100% on point! Oh and just for fun does anyone recall the actual percentage of small businesses in this country that have fueled the overall economy for decades? 80%? Jesus wept
It's interesting that the Republican President seems to be intent on killing off Walmart and Amazon. A majority of the products both companies sell are made in China. Trump must be an equal opportunity destroyer - large or small, he doesn't care.
Part of David Brooks’ piece in the Atlantic today: A painful and necessary read- all of it
If there is an underlying philosophy driving Trump, it is this: Morality is for suckers. The strong do what they want and the weak suffer what they must. This is the logic of bullies everywhere. And if there is a consistent strategy, it is this: Day after day, the administration works to create a world where ruthless people can thrive. That means destroying any institution or arrangement that might check the strongman’s power. The rule of law, domestic or international, restrains power, so it must be eviscerated. Inspectors general, judge advocate general officers, oversight mechanisms, and watchdog agencies are a potential restraint on power, so they must be fired or neutered. The truth itself is a restraint on power, so it must be abandoned. Lying becomes the language of the state.”
Thanks for identifying that number! And I’m certain we all have first hand stories about what it takes to start, run, and “succeed” as a small business in this country. At our local farmers market this past weekend: everyone there is working hard to make their small business thrive.
Well, traditionally, in a few years. Trump will probably succumb to a KFC induced heart attack before then, but his minions are going to learn what happens to minions in the epilogue.
All judges/lawyers those with a law license, since 1960 to 2025 (for those of you who are not good at math or want to be fed the facts that is 65 years) have had the chance to do something.. Take 1 very expensive case for NYC, the concrete for 40 WALL STREET...djt was scamming the workers of NYC with who🤔 Carlo Gambino, Fat Tony Salerno, etc. The MOB ( speaking of mob where is fat rudy) was getting a "cut" of every yard of concrete poured for the 40 WALL STREET bldg.
Multiply this scam times ALLLLLL the scams the flourescent fürer and many others have committed on NYC, us taxpayers, and the world (Panama bldg).
And who was running the "scams" 🤔 yep YOUR flourescent fürer
It’s up to us to stop them and I think we are starting to activate. It’s going to be hard and not much fun. We should have paid more attention to what the P2025 people were onto behind the scenes. One of my peeves with the Democrats, with some exceptions, is that we are too naive, to trusting that the system works, the Rule of Law will be respected and not realizing that there are those out there hellbent on taking it down. We have been innocents among the wolves. 🐺 More than time to wake up and smell the spreading rot in our garden.
I despise thievery. Sometimes , due to the stress, the poor steal for survival. But what worry does she hold regarding 'survival'. I see only greed by making our nation struggle.
A psychopath (Trump) requires no reason to do anything! He does what he wants to anyone he wants. He lives in his own head! If the world crashes around him, he’ll still come to the conclusion that he’s right! God save us from this ONE!
I agree. I don't see much in terms of strategy, even for his own benefit. Trump works on 'instinct', which is psychopathic. That is why everything he touches comes crashing down; he does not have very good instinct to start from... except for fleecing the MAGAts.
I see the possibility of miracles everywhere. Look at all the cases he has lost in challenges by Judges, and the Supreme Court judgement of 9-0, against him. I see a living miracle at every 'peaceful' nation-wide marches. Gop's and blues and Independents, march as one against him..He is the most despised potus in the entire history of our nation. He has been rebuked by many church leaders, who do not hold back. And lately at the service for Pope Francis, Zelenskyy received a standing ovation. When djt entered, one could hear a pin drop. When Cory Booker broke a record speaking for 25 hours, that was a miracle, too. Granted, these are just small miracles, and much greater ones are coming. The thing about faith, it instills a power, lacking in the one We know as -45 ( he was impeached, so that cancels his claim to it )
What is equally sad is that while he and his cronies are getting rich off insider trading, influence-pedling, etc. there is no hope that a single one of them will be prosecuted. Who would investigate? Trump's FBI? Who would prosecute? Trump's Department of Justice? Even if one or more were some how successfully prosecuted, what would be the likelihood that there would be any substantive sentencing? After all, President Trump is already a 34-time convicted felon 😡
“Meanwhile, as predicted, other countries began to put tariffs on goods from the United States or pause exports, and global markets fell. Americans from business leaders to small business owners to consumers and wage workers called out the “stupidity” of Trump’s trade war. Others noted that the tariffs appeared to be intended as a shakedown as countries or businesses who offered Trump the right price could get exemptions.”
