Reclaiming America from the People Tearing US Down Who Wanted to...Make It Great AGAIN?

If we’re ever going to get this country back together — not back like MaGA wants America "back", but forward into something more cohesive, functional, and humane — then we have to clean house.

• Donald Trump has to go, ASAP.
• The GOP needs to be scrubbed and reoriented toward reality.
• Democrats need to get their act together.
• Our national motto has to return to E Pluribus Unum — Out of Many, One.
• The Second Amendment and the gun insanity tied to it have to be addressed.
• Unconstitutional militias — meaning all of them — must be dealt with.
• Congress must get younger.
• Conservatism needs to be cleaned up.
• Education must be funded, functional, and valued.
• We also have to face some hard truths:
• We can’t keep being allergic to taxes if we want a nation that works...government, education, and social services can only function when we actually invest in them.
• Media must be held accountable for disinformation.
• Campaign finance reform is essential...dark money poisons everything.
• The Supreme Court needs real ethics rules and term limits.
• Climate action can’t be optional.
• Healthcare has to stop being a financial death sentence.
• Voting rights must be universal and protected.
• Civic education has to teach critical thinking and citizenship, not consumerism.
• And maybe most of all, we need to start holding people accountable not just to laws, but to basic decency.
• Cancel culture and extremism on both sides calm down naturally when the deeper rot...corruption, fear, greed, and ignorance...finally gets cleaned out.

So...
✅ Donald Trump HAS to go, ASAP.
✅ The GOP needs to be scrubbed and reoriented toward reality
✅ Democrats need to get their act together.
✅ E Pluribus Unum” MUST return ASAP.
✅ In God We Trust must be removed from government.
✅ The Second Amendment and the gun insanity tied to it have to be addressed.
✅ Unconstitutional militias — meaning all of them — must be dealt with.
✅ Congress must skew younger.
✅ Conservativism has to be cleaned up.
✅ Education must be funded, functional, and valued.
✅ Allergy to paying taxes must end now.
✅ Hold people accountable to more than laws.
✅ Canceling people and extremist tactics.
✅ Citizens United, gone.
✅ Abortion legalized nationally
✅ Cannabis legalized nationally with better standards and control for potency, etc.
✅ Supreme Court ethics/control
✅ Gerrymandering, ended or somehow made to be sane, so...ended.

So, we have things to deal with…

• Media responsibility
• Campaign finance reform
• Climate issues are real, deal with them, we were, until Trump.
• Healthcare, single payer
• Voting rights, obviously
• Civic education, absolutely
• Public service, unquestionably
• Criminal justice, for profit prisons ended.
• Privatizing everything as conservative ideal ended.
• Cultural respect
• Citizen respect
• Social Media (which couldn't have gotten so bad if things above had previously been dealt with)

Cheers! Sláinte! Na zdravie! 

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

Trump's Failing, So After Trump: What Comes Next?

When Donald Trump and his ridiculous MaGA movement finally leave the stage — whether through loss, removal, or sheer irrelevance — the real challenge won’t be what happens to him.

MAGA began as a cry for change, a promise of renewal from the Right — an appeal to restore what many believed they had lost. But it quickly became something darker: a movement that demanded others conform to its narrow values, regardless of whether they represented the majority or not.

In time, it devolved into MaGA — a twisted ideology of grievance, abuse, and control — one that perfectly fused with Donald Trump’s own criminal instincts and authoritarian impulses, creating the nightmare we’re ALL living through today. The left is left with the correct belief they were right all along. The Right is left with the nightmare of how to extricate themselves without a massive loss of "face'. Something very prominent more in China, than America.

We've been through a lot. Much of it self-imposed.

It will be what happens to us.

For nearly a decade, America has been reshaped by something far more enduring than one man: a movement. A movement that turned ignorance into a virtue, cruelty into currency, and division into identity. But when the shouting fades, when the flags are rolled up and the rallies end, what fills the silence? Do we heal, or do we harden?

---

The Long Shadow of Trumpism

Trump may have ignited the fire, but the tinder was already there — decades of resentment, disinformation, and moral drift. Economic inequality, cultural dislocation, and a deep distrust in government created a nation primed for manipulation. Trumpism became less an ideology than an emotional contagion: part nostalgia, part rage, part performance.

When he’s gone, his base won’t suddenly vanish. The autocratic mindset he normalized — the belief that might makes right, that cruelty equals strength, that lies can be “alternative facts” — will linger like smoke in the air long after the blaze is out.

And those who profited from it — politicians, media figures, influencers — will try to keep the embers glowing for as long as they can.

But movements like this eventually collapse under their own contradictions. They eat their young. Loyalty to the “leader” becomes loyalty to chaos. The cruelty that bound them together becomes the thing that tears them apart.

---

The Risk of Overcorrection

And yet, as often happens after trauma, we may swing too far in the other direction.

There’s already talk — among moderates, among progressives, among those simply exhausted — of cleansing the culture, of reasserting “decency” through moral vigilance. But moral vigilance easily curdles into moral panic.

