A few days ago, I shared one of the essay questions from my Law and Policy final exam. The question required students to consider the very different–actually opposed–beliefs about what constitutes American “greatness.”
A number of students chose to respond to that question, and although virtually all of their essays were thoughtful, several of them were depressing. As I noted yesterday, at least a couple suggested that we might be heading toward civil war–that Americans’ approaches to the legitimacy and purpose of government are so incommensurate that common ground is simply unattainable.
Nearly all of them blamed social media for many of our inconsistent realities.
As I said yesterday, I would love to dismiss their observations and concerns as overblown, but stories like the one yesterday and this one–which I referenced a few days ago– are becoming more common and more worrisome.
A small group of white nationalists stormed a bookstore in Washington, D.C., to protest an event for a book on racial politics and how it’s impacting lower- and middle-class white Americans.
The group stormed the Politics and Prose bookstore on Saturday afternoon, interrupting a scheduled talk by Jonathan Metzl, a professor of sociology and psychiatry at Vanderbilt University who released his book “Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America’s Heartland” this spring.
Videos filmed by those in attendance showed the group standing in a line before the audience chanting, “This land is our land.” At least one man was yelling white nationalist propaganda into a megaphone while people in the bookstore booed him.
The man identified the group as “identitarians,” a far-right white nationalist group which is linked to Identity Evropa, which the Southern Poverty Law Center lists as an extremist group.
This exhibition of racial and religious animus took place on the very same day that a 19-year-old white supremacist fired on worshippers in a synagogue in Poway, California.
Before he mounted the attack, the shooter had gone online and posted an eight-page manifesto, in which he boasted about his “European ancestry” and expressed hatred of Jewish people.
Metzl told NBC Washington that before the protest broke out he was speaking to a man who had helped Metzl’s father and grandfather flee Nazi Austria.
“Not five minutes before, I had acknowledged him and said this is how great America can be when it is bold and generous,” Metzl recalled to NBC.
He told the Post that the incident was “very symbolic for me.”
Actually, the incident should be symbolic for all of us.
The man who had helped Metzl’s father and grandfather escape the Nazis represents what many of us–certainly, the people who occupy my own “bubble”–think of as American greatness: generosity of spirit, a willingness to use our own good fortune to assist others, an instinctive impulse to protect people who are weaker or who are being marginalized.
We see America as an idea and citizenship as a diverse polity’s common devotion to that idea.
The “very fine” people who rioted in Charlottesville, who shot up the synagogue in California, who demonstrated in that bookstore and who cheer anti-immigrant slogans at Trump rallies cluster around a very different version of American greatness.
In their morally impoverished reality, only white Christians can be Americans, and only when straight white Christian males are dominant can America be great.
My students are right about one thing: those worldviews are impossible to bridge. They do not lend themselves to compromise. And thanks to Donald Trump and his constant appeals to the basest among us, we are confronted daily with evidence that many more Americans than I ever would have guessed share a significant amounts of “identitarian” beliefs.
And a hell of a lot of them are armed.
Wow. Identitarians. Kinda blows my Straight White Anglo Saxon-Tuetonic Tribe Male Elder Progressive Conservative Blue Dog Democrat Christian Protestant Open Methodist identity. Now the supremacist claim simply ‘Identitarian’ … What? … in the self-centered belief no other more specific identity matters but for them? Guess I need to work harder on my short game to retain audience. Hello. Hello? Hello!!!
Many times ‘gut feelings’ signify things quicker than all the intellectual/informed conversations. Your students’ thoughts are accurate and mirror where we are in this country (and many parts of the world) at this time. Gut feelings (mine) feel this administration and its leanings toward ‘rule’ instead of ‘govern’ along with its well planned: court appointees, Senate dominance, and Constitutional disregard leaves the rest of us completely unprepared for the inevitable. Other tools completing their clever up-and-coming- (coup) the ‘very fine people,’ along with the Devos family and their finely tuned mercenary army, not to mention and unknown (to us) level of foreign intervention, all translate into “we are screwed.” Election loss or not this administration will not bow out. They will have to be extracted. Our country’s safety and viability now rest only on those who still believe in the Constitution and the rule of law. What will those citizens be willing to do to preserve these things? Will the House of Reps be able to proceed along legal and Constitutional lines when all they get is ‘raspberries’ from the powers that be? Please someone convince me I’m wrong about all this.
