"Unindicted co-conspirators." Makes a person think. If by "think" one means "completely mischaracterize the concept." When used in a DOJ report on January's insurrection, it made Tucker Carlson "think" of the FBI. "Incredible bombshell," he called it. After which, several Republican loonies in Congress gobbled it up like orange wedges at a kids' soccer match.
To Tucker “Starts-with-T-but-there-are-alternatives” Carlson, the term could only mean Trump’s anti-American insurrection was an FBI operation. To people able to maintain contact with reality, though, it more likely refers to seditionists who laid plans but for which there’s currently inadequate evidence to indict; or to those who stoked anger to murderous levels on the morning of. Mo Brooks, Rudy Giuliani, Ted Cruz, for examples. And, of course, the outvoted “president.” That’s how Nixon was described, after all, back when gates stopped being just things that open and close.
To rationalize their anti-democracy voter suppression laws (because fair elections would doom them, R senators just blocked even discussion, much less a vote, on the For the People Act), Republicans must keep alive the myth of massive election fraud. To keep the lie Trumpophilically credible, they’re morphing the murderous insurrection it engendered into something innocent; or created by deep-state agents, or liberals; or which never happened at all.
What other explanation is there for the Republican representatives who voted against honoring the capitol police? If they didn’t honor them, it didn’t happen. If it didn’t happen, there’s no complicity for those peddling Trump’s big lie.
As to Tucker, they come for the conspiracies and stay for the lies. Who doubts that millions of the Trumpofoxified are buying his FBI connivance, after he repeated it, repeatedly?
Which raises an interesting question: if Tucker’s like-mindless Congress-dwellers believe his deep state confabulation, why vote against a commission to investigate? Wouldn’t they ride the wave of revealed, awful truth to perpetual power? To which the answer can only be, they don’t.
What they do believe, then, is that Trumpublicans can be convinced of anything; so they keep them hot, bothered, ignorant of, and distracted from their real, deep six agenda. By what evidence can anyone say they’re wrong?
They’re not. One needs no more proof than “ItalyGate,” their most recent gate swinging off its hinges, pushed, among others, by a woman sitting for an interview while squatting, unknown to the owner, in a thirty-million-dollar mansion she claimed was hers. Not far enough off, though, to prevent Mark Meadows, Trump’s former chief of staff, from asking the DOJ to look into it.
Because who wouldn’t believe an Italian defense contractor collaborated with the US Embassy in Rome, to beam advanced (alien?) satellite technology into voting machines, stealing millions of Trump votes. Totally real. Real as hacking into machines that aren’t online. From outer space. Real as Jewish space lasers combusting California’s forests.
But not as real as how close Trump brought us to losing it all. Because behind the noise, the deliberate drum of disinformation dispersed by devious deceivers, are disturbing details. Whether getting the Department of Justice to spy on members of Congress and reporters and even his own people, or pressuring it to find non-existent election fraud, he did his best to make the DOJ and, it’s being reported, even the FCC, his personal investigatory and punishment agencies. Like the KGB, Stasi, Gestapo, and OVRA, used by the dictators he so admires to keep their subjects in line and living in fear.
How close? Attorney General Barr willingly mischaracterized the Mueller Report, squelched prosecutorial investigations into Trump’s criminality, resumed the domestic data-gathering at which even Jeff Sessions had finally balked, and let Trump’s criminal enablers, like Roger Stone and Michael Flynn, off the hook. But lying about manifestly absent election fraud was evidently an abridgment too far, even for him, despite his prior eagerness to politicize his department. After failing to confirm Trump’s big lie, he was gone. His successor, pressured by Trump to appoint special counsels to find it, slow-walked it. That close.
As Trumpists keep believing conspiracies egested by their favorite fabulists, and as unscrupulous pushers of them keep getting elected, there are ever fewer people on the right with the integrity and rationality required to protect the Republic. No matter how long he’s been “gone,” Trump’s treachery lives on. Thanks in no small part to Tucker’s anti-American, self-enriching shtick, Vladimir Putin polls higher than President Biden among Trumpists.