“Cancel culture” may have started with good intentions — to hold people accountable — but too often it turned into a mirror image of what it sought to fight: mob justice, public shaming, and fear of honest dialogue.

If we’re not careful, our outrage at the Right’s abuses could blind us to our own. A democracy cannot survive if it replaces one orthodoxy with another. The goal must not be to silence our enemies but to outgrow them.

---

The Opportunity to Grow Up

The deeper hope is that this long, humiliating chapter in American life might also be a kind of forced maturity.

We’ve learned, painfully, how fragile truth is when weaponized by power. We’ve seen how easily institutions crumble when people stop believing in them. We’ve learned how racism, sexism, and conspiracy can disguise themselves as “freedom.”

Maybe, just maybe, this becomes a national awakening — a civic adulthood. A renewed respect for facts, for kindness, for humility.

Imagine a future in which people remember Trumpism not as a political phase but as a warning label: This is what happens when entertainment replaces ethics, when anger becomes identity.

That future won’t arrive by default. It will require effort — from schools that teach civic reasoning, from media that rebuild trust, and from citizens who choose empathy over performance. The antidote to Trumpism isn’t another savior or another slogan. It’s slow, unglamorous civic repair.

---

What We Choose Next

The post-Trump era will test who we really are. We can either remain addicted to outrage or reclaim the hard, steady work of democracy.

We can keep fighting over purity — Left or Right — or rediscover the power of shared reality.

Maybe we’ll never fully be “inoculated” against the disease of authoritarianism. But we can at least recognize its symptoms sooner: the scapegoating, the mockery of knowledge, the romance of strength.

And if we do, perhaps this dark age of Trump will one day be remembered not as America’s fall — but as the moment we finally decided to grow up.

Cheers! Sláinte! Na zdravie!

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

Rejecting Trump’s MaGA Agenda: Restoring America's Promise of Equality, Opportunity, and Democracy

I'm going to state this at the top, because it's true.

Because we failed ourselves (and the world) to arrest, try, & legally execute (capital punishment) Donald Trump for his crimes against America & humanity, he’s now using his corrupt MaGA & Project 2025 agendas to destroy the nation. 

How can this not be obvious to all? Mental Illness? Corruption? Kakistocracy?

I’ve been saying since before the end of Trump’s first POTUS45 term that he fully deserves arrest, trial, conviction, and, if appropriate, a swift and legal execution. "If appropriate"? Trump's own former Chief of Staff, John Kelly said it himself on a news piece in April 2025. To paraphrase: Trump is responsible for the death of 200,000 Americans due to his mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One cannot allow authoritarianism and coups—whether they’re slow-moving or fast—to take hold. They must be stopped decisively and immediately. However, we didn’t act quickly enough, and now Trump is attempting to apply those same authoritarian tactics within the U.S. to achieve his agenda.

Also, we must reclaim words that have been acquired by the Right, absconded with, such as "liberalism" and "wokeism".

Jill Lepore, a Harvard historian and author of These Truths, offers insight into the term "liberal" as it's understood in American political discourse. She distinguishes between its colloquial usage—often associated with left-leaning politics—and its broader, classical meaning rooted in Enlightenment ideals.​

In her book, Lepore defines "liberal" not merely as a political ideology but as a worldview that emphasizes the belief that people are inherently good and should be free. She notes that, in this context, governments are established to guarantee that freedom. This interpretation aligns with the classical liberal tradition, which advocates for individual liberties, limited government, and the protection of natural rights. ​

Lepore's analysis suggests that the term "liberal" has been co-opted in contemporary political discourse, often being used pejoratively by some on the right to describe policies or individuals they perceive as overly progressive or interventionist. This shift in meaning can lead to misunderstandings and mischaracterizations of the term's original intent.​

What actually IS Liberalism?

Jill Lepore views liberalism as a political philosophy rooted in the Enlightenment, emphasizing individual rights, limited government, and equality. Historically, it has evolved from classical liberalism (focused on freedoms and free markets) to more progressive policies (involving government intervention for social welfare). While its core principles remain consistent, the term "liberal" has been co-opted in modern discourse, often used pejoratively by political opponents to imply overreach or excessive idealism.

In brief, reclaiming the original meaning of such words as liberalism and wokeism is important to restore their core values. Liberalism, rooted in individual rights, equality, and limited government, has evolved but is often misunderstood or distorted in modern politics. Wokeism, originally a term for social awareness and activism for racial and social justice, has similarly been co-opted and misrepresented as a form of excessive political correctness. By reclaiming these terms, we can refocus on their original intent: promoting equality, justice, and social progress without the extremes or mischaracterizations that have led to divisiveness.

America, as originally founded, was based on principles of liberal democracy, emphasizing individual rights, equality, and limited government. However, it fell short of fully realizing these ideals, particularly in terms of slavery, voting rights, and women's rights. Over time, through amendments and social movements, America has made progress toward a more inclusive form of liberal democracy, but its foundations were imperfect and exclusionary in practice. The nation's evolution reflects an ongoing struggle to fully embody its liberal democratic ideals.

