10 Commandments - If Enlightenment Were Involved

If Jews and Christians had attained a higher level of spiritual or philosophical enlightenment, the 10 Commandments could have been interpreted to embody universal principles of compassion, interconnectedness, and self-awareness. But they weren't. Why? 

IF they came from "God", why were they so...as they are?

A therapist might describe the personality who gave us the 10 Commandments as someone deeply concerned with moral boundaries, authority, and communal harmony, yet possibly struggling with guilt, rigidity, and a strong need for external validation.

Why is slavery being bad not mentioned? Why aren't many important moral issues not mentioned? Was it communicated from a "God" through a man, to his followers? Was it the ramblings just of the man who gave them to his people? At a time when they needed something like this to hold them together as they were drifting into unfocused popular beliefs?

Here's a possible interpretation of the 10 Commandments with a more enlightened viewpoint to them:

1. Honor the Unity of All Life

Recognize the interconnectedness of all beings and the divine spark within every aspect of existence.

2. Cultivate Compassion and Kindness

Practice empathy, understanding, and kindness towards all living beings, striving to alleviate suffering wherever it is found.

3. Seek Truth and Wisdom

Pursue knowledge and wisdom with humility, always questioning, learning, and growing.

4. Respect the Earth and Its Resources

Honor the Earth as a sacred home, using its resources with care and gratitude, and working to preserve it for future generations.

5. Live with Integrity

Be honest and true in your words and actions, aligning your life with your deepest values and principles.

6. Honor the Diversity of Beliefs

Respect and appreciate the different paths that others may take in their spiritual or philosophical journeys, recognizing that there are many ways to seek truth.

7. Foster Community and Cooperation

Work towards building strong, supportive communities that uplift all members and promote peace and cooperation.

8. Practice Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Let go of grudges and anger, seeking to heal and reconcile with those who have wronged you, and encouraging others to do the same.

9. Encourage Creativity and Self-Expression

Support the free expression of creativity in yourself and others, recognizing it as a vital aspect of the human spirit.

10. Live with Gratitude and Mindfulness

Approach life with an attitude of gratitude, being mindful of the present moment, and appreciating the beauty and wonder of existence.

These commandments would focus on universal values that transcend specific religious or cultural boundaries, aiming for a harmonious and enlightened way of living.

Good Citizens – Creating Enlightened Society
Thich Nhat Hanh July 29, 2021 

Buddha Mind, Buddha Body Walking Toward Enlightenment

Thich Nhat Hanh

Generating the Mind for Enlightenment

The Dalai Lama

Cheers! Sláinte! Anicca!

What IS Trump selling?

 What is Trump selling through his MaGA concept/contempt?

Memories. The Past.

What are the rest of us involved in?

Life, reality, progress.

It is in THAT gap between, wherein Trump has weaponized reality against US all.

All "that" IS our lives.

Not the past.

Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) concept taps into nostalgia for a perceived better past. It suggests that this longing for the past can overshadow the realities and challenges of the present and future. Here’s a breakdown:

Trump’s Selling Point: 

Nostalgia – MAGA is centered around a romanticized vision of a past that many see as simpler or better. This focus on “the past” can evoke strong emotional responses and a sense of identity tied to bygone times, which can be potent in political messaging.

The Present and Future – In contrast, being “involved in life, reality, and progress” involves addressing current issues and preparing for the future. This often requires confronting uncomfortable truths and working towards change, which can be more complex and less immediately gratifying than nostalgia.

The Weaponization of Reality – By leveraging a nostalgic view of the past, Trump can create a narrative that frames current realities as problems to be solved by returning to an idealized previous state. This can be seen as a way to weaponize reality, turning it into a battleground between the idealized past and the challenging present.

The Gap – The difference between a nostalgic vision of the past and the reality of the present. This gap can create a disconnect, where solutions based on outdated views might not address current complexities effectively.

By focusing on the past, Trump’s narrative can sideline the more nuanced and necessary engagement with the present and future. This dynamic is a powerful tool in shaping political discourse and public perception.

It is counterintuitive and counterproductive. But it gives Trump and MaGA leadership, power. It leads to an imbalance as power must come from somewhere. Which is where the rest of us come in.

Donald Trump is actually a very poor debater. But he seems to win debates. Why?

That phenomenon is often referred to as "rhetorical manipulation" or "demagoguery." These terms describe tactics that sway audiences not through structured argumentation, facts, or reasoning, but by exploiting emotions, distractions, or other forms of persuasion that deviate from traditional debate norms. Some of the tactics Trump has used in this context include:

• Ad hominem attacks: Attacking the opponent personally rather than addressing their arguments.
• Appeals to emotion: Using fear, anger, or pride to rally support.
• False equivalence: Presenting two unequal things as though they were comparable.
• Gish gallop: Overwhelming the opponent with numerous rapid claims, many of which may be false or misleading, making it difficult for them to respond.

These strategies can allow someone to "win" a debate in the eyes of an audience without adhering to the logical structure typically expected in formal debate.

There is more involved in all this mess we've been led into today. Things that MaGA and Trump are pushing so hard into the Republican Party that they are no longer the once "Grand Old Party", the GOP they once were.

And it began long ago...

Did you know, Rutherford B. Hayes’ decision to remove federal troops from the South in 1877 played a significant role in shaping race relations in America and has lasting implications. When Hayes withdrew the troops, it effectively ended Reconstruction and allowed Southern states to enact Jim Crow laws, which institutionalized racial segregation and disenfranchisement of Black citizens.

This set the stage for nearly a century of oppressive policies, including limited voting rights and economic inequality, that continued to fuel racial tensions well into the 20th century and still resonate today.

The removal of federal protection for ex-slaves led to widespread violence and intimidation, often perpetrated by groups like the Ku Klux Klan, which sought to maintain white supremacy. Many of these groups, or the broader movement they represent, have ideological ties to today’s problematic militias, which see themselves as defenders of a particular social order.

Back then, “gun clubs” and paramilitary groups often formed to protect white interests, especially as federal oversight waned. Some of the anti-government militias seen today claim lineage from these 19th-century movements, though modern militias are more fragmented and diverse in their motivations.

Turning out backs on these militias, ignoring their misrepresentation of the 2nd Amendment, esp,. in modern times has allowed a counter narrative to grow into a political entity that has set the stage for some very untenable and ridiculous beliefs, infecting a major political party.

1991 interview on The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour Chief Justice Warren E. Burger: “The gun lobby’s interpretation of the Second Amendment is one of the greatest pieces of fraud — I repeat the word ‘fraud’ — on the American public by special interest groups that I have ever seen in my lifetime. The real purpose of the Second Amendment was to ensure that state armies — the militias — would be maintained for the defense of the state. The very language of the Second Amendment refutes any argument that it was intended to guarantee every citizen an unfettered right to any kind of weapon he or she desires.”

