Over in Britain, the Brexit vote in Parliament has been delayed – because it probably would have gone down to crushing defeat and forced PM May’s ouster. I have no sympathy – she negotiated a deal which essentially kept the EU in power over Britain…except that, now, Britain wouldn’t even have a say in the EU. This, to me, was a feature, not a bug: the idea being, I’m guessing, that eventually the British people could be convinced that they must rejoin the EU. The plain fact of the matter is that no “deal” needs to be negotiated. All the British government has to do is say, “we’re out” and they’d be done. But that would only have happened if anyone in the British Ruling Class gave a damn about the will of the British people.
Meanwhile, over in France, les Deplorables have been conducting some pretty impressive riots. Seems that the French people have also had it with their Ruling Class selling them down the river. We’ll see how this comes out – personally, I’m hoping it develops into a genuine revolution.
Naturally, the Ruling Class is saying that the Russians are behind the French protests.
Still seeing lots of people speaking in favor of Experts. Ross Douthat has an interesting thing to say on that:
…meritocrats are often educated to be bad leaders, and bad people, in a very specific way — a way of arrogant intelligence unmoored from historical experience, ambition untempered by self-sacrifice. The way of the “best and the brightest” at the dawn of the technocratic era and the “smartest guys in the room” decades later, the way of the arsonists of late-2000s Wall Street and the “move fast and break things” culture of Silicon Valley…
Do read the whole thing. Mostly because you won’t agree with all of it. The bottom line is a fundamental irresponsibility. That they really lack merit and are often wrong isn’t the biggest problem: the biggest problem is that they never have to pay a price. Sowell often points this out in his books: those who propose to do all sorts of odd things are never the people who have to suffer the consequences. I came across a sorta-Conservative guy on Twitter (I’m guess he’s at least modestly famous, but I had never heard of him before) and he was arguing that America must take charge of the world! Be strong! Get out there and fight…and then I looked at his picture and saw a fairly fit, young man but his bio didn’t seem to include anything about military service. I suggested “you, first” to him: that if he wants America to flex her muscles in the world, that he go out and be that muscle…and get back to us once he was deployed.
Mixed right in with that was a small debate with a much beloved (and extremely liberal) friend where he was sort of on the side of Experts. I rejoined that the more stupid a person is, the more vital it is that they be consulted on the major issues. Experts build atomic bombs: morons drink beer and eat chips. On the whole, the more beer-drinking and chip-eating we do, the better off we are.
Chesterton once opined that it was disturbing how few politicians are hanged. And there is more in that than the mere healthy desire to kill those in charge from time to time. The larger issue is that a price must be paid for our follies…and every now and again, it would be salubrious to have those who promoted the follies be first up the scaffold. FDR, George C. Marshall and Ernest King are honored in the United States these days…you can find out all sorts of details about them and stand in rapt admiration over their deeds…but, you’ll find out less about the guys who were buried after dying of dysentery in a squalid, Japanese POW camp, even though the people ultimately responsible for those deaths were, precisely, FDR, George C. Marshall and Ernest King. You know: they made horrible, stupid mistakes…and then got other people, less famous, to pay the blood price to repair their errors. It would be simple justice if, every now and again, the FDR’s, Marshall’s and King’s swung from lamp posts.
But getting that done is very difficult. The problem is that you need people who can have a say but who don’t want to say much. Once upon a time, the Catholic Church tried it – at the peak, they managed to have King Henry II of England flogged for murdering St. Thomas Becket. To tell you how that came out, long term, one only needs say that Henry VIII had St Thomas’ bones scattered. The trouble is that people who care deeply about politics are those who tend to rise in politics…and they’re never terribly interested in fixing things; nor can they be relied upon to hang themselves are regular intervals.
So, Revolution is the only way out of this mess. We here in the United States are fortunate in that we have built in mechanisms which allows us alter or to abolish our government without the necessity of engaging in bloody revolution. Unless, of course, we get a situation where the Ruling Class tries an end run around the Constitution by, say, removing a popularly elected President on bogus charges. We’ll see how that plays out.
But make no mistake about it – we are entering, globally, a revolutionary time. It is a complex battle which pits those who make and do against those who consider themselves smarter than those who make and do. It is your local plumber against the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, if you want it in a nutshell. The victory for our side comes when we successfully demonstrate that the Ruling Class is both corrupt and illegitimate – that is when they’ll be turned out of power.