Moving on...

America's Future: Fighting Authoritarianism with Education and Economic Reform

America's greatness has always been rooted in the idea of opportunity: the opportunity to work hard, succeed, and, importantly, to educate oneself. The promise that anyone, regardless of background, could rise to the highest levels through hard work and education is what made this country a beacon of hope. But in recent years, we've seen a shift toward policies that undermine this foundation, concentrating power and wealth in the hands of a few while leaving everyday Americans to struggle. It's time we fight back. Not with authoritarianism, but with a renewed commitment to education, economic reform, and a future where opportunity isn't reserved for the elites.

The Growing Threat of Authoritarianism and Oligarchy

Under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, we’ve seen a concerning trend toward authoritarianism, one that prioritizes the consolidation of power among the wealthy and corporate elites. From his populist rhetoric to his policies favoring massive tax cuts for the rich, Trump's governance increasingly resembled that of an oligarchy—where power and influence are concentrated in the hands of a select few.

What does this mean for America? It means that the interests of ordinary citizens are sidelined in favor of the richest among us. It means that the economy is shaped by corporate giants and billionaires who pay little in taxes, all while the working class is left behind. Trump's approach undermines the very principles that make America a land of opportunity.

The Price of Dumbing Down America

Perhaps one of the most damaging trends we’ve seen in recent years is the erosion of educational opportunities. We are at a critical crossroads, where the cost of education is sky-high, and millions of young Americans are saddled with unmanageable student debt. Meanwhile, the jobs that were once accessible to all through education and hard work are being outsourced or replaced by automation. The result? An economy that works for the wealthy, but not for the masses.

The irony is stark: as we continue to preach the importance of education, it has become increasingly out of reach for many Americans. We've allowed the education system to be hijacked by a combination of high tuition costs, student debt, and a workforce that increasingly requires high levels of technical skills—skills that aren’t always accessible to everyone. Instead of creating an educated, highly-skilled workforce, we've created an economy where education is a luxury reserved for the few who can afford it, while many others are left to fend for themselves in an ever-shrinking pool of low-wage, low-tech jobs.

Just thought I would mention this now, a word I came up with today...Automiscreant.

Just remember it. We'll recall it later...

America’s Strength: Affordable Education for All

The answer to this problem is not to dumb down America and accept that only the wealthy should have access to education. The answer is to rebuild our education system—making it affordable, accessible, and a pathway to success for all. We must reject the idea that education is a privilege and not a right. By investing in affordable education, we can ensure that every American has the opportunity to contribute to a thriving economy, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

The good news is, this isn’t some unattainable dream. Affordable, accessible education is a solution that can be achieved through political will and systemic change. We must call on our lawmakers to enact policies that reduce the cost of education, whether through free community college programs, reduced tuition rates at state universities, or reforms to student loan structures that alleviate the burden on graduates. We need to ensure that students are not forced into debt slavery before they even have a chance to contribute to society.

Education as a Tool to Fight Economic Inequality

Affordable education isn't just about providing people with the skills they need to succeed—it's about combating economic inequality. The growing gap between the rich and the poor has reached dangerous levels, and it’s no surprise that this has coincided with the increasing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few. By providing equal access to education, we can create a more equitable society where individuals can rise based on their talents and hard work, rather than being held back by the barriers of wealth or education.

A strong, educated workforce is key to building a robust economy—one that doesn’t rely on low-wage, low-skill jobs but one that thrives on innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. It’s not about making America "great" again by returning to outdated, low-tech industries; it’s about embracing the future, one where every American has the opportunity to contribute to a high-tech, knowledge-driven economy.

Rejecting Authoritarianism: Empowering the People

In order to counter the authoritarian trends we’re seeing in the U.S., we need to focus on empowerment—empowering people through education, economic opportunity, and the restoration of democratic principles. We can no longer allow our nation to be steered by policies that benefit the wealthy few at the expense of the working majority. Instead, we need to fight for a system that prioritizes the welfare of the people and strengthens our democratic institutions.

The fight against authoritarianism isn't just political—it’s a fight for the soul of America. It’s about making sure that the American Dream is alive and well for all people, not just for those born into privilege. It’s about ensuring that, as a nation, we value education, opportunity, and fairness, not just economic power or political influence.

Moving Forward

We don’t need to follow the path of oligarchy and authoritarianism. We can, and we must, create a system where education and opportunity are available to all. We need leaders who will fight for policies that make education affordable, that empower the working class, and that rebuild the American dream. The future of this nation depends on our ability to invest in our people, not to trap them in cycles of poverty and inequality.

The time for change is now. Let’s reject the lies that have been fed to us about education and opportunity. Let’s demand a future where every American has the tools they need to succeed—and let’s make sure that the next generation has an America they can be proud of, not one that is ruled by the few, but one that is built by the many.

