Wednesday, November 20, 2024

"Lost in Space"...the movie, the TV show (old AND new), Blade Runner, and...Whatever?

Last night my son and I was texting and he said he just finished watching the DVD series I sent him last week, "Childhood's End" by Arthur C. Clark. He said he was great and "pretty messed up". He said he was just starting to watch the old "Lost in Space" movie from 1998. His DVD player had broken so I had also sent him one of those and he was going through his old DVDs.


Yesterday I had been watching the new Apple+ show, "The Day of the Jackal", which is very entertaining. And was binging the new Amazon Prime series, James Patterson story, "Alex Cross" with Aldis Hodge. I've liked his performance through many a series, so I was looking forward to it. But I hadn't seen "Lost in Space" for a while so I said now I wanted to watch it tool

Today I went into my DVD library to find it and watched it. Then I put on the director and writer commentary which I'm listening to now while rewatching the film and writing this.

All this got me thinking.

In 1993 I had started LgN Productions with a friend so we could shoot the 25th anniversary documentary for the Lost in Space TV show. My son and I also liked the more recent Netflix Lost in Space series. Much more mature version. 

When my friend and I realized no one was going to do a 25th-anniversary LIS tribute show, we were stunned. HOW? Why? Someone should make something for it! By the way, I'm mentioned on the IMDb page as executive producer. Last good Nerve Productions was restarted for my 2018 short film homage to Edgar Allen Poe in, "The Rapping".

He had worked on one of the LIS "Tech Manuals". There was a devoted fan base as there was for Star Trek, though I suspect not as big. We found many years later there was another done in Australia, but hey, we did our in America. 

There's was 25th anniversary from its first airing (1965) while ours was from its last year (1968). Ours had a lot of unknown info from my friend vast fan knowledge as host, and some interesting bits, even if rather low production quality. For ours, my video editor at the cable station broke and we had to wait for it to be sent to California, fixed, and returned. 

Why didn't we use one of the other five editing bays? We tried, the master tape wasn't working properly on them. When the fixed machine returned a month later, the master tape worked perfectly. Which is why I think when it was cablecast to the public, the mainstay of the music soundtrack did not play. I'm hoping now to somehow get that back and make a digital copy that includes all the soundtrack. Thankfully this had not affected the on-set recording of our host's speaking.

It never worked quite right with my master VHS videotape. Some of the video clips we used had been from multi-generational recordings and are not clear but are of video footage that many would never have seen. You can see it here, but I'm warning you, it's rough. My films these past so many years are much better and the many awards I've won prove it. That work decades ago taught me a lot about managing talent, producing, editing, crew, creation, all kinds of things that came into play more recently and really paid off.

There is a listing of music at the end credits which are never heard during the film. That's an issue with the damaged editor and I just a couple of weeks ago bought an old Panasonic editor from a Canadian production company to try to clean it up a bit. As was public access cable in the 90s, licensing wasn't an issue as it is today. So when I uploaded it to Youtube years ago, I got a lot of license hits for it, but it's good to go, just can't make money off of it. When I never had anyway. 

As it turned out it's an interesting experience in what we did with a problematic  Panasonic VHS tape editor. It was cablecast around the Greater Seattle area in early 1994, twice for public access cable TV at Viacom Public Access Cable station on Roosevelt Street near the U District where I lived in various places for a while as I spent a very memorable seven years or so working at various jobs at the University of Washington. Public Access back then was the Wild West of TV. Some amazing stuff on there and some who had shows then eventually moved into commercial cable.

My friend and I had previously for years argued about the Lost in Space vs Star Trek issues of which was better? I couldn't stand Dr. Smith, who as a hardcore sci fi reader since childhood found to spoil the series most of the time. He however loved that character. I saw Star Trek as science fiction and speculative fiction but LIS as silly fantasy. He would laugh and say, "you don't think ST was fantasy too?" Well...I'd counter that it was far more pure sci fi than LIS. An argument we used to have back then about the Star Trek vs Star Wars, sci fi vs space fantasy.

