Trump, Putin, and His GOP (Whose REALLY?): A Legacy of Revisionism, Regression, and Ongoing American Ruin

There's a lot to get to here...

Donald Trump's longstanding admiration for Vladimir Putin—a war criminal in Ukraine and a ruthless despot in Russia and beyond—aligns with Putin's revisionist and regressive beliefs, mirrors those of the now Trump "Republican" Party. 

Here I would like to reflect forward to an upcoming blog.for Monday, March 31, 2025: "Would the Founding Fathers Be Republicans Today? A Look at the Constitution's Signers and Modern Conservatism"

The once Republican Party's alignment with Trump (and therefore, Putin) has been evident not just recently, but for decades leading up to the Trump 2016 election, and then his 2024 return as POTUS47, despite his status as a convicted felon—a reality as absurd as it is alarming.

First, let's share, from the Marsh singing family at @marshsongs (music video):"The people of Europe stand with Ukraine against the threat of a false peace as much as a brutal war. Because of our shared history. Because of our shared future. Because it is just. Because it is necessary. And because they deserve nothing less. Don't abandon them. #SlavaUkraini"

Remember Project 2025?

From Julie B(rooklyn) BABY WOKE AF 🇺🇸🇯🇲 @JMeanypants - It’s Project 2025. Every single fuck up, including the signal chat breach, is plucked from the pages of Project 2025. It’s a DOOMSDAY INITIATIVE:

Moving on...

It's important to recognize one very serious issue about Donald Trump:

Donald Trump is still POTUS45, who worked hard to normalize his purposeful chaos & autocratic bigotry. Playing out now as convicted felon POTUS47, we are witnessing his now normalized version of a fascist POTUS, reshaped, hidden in plain sight, to overtake and diminish this country. But all still Donald. The guy who is not our friend. Not an American "President" in the historically understood version of the office. 

Unless you're a person of very questionable orientation. Or utterly deluded. Fooled by the charlatan, the career criminal, Donald Trump.

Trump, as POTUS45 and now POTUS47, has worked to reshape the country in his own toxic image, bringing change that challenges the status quo in ways his supporters seem incapable of recognizing. While his approach may be unconventional, it's important to recognize how his vision and leadership continue to resonate with a significant portion of disaffected, if not mesmerized, Americans. 

Who voted for this clown? This career criminal? It has to do with how such bad ideas spread across the nation and the world. For an examination to give you an idea, just in case you're still unaware of this kind of thing...

The Rise and Fall of Terrorgram - FRONTLINE & ProPublica investigate how an online network known as Terrorgram spread extremism & violence. This traces the rise of a global community of white supremacists & the anonymous, loosely moderated platforms used to spread hate & promote terror attacks.

So...

Regardless of differing opinions, we must remember that we are all part of the same nation and that the future of America, as founded and intended, relies on open dialogue and mutual respect, even amidst strong disagreements. We must also listen to our international friends, while realizing that listening too closely to our international (and domestic) enemies will lead us to ruin, and to their decades long struggle for success over and against US..

​If Vladimir Putin had a U.S. president under his influence, he might pursue the following actions to undermine America:​

1. Weaken NATO Alliances: Undermine commitments to NATO, creating divisions within the alliance.​

2. Reduce Support for Ukraine: Halt military and financial aid to Ukraine, allowing Russian aggression to proceed unchecked.​Chatham House+1Institute for the Study of War+1

3. Lift Sanctions on Russia: Remove economic sanctions, bolstering Russia's economy and geopolitical standing.​

4. Undermine U.S. Intelligence: Discredit and weaken U.S. intelligence agencies to reduce their effectiveness.​

5. Promote Isolationist Policies: Encourage withdrawal from international agreements and organizations, diminishing U.S. global influence.​

6. Foster Domestic Division: Exploit social and political divisions to destabilize internal cohesion.​

7. Compromise Cybersecurity: Allow vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, exposing the U.S. to cyber threats.​