America is strong when its people are strong—let’s make sure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Rejecting the GOP's Authoritarian Agenda: A Call for True American Values

Under the banner of Trump's "Make america Great Again" (MaGA as he denigrates America), former President Donald Trump and his allies have advanced a political agenda that undermines the very essence of American democracy. Rather than focusing on creating opportunities for the many, this agenda elevates the interests of the wealthy elite, supports policies that erode democratic institutions, and fosters a dangerous drift toward authoritarianism. It's time to reject this vision and return to the core principles of fairness, opportunity, and equality that have always made America great.

1. The Rise of Oligarchy and Wealth Concentration

MaGA policies have favored the wealthiest Americans at the expense of the broader population. Trump's tax cuts, which disproportionately benefit corporations and the ultra-rich, reflect a growing oligarchic agenda. The result? A country where the rich get richer, and the working and middle classes continue to struggle. This system, which funnels wealth upward while undercutting the welfare of the average American, is not the America we strive for.

By prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy, Trump has exacerbated economic inequality and created a system where the 1% hold unprecedented power. This consolidation of wealth and influence among a small group of individuals and corporations undermines the democratic ideals that America was founded on. Instead of policies that uplift the people, MaGA has created a rigged system where the rich are rewarded, while working-class Americans are left behind.

2. The Erosion of Democratic Norms

Trump's actions throughout his presidency demonstrated a blatant disregard for democratic principles. From challenging the results of the 2020 election to attempting to subvert the democratic process through the insurrection on January 6, Trump's behavior revealed a disturbing desire to consolidate power at the expense of the people's will. His undermining of the judiciary, attacks on the press, and attempts to discredit independent institutions all point to an authoritarian mindset that is at odds with the democratic fabric of the United States.

The GOP’s complicity in enabling this behavior only deepens the crisis. Many Republican leaders have either supported or remained silent in the face of Trump's authoritarian tactics, which threaten the separation of powers and the democratic safeguards that protect individual freedoms. MaGA’s push to dismantle democratic norms is an existential threat to the principles that have held this country together for centuries.

3. The War on Education and Opportunity

One of the most insidious aspects of the MaGA agenda is its neglect of public education and the average American’s future. By slashing funding for education and focusing on policies that benefit corporations and the elite, Trump and his supporters have made it harder for working-class families to access the opportunities needed to thrive in a modern economy. High tuition costs, the elimination of affordable college programs, and rising student debt have trapped millions of young Americans in a cycle of economic despair.

The Republican party’s continued opposition to affordable education, healthcare, and worker protections only strengthens the status quo—where the rich stay rich and the poor are stuck. Trump’s policies, coupled with GOP reluctance to reform outdated systems, have made it clear that the party is not focused on improving life for the average American, but on maintaining power for the few. This, in turn, keeps educational opportunities out of reach for those who need them the most.

4. Reversing Progress on Climate and Equality

The GOP’s stance on issues like climate change, workers' rights, and civil rights has been a continuous setback for the nation. Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and his attempts to dismantle environmental protections were a direct assault on the planet and the future of generations to come. Meanwhile, the GOP’s resistance to diversity, and its hostility toward civil rights movements, shows a disregard for the progress that America has fought for in terms of racial equality and social justice.

Trump’s divisive rhetoric fueled hatred and division, pitting Americans against one another in a way that was both damaging and counterproductive. MaGA’s "America First" policy often turned into an exclusionary stance that neglected the needs of marginalized communities and fueled systemic inequalities.

5. Fostering Division Instead of Unity

Instead of focusing on unity and progress, Trump and the GOP have consistently fostered division. By sowing fear, spreading misinformation, and promoting a us-vs-them mentality, MaGA has divided the nation along political, racial, and economic lines. This has led to a breakdown in trust, not only between the American people and their government but also between citizens themselves. The GOP’s continued embrace of such tactics further deepens this divide, making it harder to find common ground on the issues that matter most.

Timothy Snyder

6. A Call for Rejection of Trumpism and MaGA

The rise of Trump and his authoritarian agenda represents a dark moment in American history. It’s time to reject this vision—a vision that prioritizes corporate interests over the people, power over democracy, and division over unity. We must return to the values that make America strong: equality, opportunity, justice, and education for all.

This is a call to action for those who believe in a better America—a country where opportunity is not limited to the rich, where democracy is not threatened by authoritarian tactics, and where education is accessible to all. The fight against the MaGA agenda is a fight for the soul of America. We must rise up against the forces of division, inequality, and authoritarianism, and work toward a future where the American dream is available to everyone, not just the elites.

The only way forward is to reject the politics of hate, fear, and division, and instead push for policies that unite us as a nation, protect our freedoms, and ensure that everyone—regardless of their background—has a fair shot at success. This is the true promise of America, and it’s time we make it a reality again.

Remember...

Basically, America...is headed through Donald Trump with his automiscreant/autocratic minions.
Good to know...

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

Escaping the Political Gravitational Pull: Hope Beyond Destructive Ideologies

Time dilation, as described in general relativity, explains how time moves slower in stronger gravitational fields or at higher velocities. The closer you get to a massive object, like a planet or a black hole, the more time slows down. It's a concept that challenges our common-sense understanding of time, making it seem almost fluid and relative based on the circumstances.