First, Russia had Trump. Now it’s Carlson. As he and his believers tear down America, in the Kremlin it’s high fives all around. We're left to wonder if #ucker is in on it.
Love it! Especially the D's in the 10th paragraph.
ReplyDeleteIf you take suggestions, would love to see you go after the idiots of the Critical Race Theory and Health taught the kids. The pundits are saying this will return the nation to Trump! Can you believe it! (I already signed)
Which are the idiots regarding Critical Race Theory? (I assume you're separating "health" from CRT). The idiots trying to prevent it from being taught in grade school, which it isn't; or are you calling CRT idiotic?
ReplyDeleteRs scream about cancel culture, as applied to some of their campus speakers. They're perfectly happy, tho, to cancel the entire history of American racism.
I don't know what "health" is doing in there, either way.
There's no doubt, tho, that Trumpublicans believe fighting another round of culture wars will sufficiently distract voters from what they're blocking to keep them enraged and endumbed.
Well, there's the idiots, and there's the truth. You found a pretty good idiot, not one I'd heard of.
DeleteFor the truth, our state and our area, the teachers and leaders are getting training in this fashion:
https://www.psesd.org/programs-services/equity-in-education
https://www.psesd.org/programs-services/learning-teaching-and-family-support-ltfs
https://www.psesd.org/programs-services/learning-teaching-and-family-support-ltfs/enhancing-equitable-systems/system-and-school-improvement/stay-woke-critical-race-theory-in-education-intro-seminar
https://www.psesd.org/about-psesd/psesd-policies
https://www.psesd.org/programs-services/equity-in-education/racial-equity-convenings
https://www.ubunturesearch.com/associates
I added one of the consultants 'cause she looks cool!
As for the kids, the place(s) to check are the textbooks and curriculum, and the changes there (if any) in the last 4+ years. Every teacher lives on their curriculum, and they have much discretion there, and, from school-to-school.
As for health, well, the nutcases are all over that as well, saying kids are learning pornography (just keeping it simple). If they knew the truth, they'd be better at what they're combatting. Here's some truth:
https://www.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/public/healthfitness/standards/healtheducationk-12learningstandards.pdf
https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/resources-subject-area/sexual-health-education/comprehensive-sexual-health-education-implementation
It's not my intent to deflect from your article, only wanted the suggestion for you to have some fun with. I'm amazed at what is said by those who incite, but moreso by those who believe their garbage. But it's a compelling argument when they produce the cartoon characters in various poses we used to sneak looks at from our fathers top-shelf closet. There was a book on Chris Reykdals OSPI site like that, but they removed it after the pundits disclosed it (did anyone look at the book before they recommended it? who knows).
No need to post this, as it is sure to get my usual complaint of "deflection" from my usual admirer. I'm in position to get flack from both sides of all these issues. It goes to why I like reading your stuff.
I still can't tell where you're standing on CRT. The links you provided aren't about CRT, but about equity, which is, indeed, a central issue facing schools and school boards (to which a member of one I'm married), as well it should be. Especially in districts where there are very wide variations among the students, with regard to wealth, access to various sources... not to mention homes, themselves. CRT is a very specific postulate and legal theory which, far as I know, is only taught in law schools. Maybe some undergrad courses. Not in K-12.
DeleteWell, I guess you're going to post...
DeleteThe links at PSESD lead to white papers that are titled Critical Race Theory, and quite a few of them. As to what individual school districts do with those, there will be varied response. I'll look at a few districts to see how they deal with the services offered. Also, note that it's been going on for a while, not just a recent things.
As for my position on it, I have no dog in this fight. I'm irrelevant. Curriculums are managed by PhD's, and many of them. Lots of East Coast influence, too. My grandchildren are home-schooled, and there is no requirement for them.
Again, was just thinking you'd have fun with the factions at war over it, and I suspect you'll pick the side of support to K-12, particularly now that I've learned you're married to a school board member. Cool! It never occurred to me to look. She'll be aware of things, can probably answer directly!
