The bar is so low we wonder how it can go even lower, but it does. I learned a new word today and intend to use it a lot, to wit:
Kakistocracy: A word we need to revive
May 9, 2016 — Kakistocracy is the government of a state by its most stupid, ignorant, least qualified and unprincipled citizens in power.
But apart from that, Mary, I wonder how you are doing? How do you hold up through this personal and painful journey with your uncle. We appreciate you so much, just wanted to let you know. Age 90 from Phoenix.
Yes. I have so much respect for all of the brilliant women I follow on Substack. Mary though—she has an extra burden, right? I often think about her story. Growing up and watching the family members, seeing how completely damaging and damaged her uncle is (and many of us have had that in our childhoods, a bad uncle or cousin or what have you), and then that cruel and petty and mean creep becomes president of the whole country. Seriously it’s so hard to imagine what that must be like. So much admiration for Mary’s brains and talent and persistence. Pamela from Baltimore, age 68 (since we’re revealing ages).
Kakistocracy is a word I have used since Trump Debacle, Part I. It is an apt description. And here we are with Trump Debacle, Part II. It is an even more apt description.
"In areas hit by Texas floods, officials were sent over $5 million in federal ARPA funds in 2021. They didn't want to spend it on flood warning systems due to their disdain for Biden - and didn't send it BACK because it might go to a blue state, and 'values that we in Kerr county don't agree with.'"
I saw that today. Everything goes back to the polarization and the misinformation—lies—that began long before Donald became prez. The belief that the federal government is the enemy is deeply embedded in the red states. Donald and his handlers have exploited it so well. He’s such a fucking useful idiot.
How many lives lost and how much devastation all because people hated Biden, he knew what he was talking about. As an outsider ( Canadian) it seems to me that political strife in America is a constant... this is what happens when you have a two party system.. it's always "us against them"... it makes absolutely no sense in a country where there are 300 + MILLION people... If Americans threw in another party, a middle of the road party that takes the best ideas and disciplines from the Republican party and the best of the Democrats' and formed a 3rd party with those ethics and beliefs, it would be a win/win for ALL Americans. In Canada we have 16 political parties .... something for everyone... but of those we have only 5 on the ballot at election time. We have Liberals, Conservatives, New Democrats, the Green Party ( environmentalists, their contribution is important ) and in the French speaking province of Quebec in the east, we have the Parti Quebecois. There's enough choices for everyone and it prevents this "us against them" mentality that we see in America. It's concerning that tRump won again, what exactly did Americans find so appealing about him that they'd vote twice for a CONVICTED RAPIST FELON?
How ignorant. I also saw where when the camp had regular inspections there never was an evac plan for the people and kids. They wrote it was a 5 or 10 minute walk up the hill to safe ground from the river. Just so sad to not care about the people because you don’t like the president.😢
Listening to the supposed head of the USA is a continuous embarrassment . His vulgar vocabulary is certainly more prominent during this regime than his last. He then at least was able to control his expletives… recently he uses vulgar words whenever he feels. Recently I found articles regarding people with dementia and alzheimer’s using vulgar and fowl language…hmmm.
a tragedy..most assuredly! no one could expect djt to understand the magnitude of the flooding nor the loss of life..he of course had to bring along melania fo his visis, to make it look more politically effective for him..he knows texas is a MAGA stonghold with abbott at the helm,and abbott will get mor help than other places because of his subserviency to djt..djt is the man who wants to totally "gut" or eliminate FEMA as he thinks its not important..i doubt this trip will change his mind..i am surprised he is not throwing paper towels as he did in puerto rico! by the way, i am a texas resident and i understand the tragedy,the situation,the heartache and the politics of this..
He was president 8 years ago when Kerr County tried to get funds for sirens. And he's president now trying to eviscerate fund to protect vulnerability from floods. Oh, and those outdated flood maps? Good grief
It was once articulated in the context of "stop and frisk" actions taken by the police that only "a hunch" was needed to stop and frisk suspected carriers of firearms. It seems that Trump's thugs, posing as professional law enforcement agents in the now discredited and ridiculed ICE organization, have adopted this standard to lock up and ship off to some jungle infested country whomever they have a gut feeling that they might be an illegal alien.Years hence when posterity looks back upon all of this to judge who was most responsible for enabling this barbaric conduct, my guess is that it will be those Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court who have willingly distorted the U.S. Constitution and our democratic values to promote their own fanatical right-wing ideologies. They will each be condemned forever as the primary ones who allowed this madness to happen.