Now, applying this concept to politics is a fascinating idea. Just as gravitational fields warp time, political ideologies warp perceptions of reality. People within certain political "fields" experience time differently, based on the ideologies and alliances they subscribe to. For example, in the case of Trump, JD Vance, and Lindsey Graham, we might see this "time dilation" in how their political careers and actions unfold in different contexts.

Trump, as the central political figure in this metaphor, can be seen as a massive force, akin to a black hole of political gravity. His rhetoric, controversies, and style have created a gravitational pull that bends the perceptions of time for his followers and opponents alike. For Trump supporters (MaGA), time seems to be running at a different pace—they experience a political reality that is far removed from what others perceive as "normal." Political events that might cause outrage or concern for those outside this gravitational field barely register within it.

JD Vance and Lindsey Graham, though caught in Trump's orbit, have a different relationship with the political "time" in which they exist. Vance, for example, has leaned into Trump's narrative, shaping his political career around that gravitational pull. His time in the political sphere is marked by accelerated movements toward policies that align with Trump’s worldview, even if they are seen as eccentric or extreme to outsiders. Meanwhile, Graham, often oscillating between support and criticism of Trump, might experience a form of political "time" that feels constantly shifting, like an object in a fluctuating gravitational field. His oscillations between positions create a sense of instability in his political trajectory.

The contrast between these figures is like observing different time rates in close proximity to one another. Some are accelerating toward certain extreme views, while others are caught in a cycle of adaptation and change, constantly orbiting the larger force of Trump’s political influence.

In this "political time dilation," the slower-paced areas—the moderates or those outside the immediate gravitational influence—see the actions of Trump, Vance, and Graham as more extreme, out of step with conventional political time. Meanwhile, inside their orbit, it feels like a natural progression, even if it appears wildly inconsistent or erratic to outsiders.

Just as in general relativity, where different observers experience time differently depending on their proximity to a gravitational source, political observers feel the impact of major political figures and ideologies in dramatically different ways. Time, in politics, isn’t just a measurement—it’s shaped by the power dynamics that govern who is in control of the "gravitational field."

Fascism has an outsized weight or density to politics and sensibilities, just as does Donald Trump.

Destructive ideologies, like fascism, tend to have greater weight in politics for several reasons, much like how heavy gravitational fields have a more profound impact on time or objects within their reach. Here’s how this works in both a theoretical and practical sense:

1. Centralized Power and Charismatic Leadership: Fascism often gravitates toward a highly centralized, authoritarian structure, where a single leader or a small group controls the political system. The leader becomes a focal point of authority and influence, much like a massive object that pulls everything toward it. This concentration of power makes it easier for destructive thought to spread quickly, because the state machinery, propaganda, and security forces can all be harnessed to reinforce and normalize these ideas.

   In this sense, fascism becomes like a political black hole—everything around it gets drawn in and warped. Once established, fascism tends to consume all opposing views and consolidate its power by eliminating or silencing dissent. Over time, this centralization of control allows fascism to dominate and reshape the political "field" around it.

2. Us vs. Them Mentality: Fascist ideologies thrive on creating clear divides between groups—often based on race, ethnicity, nationalism, or other identity markers. This "us vs. them" mentality can serve to polarize societies and make opposing political thought feel like a threat. By establishing an "enemy" or "outsider," fascism has the power to unify its base under a common cause while justifying the marginalization or violence against those who don’t align with the ideology.

   This division acts like a political gravitational force, warping public discourse and leading to the normalization of violence or oppressive policies. Once this narrative takes hold, it’s harder for more moderate or inclusive viewpoints to be heard, much like how time dilation makes it harder for external observers to perceive events within a gravitational well.

3. Crisis Exploitation: Fascist movements often emerge during times of crisis—whether economic, social, or political. During crises, people tend to feel more vulnerable and desperate for solutions. A charismatic leader promising strong, decisive action can appeal to these anxieties. This creates fertile ground for fascism to flourish, as it promises a way out of chaos through authoritarian control, scapegoating, and radical change.

   The weight of fascism in such contexts is amplified because it feeds on fear and uncertainty. The longer it can dominate the discourse, the harder it becomes for more rational or democratic ideas to push through the distorted political landscape. In a way, the crisis acts as the "initial mass" that accelerates the pull of fascist ideologies, making them even harder to resist.

4. Cultural and Historical Memory: In many cases, fascism doesn't just present new ideas; it taps into historical grievances, cultural myths, and long-standing fears. This historical resonance makes fascist thought more weighty, as it draws on deep-seated prejudices, resentments, and fears. For example, fascist rhetoric may appeal to a nostalgic sense of "lost glory," "national pride," or the idea of restoring a mythical past, creating a sense of urgency to act in a way that is seen as "patriotic" or "necessary."

   The historical weight behind these ideas can be powerful, distorting perceptions of the present and future. Much like how an object with immense mass can alter the trajectory of smaller objects around it, fascist ideas can change the course of political movements and societies.

