In the eyes of the world America is now a failed state ruled by a racketeering, extortionist regime, who confuse global scorn for power through strength.
What’s crazy is what along the ones in denial most America media is still going with the false narrative. So in order to get real news, we have to go to sources outside the USA. This regime took control, quickly.
I agree 100% with you about everything. This tragedy today is insane on every level, and truly, shockingly, EVIL. Tragically, virtually everyone in my world— central Texas, small to moderate size city, evangelical Christian, mainly white, “normal God fearing folks,”—-either are all in(we hate abortion, Republicans are the good guys, those gays and Muslims scare us, etc.) OR they will both sides you to death and say both “sides” are bad, and we are so holy, so above the fray. Don’t get involved…….
I am frightened, dismayed and heartbroken and have been since 2016, but especially since about 2018 when I realized people had truly lost their minds and were cultic if not outright drones and cult members and truth was irrelevant and objective right and wrong had no meaning anymore.
You are right, and virtually no one cares. I am the deranged one……..Help!!
I hear you Rick, but please don’t despair. It was always going to be the case that Trump would eventually set himself on fire, and true to form he’s doing it as we speak.
My biggest fear is for what comes after. There had never been a better opportunity for transformational change, but it’s going to be a long road I fear. - Martin
Martin, I know and pray you are right, but in my book that sick and perverse cretin has been setting himself on fire for ten years now, and yet, there he still is, and people still buy the lies and evil and follow him into hell.
Well… there is always an Alien Invasion to take our minds off the stupidity and failures of the masses of mega Christian Right who believe dinosaurs roamed with people 3000 years ago.
That was so well written, Rick A. Exactly how I feel. I am paralyzed. At the beginning I kept wondering how people were just carrying on, going to work, etc. Now I do fear insanity has been normalized
First, Martin thank you for the time and toil and energy you put into all your posts. I subscribed several months ago. What tugged at my heart was your title — “Truth Matters”. I live in the hilltowns of Western Massachusetts. Small communities and farms and a wide spread of little town libraries and Congregational Churches. I live in the town of Cummington and it is said to have a tradition of sheep farmers, poets, and some of the first abolitionists in America going back to the 1820’s.
In 2005, as result of the Iraq War, my minister formed a peace rally/protest that would gather weekly on Route 9 (the main thoroughfare east/west in this part of the state). Our Monday gathering continues to this day. The protest sign I stand with came from a pile of old signs that I claimed a few years ago. “Truth to Power” scrawled in black magic marker. Three simple words that hold so much, convey so much, are the bed rock for civil society— this has been the anthem for most of my adult life.
I belong to a small ethnic group called the Lemko Ruskins that are from a region in southeastern Poland referred to as Galicia. My ancestors lived in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. They aligned themselves with the Eastern Orthodox faith. My grandfather lived in the village of Binczarowa (translates to Russian Princess). Ukraine is to the east and Slovakia just over the high peaks. My grandfather was perhaps the last of my family to live under the auspices of a feudal society.
As our family story goes, in order to avoid being conscripted into the military, he and his young bride decided to emigrate to America. It is said that it took him three tries before he was able to gain fare for himself and my grandmother so, in 1915, they arrived on Ellis Island.
Nestor and Mary Malinak had eight children. The second oldest boy was my father, Walter. They were part of a small group of founders of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Binghamton, N.Y. Today this church is on the Historical Register. Nestor first worked in the coal mines of northern Pennsylvania before settling in Binghamton and then working at Endicott Johnson (a shoe manufacturer) for almost three decades. In broken English, my grandfather would say “EJ O.K.”
Cutting to the chase — I am proud of my family history. I am proud of my grandparents and the strength and resilience they had to come to a new world and establish and practice their Eastern Orthodox faith. I am proud of my father and my seven uncles for all serving in World War II. My father was 21, an operations clerk for the Army Air Corps, and served on the island of Saipan in the last 28 months of the war with Japan.
Simply put — my family legacy is one of escaping the shackles and bondage of a feudal system and territorial landlords. My family legacy was to be able to brandish their ethnic heritage and their Orthodox faith.
Again simply put — I am angered to tears and anguished in sorrow by what this current administration has done and what has become of our country. I will always stand firm, feet planted, back straight, head and eyes locked on this storm that approaches. I gain great comfort knowing that all my ancestors stand beside me.
Mark, I want to personally thank you for sharing the story of your family and your dedication to the values we both share. Life deals us all different challenges and we are defined by what we do, not only with the opportunities we are presented, but the good grace and sense of responsibility with which we accept and deliver on them.
I am humbled by the number of good people who have joined me on what has been a journey of discovery. I’m more than aware I can be pretty direct, and have little time for sweetening the pill so to speak, but the road we tread together is one that places honestly, integrity and decency at the heart of our conversations.
I love reading comments and they provide the fuel for future thoughts, so thank you for your longstanding support, it means the world to me. - Martin
Excellent article! I am looking forward to Part 2. I could listen to AOC all day. She is so smart, presents her complex arguments in easy-to-understand terms, and is clearly on the side of us regular Americans.
