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Vic VIA's avatar

Dr BenGhiat's explanation of the psychic trauma to Republican Party lawmakers during Jan. 6 was edifying.

Steve Brant's avatar

I agree! That was a masterful move on Trump's part... classic psychological warfare you would see in how an abusive husband treats his wife... demanding a supportive response before she has a chance to process his latest attack on her!

Susan Jacobs's avatar

Mary, your voice provides The clarity, purpose, and hope I need everyday. I’m thankful for your work.

Sally Devoe's avatar

Trumps claims of reducing cost of drugs by 8,000% explains why he bankrupted multiple casinos 🎰

Judith Wynn's avatar

Trump doesn't care whether we buy what he ways or not.

Thomas Avant/Cultural Musings's avatar

…very interesting and insightful conversation from two of the best minds on the psychology of Trump and aspiring autocrats.

Pattye Zamborsky Ludwig 🇺🇸's avatar

This was excellent, thank you both!!

James Rankin's avatar

Trump is encouraging Russia & China to strike soon. Invade their neighbors, while we invade ours. Our national security has declined considerably. Our intelligence has been weakened. We no longer have allies we can count on, because we have made ourselves an ally that can't be counted on. This regime has made us more vulnerable to attack than we have been since the Cuba crisis (which the aforementioned John F Kennedy defused). We are on a path to self-destruction. And that's even without taking into account the dangers of climate chaos, AI, runaway pandemics, etc., that this regime is either ignoring or aggravating. There is no way we can take on the rest of this hemisphere & win. There is no way we will benefit by Russia taking over all of Europe or China taking over Taiwan, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, etc. This regime is deliberately harming our economy, wiping out our democratic rights, & terrorizing our people. It's as if this regime has been sent on a mission to destroy everything that's good in this country.

Connie Larsen's avatar

We the people need to fight like hell n get rid of every rethuglikkkrussian in congress! That treasonous, ass kissing cabinet! WTF!

202 225 3121 or 202 224 3121

Will reach ANY member of the house or senate! Call, share the number! Watch for protests!👍💪

Judith Wynn's avatar

I don't want to hear another peep about Miss Marjorie Taylor has experienced "a change of heart." What heart?

Sue's avatar

That is exactly the 2025/6 plan. The US will awaken when they find themselves caged in like East Germany with no entering or exiting, and when the bosses turn off the internet.

James Rankin's avatar

It is ironic that at the same time the US has taken such a bad turn with our worst ever president, our nextdoor neighbors to the north & south each seem to have acquired among their best leaders ever.

It is beyond rational belief that such a horrible, disgusting, unqualified, incompetent, corrupt traitor could not only attain but persist in this position for this long after doing so much obvious damage, contravening law & the Constitution on a daily basis. Totally unacceptable. Amazing how so many craven politicians & corporate executives are bowing down to his every demand!

Joshua Irving Gershick's avatar

Imagine the profound insecurity of some who has to paste his name on everything just to feel like somebody. An insecure person is a dangerous person, especially in a position of power & responsibility, as we continue to see. Awaken, America. No Kings!

Steve Brant's avatar

Two essential voices! I'm so happy you got together to share your thoughts with us on the day before Christmas!

Richard Catalano's avatar

thank you Mary for always providing the text for your podcasts! for me, text is always better. thanks!

Cinne Worthington's avatar

Mary & Ruth, I am so grateful for your essential work. Have a wonderful holiday!

Dana Britt's avatar

The obvious thing that Democrats are really missing out on. And why were in this position all they had to do is point to the deficit calculator how much each person is paying per month for the deficit Reagan, Bush,Trump, their biggest accomplishment is taking money out of the pocket of a working class. And putting it in the pockets of their donors. Democrats never made that argument . .really stupid argument.

Neural Foundry's avatar

Fascinating discussin. The point about strongmen needing to erase previous leaders who were more popular really explains alot of the Kennedy Center renaming and constant attacks on Obama. I hadnt thought of Jan 6th as psychological warfare against GOP lawmakers, but that framing makes the party's total capitulation suddenly make sense. When you force people to deny their own trauma, you own them.

margaret pennetti's avatar

Very interesting! I find it strange, though, that Mary refers to Tim Cook as having power to resist Donald. My observation has always been that Mr. Cook was very submissive to Mr. Jobs, which is how he gained that power, so it doesn’t seem strange that he would be submissive to Trump. The big difference, of course, is that Steve Jobs was an actual genius, and Trump is, you know, my favorite M word.

JENNY GLUCK's avatar

Restoring democracy is not enough. We cannot simply return to systems that failed so many people. We need to build something better—structures rooted in human dignity, solidarity, and care. A truly democratic future must be humanitarian at its core, globally minded, and accountable to working people rather than concentrated wealth.

David Maceira's avatar

Voices of reason in dark times. This was a great conversation. Thank you both. And Merry Christmas to you and yours!

M A Gladyszewski's avatar

Thank you both so much! Eternally grateful for what you do and how you help this world…