I love your writing, Mike. What I find difficult is that we are still in this analytical phase and not in a diagnostic one. Yes, it is a Constitutional Coup. That is true.
But speaking down-to-earth, in such a way that the majority of the American public, ignorant, uninformed, and misinformed, needs to be told, it is
⇢ a Violation of the Constitution,
⇢ an Assault on Freedoms that are intended as guarantees to the American population per the Constitution;
⇢ It is a Rape of Liberty and
⇢ It is the Deathknell of Freedom in America.
But underlying all of these horrid pathologic symptoms, it is the reality that
⇢ Fascism knocked on our door, and we welcomed it into our house.
⇢ It is the reality that the alleged checks and balances of the legislative and judicial branches are handcuffed by a House of Representatives dominated by Fascist-adoring Republican members.
Without the ability to impeach and convict those who have violated the US Constitution in so many ways, and in so many instances, this country and its Democratic core is fucked. And yes, Trump and those in his Administration are the violators, they are the ones who have raped Lady Liberty.
Why the FUCK would we voluntarily share our political power with these people?
If they want to live under authoritarian rule, let them. But for GODS SAKE let’s not hand them our liberty as well. We have the economic power. They have empty towns.
They have neglected, abused, and are dismantling OUR nation. Why didn’t they scout out their own utopia and build on it? It’s their ideas of a NEW WORLD ORDER. They want everyone, everywhere to convert and submit!
I saw something to this effect in one of my feeds right before I went to bed last night and woke up thinking I must have imagined it. This action of the Republican House is beyond a national disgrace. It’s a threat to our lives and liberties.
We need to give thought to what recourse there would be to a decision by the Administration to “defer” the 2026 elections in face of their certain defeat. In the past the recourse would be judicial constraint and Congressional action — they probably will not be there in 2026. So what’s left?
They might defer the 2026 mid-terms or, more likely, interfere in the elections so that Trump's false claims about the 2020 election being rigged, in retrospect, were another example of Trump's behavioral pathology of projection.
What's left? Here's my Hail Mary analysis.
The mainstream media, including TV and radio news broadcasters, and the written and online periodicals (and many), must be united in their focus on ONE thing. What is being done is Fascist, by the President, many of his appointees, and by the House GOP. He is destroying America with his delusional policies.
Trump, almost all of his Cabinet, and the House GOP must be called out for what they are by MASSIVE demonstrations of Americans.
All of America that will not allow the US to become a 3rd world nation, from sea to shining sea, must get off their asses and be politically active.
Those citizens who wish to restore America the Beautiful and prevent the above demise of the US must speak out about what Trump & his unseen puppet masters are doing.
You might ask, "What are Trump and his Myrmidons* trying to do?"
I have thought about this for many years. I have two primary
explanations relating to the "underlying cause" for the actions of Trump and his cabal.
A. Trump is Putin's useful idiot. Trump is functionally a Russian operative intent on destroying the United States by:
• Inane economic policy
• Alienation of allies
• Weakening NATO
• Destroying American universities
• Firing key people in the Administration so that he can manipulate the military to further his coup.
• Tossing Ukraine under the bus
• Dividing the citizenry of the US by blaming one ethnic group after another. This is the modus operandi that Hitler used, and the warning from Niemöller (First they came for the Communists)
• DOGE is, in fact, Destroy Our Great Experiment
B. Trump is an opportunist megalomaniac. He is using his power as POTUS to augment wealth for Himself, and his shadow network. I affirm that scenario B is a by-product of A.
Trump is a Russian operative by design or, if not, functionally for whatever cause.
Note that the House GOP is an accessory to Trump's crime.
History, if it is not rewritten a la Trump, will define what Trump has done and is doing as the crime of the millennium, a crime "like never before."
* Myrmidons is a word I was not familiar with, but was one recommended by Gemini, my AI assistant. Gemini has contributed to some of the choice of vocabulary in my comment. Ask your AI about Myrmidons. It is a perfect fit to what we are seeing in the Trump administration.