Where is the Republican controlled US Senate in all of this? Does Russia have dirt on ALL of them? Do any of them have any concern for the rule of law? What on earth is going on?
Maywin writes, “What will those citizens be willing to do to preserve these things?”
MLK, Jr. wrote from prison what he thought the moral majority would be willing to do…”Nothing.”
Not a damn thing…50 years later, still waiting.
Morally impoverished or fear???
Are we still scared of those who are different from us?
I wouldn’t swipe aside these folks with a morality clause because I believe there are many who support our economic injustice system as immoral.
Clearly, there is a moral spectrum beyond I’m right and you’re wrong.
In Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Paulo Freire points out:
“Washing one’s hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral. ”
I believe this is what MLK, Jr. was referring to when writing about privilege and those who think more about their own welfare than others.
Maywin; you rock! I wish there were a way, a basis or proof otherwise to convince you that you are wrong. but it is not within the realm of probability…or even possibility…to do so. As I said yesterday, I believe we are already in a civil war; the number of dead and injured in the past 2 years and 4 months, and the fact that so many conversations between family and friends that we live in fear, denies any possibility that we are living in peaceful times in this country.
How can Trump and McConnell be operating within the boundaries of the law and have successfully destroyed our American way of life in this country and virtually destroyed all diplomatic relations throughout the world? They are a cancer which has metastasized throughout all levels of life, but for the wealthy, and are destroying life as we have known it. With all its faults it WAS the American way. We are living with Archie Bunker running this country; it is doubtful that he equals any despotic world ruler in intelligence. His lack of morals and humanity is unquestioned. McConnell is the brains in that duality and Pence is their spiritual leader. Until those three are ousted; we are doomed.
“It takes two to tango.” What does civil war with guns look like? Are there surreptitious groups opposed to the white nationalist groups who are armed? I know of none. So as these random (?) killings continue and increase how do ‘we the people ‘ respond? We aren’t armed. Alternatively, civil wars of words and thoughts demand leaders, political, intellectual, religious who are able to galvanize a huge majority of voters to rebuke the white nationalist groups, peacefully. But will such a peaceful crusade for civility provoke more killings?
Sheila,
“The man identified the group as “identitarians,” a far-right white nationalist group which is linked to Identity Evropa, which the Southern Poverty Law Center lists as an extremist group.”
Bravo! The Southern Poverty Law Center lists them as an extremist group. Relax, there’s nothing more to worry about. Right?
Wayne, We need to look back to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the non-violent civil rights movement.
It seems we have exposed the key weakness in our system, which depends largely on the good will of those within the system. Clearly, we suspect that 45 is in violation of the emoluments clause, but we can’t prove it or do anything about it because the administration is not obeying the law that requires the tax returns to be turned over to the Chairman of Ways and Means. Now the administration is refusing to obey subpoenas from Congress. This is clearly unlawful and an obvious violation of the Constitution. So will Jerry Nadler invoke inherent contempt powers and send the Capital Police to arrest Bill Barr? Will Richard Neal do the same for Steve Mnuchin? I doubt they would be successful in jailing either of the two, but they should try.
Wayne,
“We aren’t armed. Alternatively, civil wars of words and thoughts demand leaders, political, intellectual, religious who are able to galvanize a huge majority of voters to rebuke the white nationalist groups, peacefully.”
You can’t do that without the benefit of adequate intelligence. The other side is armed as you have pointed out. Our side has nothing more than LABELS. Who is going to take the lead and commit suicide?
Theresa, you are right. Who among us today has that power? Sheila, do you think the students you quoted are fearful of armed conflict? Do they contemplate armed confrontation by blacks, Hispanics and Jews? To date those who commit mass shootings are white males, mostly younger. Do your students anticipate white males confronting the white nationalists, either with rhetoric or guns?
