When was America great? And what does great mean? Great as a military power, sure, since the Second World War particularly where Americans rode on the blood-drenched back of war, but that does not make a country or its people great in any worthwhile sense.
The US has always had grinding levels of poverty and inequality, despite its huge wealth. Nothing great about any of that. Americans on average, have, and have had for a long time, the poorest quality of life of any developed nation. They have the lowest wages, worst worker rights and least benefits and the least social welfare support in the developed world. Nothing great about any of that.
Does he mean great in that mythical American way of being exceptional, superior, God's chosen, a Light Unto the World kind of great? Probably all of it and none of it.
They have wealth and huge natural resources but nothing great about that either. I suspect Americans see becoming great again as being a State where more people can have a decent quality of life and the chance of bettering themselves as did exist for periods in times past.
But is that what Trump means? I don't think Trump values military greatness but I suspect he values economic greatness which is really another form of military power and has always been used as such by the US.
In truth, Make America Great Again, is probably no more than a slippery political catch-phrase to draw in supporters. If Trump is smart he will find out what Americans think he means by MAGA and deliver.
Yep. Just to add to that and my view only. As a Brit, I have numerous visits to the US - in just a few states for business to be fair - NOT ALL STATES MIND YOU.
I could not wait to come home as I find the people frightening in a way, as they are so stupid, ignorant and arrogant in that I could not even comprehend some of the discussions I had. They (in my mind) are totally brainwashed and indoctrinated - by such things like the US flags - everywhere... literally every shop and even house had them in Houston (well; the area with the hotel I stayed once). Even more than that - the ignorance of the people.
I was meeting the "top notches" of O&G companies and they were as dumb as sh1t; whether about our business, geography or general knowledge. I am not making it up.
My UK is going the same way ... sad to watch; but this is the plan = "Common Core" or for the "Good of society"... not raising standards of education plus plus, but lowering "THE WEST" to the lowest standard. Ah well !, pleased I am drifting in to OAP age and will not hopefully see the outcome of the Globalist scum agenda.
Americans are very -poorly educated on average and brainwashed from birth to believe they have it better than anyone else. That they are better than anyone else.
Most do not possess a passport, it was 80% last time I looked, and I doubt it has changed, no doubt because they have no interest in seeing the world and cannot afford it anyway.
They do not need a passport for Mexico, what they think the rest of the world is, or Canada, which they see as part of the US, so they have no perspective.
The internet is changing that to some degree but millions of Americans are so poor or working so hard to survive they don't have the time to peer at the rest of the world to see how others live. And there is a serious lack of interest. Semi-literacy is common and the mainstream media nothing but propaganda.
And yes, agree, the UK is going the same way as are all Western nations with the same disease of stupidity and ignorance and too many meddling American corporate fingers in our politics and our societies.
Trump WILL accomplish several things. He will make himself and his family MUCH more wealthy (think at least ten to twenty billion dollars' worth!). He will entrench an oligarchy in power. He will appoint still more ideologue judges, reducing the chances of justice yet further. He will increase the national debt enormously, possibly triggering a default. He will reduce regulations, thereby enabling far more pollution and disruption to the balance of Nature, and he will do everything in his power to accelerate global warming.
I believe it was Pope Leo X who said, "“Since God has given us the papacy, now let us enjoy it.” Trump and his followers believe that his ascension to the Office he now befouls was similarly directed by the Almighty, and he has every (divine) right to enjoy it to the fullest. Moreover, thirty to forty million people believe he is infallible. Hmmm.... Welcome to the United Christo-fascist States of America.
Well, we see that he HAS ACCOMPLISHED something else. By pardoning ALL of the 6 January rioters who stormed the Capitol (injuring police and killing one of them), he has established the following: (1) "Law and Order" applies only on the basis of ideology -- i.e., those who support Trump can commit crimes with impunity. (2) Common sense, decency, and integrity have been flushed down the toilet. << Trump had suggested in the weeks leading up to his return to the White House that instead of blanket pardons he was going to look at the Jan. 6 defendants on a case-by-case basis. Vice President JD Vance had said just days ago that people responsible for the violence during the Capitol riot “obviously” should not be pardoned. >> [Repeat: ALL of them are pardoned!]
Welcome to Trump's America: one nation under Mammon, where justice does not exist!