In short, Hayes' decision to end Reconstruction gave rise to segregationist policies and violent white supremacist groups that evolved into organizations that still influence race relations and militia culture today.

Had Hayes not been president, perhaps today the bigotry and racism would be far, far less apparent. We are a nation of mixed cultures. We can work together. We can be pulled together by our similarities, rather than praise politicians and religious leaders who sell us on division and irritation, fanned into fear and hate, all for their personal agendas and success.

We can do better. Obviously.

Cheers! Sláinte!

Why Those Who Cannot See Donald Trump for Who & What He Truly Is

The mental and emotional condition of Donald Trump and his MaGA has been discussed. Perhaps now we should go back to those who cannot see him for who and what he is? Also why he uses authoritarianism and how to avoid it: Timothy Snyder's rules to avoid falling into the banal force majeure of the so very petty authoritarian. Things he learned in writing his immensely valuable book, On Tyranny.

Take the Poll: If Trump is convicted for his actual crimes, difficult to prove in court, what should be his punishment?

Also, do watch FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER, on Election Fraud, from Friday, 8/2/2024: On PBS, a show that maintains the character of the original series by conservative William F. Buckley Jr., providing a platform that is diligent in its commitment to a balanced exchange of opinion.

Now...

Explaining the filter some people use to overlook the negative aspects of Donald Trump's personality and actions involves several psychological and sociological concepts:

Cognitive Dissonance: This theory suggests that people experience discomfort when holding two conflicting beliefs or when their actions contradict their beliefs. To reduce this discomfort, they might downplay or ignore negative information about Trump to maintain consistency in their support for him.

Confirmation Bias: People tend to seek out and give more weight to information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs while ignoring or discounting information that contradicts those beliefs. Supporters of Trump might consume media and information sources that portray him positively and avoid those that highlight his negative traits.

Social Identity Theory: Individuals often derive a significant part of their identity from the groups to which they belong. For many Trump supporters, their political identity is closely tied to their support for him. Criticizing Trump might feel like a personal attack on their own identity, leading them to defend him more vigorously.

Ingroup vs. Outgroup Dynamics: Supporters may view Trump as a leader of their "ingroup" (e.g., their political party, cultural identity) and are more likely to overlook his flaws while being critical of the "outgroup" (e.g., his opponents). This dynamic can make them more forgiving of his actions and personality traits.

Charismatic Leadership: Trump’s charismatic and polarizing personality can create a strong emotional connection with his supporters. This emotional bond can make them more likely to overlook his flaws and defend him against criticism.

Media Influence and Echo Chambers: Many Trump supporters consume media that aligns with their viewpoints, which can create an echo chamber effect. In such environments, positive narratives about Trump are amplified while negative ones are minimized or discredited.

Perceived Benefits: Some supporters believe that Trump’s policies and actions have directly benefited them or align with their values and priorities. This can lead them to prioritize these perceived benefits over any personal flaws he may have.

Mistrust of Opponents: There is often a deep mistrust of the media, political opponents, and institutions that criticize Trump. Supporters may believe that negative information about him is exaggerated or fabricated by these sources.

Combining these factors can create a powerful filter that enables supporters to remain steadfast in their approval of Trump despite the negative aspects of his personality and actions.

Whatever issue is real in that? 

Far outweighed by literally all other relevant issues.

What about when he does things that people around the world are disturbed by?

When Donald Trump does things that are disturbing to people around the world, his supporters may still filter out the negative aspects through several additional mechanisms:

Nationalism and Patriotism: Supporters might prioritize what they see as the interests of their country over global opinions. They may believe that Trump's actions are necessary for America’s strength and security, regardless of international disapproval.

Perceived Global Bias: There might be a belief among Trump supporters that international criticism is biased or influenced by foreign agendas that are not aligned with American interests. This skepticism towards global opinions allows them to dismiss international disapproval as irrelevant or misguided.

Us vs. Them Mentality: Trump’s rhetoric often frames his actions as protecting American sovereignty against foreign interference or criticism. Supporters might adopt this “us vs. them” mentality, viewing global criticism as an attack on their values and way of life.

Echo Chambers: Just as with domestic issues, supporters often consume media that portrays Trump’s international actions in a positive light, creating an echo chamber where global criticism is minimized or portrayed as unfair.

Focus on Results: Supporters may focus on the tangible results they believe Trump achieves, such as economic gains, job creation, or strengthened national defense, and consider these outcomes more important than how his actions are perceived internationally.

Mistrust of Global Institutions: There is often a deep mistrust of global institutions like the United Nations or the European Union among Trump supporters. They may view these institutions as corrupt or ineffective, and thus dismiss criticism from these bodies.

Rationalization: Supporters might rationalize controversial actions by framing them as tough decisions that are necessary for the greater good. They might argue that being a strong leader requires making unpopular choices.

Attribution of Motives: Supporters may attribute negative international reactions to ulterior motives, such as envy of America’s power or a desire to undermine Trump’s presidency. This attribution allows them to discount legitimate criticisms as biased or self-serving.

Cultural Differences: They may believe that cultural differences explain why other countries disapprove of Trump’s actions. What is acceptable or even praised in American politics might be viewed differently abroad, and supporters can use these differences to dismiss international criticism.

Defensive Reactions: Faced with global disapproval, supporters may become defensive and double down on their support, feeling that they need to defend their leader against what they perceive as unfair attacks.

By employing these mechanisms, Trump supporters can remain steadfast in their support despite widespread international disapproval of his actions.

How can escape their hold on our government?

Escaping from the hold that a particular political figure or movement has on government can involve a combination of strategies, both at the individual and collective levels. Here are several approaches:

Political and Electoral Strategies

1. Voter Mobilization and Engagement: Increasing voter turnout and engagement, particularly among demographics that are less likely to support the figure or movement in question, can be crucial. This includes efforts to register new voters, educate them on the issues, and encourage them to vote.

2. Candidate Development: Supporting and developing candidates who can effectively challenge the political figure or movement. This involves finding individuals who can unite various factions and appeal to a broad base of voters.

3. Coalition Building: Forming coalitions among different political groups, organizations, and communities that share common goals. This can amplify efforts and create a more united front.

4. Electoral Reforms: Advocating for reforms that enhance the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. This could include measures such as combating gerrymandering, protecting voting rights, and promoting campaign finance reform.

Media and Communication

5. Fact-Checking and Misinformation Combat: Strengthening efforts to fact-check and counter misinformation. This involves supporting independent journalism and promoting media literacy among the public to help individuals critically evaluate information sources.

6. Narrative Shaping: Crafting compelling narratives that highlight the negative impacts of the figure or movement's actions, and presenting positive alternatives. Effective storytelling can shift public opinion and galvanize support for change.

Civic Engagement and Activism

7. Grassroots Movements: Supporting grassroots movements that advocate for change at the local, state, and national levels. These movements can raise awareness, influence public opinion, and apply pressure on political leaders.