Theresa; thank you for your words, reminders of what we have lost since we lost Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wayne; those of us living within the Rule of Law, all laws including paying our taxes, are virtually unarmed against the vigilante rule who live by their mistaken meaning of the 2nd Amendment and the full approval of Trump and McConnell to rule our schools, places of worship and our streets as vigilantes. Sadly; including those police who heard Trump’s full approval to use abuse of their authority on our streets; their targets selected by racial profiling. I refuse to become a vigilante; ignoring Rule of law, democracy and the Constitutional rights of all.
All here are now aware that the “identitarians” are being watched by and have been identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center who are our watch force. They keep us informed of the growing list of our home-grown extremists and terrorists and where they are located in each state.
JoAnn,
“All here are now aware that the “identitarians” are being watched by and have been identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center who are our watch force. They keep us informed of the growing list of our home-grown extremists and terrorists and where they are located in each state.”
Very well stated. And nothing MORE Their partner the Anti-Defamation League makes sure of that. There isn’t going to be any MORE, since their partner, makes sure of that. Too much MORE will jeopardize AID TO ISRAEL, as outlined in the modus vivendi made between the Southern Baptist Convention and the Anti-Defamation League 40 years ago. As you are always saying: “Just follow the $$$$.”
IMO I do not believe that we are “unarmed”. A shield of courage and armed with forthrightness, honesty, and the truth has worked for others in the past. It will work for us too.
Let’s face it. The reality is: there are many on this blog who do not want MORE. That’s understandable.
Theresa,
“IMO I do not believe that we are “unarmed”. A shield of courage and armed with forthrightness, honesty, and the truth has worked for others in the past. It will work for us too.”
In this instance, I believe that’s called: SUICIDE.
Sheila, would that you and your students form a traveling seminar on this subject. At our weekly “Coversations” here at our retirement Village last Thursday the Q to begin discussion was, “is today’s America worse, better, or the same as in our earlier lives.” ‘Better’ lost. ‘Same’ got a minority vote. ‘Worse’ prevailed, but the illustrations were insignificant. Guns and the Anthropocene were barely mentioned, except to point out the killers are white males. You have posted about the fragility of we white older males. A study in TN showed we lead all groups in suicide.
Divide and conquer. It always works.
Donald Trump can, easily, be dealt with except for the fact that most everyone is COMPROMISED, ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, whether because of family, race, religion, age, etc., etc., etc.. The Germans became FROZEN, just like what is happening to us.
There’s very little difference between NOW and THEN.
Joyce,
“Divide and conquer. It always works.”
That’s the jest of it. This time it was something NEW: The creation of the State of Israel. Jerry Falwell and Bunker Hunt must have been salivating: We’ve now got the Jews, right where we want them, in a “double bind.” It’ll be a “cakewalk.” All we have to do is play the Israelis against the American Jews; And in a few years, White Supremacy will be “back in the saddle again.”
Unfortunately, for them, it took much longer than expected. But fortune intervened with the “second coming” of Donald Trump. However, the “jury” is still out: Will TRUMP REMAIN IN THE SADDLE?
I think having a lawless president at the helm is dangerous but I think also that the fear of a civil war is overblown. Yes, there is an increase in hate crimes, but many of us who are predicting a mass suicide because we are unarmed are mistaken because many of us have guns, too, and with our assessment of violence we are overlooking the help of police and, if necessary, the National Guard should it go that far.
I instead look for a possible spike in civil commotion but one that will fall far short of a civil war, and I for one will not be intimidated by fear in protecting our most precious asset held in common – our democracy – and will instead intensify my agitation for impeachment of our criminal in chief. We the majority are far from powerless, so let’s reject tyranny and hang as tough in defending our Constitution as those who hung tough in giving it to us from Bunker Hill through Yorktown through the Treaty of Paris.
Todd @ 7:13am
“MLK, Jr. wrote from prison what he thought the moral majority would be willing to do…”Nothing.” Not a damn thing…50 years later, still waiting.”
