Steven, thank you for this crucially important and beautifully written newsletter today. For Trump and DeSantis to be spewing out this hate-rhetoric, which can and will incite violence in their followers, is what we must Vote against in 2024, across the board. Haven't we had enough violence in this country? This kind of violent rhetoric inevitably leads to mass shootings where innocent people are slaughtered, including little children in their schools. No More! We need high-integrity leaders who are leading all citizens, not dictators, or cult leaders, who are self-absorbed and resort to words and actions that are the lowest among us. We can do better.! Thank you for standing up for Integrity, Peace, and Prevention of Violence and the further deterioration of our country. Lisa (rural Montana)
Steven, well said. My question to you and your and my followers is how do we get positive messaging to those still sitting on the fence, whether they be independents or moderate Republicans?
My son feels that since 99.9% of those that follow you agree in principle with your ideas, that your follower’s comments are like talking in an “echo chamber “. He has a point.
I believe we who trust in the rule of law(and order) must find ways of reaching those that are still “reachable “. To not only show how level heads can produce more good for them but to also show how strongmen like Trump & DeSantis, if elected, will treat them if they are one of the following; minorities, independent journalists, judges, the LGBT+ community, opposing politicians, heads of major government organizations and environmentalists.
Aug 7, 2023·edited Aug 7, 2023Liked by Steven Beschloss
This is a shared responsibility. The justice system, media & citizenry. This should never be allowed to stand unanswered. Until we vote out or convict all of the perps and their enablers, it is unlikely they will stop.
Times such as these, and characters, test the robustness of our systems and institutions. Reminds me of a quote: "In a democracy everyone must obey the law, even when it has you by the special place" ~ Vladimir Putin
Quote: "It’s the kind of rhetoric that can trigger random acts of stochastic terrorism." End quote.
Random acts of violence fit well into the Trumpian terrorism model. Yes, he IS a terrorist. Trump is consumed with rage, hate and anger. He seeks to ignite a terror among his followers, who are all too willing to market it for him; free of charge with huge donations. It is well past time for the MEDIA to stop celebrating the demon-driven monster, Trump; to reveal the lengths of his sordid, evil treachery and to stop pussyfooting around that reality. Once again, I lean on the teachings of the Taoist Warrior Chinese philosopher/Warrior Sun Tzu said, "An evil man will burn his own nation to the ground to rule over the ashes." ...
Donald Trump would delight at the destruction and extermination of our republic. His minions would lust after the violence, assuring the rise of the resulting ashes; and, luxuriating in that moment. Only in the aftermath would those acolytes realize they had helped to destroy the very things they claimed as treasure.
So well said, Steven. Thank you! Hopefully, rational calmness, justice, and the rule of law will prevail.
Fani Willis is a true Profile in Courage. Her courage, as a state attorney would never be seen in my own state. We applaud her living up to her oath. Attorney Willis has set a brave and bold example for state officials throughout the country.
The only way to keep Mr. Trump for commenting/interfering is to incarcerate him, even if it is only house arrest with restricted access to media. Regrettably, he seems to believe he is above the law, and can act without consequences. It will hopefully teach him that even former presidents have to follow the rules.
There’s no question that Trump has changed American politics and culture, but I’m not sure how much of it will stick. I know a lot of people don’t believe Trump is mentally ill, but he is. I’m not
attempting to give him “cover” for his behavior by pointing out that he’s mentally ill, I want people to understand that Trump’s mental illness is relatively common, but it’s rarely as extreme as Trump’s manifestation of it is.
I think DeSantis has the same mental illness Trump has but his core personality is unlikable compared to Trump’s, which is why he’s not doing well politically. It’s as if he’s doing his best to be like Trump but he can’t carry it off because he lacks the practiced and very fake “charm” Trump has. It’s easier for people to see that DeSantis is just plain mean. Both of them are cruel and both of them are bullies as are all narcissists. I think the characteristic that’s most difficult for people to spot is that narcissists are delusional. I don’t mean they’re delusional because
they see pink elephants, their delusions are subtle.
