Dana Milbank is my favorite columnist at the Washington Post. In this column, he responds to the Texas GOP platform, which proposes that the state secede from the US and become a sovereign nation. Milbank says. “Good riddance!” As a native Texan, I’m ashamed for my state, ashamed that it’s been taken over by theocrats and dumbbells.
The Lone Star State does not have the best track record as a sovereign power. The Republic of Texas survived only 10 years from independence to annexation by the United States in 1845. Texas seceded during the Civil War — and, with the rest of the Confederacy, was crushed.
But, as the saying goes: If at first you don’t secede, try, try again. The Texas GOP now wants the state to vote on declaring independence.
And the United States should let Texas go! Better yet, let’s offer Texas a severance package that includes Oklahoma to sweeten secession — the Sooner the better.
Over the weekend, while many Americans were celebrating the 167th anniversary of Juneteenth (when Union Gen. Gordon Granger, in Galveston, Tex., delivered the order abolishing slavery) the Texas Republican Party voted on a platform declaring that federal laws it dislikes “should be ignored, opposed, refused, and nullified.”
The proposed platform (it’s expected to be approved when votes are tallied) adds: “Texas retains the right to secede from the United States, and the Texas Legislature should be called upon to pass a referendum consistent thereto.” It wants the secession referendum “in the 2023 general election for the people of Texas to determine whether or not the State of Texas should reassert its status as an independent nation.”
Yee-haw!
Of course, protections would have to be negotiated for parts of Texas that wish to remain on Team Normal. Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio and parts of South Texas would remain in the United States, and they will need guaranteed safe passage to New Orleans or Santa Fe, along with regular airlifts of sustainable produce, accurate textbooks and contraceptives.
But consider the benefits to the rest of the country: Two fewer Republican senators, two dozen fewer Republican members of the House, annual savings of $83 billion in defense funds that Texas gets. And the best reason? The Texas GOP has so little regard for the Constitution that it is calling for a “Convention of the States” to effectively rewrite it — and so little regard for the United States that it wishes to leave.
In democracy’s place, the Republican Party, which enjoys one-party rule in Texas, is effectively proposing a church state. If you liked Crusader states and Muslim caliphates, you’ll love the Confederate Theocracy of Texas.
The Texas GOP platform gives us a good idea what such a paradise for Christian nationalists would look like. Texas would officially declare that “homosexuality is an abnormal lifestyle choice.” It would redefine marriage as a “covenant only between one biological man and one biological woman,” and it would “nullify” any court rulings to the contrary. (The gay Log Cabin Republicans were banned from setting up a booth at the convention.) It would fill schools with “prayer, the Bible, and the Ten Commandments” but ban “the teaching of sex education.” It would abolish all abortions and require students to “learn about the Humanity of the Preborn Child.”
The Texas Theocracy, which maintains that President Biden “was not legitimately elected,” would keep only traces of democracy. It wants the Voting Rights Act of 1965 “repealed,” and it would rewrite the state constitution to empower minority rule by small, rural (and White) counties. It would rescind voters’ right to elect senators and the Constitution’s guarantee of birthright citizenship.
The Texas Theocracy would probably be broke; it wants to abolish the federal income tax, “Axe the Property Tax” and do away with the estate tax and various business taxes. Yet it is planning a hawkish foreign policy! The platform argues that Texas is currently “under an active invasion” and should take “any and all appropriate measures the sovereign state defines as necessary to defend” itself. It imagines attacks by a “One World Government, or The Great Reset” — an internet-born conspiracy belief — and proposes “withdrawal from the current United Nations.” The Theocracy would put the “wild” back in the West, abolishing the minimum wage, environmental and banking regulations, and “red-flag” laws or waiting periods to prevent dangerous people from buying guns.
Above all, the Confederate Theocracy of Texas would be defined by thought police. It would penalize “woke corporations” and businesses that disagree with the theocracy over abortion, race, trans rights and the “inalienable right to refuse vaccination.”
Government programs would be stripped of “education involving race.” Evolution and climate change “shall be taught as challengeable scientific theories subject to change.” There would be a “complete repeal of the hate crime laws.” The Texas Revolution “shall not be ‘reimagined’” in a way the theocracy finds “disrespectful.” Confederate monuments “shall be protected,” “plaques honoring the Confederate widows” restored, and lessons on “the tyrannical history of socialism” required.
In their platform, the Texas Republicans invoked “God” or the “Creator” 18 times and “sovereignty” or sovereign power 24 times. And the word “democracy”? Only once — in reference to China.
I hope you can read the comments. Readers suggest other states that should secede with Texas.
“I know a boat they can get on. . . . Bye! Bye!” CBK
They will find Texit a lot more complicated than Britannia did getting out of the EU
Texas Compromise!
(a la Missouri Compromise)
Texas gets independence.
Puerto Rico becomes a state.
52-48 works for me!
What a great idea!. But, you know, D.C. deserves Statehood as well (54-48).
excellent idea
East and West Puerto Rico actually plus dc. 56-48.
Texas has no idea how popular their idea is — outside of Texas.
Why just yesterday, I heard my neighbor in her garden muttering “Damned Texans, I wish they would quit talking about it and just leave already”
SomeDAM Troglodytes . . . and they can take Florida’s Ron Santos with them. Bye! Bye! (“Here’s your sign!”) CBK
Yes, take DeSantis, please. He is like a sarcastic, spoiled child with a mean streak.
It’s pretty much the inverse of the situation before the civil war.
Back then states like Texas wanted to leave and the rest of the country would not let them and fought to keep them in.
Now, the rest of us have no intention of preventing them from leaving – to say nothing of actually considering fighting for that.
No reason for a civil war in this case. That is for certain.
Lincoln before the Civil War: A Nation divided cannot stand”
Lincoln were he alive today: ” A Nation cannot stand Texas”
SomeDam: Back to reality: I think the blowback for history would be more than anyone but Putin would want. Do you? CBK
In all seriousness, Texas is the one who is “threatening” to secede. ( Not clear why they view it as a threat — kinda like the kid threatening to take his marbles — but that’s beside the point)
And suffice it to say that i wouldn’t fight for Texas to stay in the Union if they did secede. Nor would I want anyone in my family fighting.
Would you?
SomeDAM There are some wonderful democrats who hail from Texas. Maybe the “other” states could issue an invitation. CBK
And seriously, what could Putin do if Texas seceded that he can’t do now?
Put nukes in Texas?
I somehow doubt even Abbutt would allow that.
I guess I just don’t believe that Putin is behind every bush and tumbleweed, particularly in the case of Texas threats to secede, since there is long history there.
” . . Putin behind every bush”? Maybe not, but there ARE some things political (destruction of the US) that definitely serve his purpose and that he is ready to jump on and promote in the blink of an eye. CBK
And even if Abbutt aceded and Putin did try to put nukes in Carslbad Caverns, Biden could blockade the ports in the Gulf of Mexico it what would be henceforth known as The Texas Missile Cruzes
And Putin is already thinking “take Texas” – Cuba is so old school.