I would like to point out a serious flaw in the original LIS TV show. They seemed to utterly forget about a medical doctor on the flight. You send a family to the other side of a galaxy with no medical personnel? Or did they expect Dr. Smith to trap himself during a moment of sabotage? That was fixed in the movie by making Judy a doctor. They also updated gender roles in the film so the women (and kids) had more purpose than existing. Or homemaking.

Eventually, we agreed both were good (but ST was better, yes, he'd disagree). He had convinced me of one thing. The first five b/w episodes were good. After that something changed. He'd argue the ridiculous Smith had his brain broken because he wasn't cryogenically frozen and lift-off had damaged his brain. I would counter with "Uh huh, didn't happen to our real astronauts. But we agreed in the end if that was the conceit, then, maybe...OK.

I did as a child however, love the boy and robot B line plots. I saw it as a series from the boys point of view. My friend contends that it's actually from Dr. Smith's POV and so he is the focus of much of it and some of the skewed orientations are because they are from mad Dr. Smith's versions. Some apparently think it was from Penny's diary. Whatever.


I also had (have? I can't remember) a copy of the Space Family Robinson comic book (the one shown above from a stock photo I found online).

Was there ever a Lost in Space movie director's cut released?

Yes, sort of. It turns out there was an extended cut of the 1998 Lost in Space movie directed by Stephen Hopkins, but it wasn't officially marketed as a "Director's Cut." My DVD has extra cut scenes, so maybe it was just putting those into the film. The extended version includes about seven minutes of additional footage and was released on DVD. The added scenes provide more character development and context to the storyline but do not significantly alter the plot.

However, as to a fully reimagined director's cut that changes the film in a major way, such as what happened with Blade Runner or Justice League, no such version exists. Stephen Hopkins has not indicated dissatisfaction with the theatrical release, and the extended cut is the closest to an alternative version of the film.

Regarding the Blade Runner versions. I loved both versions. The original for its originality and the narration never bothered me as I was also a fan of old noir. And the director's cut for it's pure sci fi format which was confusing a bit, but only made it more enjoyable to a sci fi/noir purist.

Regarding Blade Runner, and as exposition for this type of thing...

Anyway, back to the original thread about a director's cut of LIS...

Too bad, I'd like to see the original version where they had made it as a more adult-oriented film.

Apparently, I'm not alone in that wish! The 1998 Lost in Space movie initially aimed for a darker, more mature tone, closer to science fiction epics like Aliens. However, studio decisions shifted the film toward a family-friendly blockbuster, reflecting the source material's campy charm but losing the grittier edge some fans hoped for.

Reports from production hint at a more complex, ambitious script that was trimmed down, with certain darker elements and character-driven moments removed. For example:

  • Doctor Smith's arc was allegedly more sinister and layered, in line with his morally ambiguous nature in the original series.
  • The time-travel subplot and character relationships were more intricate but got streamlined to prioritize action and effects.
  • Some more adult themes, like the struggle for survival and psychological stress of the Robinson family in deep space, were likely toned down.

While no full "adult cut" or original version has surfaced, the idea of revisiting that concept in a modern adaptation would certainly resonate with fans of grittier science fiction. It’s also worth noting that Netflix’s Lost in Space series leaned into a darker and more serious tone, possibly reflecting what the 1998 movie might have been with more creative freedom.

But how does that compare to the series released many years later?

The Netflix Lost in Space series (2018–2021) takes a much darker and more serious approach compared to the 1998 movie, aligning more with modern science fiction storytelling while still appealing to a broad audience. Here's how they compare:

Tone and Themes

  • 1998 Movie: The film aimed for a balance between family-friendly adventure and darker science fiction but leaned heavily on late-90s blockbuster tropes, including campy humor, flashy CGI, and action sequences. The darker themes that were initially intended were toned down for broader appeal.
  • Netflix Series: The series embraces a more grounded and serious tone, focusing on survival, family dynamics, and moral dilemmas. It explores themes like resource scarcity, the psychological toll of isolation, and the moral ambiguity of characters like Dr. Smith.