You mean to say, Todd, that the state legislature enacting anti-abortion legislation describing fetal life beginning with the first heartbeat isn’t at all attributable to efforts by the moral majority? (and all the other chipping away at Roe v Wade?)
Next they’ll invoke the Biblical admonition against seed-spilling and then where will we be?
The subject is painful enough. Why don’t they just continue to do nothing and trust the woman to do the right thing?
Gerald,
I’m with you. Keep attacking. I don’t believe there’s going to be a Civil War either, but I’m going to make “damn” sure that I’m protecting my backside against the worst-case scenario, which, probably, will be much worse for me, than you.
It’s strange, throughout all the back and forth these past few days over the possibility of CIVIL WAR, only ML has mentioned the African-American community.
Until the creation of The State of Israel, the Jews hadn’t fought back in over 2000 years. Nothing has changed in the DIASPORA [outside of Israel].
That’s not the history for African-Americans. How much do you expect them to take from the white supremacist, President?
Marv – As I recall, you live in Florida. Lucky you, to be living in a state with a “stand your ground” statute as well as the more traditional “self-defense” defense available if and when the radical right shows up at your door. Just don’t get trigger happy; the callers may be canvassing for the election of progressive Democrats, a noble cause.
There will not be a Civil War similar to or in scope to the Civil War of 1861-65. The North won that war military but, lost the political, social and cultural war afterwards. Jim Crow in the South and Jim Crow light in the rest of the country survived until the 1960’s legally.
The question about “American Greatness” presupposes there is a “Greatness”. Legally, we are all supposedly born with the same rights as any other American Citizen. Sorry to say, those American babies born in poverty are not going to have the same opportunities in life that those born into the upper class, gated communities (either literally or figuratively) will have.
Your students are in fact a part of the protected elite, by that I mean they are not going to worry about being drafted to fight in one of our world wide wars. Nor, will the protected elite be likely to volunteer on the front lines in one of our world wide wars.
The weakness of the fat ass gun toting militia types in their camouflage gear is they are so divided up into different groups and ruled by paranoia they do not trust each other and cannot unite.
So, there have been armed fringe groups for a long time – certainly the past 40 years that I’ve been aware. There has also been a lot of ugliness. This isn’t new – although the ability to connect may be new.
I do think we are being played. Divisiveness used to be a domestic political tactic – now it’s clearly a international tactic. Having a country tear itself apart is so much cheaper / easier / etc. than military intervention.
Marv @ 10:56 am, I mentioned the African-American Community to prove a point, that we White People are for the most part (unless you live in a poor neighborhood) insulated from the street violence of the big cities. This street violence predates President Agent Orange. Most big cities if not all have a Democratic Mayor. The lack of opportunities and a lack of gun control should be a unifying concepts.
However, the usual course of action is more police, more surveillance and more prisons. The poor white areas or rural areas may not have the street violence in our major cities. They are grappling with an opioid drug epidemic.
Gerald,
Thanks for the advice, but I’m not into guns. My only defense is my formula: P2T [Pre-emptive, Targeted, Truth]. So far it has never failed me.
Back in 2015, I was one of the principal speakers at the First International Conference on Sun Tzu and the “Art of War,” at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. My subject was the success of P2T and its similarity John Boyd and his OODA Loop; Both of us having been unbeatable at the point of attack.
“John Boyd’s OODA Loop divides cognition into four processes, perception (called Observation), unconscious or implicit thought (called Orientation), conscious of explicit thought (called Decision), and behavior (called Action). Frans Osinga’s “Science, Strategy, and War: The Strategic Theory of John Boyd” does an excellent job describing the origins of Boyd’s learning theory in the writings of Skinner, Piaget, and the cognitivists. However, Osinga’s text excludes ongoing research into theories of learning related to OODA, as his text is focused on the development of the OODA model in particular rather than CONTEMPORARY ADAPTION.”
“The John Boyd Roundtable: Debating Science, Strategy and War” by Mark Safranski (Editor) (Nimble Books LLC, Ann Arbor, MI, 2008) p. 1 & 13.