Wait, What? Be sure Texas gets a special mention in this year’s “Darwin Awards.” CBK
Lincoln before the Civil War:” A Nation divided cannot stand”
Lincoln were he president today: “A Nation cannot stand Texas”
True that, someDAM
And they can take Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Arizona with them. With the exception of Texas ( I believe), these red states are all welfare states – my state is paying their bills. Connecticut gets 67 cents back in the dollar it sends to the fed. Oh, and take McConnell and Kentucky with you – the largest recipient of our tax dollars, if so uneducated and unhealthy. Let them struggle for themselves if they believe in sovereignty
I think the first thing Texas would do, after it took away the right to vote for women and minorities, if it became a sovereign country, would be to threaten war with Mexico and New Mexico in an attempt to make them pay for the construction of the Great Wall of Texas, greater than the Great Wall of China.
They’d also attempt to steal Trump from Florida by offering him a safe haven from extradition for his crimes, and build the traitor a free gold course with his name painted in gold, several hundred feet high.
If Texas seceded, surely Mexico would erect their own — much higher — wall to keep the Texans out.
On tonight’s NBC Nightly News there was a story about a chain of Texas Women Clinics that are supposed to help pregnant women are actually giving them misinformation about abortion. They get lots of money from the state and the federal government, some of which has been misappropriated. It sounds like some charter schools.
Lloyd, you aren’t supposed to make me laugh as much as SD Hysterical Poet does! But much appreciated, & I thank you! 👍
Har, har, har, Lloyd!! I love that golden Trump sign “several hundred feet high.”
I propose Cowboys Golf Club in the Dallas-FtWorth area– appropriately a public golf course where his adoring public can gather (fortuitously near DFW Airport to accommodate his many international admirers). Build a foundation right behind the clubhouse, topped with the gold-lettered sign: at 300ft it will be as tall as the Statue of Liberty, visible from anywhere on the course. Artistic suggestion: “Trump” – keep it simple (in all caps of course)– but add the Trump-Rambo image displayed at the TX Rep Convention, topped with a 10-gallon hat.
I’m thinking more along the lines Michigan should secede this time around and take refuge as a province of Canada. Heck, we’re already lodged so deep in the north I still get confused when I have to go south to Windsor. Anyone else wants to join us, feel free — if you still remember what it feels like to feel free.
Maybe so, Jon. I’m sure the MI yee-haws will try, again, to do something to Gov. Whitmer (& your A.G., as well), as they pledged to keep abortion rights there, despite your skewed state legislature.
I fully expect, yet again, to see armed crazies at your state capitol.
D, I feel bad, not only for you, but for all Americans. I was in West Texas this past spring break, dipping over to Carlsbad to walk the caves but back in southward to hike up Guadalupe Peak, then onward to Big Bend. Such beauty with local lore and history of all levels, for good and for bad. But what Abbott, his maggoty constipated sycophant Patrick, and their hemorrhoidal McCarthy-reincarnate blowhard in the Senate, Cruz, do to the state is such a disservice to Texans, as well as other Americans, who see through all this. Throw in the media’s amplification of this too.
Yossarian “Caves . . . ?” I told you so. CBK
Well, who elected Abbott, Cruz and the rest of the radical leaders?
I know they play the gerrymandering game in Texas, Florida and other places, but I don’t buy that it explains all (or even most) of their extremist leaders and policies.
Any more than I buy that Trump got elected based purely on gerrymandering shenanigans.
I think we have to face the fact that there are millions of people (in Texas and elsewhere) who not only vote for the likes of Abbutt and DeSatanist, but who actually wholeheartedly support their policies.
One can only empathize so much with someone who keeps shooting himself in the foot.
SomeDAM A discussion on some talk show I saw had a ponderable point: That those “foot-shooters” are also “left-behinders” who (pun intended) the Democratic party quite literally “left behind” . . .
. . . and so, the neo-liberals and oligarch wannabees like the Clintons (now so-called latte drinking “elites” who are wrongly mixed up with scientists and relatively poor professor/ intellectuals) constitute one “party” and the other party consists of old democrats who did well for themselves but paid little or no attention to the democratic mandate of “raising all boats.” It’s a kind of unconscious historical political payback.
So, the real division emerged (again) between the rich and the poor and where the poor are less and less educated in the broader and civics-minded sense of that term; and so more and more politically manipulatable. Hence: Trump as hero. The albeit-informal R and P parties. But I’m still pondering. CBK
That definitely applies in some places (in the widwest Rust belt) with some groups of Americans.
But nowhere near all.
For example, I don’t believe the whole anti abortion stance that so many people in red states share derives from people being left behind economically. In fact, I’m pretty sure it derives from old fashioned religious and paternalistic attitudes that, not coincidentally are prevalent within the Republican party in general.
Nor does the gun nuttery derive from that, though it undoubtedly does derive from a dislike for “liberals” since Lard knows we all want to take those folks’ guns away. And quite frankly. I don’t know how one can convince someone otherwise who believes that.
Personally, I have no desire to either take all of someone’s guns away or prevent them from practicing their religion as they see fit (as long as it doesn’t involve pedophilia and other forms of abuse).
But if someone wants to believe I do, there’s nothing I can do about it.
SOMEDam Yes, both-and. It’s nothing if not complex and complicated.
As voters go, I have always wondered how many DID NOT vote for Clinton because, to put it bluntly, she is a woman. But I guess we’ll never know. At any rate, as with Gore v Bush, so very close. CBK
SomeDAM,
Well, to answer your question about who elects these pols, I refer to George Carlin from “Back In Town” when he sends off his show with, “Well, where do people think these politicians come from? They don’t fall out of the sky. They don’t pass through a membrane from another reality. They come from American parents and American families, American homes, American schools, American churches, American businesses and American universities, and they are elected by American citizens. This is the best we can do folks. This is what we have to offer. It’s what our system produces: Garbage in, garbage out. If you have selfish, ignorant citizens, you’re going to get selfish, ignorant leaders. Term limits ain’t going to do any good; you’re just going to end up with a brand new bunch of selfish, ignorant Americans.”
Politics at its worst is all about exploitation. Roman emperors knew the value of the mob and the most infamous of them exploited the mob effectively toward their devices. We are no different today. Trump and his minions are no different today. What you don’t cite about Carlson is that he later advocated that we not bother to vote. Too many Americans have given up on bothering to vote because politicians like Trump, and most Republican over the last three decades, have convinced them not to bother. Carlson is a comedian who became more and more jaded as he aged. Bill Maher has become a less ingenious version of the same thing. Such jaded personalities have not helped get our citizenry on track. Democrats, especially the current leadership in the party, have become so obsessed with norms and civility that citizens who want to change course feel they have nowhere to turn. Republicans have been working on this minority rule project for decades predicting, somewhat accurately, that too many of the rest of us will read the polls and throw up our hands. The mob doesn’t have to be the majority, they just have to scare a plurality to play along.
That was a hell of a faux pas. That’s Carlin, not Carlson…
There are many lovely people in Texas. Houston is the most diverse city in the country. Immigrants from all over the world own businesses there, and they make a better, safer lives for themselves and their family. Lots of Californians, not only Elon Musk, are moving to Texas to escape the wildfires and high cost of living. Texas is not all cowboys and red necks. Unfortunately, like Florida the radical white, right wing controls the government. If the Democrats actually learned how to fight and lead, they might be able to flip Texas in the near future.
cx: they make better, safer lives…
Elections in Texas and Florida are determined by turnout. Both are purple states.
There are many lovely people everywhere.
I don’t think anyone is actually claiming otherwise.