I have been following you, and your writing, since your first post. The transition in our country, our economy and culture, the political climate as a whole… has been shattering. Project 2025 and its perpetrators… and the machinations of Evil as I see it and them… has been mind boggling and soul shattering. I can only imagine that it will collapse under the weight of its own evil overlords. Every other such undertaking in history has.
True...he (I shall leave that ugly man nameless) is burning a lot to the ground, if only metaphorically. Rather like the Civil War did to this land and people before, when there was a lot less of it to destroy. The error, as perceived by some then and even now, that President Lincoln made was forgiving and allowing the perfidious and unrecalcitrant Southerners not to pay restitution. Instead, they continue to wreak havoc to this day on the nation, as a whole....never feeling that the war ended....or that the South 'lost'.
Dear souls, I have a request, if you believe what I'm about to say is true, please help me realize the dream that I had. This dream is to see a hand holding across the world, kind of like the old Coca-Cola commercial. One done in silence, to honor those who's experience has been cut short here, to teach us the ultimate lesson. That we are all free souls, starting right now. We know energy cannot be destroyed. Only transferred, so let's keep our energy for ourselves. You see I've been screaming into the abyss for over a year now, at every protest I could get to. Only to realize it's falling on deaf ears, and I know the definition of insanity. This is a time for change. If you also believe this to be true will you please help to promote this idea? Let's make our love for one another unstoppable. Thank you ❤️
I am absolutely with you on the sentiment of your statement Kristen, but I fear the world has changed in a way that makes your wish a big challenge. - Martin
And it's up to us to have the courage to try. Thank you. Love to you and all. How about we play the old Beatles song, blast it at full volume!! I want to hold your hand 🎶
My first partner!!!!!!! Thank you!!! I know we won't regret it!!!! After putting it into the ethos here and on YouTube, I'm going to make printed little notes to leave around everywhere I go to try to up the momentum :) I'm going to come up with something eye catching and clever today!!
I would respectfully remind you that US soil WAS invaded - by the white man! Other than that omission it was a great post. Thank you for putting all this together - all wrapped up in facts!
Well, in fact, the US was invaded in 1812; British troops burned the White House. But your larger point about egregious militarism and the bloated military budget is spot on.
What’s crazy is what along the ones in denial most America media is still going with the false narrative. So in order to get real news, we have to go to sources outside the USA. This regime took control, quickly.
American Media has been bought by the oligarchs… it only brings what stories the rich and powerful want the masses to hear and see.
I agree 100% with you about everything. This tragedy today is insane on every level, and truly, shockingly, EVIL. Tragically, virtually everyone in my world— central Texas, small to moderate size city, evangelical Christian, mainly white, “normal God fearing folks,”—-either are all in(we hate abortion, Republicans are the good guys, those gays and Muslims scare us, etc.) OR they will both sides you to death and say both “sides” are bad, and we are so holy, so above the fray. Don’t get involved…….
I am frightened, dismayed and heartbroken and have been since 2016, but especially since about 2018 when I realized people had truly lost their minds and were cultic if not outright drones and cult members and truth was irrelevant and objective right and wrong had no meaning anymore.
You are right, and virtually no one cares. I am the deranged one……..Help!!
I hear you Rick, but please don’t despair. It was always going to be the case that Trump would eventually set himself on fire, and true to form he’s doing it as we speak.
My biggest fear is for what comes after. There had never been a better opportunity for transformational change, but it’s going to be a long road I fear. - Martin
Martin, I know and pray you are right, but in my book that sick and perverse cretin has been setting himself on fire for ten years now, and yet, there he still is, and people still buy the lies and evil and follow him into hell.
You’re not wrong, but this time I truly have a gut feeling. I’ll be gutted if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure I’m not.
That’s not to say he won’t still cause trouble with his bored of peace fiasco etc.
Well… there is always an Alien Invasion to take our minds off the stupidity and failures of the masses of mega Christian Right who believe dinosaurs roamed with people 3000 years ago.
Oh god u said everything i am living right now. Every day i cry but…
That was so well written, Rick A. Exactly how I feel. I am paralyzed. At the beginning I kept wondering how people were just carrying on, going to work, etc. Now I do fear insanity has been normalized
First, Martin thank you for the time and toil and energy you put into all your posts. I subscribed several months ago. What tugged at my heart was your title — “Truth Matters”. I live in the hilltowns of Western Massachusetts. Small communities and farms and a wide spread of little town libraries and Congregational Churches. I live in the town of Cummington and it is said to have a tradition of sheep farmers, poets, and some of the first abolitionists in America going back to the 1820’s.
In 2005, as result of the Iraq War, my minister formed a peace rally/protest that would gather weekly on Route 9 (the main thoroughfare east/west in this part of the state). Our Monday gathering continues to this day. The protest sign I stand with came from a pile of old signs that I claimed a few years ago. “Truth to Power” scrawled in black magic marker. Three simple words that hold so much, convey so much, are the bed rock for civil society— this has been the anthem for most of my adult life.