5. Media and Propaganda: In the modern age, fascist movements have effectively utilized media and propaganda to disseminate their views. By controlling or influencing the narrative, they can shape public opinion and distort the reality of a situation. Propaganda serves as the vehicle that carries fascist ideas, amplifying their weight and reach. The more they saturate public discourse, the harder it becomes for other ideologies to break through.

   In this sense, fascist ideologies spread like a gravitational field that distorts the political conversation. The more people are exposed to the narrative, the more likely they are to accept or normalize it, even if it’s destructive or oppressive. Over time, this manipulation of the media and information becomes a powerful tool to ensure the ideologies maintain their weight in politics.

6. Resistance to Change: Once fascism has taken root in a society, it can create a feedback loop that makes it difficult to break free from. Institutions, laws, and societal norms may be reshaped to align with fascist principles, and these changes become entrenched. The longer this lasts, the harder it is to undo the damage, much like how time becomes irrevocably distorted near a black hole. Even if the political environment changes, the lingering effects of fascism—through laws, economic systems, and social divisions—can persist.

In short, the weight of fascism in politics stems from its ability to consolidate power, create fear-driven unity, exploit crises, draw on historical memory, manipulate media, and resist change. Just as a black hole’s immense gravity warps space and time, fascism warps political systems and societies, often making it harder for moderate or democratic forces to challenge its dominance. The more these elements combine, the greater the ideological pull—and the more difficult it becomes to break free from its influence.

Despite the heavy gravitational pull of destructive ideologies like fascism, there is always potential for resistance and renewal. Just as light can escape from the edges of a black hole if the right conditions align, so too can societies break free from oppressive political forces when people come together with shared values of justice, equality, and democracy. History has shown us that even in the darkest times, movements for freedom, human rights, and progress have emerged stronger, challenging the status quo and restoring balance.

The key is the power of collective action—individuals and communities who refuse to be swayed by fear or division, who seek truth, and who build inclusive political environments. Whether through peaceful protest, the advocacy of truth, or the formation of resilient democratic institutions, it is possible to create a political "field" where hope, compassion, and understanding have a greater weight than fear, hate, and division.

In the end, while ideologies may hold sway for a time, they are not permanent fixtures. People have the power to reshape the trajectory of politics, to rewrite the story, and to move toward a future where the forces of justice and compassion are the ones that define the pace and direction of change.

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

 

Deny Nationalist Separatism - In America, or in Ireland

America...is a mess. Ireland, Scotland, and England are in one now, too. And so this blog this week will also be a bit messy. That's how I got to here, to now. It's how we all got here. We see now an example in other nations, like in Ireland, and in England. But first here in our own country.

What the hell happened? What the hell is happening?

This was all made to be this way by extremists and with the help of both Republican and Russian intervention. A similar situation is happening in the UK. Here, leaders in our GOP like Mitch McConnell, who has been a bane upon this country for years now, has deluded half our nation, and angered the other half.

And for good reason. They have forced us into separatism and now isolationism from the world, removing us as much as they can, especially Pres. Trump, from our leadership role. As if trying to hand it to Vladimir Putin and Pres. Xi in China. Two other leaders who need to be removed from the world, and their own nation's, stages.

McConnell's predecessor, the travesty known as Newt Gingrich, first dragged us into this new age using new media in the early 90s when video cameras were first allowed into Congress and he utilized and abused that format late into the night, kickstarting if not all that we see today in American politics, so very much of the bad of it.

This is no longer about the best ideas and people rising to the top. To the point of Republicans now conflating what socialism, democratic socialism are, or what the difference is between that and Nazis Germany.

It is now all about the people desired to be at the top by a few, being forced there by illiberal means and through underhanded means, at times bordering on the criminal.

It has given us a polarized nation. And that, is never a good thing. Except for those who are doing it and for all those issues used to obscure the truly important issues being back tabled by divisive issues used and abused for merely political purposes. Just as we're seeing today.

We have other examples of this being done around the world and throughout history. Brexit is another example in the UK. France just had its tussle and won over the right-wing nationalist. They, were lucky.

I am myself part Irish. I have felt Irish since I began high school when in 10th grade I saw a documentary about "The Troubles" going on in Ireland back then. I began to learn more about the Loyalists and the Separatists, the Catholics and the Protestants, the British and the Irish.

I was fifteen when my consciousness became raised about The Troubles, in that land of my ancestors so very far away.

The Miami Showband in the 1970s - from Irish Central 

There is a Netflix documentary coming out about the forty-year-old massacre of a band: "Remastered - The Miami Showband Massacre". I had not heard of it until now. I saw and read about, and researched many of the things that happened in Ireland during The Troubles. But this one I missed.

I had been paying attention to Ireland throughout the 70s. But the summer of the year this happened in 1975, my younger brother was dying of liver cancer. He didn't make it to his 15th birthday on July 5th. Then not long after the Miami Showband Massacre on July 31st, I was in basic training in the Air Force and had other things on my mind, and no access to media.