But if Texas actually wants people to move there, then I’d say it is up to them to make themselves attractive to outsiders.
Note to Texas officials: abortion bans are definitely not the way.
Texas is attractive to many folks from other areas. There is a lot of job growth in the state well. Lots of people come for the employment opportunities.
Could they take Elon Musk with them?
Houston, you have a problem.
LeftCoast “Take Musk with them?” You’ve outdone yourself. CBK
Musk is going to Mars.
He said so and I think we should hold him to it.
We need to immediately get wireless coverage on Mars. Crazy Republican billionaires don’t go where they can’t tweet.
Yikes!!
Definitely no wireless.
Once these people leave, we don’t want to have to ever hear from them again. Ever. Did I say ever?
Too bad Musk is pulling everyone’s chain about buying Twitter. He should buy it, take it to Texas, blast off with it — the whole thing, whatever it is — and have it all to himself. He could tweet with the bots.
Sunny Hostin, on the View today said, “I am Catholic… Ketanji Brown is Christian”.
Neither Sunny nor the public draw the conclusion that “Christian nationalists” (9th paragraph in the posted article) are other than protestant.
Abortion and gay rights were distanced from religion and particularly from the Church that achieves success in attacking civil rights because the PR machine for the Church is very good at what it does.
The federal taxes of blue states pay for the social safety nets in red states. In light of the increased costs related to the overturn of Roe, blue states should force red states out of the union and force them to take the current SCOTUS members with them.
Linda OMG. CBK
Linda– I remember growing up I was careful to avoid calling myself “Christian.” If a kid asked “what religion are you?” I would just name the local church I attended. It was fine to ID yourself as Jewish [or Muslim or Hindu or Buddhist– we had an international families because of the University], but “Christian” had already been hijacked by the Bible-thumpers. You weren’t “Christian” unless you had been “saved.”
bethree5 Yes . . . this has a long history: ” . . . but ‘Christian’ had already been hijacked by the Bible-thumpers. You weren’t ‘Christian’ unless you had been saved.’”
With the whole 3000+ history of the Catholic tradition, many are still stuck in the philosophical problem of the earlier Church’s claim to Absolute Truth. The turn to history and the historical turn to empirical method has still not taken hold as it has in other faith traditions, I think, for a basic fear of falling into the dark and horrible depths of relativism.
That’s a long and complex story, however, which many in the Church are working through.
And it’s why I find hope in Martin Luther Kings’ statement about the arch of history being long but bending towards justice, and truth, I would add.
I do like what Paul Bonner wrote about it this morning. CBK
Bethree-
It’s similar to the charter school game. They’re presented as public when it’s convenient and as private when it serves other purposes. Media describes Catholic power brokers as “Christian” or evangelical when they want the Catholic Church distanced from pending SCOTUS decisions, Jan. 6, right wing legislative efforts and attempts to elect GOP candidates. After Roe’s overturn, the public saw Catholic clergy boasting of their success in interviews.
Linda What I saw was Pope Francis being glad that children wouldn’t be aborted. I wouldn’t call it boasting, far from it. Abortion is first a life and death issue FIRST, and only then a political issue. I think it’s unlike any other issue in that regard.
I also think that the abortion supporters need to understand what most (if not all) are about–hypocritical or not, they really are concerned about children. They cover with God talk, but it’s much deeper than that. People care about children. In a way, they are like many of the people who stormed the capital–they really did think the election had been stolen. I don’t condone, just recognize its difference.
Also, as I said in another section, I haven’t heard anyone say, on the side of legalized abortion, that it’s ALSO between the woman and her God. Many in the Church use birth control and have had abortions. I won’t cite anyone but have heard that there are statistics out there on that.
It’s a unique situation, like no other and needs to be treated as such by all sides. And BTW it’s NOT like being forced to wear masks. (That’s the most inane thing I have heard this week.)
And I think it’s only fueling the fires, and making worse, to make such statements. but then, I suppose that’s YOUR point. CBK
The Dallas Cowboys will have to leave the NFL and play soccer or something. Maybe if Texas gives its Washington representatives to Puerto Rico, then Puerto Rico would be willing to start a new league with them.
Well, if Texas established its own nation, the Cowboys could stay in the NFL because National Football League doesn’t specify which nation it is.
Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, is known for being a liberal. He got fed up with Big Pharma ripping off the public so he decided to open his own cost plus pharmacy that offers lower prices on generic medications. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/digital-health/mark-cuban-s-drug-company-launches-pharmacy-claims-to-offer-striking-savings-generic
That’s the Dallas Mavericks, an NBA team. The Cowboys (NFL) are owned by Jerry Jones, who is an idiot about football and a major MAGA guy.
Then the NFL would get its wish and could call itself international…
As you can see, I’m not up on my team owners.
I’ve got to say, I’ve weaned myself off of football pretty well. Last year I watched about 15 minutes of college and 6-7 hours of pro football and this year I think I can quit for good. At first I felt guilty knowing more about the medical effects. Rather than cheer a big hit, now I cringe. But the topper was the great work the NAACP is doing to expose how Fox’s NFL contract actually funds Fox Spews. The reason they can get away with not airing ads on shows opposite the Jan 6 hearings is because of the fat paychecks and exposure the NFL gives them. Think about that next time you watch an NFL game. You’re helping support the destruction of American governing.
I do. I think about it every time I watch anything.
Texans aren’t 100% GOP, there must be some Democrats, progressive independents and unaffiliated folks in Texas. Why should they have to suffer the moronic shenanigans of the GOP, secession. A much better scenario would be the Democratic take-over of Texas. Oh wait, that’s as likely as having Ted Cruz (quasi-Canadian) growing a spine and a moral center.
Texas is gradually changing, but Democrats have lost some ground among Latinos in border towns that disapproved of the “catch and release” policy of the Biden administration. https://www.texastribune.org/2020/10/30/texas-toss-up-voters/
cx: Latinos that disapproved of the Biden “catch and release” policy in border towns.
As long as Trump et al bash Latinos, Dems have an edge.
Otherwise, the poor and the religious incline toward authoritarianism. (Gates-funded study at Georgetown Catholic University.)
Hispanics oppose abortion based on their religion, patriarchy is comfortable, it makes them a very good fit with the GOP.
.
ALL and Linda: FYI, a correction in reference to Linda’s “Georgetown Catholic University:” there is Georgetown University (which I graduated from) and there is Catholic University. Georgetown has roots that go back to the 1700’s as a Jesuit school.
These are two different state accredited institutions and, though both are “suburb” to Washington D.C., they are completely different geographically AND in terms of curricula, which accord with science, the human sciences, and scientific principles. They are NOT propaganda based, as (my guess is) Linda would have everyone believe. I graduated with a degree in Liberal Studies from GTU which covered all sorts of history, literature, science, philosophy, etc., and then from the University of Virginia with an MA in foundations of education. There is nothing overtly religious about ANY other than what you find in good scholarship, e.g., history and literature.
The same for (I attended) Boston College, and (I taught at) several other colleges and universities, including Longwood in Virginia. NOTHING about Georgetown was specifically “bent” towards Catholicism, unless you wanted to take those/specific courses, which I never even found listed, or visit the centuries-old Jesuit graveyard, which was hidden among the rocks, trees, and weeds. (I really don’t mean to be harsh, but in my view, Linda needs to see someone.) CBK
“dumbbells”?