8. Weaken Trade Alliances: Dismantle trade agreements that counterbalance Russian economic interests.​

9. Reduce Military Readiness: Cut defense spending or reallocate resources away from strategic priorities.​

10. Control Energy Policies: Implement energy strategies that increase dependence on Russian resources.​Business Insider

Since his inauguration in January 2025, convicted felon and insurrectionist (absurdly) Pres. Donald Trump has undertaken several actions:​

1. Imposed 25% Tariffs on Auto Imports: Aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing but criticized for potential global trade repercussions. ​AP News

2. Paused Foreign Aid Programs: Ordered a 90-day suspension of U.S. foreign development assistance for review, affecting global aid projects.​Wikipedia

3. Reinstated the Mexico City Policy: Restricted U.S. funding to foreign organizations that provide or promote abortions. ​Reuters

4. Reduced DEI Initiatives: Issued executive orders curbing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs within federal agencies.​

5. Negotiated with Russia on Economic Deals: Discussed potential joint ventures and lifting sanctions in exchange for cease-fire agreements in Ukraine. ​Business Insider

6. Adjusted Immigration Policies: Implemented stricter immigration controls and revised asylum procedures.​

7. Restructured Federal Agencies: Initiated plans to reorganize agencies to increase efficiency, including dissolving USAID.​

8. Revised Environmental Regulations: Rolled back certain environmental protections to promote energy independence.​

9. Addressed Election Integrity: Signed executive orders focusing on election security measures.​Ballotpedia+2Federal Register+2AP News+2

10. Granted Clemency to Devon Archer: Issued a pardon to the former business associate of Hunter Biden. ​Ballotpedia

Comparing these lists, certain actions by President Trump, such as negotiating economic deals with Russia and adjusting foreign aid, align with strategies that could potentially benefit Russian interests. However, it's important to note that these actions are part of broader policy decisions and may not directly indicate foreign influence. The motivations and implications of each action require careful analysis to understand their impact on U.S. interests and global relations.

​Now...if we redraw that with comparisons of similarities and list in order if importance of damages to America, here’s a structured comparison, ranked by potential damage to America, with similarities highlighted.

Most Damaging Actions (1-5)

1. Weaken NATO Alliances (Putin Goal) ⇄ Reduced NATO Commitments (Trump Action)

   • Trump has signaled a decrease in U.S. support for NATO, questioning its value and suggesting European nations should pay more.

   • Weakening NATO directly benefits Russia by undermining Western military cooperation.

2. Reduce Support for Ukraine (Putin Goal) ⇄ Negotiated with Russia on Economic Deals (Trump Action)

   • Trump has explored lifting sanctions on Russia in exchange for potential cease-fire agreements.

   • This aligns with Putin’s objective of securing control over Ukraine with minimal Western resistance.

3. Lift Sanctions on Russia (Putin Goal) ⇄ Eased Sanctions Discussions (Trump Action)

   • Trump’s administration has debated loosening restrictions on Russia to encourage economic collaboration.

   • This would strengthen Putin’s economy and geopolitical leverage.

4. Foster Domestic Division (Putin Goal) ⇄ Reduced DEI Initiatives & Election Integrity Actions (Trump Action)

   • Policies reducing diversity programs and focusing on election security have fueled internal debates and division.

   • Social instability and political polarization weaken national unity—key to Russian disinformation goals.

5. Control Energy Policies (Putin Goal) ⇄ Rolled Back Environmental Regulations (Trump Action)

   • Rolling back environmental protections encourages fossil fuel dependence, potentially reducing renewable energy investment.

   • A less energy-independent U.S. could lead to future reliance on global (including Russian) energy markets.

---

Moderate Damage Actions (6-8)

6. Undermine U.S. Intelligence (Putin Goal) ⇄ Restructured Federal Agencies (Trump Action)

   • Trump’s moves to reorganize intelligence and government bodies have created uncertainty about their future operations.

   • Discrediting or limiting intelligence agencies aids foreign adversaries by reducing U.S. counterespionage capabilities.