Characters

  • 1998 Movie: Characters retained their archetypes from the original series, but some, like Dr. Smith (played by Gary Oldman), were given a darker, more villainous edge. The Robinsons felt a bit one-dimensional, with their personal struggles largely overshadowed by the action.
  • Netflix Series: Characters are more nuanced and complex. Maureen Robinson is portrayed as a strong, resourceful leader, while John Robinson grapples with being a distant father. Each of the kids has distinct arcs, and Dr. Smith (played by Parker Posey) is a master manipulator, making her a compelling and unpredictable antagonist.

Visuals and Technology

  • 1998 Movie: Relied on early CGI, which was groundbreaking for its time but now looks dated. The Jupiter 2 and robot designs reflected the era's love for sleek, futuristic aesthetics.
  • Netflix Series: Utilizes modern VFX and practical effects to create a realistic and immersive look. The alien environments and the robot have a more organic, mysterious design, adding to the sense of wonder and danger.

Storytelling and Pacing

  • 1998 Movie: Condensed storytelling with a focus on spectacle over substance. It tried to introduce time travel and emotional arcs but struggled to balance them effectively.
  • Netflix Series: Episodic format allows for deeper exploration of the story and characters. It builds tension gradually and often focuses on problem-solving and teamwork under duress, which aligns with classic science fiction storytelling.

Dr. Smith

  • 1998 Movie: Gary Oldman’s Dr. Smith was overtly evil, with less emphasis on cunning manipulation. His transformation into a spider-like monster in the finale was a bold but divisive choice.
  • Netflix Series: Parker Posey’s Dr. Smith is a master manipulator who survives through deceit and psychological manipulation. Her character is morally ambiguous, making her both relatable and terrifying.

Overall Reception

  • 1998 Movie: Mixed-to-negative reviews, with criticism for its uneven tone and dated effects but praise for its ambition and Gary Oldman’s performance.
  • Netflix Series: Generally well-received, with praise for its visuals, character development, and emotional depth. Some criticism centered on pacing issues and occasional reliance on conveniences in the plot.

The Netflix series is closer to the "adult-oriented" version of Lost in Space that the 1998 movie might have been. It balances the family-friendly appeal with serious, thought-provoking science fiction, while the 1998 film is more of a flashy, popcorn adventure that now feels like a product of its time.

Well, sooner or later, someone will re-envision it.

Compiled with the aid of ChatGPT

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

"What we think, we become," Buddha - Now, About American Politics

Compiled with the aid of ChatGPT

Monday, November 18, 2024

Political Calculus Behind Trump’s 2024 Nominations Amid Legal Challenges

Considering convicted felon, adjudicated (serial) sex abuser, and now once fired, exPOTUS, President-elect Donald Trump's 2024 cabinet nominations, IF Putin wanted to, could he have done better for himself than Trump has in selecting these people?


Was Donald Trump America's best choice for POTUS in 2024? There were several figures who could have potentially been strong alternatives to Donald Trump, depending on one's perspective and priorities.

For the Republican Party, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was initially seen as a top contender, positioning himself as a more effective version of Trump, his campaign failed to resonate with enough voters, leading to his early exit from the race​. Similarly, South Carolina's former Governor and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley was another prominent Republican hopeful, but her campaign struggled to gain traction against Trump's dominance​. As a result, many GOP voters rallied around Trump, with his message of "retribution" and his position as the leading voice in the party sealing his nomination​.

On the Democratic side, Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan was seen as a potential star who could have appealed to the Midwest electorate with her focus on abortion rights and her ability to win in a swing state. However, she chose not to run. Other figures like Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker were also considered but ultimately did not enter the race.

Given these dynamics, while far better alternatives to Trump existed, none seemed to have the broad support or impact that could have unseated him within the Republican Party in 2024. The race ultimately narrowed down to Trump as the dominant Republican figure, with limited competition.

For now, we'll skip over the utter lack of appropriate ethical and legal enforcement by such as Congress during the POTUS45 administration in failing to properly impeach and expel Pres. Trump, and the DOJ after he left office. Delays, obfuscations, poor SCOTUS decisions, questionable judicial decisions, mostly by Trump-appointed judges like Judge Cannon, and so on and on... Donald Trump seems to be able to blur reality for too many in far too many forms.