Is that a polite way of saying “shitforbrains”?
Duane It’s “bluebells.” CBK
Thanks, I’m not that well-versed in polite put downs! 😉
Duane It’s actually “bluebonnets.” But if you’ve ever seen them en mass, you would never forget. Texas is famous for them. Fortunately, they cannot take them with them when they move to China or Russia. See:
https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tTP1TdIMTTMyzBg9BIsSa1ILFZIyilNTcrPy0stKQYAjKkKHQ&q=texas+bluebonnets&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS982US982&oq=texas+bluebonnets&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j46i512j0i512l8.8198j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#:~:text=Lupinus%20texensis%20(Texas%20bluebonnet)%20%7C%20Native%20Plants%20of%20North%20…
And since this post was posted.. Irresponsible doctors -1
Opioid addicts after surgery -Zero
Another win for “who cares about outcasts and who lives and dies” for a particular group of those in authority roles.
Next: Take “WE” out of the Preamble.
As for the Darwin Award noted above.
You get sued if you utter his name in Texas
We need to have Texas
among our exes.
When all the expats live in Texas
Texas is the place they’ll really love to be
When all the expats live in Texas
They’ll never have to suffer you and me
All my exes live in Texas
And they can’t visit Tennessee
“Betty, don’t bar the door!”
Betty, don’t bar the door
For Texas, anymore
I ain’t gonna grieve
If Texas takes it’s leave
Those of us who live in blue urban centers will have to invest in Elon Musk’s travel tubes to avoid setting foot in these God forsaken theocracies, and yes I see the irony. Mad Max will look tame if these fruit cakes get their way.
Paul Bonner If theocracies are indeed “God forsaken,” then they must have it all wrong. OR their God is nihilism. CBK
God forsakes those who forsake themselves.
Dear Texas:
Bob,
The Supreme Court will decide that this country was founded as a Christian country and therefore any other religion is not protected.
Mamie I think the facts say differently about our founders and their religious foundations. Jefferson, for instance, can be viewed rightly as the father of secularity. He read ALOT of history and was clear about its negative effects throughout. It’s complex, but Jefferson actually rewrote the Bible . . . and his letter to his nephew about how to get a good education is also clear on the matter. And before that, many people came here to escape various versions of religious (and so-called Christian) persecution . . . then they made their own. But it’s a huge and diverse history . . . to call the USA founded in Christianity is really a sparce if not untrue idea about it. CBK
Mamie I think I read your post too fast and misread it. You are talking about SCOTUS doing that, not yourself. So sorry. I’ll do better next time. CBK
Mamie-
You are right. I’m sure the process for declaring just one religion is in the works. Michael Flynn identified that preference recently. He is Catholic. The major universities in D.C. are Catholic as is the majority on SCOTUS. Catholic organizations are the 3rd largest U.S employer (due to tax dollars). One in 6 hospitals are Catholic. Some of them, if not all, were already, before Roe, practicing in adherence with the USCCB. Catholics for Choice has an article by Jamie Manson that explains it. The key words are Nun’s Excommunication Bishops’ Attack on Biden.
The USCCB filed, through the Beckett Fund for Religious Liberty, an amicus brief for Coach Joseph Kennedy in the SCOTUS ruling announced today about prayer on the public school field during the school’s ball game. The overarching goal is intimidation, forcing adherence in order to have playing time, to fit in.
This is about a religious sect feeling superior and about their demand for power, control and tax money.
Americans remembered the pluralism of the Catholic Church in the 70’s, They saw the liberal Nuns on the Bus and listened to the quasi-liberal Pope Francis.
Then, we were gobsmacked by the reality of Roe and all of the other erosion of separation between church and state decisions.
ALL and Linda: This is an excellent example of a gross mischaracterization:
“The major universities in D.C. are Catholic.”
Somebody get a bucket of water and throw it on Linda’s hair. It’s still on fire.
CBK
Diane, Linda, and all: A Catholic University or even a high school does not mean a Church where you learn doctrine. Also, some facts from Wikipedia. You don’t get ranked by being a doctrine-spreading institution.
“There are nineteen colleges and universities in Washington, D.C., that are listed under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. [note 1] These institutions include five research universities, four master’s universities, and ten special-focus institutions. Sixteen of Washington, D.C.’s post-secondary institutions are private, of which three are for-profit. Only three of the city’s post-secondary institutions listed under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education are public. In addition to the institutions listed under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Washington, D.C., has three additional private not-for-profit post-secondary institutions (Johns Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, NewU University, and St. Paul’s College) and two additional public post-secondary institutions (National Defense University and the Inter-American Defense College).”
Georgetown and Catholic University are major highly accredited universities. Here are some others:
Howard University
National Defense University
Gallaudet University (Post-secondary for the deaf)
American University
George Washington University
Trinity University
Johns Hopkins University
Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced Studies
University of the District of Columbia
Many other medical and law schools
this is not to mention that D.C. sits as a very small geographical area where it is surrounded by a bunch of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia schools, one of which is Jefferson’s University of Virginia only a circa two-hour drive from the Capitol in Charlottesville, George Mason in Fairfax VA, and many others.
**Linda spreads falsities on this site and, at best, partial truths filled with logical fallacies. CBK
Mamie posited that the U,S. will be a Christian nation. Which denomination will it be? All are welcome to defend the merits of their candidate.
Washington D.C. is 45% Black and 42% White. All 5 of the largest universities in D.C. (based on student enrollment) are private. Two of the 5 are Catholic. One of the 5 is Methodist.
The largest school, George Washington University is 46% White and 10% Black. 2nd ranked, Georgetown (Catholic) University is 47% White and 7% Black. 3rd ranked American (Methodist) University is 48% Black and 10% White. 4th ranked Howard University is 68% Black and 2% White. 5th ranked Catholic University of America is 60% White and 8% Black.
Linda I think they call that “whack-a-mole” when a person cannot defend their original comment (yours about Catholic schools in the DC area), and so they change to some other issue (black/white statistics). . . . pretty transparent.
Underneath all the bias, however, there must be some sense of reasonability there. If I could speak to it, I would say that most if not all people in the world have some sort of religious background because we all ask the religious question, most generally, about the beyond that we are aware of (death). The question, and so our suppositions about it, will always be with us. Here, however, we fortunately still do not require a religious test and actually come from a tradition that abhors such an idea.
Also, AGAIN, people like Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi, like many right-wingers who think so differently, are also Catholics as are so many who are not involved with the right-winger authoritarians in the Church. That doesn’t happen if there really is poison in the intellectual waters as you seem to think: OMG! another Catholic! There’s nothing more un-American than such witch-hunt kind of thinking. My God, Linda, you sound like McCarthy finding a communist under every rock.
Also, the Catholic church is ancient, and so it WILL be at the background of many, many diverse people and, in other countries and cultures (many of which are mostly black), just like other ancient religions, like Judaism, where both are much older than protestant groups.
If I cannot reach your reasonableness, then I ask that you please be aware of your twisting what truths you have in a knot, your strategic omissions, and false generalizations, all meant to portray your bias as clear truth; and especially real facts that you portray as some sort of critique as they drip with religious bias. I would hope you were better than that and it makes this reader sick to her stomach to see it on a site like Diane’s that I otherwise enjoy reading so much. CBK
Well, it’s not my fight, but when you accuse a commentator (I’ll have more on her later, about how this week’s Court opinions on religious issues have all confirmed her arguments) of “spread[ing] falsities on this site and, at best, partial truths filled with logical fallacies” and then begin that same post with “at best, partial truths filled with logical fallacies”, then kettle/black doesn’t seem to be an appropriate analogy. I’ll just focus on the first sentence because it speaks volumes.
