I ran across this video and wanted to share it with you. Like the speaker I too have wondered why other people in our country aren’t as concerned as I am with its direction. I have often said that until people are directly affected adversely by Trump’s actions they will not understand what is happening in our country.
Here is the Mother Jones article:
The Dual State
The example of the actions of ICE in Minnesota as part of the prerogative state seems valid. I said at the time that we were seeing what a true authoritarian regime looked like. And it took the actions of thousands of Minnesotans to make them back off. But that was only a temporary reprieve.
The Mother Jones article was written last fall so at the time Trump’s tariffs had not been ruled on yet by the Supreme Court. While the Supreme Court ended up ruling against Trump’s actions that does not mean the end of Trump’s tariffs. He is merely trying other methods to get what he wants.
As we watch Trump attacking Iran without the approval of Congress, without any care for innocent people caught in between, we are seeing another example of prerogative state behavior. At least in my opinion.
On a lighter note, another inspirational song.
63 comments:
"Iran describes deal as 'humiliating retreat' by Trump:"
Reuters
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, it appears that Trump's threat to obliterate Iran's civilization has MTG & Tucker Carlson, to name two, openly disgusted. I think the cracks in MAGA are widening.
"I think the cracks in MAGA are widening."
Yeah, I been noticing signs of that for several weeks now.
And now he's gonna be seen as having folded against Iran. (Beat their military all to shit, but still couldn't put 'em down, and finally folded.) That's gonna make the cracks wider as well. Also gonna make Trump even more unpredictable as he casts about for another headline to replace his Iranian fiasco.
Just another T.A.C.0. Tuesday.
Some of my hard-core Trumpkin friends texted me overnight that the Iranians folded, not Trump. I haven't yet heard the rationalization that backs that spin, other than one of them reminded me that they now hate Kamala Harris as if she were Hillary Clinton. But, I've yet to figure out what hating Kamala Harris has to do with anything at issue here. (Or Hillary Clinton either, for that matter.)
I've read that, of the ships backed up in the Straight of Hormuz, some 80% are already inside, waiting to get out. Only 20% are outside, waiting to get in. This does not indicate a return to normal oil traffic any time soon.
It sounds like the ceasefire may be falling apart anyway. Iran is ticked because Israel is still attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon.
There was word that Iran was letting out one of their ships and a Chinese flagged ship. As long as they pick and choose it won't fly.
Near as I can make it out Trump is pretending the Straight is open 'cause he don't want the oil prices to jump up and the stock prices to jump down. The Iranians are fine with him pretending 'cause they don't want him to start bombing again if they can put that off awhile longer. They're past masters of negotiations that go nowhere, so they want to get JD Vance to Pakistan and negotiate on him until Kushner and Witkoff figure out there's no bribes for Trump to collect here and then they'll go home and leave JD to enjoy life in a stern Islamic environment while Trump tries to figure out how to get himself out of the mess he's made of this. (Marco Rubio being happy as Hell it ain't him got this one to play out.)
My guess is it ends up with Trump launching another surprise attack while the Iranians are at the negotiating table with JD. (That'll make three times Trump has reached for that trick.)
Oh, by the way, I finally figured out how the Trumpkins spin this as other than Trump chickened out again…. They claim it was Trump's violent rhetoric and threats that got Iran to the negotiating table. They forget that the Iranians are long practiced at endless negotiation.
Word is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf will be leading Iran's negotiating team in Islamabad, Pakistan. He's the "Speaker" of the Iranian Parliament, and one who yesterday complained that Trump was ignoring three of the "10 points" including Iran's right to engage in nuclear fuel enrichment. Trump had called this a "FAKE" when the demand was reported by CNN. Now JD Vance will face straight it from the Iranians' mouth. Insisting it's "FAKE" will not avail him.
The oil markets and the stock market are smarter than Trump. I think oil is already going back up. Not sure about the stock market, I haven't looked today. I still think that a double blockade of the Strait is the only way to force Iran to really deal.
I suppose one of the reasons that the Trumpkins are Trumpkins is because they, like their Dear Leader, don't necessarily deal well with reality. It's doubtful that Trump's hysterical rhetoric has done anything but piss off every day Iranians.
Oh, did you notice Trump suggesting that when this is over the US and the Iranians could charge a toll on vessels navigating the Strait? Anything to make a buck! That will just add another layer to the cost of oil. The more middle men the higher the cost.
"Anything to make a buck!"
Yeah, I'd noticed that. That's why Kushner and Witkoff are there. Kushner is Trump's original bagman; he's there to arrange Trump's cut while keeping Trump at arm's length from the collection process in case of subsequent interest from law enforcement. Witkoff is a newer addition to the bagman position; they're a team now.
