As a retired medical school faculty member (internal medicine), I view our country through the eyes of a clinician. Here goes: I think our very fragile Democratic Republic is in the ICU and has a "positive 9-tube sign." That is the speak-around we used in front of family members in the room when we thought that the likelihood of survival was very low.
At the same time, I want to point out that WE THE PEOPLE vastly outnumber the oligarchs who are seeking to enslave us. Further, let me point out that the French proletariat had the right idea in the late 1700s.
"the French proletariat had the right idea in the late 1700s." Having the right idea did not prevent the proletariat from committing horrible atrocities, so we'd better be careful about what we wish for.
Local: The Republicans have let’s made it clear enough for decades that they were let’s say soft on democracy. Putting business first has been a huge tell. Which is to say that whatever Trump’s doing is more of a continuation than something he started. Speaking of…
Global: IMO, another huge thing hurting democracy globally is all the putative democracies prioritizing serving business and special interests instead of serving the people.
That ranted…
Yes, I know a case can be made of the importance of serving business interests. But we have five decades of that prioritizing (starting with Thatcher and Reagan) and now have more than enough proof that if it’s done carefully (*koff koff*) it’s not good for society.
Nearly nothing hurts democracy more than failing the people.
That said, I confess that I don’t expect a report from any sort of establishment outlet to match my cynicism. But, again, reality says I’m correct.
Thank you for bringing my attention to this report that has the power of focusing on our nation's problems from a distance, and does it admirably. What I suspect, it names, What I worry about, it amplified my concerns. Anyone who is not aware of what Trump II is doing to our nation and our world has to be a deluded member of a cult, not a patriotic citizen watch a democracy die. The news from SCOTUS warmed my heart, but I still reserve judgement until we get past a free and fair election and new Congress is sworn in without blood.
I like the ease of being able to read and write comments on this Substack version of Morning Memo. I noticed a better transcript than the old default from the Bulwark, so I hope that can hold true for TPM as well - perhaps I'll be able read Josh's podcasts.
My question - will anyone care that some pinko Swedish organization thinks the USA is failing on democracy and rule of law? Will MAGA and Republicans in general think it's a positive, not a negative? They are the kind of folks who can't wait for our new AI overlords
“The new report reflects the growing sense of alarm in Canada, Europe, and among erstwhile U.S. allies everywhere. In the span of 22 month since the 2024 election, it’s gone from “Are you gonna be okay?” to “Are you okay?” to “You’re not okay.””
Stated plainly, this Canadian has seen (and continues to see) the country to the south of us and its criminal regime as a threat to Canada and the world since Jan 2025…sorry, not sorry.
Totally mind bending, mind bending, mind bending 😵💫😱📢📢📢‼️ WE, THE PEOPLE ‼️ I want to say a bunch of patriotic, honorable things... All I got is: glad I'm almost 80 and don't have any grandkids. David, put this damning, scathing report in a box to be opened in a hundred years, so anyone wondering WTF happened will be "enlightened" Enlightened, there's a word🥺😢💔
As a retired medical school faculty member (internal medicine), I view our country through the eyes of a clinician. Here goes: I think our very fragile Democratic Republic is in the ICU and has a "positive 9-tube sign." That is the speak-around we used in front of family members in the room when we thought that the likelihood of survival was very low.
At the same time, I want to point out that WE THE PEOPLE vastly outnumber the oligarchs who are seeking to enslave us. Further, let me point out that the French proletariat had the right idea in the late 1700s.
God (of your choice) help us.
"the French proletariat had the right idea in the late 1700s." Having the right idea did not prevent the proletariat from committing horrible atrocities, so we'd better be careful about what we wish for.
Fair point, Carolyn. What do you suggest/wish for??
Local: The Republicans have let’s made it clear enough for decades that they were let’s say soft on democracy. Putting business first has been a huge tell. Which is to say that whatever Trump’s doing is more of a continuation than something he started. Speaking of…
Global: IMO, another huge thing hurting democracy globally is all the putative democracies prioritizing serving business and special interests instead of serving the people.
That ranted…
Yes, I know a case can be made of the importance of serving business interests. But we have five decades of that prioritizing (starting with Thatcher and Reagan) and now have more than enough proof that if it’s done carefully (*koff koff*) it’s not good for society.
Nearly nothing hurts democracy more than failing the people.
That said, I confess that I don’t expect a report from any sort of establishment outlet to match my cynicism. But, again, reality says I’m correct.
Expansion of ICE layered by NSPM-7 is THE fascistic signpost for this shite regime.
Whoa, that’s hopeful.
I trust our Donny to come up with something worse…
Thank you for bringing my attention to this report that has the power of focusing on our nation's problems from a distance, and does it admirably. What I suspect, it names, What I worry about, it amplified my concerns. Anyone who is not aware of what Trump II is doing to our nation and our world has to be a deluded member of a cult, not a patriotic citizen watch a democracy die. The news from SCOTUS warmed my heart, but I still reserve judgement until we get past a free and fair election and new Congress is sworn in without blood.
Don’t forget the category of people that purposely ignore all news of this sort.
I like the ease of being able to read and write comments on this Substack version of Morning Memo. I noticed a better transcript than the old default from the Bulwark, so I hope that can hold true for TPM as well - perhaps I'll be able read Josh's podcasts.
My question - will anyone care that some pinko Swedish organization thinks the USA is failing on democracy and rule of law? Will MAGA and Republicans in general think it's a positive, not a negative? They are the kind of folks who can't wait for our new AI overlords
“The new report reflects the growing sense of alarm in Canada, Europe, and among erstwhile U.S. allies everywhere. In the span of 22 month since the 2024 election, it’s gone from “Are you gonna be okay?” to “Are you okay?” to “You’re not okay.””
Stated plainly, this Canadian has seen (and continues to see) the country to the south of us and its criminal regime as a threat to Canada and the world since Jan 2025…sorry, not sorry.
#never51 #elbowsup #gloriousandfree 🇨🇦
Excellent clear comment, echoing many shared. Concerns.
Totally mind bending, mind bending, mind bending 😵💫😱📢📢📢‼️ WE, THE PEOPLE ‼️ I want to say a bunch of patriotic, honorable things... All I got is: glad I'm almost 80 and don't have any grandkids. David, put this damning, scathing report in a box to be opened in a hundred years, so anyone wondering WTF happened will be "enlightened" Enlightened, there's a word🥺😢💔