I kind of lost the world for a bit that year. Learning of all this now just makes that year hang even heavier in my mind.

A survivor of that massacre, Stephen Travers, warns that this Brexit issue, could bring up old issues long laid to rest now. Brexit, as I understand it, is an ill-planned, pie in the sky belief pushed along by Russian interventions and mostly a divisive British conservative right wing run amock. Reminds me of the GOP here in the States.

It is as much a mess there as we have now in America with our own elections. Could the mess in the UK and Ireland restart, The Troubles? It has much to do with border issues. And feelings that have been long buried. We have ridiculous border issues here in America because a devisive president in Donald Trump and his insane posse the GOP, have blown up a situation into a fake "crisis". Much as had been done with Brexit.

Feelings no one wants to see surface again are being called up. While a younger group of Irish citizens do not fear the return of those Troubles. Those, who either no longer remember The Troubles because they were too young to know what was going on back then, or because they weren't even alive at the time.

Much of what both countries have been in and are seeing an echo of now, are born from abuse and a lack of care or understanding for those being abused. People trying to be together and yet, are being separated upon ideological lines for reasons having nothing to do with the cohesion of a nation.

For me, this all began during a time when I was young. A time in America of the Vietnam War. Of civil unrest in America because of a war no one understood and an awakening of America's youth. Of my orientation in having grown up so close to an Air Force base that I could play outside and watch planes taxi for takeoffs at the end of our road.

That had to have had an effect on me. And it did. In junior high, I joined an auxiliary of the USAF, the Civil Air Patrol where we were trained in military forms related to aerospace and search and rescue of small downed aircraft. This after my years in martial arts and fighting in tournaments. It was during a period of my being on a youth pistol and rifle team (I later got my letters in high school being on our school rifle team for three years). Eventually, perhaps it was inevitable, I went into the Air Force. All those things affected me growing up.

Much of all that is detailed in my true crime biopic screenplay titled, The Teenage Bodyguard. In the hands now of a major management agency in Hollywood, it details my history and a week I lived in 1974 and a bit of 1975. Hopefully, we can all see all this on screen one day. It is a fascinating story, even if I do say so myself. And I'm not the only one saying so as industry insiders who have read it also liked it very much.

Vietnam. I saw my brother's friends come home from that war. Mostly messed up in one way or another. One of my brothers is seven years older than me. None of those people we knew who experienced Vietnam are alive now. Those whom I knew growing up.

My brother was lucky. He wasn't taken for the war and is alive today. I was ready to go to the Vietnam war for my country. I was young, foolish, lots of hormones, lots of experience in practicing things and not using them. Raised Catholic, I had reasons to stand for the abused. As head altar boy at our church, I was used to being in charge. Both then and in the CAP where I was a young "Flight Commander" leading others.

Eventually, I joined the real military during that war in Vietnam, right at the end of it. Though, I never got to go over there. I was lucky. I spent my military years in peacetime.

After a lifetime of confusion and frustration in my home life, in our moving so often up until fifth grade, my parents splitting up in Spain when I was three and we were living there. Growing up bicoastal, in living in Tacoma, WA and visiting our main family back on the east coast in summers. Our mother remarrying when I was five to a man whom I did not like much at all. Our home life growing up was a confused situation between a loving mother and a step-father who had his own emotional problems and who did not much care for me.

I'm not complaining here, I'm just trying to explain how an orientation developed and how it can lead to taking sides, to wanting to lash out at perceived, if not real, abuses and abusers. An orientation that even today comes out in my standing against an excessively foolish right-wing GOP.

It was in tenth grade at fifteen when I first began to desire to learn about my Irish heritage and really delve into it. And I was horrified by what I discovered.

Like about, The Troubles, recently starting up at that time, exposing long-buried scars from the 1916 Easter Uprising and before. In learning of all that, I wanted to go fight for the freedom of Ireland.

I grew up loving the Brits, to be sure. I loved their old films. Their history. Winston Churchill still to this day is one of my heroes. More for his intellect than anything else. I loved British humor. Month Python for one and so many others.

It was confusing to me how the British I had loved as much, as much as my own America, turned quite suddenly for me into the abusers of the Irish. A country so very close to their homeland. Then I learned about other issues through the history of India, Africa, the Boer War, and colonialism overall.

Still, I was ready and willing to go fight for the IRA. I began to learn about the history of the Irish in America, in Ireland and how the British ruled over them. About the Potato Famine and so much more.

I took all those confused feelings and the bitterness from my childhood and channeled it into my desire to push the British out of Ireland. But I was only fifteen and I had no money. I had worked at a job since ninth grade. I worked nights all through high school. But I never had money for a plane ticket.

I tried to convince my friends to join me. Maybe together a few of us could gather the funds and go fight. But I didn't know any other Irish kids. Or perhaps some I knew didn't know or care that they were Irish. Or what it meant. No one seemed to care what was happening in 1970 in Ireland. Perhaps rightly so, as we were Americans. And everyone thought I was nuts anyway. Maybe I was.