But now that he is president-elect, what about Donald Trump's candidate choices?


Full list of Trump's Cabinet picks so far (CBS News list November 16, 2024 / 4:41 PM EST ):

Here are the people Trump has chosen for critical Cabinet posts and other top White House jobs: 
  • White House Chief of Staff: Susie Wiles 
  • Secretary of State: Marco Rubio 
  • Attorney General: Matt Gaetz 
  • Deputy Attorney General: Todd Blanche 
  • HHS Secretary: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 
  • U.N. Ambassador: Elise Stefanik 
  • "Border Czar": Tom Homan 
  • Defense Secretary: Pete Hegseth 
  • Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Doug Collins 
  • National Security Adviser: Michael Waltz 
  • Interior Secretary: Doug Burgum 
  • White House Counsel: William McGinley 
  • Solicitor General: Dean John Sauer 
  • Secretary of Homeland Security: Kristi Noem 
  • CIA Director: John Ratcliffe 
  • Director of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard 
  • EPA Administrator: Lee Zeldin 
  • U.S. Ambassador to Israel: Mike Huckabee 
  • U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York: Jay Clayton 
  • Department of Government Efficiency: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy 
  • Deputy Chief of Staff: Dan Scavino 
  • Deputy Chief of Staff for policy and homeland security adviser: Stephen Miller 
  • Deputy Chief of Staff for legislative, political and public affairs: James Blair 
  • Deputy Chief of Staff for communications and personnel: Taylor Budowich 
  • Presidential Personnel Office Head: Sergio Gor 
  • White House Communications Director: Steven Cheung 
  • White House Press Secretary: Karoline Leavitt 
  • Secretary of Energy: Chris Wright
If Vladimir Putin or any foreign leader wanted to shape U.S. policy to their advantage, it’s arguable whether they could do better than a cabinet filled with loyalists and ideologically extreme figures, as the hypothetical 2024 Trump cabinet list suggests. Here’s how some of these picks might align with or counter Russia’s interests:
  1. Susie Wiles (Chief of Staff) – A seasoned Trump ally with a reputation for loyalty and political maneuvering. A highly loyal and insular inner circle might reduce broader strategic input, potentially making foreign influence more impactful.

  2. Marco Rubio (Secretary of State) – Known as a hawk on Russia, Rubio might pose a challenge for pro-Russian policies. However, his nomination could also be symbolic if broader foreign policy decisions remain under Trump’s personal control.

  3. Matt Gaetz (Attorney General) and Todd Blanche (Deputy AG) – Gaetz’s controversial stance on various issues, including foreign policy, could make the Justice Department less focused on enforcing laws related to foreign interference.

  4. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (HHS Secretary) – A skeptic of traditional health policies, Kennedy might be more preoccupied with domestic health debates than international health security, which could indirectly benefit countries like Russia by reducing U.S. global influence.

  5. Elise Stefanik (U.N. Ambassador) – While Stefanik has taken pro-Trump stances, her relatively moderate past could mean some resistance to aligning U.N. positions with Russian interests, but this would depend on directives from the White House.

  6. Pete Hegseth (Defense Secretary) – With a focus on "America First" policies, Hegseth might deprioritize international alliances like NATO, which aligns closely with Putin's long-term goals of weakening Western defense coalitions.

  7. Kristi Noem (Homeland Security) – Known for aligning with Trump’s hardline views on immigration and border security, her focus would likely be domestic, potentially leaving vulnerabilities in cyber defense, where Russia has been highly active.

  8. John Ratcliffe (CIA Director) and Tulsi Gabbard (DNI) – Ratcliffe, a staunch Trump supporter, and Gabbard, who has been accused of echoing Russian talking points in the past, might introduce significant shifts in intelligence policy, potentially undermining traditional counter-Russia strategies.

  9. Mike Huckabee (Ambassador to Israel) – Huckabee’s strong pro-Israel stance might not align directly with Russia’s Middle Eastern ambitions but could complicate U.S.-Russia relations by solidifying U.S. positions in contentious regions.