7. Weaken Trade Alliances (Putin Goal) ⇄ Imposed 25% Tariffs on Auto Imports (Trump Action)

   • Tariffs disrupt global trade partnerships, potentially alienating allies and strengthening rival economies.

   • Disrupting international trade agreements benefits Russia by diminishing U.S. economic leadership.

8. Compromise Cybersecurity (Putin Goal) ⇄ Paused Foreign Aid Programs (Trump Action)

   • Halting aid may include cybersecurity-related support to allies, weakening digital defenses against Russian cyberwarfare.

   • A weaker digital infrastructure exposes America to cyber threats from foreign adversaries.

---

Less Immediate but Still Harmful Actions (9-10)

9. Reduce Military Readiness (Putin Goal) ⇄ Reprioritized Defense Spending (Trump Action)

   • While not explicitly reducing military funding, Trump’s redirection of defense priorities could impact readiness.

   • A less agile military benefits adversaries like Russia in strategic planning.

10. Promote Isolationist Policies (Putin Goal) ⇄ America-First Immigration and Aid Policies (Trump Action)

• Limiting foreign aid and focusing inward could lead to diplomatic disengagement.

• This creates a power vacuum Russia (and China) can exploit.

---

​Several of these overlaps between Pres. Trump's actions and policies that align with Russian President Vladimir Putin's interests have raised concerns about prioritizing personal or foreign interests over those of the United States. 

Notable instances include:​

1. Advocating for Russia's Reentry into the G7: President Trump expressed a desire to see Russia reinstated into the Group of Seven (G7), stating, "I'd love to have them back. I think it was a mistake to throw them out." This stance aligns with Putin's interest in regaining a platform within this influential group, potentially easing international isolation. ​POLITICO

2. Praising Putin Publicly: Throughout his tenure, President Trump has consistently offered commendations to President Putin, referring to him as "highly respected." Such public endorsements can bolster Putin's international standing, serving Russian interests by legitimizing his leadership on the world stage. ​Representative Swalwell

3. Negotiating Economic Deals Favorable to Russia: In recent discussions, President Trump and President Putin have explored significant economic collaborations, including joint ventures in Arctic exploration and space projects. These initiatives could lead to the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Russia, directly benefiting the Russian economy while raising questions about the strategic advantages for the United States. ​Business Insider

4. Brokered Agreements Undermining European Security: The Trump administration has facilitated deals that, while presented as ceasefires, have been criticized for heavily favoring Russia over Ukraine. These agreements risk compromising Ukraine's strategic advantages and pressuring European allies, aligning more with Russian geopolitical goals than with reinforcing U.S. alliances and commitments. ​Latest news & breaking headlines

These actions have been perceived by too many analysts as aligning more closely with President Putin's interests, potentially at the expense of U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives. The extent to which these overlaps serve President Trump's personal interests over those of the country remains a subject of ongoing debate and analysis.​

Conclusion?

Oh my God! What in the Hell were we thinking re-electing a malignant narcissist, career criminal, recidivist adjudicated sexual abuser, convicted felon, and fascistic revisionist bigot to the highest office not just in OUR land, but in the most powerful and richest country in the history of Humanity?

Seriously. What is Wrong with US?

While not all Trump actions directly align with Putin’s goals, there are significant overlaps in policies that weaken U.S. alliances, benefit Russian economic and geopolitical interests, and increase domestic divisions.

 Whether intentional or not, these policies shift global power dynamics in ways that Russia could exploit.

With Trump prioritizing personal gain and favor with Putin over national security, democracy, and global stability, America is teetering on the edge of authoritarian demagogery, continuing intentional fascist division, and irreversible decline.

Unless we do SOMETHING. In 2026 we can (and likely will) vote Republicans out. Then in 2028, we can end the Trump MaGA/Republicans' political personality cult and return America to Americans. But we then need to never, ever return to this nonsense. Including never, ever again electing a Trump family member, or any of the Trump Seditionist/Insurrectionist Party members, many of whom are still in Congress today.

Who?

