyday lives. We communicate well, but we acknowledge our disconnects and we love each other. I wish my group was more illustrative of the population as a whole. I don’t think we’d be in this predicament.
Enjoy your weekend David. When I was in Texas in 1983 I saw a bumper sticker that said ' I'm so broke I can't even pay attention '. I thought it was funny because I could identify with that. But perhaps that attitude brought us down. John Lennon said 'There are no problems, only solutions'. It's not that simple but perhaps it's a better attitude and going forward we can keep an eye out for solutions that will help the poor as well as the rich.
So true. Thank you Elliot
Thank you Janet
Well said. Thank you.
Thank you as always. You have a great way of clarifying and redirecting. I do believe we are on a journey here, and it will be important to be focused. I am finding that getting involved in local events/ politics/ people is my primary focus.
I live in rural America, and I am finally immersing myself in my community. My community that is draped in trump flags but is at the same time mostly made up of people who are kind. I am convinced there is a way to break through, and coffee shops are where I am starting.
I am glad we have places to gather and support each other during this journey. Places like Through the Fog! Thanks again for all you do. We all appreciate you. Peace.
Thank you Curtis. I would love to hear how your outreach goes. Please come back and share it with us.
For sure! I will keep you posted.