A narcissist’s delusions are woven into who they
are. For example, if you and a narcissist experience something together, the narcissist’s version of events will almost always be markedly different
than yours. You may be startled that their version
is so different, but you chalk it up to not being important enough to worry about...but it is. It’s a
signal that their perceptions are very different than most peoples’ perceptions. That’s how their delusions manifest themselves. The way I like to put it is, they simply don’t think the same way most people think. An event you describe as benign might be viewed as threatening to a narcissist. It’s easy for people to forget about how a narcissist views things
differently than they do, but it should alert them that
something isn’t quite right with that person.
Bullying people is a hallmark of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Some narcissists bully people more than others. But I think Americans are uniquely
susceptible to narcissistic bullies because we have
a tendency to see only what we want to see in others and we tend to “give” people qualities they don’t really have. I also think life has been relatively easy for middle class Americans so we haven’t had to
worry so much about being taken advantage of by
others.
By that I mean most of us aren’t starving, most of us haven’t had to do hard physical labor, we haven’t had to live on the streets or in tents and our lives have been stable. My point is, when life is really hard, as it was for millions during the Great Depression, people developed a sense of self-preservation that was helpful for spotting dangerous con artists. When life is relatively easy we don’t need
those self-preservation characteristics so we don’t
develop them.
I’m not a psychologist or a psychiatrist, but I’ve given this a lot of thought, mainly because I’ve had to deal with a lot of narcissists. I can now spot them
as soon as they display a couple of the typical characteristics and I immediately back away from them both physically and mentally. I know beyond a shadow of doubt nothing good will come from having
these people in my life.
If anything good comes from the Trump debacle, it will be that a whole lot of people can now do what I do upon encountering someone with narcissistic behavior...run the other way as fast as possible figuratively and/or literally...especially if they’re politicians.
Thank you for writing this. Quoting: "This was the day after his arraignment on the third indictment tied to his role on Jan. 6 and the attempted coup, and surely intended to put prosecutors, judges and witnesses on notice.." What we should also keep in mind, is that it is likely intended to put potential jurors on notice, too. Imagine the average citizen, willing to serve honestly in the difficult job of juror in the interest of the common good, reading Trump's crazy, violence-threatening statements.
trump is coy. His statements incite violence, but he, himself, primarily insults people with names, makes fun of them. This is not illegal. To persuade others to commit a crime is a federal felony, but it must be proven.Saying his latest come after me, I'll come after you could be stated by his lawyers as meaning something like pick me up from the garage, and I'll help you out one day you need a ride. He is sly as a fox.
As for DeSantis and his slitting throats remark, Florida law states threatening someone with death or bodily harm , verbally or in writing, is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. But Florida is a red state. University professors don't even stand up to the governor. Nothing will be done.
American culture has deteriorated. I get emails from all the publishing houses with the latest books. The majority deal with murder. Movies , within the first five minutes, deal either with a killing or something sexual. And listen to the language. A man was spouting something to me of no interest, but he kept saying a$$ and F...... I said to him, you know, a gentleman does not speak to a woman like that Used to be, men did not even think of telling a dirty story in front of a woman. He shrugged and continued. My father used to tip his hat to women he passed on the street. To use the old expression, people now all "talk like sailors."
So is it hard to understand why trump , DeSantis and their followers are willing to brush this crude
talk off, then do what is incited by such speech?
Time goes forward, not backward. Only Lucy and Desi will sleep in separate beds, only Sheriff Andy Taylor will not shoot em up, only in the past did parents side with the teacher on a child's misbehavior, only Betty Grable showed nothing more than her legs, and no one will say Holy Cow or Gee Whiz.
One hopes that these cruel, racist, bigots will be judged and sentenced., that justice will prevail and we won't fall into the abyss that nations like Russia, Iran, China, N.Korea have , all of which resort to "camps" and murder. It could happen.
How many parents in our country would allow their young children to behave in the way Trump and DeSantis do every day? Should we teach our children to be foul mouthed bullies? Of course not. But sadly they are seeing and hearing it every day.
It’s far past the time that we realize that personal and social responsibility in our country is being shredded by these sick, troubled, and power hungry individuals.
There may be some people who want to live in a country where this behavior is accepted and encouraged in their leaders. But I sure don’t, so speak out!