​Several current members of Congress have demonstrated strong allegiance to former President Donald Trump, aligning closely with his political ideology and supporting his initiatives. 

Notable Congressional figures include:​

Senators:

1. John Cornyn (Texas)

2. Ted Cruz (Texas)

3. Josh Hawley (Missouri)

4. Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) – Supported Trump in many areas, though with occasional tensions.

5. John Kennedy (Louisiana) – A consistent supporter of Trump’s policy agenda.

Representatives:

1. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia, 14th District)

2. Matt Gaetz (Florida, 1st District)

3. Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3rd District)

4. Jim Jordan (Ohio, 4th District)

5. Paul Gosar (Arizona, 4th District)

6. Scott Perry (Pennsylvania, 10th District)

7. Andy Biggs (Arizona, 5th District)

8. Louie Gohmert (Texas, 1st District)

9. Kevin McCarthy (California, House Speaker)

10. Jim Banks (Indiana, 3rd District)

These individuals represent a faction within the Republican Party that has worked to support and advance Trump’s vision, some more vocally than others, but all aligned to varying degrees with his policies and influence.

If we want America back from right-wing extremists, we have to see who they are, recognize what is being done to us, and eliminate them from political or public office, ever again.

Including Trump and his 1st family of criminals. 

Brief aside...

Seeing clearly what must be seen
Steve Schmidt
"2025 marks the beginning of a splendid season of American anniversaries that come in a time of American crisis that is growing greater by the day."

Another...

Toxic Christian Nationalist Evangelicalism has made it into the WH, unseparating it with gov. WH cuts health/vaccinations, adds..."Faith"? America's worst donation to the world, Evangelicalism, already in government & elsewhere, yeah, this is bad.

Remember all those warnings about maintaining a separation between Church and State?
Yes, the attached image is just as crooked as this nonsense from Trump, now also in our WH: The Great Grift Expansion.

​The principle of separating church and state is fundamental to ensuring religious freedom and maintaining a fair, pluralistic society. For a comprehensive exploration of this topic, you might find the following article insightful:​

• "Five Reasons To Be Thankful For Separation Of Church And State" by Americans United for Separation of Church and State

This article outlines key reasons why this separation is vital, including:​

1. Freedom from an Official Religion: Preventing the establishment of a state-sponsored religion protects individuals from potential oppression and ensures that religious institutions remain independent from governmental control.​

2. Promotion of Pluralism: A clear boundary between church and state fosters a diverse society where multiple faiths and beliefs can coexist peacefully, enriching the cultural fabric of the nation.​

3. Protection of Individual Belief: By keeping government out of religious matters, individuals retain the right to choose, change, or abstain from religious affiliations without state interference.​MSUToday | Michigan State University

4. Secular Public Education: Ensuring that public schools remain free from religious endorsements creates an inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds and upholds the integrity of educational content.​

5. Counteraction of Christian Nationalism: Maintaining church-state separation challenges the notion that any single religion should dominate governmental policies, thereby safeguarding democratic principles.​

For a historical perspective, the National Park Service provides an overview of how this principle has been integral to American democracy:​NPS.gov

• "Separation of Church & State History" by the U.S. National Park Service

This resource delves into the origins and evolution of church-state separation, highlighting its role in protecting individual rights and preventing governmental overreach into religious affairs.​

These articles offer a thorough understanding of why the separation of church and state remains a cornerstone of freedom and equality in society.​

Look. We can do better. We just have to want to, to even see that we need to, but it will require ongoing effort to educate and reintegrate those who have lost their way in the great American experiment that has endured for over 200 years. Meanwhile, one major political party has actively worked to undermine it, pushing for Christian Nationalist ideals, fringe beliefs like "accelerationism," dangerous conspiracy theories like "replacement theory," and the misguided goal of transforming our democratic constitutional republic into a fascist, oligarchic, kakistocratic state—one defined by abuse, inequality, and toxic capitalism where only the powerful hold control.