Deluded. I can't believe how downright evil the people you support (presumably) were. The "Democrats" are a neocon as well as neoliberal organisation now, and they made the world a far more dangerous place. They have plumbed the depths and disgust me. The damage done is incalculable. Biden's last minute pardons don't bother you, of course.
Excuse me! Kindly read the text above and show me where I have said a word in favor of Biden or the DemocRats. Then straighten out your MAGA hat and go troll someone else.
Hear Hear!! Interminably a sad and obnoxiously ignorant society. "America is great". But is it or was it ever? I suspect it never has been. Like as has been with Israel, they've perpetrated a great con!
Trump's presidency has undeniably served as a wake-up call for drastic reform, touching on numerous areas and challenging the status quo. This disruptive approach, while controversial, underscores a core value of the presidency: the ability to provoke change and spark necessary conversations. In this sense, he might be seen as a provisional leader, one whose tenure will set the stage for future transformations, leading the way for other administrations to follow.
As usual, Norman Finbkelstein provides important historical perspective on the relationship between Israel/Palestine "peace agreements" and presidential coronations. It won't be long before American-made bombs are again dropping from American-=made jets on defenseless families to further the American goal of non-stop, spreading chaos and carnage across the Middle East for American economic benefit. Link to 8-minute video: https://youtu.be/sJ4SMY2UNW4?si=RvaS5IJFVJjoqbbn
Uncertainty Day by Day is the prognosis for the next 4 years.
Trump has more Billionaires in his Cabinet than any other in US History. If Billionaires really cared for the workers, Billionaires wouldn't exist and US History shows that.
The existence of Billionaires is a Crime against Humanity in a MONEY driven World.
With the richest man on earth in charge of cutting wasteful government, the US Military will always get more and the masses less.
The Christ teaches, 'hardly ever will an rich man enter the kingdom of heaven and it will be easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" That doesn't say never. God knows most of the rich loves MONEY more than God and all other Humans made in the image and likeness of God.
As with you, George, I don't remember how I came across John Varoli's Blog, but recognized a Common Cause.
His new article Today requires a radical change in thinking and perception of the World and our place in it, but I think it could work?
'Restore the Republic, End U.S. Militarism, Save the World'
U.S. militarism is the main threat to the American people and global order, reaping a grim harvest in the past 35 years -- Millions killed, tens of millions of refugees, trillions of dollars wasted.
Donald Trump returns to the White House today. The fate of mankind is in his hands. He can save us from a third world war by doing the right thing — end all support to the regime in Kiev and disband NATO; put an end to U.S. militarism and imperialism, and restore the Republic. This should be his top priority. But that seems unlikely............................................................
I was absolutely floored by today's piece. Really? You see Trump as dedicated--to anything outside himself--as interested in peacemaking, reform,getting things back on track? I don't see how you could believe that even if you are only six years old and didn't see his first term--the things he's said, the people he's appointed totally put the lie to such a notion. Saying he was deprived of the 2020 reelection he was entitled to "under dubious circumstances"--like what? There were SIXTY court cases, some with Republican judges, none found any evidence of fraud. Sure, he said he wanted immediate peace in Ukraine and Greater Israel--but I think we can see at whose expense. The people he has appointed are uniform in their loyalty to him but also in their corruption, unfitness for office, and hostility to the agencies they're supposed to head. And I guess you don't believe in climate change if you think he's anything but utter disaster for the planet. True, the Democrats are only a little less bad in all those things, and possibly worse on the warfare thing--although last time Trump talked peace and made war (pushed by the Establishment, yes, but he was eager to give Natanyahu whatever he wanted). The last president who tried to stand up to the military/CIA/Establishment was assassinated in 1963. But I don't think Trump really wants to. How anyone could believe he wants to eliminate corruption when he openly, brazenly embraces it...
An 'antidote' strikes as the most precise characterisation of Trump yet. The question now becomes whether his new term will create the need for an antidote to the second-power. In the best case, these wild iterations may accelerate the way towards a balanced level of common sense.
When was America great? And what does great mean? Great as a military power, sure, since the Second World War particularly where Americans rode on the blood-drenched back of war, but that does not make a country or its people great in any worthwhile sense.