While Achilles had his flaws, he was also a great warrior so unlike dRumpf; therefore, I see the fierce warriors of Myrmidons, more like what we must be. You may be more knowledgeable than I so if I’m misunderstanding, please forgive me & don’t hesitate to correct.
Sherry, you're not focusing on the key point of my comment. Yes, America needs great warriors, not afraid to stand up to bully Trump and his incompetents. We need a Bruce Springsteen call to action during the first Trump administration, and absolutely after seeing the fascist behavior of the Trump gang in the first 100 days, with violation after violation of the US Constitution.
But for what it is worth, let's go deeper into the Myrmidons and the Greek mythology. Here's some info, perhaps more than anyone needs. I am using Gemini, my AI assistant, to give you the whole story.
The story of the Myrmidons from Greek mythology provides a potent metaphor for "obsequious followers" primarily due to their origins and unwavering, almost robotic, loyalty to their leader, Achilles.
Here's how it's applicable:
Origin from Ants:
In one prominent version of their myth (as told by Ovid), the Myrmidons were originally ants on the island of Aegina. After a plague decimated the human population, King Aeacus prayed to Zeus, who transformed the ants into men. This origin is key because:
Hive Mentality:
Ants are known for their collective, highly organized, and largely unquestioning behavior within a colony. They work together, often sacrificing individual needs for the good of the group or the queen. This translates to the idea of followers who lack individual initiative or critical thought. This defines MAGA in my opinion.
Industrious and Loyal:
The Myrmidons, like ants, were described as industrious, disciplined, and intensely loyal. While these can be positive traits, in the context of obsequiousness, they imply a willingness to perform any task, no matter how menial or morally questionable, without demur. This describes the outrageous actions of Trump's press secretary, his Homeland Security Secretary, his Secretary of State, his HHS secretary, and so on, ad nauseum. I do not know about you or others, but I am friggin outraged at the immorality, the open-faced lying, the flagrant destructiveness of Carolyn Leavitt, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubeo and RFK Jr. Look at all of his cabinet and you will see people picked who are the antagonists of every department, e.g. Linda McMahon- department of education who knows no difference between A1 and AI. Doug Collins is in charge of Veterans Affairs, and Kelly Loeffler heads up the SBA (but was found guilty of insider trading).
All of Trump's picks are intended to DOGE (Destroy Our Great Experiment). This is a rogue's gallery.
Back to Myrmidons.
Unquestioning Loyalty to Achilles: The Myrmidons were renowned as Achilles' personal army in the Trojan War. They followed his commands without question, even when Achilles was in a fit of rage or withdrew from battle. Sound familiar?
Blind Allegiance: This unwavering devotion, regardless of the leader's actions or the wider implications, is the hallmark of an obsequious follower. They don't challenge authority or offer alternative perspectives; their primary function is to serve and obey.
Lack of Individual Agency: The Myrmidons, for all their fierceness in battle, are largely portrayed as an extension of Achilles' will. They don't have distinct personalities or independent motivations. This reflects obsequious followers who suppress their own opinions or desires to mirror their superior's.
Modern Connotation of "Myrmidon": The word "myrmidon" itself has evolved to mean "a loyal follower, especially one who executes orders without question, protest, or pity" or even "hired ruffian" or "thug." This linguistic development directly reflects the negative connotations of blind obedience and a lack of moral compass.
In essence, the Myrmidons, particularly in their origin story, represent the ultimate example of followers who are so dedicated to their leader that they become almost an extension of that leader's will, acting without independent thought or ethical consideration. This makes them a perfect analogy for obsequious behavior, where deference and compliance overshadow critical thinking and personal integrity.
Is that enough for you? The point is not a slight on Achilles. That's absurd. It is rather my attempt to wake up sleeping America along the lines of Springsteen.
We've elected a POTUS who is a wrecking ball. What he has done benefits him, his family, and his good friend, Putin. America is a Greek tragedy.