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

Life on Mars - What's Usually Left Undiscussed

I've heard a lot of big talk about having a colony on Mars. Some discussion is made of various issues like water and habitation locations, likely caves. But Mars is smaller than Earth. Meaning we would weigh a lot less. While that might be fun, it brings into issue various health factors.

Mars' gravity is about 3.72 m/s², while Earth's gravity is 9.81 m/s².

To find the percentage of Earth's gravity that Mars has:

$$\left( \frac{3.72}{9.81} \right) \times 100 \approx 38\%$$

(9.813.72​)×100≈38%

So Mars' gravity is about 38% of Earth's gravity, meaning we would weigh 62% less on Mars.

At 6'1" and 225lbs, how heavy would weighted clothes have to be on Mars for me to feel my normal carriage of weight?

On Earth, our weight is determined by the gravitational force acting on our mass:

$$\text{Weight on Earth}=\text{Mass}\times \text{Earth’s gravity}$$

Given that you are 225 lbs on Earth, your mass is:

$$\text{Mass} = \frac{\text{Weight}}{\text{Gravity on Earth}} = \frac{225}{9.81} \approx 22.94 \text{ kg}$$

On Mars, gravity is about 3.72 m/s², so our weight on Mars would be:

$$\text{Weight on Mars}=22.94\times 3.72\approx 85.4\text{ lbs}$$

To feel the same as I do on Earth, I would need extra weight to compensate for the difference:

$$225-85.4=139.6\text{ lbs}$$

So, I would need to wear about 140 lbs of weighted clothing on Mars to simulate my normal Earth weight.

With G Force on Earth being 1 and Mars being 38% of Earth's gravity, what percent of lower G Force health issues would waring weighted clothes solve for us on Mars?

Wearing 140 lbs of weighted clothing on Mars would help mitigate some of the muscle and bone density loss associated with lower gravity, but it wouldn’t solve all the problems. Here's how it would help and what it wouldn't fully address:

What It Helps (Partially or Fully)

1. Muscle Atrophy – Since my body is accustomed to carrying 225 lbs on Earth, adding weight would force my muscles to work closer to normal, slowing down muscle deterioration.

2. Bone Density Loss – Mars' lower gravity would lead to bone resorption (loss of minerals like calcium), but weighted clothing could reduce this effect, especially in weight-bearing bones (legs, hips, spine).

3. Posture & Balance Issues – My sense of proprioception (body position awareness) would be closer to normal, reducing clumsiness and balance problems.

What It Doesn't Fully Solve

1. Cardiovascular Changes – Lower gravity affects blood distribution, causing fluid shifts to the upper body. Weighted clothing won’t completely prevent this.

2. Inner Ear & Vestibular Adaptation – My balance system adjusts to lower gravity, and weighted clothing wouldn’t prevent dizziness or motion sickness from lower G-forces.

3. Respiratory & Circulatory System Changes – Lower gravity leads to a weaker heart over time. Weight alone wouldn’t make my cardiovascular system work as hard as it does on Earth.

4. Deconditioning Over Time – Weight alone doesn’t mimic the full spectrum of Earth’s mechanical forces on bones, tendons, and ligaments.

Overall Effectiveness?

Weighted clothing could offset about 50-70% of the muscle and bone loss issues, but long-term, but I'd still need resistance exercise (like astronauts do on the ISS) to fully maintain Earth-like health.

Martian-Friendly Strength Training Plan 🚀🏋️‍♂️

Since Mars has only 38% of Earth's gravity, colonists would need a structured resistance training regimen to counteract muscle and bone loss. Here’s a plan optimized for Martian conditions:

---

1️⃣ Weighted Gear for Daily Life

• Weighted suits (140 lbs for you) – Mimics Earth gravity during routine movement.

• Adjustable weighted boots – Helps maintain lower-body strength and prevent foot arch collapse.

• Compression suits – Adds resistance to movement, reducing muscle atrophy.

---

2️⃣ Strength Training Regimen

💪 Resistance Workouts (3-5x per week)

• Martian Deadlifts – Using elastic resistance bands or Martian-adapted weights to load muscles.