The US has always had grinding levels of poverty and inequality, despite its huge wealth. Nothing great about any of that. Americans on average, have, and have had for a long time, the poorest quality of life of any developed nation. They have the lowest wages, worst worker rights and least benefits and the least social welfare support in the developed world. Nothing great about any of that.
Does he mean great in that mythical American way of being exceptional, superior, God's chosen, a Light Unto the World kind of great? Probably all of it and none of it.
They have wealth and huge natural resources but nothing great about that either. I suspect Americans see becoming great again as being a State where more people can have a decent quality of life and the chance of bettering themselves as did exist for periods in times past.
But is that what Trump means? I don't think Trump values military greatness but I suspect he values economic greatness which is really another form of military power and has always been used as such by the US.
In truth, Make America Great Again, is probably no more than a slippery political catch-phrase to draw in supporters. If Trump is smart he will find out what Americans think he means by MAGA and deliver.
Yep. Just to add to that and my view only. As a Brit, I have numerous visits to the US - in just a few states for business to be fair - NOT ALL STATES MIND YOU.
I could not wait to come home as I find the people frightening in a way, as they are so stupid, ignorant and arrogant in that I could not even comprehend some of the discussions I had. They (in my mind) are totally brainwashed and indoctrinated - by such things like the US flags - everywhere... literally every shop and even house had them in Houston (well; the area with the hotel I stayed once). Even more than that - the ignorance of the people.
I was meeting the "top notches" of O&G companies and they were as dumb as sh1t; whether about our business, geography or general knowledge. I am not making it up.
My UK is going the same way ... sad to watch; but this is the plan = "Common Core" or for the "Good of society"... not raising standards of education plus plus, but lowering "THE WEST" to the lowest standard. Ah well !, pleased I am drifting in to OAP age and will not hopefully see the outcome of the Globalist scum agenda.
Americans are very -poorly educated on average and brainwashed from birth to believe they have it better than anyone else. That they are better than anyone else.
Most do not possess a passport, it was 80% last time I looked, and I doubt it has changed, no doubt because they have no interest in seeing the world and cannot afford it anyway.
They do not need a passport for Mexico, what they think the rest of the world is, or Canada, which they see as part of the US, so they have no perspective.
The internet is changing that to some degree but millions of Americans are so poor or working so hard to survive they don't have the time to peer at the rest of the world to see how others live. And there is a serious lack of interest. Semi-literacy is common and the mainstream media nothing but propaganda.
And yes, agree, the UK is going the same way as are all Western nations with the same disease of stupidity and ignorance and too many meddling American corporate fingers in our politics and our societies.
Trump WILL accomplish several things. He will make himself and his family MUCH more wealthy (think at least ten to twenty billion dollars' worth!). He will entrench an oligarchy in power. He will appoint still more ideologue judges, reducing the chances of justice yet further. He will increase the national debt enormously, possibly triggering a default. He will reduce regulations, thereby enabling far more pollution and disruption to the balance of Nature, and he will do everything in his power to accelerate global warming.
I believe it was Pope Leo X who said, "“Since God has given us the papacy, now let us enjoy it.” Trump and his followers believe that his ascension to the Office he now befouls was similarly directed by the Almighty, and he has every (divine) right to enjoy it to the fullest. Moreover, thirty to forty million people believe he is infallible. Hmmm.... Welcome to the United Christo-fascist States of America.
Well, we see that he HAS ACCOMPLISHED something else. By pardoning ALL of the 6 January rioters who stormed the Capitol (injuring police and killing one of them), he has established the following: (1) "Law and Order" applies only on the basis of ideology -- i.e., those who support Trump can commit crimes with impunity. (2) Common sense, decency, and integrity have been flushed down the toilet. << Trump had suggested in the weeks leading up to his return to the White House that instead of blanket pardons he was going to look at the Jan. 6 defendants on a case-by-case basis. Vice President JD Vance had said just days ago that people responsible for the violence during the Capitol riot “obviously” should not be pardoned. >> [Repeat: ALL of them are pardoned!]
Welcome to Trump's America: one nation under Mammon, where justice does not exist!
Deluded. I can't believe how downright evil the people you support (presumably) were. The "Democrats" are a neocon as well as neoliberal organisation now, and they made the world a far more dangerous place. They have plumbed the depths and disgust me. The damage done is incalculable. Biden's last minute pardons don't bother you, of course.