Guys - one would never advise a battered spouse to find a way to save a dead marriage to a sociopath. We need to stop looking for solutions to our collective problem and start separating ourselves from those who want to subjugate us.
It’s pretty simple. And, to me, pretty clear that nothing else will save us. We walk. No fighting, no recriminations. They’ll sink or swim, as will we. But together, we are volunteering to have our power irrevocably confiscated.
You’ve nailed it. Compromise requires both parties to share some values and principles. When that shared reality does not exist, for instance when one side is cynically amoral and they other is focused on norms and niceties, compromise cannot succeed and an attempt to reach it is worse than a waste of time, it is a victory to the cynically amoral.
This neutering of the judiciary through legislation; the Supreme Court’s attack on Humphrey’s Executor; and the revocation of Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students together comprise the near final stages of this coup.
Given the traitors have a near 90% chance of succeeding, what is to be done now?
I have been very active on this forum. I do not know if my comments have done any good or opened any eyes. I need to move on. I do not wish to be mired in the psychoanalysis of political ideology. I will cancel my paid subscription this evening.
I prefer to stand alongside people like Bruce Springsteen. Waiting for the Mid-Term elections is wishful thinking, since Trump and his minions will either do away with the Mid-Terms or rig that election.
We are in a 1984 or an Animal Farm scenario. Perhaps, many of you have read neither. How about Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, published in 2000?
"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. The ability of insane acts of random violence to spread discord and enmity is very great. We can fight such madness only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open. It is my belief that we are all facing dark and difficult times. Some of us have suffered directly at the hands of darkness. Many families have been torn asunder. The time has come when we should remember that we have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy."
paraphrased from JK Rowling: Harry Potter (July 2000) and the Goblet of Fire- page 723-4 of the hard copy
I love your writing, Mike. What I find difficult is that we are still in this analytical phase and not in a diagnostic one. Yes, it is a Constitutional Coup. That is true.
But speaking down-to-earth, in such a way that the majority of the American public, ignorant, uninformed, and misinformed, needs to be told, it is
⇢ a Violation of the Constitution,
⇢ an Assault on Freedoms that are intended as guarantees to the American population per the Constitution;
⇢ It is a Rape of Liberty and
⇢ It is the Deathknell of Freedom in America.
But underlying all of these horrid pathologic symptoms, it is the reality that
⇢ Fascism knocked on our door, and we welcomed it into our house.
⇢ It is the reality that the alleged checks and balances of the legislative and judicial branches are handcuffed by a House of Representatives dominated by Fascist-adoring Republican members.
Without the ability to impeach and convict those who have violated the US Constitution in so many ways, and in so many instances, this country and its Democratic core is fucked. And yes, Trump and those in his Administration are the violators, they are the ones who have raped Lady Liberty.
Goodbye, America and the Land of Opportunity.
Hello, Fascism, and the Land of Opportunism.
Why the FUCK would we voluntarily share our political power with these people?
If they want to live under authoritarian rule, let them. But for GODS SAKE let’s not hand them our liberty as well. We have the economic power. They have empty towns.
When are we going to wake up and let go?
They have neglected, abused, and are dismantling OUR nation. Why didn’t they scout out their own utopia and build on it? It’s their ideas of a NEW WORLD ORDER. They want everyone, everywhere to convert and submit!
They want all our land & resources, any way they can get it!
I saw something to this effect in one of my feeds right before I went to bed last night and woke up thinking I must have imagined it. This action of the Republican House is beyond a national disgrace. It’s a threat to our lives and liberties.
"Suicide by etiquette” indeed. When will republicans in Congress and Justices find their spines?
We need to give thought to what recourse there would be to a decision by the Administration to “defer” the 2026 elections in face of their certain defeat. In the past the recourse would be judicial constraint and Congressional action — they probably will not be there in 2026. So what’s left?
They might defer the 2026 mid-terms or, more likely, interfere in the elections so that Trump's false claims about the 2020 election being rigged, in retrospect, were another example of Trump's behavioral pathology of projection.
What's left? Here's my Hail Mary analysis.