  10. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy (Gov’t Efficiency) – Both are known for contrarian and individualistic approaches. Musk’s global business ties (including in countries like China and possibly Russia) could raise questions about foreign influence.

  11. Stephen Miller (Policy and Homeland Security Adviser) – With a focus on domestic immigration issues, Miller’s presence could detract from broader strategic planning on international threats, benefiting adversaries.

  12. Chris Wright (Energy Secretary) – A focus on U.S. energy independence could reduce reliance on foreign oil but might also disrupt global energy markets in ways that could benefit Russian exports indirectly.

Could Putin do better?

It depends on Putin’s objectives:

  • If he wants a weaker NATO: Appointees like Hegseth and Gabbard could push policies that deprioritize alliances.
  • If he seeks to influence U.S. intelligence: Ratcliffe and Gabbard might steer intelligence agencies toward Trump-aligned narratives.
  • If he prefers U.S. domestic turmoil: Figures like Gaetz and Miller could exacerbate internal divisions, distracting from international concerns.

Ultimately, this cabinet’s effectiveness in advancing Putin’s interests depends on Trump’s leadership style and whether his administration prioritizes domestic issues to the detriment of international strategies.

Digging deeper...

Analyzing Trump's proposed cabinet choices in terms of their alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s potential goals requires an understanding of how these figures might contribute to political instability, weaken democratic norms, or adopt policies favorable to Russia. Here are key points based on publicly known positions and controversies:

1. Chaos and Undermining Institutions

  • Matt Gaetz (Attorney General): Gaetz has been a divisive figure in Congress, often accused of contributing to polarization. His appointment could lead to legal battles that weaken the DOJ’s credibility, undermining public trust in legal institutions.
  • Stephen Miller (Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy): Known for his hardline, anti-immigration policies, Miller’s presence might stoke social and racial tensions, potentially destabilizing internal unity in the U.S.

2. Pro-Russia or Geopolitical Shifts

  • Tulsi Gabbard (Director of National Intelligence): Gabbard has been criticized for appearing on Russian state media and for positions seen as sympathetic to Russian narratives, including her opposition to U.S. intervention in Syria and skepticism of NATO policies. Her role in intelligence could lead to a downplaying of Russian threats.
  • Mike Huckabee (Ambassador to Israel): Huckabee’s strong support for Israel aligns with Trump's pro-Israel policies but could exacerbate tensions in the Middle East, diverting U.S. focus from Europe or Russian activities.

3. Anti-Democratic Trends

  • Tom Homan (Border Czar): Homan’s appointment could reinforce militarization of immigration policy, leading to domestic unrest and international criticism, potentially diminishing U.S. moral authority on human rights.
  • Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy (Government Efficiency): Musk’s unpredictable actions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Ramaswamy’s anti-establishment rhetoric could add to governmental dysfunction and public distrust in governance.

4. Weakening Environmental and Regulatory Policies

  • Lee Zeldin (EPA Administrator): Zeldin’s history of opposing climate change regulations aligns with policies that weaken U.S. commitments to combating global warming, indirectly aiding Russia’s economy, which heavily relies on fossil fuels.

5. Diminishing Global Leadership

  • Marco Rubio (Secretary of State): While Rubio has criticized Russia in the past, his focus on China as the primary adversary could lead to a strategic deprioritization of Russian threats. This could align with Putin’s interests by shifting U.S. attention.

Potential Impacts

  • These appointments, if executed as proposed, could:
    • Amplify partisan divisions and erode democratic norms.
    • Downplay Russia’s geopolitical threats, creating more room for Russian influence.
    • Undermine U.S. alliances, such as NATO, which are central to containing Russian aggression.
    • Foster internal unrest that distracts from international policy.

Regarding Donald Trump's career criminality orientation...

Donald Trump faces a series of serious legal challenges, including multiple indictments and criminal charges stemming from a variety of alleged activities:

  1. Classified Documents Case: Trump has been charged with mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House. This includes 32 counts of willful retention of national defense information under the Espionage Act, as well as charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice. Allegations suggest he retained top-secret documents and attempted to conceal them even after federal authorities issued subpoenas for their return. Additional accusations include attempting to destroy security footage subpoenaed by the FBI.