Blogs For Victory 
The reaction of the French populace is a drop in the bucket compared to what will happen in this country if the Left gets complete control and begins to implement carbon taxes and other elements of their Progressive agenda.
The quality of mankind is abysmal and the quality of most elected officials is even worse. Nothing good will happen ….. mankind is too stupid and lazy to save themselves. I am just glad my time here is almost done …
Spook, much as I love you I don’t quite agree with you on this. In this country there is no history of the Right rising in mobs to riot, in opposition to anything. We have a different mentality.
The Left, on the other hand, is the movement based on mobs and riots, and will riot whenever it is aggrieved. By anything. As the poor and lower middle class, the source of so much of Liberal support, will be hardest-hit, I would expect rioting from that quarter—–and that might be the demographic you are thinking of.
But so far the riot mentality of the American Left has only been stirred up by political rhetoric, mostly based on race-baiting in one form or another. It’s always been political in nature, started by Leftist agitation and fueled by Leftist rhetoric while sparked by paid Leftist riot-starters. It will be interesting to see if the sheeple who support the Left can think for themselves, can manage to stir themselves to riot in opposition to events brought about by their minders, to protest Leftist policies, without Leftist encouragement and prompting and without the leadership of professional rioters to get the ball rolling.
I think the response of the Right, and Independent squishies who drift wherever the wind blows them, would be to have civil “riots”—-to do as some Colorado communities did when their representatives voted for gun control, and simply recall them. Two or three were unseated and one quit before a recall could be implemented so the governor could appoint another Dem. I could see, would love to see, a massive voter revolt in which everyone who voted for the policies resulting in the higher costs to people would summarily be recalled and removed from office.
Of course, this could only happen if we had strong leadership on the Right side, which we simply do not have. (sigh…..)
Amazona, one of the really rare times when you and I are not on the same wavelength. I don’t see Conservatives “rising in mobs to riot.” As you say, that’s just not who Conservatives are. What I do see is Conservatives amassing large groups to march on Washington and kill every Liberal politician in sight. I’m hoping that won’t happen, but if you think it can’t happen then you underestimate the rage that’s building in a large element of the Right that values our Constitutional Republic and the rule of law above all else.
The problem is – if we don’t violently confront the left, the nation will succumb to it. It’s easy to be a progressive which is why so many people are. You don’t need morals or principles, you can believe anything you want and be validated, you can always claim victimhood, and you’re never held to account for your actions. What could be easier? On the other hand, it’s not easy being conservative – you actually have to stand for something and defend it, you are held to account for your actions and you do not have the character to claim victimhood.
It is getting a bit dicey – there’s the report that the incoming NY AG is going to simply investigate Trump and everyone associated with him in hopes of finding something – anything – they can hang on them. This action is, of course, a gross violation of any sort of prosecutorial ethics…but, since when do liberals care about what is right? Do they realize that this course of action just begs for Trump to order Justice to rake over the lives of every Democrat out there? Do they really want to go down this road?
It could be, of course, that they are merely terrified that Trump will go down that road…and are figuring on getting their licks in, first.
Spook, as much as I agree with your sentiment, marching on Washington may have to happen on reasonably flat ground devoid of any obstacles for the wheel chair and walker battalions. It seems to me and I hope I’m wrong here, but most of us that know enough to feel that way about the Constitution and the great gift and responsibility are forefathers have bestowed to us, are to old to be effective fighting force even in moderately rough terrain. I can still hit the target, but I don’t run very fast or very far these days. Still, you all call and I’ll come a limping straight away. We may not be fast, but means retreat is not an option.
Still, you all call and I’ll come a limping straight away. We may not be fast, but means retreat is not an option.
I just had my hip replaced, so no more limp, heh. And I have this cool assault rifle that doubles as a cane.
Seriously, I’d estimate, conservatively, that there are several million ready and able patriots who, without hesitation, would risk their lives to preserve the greatest experiment in self government the world has ever seen. I’ve lived a good and long life. I can’t think of a better way to go out than doing my small part to preserve freedom.
As Thomas Paine said, “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” What do we have to lose at our age or more to the point, what do our children stand to retain or is it gain, since so many seem to have little or no appreciation for what they possess today? Experience is the best teacher they say.