As a non-Catholic who spent his entire undergraduate life at the same Jesuit school, it is technically true that “[a] Catholic University (sic) or even a high school does not mean a Church where you learn doctrine” but it’s filled with partial truths. For example, is an institution able to call itself “Catholic” without following certain principles and preferences–even if they do not require all students to adhere to the letter of each? What are the ground rules to be called Catholic? Lutheran? Presbyterian? Jewish? Unlike many other faiths (but certainly not all), Catholics have a strict administrative code to which the leadership of its institutions are supposed to adhere. Every institution, whether its students and faculty do so or not, must follow them. Otherwise, why belong to the club?
And there’s the rub that Linda addresses consistently and not one of her ardent detractors will: from Pope Francis down to the local parish priests and nuns, doctrine that is the bedrock of their faith, it is the binding force, whether they want to admit it or not. It is worming its way, inextricably according to a fair assessment of this week’s Court decisions, into our secular governing process. It is creating rules that logically lead to a nation in which citizens will be discriminated against because they do not follow certain rules or meet arbitrary, religious requirements. Many of those rules are theocratic, a blend of Catholicism, Protestantism, and conservative Judaism. They will at some point turn on each other, but as of now, their loose alliance is being promoted by a political party and a Supreme Court majority. And it is stymying and federal legislative and executive functions.
Liberal Catholics and others may squawk that they are not like them and actually oppose these ideas. That’s nice. But at least have the honesty to admit that you are losing, that the official doctrine of the faith you profess to follow is worming its way to become a permanent part of American government. Doctrinaire religion always coexists with fascist tendencies because in the end, the institution will always outrank the individual. So while students may not be learning doctrine at Catholic schools, it’s all around them and they are constantly being reminded that they are wrong, but tolerated. For now.
Greg B I appreciate your thoughtful note. A couple of issues:
,
First, I agree with much, even most of what you say and have said so before many times in different contexts, insofar as you refer to our present threats and how things are presently in this country. Like Linda, however, you are missing my point.
We ARE in a terrible time where the efforts of a powerful few, in the churches, in corporations and with oligarchs, and in our government institutions (some unholy alliances), are over-reaching, to put it mildly, as your note states and implies. And I have OFTEN agreed with Linda on many of her statements (she seems to ignore these).
The problem is the constant over-statements and bias drenched mischaracterization against religion in general and for anyone having a Catholic background in particular . . . again, like McCarthy finding a Communist at every turn. It’s paranoid.
As examples of misinformation, mischaracterizations, and saturating some truth with her bias, two of Linda’s notes have been recently exposed, one as (at best) falsely misleading citations identifying opinion writing from 2012 for whole-organization policy statements which most would believe as presently and ONLY the case (see my other quotes from her own citations); and second, mischaracterizations of schools in the D.C. Area.
I haven’t taken the time to look at everything that has a hollow sound over a very long time, but after hearing so many of those sounds for so long, it seemed time to follow up. And so, when I did, voila. It doesn’t exactly inspire trust or well-meaning with regard to truth-telling.
Also, I posted these last two days both from the Commonweal and about my own college experience at GTU, so I won’t go further. But more, you write:
“Every institution, whether its students and faculty do so or not, must follow them (theocratic rules). Otherwise, why belong to the club?” In my experience, no, they don’t; or if they do, it coalesces anyway with secular/accreditation; but also, what you are missing here is that ACCREDITED institutions have their own rules, which Catholic and other religiously based Universities also must follow to belong to that “club.” And in my experience, they do. (I was at Georgetown U but also at UVA, and in terms of any kind of religious rules or doctrine, there were none at either besides those associated with scholarship.)
Also, you say: “Liberal Catholics and others may squawk that they are not like them and actually oppose these ideas. That’s nice. But at least have the honesty to admit that you are losing.”
That’s a statement for a future that is not settled yet.
I CAN honestly admit that history has another way of unfolding besides “losing” on such fundamental issues, at least over the long term. And you say, “* … that the official doctrine of the faith you profess to follow is worming its way to become a permanent part of American government.*” From what I can tell, official doctrine of the Church is in flux and the right-wing efforts themselves are helping the worm die.
Also, as we have seen this week, there is no “permanent part of American government” and thankfully, creative change is built-in to the spirit of America and in our Constitution and other founding documents. The American people DO need to wake up, having lived with freedoms so long that we take them for granted. Thank you for your thoughtful note.
At the very least, get your intellectual shears out when you read Linda’s notes. I doubt she will change any time soon. CBK
Demographic entitlement/privilege in D.C.’s largest universities (all private)-
Georgetown (Catholic) first admitted a Black student to its college in the 1960’s. The school’s historian explained, “It was…prejudice that they didn’t think that it was in their tradition to admit African Americans” (The Hoya student newspaper, 3-15-2012, “First Black Undergrad Dies”). One Black student was in the foreign service school which the article’s author separates from the College.
Catholic University of America, after protests, adopted a non-discrimination policy in 1936. Prior to that, there were periods of inclusion and exclusion. The school’s site provides details. American University admitted Black students in 1944 and George Washington in 1954, after Brown v. Board of Ed.
Georgetown (Catholic) and Catholic University of America have ratios of about 44% male to 56% female students. Neither school has had a woman president in its history. The other of the top 5 schools that has not had a woman president is George Washington which has a 36% male to 64% female ratio.
Greg,
I don’t deserve your channeling of Thurgood Marshall, Atticus, Abe Lincoln and Darrow (as he was in the Ossian Sweet and Scopes trials)
but, I sure am grateful.
The idea that the promise of equality and democracy have a champion with your talents – it’s a gift the future deserves.
A Court on a Mission
Founded by Christian
Court on a Mission
This is the vision
Of Right-wing decision
“Supreme Crusade”
The Holy War’s begun
To reinstate their God
The One and “only One
To worship and applaud
CBK– over the last couple of years, Linda’s posts in the main have been about raising consciousness on the RC Church’s participation in the theocratic cabal moving to control the courts and tear down the wall between church and state. It’s important: the hoi polloi [supported by MSM] doesn’t see beyond the Evangelicals when looking for a fundamentalist scapegoat for MAGA policy. Until recently, I don’t think the public—including [liberal] Catholics—have had a clue about the rapprochement between the 2 sects that got started 45 yrs ago and has worked together to promulgate laws against abortion, and more recently in favor of publicly-supported religious schools. She has also kept us on alert about the machinations of billionaire fundamentalist-Catholic Leonard Leo and his leadership role in the Federalist Society [all 6 conservative Catholic SCOTUS members were or are members].
These days I just roll my eyes when she sees conspiracy in a politician’s RC affiliation, or excoriates women who attend a church that ‘denigrates women.’ We all have our quirks. I am not surprised her buttons are being pushed by 3 out of 5 SCOTUS decisions—in 8 days—that further tear down the Founders’ separation of church and state.
bethree5 I’ve always welcomed being informed; and have always said so where Linda’s posts are concerned; however, not when truth becomes unrecognizable by being so cherry-picked out of context and saturated with bias. My view is that the Federalist Society needs to be tied to a sack of bricks and dumped into the Potomac.
