Two Stories
This is a political post.
Please scroll down if interested.
From the NYT:
A story in the New York Times today by Jonathan Swan, Charlie Savage, and Maggie Haberman outlined how president Joe Biden and his allies are planning to create a dictatorship if voters re-elect him in 2024. The article talks about how Biden and his loyalists plan to “centralize more power in the Oval Office” by “increasing the president’s authority over every part of the federal government that now operates, by either law or tradition, with any measure of independence from political interference by the White House.”
They plan to take control over independent government agencies and get rid of the nonpartisan civil service, purging all but Biden loyalists from the U.S. intelligence agencies, the State Department, and the Defense Department. They plan to start “impounding funds,” that is, ignoring programs Congress has funded if those programs aren’t in line with Biden’s policies.
“What we’re trying to do is identify the pockets of independence and seize them,” said Russell T. Vought. They envision a “president” who cannot be checked by the Congress or the courts.
Most of you will be thinking: WTF?
Some of you though will be livid. ‘This is awful! Biden shouldn’t be able to do this!’
Well, you see, the above story is not true. I made a few changes. This is the actual article:
A story in the New York Times today by Jonathan Swan, Charlie Savage, and Maggie Haberman outlined how former president Donald Trump and his allies are planning to create a dictatorship if voters return him to power in 2024. The article talks about how Trump and his loyalists plan to “centralize more power in the Oval Office” by “increasing the president’s authority over every part of the federal government that now operates, by either law or tradition, with any measure of independence from political interference by the White House.”
They plan to take control over independent government agencies and get rid of the nonpartisan civil service, purging all but Trump loyalists from the U.S. intelligence agencies, the State Department, and the Defense Department. They plan to start “impounding funds,” that is, ignoring programs Congress has funded if those programs aren’t in line with Trump’s policies.
“What we’re trying to do is identify the pockets of independence and seize them,” said Russell T. Vought, who ran Trump’s Office of Management and Budget and who now advises the right-wing House Freedom Caucus. They envision a “president” who cannot be checked by the Congress or the courts.
Now, I would be equally livid if either were true. But I know some of you were only outraged by the first story. The second, actual story? Some of you would fully support this.
The full article is here. If you support democracy it will make you piss your pants.
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I mentioned this article to Raymond today. Sickening! crazy! and SCARY.
It’s also terrifying, Lori.
Yet, ten of millions of Americans would wholly support the total destruction of democracy.
As long as it were done by Republicans.
Hi Ross,
As I began reading this article, a dreadful feeling engulfed me in an instant. By the time I reached the end, my entire body was trembling. With roots in both Argentinian and Uruguayan families, who endured the horrors of dictatorships, the mere idea of witnessing another democracy crumbling within my lifetime is truly overwhelming. I hold a deep affection for this country, its constitution, its bill of rights, and the guiding principles established by its visionary founders. It is incomprehensible and baffling to think that any citizen would allow a politician or party to jeopardize everything we hold dear. They must be ignorant of the repercussions! This pains me profoundly because I have personally experienced the grim alternative, a dictator, no checks and balances, no laws to protect citizens, no choice, it’s not a game anyone can do just over in four years. I earnestly pray that all fellow Americans love their country enough to stand up and safeguard her.
Oh! Nora! I’m so sorry to have caused such a reaction! BIG hug!
There are tens of millions of Republicans who will gladly destroy democracy…
…as long as their guy is in charge.
Ross, thank you. I’m glad you have the guts to use your platform to build awareness. All people of good conscience should do so fervently.
I saw that article about Trump and his wannabe authoritarian fascist dictatorship. And basically reacted meh. His cultists will think it’s a great idea. The rest of us aren’t surprised as during the four years of his “administration” that is entirely the direction they headed this country and they are continuing to do so in the courts and at the state level. Because one of the first thing dictators do is to control the courts, which is exactly what Mitch McConnell has been doing for a decade or more. Obstructing Obama and Biden from putting judges on the bench and then fast tracking the Federalist Society’s “Fascist” list. McConnell doesn’t mind being called a hypocrite and feels no shame or guilt as long as he gets his way.
Will the original article change any minds? Maybe a few Independents on the fence. I think Trump has already done most of the damage he is capable of and the country is split already, likely never to be healed again. I see no relief from the constant power struggle shifting back and forth flipping 49-51.
I was reading this and thought wait a minute, I already read this but about trump and knew instantly! They love America but hate Americans as exemplified by tougher voting restrictions, anti gay rights, designating what can be taught in public schools, etc. It’s scary and evil.
As I was reading the first part of this, I thought: “This sounds like Trump, not Biden”. I’ve also read this before, but I don’t remember where.
My kids have a pair of hats that they wear to work. One is the usual “red hat”, and Ben has one that says “It’s Democracy, or Trump. Which is yours?” Dave’s red hat says “Make A$$holes Great Again”.
No one will ever challenge these 2 kids-Dave is 7-foot-one, & 275 well built pounds. Ben is 6-foot-three, and 225 pounds. I understand they got a few looks when they started wearing them, but nothing was said to either.
This story is scary as hell. I’m sick to my stomach. What about the 14th Amendment? Anyone who tries to overthrow the US Government can not run for president or any other public office. The Justice Dept. is very close to indicting Trump for that. Not sure if he has to be convicted or just accused of insurrection for the 14th Amendment to be invoked. He should be in prison.
Interesting that this plan was floated during the Reagan administration and again during the 2nd Bush administration after 9-11.
Not sure why the so-called party of small government would want a full-tilt executive branch of federal government… Just say no. Hell no.
I was like this is the same story ai just heard about the Cheeto, .and so not Biden’s way, this is the freaking crazy pants spinning things and twisting stuff as always.
Rachel’s Maddow’s new podcast Deja News is really great at drawing historical facts to current happens. And the episode 4 want not long ago, and is pretty eye opening along what lines this Cheeto is trying for.
My thoughts when reading the first part of the post was that it sounded more like a republican idea. But then is Trump really even republican? He’s even worse. And it’s really sad that anyone supports him. It’s scary how many do.