The mainstream media, including TV and radio news broadcasters, and the written and online periodicals (and many), must be united in their focus on ONE thing. What is being done is Fascist, by the President, many of his appointees, and by the House GOP. He is destroying America with his delusional policies.
Trump, almost all of his Cabinet, and the House GOP must be called out for what they are by MASSIVE demonstrations of Americans.
All of America that will not allow the US to become a 3rd world nation, from sea to shining sea, must get off their asses and be politically active.
Those citizens who wish to restore America the Beautiful and prevent the above demise of the US must speak out about what Trump & his unseen puppet masters are doing.
You might ask, "What are Trump and his Myrmidons* trying to do?"
I have thought about this for many years. I have two primary
explanations relating to the "underlying cause" for the actions of Trump and his cabal.
A. Trump is Putin's useful idiot. Trump is functionally a Russian operative intent on destroying the United States by:
• Inane economic policy
• Alienation of allies
• Weakening NATO
• Destroying American universities
• Firing key people in the Administration so that he can manipulate the military to further his coup.
• Tossing Ukraine under the bus
• Dividing the citizenry of the US by blaming one ethnic group after another. This is the modus operandi that Hitler used, and the warning from Niemöller (First they came for the Communists)
• DOGE is, in fact, Destroy Our Great Experiment
B. Trump is an opportunist megalomaniac. He is using his power as POTUS to augment wealth for Himself, and his shadow network. I affirm that scenario B is a by-product of A.
Trump is a Russian operative by design or, if not, functionally for whatever cause.
Note that the House GOP is an accessory to Trump's crime.
History, if it is not rewritten a la Trump, will define what Trump has done and is doing as the crime of the millennium, a crime "like never before."
* Myrmidons is a word I was not familiar with, but was one recommended by Gemini, my AI assistant. Gemini has contributed to some of the choice of vocabulary in my comment. Ask your AI about Myrmidons. It is a perfect fit to what we are seeing in the Trump administration.
*
.
While Achilles had his flaws, he was also a great warrior so unlike dRumpf; therefore, I see the fierce warriors of Myrmidons, more like what we must be. You may be more knowledgeable than I so if I’m misunderstanding, please forgive me & don’t hesitate to correct.
Sherry, you're not focusing on the key point of my comment. Yes, America needs great warriors, not afraid to stand up to bully Trump and his incompetents. We need a Bruce Springsteen call to action during the first Trump administration, and absolutely after seeing the fascist behavior of the Trump gang in the first 100 days, with violation after violation of the US Constitution.
But for what it is worth, let's go deeper into the Myrmidons and the Greek mythology. Here's some info, perhaps more than anyone needs. I am using Gemini, my AI assistant, to give you the whole story.
The story of the Myrmidons from Greek mythology provides a potent metaphor for "obsequious followers" primarily due to their origins and unwavering, almost robotic, loyalty to their leader, Achilles.
Here's how it's applicable:
Origin from Ants:
In one prominent version of their myth (as told by Ovid), the Myrmidons were originally ants on the island of Aegina. After a plague decimated the human population, King Aeacus prayed to Zeus, who transformed the ants into men. This origin is key because:
Hive Mentality:
Ants are known for their collective, highly organized, and largely unquestioning behavior within a colony. They work together, often sacrificing individual needs for the good of the group or the queen. This translates to the idea of followers who lack individual initiative or critical thought. This defines MAGA in my opinion.
Industrious and Loyal:
The Myrmidons, like ants, were described as industrious, disciplined, and intensely loyal. While these can be positive traits, in the context of obsequiousness, they imply a willingness to perform any task, no matter how menial or morally questionable, without demur. This describes the outrageous actions of Trump's press secretary, his Homeland Security Secretary, his Secretary of State, his HHS secretary, and so on, ad nauseum. I do not know about you or others, but I am friggin outraged at the immorality, the open-faced lying, the flagrant destructiveness of Carolyn Leavitt, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubeo and RFK Jr. Look at all of his cabinet and you will see people picked who are the antagonists of every department, e.g. Linda McMahon- department of education who knows no difference between A1 and AI. Doug Collins is in charge of Veterans Affairs, and Kelly Loeffler heads up the SBA (but was found guilty of insider trading).