8. Public Demonstrations and Protests: Organizing peaceful demonstrations and protests to draw attention to issues and show widespread opposition. These actions can help sway public opinion and put pressure on policymakers.

Legal and Institutional Measures

9. Legal Challenges: Pursuing legal challenges to actions or policies that are deemed unconstitutional or harmful. This can involve working with civil rights organizations, advocacy groups, and legal experts to file lawsuits and seek judicial remedies.

10. Strengthening Institutions: Reinforcing the independence and integrity of democratic institutions, such as the judiciary, electoral bodies, and oversight agencies. Strong institutions can act as checks and balances against abuses of power.

Educational Efforts

11. Civic Education: Promoting civic education to increase public understanding of democratic principles, the importance of active participation, and the impact of government decisions on everyday life.

12. Dialogue and Deliberation: Facilitating dialogue and deliberation among diverse groups to foster mutual understanding and address polarization. This can help bridge divides and create a more informed and cohesive citizenry.

Long-Term Cultural Change

13. Cultural Shifts: Working towards long-term cultural changes that prioritize democratic values, critical thinking, and inclusivity. This involves engaging with various sectors of society, including education, media, and community organizations, to promote these values.

By employing a combination of these strategies, it is possible to mitigate the hold of a particular political figure or movement on the government and work towards a more balanced and representative democratic system.

Tossing the tosser into prison for life wouldn't hurt either. Coming soon, hopefully. 

All the best and best of luck!

Cheers! Sláinte!

What IS the "MaGA Mind"?

What IS the "MaGA Mind"? First, it's got to go.

[By the way, the "a" is in lowercase for "america" because of the dishonesty and disrespect Trump and his contingent offer to our America.]

There's also a poll on X (Twitter) about Donald Trump being tried for his actual crimes and what his punishment should be upon conviction. Life? Death? Too soon?

The 'MaGA Mind' refers to the mindset cultivated by Donald Trump and his supporters, characterized by a distorted perception of America, grounded in fear, authoritarian tendencies, and binary thinking.

The internet was built as a place where everyone could have equal footing.

What a fucking mistake THAT was! Because we are NOT equal.

Too many of us are delusional, mentally, or socially ill (racist, MaGA, etc.).

To give equal footing to THAT, was a HUGE mistake.

AS we're seeing now! THEN? We added in algorithms to skew it further, and with autocrats with billions purchasing our social media, altered our realities, with an agenda.

Sigh...

So, there's a lot to cover. I'll be jumping around a bit. For more hit my previous blogs. Also, Rachel Maddow's podcasts should be required for ANY and ALL Americans before they think all is hopeless or fall into MaGA-type nonsense.

We have two "Americas" here. One that is real and seen by the world. The other, is believed to exist by the MaGA supporter. One that is dark and terrible, crumbling and awful, filled with enemies and fear.

See also, Donald Trump's mental defect and TOC for the authoritarian (oddly same as Christian's "AntiChrist"!). Also: Humans default psychologically to "binary thinking" and sociologically to autocracy. Thus in the fight or flight (or freeze) mode to fear cliquishness, tribalism, and emergency protocols are all initiated by authoritarian triggers. 

Also this:
Marc E. Elias @marceelias
“I think we are going to see mass refusals to certify the election” in November, says Democratic election lawyer Marc Elias. “Everything we are seeing about this election is that the other side is more organized, more ruthless, and more prepared.”

It’s not that everyone who is a binary thinker falls for those things, but the "scripts" we run in our mind are. " Rolling Sone article

OK then...

Humans are susceptible to "sloppy thinking" and Donald Trump/autocracy uses that to his advantage. Autocracy itself uses many interesting techniques I've spoken to many times. Aside from logic traps or binary thinking ("this or that" when the offer OF "this or that" is disingenuously stacked).

One is what magicians call "forcing techniques":

Forcing Techniques: A variety of methods to make a participant believe they have freely chosen an option when the choice is actually predetermined. This can include:

Classic Force: Making the participant choose a specific card through practiced timing and technique.

Equivocation: Also known as the magician’s choice, where the magician guides the participant to a specific outcome regardless of their choices.

Timing Forces: Creating a sense of urgency or distraction to make the participant choose a specific option.

But that is not our America. That's not our democracy. That's not our democratic Constitutional Republic. These are messy things that appear dysfunctional and broken because of so many voices and beliefs that come together and iron out progress as we all see it. Not just as one group sees it believing they know best. That is an autocracy, a theocracy, a monarchy, a kleptocracy, or an oligarchy. 

US Government: While often categorized as a democracy, the United States is more accurately defined as a constitutional federal republic. What does this mean? “Constitutional” refers to the fact that government in the United States is based on a Constitution which is the supreme law of the United States. The Constitution not only provides the framework for how the federal and state governments are structured but also places significant limits on their powers. “Federal” means that there is both a national government and governments of the 50 states. A “republic” is a form of government in which the people hold power, but elect representatives to exercise that power.

Yes, the US is a constitutional federal republic: governed by a Constitution, power shared between federal & state govs, and led by elected reps. While not a direct democracy, it embodies democratic principles through elections and citizen participation.

Saying it is a democracy is still correct and others saying we're just a "Constitutional Republic" are using a phrase long used in the seditionist underground of Ultra Right Wing extremists. It's "cool" by their thinking to differentiate. But it's just a whistle call.

What we have is far better, messy as it can be, easily claimed to be broken by more "perfect" forms of social management. As Winston Churchill so aptly put it:

‘Many forms of Government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…’ - Winston S Churchill, 11 November 1947

Or as Ben Franklin put it before him. Monday, September 17, 1787: The Convention Today. The day began with a prepared speech from Franklin (PA) who, eighty-one years old and painfully afflicted with gout and kidney stone, was unable to read it himself and delegated that task to Wilson (PA)

“In these sentiments, Sir, I agree to this Constitution, with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a General Government necessary for us, and there is no form of government, but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered; and believe further, that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government.”

Donald Trump is here, now to be that despot, to tear down what Franklin and the other frame for us, a new country, a "Great Experiment" of states under a federal system. One we should not "game" or play against our best interests to despoil into a "despotic government", such as Trump and his MaGA GOP intend.

The Trump America is a horror fantasy manufactured by a Republican Party that was ripe for an authoritarian to overtake it and plunge it into darkness and disrepute. 

"MaGA Mind"? Well? It is not what you think. You likely think it is a label for a group that supports Donald Trump and the propaganda and bizarre things he propagates out to his masses, to our media he discredits so brazenly, all in his inimitable, dumbed down, juvenile, and droll-like way.

But it IS just a brand. 

Donald Trump is a branding agent. He is branding and selling...Donald Trump. He is "selling" authoritarianism, he is "selling" Christian nationalism, he is "selling" authoritarianism and Fascism. 