And let's not forget greedy and spineless high power law firms who have signed on to not raising any issue on behalf of their clients that is inconsistent with Trump's ideologies. It's their clients who are getting screwed. Such law firms, such as Paul Weiss; Skadden Arps and others and also their clients should be boycotted.
In 2017 or thereabouts, our presidente called all Mexicans "murderers and rapists." Because he didn't want a federal judge of Mexican descent presiding over one of his trials. Rascist Revelation number one.
We are a country being run by morons. Incompetent, self righteous, mean, nasty people who have no empathy or concern for the country. And Agolf Shitler makes me 🤮
He also needs to be asked about Kristi Noem’s over 3 DAY DELAY to give approval for FEMA’S “Search and Reacue” teams!! How many more lives could have been saved?? If the ppl living there aren’t outraged, then something’s wrong with them. And that 🤡 has the audacity to call reporters names when they ask questions he doesn’t like. We are officially a shit hole country.😞
Such an idiot, uncaring and liar this President. I wholeheartedly agree with you - need criteria, qualifications for the highest elected position in our country.
“If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—for ever.”
― George Orwell, 1984
Frightening, we have come to this moment in our country. Experts in authoritarianism advise keeping a list of things subtly changing all around you. Thank you, Mary, for chronicling this for us every single day, tirelessly, as our clocks are striking thirteen and Big Brother is watching.
Soooo... mmmm, "we" took in $3 trillion dollars in the past four days..." Is that right? Is that what he burbled? Because why isn't that money being used to support services for We, the People, who depend on our tax dollars supporting us (not billionaires)? Or is that "private" money meant only for Trump and the Heritage Foundation to create their all-white Christalmighty Nationalistic Compound guarded by pythons and alligators?
True to form, DT responds to a perceived negative question with the same, tired attempt at language. Only an "evil person" would ask such a question. Deflect. Deflect. Deflect. There were doubtlessly DT cultists affected by the Texas floods. I sincerely hope some of them are waking to the realization that DT is not their savior. Guess we'll have to take the baby steps, chipping away at DT one cultist at a time.
All about him.... "He was going to miss the signing for the big beautiful bill, and he called to apologize. He said he's going to be delayed because of a little flood. And the little flood turned out to be the biggest flood anyone's ever seen." What? These are his "chatter monkeys" talking in his head... there is no Presidential, thinking of others in times of disasters, thoughts in his head. It's only "Talking Points of his Non-Accomplishments" as a Distraction so we don't notice his incompetency. How much effort does he put into being an incompetent human being every day? And people buy it?
Ugh, Bimbo Barbie! Patronizing children who are doubtless more intelligent than she is. I hope the kids do their own research to learn the truth about how much this regime cares about the environment. (barf)
We should invest in more Hubble and less gold dome. Thanks, Mary! Great cast and information. Enjoy your trip. Be safe. Poor Leavitt children. She's not aging well from all the self twisting to spew the lies.
The bar is so low we wonder how it can go even lower, but it does. I learned a new word today and intend to use it a lot, to wit:
Kakistocracy: A word we need to revive
May 9, 2016 — Kakistocracy is the government of a state by its most stupid, ignorant, least qualified and unprincipled citizens in power.
But apart from that, Mary, I wonder how you are doing? How do you hold up through this personal and painful journey with your uncle. We appreciate you so much, just wanted to let you know. Age 90 from Phoenix.
Indeed. What strength and compassion and principle she brings to that damaged name.
Yes. I have so much respect for all of the brilliant women I follow on Substack. Mary though—she has an extra burden, right? I often think about her story. Growing up and watching the family members, seeing how completely damaging and damaged her uncle is (and many of us have had that in our childhoods, a bad uncle or cousin or what have you), and then that cruel and petty and mean creep becomes president of the whole country. Seriously it’s so hard to imagine what that must be like. So much admiration for Mary’s brains and talent and persistence. Pamela from Baltimore, age 68 (since we’re revealing ages).
God bless you Mary. Thank you for standing up to the orange madman!!! Helen from Canada.
Amen to Jayne above. Age 74 from New Mexico.