Trump held a meeting with NATO's Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Wednesday and for better than an hour screamed insults and threats at him and generally performed an hour long childish tantrum. Mr. Rutte and European NATO sources consider the meeting went fairly well, all in all. They think Trump got it out of his system for awhile at least and they can get back to NATO business now. Politico
It's middle of the afternoon on Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan, and peace talks led by JD Vance are supposed to start tomorrow. That's not much time for Trump to talk himself into another sneak attack on Iran, so let's assume the sneak attack won't happen. That means what will happen is talks will begin with JD Vance leading the American delegation. This could be very good for JD Vance's standing among the Trumpkan/Republican party primary electorate. I suspect it will be much less good for Vance's prospects in a national general election.
They say the talks are going well. That remains to be seen.
It sounds like the US sent a couple to ships into the Strait to remove mines. Iran wasn't too happy.
"They say the talks are going well."
Of course they're gonna say that. But they had to pay the Iranians to show up, billions of dollars, that's "billions" with a "B".
Reuters
Quite possible the Iranians won't get their billions of dollars ↑↑ now.
Trump announced that the US Navy will block the Strait of Hormuz.
I would assume that the release of Iranian funds would be a key point for the Iranian side I'd they were to reach a deal.
"If" not "i'd"
What ever happened to spell check?
Originally, Reuters was reporting that Trump would release Iran's impounded funds in return for Iran showing up to begin negotiations. But, that got back to the White House before Iran got the money withdrawn, and suddenly the White House was denying any such agreement existed, and the Iranians didn't ever get their money.
"Trump announced that the US Navy will block the Strait of
Hormuz."
He's gotta know that's gonna get him laughed at. (But, it'll fly among the dedicated Trumpkins, and that's important to him.)
What idiot came up with the idea of paying Iran to come to the table?
As for the feasibility of blocking the Strait, it would have to be up to the navy to determine whether or not they can block it enough to hurt the Iranians. There will always be smuggling.
And it remains to be seen whether the Russians or Chinese want to confront the US. While i believe in free navigation of the sea and don't agree with charging a toll, the Iranians started blocking the Strait. Until this war is over it is fair game.
On another note, is it possible that Victor Orban is toast? Could it be possible that Trump's cozying up to Orban may actually prove detrimental to his health? Politically speaking, of course.
"What idiot came up with the idea of paying Iran to come to
the table?"
That would be somebody thought they had better sense than to brag on payment before they'd had time to withdraw the money.
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"As for the feasibility of blocking the Strait…"
The Strait narrows down to under 35 kilometers wide. Our navy can block that. Might take a few hits from missiles and drones, but they can block that.
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"On another note, is it possible that Victor Orban is toast?"
Quite possible, maybe even likely. But, he's cheated before and gotten away with it.
Nope, looks like the better angels in Hungary won. Orban has conceded.
Wasn't even close.
Trump seems to be doing a fairly good job of calming the markets today. I was expecting a jump in oil prices and something of a dive on the stock market, but he's kept everybody optimistic.
Hmmm… Seems to have dropped its cookies.
I have to wonder how wise it is to take on the Pope, especially one so popular?
But Trump seems to like to go where angels fear to tread.
Oil is down on hopes that talks will resume.
Stocks are up as well. Trump has been doing a better job of calming the markets than I'd expected. I can't complain; calm markets is a good thing. But I can be a touch surprised.
Meanwhile Trump has expanded his blockade of the Strait. He's now claimed he's closing Iran's harbors across the board, including the ones outside the Strait. That may be rather more difficult than blocking off the narrow confines of the Strait of Hormuz
Ahh April 16th, a day after the tax ddeadline, and people may be waking up to the fact that those big refunds promised in the One Big Beautiful Bill aren't quite so beautiful after all, or worse, not a refund at all.
I believe we should have learned by now that Trump's supporters will not abandon him just because he breaks his campaign promises. He hates; viciously and quite publicly he hates. And he hates their chosen enemies, queers, liberals, darkies, Muslims, etc. It's a fairly long list.
And they just soak it up. As long as he does that they'll back him, campaign promises notwithstanding.
(After the crash their priorities might change.)
It seems that the empty seats outnumbered the occupied at the latest Turning Point event where JD Vance spoke. He was also heckled. Doesn't bode well for his 2028 presidential run.
I do believe that Vance is gonna have a hard time corralling the MAGA vote when, and if, his time comes 'round. He's tried hard to rebrand himself as "a good ol' boy", but they're mostly not buyin' it. They're not particularly warming up to Marco Rubio either.
Of course, there remains the possibility that Trump will decide the only Trumpkan/Republican who can be relied upon to protect ex-President Trump from investigation is President Trump himself. (Specifically not a reference to ex-President Trump.) I don't think he's going for a 3rd election but he may try to hang on.
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On a side note: New Jersey sent another Democrat to the House of Representatives last night, cutting Mike Johnson's already slim lead by one vote.
Hang on rather like a bad rash, yes. And to prevent investigation not just of himself. I think there are certain Trump traits that are all in the family.
