Champagne AND popcorn. Specifically white cheddar, it pairs nicely.
And as one who has had the (mis)fortune of spending time wearing state-issued clothing, I can say with certainty: the loudest one in the room is the weakest and guiltiest.
Really great summary of the MAGA culture wars. So far, MAGA has the largest, loudest megaphone--social media, influencers, the MSM, and FOX on their side. It's impossibe to get a truthful word in edgewise. Yes, their every accusation is a confession. Yes, we can watch them self-destruct, but the stakes only get higher, more painful, more cruel. Our country, our Constitution, our rule of law, our due process, our freedom of speech are being destroyed in real time. And they don't care. I still can't fathom it.
But, I must say, in this essay you have jumped down there to referee. I thank you and admire your courage. Up here on the hill, we should each get to work in our own way.
I agree with your “Our job is to hold the line where we live” sentiment, and your detailed observations of the devolution of the MAGA movement are very impressive, but help me answer a question:
Metaphorically, our pro-democracy movement is the bull, their pro-authoritarian movement is the matador, and our actions always seem to end up revealing that our horns were pointed at the cape. My question is, do we simply hope they self-destruct, or do we also do something significant and proactive?
Joe Cox — who is a famous British MP because she was murdered by a right-wing extremist constituent — once said: “We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.”
When John Lennon wrote “Nowhere Man” (1965), his message was relevant to people like the people you wrote about in today’s newsletter, but he was also directly speaking to himself as evidenced by the lyric, “Isn’t he a bit like you and me?”
So, I’m answering my own question. What we need to do is understand why we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us. Keep describing the symptoms but also start writing about how to cure the disease and I’ll remain a paid subscriber. Otherwise, you’ll leave me with the impression that you’re pointing your horns at the cape.
Really appreciate your insights into cult psychology and the way you trace the cracks. You're spot on about MAGA racism too, and I'd add that their sexism follows suit.
"They’re doxxing each other, outing each other, calling each other traitors, grifters, pedophiles, feds, plants, cowards, and 'not real conservatives' before breakfast." I laughed for the first time today. I'm going to read this article every time I start to lose hope. I have felt like I was in the Twilight Zone for the last week. This brings me back to some semblance of sanity.
I must concur with several other readers: the writing! The turns of phrase! Obviously the thesis so right on and the jungian interpretations fabulous. But the way you articulate is very compelling. Your essays have shot up to my favorites/must read list almost immediately. Thank you.
Champagne AND popcorn. Specifically white cheddar, it pairs nicely.
And as one who has had the (mis)fortune of spending time wearing state-issued clothing, I can say with certainty: the loudest one in the room is the weakest and guiltiest.
Really great summary of the MAGA culture wars. So far, MAGA has the largest, loudest megaphone--social media, influencers, the MSM, and FOX on their side. It's impossibe to get a truthful word in edgewise. Yes, their every accusation is a confession. Yes, we can watch them self-destruct, but the stakes only get higher, more painful, more cruel. Our country, our Constitution, our rule of law, our due process, our freedom of speech are being destroyed in real time. And they don't care. I still can't fathom it.
Your work gets better and better. Bravo.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your autoimmune metaphor for what happens to projection when the worm starts to turn. Thank you!!
Great combo of analysis and writing. Merits a second reading. Thank you.
It's a 10.
But, I must say, in this essay you have jumped down there to referee. I thank you and admire your courage. Up here on the hill, we should each get to work in our own way.
I agree with your “Our job is to hold the line where we live” sentiment, and your detailed observations of the devolution of the MAGA movement are very impressive, but help me answer a question:
Metaphorically, our pro-democracy movement is the bull, their pro-authoritarian movement is the matador, and our actions always seem to end up revealing that our horns were pointed at the cape. My question is, do we simply hope they self-destruct, or do we also do something significant and proactive?
Joe Cox — who is a famous British MP because she was murdered by a right-wing extremist constituent — once said: “We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.”
When John Lennon wrote “Nowhere Man” (1965), his message was relevant to people like the people you wrote about in today’s newsletter, but he was also directly speaking to himself as evidenced by the lyric, “Isn’t he a bit like you and me?”
So, I’m answering my own question. What we need to do is understand why we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us. Keep describing the symptoms but also start writing about how to cure the disease and I’ll remain a paid subscriber. Otherwise, you’ll leave me with the impression that you’re pointing your horns at the cape.
They’re eating each other. Sit there and watch eating popcorn like Michael Jackson in Thriller.
Really appreciate your insights into cult psychology and the way you trace the cracks. You're spot on about MAGA racism too, and I'd add that their sexism follows suit.
"They’re doxxing each other, outing each other, calling each other traitors, grifters, pedophiles, feds, plants, cowards, and 'not real conservatives' before breakfast." I laughed for the first time today. I'm going to read this article every time I start to lose hope. I have felt like I was in the Twilight Zone for the last week. This brings me back to some semblance of sanity.
We need to support the shadow administration that will step in when the regime implodes. They will have a big void to fill, and no time to waste.
I must concur with several other readers: the writing! The turns of phrase! Obviously the thesis so right on and the jungian interpretations fabulous. But the way you articulate is very compelling. Your essays have shot up to my favorites/must read list almost immediately. Thank you.