One has to wonder, are we past the tipping point morally as a nation for a republic to function. The political polarization, resultant legislative gridlock in Washington, blatant perversion of the justice system would seem to indicate the republic is presently dysfunctional. Ben Franklin said, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” .
Certainly, politics and government (think FBI, DOJ…) have become more vicious and corrupt and government should mirror the people in a functioning democratic republic comprised of, by and for the people, which is clearly is not the case today or is it?
If it is, if Ben’s correct and the current government is a reflection of our national morality the experiment is over. Stick a fork in it, because the left’s right, we need a much larger, authoritative and intrusive form of governance simply to maintain the social order necessitating the restriction of many of our liberties afforded by a Constitution that no longer serves the best interest of existent society. Of course, it could just be we have ourselves a thirsty tree!
Looks like 45’s bag man is going to the gray bar hotel. Ruling class indeed.
Awww I remember the days when paying off past private indiscretions were considered personal matters. Think: Paula Jones.
But with f**ked up people like Fielding occupying space in this country …… the rules have changed. We have become a Banana Republic.
It seems 45 broke the law. The SDNY is run by a 45 appointee. Also, Paula Jones is inoperable. If you read the AMI report. They admit it was to influence the election at the order of 45. Now 45 can argue otherwise and will but his word is not worth sh*t if you ask most people.
Yeah: you guys got him this time! For sure!
Do you guys even listen to yourselves?
Fielding claims It seems 45 broke the law. Maybe to a hard-core hate-blinded Liberal who thinks “the law” is as flexible in definition as gender, but to normal people, not really. Try reading the law, fielding, before lecturing on it.
The SDNY is run by a 45 appointee Your point?
Paula Jones is inoperable What the hell is that supposed to mean? It is gibberish.
If you read the AMI report. They admit it was to influence the election at the order of 45. Who is “they” and if “they” did not actually commit the act they are in no position to “admit” to anything about it. They can infer, they can assume, they can invent, but they can’t admit. More gibberish.
Trump’s word is not worth sh*t if you ask
most peoplerabid Leftists blinded by hatred of Trump but normal, decent, fair-minded people look at the situation and listen to the explanations and agree those explanations are credible. And they look at the law regarding campaign finance contributions and realize that in this case, or these cases, they simply do not apply.When we get to the place the Left wants us to be, where the Thought Police determine what is legal and what is not by determining the motives of people instead of simply examining what they did or did not do, we will be firmly in Stalinesque territory. Here the rabid Left is assigning a motive to Trump’s actions and then acting as if that means that is the truth of the matter. But in reality, it is just the voices in their heads, telling them what their pathologies need to hear.
Poor choice of words Fielding …… inoperable?
Anyway the only people who meddled in, and tried to influence the election were the media and the Democrats with NBC dropping TMZ bombs days before the election and the Democrats getting illegal FISA warrants but let’s not go there. Right Fielding? That would upset this carefully crafted Banana Republic you have constructed.
Maybe a bad choice of words. Mark I don”t say they got him the SDNY does. Do you listen to yourself? You are staunchly catholic correct? It seems now the point of Trumps admin is to own the libs. Did you see how his admin wants to deport Vietnamese refugees who are here because of our stupid war and they have been here for decades. It’s cruel and stupid.
Here’s the thing – and it is something you Trump critics just don’t see: Trump is the most law-abiding President we’ve had in a very, very long time. You might not like the deportations, but they are being done according to law. If you don’t like the law, then seek to change it…but for pity’s sake, stop complaining about the guy charged with seeing the laws are faithfully executed doing his f***ing job.
This is really getting irritating – and sad, too. We’re citizens of a Republic. We live and die by obeying the dogmas of the Republic we founded. Among the more crucial dogmas is that the laws have to be enforced – and only changed by proper, Constitutional means. You’re side wants us to ignore the law if someone has a sob story. Sorry, can’t do that – that way lies tyranny and death.
If you don’t like the law, then seek to change it…but for pity’s sake, stop complaining about the guy charged with seeing the laws are faithfully executed doing his f***ing job. Did a little double take, there, because I didn’t remember posting that.
Oh, wait. For a change, I didn’t.