“John Boyd, known as 40-second Boyd, for ALWAYS being able to defeat an opponent in air combat within the time constraint was a maverick.” To say the least.
A comment above mentioned, “a moral spectrum beyond I’m right and you’re wrong” inspires me to comment about the practice of nonviolence.
Regarding people we’d like to become at least a little more Woke, Gandhi said, first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” He patiently observed that the moral arc of the universe bends toward justice. In the language of organic systems I’d add that in the systems within systems that compose our life that bending/movement is toward health/sustainability/equanimity. But, as Barack Obama, put it: it doesn’t move by itself. An underlying tenet of nonviolence, then, is that there are always options beyond either black or white (good or evil, etc) if we have the will to find a “third way.”
The catch is we have to recognize that in a whole healthy system all of the diverse elements have a place; we need to be creative; we have resist falling into the dualistic trap of win/lose thinking ( where the status quo holds power based on violence); and we cannot give up or give in.
Evropa is, of course, “Европа”, the Russian word for Europe.
The irony is that Trump is now banging heads with his Russian campaign manager, Putin, in Venezuela, Cuba, Syria, North Korea, Yemen and soon, Iran. By retaining Trump’s loyalty, Putin shows he clearly knows how to play our diplomatic ingenue. Not that that is challenging. In Trump’s case, a little bit of flattery goes a very long way. But while he is being played, Trump manages to ignore America’s interests in all these important countries.
Susan,
You’re right. As a matter of fact, no one can win at this point in time. All we can hope for is DOMESTIC PEACE.
But we can only attain that by being in touch with reality. That will take being strong, both mentally and physically.
There will be no civil war.
But there should be. There will be no war, no fight, no real resistance, because we, the thoughtful sissies, will not fight. We will give in, give up, acquiesce, abdicate.
And why not? The siege is complete; we can see that.
Bannon has the Executive in hand. Trump, with Bannon’s coaching, has moved sympathetic generals into strategic positions and unsympathetic generals out of position so that the American military, including the National Guard, and most police forces will support Trump’s defiance of impeachment.
Additionally, the 300-plus private armies (like Blackwater) on American soil ARE ORGANIZED and committed to murdering us all to defy the coming impeachment.
At least 30 million deplorable redneck ruthless ruffians are on their side and salivating at the fun they’ll have tearing us to pieces in the streets and in our homes.
Most of America’s capital, its wealth, its banks, its production facilities, and its communication/propaganda infrastructure is controlled by the Bannon-Prince army.
If Nixon had had such support, he would have defied impeachment. In Trump and Bannon, we have a President who is deliberately inviting impeachment for the sole reason of triggering the final takeover.
There may be shots fired, but there will be no war and no fight….not unless we very quickly — in like 5 months — create a powerful, armed, financed, trained, courageous, connected, disciplined, command-chain of a nation within a nation.
I think it’s safe to predict NONE of that will happen quickly enough. So, I visualize some city in Canada or Central America becoming Little America and the sad “resistance” developing there over a period of years, which very likely will lead to the mother of all Bay of Pigs.
Prognosis is poor; I only hope we can go down with honor…but that is a dim hope wrapped in a thick old newspaper full of headlines of American acquiescence.
We do have one small advantage: most developed nations of the world will be supportive, somewhat; and I suggest we, the pre-resistance, begin immediately to court China’s support. We’ve already lost Russia’s support.
Larry,
No argument here. I just still have hope, but it’s, probably, not REALISTIC HOPE.
This is happening against the backdrop of ecological collapse. Coincidence?
If America’s economy continues to be dependent on fossil fuels – and there’s every indication it will – we’re heading for a showdown. Because the environment will stop supporting all of us in the manner to which we are accustomed. It may take 4 years to feel it in the US, or it might be 40. But it’s coming straight for us.
Obama was trying to head this off – he directed every available research dollar to climate change mitigation technologies. To the point where it pissed off plenty of researchers who didn’t want to work on climate issues. But Obama knew it was critical.