THESE TARIFFS ARE A WAY TO SCAM ALL OF US AND TAKE AS MUCH MONEY AND THEN CONVERT BILLIONS SO TRUMP AND REPUBLICANS TO BE INVOLVED IN INSIDE TRADING THEY ALL ARE COMMITING FELONIES. THAT IS WHY TRUMP PLACES ALL THESE TARIFFS TO MAKE ALL OF THE STOCKS LOOSE MONEY AND THEN DECIDED TO PUT A HOLD ON THEM AND TRUMP STATED TO THE WORLD TO BUY NOW WHICH WAS HIS SIGNAL TO INSIDE TRADING. A FULL INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE DONE ASAP.
Brian, it's worse than that. Trump is paving the way for his pals' "Freedom Cities" to be built, packed with the world's best resources, for the ultrarich, leaving everybody else to fend for themselves in the hostile new realities of climate change. Seriously, has nobody noticed how the American establishment (the military, the Supreme Court, even most corporations) is letting him get away with what he's done so far? What if it were Obama? Can anybody guarantee Obama would still be in office by now? I fear it will take more than courts to remove this man from office. And I fear for peace in America.
I wonder about that too, Marta, what will trump do with the Military?
It surprised me that his reference to never having to vote again, back in 2023, wasn’t taken seriously in the run up to the election, as it clearly illustrates his determination to stay on and that would obviously need the military to quell any dissent from the population.
I don’t live in the U.S., thankfully at this stage, but the whole world is watching to see how the U.S. will avoid an authoritarian takeover.
Precisely, James. I was also stunned that nobody took that seriously. But then again, nobody believed he was going to do what he very clearly and often said he was going to do. And I guess nobody took the trouble to have a look at Project 2025 either. I am a European, living in the EU, thankfully, in a (still mostly) democratic country, but for how long? And it would be naïve of me to think that the debacle of the American economy wouldn't hurt us all. But there's only so much a few alert individuals can do. Because from the conversations I've been having with family, friends and colleagues, nobody really seems to believe that we're headed for very difficult times.
China has the last laugh because they know America import nearly all of it technological products from their county. The art of the deal (which never worked well for Trump) fell flat on its face with China as it will with the other countries also. And only you The American people will suffer because of the trade war he is instigating.
I am in Australia so if and only if I would play the stock market it would be in Australia not America. If this is really you I lived in your country that is why I am angry with what is happening
Trump has openly courted bribes from the richest people and corporations and I assume Apple is the latest to acquiesce to those demands. To some extent, the tariffs are nothing more or less than extortion, and the little companies, as Bryan said, are just shit out of luck!
Ditto the little countries vs the bigger ones that can give him something. He’s gonna ruin places like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Cambodia, who all rely on selling cheap clothing into the big Western markets. They’ll all be pushed closer to China out of necessity.
MAGA is now MAGDA...MAKE AMERICAS GREAT DEPRESSION AGAIN . The only ppl hurt by tariffs are the American ppl. Now you know your place in line... below communist countries.
100% on point! Oh and just for fun does anyone recall the actual percentage of small businesses in this country that have fueled the overall economy for decades? 80%? Jesus wept
99% of U.S. businesses are small! Yet, Trump is willing to kill them off for his gain. Grifter extraordinaire. Ugh.
It's interesting that the Republican President seems to be intent on killing off Walmart and Amazon. A majority of the products both companies sell are made in China. Trump must be an equal opportunity destroyer - large or small, he doesn't care.