In 2015 I finally got to travel Ireland. Walking mostly, also bus, train, and car. I saw Dublin, Galway, Cork, Belfast. I got to share most of the trip with my daughter. From the moment I stepped off the plane until I felt the pain of having to leave at the end. I hope to return.

This all affected me to the point that years ago I began and half finished a manuscript of a fiction novel that began in Ireland and ended here in America. It was a kind of horror story involving abuses by a splinter group of the IRA in using four college friends on vacation for their own purposes. I never finished it.

Perhaps it's time? If I get my screenplay produced, maybe then I can afford to return. My first ever short story which I wrote during a period of illness over a week when I was fifteen was about a youth abused by those in power for political and imperialistic purposes.

There is a thread of this all through my life and many of my writings. How the people are so often abused by those in power. How we are sometimes driven by things we don't even understand and could, if we just stood back for a moment and took a look around us.

We are now experiencing it again here in America, openly and I'm stunned it is happening. And Ireland is going through some of it, hopefully not all of it, again also.

I am now much older. I see our country here in America being so polarized, so unnecessarily divided.

A situation brought on by small minded people for personal greed and power. And a foreign government for purposes of disrupting our nation and western democracy overall. As we're seeing in the UK, in Ireland. Even in Scotland. Where a petty little man in Vladimir Putin and his connections to organized crime has helped to damage so much for his own personal reasons.

Perhaps just like our own President Trump. And an extremist right wing and their dying political party aiding them whether knowingly or otherwise.

We need to learn from Ireland's past. The UK. Ireland, both south and north, need to learn from their histories. I am not the only one who sees it that way as I mentioned above. One article by Clarin Tierney, British Bullying on Brexit border issue may reignite The Troubles, points this out clearly.

My point in all this? History, and what we grew up with, predisposes us to manipulation. By those who love us and those who hate us, as well as those who can use and abuse us. We have to be aware of it. We have to be careful. We have to fight for us, not them. Because they are fighting us, for them.

I grew up with an orientation as have others. Ireland has lived what it is like to be a nation divided and a country at odds with itself. We, especially they, both Ireland proper, Northern Ireland, and the UK, need to not return to a period of time when people, their own people, died over issues both political and polarized, used and abused for the purposes of a few over that of the many.

We need to see behind these curtains at what is really going on and put a stop to it. Before The Troubles begin anew in Ireland. Before they begin again in America. For we had our own Civil War and it wasn't very civil. It nearly destroyed us. And now we are seeing people pushing us in that direction, not for the good of America or our citizens, but for their own political, monetary and power.

This planet, all of us, have been infected by a right-wing agenda, based in a desire for power and control, money and riches. That cannot be what we are about as a human race. Not based in corporate thinking, in political gain, in greed, but in truly humane thinking.

Long term planning, not just short term gain. We need to see ourselves, each other, outside of those above us making our decisions. We need to see the forest and the trees. Not just the trees in getting so specific we are lost. We have to see the big and the small and realize, we are the small. It is and can be confusing. But we have to remember we are one, not many separate, but separate together.

Yes. It can be counter-intuitive and I know that is something most conservatives struggle with as it goes against their mindset. The mindset of many today in being overwhelmed and wishing for easy answers, quick choices, and binary, black and white reasoning. But that is not life. What is life is, we are all of one nation. Nationism is not the solution. Togetherness is.

Small, as one wise man once put it, is beautiful. With one foot before the other, we need to walk together into the future and remember who is in charge.

We are. Unless, we allow others to tell us what to do, who to be and to distrust our neighbors. Be they next door, in another county, in the next state to us, or on another coast entirely.

We need to draw the line at killing one another. And a line against those who would pit us against one another.

A Nation Once Again (Wolfe Tones) (The Dubliners)

When boyhood's fire was in my blood 
I read of ancient freemen, 
For Greece and Rome who bravely stood, 
Three hundred men and three men; 
And then I prayed I yet might see 
Our fetters rent in twain, 
And Ireland, long a province, be. 
A Nation once again!

A Nation once again, 
A Nation once again, 
And lreland, long a province, be 
A Nation once again!

And from that time, through wildest woe, 
That hope has shone a far light, 
Nor could love's brightest summer glow 
Outshine that solemn starlight; 
It seemed to watch above my head 
In forum, field and fane, 
Its angel voice sang round my bed, 
A Nation once again!

It whisper'd too, that freedom's ark 
And service high and holy, 
Would be profaned by feelings dark 
And passions vain or lowly; 
For, Freedom comes from God's right hand, 
And needs a Godly train; 
And righteous men must make our land 
A Nation once again!

So, as I grew from boy to man, 
I bent me to that bidding 
My spirit of each selfish plan 
And cruel passion ridding; 
For, thus I hoped some day to aid, 
Oh, can such hope be vain ? 
When my dear country shall be made 
A Nation once again!

Songwriters: Sean O'riada

A Nation Once Again lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Bardis Music, Usa Attn: Peter Bardon