And Trump has been flipping that work backward as hard and fast as he could. He’s gone out of his way to accelerate the problems.
It’s like the ultra-wealthy have figured out that war and deprivation are coming, and they’re urging us to start fighting now. So we can eliminate each other, and leave the goodies for them to enjoy.
Trump is vulnerable, but it doesn’t look like we have the wherewithal to confront him. We’ve opted out, long ago, for security instead of FREEDOM. More than likely, it will take the loss of FREEDOM to recognize its value. That’s a real tragedy.
Maybe tomorrow, we should discuss the weather and forget any ideas about FREEDOM.
Agree with those who say there will not be a civil war. As a betting person (which I am not) it might be more like this….after 2020. (1) Trump wins as DEMs nominate left candidate who turns off suburbanites and independents OR (2) Trump wins no matter who DEMs nominate as his “machine” targets electoral votes carefully (as they did in 2016) AND DEMs and independents turn out meekly being fed up with politics/politicians completely. Whether (1) or (2), GOP holds the Senate and MM rules and Trump continues to stack the judiciary for years to come. As we move forward to 2024, the judges come home to roost on abortion, voting rights, immigration, etc..
It will all be over before a shot is fired…only whimpers from folks like us…
Larry,
Another realistic scenario. No favorable ones in sight. Anyone for miracles?
the questions arise,will trump bow out when hes turned over? with mcconnel finding ways to extract more off the wall obstruction and lies, ,those fine white nazis may have a feeling,like the brown shirts,circa,1933, may rise,and hopefully fall. its about time to change the DOJ back into a law and order hall of justice,without that, we may never see daylight again.(we may not define treason in text of law,as written, but change the meaning related to capialists idiology,and you have a power grab,by money taking over our country) like,hitler and the reichstag, he didnt keep,the leftys in any type of power,much less the people. either you agreed,or were dispatched to die. corp america and and the banks are fully complacent in this also,as were the german banks and industrialists of 1936. those pillars,supported by a goverment,with no intention of giving up a step of power,we either succeed in 2020 or we as a democracy die….. when i want to get rid of a car i have no use for,i send it to be crushed…and hopefully recycled to a better world….. best wishes..
Thank you Sheila, as always,
First of all, thank you Marv Kramer for mentioning the late and very great John Boyd in your comments. He’s a big hero of mine.
Secondly and with great respect of everyone, until we get the blithering grossly narcissistic fool that currently infests the White House out of office and mitigate the continuing train wreck that he has wreaked upon are virtually every aspect of the Federal government ended we’re not to be in any position to deal with anything else of any consequence anyway. He is the locust of all of this conflict amongst ourselves along with if the continuing help he is getting, either overtly or through omission, from the Russian intelligence services. He refuses to even acknowledge what the Russians have done and continue to do which is an attack on the sovereignty of this country and the American people. He can’t put his enormous and also enormously fragile ego at risk by letting anyone think that he might’ve had outside help in winning the last election. As a result, the Russians continue to do what they’re doing and our government is essentially at a standstill because of the rampant corruption that Donald Trump has brought with him into the White House and that permeates everything he does.
While we obviously have big problems to deal with along with the propaganda-induced chasm we currently have in this country along political and socioeconomic lines we have to face the sources of the problem that are causing this before we can tackle all the rest that is on our plate. Trump needs to be impeached and whatever else legally that is necessary to do so and get him and his royal court of sycophants out of the White House at the earliest opportunity needs to be undertaken. Likewise, the Republican members of Congress that have and are continuing to enable his corruption as a political expedient at the cost of the security of this country need to be voted out of office next year.
First things are first and all this dancing around the problem that is occurring in this country, and I include the Democratic Party in that dance party, has to stop and concrete and sustained action needs to be undertaken to address the damage that is already been done to our institutions and also to face down the ongoing Russians threat to those same institutions and our society at large. If we do otherwise it will be akin to us repainting a house while it’s on fire.