Steven, thank you for this crucially important and beautifully written newsletter today. For Trump and DeSantis to be spewing out this hate-rhetoric, which can and will incite violence in their followers, is what we must Vote against in 2024, across the board. Haven't we had enough violence in this country? This kind of violent rhetoric inevitably leads to mass shootings where innocent people are slaughtered, including little children in their schools. No More! We need high-integrity leaders who are leading all citizens, not dictators, or cult leaders, who are self-absorbed and resort to words and actions that are the lowest among us. We can do better.! Thank you for standing up for Integrity, Peace, and Prevention of Violence and the further deterioration of our country. Lisa (rural Montana)
Steven, well said. My question to you and your and my followers is how do we get positive messaging to those still sitting on the fence, whether they be independents or moderate Republicans?
My son feels that since 99.9% of those that follow you agree in principle with your ideas, that your follower’s comments are like talking in an “echo chamber “. He has a point.
I believe we who trust in the rule of law(and order) must find ways of reaching those that are still “reachable “. To not only show how level heads can produce more good for them but to also show how strongmen like Trump & DeSantis, if elected, will treat them if they are one of the following; minorities, independent journalists, judges, the LGBT+ community, opposing politicians, heads of major government organizations and environmentalists.
Anyone reading trump’s recent rants, must understand he is way beyond unbalanced.
When listening to a speaker, am I discerning?
• Is my/his ego in check, this is not exclusive me/him? Me)We)Many
• Is what’s being said good for everyone? Me)We)Many
• Is there integrity between the ideas and the people?
• Will HE actually slit someone throat? Would it make a difference if he did?
• Is he offering equality and equity of opportunity and personal agency for all.
This is a shared responsibility. The justice system, media & citizenry. This should never be allowed to stand unanswered. Until we vote out or convict all of the perps and their enablers, it is unlikely they will stop.
Awaiting judicial response with bated breath
Times such as these, and characters, test the robustness of our systems and institutions. Reminds me of a quote: "In a democracy everyone must obey the law, even when it has you by the special place" ~ Vladimir Putin
Quote: "It’s the kind of rhetoric that can trigger random acts of stochastic terrorism." End quote.
Random acts of violence fit well into the Trumpian terrorism model. Yes, he IS a terrorist. Trump is consumed with rage, hate and anger. He seeks to ignite a terror among his followers, who are all too willing to market it for him; free of charge with huge donations. It is well past time for the MEDIA to stop celebrating the demon-driven monster, Trump; to reveal the lengths of his sordid, evil treachery and to stop pussyfooting around that reality. Once again, I lean on the teachings of the Taoist Warrior Chinese philosopher/Warrior Sun Tzu said, "An evil man will burn his own nation to the ground to rule over the ashes." ...
Donald Trump would delight at the destruction and extermination of our republic. His minions would lust after the violence, assuring the rise of the resulting ashes; and, luxuriating in that moment. Only in the aftermath would those acolytes realize they had helped to destroy the very things they claimed as treasure.
So well said, Steven. Thank you! Hopefully, rational calmness, justice, and the rule of law will prevail.
Fani Willis is a true Profile in Courage. Her courage, as a state attorney would never be seen in my own state. We applaud her living up to her oath. Attorney Willis has set a brave and bold example for state officials throughout the country.
The only way to keep Mr. Trump for commenting/interfering is to incarcerate him, even if it is only house arrest with restricted access to media. Regrettably, he seems to believe he is above the law, and can act without consequences. It will hopefully teach him that even former presidents have to follow the rules.
There’s no question that Trump has changed American politics and culture, but I’m not sure how much of it will stick. I know a lot of people don’t believe Trump is mentally ill, but he is. I’m not
attempting to give him “cover” for his behavior by pointing out that he’s mentally ill, I want people to understand that Trump’s mental illness is relatively common, but it’s rarely as extreme as Trump’s manifestation of it is.
I think DeSantis has the same mental illness Trump has but his core personality is unlikable compared to Trump’s, which is why he’s not doing well politically. It’s as if he’s doing his best to be like Trump but he can’t carry it off because he lacks the practiced and very fake “charm” Trump has. It’s easier for people to see that DeSantis is just plain mean. Both of them are cruel and both of them are bullies as are all narcissists. I think the characteristic that’s most difficult for people to spot is that narcissists are delusional. I don’t mean they’re delusional because
they see pink elephants, their delusions are subtle.