My connection with the Church, as I wrote earlier, is about scholarship, study, peaceful dialogue with similar-others with its welcome social pattern, history, and spiritual sustenance, . . . and not lockstep unmovable doctrine, being threatened and afeared, and certainly not for father-figures (ha!) though I know many priests who are extremely good and humble people. The Church, indeed, is in crisis and I think the insights given here recently about that are good ones.
In my experience, there are more searching, good religious people out there than it might seem . . . if the offended could get by the ignorant and closed-minded overlords, bullies, women-haters (et al) and be-like-me-or-die evangelicals. They just don’t go around screaming about it or threatening others with going to hell.
Thank you for your thoughts. CBK
I too am very involved with my church and these Christo Nationalists are killing it. They completely ignore the Gospel. I don’t know if they realize they are killing Christianity or if they don’t really care. Abortion is a very recent issue. Simpletons can be easily swayed that it is about life when it’s really about control. I get very tired of hearing the media describe it as a religious issue when, in fact, it is not.
Paul Bonner I think Trump has made hypocrisy normal. But this is the elephant in the room: “They completely ignore the Gospel.” CBK
I wish this was just Trump, but this has been the means of radical culture warriors for decades. We have a great deal more than Trump to resist and worry about. Theocratic radicals are firmly entrenched in SCOTUS while libertarians are tying the “administrative state” in knots through the courts and feckless state legislatures. The EPA ruling will be the next shoe to drop.
Paul Bonner The midterms cometh. CBK
I hope the Democratic Party wakes up, gets organized, and starts to show some fight.
Paul Bonner I think the hearings will make a difference . . .(said the No-Trumpers?). CBK
Greg—sigh. You sound doctrinaire yourself, suggesting people have no business being in a church because its doctrine holds it together whether they admit it or not, or at least they should admit that they’re losing the separation of church-state battle. You are administering a purity test. People go to church for all different reasons which they are not required to explain to anybody. Yes, of course there is cognitive dissonance for liberals, as they see their church slowly losing its liberal priesthood to pedestrian rule-followers.
That happened in my parish about 20 yrs ago [we phased it out to holidays only, & eventually stopped going]. But the timing was right for us– youngest was 11yrs old. We’d agreed from the start that it’s good for kids to have a tradition that more-or-less jibes with family beliefs, & discuss differences at home, so they understand one can differ & follow their own path. For my father-in-law’s funeral, we were happy to have the last of our parish’s open-minded heirs of the strong liberal ‘60s-‘70s tradition officiating. For my eldest’s funeral a dozen yrs later, we found a wonderful non-denominational minister we knew he would have approved of. Strangely my youngest has inherited my own spirituality, which is comfortable with the RC rite, but can take it or leave it depending on the culture & ways of the particular parish church [which vary wildly].
That’s the personal stuff, let’s get to the politics: whose fault is it that “[religious doctrine] is worming its way, inextricably according to a fair assessment of this week’s Court decisions, into our secular governing process”? Cui bono ? Is this about religion? There has always been tension down through history between extremist elements and democracy. Like racism and ethno-centrism and classism, religious differences have ever been tools for would-be autocrats to manipulate. Neither the USCCB nor the SBC is looking to run the US. It’s a waste of time trying to talk people out of religion/ spiritualism/ going to church/ church doctrine. Just look to see who’s pulling the strings.
Thanks, CBK, & I like the visual on disposal of Federalist Society 😀 . I envy your communion with like-minded souls. I really have no one to talk to about spiritual stuff. I have to admit I have closed myself away from the church. Maybe TMI, but 1st big hit for me was learning of my mother’s long-repressed [until both parents dead] recovered memories of sexual abuse by her stepfather (married my widowed gm when mom was age 8, so the only gf I knew)– & he was the Catholic connection that resulted in Mom, me & sibs becoming Catholic– & learned about that just as the sex abuse scandal was hitting the press in early ‘90s. [Couldn’t help wondering if gp himself weren’t a victim as an altar-boy.] Was beginning to forgive & forget when gay sis & partner found a local parish that was supportive, gave them communion etc… But then—after this couple over 10 yrs had gotten married in CT, then got a civil union when NYS allowed it, & finally had a real wedding ceremony—the local parish couldn’t officiate, sent a non-denominational minister friend instead. A letdown for me.
I’ll add that RC Church aren’t the only ones. In mid-2000’s our wonderful & popular local Methodist minister [with whom I sang in a classical Oratorio group – they had a fantastic musical program] was fired for being gay. We were with him in Oratorio rehearsal when he read us the letter from national Methodist ministry. Devastating.
bethree One of the most disgusting things about my “saved” relatives is that they claim that God (or whatever/whomever is “back of beyond”) is a mystery while, at the same time, claiming to know so much about those so-called mysteries. It’s a basic contradiction in terms which manifests in real-life, at the bottom of things, as arrogance and hypocrisy.
It turns out, however, that most of their “religious” problems are rooted in screwy philosophy . . . note that the above hypocrisy is based in confusion about KNOWING, which is a philosophical issue. If they knew the difference between their knowing and their faith journey, things would get better between us. Under the present circumstances, we cannot even have a decent conversation.
The point being that I think these days, openness of mind to such issues . . . being willing to live in a state of not knowing but searching about spiritual concerns . . . is hard to arrive at and to find in others. When I was first married (circa early 70’s), I found a similar group in a Presbyterian church near my home . . . I don’t think its reserved for any one religious institution (there’s that ecumenism again), but I do think you have to search for it if it’s important to you. I happen to like the Catholic tradition, as a tradition that is very old and so entwined with history and art and, through the Jesuits, with that spirit of inquiry, even though what Paul Bonner said in a recent note about priests selling tickets to heaven is true. CBK
The left will throw out these scenarios–Wiccan, Muslim, etc.–but the fact of the matter is that this Court and the cult are not about freedom of religion. They are for the forced exercise and dominance of approved religions. The natural course will be to establish a national religion, something made much easier by this week’s rulings and those yet to come.
Greg– I believe you are correct about that. We now have more non-Christians [Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists] onboard than ever before, but they add up to under 5% of the population. It will be many decades [if ever] before they have significant numbers to exert any political power. …OTOH, nothing/ agnostic/ atheist/ unknown = 17%. That’s getting close to the # of Evangelist Protestants, and to the # of Catholics.
And look at the big picture: as of 2021, less than half of Americans [47%] belonged to a church, mosque, or synagogue! That was a 20% drop in religious membership in 20 yrs. [Catholics BTW losing members much faster than other subgroups.] Could this be what’s driving the nutjob religious rw politics? A last, desperate, clutch-by-the-fingernails attempt to grab a quickly-disappearing way of life by force? Sounds like the same thing that’s driving Republicans, and racists…
I really would hate to see this happen. On the other hand, not having Ted Cruz and John Cornyn in the U.S. Senate? Priceless.
The stars at night, are big and bright (clap clap clap clap)
Deep in the heart of Texas
Without a cry, we say goodbye (clap clap clap clap)
To the GOP of Texas
Years ago, Texas had a tourism campaign with the slogan “Texas. It’s like a whole ‘nother country!” Which was a solution I favored, especially since it meant deportation would be possible.