• Squats & Lunges – Helps counteract loss in quads, hamstrings, and glutes (key for mobility).

• Push-ups & Weighted Pull-ups – Upper body engagement without needing full Earth gravity.

• Core Training – Weighted Russian twists, hanging leg raises, and planks to strengthen the core against balance changes.

🏋️ Special Equipment

• Hydraulic & Elastic Resistance Machines – NASA-style exercise gear used on the ISS.

• Flywheel Training – Uses momentum instead of gravity for resistance (perfect for low-G).

• Tethered Treadmills – Running with resistance bands to keep the body engaged.

---

3️⃣ Cardiovascular Training 🚲

• Stationary Cycling – Maintains heart function with resistance-based cycling.

• Martian Sprints (With Resistance Bands) – Running in a low-G environment requires added force to maintain endurance.

---

4️⃣ Bone Health Optimization 🦴

• Plyometrics (Jump Training) – Jump squats and bounding drills to increase bone loading.

• Martian Stair-Climbing – Artificial stair workouts using resistance to strengthen the spine and legs.

---

5️⃣ Recovery & Nutrition 🥩

• High-Protein Diet – To counteract muscle breakdown.

• Vitamin D & Calcium Supplements – Since Mars has less sunlight, colonists need extra support for bone health.

• Martian Yoga & Stretching – Keeps flexibility and prevents stiffness from weighted suits.

---

Conclusion: Staying Strong on Mars

With a combination of weighted suits, resistance training, and specialized cardio, you could counteract 70-90% of the health risks of low gravity. Would you want to add artificial gravity (like rotating habitats) into the mix for even better health preservation? 🚀

There is another potential solution.

Martian Fitness with Artificial Gravity 🚀🏋️‍♂️

Adding artificial gravity through rotating habitats would significantly enhance long-term health on Mars by simulating Earth-like forces. Here’s how it fits into the plan:

---

1️⃣ Rotating Habitats for Gravity Simulation 🌍➡️🪐

• Centrifugal Force – A rotating habitat (like a space station) would generate artificial gravity through spin, mimicking 1G or partial gravity to keep bones and muscles engaged.

• Sleep & Recovery Zones – Colonists could sleep in 1G environments to prevent overnight bone and muscle loss.

---

2️⃣ Hybrid Training: Gravity & Low-G Workouts 💪

🔹 Rotating Gym Sections – Strength training in full gravity areas to maximize muscle engagement.
🔹 Low-G Movement Zones – Areas outside the rotating habitat allow plyometrics & resistance band training to improve agility.

---

3️⃣ Enhanced Bone & Muscle Preservation 🦴

• Martian Gravity Alone = 38% of Earth’s Load → Still causes muscle & bone loss.

• Rotating Gravity = 70-100% Earth Load → Slows deterioration & strengthens bones.

---

4️⃣ Cardiovascular & Circulatory Benefits ❤️

• Fluid Shift Reduction – Artificial gravity prevents the "puffy face, skinny legs" issue from low-G blood distribution.

• Maintains Heart Strength – Reduces risk of long-term cardiovascular deconditioning seen in astronauts.

---

Final Optimization: Mixed-Gravity Living 🌌

✔ Live & Sleep in 1G zones
✔ Exercise in gravity-optimized facilities
✔ Explore & work in low-G for efficiency

Final Thoughts: Staying Strong on Mars 🚀

A successful Martian fitness plan must blend weighted training, resistance exercises, and artificial gravity to counteract the effects of low gravity. Rotating habitats would provide Earth-like gravitational forces, preserving muscle strength, bone density, and cardiovascular health while still allowing colonists to take advantage of Mars' lower gravity for mobility and efficiency.

By combining high-tech gyms, gravity-assisted living spaces, and a structured exercise regimen, future Martians can maintain peak physical health while adapting to their new world. With the right balance, humans can thrive—not just survive—on the Red Planet. 🌍➡️🪐

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

Blocked for life from Reddit? Again?