Part of David Brooks’ piece in the Atlantic today: A painful and necessary read- all of it
If there is an underlying philosophy driving Trump, it is this: Morality is for suckers. The strong do what they want and the weak suffer what they must. This is the logic of bullies everywhere. And if there is a consistent strategy, it is this: Day after day, the administration works to create a world where ruthless people can thrive. That means destroying any institution or arrangement that might check the strongman’s power. The rule of law, domestic or international, restrains power, so it must be eviscerated. Inspectors general, judge advocate general officers, oversight mechanisms, and watchdog agencies are a potential restraint on power, so they must be fired or neutered. The truth itself is a restraint on power, so it must be abandoned. Lying becomes the language of the state.”
Excellent summarization.
Thanks for identifying that number! And I’m certain we all have first hand stories about what it takes to start, run, and “succeed” as a small business in this country. At our local farmers market this past weekend: everyone there is working hard to make their small business thrive.
djt would not know anything about working, starting a “small” business…
all he knows is inheritance, screwing over those who actually work, he knows alot about bonespurs and deferments,
among many other things and most or all of them are “bad”..
When are there going to be consequences for the orange puppet and his masters? How much damage and ruined lives have to occur before they are stopped?
Well, traditionally, in a few years. Trump will probably succumb to a KFC induced heart attack before then, but his minions are going to learn what happens to minions in the epilogue.
Good question!!
All judges/lawyers those with a law license, since 1960 to 2025 (for those of you who are not good at math or want to be fed the facts that is 65 years) have had the chance to do something.. Take 1 very expensive case for NYC, the concrete for 40 WALL STREET...djt was scamming the workers of NYC with who🤔 Carlo Gambino, Fat Tony Salerno, etc. The MOB ( speaking of mob where is fat rudy) was getting a "cut" of every yard of concrete poured for the 40 WALL STREET bldg.
Multiply this scam times ALLLLLL the scams the flourescent fürer and many others have committed on NYC, us taxpayers, and the world (Panama bldg).
And who was running the "scams" 🤔 yep YOUR flourescent fürer
I was thinking the same 🤔
It’s up to us to stop them and I think we are starting to activate. It’s going to be hard and not much fun. We should have paid more attention to what the P2025 people were onto behind the scenes. One of my peeves with the Democrats, with some exceptions, is that we are too naive, to trusting that the system works, the Rule of Law will be respected and not realizing that there are those out there hellbent on taking it down. We have been innocents among the wolves. 🐺 More than time to wake up and smell the spreading rot in our garden.
Wonder how many in the administration made stock buy and sell trades before the bell rang on Friday🤬
Mtg had $900.000 before congress started and now she’s worth $22 million
I despise thievery. Sometimes , due to the stress, the poor steal for survival. But what worry does she hold regarding 'survival'. I see only greed by making our nation struggle.
A psychopath (Trump) requires no reason to do anything! He does what he wants to anyone he wants. He lives in his own head! If the world crashes around him, he’ll still come to the conclusion that he’s right! God save us from this ONE!
I agree. I don't see much in terms of strategy, even for his own benefit. Trump works on 'instinct', which is psychopathic. That is why everything he touches comes crashing down; he does not have very good instinct to start from... except for fleecing the MAGAts.
IF this country survives Trump's psychotic fantasies, we can then believe in miracles. His specialty is the monetary and political GRIFT!
I see the possibility of miracles everywhere. Look at all the cases he has lost in challenges by Judges, and the Supreme Court judgement of 9-0, against him. I see a living miracle at every 'peaceful' nation-wide marches. Gop's and blues and Independents, march as one against him..He is the most despised potus in the entire history of our nation. He has been rebuked by many church leaders, who do not hold back. And lately at the service for Pope Francis, Zelenskyy received a standing ovation. When djt entered, one could hear a pin drop. When Cory Booker broke a record speaking for 25 hours, that was a miracle, too. Granted, these are just small miracles, and much greater ones are coming. The thing about faith, it instills a power, lacking in the one We know as -45 ( he was impeached, so that cancels his claim to it )
Amen!!