All of which are pushing our "over there" and what is "right here" in front of us all. It is a kind of "magic", social engineering, manipulation, and mass hypnosis.

I have to refer back to my short sci-fi dystopian story I wrote in 1984 first published in a horror quarterly on the east coast of America in 1990. "In Memory, Yet Crystal Clear". You may have seen me mention this story before. It's a good example of how insidious what Donald Trump is doing. 

It offers the feeling of what I'm intellectually trying to say. Especially those in the MaGA "cult" who can understand better by reading such things, rather than in a rational assimilation. Which is never going to happen They cannot turn on their "tribe', their "cult", their "political" party, their 'brothers in arms", or their fantasy they "see" as their and all of our, reality.

The MaGA mindset conflates, obfuscates distracts, and outright lies. It actuates a stage long previously set up by grievance, religion, and an ability to believe through faith what does not exist. Or is unseen, or disbelieved by others. Nothing offers strength to the fantasy as much as a force to push again, an "Other" who are disbelievers. Or as Islam considers them as, "infidels". 

It's a brand that builds within one's mind a barrier that demands it not be infiltrated with knowledge, information, or facts, All reality served up by media or non-believers must be lies by the "Others". Thus we hear of "alt facts". Something so ludicrous that it openly displays the damage and delusion. But not to the "believer", not to the "MaGA Mind".

Here are some additional basic elements and labels of MaGA Mind:

1. Centralized Power: Concentration of power in the hands of a single leader or a small group, often bypassing democratic institutions.
2. Suppression of Dissent: Limiting freedom of speech, press, and assembly; punishing or silencing political opponents and critics.
3. Propaganda: Use of media to spread the regime’s ideology and to manipulate public opinion.
4. Control Over Judiciary: Undermining judicial independence to ensure legal outcomes favor the regime.
5. Erosion of Democratic Norms: Disregard for rule of law, checks and balances, and electoral integrity.
6. Surveillance: Monitoring and controlling the population through extensive surveillance programs.
7. Militarization: Increased use of military and police forces to maintain control and suppress opposition.
8. (Christian) Nationalism: Promoting a strong nationalistic sentiment, often at the expense of minority rights and international cooperation.
9. Scapegoating: Blaming societal problems on marginalized groups or foreign entities to unite the populace against a common enemy.
10. Economic Control: State intervention in the economy to maintain power and control over resources.
11. Censorship: Controlling information by restricting access to non-state-approved media and suppressing critical voices.
12. Manipulation of Elections: Rigging or undermining electoral processes to ensure the regime’s hold on power.
13. Patronage: Distributing state resources and benefits to loyal supporters to maintain their allegiance.
14. Cult of Personality: Elevating the leader to a near-mythical status through state-sponsored adulation.
15. Legalism: Using laws to give an appearance of legality to actions that subvert democratic principles.
16. Fear: Instilling fear in the populace through threats of violence, imprisonment, or other reprisals against dissenters
17. Undermining Civil Society: Weakening independent organizations and institutions that could challenge the regime's authority.
18. Criminalization of Opposition: Labeling political opponents as criminals, terrorists, or enemies of the state.
19. Religious Manipulation: Exploiting religious beliefs and institutions to legitimize the regime's authority, justify policies, and suppress opposition.

This can involve:

• Religious Nationalism: Promoting a specific religion or religious identity as central to the national identity, often marginalizing other religions or secular viewpoints.
• Clerical Alliances: Forming alliances with religious leaders to gain their support and influence over the population.
• Divine Justification: Claiming divine right or support for the regime’s actions and leadership.
• Suppressing Religious Dissent: Persecuting religious groups or individuals who oppose the regime.
• Legislating Morality: Enforcing laws based on religious doctrines to control personal behavior and societal norms.
• Religious Propaganda: Using religious rhetoric and symbols in state propaganda to invoke a sense of moral righteousness and loyalty.

These tactics serve to consolidate power by aligning the regime with religious authority and using it to influence or control the populace.

Now, tell yourself that you do not see how Donald Trump and his MaGA mindset are not what is described above. See what is right there laid out plain and simple before us. Reality is not fun, not easy and it can hurt. Especially when leaving a cult or cult-like group for the bright sun of reality. 

But are we children, as Trump wishes, easily led, pliable for his own purposes to suppose his narcissism, his deepest pleasures? Or for us, for ourselves, not himself?

It is the formula for an authoritarian state.

Read Timothy Snyder's "On Tyranny". 
And just try not to see Donald Trump all through it. You will fail.

But you can succeed, we all can, just by clearly seeing the "Emperor's New Clothes" of Donald Trump, have never ever existed.

He is the charlatan we can all see.

The "MaGA Mind" is not just a political stance; it represents a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism that threatens the very fabric of our democratic society. It leverages fear, binary thinking, and manipulative techniques to create a distorted view of reality, undermining the principles of our democratic constitutional federal republic.

We can keep our country but as Franklin said, it will take Effort.

Educate yourself and others, read and share, and stay informed. VET your information. Check and double-check it. Dig deep when it sounds either too good to be true, or just simply ridiculous.

Engage in our political process, vote, contact your representatives...share.

Support our Democratic institutions, join organizations, and speak up to protect our free speech before it's gone

Foster community and dialogue by building bridges and combatting disinformation.

Advocate for accountability by demanding justice and promoting transparency.

We all have a role to play. The future of our democracy depends on our collective efforts to uphold our values and principles. By staying informed, engaged, and active, we resist the slide toward authoritarianism and ensure that our government remains of the people, by the people, and for the people. The People. US. ALL of us.

Let us not be swayed by the illusions and disillusions of the "MaGA Mind." Instead, reaffirm our commitment to a just, fair, and democratic society where every voice is heard and respected.

Together, we can indeed preserve this great experiment of democracy that our founders envisioned.

Stand up. Speak out. Act now.

Certainly Vote, it's the least any of us can do. However, this time we may have to take other action if Trump's claims of subverting our electoral process play out.

Our government has to start acting now about this new, but also old threat. 

This conservative activist Republican Party has created an overbalanced activist conservative SCOTUS that is going to require a reset of some short, a correction to balance the court. Liberal and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, need to work together and for decades Republicans have pushed for this situation hoping for, and working toward minority rule. 

I touched on this indirectly in my horror sci-fi novel, "The Unwritten", Vol. II of my Anthology of Evil series. In that universe, there is a horrendous Religious War where Science won. There was then a huge Science War where again, science won. We don't want to go through that here.

Let's...not.

But that is where we're headed if America doesn't correct these illiberal imbalances back to where both sides can once again work together

We must let them know we demand action. So that on that day of swearing in, next January 2025 of our new POTUS, America will continue on from the point of our founding over 200 years ago, rather than begin a new day of Trump-led authoritarianism. Losing our right to vote so many died to protect and not simply be left by the fascist wayside of the road once known as America.

Cheers! Sláinte!