All of Trump's picks are intended to DOGE (Destroy Our Great Experiment). This is a rogue's gallery.
Back to Myrmidons.
Unquestioning Loyalty to Achilles: The Myrmidons were renowned as Achilles' personal army in the Trojan War. They followed his commands without question, even when Achilles was in a fit of rage or withdrew from battle. Sound familiar?
Blind Allegiance: This unwavering devotion, regardless of the leader's actions or the wider implications, is the hallmark of an obsequious follower. They don't challenge authority or offer alternative perspectives; their primary function is to serve and obey.
Lack of Individual Agency: The Myrmidons, for all their fierceness in battle, are largely portrayed as an extension of Achilles' will. They don't have distinct personalities or independent motivations. This reflects obsequious followers who suppress their own opinions or desires to mirror their superior's.
Modern Connotation of "Myrmidon": The word "myrmidon" itself has evolved to mean "a loyal follower, especially one who executes orders without question, protest, or pity" or even "hired ruffian" or "thug." This linguistic development directly reflects the negative connotations of blind obedience and a lack of moral compass.
In essence, the Myrmidons, particularly in their origin story, represent the ultimate example of followers who are so dedicated to their leader that they become almost an extension of that leader's will, acting without independent thought or ethical consideration. This makes them a perfect analogy for obsequious behavior, where deference and compliance overshadow critical thinking and personal integrity.
Is that enough for you? The point is not a slight on Achilles. That's absurd. It is rather my attempt to wake up sleeping America along the lines of Springsteen.
We've elected a POTUS who is a wrecking ball. What he has done benefits him, his family, and his good friend, Putin. America is a Greek tragedy.
Guys - one would never advise a battered spouse to find a way to save a dead marriage to a sociopath. We need to stop looking for solutions to our collective problem and start separating ourselves from those who want to subjugate us.
It’s pretty simple. And, to me, pretty clear that nothing else will save us. We walk. No fighting, no recriminations. They’ll sink or swim, as will we. But together, we are volunteering to have our power irrevocably confiscated.
You’ve nailed it. Compromise requires both parties to share some values and principles. When that shared reality does not exist, for instance when one side is cynically amoral and they other is focused on norms and niceties, compromise cannot succeed and an attempt to reach it is worse than a waste of time, it is a victory to the cynically amoral.
Ahhhh man! That has been the direction of my thoughts and fears. To read your reasoned confirmation is disheartening.
This neutering of the judiciary through legislation; the Supreme Court’s attack on Humphrey’s Executor; and the revocation of Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students together comprise the near final stages of this coup.
Given the traitors have a near 90% chance of succeeding, what is to be done now?
I have been very active on this forum. I do not know if my comments have done any good or opened any eyes. I need to move on. I do not wish to be mired in the psychoanalysis of political ideology. I will cancel my paid subscription this evening.
I prefer to stand alongside people like Bruce Springsteen. Waiting for the Mid-Term elections is wishful thinking, since Trump and his minions will either do away with the Mid-Terms or rig that election.
We are in a 1984 or an Animal Farm scenario. Perhaps, many of you have read neither. How about Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, published in 2000?
"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. The ability of insane acts of random violence to spread discord and enmity is very great. We can fight such madness only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open. It is my belief that we are all facing dark and difficult times. Some of us have suffered directly at the hands of darkness. Many families have been torn asunder. The time has come when we should remember that we have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy."
paraphrased from JK Rowling: Harry Potter (July 2000) and the Goblet of Fire- page 723-4 of the hard copy
Mike, could you kindly expand a bit on
"...unless those judges had previously ordered financial bonds from plaintiffs"?
Maybe an example or two of how that would work?
Would the plaintiff be required to post a bond to even have a case considered, and lose it if s/he lost?
This is truly frightening! Is there any hope?