Today I was blocked for life... from Reddit. Again.

"This account has been permanently banned. Check your inbox for a message with more information." Same thing, right?

Why? What could I have done to get banned...for life? What's this mean? 

It means Reddit has permanently banned my account, preventing me from posting, commenting, or interacting on the platform. It said I should check my inbox for a message from Reddit explaining the reason for the ban. The message might include details about the specific rule violation and whether you can appeal the decision.

I've been banned before. Some say if you haven't been banned anywhere, you're not trying hard enough. I try hard. But I've always gotten accepted back. The Trump years have forced many of us to speak out.

"First They Came" by Pastor Martin Niemöller...

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

So we speak out, cause a ruckus, make noise, draw attention, and risk being banned. Or in an evolving fascist state such as we are now, imprisoned, "disappeared", or murdered.

I was listening to Irish Radio, RTE Radio 1 the other day and they were talking about "The Disappeared" and some news about it. 

The "Disappeared" refers to individuals, primarily Catholics and republicans, who were abducted, murdered, and secretly buried by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and other paramilitary groups during The Troubles (late 1960s–1998) in Northern Ireland.

The IRA justified these killings by accusing the victims of being informers or traitors. Many families of the Disappeared spent decades not knowing what happened to their loved ones.

In 1999, as part of the peace process, the IRA admitted responsibility for some of the disappearances and helped locate burial sites. A government-backed organization, the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR), was established to find the bodies.

Some of the most well-known cases include:

• Jean McConville (1972): A widowed mother of ten, accused (falsely) of being an informant. Her remains were found in 2003.
• Columba McVeigh (1975): A 19-year-old suspected of being an informer, still missing as of 2024.
• Kevin McKee & Seamus Wright (1972): Members of the IRA accused of being British informers, found in 2015.

Of the 17 officially recognized Disappeared, most have been found, but some remain missing.

Wait. Only the IRA did this? Really.

While the IRA is most associated with The Disappeared, British forces and loyalist paramilitaries also engaged in killings, disappearances, and cover-ups during The Troubles (1968–1998).

• British security forces (Army, RUC, MRF) conducted secretive killings and colluded with loyalist groups.

• Loyalist paramilitaries (UVF, UDA) abducted and murdered Catholics and suspected IRA members.

• Notable cases include Pat Finucane (1989), a lawyer murdered with British collusion, and The Hooded Men (1971), tortured by the British Army.

While the IRA admitted to and helped locate their Disappeared, the British government and loyalists rarely acknowledged their own role in such actions.

I bring this up because this is the kind of dire situation America finds itself in now with an evolving conservative, Republican fascist state trying daily, hourly, to push limits, subvert our laws, to get away with hopefully not (yet), murder. Subvert, override, usurp, undermine, whatever they can get away with. So we need to speak up and out, loudly.

Often I've been misunderstood not because I was unclear, but because I was too clear, and those judging me who did not understand English well enough. Some were in a foreign country working for social media because they're cheaper wages there. When it's English as a second language (EASL), I explain and they relent. But it's said that it's also happened too often with those who have English as their primary and only language. 

It often disturbs me how some Americans who can only speak English and often not that great, denigrate those in foreign countries as stupid, when those people have massively long or difficult to pronounce names, and speak multiple or many other languages than their primary language.

I've been experiencing this my entire life because I'm fairly erudite and have a sizeable vocabulary since childhood. I got "grounded" as a kid a lot, and I would happily go to my room and read a book. Suddenly I was in another country, another planet, or another universe. 

My friends didn't understand me much of the time until one day a good friend told me that people liked me a lot, but half the time they didn't know what I was talking about or the meaning of words I used. I grew up greatly because of my mom's mom, that you should always strive to be better tomorrow than yesterday, in every way. Surround yourself with people smarter than you. As an adult, try to be around doctors or lawyers or scientists, writers, artists, or whoever you can find to become friends with. While some may point out issues with that, it's a far better way of living than to surround yourself with the more ignorant and less educated people.