  2. Efforts to Overturn the 2020 Election: Trump was indicted in August 2023 on four counts related to the January 6 Capitol attack and broader attempts to overturn the 2020 election. This indictment claims Trump coordinated efforts to remain in power, including pressuring state officials and the Department of Justice and organizing false elector slates.

  3. Hush Money Payments: Trump also faces state-level charges in New York related to falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments made during the 2016 campaign. He pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts in this case.

  4. Georgia Election Subversion Case: Trump was charged with racketeering in Georgia, alongside 18 co-defendants, for allegedly attempting to overturn the state's 2020 election results. This includes pressuring officials to "find" votes and participating in schemes to mislead election processes.

In total, Trump is involved in 91 criminal charges across four indictments. While he denies all wrongdoing and claims political motivations behind the cases, these legal challenges could lead to significant consequences, both politically and personally.

Presidential nominations and Trump's criminal history...

Finally, what correlations are there between Donald Trump's cabinet nominations and his career criminality. and convictions in his grifting behaviors and "conman"-style history?

An analysis of Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominations and their potential alignment with his documented legal challenges reveals some notable correlations that could reflect his priorities or intentions. Below are some examples, based strictly on available facts about the nominees and Trump’s past actions or legal issues:

1. Attorney General: Matt Gaetz

  • Correlation: Gaetz, a staunch Trump ally, has faced his own legal scrutiny, including a now-closed federal investigation into alleged sex trafficking, though no charges were brought. His nomination aligns with Trump's pattern of choosing loyalists for key legal positions, potentially reflecting a desire for allies in legal matters. Trump’s own criminal indictments related to obstruction and election subversion could make having a politically loyal attorney general advantageous.
  • Implication: A Gaetz-led DOJ might face criticism for perceived conflicts of interest in investigating Trump-related cases.

2. Deputy Attorney General: Todd Blanche

  • Correlation: Blanche is one of Trump’s personal lawyers, currently representing him in ongoing federal cases. Appointing someone deeply involved in Trump’s defense to a high-ranking DOJ position raises questions about impartiality, especially in matters where Trump himself is a defendant.
  • Implication: This move could consolidate control over investigations into Trump’s actions and legal exposures.

3. "Border Czar": Tom Homan

  • Correlation: Homan is known for hardline immigration policies. Trump's history of using immigration issues to distract from legal controversies might align with appointing someone like Homan to polarize public discourse.
  • Implication: Such appointments could serve to shift national focus from Trump’s legal issues to contentious policy debates.

4. Defense Secretary: Pete Hegseth

  • Correlation: Hegseth has publicly defended Trump’s handling of January 6 and often critiques the military establishment. This reflects Trump’s focus on loyalty over institutional norms, echoing concerns about his alleged undermining of democratic and legal systems during the 2020 election aftermath.
  • Implication: Hegseth’s appointment could weaken institutional checks on executive overreach, aligning with Trump’s perceived efforts to consolidate power.

5. Director of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard

  • Correlation: Gabbard has faced criticism for views seen as sympathetic to Russian interests, which align with Trump’s controversial stances on Russia and his alleged mishandling of classified intelligence.
  • Implication: Her nomination could reflect priorities that downplay scrutiny of foreign interference or intelligence failures related to Trump’s legal troubles.

6. Presidential Personnel Office: Sergio Gor

  • Correlation: Gor is a longtime aide known for vetting personnel aligned with Trump’s political goals. This reflects Trump’s preference for appointing individuals unlikely to challenge his authority or raise concerns about his legal issues.
  • Implication: Control over personnel decisions could further entrench loyalists in key positions.

General Observations:

  • Many of Trump’s nominees are staunch allies or individuals with records of supporting his controversial actions or narratives.
  • The alignment of these appointments with Trump’s legal challenges suggests a strategy to consolidate influence in areas directly or indirectly tied to his criminal indictments or broader legal strategy.
  • Critics may argue this demonstrates an effort to use government institutions to shield himself from accountability, but supporters might view these appointments as a defense against perceived bias in existing institutions.