Excuse me! Kindly read the text above and show me where I have said a word in favor of Biden or the DemocRats. Then straighten out your MAGA hat and go troll someone else.
Hear Hear!! Interminably a sad and obnoxiously ignorant society. "America is great". But is it or was it ever? I suspect it never has been. Like as has been with Israel, they've perpetrated a great con!
Trump's presidency has undeniably served as a wake-up call for drastic reform, touching on numerous areas and challenging the status quo. This disruptive approach, while controversial, underscores a core value of the presidency: the ability to provoke change and spark necessary conversations. In this sense, he might be seen as a provisional leader, one whose tenure will set the stage for future transformations, leading the way for other administrations to follow.
Peacemaker? He gave Bibi the thumbs up to continue genocide after the ceasefire ends, which by the way the Jews have already violated.
As usual, Norman Finbkelstein provides important historical perspective on the relationship between Israel/Palestine "peace agreements" and presidential coronations. It won't be long before American-made bombs are again dropping from American-=made jets on defenseless families to further the American goal of non-stop, spreading chaos and carnage across the Middle East for American economic benefit. Link to 8-minute video: https://youtu.be/sJ4SMY2UNW4?si=RvaS5IJFVJjoqbbn
I think it will be S. America that is in danger.
Them too. The whole world. The masters of the dying empire won't go gently into the night, at home and abroad.
Uncertainty Day by Day is the prognosis for the next 4 years.
Trump has more Billionaires in his Cabinet than any other in US History. If Billionaires really cared for the workers, Billionaires wouldn't exist and US History shows that.
The existence of Billionaires is a Crime against Humanity in a MONEY driven World.
With the richest man on earth in charge of cutting wasteful government, the US Military will always get more and the masses less.
The Christ teaches, 'hardly ever will an rich man enter the kingdom of heaven and it will be easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" That doesn't say never. God knows most of the rich loves MONEY more than God and all other Humans made in the image and likeness of God.
As with you, George, I don't remember how I came across John Varoli's Blog, but recognized a Common Cause.
His new article Today requires a radical change in thinking and perception of the World and our place in it, but I think it could work?
'Restore the Republic, End U.S. Militarism, Save the World'
U.S. militarism is the main threat to the American people and global order, reaping a grim harvest in the past 35 years -- Millions killed, tens of millions of refugees, trillions of dollars wasted.
Donald Trump returns to the White House today. The fate of mankind is in his hands. He can save us from a third world war by doing the right thing — end all support to the regime in Kiev and disband NATO; put an end to U.S. militarism and imperialism, and restore the Republic. This should be his top priority. But that seems unlikely............................................................
https://john365.substack.com/p/restore-the-republic-end-us-militarism
White is for suffragettes and virgins. Mel is neither.
I was absolutely floored by today's piece. Really? You see Trump as dedicated--to anything outside himself--as interested in peacemaking, reform,getting things back on track? I don't see how you could believe that even if you are only six years old and didn't see his first term--the things he's said, the people he's appointed totally put the lie to such a notion. Saying he was deprived of the 2020 reelection he was entitled to "under dubious circumstances"--like what? There were SIXTY court cases, some with Republican judges, none found any evidence of fraud. Sure, he said he wanted immediate peace in Ukraine and Greater Israel--but I think we can see at whose expense. The people he has appointed are uniform in their loyalty to him but also in their corruption, unfitness for office, and hostility to the agencies they're supposed to head. And I guess you don't believe in climate change if you think he's anything but utter disaster for the planet. True, the Democrats are only a little less bad in all those things, and possibly worse on the warfare thing--although last time Trump talked peace and made war (pushed by the Establishment, yes, but he was eager to give Natanyahu whatever he wanted). The last president who tried to stand up to the military/CIA/Establishment was assassinated in 1963. But I don't think Trump really wants to. How anyone could believe he wants to eliminate corruption when he openly, brazenly embraces it...
Firstly. Look to S. America. I may be wrong but I think Trump would like to rule from Alaska to Chile.
First watch Venezuela then Panama. Plenty of rainbow revolutions.
An 'antidote' strikes as the most precise characterisation of Trump yet. The question now becomes whether his new term will create the need for an antidote to the second-power. In the best case, these wild iterations may accelerate the way towards a balanced level of common sense.
an exquisitely balanced, sanguine, and articulate article, george.