Once again his greed, arrogance and ignorance have become obvious to most Americans. When he gave that speech and rambled on about the Monroe doctrine (now the Donroe doctrine) his delusions of grandeur took over! His desire to be another, but even greater, dictator than Putin and to become the richest of all! What a pathetic megalomaniac!
Look up the percentage of the candidates’ campaign funding supplied by major corporations and/or their CEOs. Highest level of campaign advertising has a huge edge in influencing election outcomes, I think. Arizona recently passed some legislation attempting to throttle that form of election interference; maybe other states could explore the idea too.
The United States should emulate a system like that of Austria 🇦🇹. Please read. ⬇️
Austria is a capitalist nation with a strong, mixed Social Market Economy (Soziale Marktwirtschaft), blending free-market principles with robust social welfare, strong unions, and significant government regulation for social protection, resembling a social democracy more than state socialism. While socialist parties have influence and Austria has strong social programs, the system prioritizes private enterprise within a regulated framework, not state ownership or control.
Key Characteristics of Austria's Economy:
Social Market Economy: Combines free markets with a commitment to social balance and security.
Strong Welfare State: Extensive social security for sickness, unemployment, pensions, and parental leave, funded by insurance and public welfare.
Economic & Social Partnership: Collaboration between government, employers, and trade unions (social partners) to manage the economy.
Democratic Socialism (Influence): Socialist and social democratic parties advocate for worker rights and public services, influencing policy, but not defining the state as socialist.
In Summary: Austria's system is best described as a capitalist democracy with a significant social safety net, not a socialist state.
I wish that during the press conference that one of the reporters would have asked: "Does this now mean that you "Sir" are also kind of the president of Venezuela?"
I have to guess that he would not have been able to restrain himself and that he would have eagerly agreed with that proposition.
What a terrible situation we are in. I don't see how this ends well.
Hi Martin...... I agree with that. Besides there isn't any other real choice except to do the things that are in our power to do. That might be to protest or resist in small ways, help those that we can who need it and do everything possible to get people to vote. But I do fear for what lies ahead. Thanks for your newsletter!
I like the Steve VanZant song "I am a Patriot", Jackson Browne actually covered it and I think that's the most widely known version. Anyway, it is a good call to action.
Actually the definition of "viceroy" which Trump has named Marco Rubio, is "a governor who rules a country or province as the direct representative of a sovereign (king, queen or other monarch) holding extensive power in the monarch's name, essentially acting as the monarch's "stand-in " or vice-king". "Vice" (in place of) and "roy" (king). Who is about to declare himself King?
The names we call him and the aspersions we cast at him are meaningless to trump. As he has demonstrated his entire adult life (and probably earlier) he is an entity that does not have the capacity to experience shame, guilt, remorse, embarrassment, compassion or any other of the governors on our capacity to harm. Unfortunately the news cycle has moved on from its coverage of the hundreds of thousands of men, women and children murdered by him as a result of his shuttering USAID. We have yet to tally the deaths that will result from those Americans he will murder by depriving them of affordable health care. As for immigrants his capacity to murder is boundless. trump and his people are industrial strength serial killers aided and abetted by the entire republican party. For trump I feel only revulsion and disgust. I feel anger and despair at the absence of 24/7 outrage from the Democratic Party leadership and the lack of a coherent plan of resistance around which we the people can rally.
Appreciate your point, but they make me feel better, because it’s how I feel and for that I make no apology. I have long written about the other issues you raise too.
Thank you for your excellent perspective and writing. I truly fear for this country and the stability of the world. Without a conscientious and functioning congress, things look gloomy.
Again, thank you for a well thought out article looking at this latest issue without hysteria and fear mongering. We need to be able to share our concerns without relying on emotional responses.
On a lighter note, I saw a post saying “If Venezuelans are cheering for the arrest of their corrupt leader, imagine the celebrations in our streets if our corrupt leader was arrested!”
Thanks! We will have to wait to see how this will play out over time. Born and raised in Cuba, I labored for 25 years at the State Department serving mostly our Latin American embassies. After following the trajectory of Castro’s Cuba, an authoritarian regime, I long ago stopped buying the socialist dream that seems to end up in kleptocracies and instead simply accept the possibilities our country offers. I am a Libertarian and never registered with either political party.
Thanks, Martin! I’m totally with you. What perplexes me is that Venezuela with its oil wealth could have made a difference over the long run if Chavez and then Maduro had exhibited a modicum of good governance. Instead, they plundered PDVESA and stopped investing in the country’s oil company. Also, have no illusions about the regimes that preceded them. Carlos Andres Perez lined his pockets as did many in his circle. Almost mafia like. We humans are imperfect and at times I include myself. Be and stay well!
