Trump is very aware of the power of his words and unconcerned about the results. Stop thinking anything about him that gives him a "pass" on anything. He may be, in John Kelly's words, "the dumbest sonofabitch I ever met" but do not underestimate his low cunning.
I respectfully disagree--I think that Trump is ENTIRELY aware of the impact of his words. Violence is exactly what he wants, as it will gratify his pathetic ego ("Look, these people are fighting for ME").
I fully believe he knows what his words mean to his supporters. He absolutely knows and understands this, he sat watching January 6th in all his glory. It’s all such a disgrace to this great country of ours, the United States of America.
Violence is a very big part of our entertainment. I think many people find violence dramatic, exciting, and good fun. I bet if fistfights broke out on the House floor we would have many more people suddenly watching C-span. I don’t think this means it isn’t really dangerous, but explains the normalization of violence.
It important to link all this to gun rights.
The violence isn’t going to be limited to body slams and fist fights.
Normally i look forward to "so what?" but this was very depressing to read. yes i know we cannot select our news. thank you for reporting the truth, as painful as it is.
I believe the increased embracing political violence concern is very real and with a well armed populace an exacerbating feature; but how motivated those answering to affirmation of violence truly being willing to take that next step? It's anyone's guess, but those behind bars for participating in January 6th may be a little less sanguine to participate in another similar effort. Perhaps an example of negative reinforcement from the DOJ might contribute to a more thoughtful electorate. This may be wishcasting and misplaced optimism, but I do believe our country and it's more moderate temperament is not appreciative of violent approaches to fomenting change.
This was traceable all the way back to the old “black helicopters” crowd, which is part of what gave us Tim McVeigh in Oklahoma City. I can remember the very early days of the Internet when the old Usenet newsgroups were full of would-be bunker guys half openly talking about how it didn’t matter if the government had tanks, they’d supposedly just wait until the crews got out and shoot them then. That kind of attitude has always been just under the surface, Trump just opened up the sealed evil in a can and let it out into the daylight.
I also wonder what will happen if, and when, the Orange Dufus is convicted of a felony and sent to prison. Will his army of supporters storm the prison to bust him out?
I just feel like anyone who voted for Trump shouldn't be allowed to stay in our country anymore. To give a normal citizen (prior to January 2017) with the scandals Trump had even before the 2016 election), ALL of this power. The power to pardon, the power to claim immunity, etc, is a disrace to me. Thankfully my wife is from New Zealand. If none of these charges against Trump result in a conviction and prison time, and he win the election, I'm leaving the country!
I don’t to minimize the threat of political violence, but you might want to compare the US situation to Weimar Germany in the early 1930s as the SA civilian Nazi organization organized. It amounted to 5% of the German population: armed, trained, uniformed, disciplined. This is when political violence explodes...right now we have largely a bunch of lone wolves, small militant groups whose biggest event was 30,000 at the Capitol. They have not killed anyone yet let alone started assassinates candidates locally. A lot of this pro-violence sentiment reflects people imagining their readiness to be violent in response to other side. You can’t take this kind of survey language too literally.
Trump is very aware of the power of his words and unconcerned about the results. Stop thinking anything about him that gives him a "pass" on anything. He may be, in John Kelly's words, "the dumbest sonofabitch I ever met" but do not underestimate his low cunning.
i like Rex Tillerson's assessment far better.
Yes, highly accurate.
I respectfully disagree--I think that Trump is ENTIRELY aware of the impact of his words. Violence is exactly what he wants, as it will gratify his pathetic ego ("Look, these people are fighting for ME").
He may! I just can't see into his brain (thankfully!) to know.
"Tippy top" comment by you!
I fully believe he knows what his words mean to his supporters. He absolutely knows and understands this, he sat watching January 6th in all his glory. It’s all such a disgrace to this great country of ours, the United States of America.
Violence is a very big part of our entertainment. I think many people find violence dramatic, exciting, and good fun. I bet if fistfights broke out on the House floor we would have many more people suddenly watching C-span. I don’t think this means it isn’t really dangerous, but explains the normalization of violence.
It important to link all this to gun rights.
The violence isn’t going to be limited to body slams and fist fights.
Normally i look forward to "so what?" but this was very depressing to read. yes i know we cannot select our news. thank you for reporting the truth, as painful as it is.
Sorry, Mark!
He's a malignant narcissist who knows EXACTLY what he is doing. His type is just sometimes surprised by how effective their vitriol is.
Trust me -- I was married to one.
I heard a recording of one of the Proud Boys leaders, saying that one of the group's goals is the normalization of political violence.
The Trump Street Thug Posse.
Great place we're at, folks.
I believe the increased embracing political violence concern is very real and with a well armed populace an exacerbating feature; but how motivated those answering to affirmation of violence truly being willing to take that next step? It's anyone's guess, but those behind bars for participating in January 6th may be a little less sanguine to participate in another similar effort. Perhaps an example of negative reinforcement from the DOJ might contribute to a more thoughtful electorate. This may be wishcasting and misplaced optimism, but I do believe our country and it's more moderate temperament is not appreciative of violent approaches to fomenting change.
This was traceable all the way back to the old “black helicopters” crowd, which is part of what gave us Tim McVeigh in Oklahoma City. I can remember the very early days of the Internet when the old Usenet newsgroups were full of would-be bunker guys half openly talking about how it didn’t matter if the government had tanks, they’d supposedly just wait until the crews got out and shoot them then. That kind of attitude has always been just under the surface, Trump just opened up the sealed evil in a can and let it out into the daylight.
He's not unaware. He's hoping people read between the lines and take him up on it. It would bring him joy to see this country burn to the ground.
He is a Fascist waiting for his moment. Frightening!
I also wonder what will happen if, and when, the Orange Dufus is convicted of a felony and sent to prison. Will his army of supporters storm the prison to bust him out?
Small quibble over the poll question: Patriot doesn’t mean what it used to. Might have skewed the numbers even more (worse!) if it had been omitted.
Agreed.
"We have met the enemy and they are us!"
~ Walt Kelly's "Pogo" (syndicated cartoon series of mid-20th century) per global pollution.
I just feel like anyone who voted for Trump shouldn't be allowed to stay in our country anymore. To give a normal citizen (prior to January 2017) with the scandals Trump had even before the 2016 election), ALL of this power. The power to pardon, the power to claim immunity, etc, is a disrace to me. Thankfully my wife is from New Zealand. If none of these charges against Trump result in a conviction and prison time, and he win the election, I'm leaving the country!
I don’t to minimize the threat of political violence, but you might want to compare the US situation to Weimar Germany in the early 1930s as the SA civilian Nazi organization organized. It amounted to 5% of the German population: armed, trained, uniformed, disciplined. This is when political violence explodes...right now we have largely a bunch of lone wolves, small militant groups whose biggest event was 30,000 at the Capitol. They have not killed anyone yet let alone started assassinates candidates locally. A lot of this pro-violence sentiment reflects people imagining their readiness to be violent in response to other side. You can’t take this kind of survey language too literally.
I think John Kelly was absolutely right!
The possibilities are frightening beyond words!!