Her district is served by PSESD, and she may be interested in the links. I doubt there will be any concern for her to deal with, not like the nuts in other states accosting school boards and state council members. Heck, some governors are signing into law anti-CRT things, whatever that could possible mean or accomplish.
This is a beauty...
DeleteI think it explains it well from a person who has a piece of paper most intelligent people would respect. Idiots on the other hand have fun pretending to be smart. The 'ol "Don't open your mouth lest..." factor.
https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2021/06/13/when-biden-attacks-dont-stick-fox-finds-new-targets.cnn/video/playlists/business-reliable-sources/
Although the going is slow, I'm seeing some actions being taken to bring accountability to the previous administration. Rudy's been suspended from practicing law and will likely be disbarred. Nancy is authorizing a select committee to investigate the 1/6/21 insurrection, which is still ongoing, BTW. Two members of the Oath Keepers have pled guilty and agreed to cooperate with the FBI. Merrick Garland is wisely letting the IG investigate the DOJ and how Barr & Trump used it as a cudgel. Biden is doggedly moving his agenda forward, as well as salvaging our reputation in the world. There's more, and more even to be said about the things I mention.
ReplyDeleteI don't watch much Fox TV (won't call it news) but I happened to catch a couple disgusting pieces of film by #ucker and ?ngraham. The former name-calls General Milley and the latter calls to defund the military. Seriously, I'm not kidding. You can look it up. Conservative media denigrating a 4-Star General--the head of the Joint Chiefs, no less!--and bitching about how the Armed Services leadership is trying to make sure our fighting forces are better informed and educated. Astonishing. BTW, if you haven't seen the clip of General Milley testifying before the Congressional Armed Services committee, find it and put it on repeat. His takedown of the babbling nincompoops like Gaetz, et al, and Gaetz's smirky frat boy reaction are both priceless.
I'm a teeny bit hopeful, more than a teeny bit nervous, and convinced there will be more violence this summer. DHS issued a new warning about it yesterday.
You're right...
DeleteI see Biden doing his usual. His whole legacy is wrapped up into this short period of time. Say by October. You don't want the clock to tick 365 days till election. We'll get nothing unless it's via courts or reconciliation.
I have often wondered why the public has certain impressions of the military. But one that seems to be universally overlooked is the brains our military has. Top to bottom, there's some really intelligent, compassionate and professional people.
Young people are the backbone of the military and the younger the more liberal you are. CRT isn't "forced" on anyone. This is an issue long overdue. The military doesn't differentiate between color. You learn that from the first minutes and throughout your tour. So CRT is simply just another piece of the puzzle to make a more cohesive team. This is something the rank and file support.
The only ones who'll ignore the training are nothing but racists or whatever and get weeded out. They always do. This stuff can police itself in many cases I can assure everyone. The military is no place to hate someone.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/cnns-brianna-keilar-hammers-tucker-carlson-for-anti-white-mania-segment-says-he-is-white-rage?utm_source=web_push
DeleteHere's a piece on schools and textbooks and such a massive influence politics has on them.
Delete"Who chooses the history textbooks?
What many students (and even some educators themselves) don’t know is that textbook choice is a highly politicized process in different states."
https://www.today.com/tmrw/who-chooses-history-textbooks-t190833
"“Tucker Carlson didn’t serve. His biggest achievement is having nine lives in the world of cable news, making a bowtie famous,” she also said of Carlson’s attacks on Gen. Milley."
DeleteOuchie...
Me heart Brianna Kieler.
I love Brianna Keillor.
DeleteI see your two L's and raise you an L and a vowel of your choice...lol
DeleteYou notice how most of the real badass journalists/correspondents are women? I'm not talking about the bimbo's at that one cesspool in Manhattan.
But girls with real brains that outwork and out perform everyone. There's not a lot of guys that come to mind. Especially the girls always on the road. W.H. correspondents etc. The women on the progressive side of politics are super smart too.