Walkabout Thoughts #98

 Thoughts in Streams of Consciousness, Rough & Ready, and Lightly Edited from an Award-Winning Filmmaker/Author you’ve never heard of while walking off Reality and hopefully the last half-life vestiges of Long Covid while listening to podcasts.

Walking Day is Thursday, July 25, 2024. 

Today is July 28, 2024 and happy birthday to my older sister!

Weather for the day… nice day, starting out, 63° little wind, overcast, broken blue sky 66° upon returning back at home.

Podcast is WTF? With Marc Maron with Episode 1559 - Clare O'Kane

Mark just watched Maxine and Long Legs (he didn't like as much), both "devil shit" movies.

Out for my first walk in weeks because of how the heat has been. I switched over to strength training and got up to 70 situps adding five every day for a month starting with 25. I’ve done that multiple times throughout the years to get back in shape and it works really well. I noticed my stomach was leaning outward a bit, and when you see that you start doing situps. When you notice your weight goes over a certain poundage, lose some weight.

Feels good to be out for a walk, nice weather 63°. Intermittent clouds overcast to the east. 66° when I got home.

Anyway, Marc's podcast today is a good one because in the beginning he pretty much describes my political leanings.

All this bullshit from Trump all these years, trying to force us into a binary tribal mode and hating “the other “. OK, let’s not hate other American citizens or other citizens of humanity. Yeah, rat bastard.

Speaking of which, the TOC for the Handbook of the AntiChrist, from yesterday.I had this idea that Trump fits the definition of the Christian AntiChrist. I asked ChatGPT to make me an accurate table of contents for a handbook the AntiCrhist might use, tweaked it very little and there it is. Remarkably accurate to Trump's progress. Then Trump said that nonsense at a rally this weekend about how he's not Christian but vote for him and he'll end voting. What? WHAT? True, he said that! Unbelievable, truly...

We could learn something from our French friends:

France
"Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité"
America
"Out of Many, ONE"
Devolution...
US Christian Nationalism
"In God We Trust"
MAGA
"Freedom! Trump! Autocracy!"

But like Marc is saying, I’ve never been a "Biden guy", I think he did a great job, bizarre what MaGA claims about him, literally delusional. I’ve been an independent voter most my life. Historically, I looked at who’s running and I voted for the best person. Until the GOP elected Trump at which point I couldn't vote for a Republican anymore until we get this cleaned up. Purge the GOP or outlaw them.

I thought Marc had a very good rational objective way of looking at things in this podcast, his prefunction talk before he talks to a comedian. I never keep it straight. Comic or comedian?

As for, running for POTUS I've thought we’re decades past needing to have a female president. I thought Hillary earned her place and then got screwed. I think she had personality problems with some voters, sure. 

I know my kids didn’t like her but a lot of what they didn’t like was disinformation and just trying to make her look bad and some of her just not looking that good to a younger generation. But I think she’s a skilled bureaucrat and needed to be a more skilled politician. Some people are hard workers, are very knowledgeable but not great at connecting to the masses. We've lost some good politicians due to that. 

I fully believe Kamal can do the job. Whenever as a Senator, she was going to be on a committee investigating and interviewing people I would watch C-SPAN just to watch her excellent investigative and prosecutorial skills at work which I believe she’ll bring now against convicted felon Donald Trump

Oh yeah, she’s capable. The Right's going to slander and libel and denigrate her, say she "slept her way to the top", how misogynistic and how typical. She did things in her career and therefore is open to criticism as opposed to Republicans who try to do nothing so there’s nothing to criticize. That's just embarrassing.

She was a skilled Prosecutor, California Attorney General, Senator and fuck all you haters. Part of America’s conservative and now Republican disease has been a lack of equality for women in power. Women are more than half of 50% of Americans. It should be by law, that at least half of any authority group are women.Where possible.

Half of the Supreme Court should be women. the head Justice should be a woman. Half of Congress by law should be female. I know that’s problematic because of how things work but we need to get there somehow.

As a man, CIS-gendered heterosexual I believe part of America’s problem has been a lack of women’s voices being heard. As we are seeing now, as white people diminish in power (deal with it, this isn't White America, it's America), where Latinos will be the majority (2045), we have a  lack of minority voices. Which is getting better.

All this concern by bigoted white people that they’re losing power & authority? Grow up, get over yourself.

This is where I’ll have to put a meme of what I posted yesterday about how I feel and how I felt in the workplace dealing with women in minorities.

Granted, I’m not a grievance her ego type. It sickens me all this crap about DEI just denigrating women and minorities

I’ve been saying that "MaGA" doesn’t deserve/get a capital "a" for "America" in their acronym because they’ve shown so much disrespect to our country, to the US Constitution, and to our citizens.

But "MAGA" ("Minorities Aren't Going Away") is right about one thing in what that acronym stands for. 

Marc and his guest are talking about shaved heads because she has a problem dealing with hair so she just cut it off. He’s talking about the one time he got his head shaved and how weird it was. 

I only had my head shaved once, in basic training in the Air Force. I had cut my hair before I went in so it wouldn’t look too long when I got down there But I quickly realized it was still long for those grizzled old barbers who seemed to be pissed off at cutting hair.

Some of the recruits, after I was done (and I was fine, it hurt a couple of times when they were quickly cutting my hair so real because they’re trying to get a lot of guys done), but I saw at least four or five guys come out who had had pretty long shoulder length hair, and they were bleeding from the scalp in a few places.

For me, that said it was not just the barber's speed but involved some kind of emotion. This was in Texas. Where they still thought long hair equaled female. I mention this because that night when we went to bed in our bunks, 12 bunks in a row, next row 12 bunks in a row, in a U-shaped dorm where on the other arm of the "U", the same thing with rows of 12 bunks or so adding up to 50.

When my head hit the pillow, the pillow was cold on my scalp. I’d never felt that before. It was kind of cool, kind of weird. Finally, I fell asleep. I woke up in the middle of the night and could feel my hair was shaved. My hand, without thinking, went up to my head. I was rubbing my scalp and feeling it and thinking.

I rolled over and was able to see down the line of bunks in the glow of the emergency exit light. I could see other guys hands up down the line, rubbing their scalps just like I was. There’s something surreal about it. I went back to sleep and  was the last any of us thought about it.

Talking to my oldest son on the phone last night I realized he was born in 1988 and my birth father died in '89 about 10 months after he was born. I hadn’t seen him since I was 16. I hadn’t seen my younger half-brother, by our dad and his next wife, in a while. Since he was 11. So it was cool that we reconnected. 

I found out three things that day. We think exactly alike. It was like we grew up together and he has nine brothers and sisters from his mom‘s two previous marriages who he said he never really fit in with. They harassed the shit out of him being the new kid by the new dad. I wish I’d realized that as I would’ve been more of a big brother to him, but I was so hurt over my dad not giving a shit about me, I disappeared. The last time I saw him, I took him to a movie. A day he said he never forgot.