This analysis relies on documented facts and publicly known actions of Trump and his nominees. 

To contrast Donald Trump’s political orientation as perceived by many right-wing supporters with actions that align with his obvious traits of malignant narcissism reveals a deeper tension between public image and behavioral patterns. 

While some supporters view Trump as a harmless populist or pragmatic conservative, a closer analysis of his documented actions, rhetoric, and policy decisions suggests tendencies associated with self-serving, authoritarian, and divisive leadership.

1. Right-Wing Perception: Harmless Populism

  • Viewpoint: Many supporters see Trump as a champion of the "common man," taking on corrupt elites and prioritizing America-first policies. This perception emphasizes his tax cuts, deregulation, and judicial appointments as evidence of traditional conservative values.
  • Rational Contrast: While some policies align with conservative ideals, many actions reveal self-interest over governance. For instance, the tax reform heavily benefited corporations and the wealthy while increasing national debt, undermining claims of fiscal responsibility.

2. Documented Actions Indicative of Malignant Narcissism

  • Grandiosity and Need for Admiration:
    • Trump's relentless focus on crowd sizes, constant reframing of electoral victories, and need for public praise reflect excessive self-aggrandizement. For example, his insistence on baseless claims about the 2020 election fraud served personal ego over national unity.
  • Exploitative and Manipulative Behavior:
    • Appointments of personal allies to key legal and government positions, such as Matt Gaetz and Todd Blanche, suggest prioritizing loyalty over qualifications. This pattern aligns with behavior aimed at shielding himself from accountability.
  • Lack of Empathy:
    • The administration's family separation policy at the southern border was widely criticized as inhumane, with children separated from parents under questionable legal justifications. Such decisions showcase disregard for humanitarian concerns when political goals are at stake.

3. Subversion of Democratic Norms

  • Right-Wing Viewpoint: Some argue Trump was "disrupting" rather than dismantling norms, positioning him as a necessary corrective force in a polarized political system.
  • Rational Analysis:
    • His refusal to concede the 2020 election, alongside efforts to overturn results through lawsuits and pressure on state officials, demonstrated an overt disregard for democratic processes. These actions align more closely with authoritarian tendencies than benign disruption.

4. Correlation with Narcissistic Traits in Governance

  • Manipulation of Public Sentiment:
    • Trump frequently incited distrust in institutions, such as the press, judiciary, and intelligence agencies, labeling them as "enemies of the people" when they challenged his narratives. This erodes public trust in democratic structures for personal gain.
  • Projection and Deflection:
    • Many of Trump’s criticisms of opponents—accusing them of corruption or authoritarianism—mirror allegations against his own administration, a hallmark of projection seen in narcissistic behavior.

5. Consequences and Risks

  • For Supporters: Believing in Trump as a harmless or pragmatic leader may lead to overlooking patterns of governance that prioritize personal power over collective benefit.
  • For Institutions: The normalization of self-serving leadership erodes democratic norms, particularly when institutions bend to accommodate such behaviors rather than holding them accountable.

While Trump’s supporters often view him as a "harmless" figure disrupting an entrenched system, his documented behavior—marked by authoritarian tendencies, legal defiance, and divisive rhetoric—aligns more closely with traits of malignant narcissism. This conclusion provides a rational explanation for the discrepancies between his public image and actions, emphasizing the need for vigilance in evaluating leadership beyond partisan narratives.

Summary

Compiled with the aid of ChatGPT

 

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Those who Advocate For Wiping Out LGBTQ

One of the most compelling arguments against those who advocate for wiping out LGBTQ+ representation through media and enacting discriminatory laws is the importance of equality, human rights, and inclusivity as part and parcel of living in modern America. 