JMO but, we need more women in politics. A LOT MORE women. We need to yard out the uptight white brigade. One side, the confederates, look like a clan meeting w/o all the fuss of the togas and lampshades.
Not only are women smarter in general. They have a fierceness about them that's unique. A woman will outlast you for starters. So based on those two things alone would tell me to not poke that bear...lol.
Also, women bring a lot of compassion and empathy to the table. Men just don't feel that deeply per capita, for the most part. Men care, but women are just more "lived" than men. More well rounded. I may be biased but I have lived a lot and that's how I see it.
Here's a specialist...She's the $ucker whisperer.
Deletehttps://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2021/06/20/rhetoric-professor-explains-tucker-carlsons-tricks.cnn/video/playlists/business-reliable-sources/
I relinquish an "l" and substitute an "o" for an "a". I must have been thinking of Garrison when I typed that name!
DeleteIf I'm not mistaken, Ms. Keilar is also a military spouse, so double kudos to her. It is her delivery that slays me.
Yeah, I never checked the way to spell it...Still haven't...lol
DeleteYes her delivery is the best. Emma Vigeland has that great delivery too. That kinda deadpan thing.
And wouldn't ya know it, Texas is pitching a fit over CRT in schools (or anywhere else). That's the same Texas that has an oversized roll in what our textbooks say.
ReplyDeleteThey are spoiled brats. They want veto over EVERYTHING they don't like or they'll kill you. Like end you, really kill you.
Also, I've NEVER felt guilty or ashamed of my skin(white). CRT is supposed to make white people feel guilt according to these nut cases. Once again, projecting and deflecting. How you say?
White supremacy and the lovers they lay with, are made to feel "guilty" about they they did today and have been doing for their entire lives probably. They feel "guilty" because they are being told that everything they thought was right, is in fact wrong. Politics and religion and anything else. They are being told they are horrible people.
Also, 'guilt' and 'shame' are two different things. These people are ashamed, and feel no guilt. A guilty person wants to change their ways. Ashamed, and you will slink away and disappear, never changing your ways. "The grass is greener" type people. Work doubly hard to stay out of those situations and spend enormous energy to rethink your cover story about how you love everyone and has a friend who's (ethnicity). Instead of spending the time and emotional energy to change for the better, they dig in deeper. We are gonna be dealing with white supremacist violence for a long long long time. I'm just glad everyone's decided to do something about it.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/06/27/texas-critical-race-theory-abbott-educators/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&wpisrc=nl_opinions&utm_campaign=wp_opinions
They're brilliant at getting people riled about the wrong things. CRT is NOT taught in K-12, anywhere. Not even in Texas.
DeleteMeanwhile, we're having record breaking heat and no R is talking about climate change. Perfect. They'll win on shit like this.
Well, perhaps that was/is a challenge, "not taught anywhere".
DeleteSo, I figgered I'd find it in Mukilteo School District, since you don't believe the PSESD website(?).
Kamiak High School in their "Summer Reading 2021-2022" for AP Language and Composition (11th grade) assigns the summer school student to "Read every article in the July/August 2021 issue of The Atlantic", and cites two that "will be used extensively for class discussion and writing". I'll agree, they don't say which two.
Part Two of the letter is interesting as it has the student "Start with reading the essay 'The Case for Reparations' by Ta-Nehisi Coates (2014)" and "Everything That Rises Must Converge" by Flannery O'Connor, and, "The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro" by Frederick Douglass (1852). [I'm going to do this assignment myself! Thanks Kamiak!]
It's a great assignment, realize I'm not addressing the wrongness or rightness of Critical Race Theory, of which I hope you'll recognize Ta-Nehisi Coates contribution through the New York Times? (am I wrong).
You see, hiding ones head in the sand that these things aren't being taught anywhere in K-12 is just as ignoring to things as, ulp, others!?
btw, there are more examples, but I'm hoping to not have to cite too many(?).