I went over one more time to see my dad and he and my stepmom met me at the door as they were leaving to go for a bicycle ride. I had called to tell him I was coming over to visit him. He said, "Oh, hi, the kids are inside. We’re going for a ride," and they just left. It was last time I saw him until I saw him in his coffin at the funeral service. 

Like I said, I got to reconnect with my younger brother that day and we became very good friends. His siblings were always very happy to see me. I also discovered that everything I did in my life, apparently, my dad shared it with his family, probably hearing about it through his parents because my mom would talk to my grandparents. I found my younger brother was a genius artist and just all around genius. It’s funny because when my son was around 10 or 11, I took him over to meet him, so they’ve known each other from then on, and they think very similar too.

I saw my VA doctor last week and then got a notification to see my Medicare doctor so I’m seeing her tomorrow. I’ve had this issue for months with my right hand, ring finger, and the doctor diagnosed it as "trigger finger", which thankfully isn’t my "trigger" finger. It’s really annoying. Getting old for me seems to be going through a compendium of things that can go wrong. But then in the end both doctors said I was one of their healthiest patients. Good to know.

I'd expected I would retire and write and enjoy my life. Go hiking and do lots of crazy things and travel a lot… Covid in 2020 put a real damper on a lot of that, but then some of this was going to be happening anyway, inevitably. So... "good times". I think about all those times when I was younger and people warned me "you’re gonna regret that when you get older" and I said "fuck it I’ll deal with it when I’m old." 

Well, here we are. Thanks, dumbass.

It’s like raising my kids. I had to do things financially to give them a good life that I knew I would find problematic later, nowadays, and I am…

I was watching some show the other day and this guy. or role/character. I can’t remember was it a drama or nonfiction? He said "when you choose a life partner or get married, that’s a really important other person in your life and you have to give it a lot of thought and choose carefully." Uh huh...

Yeah, I didn’t know about that advice. I did, but not to the extent he was implying.

What's below is from the podcast a few days after my last walk, when I was shopping for groceries. Yeah, I know, but..

They're talking about when they both lived in Boston (Marc and his guest), but didn’t know each other living in the same area. There was lots of heroin around. Which reminded me of a time in Seattle in the 80s when I couldn’t find any weed, but there was so much heroin around, you didn’t even have to ask for it. I’ve never done heroin. I'd never been offered heroin so often or so much.

Interesting, they're referring to a street called "Houston". When I got to Dublin, I was looking for the Houston train terminal and I asked someone how to get to Huston, saying it the way we say it in America. The only way I ever heard Houston pronounced. As Houston, as in Texas. Somebody from Ireland corrected my pronunciation: "Howston". What? Wow, OK.

I got to the terminal.

Perfect walking weather today. Supposed to get to 75 today 90 by Saturday. National weather alert went out for from the fifth to I think the ninth regarding heat around here.

On that note, I’ll bid you adieu…

And I’ll leave you with that. And it’s noon and time for lunch.

Cheers! Sláinte!

TOC for Handbook of the AntiChrist - Satire (maybe?)

Table of Contents for 

HANDBOOK OF THE ANTICHRIST

Compiled using AI as to what an actual TOC for the AntiChrist would contain (with some very slight enhancements including names where appropriate).

Trump W. Palm Beach Rally:
"I'm not Christian."

"Vote one more time you'll never have to vote anymore...we'll have it fixed."

"In 4 years you don't have to vote again."

On: 666 5th Ave. New York

With elements highlighting His

Dark and Manipulative Nature
of the character known publically
as Donald Trump, according to
traditional Christian eschatology:

Introduction

Accomplishment 1

Welcome to Your New Role - Donald Trump!
Understanding Your Mission - Autocracy at all costs!
The Historical Context of Your Existence
Building Your Identity
Russian influence - since 1980 - Disinformation

Accomplishment 2
Crafting Your Persona
Establishing Your Public Image
Manipulating Media and Public Perception
Gaining Power

Accomplishment 3
Strategies for Political Influence
Forming Strategic Alliances
Manipulating Economic Systems
Deception and Control

Accomplishment 4
Mastering & Marketing the Art of Deception
Propaganda Techniques - Authoritarianism
Psychological Manipulation of the MaGA Masses
Undermining Faith
MAGA - "Make America Great Again"
Sedition & Insurrection

Accomplishment 5
Strategies to Weaken Religious Institutions
Promoting Division and Disunity
Introducing False Teachings
Creating Chaos

Accomplishment 6
Orchestrating Global Conflicts
Exploiting Natural Disasters - Pandemics, Climate Change
Instigating Social Unrest
Advanced Tactics - Project 2025 (Contributors)

Accomplishment 7
Technology and Surveillance
Bioengineering and Genetic Manipulation
Cyber Warfare and Information Control
Establishing Dominance

Accomplishment 8
Consolidating Power Globally
Enforcing New World Order
Ensuring Loyalty and Obedience
Handling Opposition

Accomplishment 9
Identifying and Neutralizing Threats
Infiltrating the American Republican Party
Putin's Efforts in Russia
Managing Dissent and Rebellion
Utilizing Fear and Intimidation - Neutralizing the Free Press
Maintaining Control - from Obfucsation to Outright Lies
- Blame Others for Your Crimes - Misdirection
- Lie Often to neutralize Clarity/Reality

Accomplishment 10
Long-Term Governance Strategies
Continuity of Power
Managing Successors and Legacies -
- Stephen Miller
- Steve Bannon
- Michael Flynn
- Others
- JD Vance
Final Objectives

Accomplishment 11
The Ultimate Confrontation
Strategies for the Final Battle
Achieving Your Endgame - Apocalypse!
- With Help from Christian Nationalists
- Racism & Eugenics are Your Friends!
Conclusion

Appendices
Reflecting on Your Journey - Your Autobiography as Subversion
Final Words of Wisdom
The Legacy of the AntiChrist

Key Historical Figures and Case Studies
Advanced Manipulation Techniques
Recommended Reading for Aspiring Despots

Endmatter
This is a detailed guide to the
AntiChrist to follow
with elements that highlight
His dark and manipulative nature of the
character Donald Trump toward a
culminating Christian eschatological
End Times...


And God said:
"I need his political party to obey without question and the press fear his wrath."

So God made Trump.

- From The Lincoln Party

History's Dumbest Mass Movements in Support of...Something Dumb

Yes, this starts off briefly about Trump but bear with me a moment, it gets interesting. Then I'll get back to how this relates to the madness we see today on the right. 

So I was wondering...HAVE there been even stupider movements of support for dumb things before Donald Trump? His "MaGA" ("Make america Great Again", with a little "a" as they have so disrespected America, and yes it's necessary to indicate that at every instance)...is pretty dumb. Project 2025 supports that contention. More here about Trump's mental issues.