As for exempting “Team Normal” from expulsion, why? It’s not like they didn’t know what that godforsaken wasteland was like. I’d favor safe passage for those wanting to emigrate. But it’s not like those cities are full of enlightened folks. If they were, why the hell are they still there?
Why?
Because most people cannot afford to move. Afford meaning $$$wise and emotion-wise.
Then they can stay there. I really don’t care. But the idea of little West Berlins in an ocean of bigotry and violence really won’t work.
Do you want to airlift decent food and good books to the poor souls trapped there? What’ll you do when they start shooting the planes down?
Sorry. No sympathy. They couldn’t see this coming? Is the lack of a state income tax that important to them? Was the place just so “business friendly” that they were willing to live in a state where whole towns blow up because the state doesn’t care what deadly chemicals companies have stowed in leaking barrels?
My response is meant to point out that just up and moving is not within most folks means, whether $$$ or emotionally, which I’d say is the overriding factor-family, friends, work etc. . . form those emotional connections.
It’s sad that you don’t appear to understand that simple statement of fact. And your response reminds me of “Tell em to keep their legs closed” as a means to prevent abortions. Nonsense and naive.
Your response implies that you think any of this could actually happen.
That’s your mistake, not mine.
The first ones to leave will be the academics and tech workers, which means the Universities and high tech industry will take a big hit.
And even if Texas eventually overturns their abortion ban, by then it will be too late because it’s hard to reassemble good talent from scratch.
State officials don’t realize it yet, but Texas is toast.
They would be very foolish to secede because then they would be completely on their own and would have to pay for welfare, defense and everything else they are currently getting from the Federal government.
Duane– I’ve always had little sympathy for ignorant backwaters that just keep voting in officials who further impoverish the poor/ wkg/ middle classes while holding the power/$ in a few hands. What’s the end game?
My own version of “states’ rights,” I guess, & I admit I’m not very proud of it, but why do the blue states have to keep carrying their weight? Ultimately, the policies that prevail there cannot attract vibrant new biz, cuz no corporation’s employees want to relocate to an ignorant backwater. Am I wrong? Maybe you’ll tell me that the state pols have gerrymandered & otherwise repressed voting to the point where they are helpless. But do you believe that?
The xtian fundie reich wing has been working on this moment since the late 70s. And they have “captured” the xtian right almost completely. Those of us, minority in our society for not believing faith belief bullshit, are far outnumbered.
And I expect that to continue as around 3/4 are brought up in this country in xtian faith beliefs from birth and have that crap pounded into their heads through fear of eternal damnation-ha ha ha, the joke is on them in the “afterlife”-ha ha ha but on the rest of us in the only life that matters, our own current lives.
bethree5 and Duane Well, … there IS the way they part their hair. CBK
And here’s another take. Maybe I’m just bitter over how the rush to cheap/ non-union states in SE & SW—spurred by globalism– hollowed out the co’s & projects I worked in in ‘70s/ ‘80s up in NYC area. My husband stayed in the industry– & still works in it well past retirement age, thanks to the transfer from defined-benefits pension to 401(k)s [plus crazy inflation of cost of healthcare, housing, & kids’ college]. Those SE/SW states grabbed up the profits while they could, before it all moved overseas & left them high & dry. And during the boom, did they improve QOL for their citizens? Not feeling much sympathy.
In Florence, Ky, Mitch McConnell described some of (our civil rights) as outdated (ones decided by SCOTUS). Make no mistake, integration is back on the table and women’s voting rights are, too. The conservative, originalist Catholic majority on the court, will protect neither.
With justice, the plan will be initiated with racial segregation of court facilities for Justice Thomas before all of his rights are taken away.
Linda– not following you on “integration is back on the table.” Where are we practicing integration? (Also not clear on what you mean by women’s voting rights are threatened [?!])
If you were speculating about which preference a Black person would have for his or her children, would it be the U.S, pre-1954 or after?
Many pundits recently, in responding to the Thomas threat, have made the point that originalism means interpretation of the Constitution before Blacks or women had the vote.
About your comment earlier in the thread. I appreciate your acknowledgement that the topic I introduced has merit.
I use criteria when I bring attention to a public person’s sect. Those criteria explain why I have no interest in what Ravitch commenters’ religions are. There are commenters here who personalize what I write. To make an analogy, let’s pretend there is a Turkish American group that funds the defeat of American progressive candidates and that has dire consequences for the future of the U.S. I identify a power broker in that group. A commenter takes offense and says, “I’m a member of that group. Yes, there’s adverse political implications for others, but, the group is more than just that. I’ve made the admission that the group is not all good so, stop making me uncomfortable with your comments.”
I am attempting to spread new information to new readers. My goal is not to tar a conservative religion, there is no point to that. My goal is to pry GOP votes, especially those of women, from right wing religion and to dry up resources that the political arm of the conservative churches access.
Rusty Bowers fits my template for identification. He touts his religion as a method to get support for himself. A person similar to him would use his religious connections to exert political power e.g. CNP, state Catholic Conferences, etc. Should Trump be re-elected with Bowers’ support, the theocracy will take further rights from women, gays, non-religious and Black people.
Linda *”I use criteria when I bring attention to a public person’s sect.”
That’s what is meant by “witch hunting,” and “looking under rocks.”
Also, “Those criteria explain why I have no interest in what Ravitch commenters’ religions are.”
That’s nice. Too bad it’s not true. I guess that’s why you slandered my being Catholic when I first came on this list. To paraphrase, I agreed with Diane because, like all good Catholics, I blindly follow authority. CBK
An 💡:
U.S. makes trade deal w/Putin:
Russia can have Texas, & U.S. will take Ukraine.
Everyone happy!
I don’t think we’d want Ukraine as part of the US
It might have improved under Zelensky some, but in 2021, it was ranked second only to Russia in corruption among European countries and 122 out of 180 (in the top third) for corruption worldwide
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corruption_in_Ukraine#:~:text=According%20to%20Transparency%20International%27s,Russia%20the%20most%20at%20136.
But…but… wasn’t Zelenskyy already president then?
I highly recommend his show “Servant of the People.” He ran for President based on what’s described in this show ((oligarchy, corruption), & his party was named Servant of the People.
(It’s streaming on Netflix or Amazon…I can’t remember which.)
Assuming he is honest and actually doing something to fight corruption (and I have no idea if either is true), it would still take time before things would get significantly better.
But regardless, Ukraine is undoubtedly still a very corrupt country.
Though it is rarely mentioned by the media, one of the real concerns about providing tens of billions of dollars in weapons to Ukraine is where they will end up because Ukraine is also a huge marketplace for weapons (mainly small arms) and has been since the fall of the Soviet union.
https://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/sierraleone/context.html
So , I just hope we have someone keeping track of where all the weapons we are sending are going to ensure they are actually being used to defend Ukraine against Russia (and that they are not simply being siphoned off and sold to some third party for example)
The weapons we provide all too often have a nasty habit of eventually ending up in hands that are not the ones we intended — sometimes even being used against us.
Hungary would be happy with just the small part of Ukraine that was taken from Hungary by the Soviets as part of their liberation efforts.
If anyone has any linger doubt that the Republican Party is now the party of TREASON, I offer this part of the Texas GOP platform as Exhibit A.
xc: lingering
But…but… wasn’t Zelenskyy already president then?
