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Alexandra Barcus's avatar

If you by snakeoil, be ready for the illness or death it may visit upon you. This is an astute analysis of our Trump problem. We all need to get involved, fight hard, and realize what is truly at stake. I wish every Republican had to read a statement about life under authoritarianism before they cast a ballot. I think most have no clear idea of just how bad it gets. I spent time in the Soviet Union and have studied Russia and Eastern Europe for over forty years. And I am very familiar with the Third Reich. Now Putin is openly endorsing Trump. I remember when I was angry at Reagan for saying all Russians were atheists and could not be trusted. That was a demonstrably false statement. But in some ways he was right. In an authoritarian state, you follow the leader’s positions or there are consequences. Now is not the time to sit back and feel morally superior to Republicans in the House. If Trump wins and does as he says he will do, all he’ll will truly break loose. China and Russia will be picking at the leftovers like vultures. Already we are ignoring serious warning signs about Russian Sabre rattling in Europe. Lithuania and Poland have CLOSED half their border crossings with more on the line as Russia takes up residence through the Corridor. Moldova is worried. Romania is angry about drone pieces falling on their territory. Hungary is run by a virtual despot, and Belarus is effectively a Russian satellite. Poland is now getting very fretful. They should be. Putin has made his intentions crystal clear. Ukraine is not a war in some minor country. This is Europe. These are our Allies. I have to be an alarmist because too many people in this country assume everything will work out in the next election, or even if Trump is elected, it won’t really be so bad. Guess again. For those who say there is nothing they can do about the political situation, I don’t believe it. This is your country. Find a way to save it. Get out the vote at the very least!

I think the reason DeSantis is failing stems from his inability to get cozy with the customers when he tries to sell the snake oil. You have to be likable or the folks won’t listen. You have to shake hands or tell jokes. DeSantis is a failure at the interpersonal stuff.

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Tom Dabney's avatar

A thoughtful description of how a gangster occasionally gains mass appeal. Right up until Texas Rangers gunned down Bonnie & Clyde, their daredevil antics offered a diversion from economic depression and the hero-free world of everyday folks. In reality, for B&C as well as Trump & Co., they were breaking rules fundamental to society, not merely pious norms. Others did the heavy lifting of electrification of the Lone Star State (Roosevelt & LBJ) and, later, making a Texas university one of the best venues for classical studies and reflection on what makes for real leaders - classical virtues of courage, wisdom, temperance and a genuine interest in justice. Today, little Teddy Cruz delights in the prospect of pardoning gangster Trump, the Guv in battering vulnerable women & kids, and an historic majority of Lone State voters so blinded by the kind of prejudice that enables truly unworthy men. Ann Richards, where art thou?

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