My "money" is on the Pope in Trump's current ginned up battle, btw. The Pope isn't likely to fold like a wet dish rag, morally speaking, like all of the Replicans.
Republicans
Iran has announced the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
One would think this whole mess would encourage further decoupling from oil.
It would appear that Iran's movement on "opening" Hormuz has emboldened Trump. He immediately began issuing new demands and even began issuing orders to Netanyahu. One thing was not clear from Iran's proclamation on Hormuz. Were they talking about the duration of the actual ceasefire? Or were they talking about the remainder of the two week declared ceasefire term? I've noticed interpretations both ways. (I think they meant just until Tuesday.)
Now we will see whether Trump going triumphalist in the middle of the war works out for him. It may "harden their hearts" to invoke a phrase popular in one of the perennial Easter movies.
(I have read that European and Asian actors are looking harder at renewable energy since the beginning of our newest oil war.)
I find it curious that Pakistan managed to negotiate a deal with Iran that Trump pronounced acceptable and yet JD Vance (and his trailing bagmen Kushner and Witkoff) managed only to reach an impasse after one day of negotiations (long day).
I'm thinkin' that doesn't exactly put a shine on Vance. (Kushner and Witkoff were window dressing--they were there just to assuage Trump's ego after Iran insisted they wouldn't deal with the two of them anymore, and that they wanted Vance or Rubio to show up).
Of course, I've been thinking of earlier conflicts in which the American government has been involved. Specifically, I've been recalling incidents of the earlier "Indian Wars". The Americans had a curious habit of picking out compliant natives and designating them as "Chiefs", and then getting them to sign treaties supposedly trading away the lands and rights of natives not present and not aware. It often didn't work out well.
Speaking of which, (not working out well, that is…) The Iranian military has announced that Hormuz is closed again.
That didn't take long. They fired on a couple of ships, one an oil tanker.
That's part of the problem with removing leadership. There is no one left who can control the remnants of the old regime.
Or, possibly, they're just negotiating with the wrong "chief".
Could be they made the old "Indian Wars" mistake all over again and negotiated with the compliant ones, not the ones with actual authority among the tribes.
I mean… Think 'bout. They negotiated with an official delegation from Iran--sent Vance even. That one deadlocked.
Then they had semi-secret negotiations with unnamed parties supposedly on Iran's behalf.
Trump being Trump, who would he choose to talk to? People who flattered him obviously, but those would be hard to find among Iran's elite. Second choice for Trump would be people who told him what he wanted to hear instead of how things really were.
That's just Trump bein' Trump.
Meanwhile, the longer this goes on Trump's MAGA followers are getting more angry. It's all about the economy. If this keeps them away from the ballot box, or better yet, voting against the Republicans who caused this, maybe there is a silver lining to this thunderstorm.
And the ramifications of Trump's health care "policy" have only just started.
Yes, Trump has always lived in a fantasy world with regard to his power and abilities.
Trump has announced that negotiations with real named parties will begin again tomorrow (Monday) in Islamabad, Pakistan. Iran said they haven't yet decided to attend. Reuters Leaves me wondering who Trump's people will be negotiating with this time.
Apparently he's trying to nudge someone into coming, announcing that the ceasefire ends on Wednesday and it's doubtful it will resume.
Vance's Monday arrival in Islamabad, has been rolled back to a Tuesday departure.
They want to avoid the video of JD Vance in Pakistan all by his lonesome (except for the trailing bagmen, Kushner and Witkoff).
Well, they've thought about it and decided Vance is going to Islamabad anyway.
It's thought the bagmen, Kushner and Witkoff, will be going as well. (The Saudi rep will be there.)
We have a saying Minnesota, blink and the weather will change. The same could be said for Trump's policies. He has now said he will extend the ceasefire.
And they've called off JD Vance's trip to Pakistan (but I was expecting that).
I just remembered that it's Tuesday. T.A.C.0. Tuesday is here again.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, it appears that Virginia has voted for the redistricting that seems to give more seats to a Democrats.
Lose the "a" in that sentence and it reads better.
The Iranian delegation already IN Islamabad, Pakistan has left for the remaining destinations on its itinerary. They got out before Kushner and Witkoff got off the ground here in the states.
Trump appears to have finally recognized the snub to his preferred personal emissaries and has decreed that there is no further need to send American representatives to Pakistan until first they call and plead for negotiations.
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116466283877725023
There were shots fired at the White House correspondents dinner tonight where Trump was to speak. The gunman is in custody.
The Iranians are adept at making Trump look like an idiot. But then they have help from Trump.
It would seem some guest at the hotel attacked a secret service agent. Shot him in the "protective gear". Or, that's how it's being told just now. (I am curious about a picture I saw of shirtless man pinned to the ground, face down, with a black clad man on top of him.)
No doubt the Trumpkins are gearing up to pronounce this another intervention by Jesus on Trump's behalf.
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