I highly recommend his show “Servant of the People.” He ran for President based on what’s described in this show ((oligarchy, corruption), & his party was named Servant of the People.
(It’s streaming on Netflix or Amazon…I can’t remember which.)
Also, RE:TX, just received this on my news feed–
“TX Manufacturing Growth Abates, Outlooks Worsen”
dallasfed.org/research/surveys/tmos/2022/2206
One more comment:
Last night, husband & I watched the excellent movie, “The Survivor,” on HBOMax
(✔️ & see if there’s another way to watch it if you don’t have HBOMAX).
What’s very important to note (I even wrote it down) was some advice Auschwitz prisoner Harry Haft was given by a German commander, who was “keeping” Haft alive by having him fight fellow prisoners. He tells him aspects of power and how people win or are kept down, & how all of it starts & how it plays out. He warns Haft & informs him, & we, the viewers. What he says very well applies to these fraught times, very much cautionary words, because we ARE there, make no mistake.
I just received another news item (from Politico, I believe), whereby thomas is threatening even more adverse actions from the court. (I cannot bring myself to assign capital letters to such little people/governmental bodies.)
Remembering that he was hospitalized recently (&, if I’m not mistaken, the cause for his hospitalization was never made public), is it possible that he had a stroke which has diminished his mental capabilities?
retired Now, THAT’s interesting (about Thomas). And thanks for the tip about that movie. What would Hollywood do without WWII? :o) CBK
You’re welcome, & great comment about Hollywood.
Good way to remind the public that “those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it,” because, let’s face it, great #s of Americans don’t read history.
But most watch movies, I think.
(That’s why, although I am, of course, hoping for Beto to beat aBUTT, I wish Matt McConaughey HAD run for TX guv. People L❤️VE movie stars.)
Thomas never got over his anger about what he termed a high tech lynching.
And he is now enjoying his opportunity to stick the knife in and turn it.
What are you referring to, SDHP?
SomeDAM (“Thomas never got over the high-tech lynching . . . “)
I thought that . . . but didn’t have the guts to say it. CBK
It’s written all over his face and in his opinions, which are veritably dripping with contempt for liberals.
Thomas is one angry dude.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a stroke because of his anger.
“let’s offer Texas a severance package that includes Oklahoma to sweeten secession ”
Well, I am willing to sweeten the deal further by adding a few other states not willing to go with the times.
Probably no coercion necessary
I suspect that if Texas decides to secede a few other states might join them of their own volition.
It could very well look a lot like the group of states which seceded before (perhaps with the addition of a few states like Utah which were not in the Union at the time)
They could call their new nation “The Religious States of America”
Of course, God Bless America will be their anthem.
And the PreRambo to their new Constitution will be
We the Guntoters of the Religious States of America, in order to form a more perfect and Godly Union, establish Just us, insure domestic Females, provide for unregulated militias, promote the One True Religion, ban abortion and secure the Blessings of Jesus Christ to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain Donald Trump as our leader for life and establish this Constitution for the Religious States of America.
SomeDAM The CEO’s, oligarchs, and Wall-Streeters will jump for joy for having successfully made pawns out of the churches in this country. I think most couldn’t give a hoot about religious people or doctrines either way, except for their vote, as long as their pocketbooks are protected, and regulation goes away. (There’s a poem in there somewhere.)
Also, I think the right-wing is like the dog that finally caught the car. . . . CBK
Yeah, they finally don’t have to hide their true intentions behind flowery language.
Also known as Preramble
And the Supreme Court majority is now busy at work making the necessary changes to the old, (Godless) Constitution to act as the new Constitution for the Religious States of America.
The work is still in progress at the Supreme Court chambers (aka Constitutional Convention of 2022), so stay tuned.
Much easier just to rewrite the existing document than start from scratch, especially since the Majority Just-asses have an eloquence that is much closer to that of Donald Trump in his tweets than James Madison in his writings.
Religious States of America Constitution
A red-lined Constitution
Is currently in works
By Justass institution
Of fascist-leaning jerks
Most churches have done little or nothing to resist
And several have wholeheartedly supported the efforts (,including funding of the challenges brought before the supreme court) to overturn Roe, to allow coaches to lead prayer, etc)
If the churches suffer” in any way (and many are celebrating the recent rulings) they have only themselves to blame , either for being complicit or silent in the face of blatant, in your face efforts.
They can’t claim ignorance.
No sympathy on my part. They made their bed and there they must now lie (and many of them have already been lying)
Through much of the history of Christianity, many in power have used the faith as the opportunity for grift. When Catholics became Roman and Constantinople became orthodox, they wallowed in the wealth they took from peasantry who they kept oppressed and ignorant through their Latin code. Later, when they were called out by Martin Luther for the practice of indulgences, paying one’s way into heaven, Catholics began their many violent purges otherwise known as inquisitions. Now we are dealing with a very prosperous evangelical movement, now aligned with conservative Catholics, that is referred to as the Prosperity Gospel where sociopaths, disguised as preachers of the gospel, happily compare their jets with one another while their followers, enablers, can’t handle a $400 emergency. I won’t even go into Catholic Priests and Baptist Preachers who have rediscovered the Ancient Greek fascination with pedophilia. The worst part is that these Christo Nationalists proclaim, through their behavior, a gospel that never existed. These religious leaders who have led their congregations over this radical cliff are modern Pharisees. There are many in Christianity who are appalled by our current political and social circumstances. However, their voices have been drowned out by a fraudulent cabal that is laughing its way to the bank.
Darn, I wrote a really long comment, which disappeared. Any, still the ? to SDHP: was what you meant by ct’s anger over “high-tech lynching” referring to negative comments on social media? Yes, I agree that could have boiled over into a stroke.
However (& this is a general comment to all), if it (same way I. refer to 45 & ALL who have no regard for We, The People & hurt everyone human: ct NOT human: no indication of heart, soul, caring–except for itself) DID stroke–or have any medical situation that impaired mental facilities —given the office, don’t We, The People, have the right to know? We were informed every step of the way RE: RBG’S physical health & ability to serve. Where’s the transparency?
Ok, SDHP, waiting for your poem on CT needs a ct scan.
Too bad Scalia isn’t around: would’ve liked to have read your poem, “How do We Solve a Problem Like Scalia?”)
Retired Been there, done that. I learned a long time ago to copy and paste my notes to an e-mail to myself BEFORE I “post comment.” The practice has saved me from frustration many times. CBK
Thanks, but it popped back up!
The mysterious ways of WordPress are neverending.
retired I THINK notes disappear and come back in SOME cases because they go to moderation and then come back after a few hours. But “it’s a mystery.” CBK
WordPress arbitrarily puts comments into moderation. Sometimes because they have two links. Or because they are long. Or because their author has been designated by me as someone whose comment must be approved by me. Sometimes for no reason at all. I try to clear the moderation list several times a day.
Thank you, Diane, for explaining Word Press and moderation. CBK
CBK, one person in moderation posts almost daily, sometimes several times a day, to insist that COVID vaccines don’t work and no one should get vaccinated. I delete him daily.
Diane !!!!! Good Grief!
My guess is that this is an example of the underside of democracy: freedom without education. Do you think this Covid person posts every day, or has put it on some kind of regular clock? CBK