Political Theatre category archive
A Civil Tongue 0
Joe Patrice reacts to the conservatives who clutch their pearls and fall upon their fainting coaches because a restaurateur politely ask Sara Huckabee Sanders to find somewhere else to eat. A nugget:
Despotately Seeking Suzerainty, Reprise 0
In the Hartford Courant, Nathaniel Zelinsky shares his concern and unease with Donald Trump’s dalliances with despots.
Few statements could be more perverse: Kim certainly does not “do right” by the hundreds of thousands of North Koreans in prison camps. He does not “do right” by the 10.5 million North Koreans who are undernourished as a direct result of the regime’s actions. Nor does he “do right” when he restricts North Koreans’ freedom to speak or to travel (to name just two freedoms) in his desperate quest to retain control of the Hermit Kingdom.
So read the rest.
The Art of the Con 0
Shorter Josh Marshall:
The con works only once. Try it again, and you will find that the marks have figured you out.
Guns Down Under 0
Lee and his guests discuss gun control in Australia.
Dehuman Race, Base Desires Dept. 0
At the San Francisco Chronicle, Michael O’Hare summarizes what he sees as the rationale for Trumpling refugees and immigrants and identifies three elements to the strategy. He starts by pointing out that many, if not most, of the persons being Trumpled are fleeing violence, gang warfare, and tyranny in their home countries.
Here’s an excerpt; follow the link for the expanded version and his prediction as to what to expect next (emphasis added):
First, characterize these refugees (and actually all immigrants) against all the facts as dangerous criminals.
Second, make it known to refugees from the hellholes south of Mexico that they will be so abused should they reach the United States (here’s where breaking up the families was just the ticket), that that fear, added to the cost and hazards of the journey itself, will make them stay home and be killed quietly.
Third, turn refugees away from the ports of entry where they can apply for refugee status, and seize the kids when mom and dad commit the misdemeanor of walking across wherever they can and trying to apply at a U.S. Border Patrol station. This is just catnip for the fearful, vengeful core of Trump’s political base and only draws the meekest diffidence from a few congressional Republicans.
Tales of the Comeyuppance 0
Shaun Mullen takes a look at what was missing from the report by the Inspector General of the Justice Department regarding James Comey’s “But the emails” moment.
As is usual with Shaun’s reports, it probes deeply into detail and nuance; I’m not going to try to excerpt of summarize it. Just read it.
Narcissus Now 0
Bill Eddy offers a field guide to narcissists. Here’s a bit; follow the link for the rest (emphasis added).
This reminds me of someone . . . .
Standing and Deliverance 0
Elie Wystal is not impressed with the Supreme Court’s decision not to rule on the Wisconsin gerrymandering case because of “lack of standing.” A snippet:
That’s like arguing that a bird has no interest in the tree, and can only argue for the preservation of her particular branch.
Do read the rest.
Side Effects Include . . . . 0
You will recall that the publisher of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette fired editorial cartoonist Rob Rogers for being critical of Donald Trump. Ann Telnaes comments:
Follow the link for the rest.
How Do You Know that Donald Trump Is Lying? 0
Jay Bookman answers, His mouth is open.”
Palin’ Around with Despots, Reprise 0
Trudy Rubin is not impressed by Donald Trump’s belief that he can solve international issues with glad-handing a flattery. A snippet:
Any progress with North Korea will require a big dose of realism and a determination to “distrust but verify.” Unlikely, so long as Trump keeps fooling himself and his base.
Follow the link to read why she said that.
“The Best People” 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, David Feldman offers a guide to understanding the Trump administration.
(Open tag fixed.)
Social Climber 0
In related news, after more that two decades at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Rob Rogers has been fired by its publisher for daring the criticize God-Emperor Trump.
Know Them by the Company They Keep 0
Markos Kounalakis muses on Donald Trump’s fascination with all things dictatorial.
Email Servers . . . 0
. . . the Comeyuppance.
In related news, Shaun Mullin has a detailed analysis of the Comeyuppance and related matters.
North Wind 0
Another pace on the path to pariah . . . .