A narcissist’s delusions are woven into who they
are. For example, if you and a narcissist experience something together, the narcissist’s version of events will almost always be markedly different
than yours. You may be startled that their version
is so different, but you chalk it up to not being important enough to worry about...but it is. It’s a
signal that their perceptions are very different than most peoples’ perceptions. That’s how their delusions manifest themselves. The way I like to put it is, they simply don’t think the same way most people think. An event you describe as benign might be viewed as threatening to a narcissist. It’s easy for people to forget about how a narcissist views things
differently than they do, but it should alert them that
something isn’t quite right with that person.
Bullying people is a hallmark of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Some narcissists bully people more than others. But I think Americans are uniquely
susceptible to narcissistic bullies because we have
a tendency to see only what we want to see in others and we tend to “give” people qualities they don’t really have. I also think life has been relatively easy for middle class Americans so we haven’t had to
worry so much about being taken advantage of by
others.
By that I mean most of us aren’t starving, most of us haven’t had to do hard physical labor, we haven’t had to live on the streets or in tents and our lives have been stable. My point is, when life is really hard, as it was for millions during the Great Depression, people developed a sense of self-preservation that was helpful for spotting dangerous con artists. When life is relatively easy we don’t need
those self-preservation characteristics so we don’t
develop them.
I’m not a psychologist or a psychiatrist, but I’ve given this a lot of thought, mainly because I’ve had to deal with a lot of narcissists. I can now spot them
as soon as they display a couple of the typical characteristics and I immediately back away from them both physically and mentally. I know beyond a shadow of doubt nothing good will come from having
these people in my life.
If anything good comes from the Trump debacle, it will be that a whole lot of people can now do what I do upon encountering someone with narcissistic behavior...run the other way as fast as possible figuratively and/or literally...especially if they’re politicians.
Thank you for writing this. Quoting: "This was the day after his arraignment on the third indictment tied to his role on Jan. 6 and the attempted coup, and surely intended to put prosecutors, judges and witnesses on notice.." What we should also keep in mind, is that it is likely intended to put potential jurors on notice, too. Imagine the average citizen, willing to serve honestly in the difficult job of juror in the interest of the common good, reading Trump's crazy, violence-threatening statements.
trump is coy. His statements incite violence, but he, himself, primarily insults people with names, makes fun of them. This is not illegal. To persuade others to commit a crime is a federal felony, but it must be proven.Saying his latest come after me, I'll come after you could be stated by his lawyers as meaning something like pick me up from the garage, and I'll help you out one day you need a ride. He is sly as a fox.
As for DeSantis and his slitting throats remark, Florida law states threatening someone with death or bodily harm , verbally or in writing, is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. But Florida is a red state. University professors don't even stand up to the governor. Nothing will be done.
American culture has deteriorated. I get emails from all the publishing houses with the latest books. The majority deal with murder. Movies , within the first five minutes, deal either with a killing or something sexual. And listen to the language. A man was spouting something to me of no interest, but he kept saying a$$ and F...... I said to him, you know, a gentleman does not speak to a woman like that Used to be, men did not even think of telling a dirty story in front of a woman. He shrugged and continued. My father used to tip his hat to women he passed on the street. To use the old expression, people now all "talk like sailors."
So is it hard to understand why trump , DeSantis and their followers are willing to brush this crude
talk off, then do what is incited by such speech?
Time goes forward, not backward. Only Lucy and Desi will sleep in separate beds, only Sheriff Andy Taylor will not shoot em up, only in the past did parents side with the teacher on a child's misbehavior, only Betty Grable showed nothing more than her legs, and no one will say Holy Cow or Gee Whiz.
One hopes that these cruel, racist, bigots will be judged and sentenced., that justice will prevail and we won't fall into the abyss that nations like Russia, Iran, China, N.Korea have , all of which resort to "camps" and murder. It could happen.
Heart-wrenchingly powerful commentary, Steven. But we also need the DoJ to step up and enforce laws.
How many parents in our country would allow their young children to behave in the way Trump and DeSantis do every day? Should we teach our children to be foul mouthed bullies? Of course not. But sadly they are seeing and hearing it every day.
It’s far past the time that we realize that personal and social responsibility in our country is being shredded by these sick, troubled, and power hungry individuals.
There may be some people who want to live in a country where this behavior is accepted and encouraged in their leaders. But I sure don’t, so speak out!
All I can say I am just disgusted with the GOP, their MAGA followers and of course DT. Ugh ugh ugh