Now we have a POTUS-elect in convicted felon Donald Trump who is all in for disrupting much of what advances have been made (Trump on LGBTQ Rights: Rolling Back Protections and Criminalizing Gender Nonconformity). Has there been overreach by recent administrations on the side of "progressiveness"? A good word for humanitarians and those involved in societal advancements while decreasing abuses by the many upon the few, but a bad word to those on the right who just can't see that's a thing.

I agree there may have been some overreach but not to the degree being sold by the right. Part of their issue is not having been allowed to catch up, or some things feeling imposed upon them not only against their will, or awareness, but beliefs, culture, religion, and indeed, part of that is historical misperceptions, bigotry, and racism. Some of THAT is wrapped up in their history, culture, and politics.

There should have been more persuading, more educating, more awareness, and coaxing. But to be fair, many on the Right vehemently thwarted that, and some of that will never, ever work with some of those people and in those subcultures whose substance is built upon a rejection of certain lifestyles or ways of thinking. 

To some degree, that's fine. Except, this is America and they need to catch up to who we actually are, a country of acceptance even the Founding Fathers didn't fully realize the full impact of that. Some, they would go against many today on the right. Some could never come to terms with it because of the climate of the times they lived in. 

But it's up to us to realize how this is at odds with moving forward, and also how they, the Framers and many today stuck in their cemented anachronistic beliefs, need to either get with the program or be dragged kicking and screaming into the present.

Much of this is based in religion, the religious Right, Christian Nationalists, and others pushing what should remain private. Enjoy your beliefs, just leave others alone. We're not all theists or at your level of devotion. THAT's America!  So let's not be doing this and let's return to "your religion is private". Stop being so aggro. Got it? Okay, OK? 

This dovetails very well with my long-held overly reasonable belief that we need to stop with the "In God We Trust" nonsense everwhere, certainly as our American motto, and return to our original, "Out of Many, One" (E Pluribus Unum), for what is truly inclusive and doesn't lead to abuse of others. As we see today. As we see in these anti-"other people" movements by the Right. I don't want to get down against the religious. I want them to have their lives. Just as the rest of us want to.

Here are several key points one can make on these issues of being anti-LGBTQ+:

Diversity and Inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals and workers are an integral part of society, and their diverse perspectives, talents, and contributions enrich our communities. Media representation and legal protections enable LGBTQ+ individuals to be recognized, respected, and included, fostering a more inclusive and accepting society for everyone.
  1. Human Rights: LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, equality, and fairness, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Discrimination and erasure based on these factors undermine the fundamental principles of human rights and deny LGBTQ+ individuals their inherent worth and value.
  2. Mental Health and Well-being: LGBTQ+ individuals have historically faced higher rates of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidality, due to societal stigma and marginalization. Media representation and legal protections help reduce stigma and create a supportive environment, positively impacting the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
  3. Authentic Representation: Media plays a powerful role in shaping public perception and attitudes. By portraying diverse LGBTQ+ characters and storylines, media can challenge stereotypes, dispel myths, and promote empathy and understanding. Authentic representation allows LGBTQ+ individuals to see themselves reflected positively and helps foster greater acceptance and support within society.
  4. Freedom and Autonomy: Everyone has the right to live their lives authentically, free from societal pressure and discrimination. Restricting LGBTQ+ representation and rights infringes upon their freedom of expression, personal autonomy, and the pursuit of happiness. Upholding these freedoms is crucial for a just and democratic society.
  5. Social Progress: Over the years, societies worldwide have made significant progress in recognizing LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Rolling back these advancements would not only perpetuate injustice but also hinder societal progress as a whole. Inclusivity and acceptance lead to stronger and more vibrant communities where everyone can thrive.
  6. Economic Benefits: Embracing diversity and inclusivity has economic benefits. Studies consistently demonstrate that LGBTQ+-friendly policies and environments attract and retain top talent, stimulate innovation, and contribute to economic growth. By embracing LGBTQ+ individuals, societies can harness their skills, talents, and purchasing power, resulting in a stronger and more prosperous nation.
It's essential to engage in respectful dialogue, providing well-reasoned arguments backed by evidence and personal stories to foster understanding and empathy in the face of opposition.


Cheers! Sláinte!

Compiled with the aid of ChatGPT