I belong to a small ethnic group called the Lemko Ruskins that are from a region in southeastern Poland referred to as Galicia. My ancestors lived in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. They aligned themselves with the Eastern Orthodox faith. My grandfather lived in the village of Binczarowa (translates to Russian Princess). Ukraine is to the east and Slovakia just over the high peaks. My grandfather was perhaps the last of my family to live under the auspices of a feudal society.
As our family story goes, in order to avoid being conscripted into the military, he and his young bride decided to emigrate to America. It is said that it took him three tries before he was able to gain fare for himself and my grandmother so, in 1915, they arrived on Ellis Island.
Nestor and Mary Malinak had eight children. The second oldest boy was my father, Walter. They were part of a small group of founders of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Binghamton, N.Y. Today this church is on the Historical Register. Nestor first worked in the coal mines of northern Pennsylvania before settling in Binghamton and then working at Endicott Johnson (a shoe manufacturer) for almost three decades. In broken English, my grandfather would say “EJ O.K.”
Cutting to the chase — I am proud of my family history. I am proud of my grandparents and the strength and resilience they had to come to a new world and establish and practice their Eastern Orthodox faith. I am proud of my father and my seven uncles for all serving in World War II. My father was 21, an operations clerk for the Army Air Corps, and served on the island of Saipan in the last 28 months of the war with Japan.
Simply put — my family legacy is one of escaping the shackles and bondage of a feudal system and territorial landlords. My family legacy was to be able to brandish their ethnic heritage and their Orthodox faith.
Again simply put — I am angered to tears and anguished in sorrow by what this current administration has done and what has become of our country. I will always stand firm, feet planted, back straight, head and eyes locked on this storm that approaches. I gain great comfort knowing that all my ancestors stand beside me.
Mark, I want to personally thank you for sharing the story of your family and your dedication to the values we both share. Life deals us all different challenges and we are defined by what we do, not only with the opportunities we are presented, but the good grace and sense of responsibility with which we accept and deliver on them.
I am humbled by the number of good people who have joined me on what has been a journey of discovery. I’m more than aware I can be pretty direct, and have little time for sweetening the pill so to speak, but the road we tread together is one that places honestly, integrity and decency at the heart of our conversations.
I love reading comments and they provide the fuel for future thoughts, so thank you for your longstanding support, it means the world to me. - Martin
Excellent article! I am looking forward to Part 2. I could listen to AOC all day. She is so smart, presents her complex arguments in easy-to-understand terms, and is clearly on the side of us regular Americans.
Thank you, and on AOC, I wholeheartedly agree - Martin
I have been following you, and your writing, since your first post. The transition in our country, our economy and culture, the political climate as a whole… has been shattering. Project 2025 and its perpetrators… and the machinations of Evil as I see it and them… has been mind boggling and soul shattering. I can only imagine that it will collapse under the weight of its own evil overlords. Every other such undertaking in history has.
And I very much appreciate it Linda. I have always maintained that the only person who can defeat Trump is Trump and he’s doing a great job.
My fear is not whether he’s toast, I believe he is. My fear is the wasteland he leaves behind.
True...he (I shall leave that ugly man nameless) is burning a lot to the ground, if only metaphorically. Rather like the Civil War did to this land and people before, when there was a lot less of it to destroy. The error, as perceived by some then and even now, that President Lincoln made was forgiving and allowing the perfidious and unrecalcitrant Southerners not to pay restitution. Instead, they continue to wreak havoc to this day on the nation, as a whole....never feeling that the war ended....or that the South 'lost'.
Dear souls, I have a request, if you believe what I'm about to say is true, please help me realize the dream that I had. This dream is to see a hand holding across the world, kind of like the old Coca-Cola commercial. One done in silence, to honor those who's experience has been cut short here, to teach us the ultimate lesson. That we are all free souls, starting right now. We know energy cannot be destroyed. Only transferred, so let's keep our energy for ourselves. You see I've been screaming into the abyss for over a year now, at every protest I could get to. Only to realize it's falling on deaf ears, and I know the definition of insanity. This is a time for change. If you also believe this to be true will you please help to promote this idea? Let's make our love for one another unstoppable. Thank you ❤️
I am absolutely with you on the sentiment of your statement Kristen, but I fear the world has changed in a way that makes your wish a big challenge. - Martin
And it's up to us to have the courage to try. Thank you. Love to you and all. How about we play the old Beatles song, blast it at full volume!! I want to hold your hand 🎶
I’m all in, let’s do it!
My first partner!!!!!!! Thank you!!! I know we won't regret it!!!! After putting it into the ethos here and on YouTube, I'm going to make printed little notes to leave around everywhere I go to try to up the momentum :) I'm going to come up with something eye catching and clever today!!
I would respectfully remind you that US soil WAS invaded - by the white man! Other than that omission it was a great post. Thank you for putting all this together - all wrapped up in facts!
Yes Mari, it was very clumsy of me, you are of course correct. Let me think how I can better phrase it and update the post. - Martin
Well, in fact, the US was invaded in 1812; British troops burned the White House. But your larger point about egregious militarism and the bloated military budget is spot on.
Ah a blind spot for a Brit. Post amended to reflect your note. Thank you.
All true.
The reason accountability is going to come with an example.