Vice President Kamala Harris will certify Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory on January 6th, a duty mandated by federal law. This action contrasts sharply with her campaign rhetoric, where she vehemently denounced Trump as a threat to democracy and warned against his presidency. The certification occurs four years after the January 6th Capitol riot, fueled by Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Increased security measures are in place for the event, reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding the process.
Read More
The resurgence of Donald Trump and his administration necessitates a renewed emphasis on the societal importance of shame. Trump’s success stems from normalizing public displays of ignorance and unfounded claims by himself and his allies, exemplified by instances like his mischaracterizations of the New Orleans attack and Kennedy’s nomination to a critical health position. Tolerating such behavior, rather than publicly shaming it, has emboldened the spread of misinformation and harmful policies. Therefore, actively confronting and mocking demonstrably stupid statements from public figures is crucial to counteracting the influence of Trumpism.
Read More
Donald Trump’s rapid revision of the January 6th Capitol attack mirrors the decades-long Confederate narrative shift. Within four years, a deadly assault on American democracy became, for many, a peaceful protest against political persecution. This parallels the “Lost Cause” mythology surrounding the Civil War, where treason was recast as honor. Experts highlight the manipulation of facts and norms by bad-faith actors, enabling the acceptance of demonstrably false narratives. This swift rewriting of history demonstrates the power of repeated lies and unwavering loyalty within a political base.
Read More
The United States, despite its democratic ideals, functions as a plutocratic oligarchy, a reality exemplified by President Trump’s administration composed of numerous billionaires. This isn’t a new phenomenon; wealthy elites have historically wielded significant political influence, from the nation’s founding to the Gilded Age robber barons. Trump’s second term promises intensified deregulation and cuts to social programs, furthering this oligarchic control. The creation of the “Department of Government Efficiency,” led by Elon Musk, exemplifies this trend, aiming to drastically reduce government spending and regulation. This mirrors past efforts like the Reagan-era Grace Commission, ultimately serving to consolidate power in the hands of the wealthy.
Read More
Post-election polling reveals that voters in key swing states prioritized economic concerns over concerns about Donald Trump’s actions surrounding the January 6th Capitol attack, despite his impeachment and indictment. This suggests a disconnect between Democratic messaging on Trump’s threat to democracy and voter perceptions, with many not viewing him as a significant danger. The survey highlights a failure to effectively link Trump’s authoritarian behavior to tangible consequences for voters, as well as an underestimation of his ongoing appeal among certain demographics. Ultimately, the perceived threat to democracy paled in comparison to economic anxieties in influencing voter decisions.
Read More
A Sixth Circuit Court ruling, heavily influenced by the recent Loper Bright Supreme Court decision, blocked the Biden FCC’s attempt to reinstate net neutrality rules. This decision, echoing telecom lobbyist arguments, effectively eliminates significant federal consumer protection for broadband services. The ruling diminishes the FCC’s authority, leveraging a claim of “heavy-handed regulation” despite the modest nature of the rules and their broad public support. This outcome reflects a broader corporate strategy to dismantle federal oversight and leaves states to grapple with creating and enforcing their own consumer protections.
Read More
Following Judge Juan Merchan’s scheduling of his sentencing for January 10th, Donald Trump, via Truth Social, demanded Merchan’s disbarment. This follows Trump’s conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments. Trump maintains his innocence, asserting the case is politically motivated, and plans to appeal the verdict. Despite the judge’s indication of an unconditional discharge, Trump’s attacks reflect his continued defiance of the court’s decision.
Read More
Lululemon’s post-holiday sale offers significant discounts on its popular athletic apparel. This event provides a strong incentive for consumers to return to fitness routines, capitalizing on the renewed focus on health and wellness often associated with the new year. The sale includes a wide range of items, encouraging shoppers to refresh their workout wardrobes. Deep discounts on high-quality gear make this a prime opportunity for consumers seeking value and performance.
Read More
Despite a history of anti-immigrant rhetoric, President-elect Trump has reversed his stance on the H-1B visa program, prioritizing the needs of wealthy corporations over his base. This policy shift, coupled with planned cuts to social safety nets, reveals a two-tiered approach favoring the rich through tax cuts and tariff exemptions while potentially harming the poor and working class. This prioritization of corporate interests is evident in Trump’s willingness to grant tariff exclusions to companies willing to curry favor, mirroring past behavior. The resulting policy will likely exacerbate economic inequality, benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the vulnerable.
Read More
The independently financed film “The Apprentice,” a Donald Trump origin story, has been largely ignored by Hollywood despite positive reviews and its timely relevance. Stars Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan, who play Roy Cohn and Trump respectively, have criticized their colleagues for shunning the film, citing concerns about free speech and the industry’s selective engagement with political issues. This silence contrasts sharply with Hollywood’s vocal opposition to Trump during previous elections, suggesting a potential shift in the industry’s approach to political activism or a recognition of its diminishing influence. The film’s reception reflects a broader trend of Hollywood’s reduced political engagement since Trump’s election, leaving some to question whether this is a temporary lull or a more permanent change.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker