The fact that so many people, including me, believed that Bobby, Jr., would say that, tells you that many Americans believe the HHS secretary is stupid, crazy, or both.
funny; I've been thinking the same thing about the American electorate, in November 2016 and November 2024. possibly, the first time was ignorance, the second was surely stupidity.
I understand thinking that people were willfully stupid in voting Trump back into power. I have found myself thinking that too, and worse. But I keep trying to see that although some people really absolutely believe the MAGA message, many truly felt disenfranchised and ignored by those who are called “the global elite”—i.e. the Dems. How can we help them to wake up to reality? Of course there are some very wealthy Democrats, but the vast majority of the super wealthy folks seem to be Republicans, and are motivated primarily by greed and prejudice.
In the end, it seems important in most cases to judge the behavior, not the human beings themselves—unless it is apparent that a person has utterly given themselves up to lust for power and/or money. Trump epitomizes that.
Grace is not transactional; it's given freely without expectation of reciprocation. When I suspect stupidity is behind the 2024 election outcome, it's because the current occupant of the White House has decades of public exposure, conduct out there for EVERYONE to view that absolutely predicted his behavior, including outright saying what he intended to do. And still, they rejected a known entity; a public servant with decades of track record and experience. I'd much rather have a journeyman (woman) who may not be totally charismatic, but who is basically honest and has demonstrated integrity than a pathologic liar, malignant narcissist and would be emperor as chief executive. My grace for him extends as far as to pray that the good Lord "takes him home" as soon as possible.
So right, Eliot. And the effect on standards of public reasoning and discourse is as dangerous as the spread of measles. Public stupidity inspires thoughts that stupidity is normal and acceptable for public figures, that research and study is irrelevant. I am chilled that some impressionable boy or girl may think that a Kennedy or a Hegseth is a person to aspire to.
I hear you. My hope and belief is that when this train wreck is over young people will see these loser for who they are, the antithesis of someone to which they should aspire.
Thanks for writing this, Elliot! Perfect tone. I am disgusted, frustrated, angry and sad all at once with the return of measles and the attack on vaccines.
The scientist who first told the world that vaccines cause autism later corrected himself and denied the truth of his original statement. MAGA or MAHA picks and chooses its data to support its harmful agenda. I get angry because measles has the most adverse effect on children. Alberta (the Texas of Canada) also has a government that eschews vaccines and, unsurprisingly, has seen measles outbreaks of its own.
In my opinion, the root cause is the WEALTH GAP which causes loss of TRUST: in persons of expertise and in institutions of government needed for the COMMON GOOD. In 1969, the mantra in Height-Ashbury was “Do your own thing”. Wrong. We are all crew mates on a life raft on the stormy North Sea. Our choices : row hard ( in unison) or bail water. MAGA crew mates have been harmed by systemic economic handicaps and are unified in their anger. They wish to express their freedom and unique differences from the rowers :They shoot holes in the bottom of the boat. We a rebirth of the concept behind the Boston Commons : We are all in this together. Differences in social capital be damned. Row together or bail.
I am still struggling with the announcement that if my parents were infertile, since infertility is hereditary, that I would be infertile.
The fact that so many people, including me, believed that Bobby, Jr., would say that, tells you that many Americans believe the HHS secretary is stupid, crazy, or both.
Excellent article Elliot. You just pulled it all together and made it make sense? Good read, thank you!
funny; I've been thinking the same thing about the American electorate, in November 2016 and November 2024. possibly, the first time was ignorance, the second was surely stupidity.
I understand thinking that people were willfully stupid in voting Trump back into power. I have found myself thinking that too, and worse. But I keep trying to see that although some people really absolutely believe the MAGA message, many truly felt disenfranchised and ignored by those who are called “the global elite”—i.e. the Dems. How can we help them to wake up to reality? Of course there are some very wealthy Democrats, but the vast majority of the super wealthy folks seem to be Republicans, and are motivated primarily by greed and prejudice.
In the end, it seems important in most cases to judge the behavior, not the human beings themselves—unless it is apparent that a person has utterly given themselves up to lust for power and/or money. Trump epitomizes that.
Solid perpective, Linda, and good reminder of the need for balance and grace, rather than reflexive assumptions.
Grace is not transactional; it's given freely without expectation of reciprocation. When I suspect stupidity is behind the 2024 election outcome, it's because the current occupant of the White House has decades of public exposure, conduct out there for EVERYONE to view that absolutely predicted his behavior, including outright saying what he intended to do. And still, they rejected a known entity; a public servant with decades of track record and experience. I'd much rather have a journeyman (woman) who may not be totally charismatic, but who is basically honest and has demonstrated integrity than a pathologic liar, malignant narcissist and would be emperor as chief executive. My grace for him extends as far as to pray that the good Lord "takes him home" as soon as possible.
So right, Eliot. And the effect on standards of public reasoning and discourse is as dangerous as the spread of measles. Public stupidity inspires thoughts that stupidity is normal and acceptable for public figures, that research and study is irrelevant. I am chilled that some impressionable boy or girl may think that a Kennedy or a Hegseth is a person to aspire to.
I hear you. My hope and belief is that when this train wreck is over young people will see these loser for who they are, the antithesis of someone to which they should aspire.
Wait until polio rears its ugly head again.
Thanks for writing this, Elliot! Perfect tone. I am disgusted, frustrated, angry and sad all at once with the return of measles and the attack on vaccines.
As some famous person said once: "Stupid is as stupid does." :\
Plus, it's a Death Cult.
Again , well stated! And again, when or even if will the traitors in Congress do anything to stop this depaavity and death!? What does it take!?
The scientist who first told the world that vaccines cause autism later corrected himself and denied the truth of his original statement. MAGA or MAHA picks and chooses its data to support its harmful agenda. I get angry because measles has the most adverse effect on children. Alberta (the Texas of Canada) also has a government that eschews vaccines and, unsurprisingly, has seen measles outbreaks of its own.
Thanks Elliot for this post. I just can’t believe there are parents out there that believe this crap!
Thank you, Elliot, for a rather thought-provoking piece.
There is a lot on the litmus test for this administration. Two being scientific studies can not be trusted and climate change is a hoax
Brilliant! Thank appreciated the dose of dark humor you included, Elliot. It kept me from tearing my hair out.
Well, in Forest Gump, Mom makes the statement Stupid is as stupid does. And we all know there is no cure for stupid.
The frustrating part is that all of us (the world) have to wait for your midterms to happen.
WE are trusting you all will get it right. And by that, use the tools available in Congress to put him out of our misery.
In my opinion, the root cause is the WEALTH GAP which causes loss of TRUST: in persons of expertise and in institutions of government needed for the COMMON GOOD. In 1969, the mantra in Height-Ashbury was “Do your own thing”. Wrong. We are all crew mates on a life raft on the stormy North Sea. Our choices : row hard ( in unison) or bail water. MAGA crew mates have been harmed by systemic economic handicaps and are unified in their anger. They wish to express their freedom and unique differences from the rowers :They shoot holes in the bottom of the boat. We a rebirth of the concept behind the Boston Commons : We are all in this together. Differences in social capital be damned. Row together or bail.
Is this 1900? But thank you for your excellent reporting!