The GOP propping up a convicted felon, twice impeached, seditionist, who fomented an insurrection, a career criminal, is truly unbelievable. It truly is now the Trump Cult of Personality Party.

Determining the "dumbest" massive support movement in history is subjective and depends heavily on one's perspective and criteria for judgment. However, some movements are often criticized for their lack of foresight, harmful consequences, or based on the perceived irrationality of their goals. Here are a few examples that are commonly mentioned in discussions about misguided mass movements:

Tulip Mania (1634-1637): This was a period during the Dutch Golden Age when the prices of tulip bulbs reached extraordinarily high levels and then suddenly collapsed. People invested vast amounts of money into tulip bulbs, believing they would continue to increase in value. The bubble burst, leading to financial ruin for many.

Tulip Mania is often considered the "dumbest" massive support movement due to its extreme irrationality, the trivial nature of the commodity involved, and the rapid, devastating financial impact on those who participated.

Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933): The nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages was intended to reduce crime and corruption, solve social problems, and improve health and hygiene. Instead, it led to the rise of organized crime, illegal speakeasies, and was eventually repealed due to its ineffectiveness and unintended consequences.

The South Sea Bubble (1720): Similar to Tulip Mania, this was a speculative bubble in Britain where shares in the South Sea Company skyrocketed based on overinflated claims of wealth and profits from trade with South America. When the bubble burst, many investors lost their fortunes, leading to widespread financial ruin.

The Children's Crusade (1212): This was a disastrous attempt by thousands of European children to peacefully convert Muslims in the Holy Land to Christianity. Many of these children either died from starvation and disease or were sold into slavery, never reaching their destination.

The War on Drugs: Initiated in the United States in the early 1970s, this movement aimed to reduce illegal drug trade and use through strict enforcement and heavy penalties. Critics argue it has been largely ineffective, disproportionately targeting minority communities, and has contributed to mass incarceration without significantly reducing drug addiction rates.

Each of these movements had massive support at their peaks but are often viewed retrospectively as misguided or poorly executed, leading to significant negative consequences.

Obviously, we cannot forget the MaGA movement in America that we are still suffering under from an extremist Right-wing Republican Party who are calling any or all others all the things they are or are doing, as the ones doing those things. 

It is a form of madness that has grown out of a cult of personality for Donald Trump who is a pathological liar and has Narcissistic Personality Disorder (DSM5).

The "Make America Great Again" (MaGA) movement, associated primarily with former President Donald Trump, is another example that has garnered significant support and controversy. Supporters view MaGA as a patriotic effort to restore America's economic strength, national security, and traditional values. Critics, however, argue that the movement has been divisive and regressive.

Criticisms of the MaGA movement often focus on:

Polarization: The movement has been accused of deepening political and social divides in the United States. The rhetoric used by some of its leaders and supporters has been criticized for being inflammatory and divisive.

False Claims and Conspiracy Theories: The movement has been linked to the spread of false information and conspiracy theories, notably surrounding the 2020 presidential election. Claims of widespread voter fraud, despite a lack of evidence, culminated in the January 6, 2021, storming of the U.S. Capitol, which many view as a significant attack on democratic institutions.

Impact on Democracy: Some argue that the MaGA movement has undermined democratic norms and institutions by challenging the integrity of elections and attacking the media and judiciary.

Racial and Ethnic Tensions: Critics claim that the movement has exacerbated racial and ethnic tensions, citing instances of rhetoric and policies perceived as discriminatory against immigrants, people of color, and other minority groups.

Supporters of MaGA, on the other hand, often highlight achievements they attribute to the movement, such as:

Economic Policies: Many supporters believe that the movement's policies led to a stronger economy, job creation, and tax cuts that benefited many Americans.

National Security: Advocates argue that MaGA policies improved national security by strengthening immigration enforcement and renegotiating trade deals. Isolationism never does that.

Patriotism and National Pride: For many supporters, MaGA represents a resurgence of American pride and a commitment to the country's founding principles and values. This is a misnomer for what is actually Christian Nationalism.

The MaGA movement remains highly influential and continues to shape American politics. Whether it is viewed as "dumb" or misguided depends largely on one's political perspective and values.

Analyzing the reality of the contentions made by MaGA supporters involves looking at available data, evidence, and expert analysis. Here’s a closer look at the key points often highlighted by MaGA supporters:

1. Economic Policies

Claim: The MaGA movement led to a stronger economy, job creation, and beneficial tax cuts.

Reality:

• Economic Growth: The U.S. economy did see significant growth during the first three years of the Trump administration. The stock market reached record highs, and unemployment rates fell to historically low levels. However, some of this growth continued trends from the Obama administration's recovery from the Great Recession.
• Tax Cuts: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 did lower corporate tax rates and individual income tax rates for many Americans. Critics argue that these tax cuts disproportionately benefited the wealthy and increased the federal deficit by reducing government revenue.
• Job Creation: Job creation was robust, with significant gains in employment. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a severe economic downturn, with massive job losses and a spike in unemployment.

2. National Security

Claim: MaGA policies improved national security by strengthening immigration enforcement and renegotiating trade deals.

Reality:

• Immigration Enforcement: The Trump administration implemented stricter immigration policies, including travel bans from certain countries, increased deportations, and the construction of a border wall with Mexico. These measures were controversial and faced legal challenges and widespread criticism for their humanitarian impact.
• Trade Deals: The administration renegotiated NAFTA, resulting in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). While supporters hailed it as a victory for American workers, critics argued that the changes were modest and did not fundamentally transform trade relationships. The administration also engaged in a trade war with China, imposing tariffs that led to retaliatory tariffs, affecting various sectors of the economy.

3. Patriotism and National Pride

Claim: MaGA represents a resurgence of American pride and a commitment to the country's founding principles and values.

Reality:

• Patriotism: MaGA supporters often express a strong sense of national pride and desire to return to what they view as traditional American values. This resonates with many who feel left behind by globalization and social changes. (Nazis were Christian Nationalists)
• Divisiveness: The movement has also been associated with rhetoric and actions that many perceive as exclusionary or discriminatory. This has led to increased polarization and tension within the country.

Additional Considerations

• Impact on Democracy: The MaGA movement has been criticized for undermining democratic norms. The refusal to accept the 2020 election results and the subsequent Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, are seen as significant threats to democratic institutions. While they claim America is a Constitutional Republic, it is a whistle call, code in order to misdirect and cover for nationalism (domestically) and isolationism (internationally) since even with their contentions, America is still a democracy or a democratic constitutional republic. It's divisive and obfuscatory.
• Racial and Ethnic Tensions: Policies and rhetoric associated with MaGA have been linked to increased racial and ethnic tensions. Critics argue that the movement has fostered an environment where hate crimes and discriminatory attitudes can flourish.