What is equally sad is that while he and his cronies are getting rich off insider trading, influence-pedling, etc. there is no hope that a single one of them will be prosecuted. Who would investigate? Trump's FBI? Who would prosecute? Trump's Department of Justice? Even if one or more were some how successfully prosecuted, what would be the likelihood that there would be any substantive sentencing? After all, President Trump is already a 34-time convicted felon 😡
This bit from Heather Cox Richardson:
“Meanwhile, as predicted, other countries began to put tariffs on goods from the United States or pause exports, and global markets fell. Americans from business leaders to small business owners to consumers and wage workers called out the “stupidity” of Trump’s trade war. Others noted that the tariffs appeared to be intended as a shakedown as countries or businesses who offered Trump the right price could get exemptions.”
THESE TARIFFS ARE A WAY TO SCAM ALL OF US AND TAKE AS MUCH MONEY AND THEN CONVERT BILLIONS SO TRUMP AND REPUBLICANS TO BE INVOLVED IN INSIDE TRADING THEY ALL ARE COMMITING FELONIES. THAT IS WHY TRUMP PLACES ALL THESE TARIFFS TO MAKE ALL OF THE STOCKS LOOSE MONEY AND THEN DECIDED TO PUT A HOLD ON THEM AND TRUMP STATED TO THE WORLD TO BUY NOW WHICH WAS HIS SIGNAL TO INSIDE TRADING. A FULL INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE DONE ASAP.
He's a crook
Brian, it's worse than that. Trump is paving the way for his pals' "Freedom Cities" to be built, packed with the world's best resources, for the ultrarich, leaving everybody else to fend for themselves in the hostile new realities of climate change. Seriously, has nobody noticed how the American establishment (the military, the Supreme Court, even most corporations) is letting him get away with what he's done so far? What if it were Obama? Can anybody guarantee Obama would still be in office by now? I fear it will take more than courts to remove this man from office. And I fear for peace in America.
I wonder about that too, Marta, what will trump do with the Military?
It surprised me that his reference to never having to vote again, back in 2023, wasn’t taken seriously in the run up to the election, as it clearly illustrates his determination to stay on and that would obviously need the military to quell any dissent from the population.
I don’t live in the U.S., thankfully at this stage, but the whole world is watching to see how the U.S. will avoid an authoritarian takeover.
Precisely, James. I was also stunned that nobody took that seriously. But then again, nobody believed he was going to do what he very clearly and often said he was going to do. And I guess nobody took the trouble to have a look at Project 2025 either. I am a European, living in the EU, thankfully, in a (still mostly) democratic country, but for how long? And it would be naïve of me to think that the debacle of the American economy wouldn't hurt us all. But there's only so much a few alert individuals can do. Because from the conversations I've been having with family, friends and colleagues, nobody really seems to believe that we're headed for very difficult times.
Momentum needs to continue, without the people, there is no nation.
My thoughts exactly. He will use the military against Americans
China has the last laugh because they know America import nearly all of it technological products from their county. The art of the deal (which never worked well for Trump) fell flat on its face with China as it will with the other countries also. And only you The American people will suffer because of the trade war he is instigating.
How is zen_flex
I am in Australia so if and only if I would play the stock market it would be in Australia not America. If this is really you I lived in your country that is why I am angry with what is happening
That’s his goal ! The big corporations control everything and we no longer have small business . = a sociopath mentality
Perfectly stated. Thanks Brian!
Trump has openly courted bribes from the richest people and corporations and I assume Apple is the latest to acquiesce to those demands. To some extent, the tariffs are nothing more or less than extortion, and the little companies, as Bryan said, are just shit out of luck!
Ditto the little countries vs the bigger ones that can give him something. He’s gonna ruin places like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Cambodia, who all rely on selling cheap clothing into the big Western markets. They’ll all be pushed closer to China out of necessity.
You nailed it Brian.
I can't believe my brother voted for this moron!
Well Said Brian you laid it out 💯. Trump is nothing but a sadistic narcissist monster. Thanks for all the hard work you do. We appreciate you 💯💯💯
MAGA is now MAGDA...MAKE AMERICAS GREAT DEPRESSION AGAIN . The only ppl hurt by tariffs are the American ppl. Now you know your place in line... below communist countries.