I think I touched on it when I spoke of the human condition. As a species seem to be programmed for self enrichment when the opportunity arises. I know it’s not everyone, but power just seems to corrupt.
You are absolutely right. Redistribution is the way forward, but it takes competent leadership and accountability.
But redistribution in what way? I am not in favor of the State, any State, redistributing what possessions I may have accrued over my lifetime, including my home and assets. I have and am extremely frugal and expect nothing from the State. Mr Mamdani has been elected in NYC on a progressive platform. I wish him well because previous collective systems have failed in the USSR, the countries of Central Europe and Cuba. Venezuela with its oil wealth joins them as their authoritarian policies forced millions of Venezuelan cities to leave the country. If that is your view, I respectfully disagree. It’s not mine.
Yes, what is yours? In my local newspaper, citizens wonder why the very wealthy pay little taxes. I am not entirely sure they do or don’t. In my letters to the editor, I point out that our Legislative branch is responsible for developing it and the Executive Branch enforcing it. So ask our legislators!
Great analysis. Thanks. I disagree that the unnecessary deaths of rank and file American military and Venezuelan civilians is too high a price to pay by those involved to silence any further possibility of the exposure of worldwide postwar UK/US/Israeli criminal acts against thousands of civilians. An apolitical criminal investigation into the Epstein-Maxwell network would destroy state governments. Full exposure of its operations would make MKUltra seem like a Teddy Bear’s Picnic.
Movie reference: The opening scenes of Woody Allen’s “BANANAS” when a new dictator starts firing orders/demands that are increasingly crazy. Every time I hear of any djt pronouncement this movie comes to mind. Except that in real life it’s not funny.
Once again his greed, arrogance and ignorance have become obvious to most Americans. When he gave that speech and rambled on about the Monroe doctrine (now the Donroe doctrine) his delusions of grandeur took over! His desire to be another, but even greater, dictator than Putin and to become the richest of all! What a pathetic megalomaniac!
I concur
So why oh why doesn't Congress man up and do their damn job!! Why do we elect them.uf they don't work???
Good question
Look up the percentage of the candidates’ campaign funding supplied by major corporations and/or their CEOs. Highest level of campaign advertising has a huge edge in influencing election outcomes, I think. Arizona recently passed some legislation attempting to throttle that form of election interference; maybe other states could explore the idea too.
The United States should emulate a system like that of Austria 🇦🇹. Please read. ⬇️
Austria is a capitalist nation with a strong, mixed Social Market Economy (Soziale Marktwirtschaft), blending free-market principles with robust social welfare, strong unions, and significant government regulation for social protection, resembling a social democracy more than state socialism. While socialist parties have influence and Austria has strong social programs, the system prioritizes private enterprise within a regulated framework, not state ownership or control.
Key Characteristics of Austria's Economy:
Social Market Economy: Combines free markets with a commitment to social balance and security.
Strong Welfare State: Extensive social security for sickness, unemployment, pensions, and parental leave, funded by insurance and public welfare.
Economic & Social Partnership: Collaboration between government, employers, and trade unions (social partners) to manage the economy.
Democratic Socialism (Influence): Socialist and social democratic parties advocate for worker rights and public services, influencing policy, but not defining the state as socialist.
In Summary: Austria's system is best described as a capitalist democracy with a significant social safety net, not a socialist state.
I’m very familiar with the model and I generally agree.
I wish that during the press conference that one of the reporters would have asked: "Does this now mean that you "Sir" are also kind of the president of Venezuela?"
I have to guess that he would not have been able to restrain himself and that he would have eagerly agreed with that proposition.
What a terrible situation we are in. I don't see how this ends well.
Don’t give up hope. Join me with my glass half full approach. It helps, I promise - Martin
Hi Martin...... I agree with that. Besides there isn't any other real choice except to do the things that are in our power to do. That might be to protest or resist in small ways, help those that we can who need it and do everything possible to get people to vote. But I do fear for what lies ahead. Thanks for your newsletter!
I like the Steve VanZant song "I am a Patriot", Jackson Browne actually covered it and I think that's the most widely known version. Anyway, it is a good call to action.
Best wishes and thanks again!
Take read of today’s episode of my series on escaping the tyranny later today. Then come back if you have further questions.