It must be stressful at the very least. There is probably fear of retaliation from her uncle to. Please stay safe Mary
Kakistocracy is a word I have used since Trump Debacle, Part I. It is an apt description. And here we are with Trump Debacle, Part II. It is an even more apt description.
Oh, it gets worse.
"In areas hit by Texas floods, officials were sent over $5 million in federal ARPA funds in 2021. They didn't want to spend it on flood warning systems due to their disdain for Biden - and didn't send it BACK because it might go to a blue state, and 'values that we in Kerr county don't agree with.'"
https://bsky.app/profile/faineg.bsky.social/post/3ltfshjlt522d
I saw that today. Everything goes back to the polarization and the misinformation—lies—that began long before Donald became prez. The belief that the federal government is the enemy is deeply embedded in the red states. Donald and his handlers have exploited it so well. He’s such a fucking useful idiot.
His division and the TX politics got people killed!
BUT HEY NOW, IT'S TOO SOON TO POINT FINGERS
(shaking my head in disgust)
True that!!!
He's a total waste of oxygen.
Ask Jared if he has anymore paper collateral.....
He tosses one in with every gold citizenship coin just to let you know you're on the inside now! (big UGH)
Good question. I read they gave him all the papers back because he wanted them
I think they're buried in the coffin on the golf course. She was cremated and is on Ivanka's mantle.
That coffin seemed very heavy, they were struggling.
🚨Just LAST YEAR they FAILED to pass HOUSE BILL
13.🚨
The bill included provisions for outdoor warning sirens and emergency alert systems.
It aimed to establish a state council for emergency response planning and a first-responder grant program.
How many lives lost and how much devastation all because people hated Biden, he knew what he was talking about. As an outsider ( Canadian) it seems to me that political strife in America is a constant... this is what happens when you have a two party system.. it's always "us against them"... it makes absolutely no sense in a country where there are 300 + MILLION people... If Americans threw in another party, a middle of the road party that takes the best ideas and disciplines from the Republican party and the best of the Democrats' and formed a 3rd party with those ethics and beliefs, it would be a win/win for ALL Americans. In Canada we have 16 political parties .... something for everyone... but of those we have only 5 on the ballot at election time. We have Liberals, Conservatives, New Democrats, the Green Party ( environmentalists, their contribution is important ) and in the French speaking province of Quebec in the east, we have the Parti Quebecois. There's enough choices for everyone and it prevents this "us against them" mentality that we see in America. It's concerning that tRump won again, what exactly did Americans find so appealing about him that they'd vote twice for a CONVICTED RAPIST FELON?
Thanks, neighbor. You have a better handle on this than most Americans. Apologies to your country for being unduly hurt by Trump with his tariffs. ❤️
I have been arguing with Trump supporters for almost ten years. It comes down to the following three traits:
A) They’re morally bankrupt
B) They’re incredibly stupid (our education system has been under attack from “the right” for decades)
C) They’re both
And add to that, they are racists.
I'd put that under C.
If you have a felony conviction you can't vote but you can be President, what's wrong with that picture. I can't understand that.
How ignorant. I also saw where when the camp had regular inspections there never was an evac plan for the people and kids. They wrote it was a 5 or 10 minute walk up the hill to safe ground from the river. Just so sad to not care about the people because you don’t like the president.😢
Biden who sent it to them! Lord!!!
Ty and so sickening by officials
Jasmine Crockett is my hero!
Listening to the supposed head of the USA is a continuous embarrassment . His vulgar vocabulary is certainly more prominent during this regime than his last. He then at least was able to control his expletives… recently he uses vulgar words whenever he feels. Recently I found articles regarding people with dementia and alzheimer’s using vulgar and fowl language…hmmm.
Fowl language - is that a subtle dig at TACO?? ROTFL
Yep🤭
good one !! lol
a tragedy..most assuredly! no one could expect djt to understand the magnitude of the flooding nor the loss of life..he of course had to bring along melania fo his visis, to make it look more politically effective for him..he knows texas is a MAGA stonghold with abbott at the helm,and abbott will get mor help than other places because of his subserviency to djt..djt is the man who wants to totally "gut" or eliminate FEMA as he thinks its not important..i doubt this trip will change his mind..i am surprised he is not throwing paper towels as he did in puerto rico! by the way, i am a texas resident and i understand the tragedy,the situation,the heartache and the politics of this..