Just giving you a hard time, Mark, after you commented on me being a “it’s the law, if you don’t like it change it but don’t just ignore it” kind of person. Welcome to the club.
Come on Fielding, the whole truth.
Whaaaat, Spook? Fielding LIED? Aww, tell me it ain’t so!
A rabid Lefty lied about something to try to justify an attack on President Trump?
But this is what they do. They either invent something out of whole cloth, or they pick a few words out of context and then weave an entirely new, and false, narrative based on those words. And they do it on purpose. They don’t simply fail to grasp the meaning of what was said—they understand it, they just prefer to distort it and turn it into something completely different, because THIS IS WHAT THEY DO
Fair enough, I saw that right after I posted. Doesn’t the constant lying bother you? I know all Presidents bend the truth and lie but this is on another level. You are a military man and you seem to be an honorable person don’t you blanch every time he lies to the american people?
You are a military man and you seem to be an honorable person don’t you blanch every time he lies to the american people?
Trump does, says and tweets things that make me cringe, but most pale in comparison to the hate coming from the Left. Plus I never had any delusions that Trump was a Boy Scout, and it’s an established fact that the two previous Democrat Presidents were two of the biggest pathological liars to ever occupy the White House. The vast majority of falsehoods Trump has been accused of are exaggerations (best economy is history) and hyperbole. Obama and Clinton told some really significant lies (you like your insurance, you can keep your insurance, the Benghazi attack was the result of an anti-Muslim video, I found out about the malfeasance at the IRS by reading the newspaper — same as everyone else.
Bottom line, my assessment of Trump is based on results, and the economic results are hard to argue with. And the effect he has on you Lefties is just icing on the cake.
I’m with you – Trump hasn’t lied: not in the “Read my lips”, “I didn’t have sexual relations”, “you can keep your doctor” sense. These lies were deliberate attempts to mislead the American people in order to advance the person making the lies. Trump is just brash and some times out of control (OTOH, I love his Tweets…they are superb), but he’s not trying to put one over on us. He’s not making stuff up to deceive us about what he’s really up to. He may be the most honest man we’ve had in office since Coolidge.
That seems reasonable. Though the hatred flows from both directions. The economic situation is undeniable.
fielding, I have watched the dislike of the Left escalate over the past couple of years, but have seen a direct correlation between that escalation of personal dislike for Lefties and the wild escalation of absolutely disgusting behavior from the Left.
The Left hates the Right because……..take your pick. Because, according to them, we are just all greedy, all we care about is money, we are racists, we don’t care if children starve, blah blah blah. That is, because you have chosen to invent and then believe in lies. Your hatred is the foundation upon which you build an edifice of what you think are excuses to hate, to try to validate your pathology.
But the Right has started to shift from merely thinking the Left is stupid and wrong to thinking the Left is evil, and seriously disliking its advocates, because of WHAT YOU DO. We don’t have to invent racist comments from the Left, they are right there for everyone to see. We don’t have to pretend the Left is anti-Semitic—-your statements are a matter of public record, and you support, idolize and elect virulent anti-Semitics. We don’t have to pretend that the Left is violent, because we have the videos of the riots to show your violence. We don’t have to invent the belief that the Left is fine with the torture and dismemberment of innocent unborn babies, because you brag about your dedication to this human rights atrocity and. We don’t have to make unfounded claims that the Left is anti-American, anti-Constitutional, and dedicated to “fundamentally transforming” this nation to the point of subverting its rule of law and overthrowing an elected president—you all brag about it. #RESIST is resistance to Constitutional law and the electoral process.
So while the hate from the Left is most closely analogous to the Nazi hatred of Jews, systemic and general, the developing hate from the Right is more like the hatred people have of child molesters and traitors.
The Left starts from its position of hate and builds upon it, while the Right has hatred forced upon it incrementally as the Left becomes more and more vile, vicious and degenerate.
And then, of course, there was this.
Seems that someone even wrote a book about it…
like this?
Mexico is going to pay for the wall? Come on.
Ultimately, they will…because they are so dependent upon the steady transmission of money from expatriots in the United States, they are eventually going to have to come to us, hat in hand, and offer us the store in return for our allowing Mexicans to work in the United States.
Sure thing boss.
And now AMI/ National Enquirer is cooperating with SDNY. 45’s seat is getting hotter.
Ruling Class indeed