So I listened to my friend and dumbed down my speech, used idioms and common usage terms more, and guess what? Things did change. Then one day, someone I had just met pointed out I didn't seem so bright. Sigh... We continued to talk and they quickly realized I was very different than I was projecting. They asked me why I talked like that?

Just proximity, I guess. You try to fit in. So I learned about context and how to do what our mother had always taught us, to be able to fit into any social situation. Things got better. 

Proximity has a lot to do with our lives. Your friends were who you came into contact with, who clicked with you and you with them, as much as is possible. Or you have no friends. You also date or marry within the cohorts available that you are nearest to. 

Today, with social media, some of that has changed. But it has also evolved social and info "bubbles" of those who migrate into and remain without those siloed environments. It has aided division in America. It has been weaponized by political and international enemies online. And so on.

So, what the hell did I post that got me banned for life from Reddit?

I tried to figure it out, but hey, they delete it so you can't find what it was to argue your case. It said "5 hours ago" so I went to another social media platform and found what it might be.

This... 

With that, I had posted: "Inquiring minds. One DOES want to know. I need time to plan the party..." No other social media responded negatively (esp., not Twitter, I mean, "X", sigh...).

Here's the thing. On the surface, it looks bad, what I posted. But take it piece by piece. The meme is merely making an observation of what MILLIONS of citizens ACTUALLY are thinking and have been wondering since Donald Trump's first POTUS45 administration. And then, he gets re-elected?!! Yes, that's frustration. My comment that I added merely enhances that. It's satire. 

Donald Trump is still POTUS45, who worked hard to normalize his chaos & autocratic bigotry. Which is playing out now as POTUS47, his now normalized version. But all still Donald. The guy who is not our friend. Unless you're a person of very questionable orientation. Or utterly deluded.

Satire is actually protected by the US Constitution.

Just saw someone post this

Satire is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as a form of free speech. The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the right to satire and parody, even when it targets public figures or political leaders. In Hustler Magazine v. Falwell (1988), the Court ruled that public figures cannot claim damages for emotional distress caused by satire unless it includes false statements of fact made with actual malice. This case reinforced that satire, even when offensive or provocative, is a fundamental part of protected speech.

So, if Reddit bans me for satire, is that illegal?

No, if Reddit bans me for satire, it is not illegal. The First Amendment protects us from government censorship, but private companies like Reddit have their own rules and policies. As a private platform, Reddit can enforce its content policies and ban users for violating them, even if the content is satirical. However, if you believe a ban was unfair, you may be able to appeal it through Reddit’s support system.

And so I did. I said, "You banned me for a post that you deleted, so I cannot know what it was in order to defend myself. If it WAS the Charlie Brown tweet, it was merely an observation of what millions are thinking and not a call to action. It was satire."

But again, they don't share why you're being banned, having deleted what they found offensive. And, the only give you 250 characters to give them a definitive explanation. I find it an effective system in this being about my fourth or fifth ban. But a rather inefficient one.

We'll see what happens. I've been through this before and always been allowed back on. It indicated a single person had turned me in because their feelings were hurt, apparently. It said a person, not an algorithm, has banned me. So a human being had seen and read my post. And they still did not get it as satire. Sigh. 

Legally speaking, the statement is unlikely to qualify as hate speech under U.S. law. The First Amendment protects offensive and controversial speech, including harsh political criticism. Since there’s no direct incitement to violence or a credible threat, it would generally be considered protected speech.

However, private platforms like Reddit, Facebook, or Twitter have their own rules, which often go beyond legal definitions. They may interpret such a statement as violating policies against harassment or violent speech, even if it’s rhetorical or satirical. If a platform bans you for it, it’s not a legal issue but an enforcement of their community guidelines.

OK then. But I can't tell you how many times I've said something that offended someone that wasn't at all offensive, and once I explained ENGLISH to them, grammar, and at times even word definitions, they often recanted and at times, even apologize. 

Anyway, time will tell what happens with this one, this time.

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT and Ignorance