In summary, while there are aspects of the MaGA movement that supporters view positively, these contentions are often contested and have complex, multifaceted realities. Economic achievements are weighed against increased deficits and inequality, national security measures are criticized for their humanitarian impact, and expressions of patriotism are seen as divisive by many.

While Tulip Mania was perhaps the dumbest, MaGA runs a pretty close race, especially if it brings America down.

MaGA Movement

Dumbness:

• Polarizing Rhetoric and Actions: The movement has been associated with spreading misinformation, conspiracy theories, and polarizing rhetoric.
• Ignoring Expert Consensus: Many of the movement's positions, such as skepticism towards climate change and public health measures, often ignore or contradict scientific and expert consensus.

Destructiveness:

• Political and Social Divides: The movement has contributed to significant political and social polarization in the United States.
• Erosion of Democratic Norms: Actions such as challenging the legitimacy of elections and the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, have undermined democratic institutions and norms.
• Global Impact: The movement’s influence has had ripple effects worldwide, affecting international relations and inspiring similar movements in other countries.

If we work hard, we can clean up this slow-moving coup form of domestic terrorism and sedition. We've seen it nearly 100 years ago: Ultra (Rachel Maddow podcast, very well done and accurate).

Now about this MaGA movement...

Theodor W. Adorno and his colleagues in their 1950 book, "The Authoritarian Personality":

"The authoritarian personality seeks to minimize doubt & insecurity by clinging to rigid & absolute beliefs & by submitting to authority figures who seem to offer certainty and stability."

General statistics on the relationship between strict, religious, authoritarian upbringings and criminal or abusive behavior are complex and multifaceted. Here are some key points and studies that explore this topic:

1. Childhood Trauma and Abuse: Numerous studies have shown that experiencing strict, authoritarian parenting, especially when combined with physical or emotional abuse, can lead to increased risk of criminal behavior in adulthood. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study by the CDC highlights that individuals with high ACE scores are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including criminal activities.

2. Religious Upbringing and Crime: Research on the influence of a strict religious upbringing on criminal behavior is mixed. Some studies suggest that certain types of religious upbringing, particularly those that are authoritarian and punitive, may contribute to increased aggression and delinquency. For instance, a study published in the journal Child Abuse & Neglect found that authoritarian religious parenting styles were associated with higher levels of aggression in children.

3. Authoritarian Parenting and Delinquency: Authoritarian parenting, characterized by high demands and low responsiveness, has been linked to higher rates of delinquency and criminal behavior. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found a significant correlation between authoritarian parenting and increased delinquency in children.

4. Longitudinal Studies: Longitudinal studies have tracked individuals over time to assess the long-term effects of strict, authoritarian, and religious upbringings. The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, which follows a cohort from New Zealand, has found that harsh and authoritarian parenting practices are associated with a range of negative outcomes, including criminal behavior.

5. Cultural and Contextual Factors: It's important to note that the impact of strict, religious, authoritarian upbringings can vary widely depending on cultural and contextual factors. For example, in some communities, strict religious practices may provide social support and a sense of belonging that mitigates the potential for criminal behavior.

6. Gender Differences: Some studies suggest that the effects of strict, authoritarian upbringings on criminal behavior may differ by gender. For instance, a study published in the journal Aggressive Behavior found that authoritarian parenting was more strongly associated with aggression and delinquency in boys than in girls.

While there is evidence to suggest that strict, religious, and authoritarian upbringings can contribute to criminal or abusive behavior, it's important to consider these findings within a broader context. Multiple factors, including genetics, environment, and individual resilience, also play significant roles in the development of such behaviors.

Does that not explain to some degree, MaGA and those who support a person who has psychological problems?

The phenomenon of MaGA ("Make america Great Again") supporters and their alignment with a figure like Donald Trump, who has been often described as having psychological and personality traits that some find concerning, can indeed be partially understood through psychological and sociological lenses. While not everyone who supports MaGA fits into a single psychological profile, several factors can help explain the strong support base, including aspects of upbringing, psychological tendencies, and social dynamics:

1. Authoritarian Personality: The concept of the authoritarian personality, first introduced by Theodor Adorno and his colleagues in 1950, describes individuals who have a preference for order, conformity, and strong leadership. People with this personality type often come from strict, authoritarian upbringings and may be drawn to leaders who promise to restore order and discipline.

2. Social Identity Theory: This theory suggests that individuals derive a sense of identity and self-esteem from their membership in social groups. For some, the MaGA movement provides a strong group identity, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. This is particularly compelling for those who feel marginalized or left behind by social and economic changes.

3. Perceived Threats: Research in political psychology has shown that perceived threats (whether economic, cultural, or social) can drive people towards authoritarian leaders. Trump's rhetoric often emphasizes threats to American values, security, and prosperity, which can resonate strongly with individuals who feel their way of life is under siege.

4. Religious and Cultural Conservatism: Many MaGA supporters come from backgrounds that value traditional religious and cultural norms. Trump's policies and statements often align with conservative viewpoints, particularly on issues like immigration, national sovereignty, and law and order.

5. Cognitive Dissonance and Rationalization: Supporters may experience cognitive dissonance when confronted with information that conflicts with their beliefs. To resolve this discomfort, they may rationalize or dismiss negative information about Trump, focusing instead on his alignment with their values or the promises he makes.

6. Charismatic Leadership: Trump's charismatic and often polarizing style appeals to those who are attracted to strong, decisive leaders. His ability to connect with his base through rallies, social media, and direct communication reinforces loyalty and support.

7. Psychological Needs: Some psychological theories suggest that people have inherent needs for security, order, and control. In times of uncertainty or instability, individuals may gravitate towards leaders who promise to meet these needs, even if the leader exhibits problematic behavior.

While these factors can help explain the appeal of the MaGA movement and support for Trump, it's important to recognize that this is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Not all supporters fit neatly into these categories, and motivations can vary widely among individuals. Understanding these dynamics requires a nuanced approach that considers psychological, social, and cultural dimensions.

I truly wish us all well. Especially those of us not MaGA who deserve better. And those who ARE MaGA will one day regret their actions today as they begin eventually to see more and more what they are doing and go through the Biblical experience of Peter in his denial of Jesus, their "Christ" who they now profess to follow and yet, who Jesus himself would not recognize how his teachings have anything to do with MaGA or evangelical Christian Nationalism. 

A form of "Christianity" that has more to do with Jesus' reference to government than anything to do with His teachings:

"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21, ESV). MaGA and Christian Nationalism is more about forcing religion INTO government than it is about people, humane relations with one another, and decency. 

By forcing their religion into our government it absorbs by necessity, toxic capitalism, and things that are associated with it. That's the problem because that leads to other things that fit perfectly in the nesting ground of Trump's pathologies.

Anyway, I wish us all much more wellness than we're currently experiencing, and if Trump is foolishly elected again, will for a long time. We do not know when it will end. End it will, but before how many have suffered, died, or worse.

Cheers! Sláinte!