Actually the definition of "viceroy" which Trump has named Marco Rubio, is "a governor who rules a country or province as the direct representative of a sovereign (king, queen or other monarch) holding extensive power in the monarch's name, essentially acting as the monarch's "stand-in " or vice-king". "Vice" (in place of) and "roy" (king). Who is about to declare himself King?
good summary of historical events
Bob F. - Rochester, Michigan
The names we call him and the aspersions we cast at him are meaningless to trump. As he has demonstrated his entire adult life (and probably earlier) he is an entity that does not have the capacity to experience shame, guilt, remorse, embarrassment, compassion or any other of the governors on our capacity to harm. Unfortunately the news cycle has moved on from its coverage of the hundreds of thousands of men, women and children murdered by him as a result of his shuttering USAID. We have yet to tally the deaths that will result from those Americans he will murder by depriving them of affordable health care. As for immigrants his capacity to murder is boundless. trump and his people are industrial strength serial killers aided and abetted by the entire republican party. For trump I feel only revulsion and disgust. I feel anger and despair at the absence of 24/7 outrage from the Democratic Party leadership and the lack of a coherent plan of resistance around which we the people can rally.
Appreciate your point, but they make me feel better, because it’s how I feel and for that I make no apology. I have long written about the other issues you raise too.
Thank you for your excellent perspective and writing. I truly fear for this country and the stability of the world. Without a conscientious and functioning congress, things look gloomy.
You are most welcome as ever. I think the cracks will begin to appear, stick with it.
Grateful for this analysis.
No problem
HELL NO!
Again, thank you for a well thought out article looking at this latest issue without hysteria and fear mongering. We need to be able to share our concerns without relying on emotional responses.
On a lighter note, I saw a post saying “If Venezuelans are cheering for the arrest of their corrupt leader, imagine the celebrations in our streets if our corrupt leader was arrested!”
Thanks, yes I saw that sentiment too.
Need to get more restacks on this.
Thanks! We will have to wait to see how this will play out over time. Born and raised in Cuba, I labored for 25 years at the State Department serving mostly our Latin American embassies. After following the trajectory of Castro’s Cuba, an authoritarian regime, I long ago stopped buying the socialist dream that seems to end up in kleptocracies and instead simply accept the possibilities our country offers. I am a Libertarian and never registered with either political party.
I respect your perspective my friend and I’m certainly not pushing a political agenda here other than fairness and responsibility. - Martin
Thanks, Martin! I’m totally with you. What perplexes me is that Venezuela with its oil wealth could have made a difference over the long run if Chavez and then Maduro had exhibited a modicum of good governance. Instead, they plundered PDVESA and stopped investing in the country’s oil company. Also, have no illusions about the regimes that preceded them. Carlos Andres Perez lined his pockets as did many in his circle. Almost mafia like. We humans are imperfect and at times I include myself. Be and stay well!
I think I touched on it when I spoke of the human condition. As a species seem to be programmed for self enrichment when the opportunity arises. I know it’s not everyone, but power just seems to corrupt.
You are absolutely right. Redistribution is the way forward, but it takes competent leadership and accountability.
But redistribution in what way? I am not in favor of the State, any State, redistributing what possessions I may have accrued over my lifetime, including my home and assets. I have and am extremely frugal and expect nothing from the State. Mr Mamdani has been elected in NYC on a progressive platform. I wish him well because previous collective systems have failed in the USSR, the countries of Central Europe and Cuba. Venezuela with its oil wealth joins them as their authoritarian policies forced millions of Venezuelan cities to leave the country. If that is your view, I respectfully disagree. It’s not mine.
I think we have a very differing view.s of distribution of wealth.
Yes, what is yours? In my local newspaper, citizens wonder why the very wealthy pay little taxes. I am not entirely sure they do or don’t. In my letters to the editor, I point out that our Legislative branch is responsible for developing it and the Executive Branch enforcing it. So ask our legislators!
Great analysis. Thanks. I disagree that the unnecessary deaths of rank and file American military and Venezuelan civilians is too high a price to pay by those involved to silence any further possibility of the exposure of worldwide postwar UK/US/Israeli criminal acts against thousands of civilians. An apolitical criminal investigation into the Epstein-Maxwell network would destroy state governments. Full exposure of its operations would make MKUltra seem like a Teddy Bear’s Picnic.
Movie reference: The opening scenes of Woody Allen’s “BANANAS” when a new dictator starts firing orders/demands that are increasingly crazy. Every time I hear of any djt pronouncement this movie comes to mind. Except that in real life it’s not funny.
Thanks for giving a historical context to this current situation.
Forget the midterms! It's time to revolt! King Donny needs to be remove from office! LIKE NOW!!!! 😡😡🤬