I am 50 and I said 4 years ago I felt we are on a social civil war. It has been rumbling for years but the environment is ripe for it. I am a member of Gen X, the first generation that will not do better than our parents…flat wages for decades, more than likely will be living in poverty when we retire, IF we can retire…$50,000 grad degree that has gotten me no wear but in debt… I resonate with some of the millennias. I am waiting for the social civil war.. its coming
If you are concerned about all of this “White Identity” stuff you can research where it’s leading to by visiting http://www.dailystormer.name
To repeat what Tom posted, it needs to be said over and over if need be:
“First things are first and all this dancing around the problem that is occurring in this country, and I include the Democratic Party in that dance party, has to stop and concrete and sustained action needs to be undertaken to address the damage that is already been done to our institutions and also to face down the ongoing Russians threat to those same institutions and our society at large. If we do otherwise it will be akin to us repainting a house while it’s on fire.”
Your damn right Americans are armed. There are 14million plus combat veterans in the US who will suit and fight to keep the freedoms we have bled to keep alive. Groups like ANTIFA and Identity Evropa speak for nobody but themselves. They don’t speak for the honest hard working Americans whom are White, Black, Asian , Latino and LGBT. They are the ones shutting down free speech and using cultural Marxism to silence those who won’t be silenced. I won’t be silent. I won’t stand by and let any of those groups make me pick a side. I’ll only fight to preserve our rights and freedoms. I didn’t it once, I will do it again. As we said in the Infantry “Follow Me” because no Communists, Nazis, Anarchists will intimidate me, or force me to remain silent. I will speak my mind and I don’t care who it offends. Because if it boils down to where I have to drop them. So be it. And I say this to ANTIFA, Neo Nazis, BAMN and others. Bring it on. We got something for you.
“This we’ll defend”
#GodLovesTheInfantry
#FollowMe
#AirboneInfantry
#SteadfastAndLoyam
Tom,
We have the same hero. It’s understandable. You’ve, briefly, mentioned that your father was a decorated police officer. I wasn’t so lucky, as my father was an unsuccessful pedophile. I only had my maternal grandmother for support and guidance.
But my very best friend growing up, also was living with his maternal grandmother. Eventually, we became the two guards on the championship basketball team. But more importantly, Tommy was an incorruptible police officer, became the mayor’s personal bodyguard, and later Sheriff of Nassau County which is north of Jacksonville.
Tommy was the oldest of four brothers, he acted like their father. In many ways, he did the same for me. I lucked out.
Jack Smith @2:45 P.M. on May 12th:
“…..its about time to change the DOJ back into a law and order hall of justice,without that, we may never see daylight again.(we may not define treason in text of law,as written, but change the meaning related to capialists idiology,…”
Donald Trump needs to be arrested and placed behind bars, where he belongs. The Nurenberg trials were based on new laws created for crimes against humanity. Likewise, we must find a proper venue for The Court of Public Opinion, and try him there for TREASON and/or AIDING AND ABETTING OUR ENEMIES.
An ETHICAL FORUM must be put in place, IMMEDIATELY. We have no other choice. TIME HAS RUN OUT.
From Jack Smith @ 2:45 P.M.
“…..its about time to change the DOJ back into a law and order hall of justice,without that, we may never see daylight again.(we may not define treason in text of law,as written, but change the meaning related to capialists idiology,…..”
Donald Trump needs to be arrested and put behind bars where he belongs. Sometimes the existing laws just aren’t enough. That’s what the Nurenberg trials were all about. All we can do at this point in time is to try him in the COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION.
Any group that relies on the hate-purveying Southern Poverty Law Center for guidance is easily dismissed.
Scott,
“Any group that relies on the hate-purveying Southern Poverty Law Center for guidance is easily dismissed.”
If we can’t rely on the Southern Poverty Law Center for identification and classification, who should it be: the likes of a Steve Bannon?
Who is changing the American way of life. Look to the professors at the major universities. They are pushing the socialist agenda. These are the people causing a divide in this country. They in turn blame the Rebublicans for exactly what they are doing. The majority of Americans are not interested in a socialist country. Due your research and don’t depend on CNN for your information.