He was president 8 years ago when Kerr County tried to get funds for sirens. And he's president now trying to eviscerate fund to protect vulnerability from floods. Oh, and those outdated flood maps? Good grief
Now he's changing his tune. Too little, too late.
Never believe it until you see it.
True
Very sad
It was once articulated in the context of "stop and frisk" actions taken by the police that only "a hunch" was needed to stop and frisk suspected carriers of firearms. It seems that Trump's thugs, posing as professional law enforcement agents in the now discredited and ridiculed ICE organization, have adopted this standard to lock up and ship off to some jungle infested country whomever they have a gut feeling that they might be an illegal alien.Years hence when posterity looks back upon all of this to judge who was most responsible for enabling this barbaric conduct, my guess is that it will be those Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court who have willingly distorted the U.S. Constitution and our democratic values to promote their own fanatical right-wing ideologies. They will each be condemned forever as the primary ones who allowed this madness to happen.
They are traitors to our country.
More than just a majority of SCOTUS, also a majority of the Congress, plenty of governors, djt and his cabinet are also traitors. Line ‘em up!
It takes a village: billionaires, spineless Republican politicians, Fox News, SCOTUS, religious nuts, Putin, uninformed racist electorate.
And let's not forget greedy and spineless high power law firms who have signed on to not raising any issue on behalf of their clients that is inconsistent with Trump's ideologies. It's their clients who are getting screwed. Such law firms, such as Paul Weiss; Skadden Arps and others and also their clients should be boycotted.
In 2017 or thereabouts, our presidente called all Mexicans "murderers and rapists." Because he didn't want a federal judge of Mexican descent presiding over one of his trials. Rascist Revelation number one.
We are a country being run by morons. Incompetent, self righteous, mean, nasty people who have no empathy or concern for the country. And Agolf Shitler makes me 🤮
He also needs to be asked about Kristi Noem’s over 3 DAY DELAY to give approval for FEMA’S “Search and Reacue” teams!! How many more lives could have been saved?? If the ppl living there aren’t outraged, then something’s wrong with them. And that 🤡 has the audacity to call reporters names when they ask questions he doesn’t like. We are officially a shit hole country.😞
Such an idiot, uncaring and liar this President. I wholeheartedly agree with you - need criteria, qualifications for the highest elected position in our country.
“If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—for ever.”
― George Orwell, 1984
Frightening, we have come to this moment in our country. Experts in authoritarianism advise keeping a list of things subtly changing all around you. Thank you, Mary, for chronicling this for us every single day, tirelessly, as our clocks are striking thirteen and Big Brother is watching.
Have a super weekend, cell phone in hand.
Soooo... mmmm, "we" took in $3 trillion dollars in the past four days..." Is that right? Is that what he burbled? Because why isn't that money being used to support services for We, the People, who depend on our tax dollars supporting us (not billionaires)? Or is that "private" money meant only for Trump and the Heritage Foundation to create their all-white Christalmighty Nationalistic Compound guarded by pythons and alligators?
True to form, DT responds to a perceived negative question with the same, tired attempt at language. Only an "evil person" would ask such a question. Deflect. Deflect. Deflect. There were doubtlessly DT cultists affected by the Texas floods. I sincerely hope some of them are waking to the realization that DT is not their savior. Guess we'll have to take the baby steps, chipping away at DT one cultist at a time.
All about him.... "He was going to miss the signing for the big beautiful bill, and he called to apologize. He said he's going to be delayed because of a little flood. And the little flood turned out to be the biggest flood anyone's ever seen." What? These are his "chatter monkeys" talking in his head... there is no Presidential, thinking of others in times of disasters, thoughts in his head. It's only "Talking Points of his Non-Accomplishments" as a Distraction so we don't notice his incompetency. How much effort does he put into being an incompetent human being every day? And people buy it?
Ugh, Bimbo Barbie! Patronizing children who are doubtless more intelligent than she is. I hope the kids do their own research to learn the truth about how much this regime cares about the environment. (barf)
Kristi is like a distorted Barbie doll, but Barbie is a lot smarter.
Totally. Although Noem is more like a Clive Barker creature.
Bot Barbie
And not the cool Fembot kind. ;D
We should invest in more Hubble and less gold dome. Thanks, Mary! Great cast and information. Enjoy your trip. Be safe. Poor Leavitt children. She's not aging well from all the self twisting to spew the lies.