[btw, I read The Atlantic article on this with great interest; found it because Gary was always referring to them, and I read many of his referrals (even offered a few of my own I think, too) I like The Atlantic]
You've wanted me "to get off the fence" about CRT (my words), but I won't. You see, the consequences of things is of interest to me, and mankind continues in those things. If I had any impact on any of it, I might be different. But, I don't. It's an unfair question, I don't expect an answer, but I wonder where Public School Board participants stand on including those things. Some of them have influence. They're important.
CRT is a specific "theory," originating in law journals, discussing whether the US justice system can address racial issues fairly. Very specific, and intentionally misconstrued by Rs. Because it keeps people agitated about bullshit.
DeleteOf course (until the rightwing screamers get their way) issues around racial equity are taught and considered of prime importance in public schools, by administrators, teachers, and board members. Here, anyway, if not in Texas and Florida. Why you think it's an unfair question escapes me. Also, asked previously and answered.
History is also taught, which, if Govs of TX and FLA have their way, will no longer include mention of slavery, the civil war, the civil rights act, etc. Because to do is is to "hate America."
Far as I can tell, you're bundling/confusing/pushing CRT with any teaching of racial issues. In that, you're wrong.
The important point is that Trumpists et ilk want to keep their 99% white base feeling angry and sorry for themselves. Dredging up CRT from its 50 year old roots has been a goldmine of grievance for them. And, since you've not said otherwise, perhaps you, too.
P.S. I assume I'm "talking" to ks. I'll repeat my wish that anonymi would add some sort of identifier when they comment.
DeleteP.P.S. Assuming you were referring to me, "Hiding one's head in the sand" is as fking insulting as it is completely, exasperatingly wrong.
DeleteOK, I can see what you're saying now. So the fools out there have chosen the wrong acronym. And, I agree, it's working for them, as it is the "handle" used in all discussions, Christian Schools and others. Is it useful for us to be the only correct ones on the subject? But I think a war of the terms will be problematic, maybe there's an article in that for you?
DeleteI'll read what you write in different light with that subject.
As for my own opinion, which you've already formed for me, you couldn't be more wrong. If teaching __________ ("equity"?) works, I'm all for it! So, the problem might become how to overcome those who war successfully against it.
It's an interesting dilemma.
[you keep wanting me to sign "ks", but that person died with the Herald, and what professionals manuveured her to be in others viewpoints. I'll agree, STO made mincemeat of him. But, even throughout all of those drubbings, I never failed course and voted "D's", because I, too, don't like what the fringe have been doing to the rest of us, "D's" included. We're in charge now, and it's going to stay that way awhile. Sanity is returning, but it seems a few shock treatments and lobotomies are occurring along the way...]
But, if my conversation is always viewed as contentious, then...? (you always seem interested, do I have that wrong too?) Signed, D
Sorry, time for me to depart.
DeleteI do not mean to insult anyone.
My best wishes for you and all others here.
Signed D (Kirk out)
Your choice, not mine. But there's "contentious" and there's insulting. Implying, wrongly, because of your misunderstanding of CRT and ignoring, in that context, what I'd said about it, that I had my "head in the sand" was insulting. If it wasn't intended as that, it nevertheless stemmed from your assumption that you were right and I was wrong. Sometimes the case, but not in this one.
DeleteI just read local author Timothy Egan's biography "Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher". If any American has any doubt about the complete avoidance of educating students concerning racial mistreatment of non-white people in our history, this book will open their eyes and minds to the sad plight of the North American Indians.
ReplyDeleteWealth and military power have been used to obscure truth and reality.
I like his writing, especially his columns in the NYT. His previous book, "Pilgrimage to Eternity" is a recounting of his walking (mostly) from Canterbury to Rome, like the pilgrims of old. A good read.
DeleteThanks for recommending that book. I started reading it today.
DeleteOn my 40th birthday, I took a 21 day Globus Gateway guided bus tour from Canterbury to Rome and back to Paris. It will be interesting to read Egan's account.