I misspelled "idiocracy" with an "e", which has an actual meaning -- a government or social management based on actual ideas, when of course what "idiocracy" means is that there are no ideas at all, just idiocy. I'm still moving a little slow from the flu, it seems...
Dude, this column does not read like one written by a slow-moving flu victim. You're allowed a tiny boo-boo from time to time. Cut yourself some slack, and especially, take care of yourself (and Tracy too), cuz life ain't the same without a daily dose of LKTIV.
Here's an idea I'd be happy for you to promote: let's all mobilize massively to get rid of Joni Ernst in 2026. She's uniquely positioned to deny Hegseth's confirmation, but all it took for her to roll over like a cheap ho was a little pressure from Trump. Shame! Shame! Shame!
An old-style essay that betrays nothing of the terrifying illness the author has been enduring. My reaction is simply, "Whew! Lucian's BACK!" And hopefully, on the recovery road, full steam.
Trump wants war and is doing everything possible to make sure he gets it. He also wants to crush domestic dissent at the same time. There is no one left to save us - the nation that helped defeat fascism 80 years ago is now openly fascist. No Allies to come to the rescue. I'm utterly terrified.
Thank you! There are times when I look at the Democratic party as the "chicken little brigade." The Convict-in-Chief did not win a majority. The blue states are wealthier, pay more taxes, and have a larger population all totaled. No, this is not 1933 and 3 of the states of the United States equal the population of Germany in 1933. Much harder to corral and control. Dems have to keep their eye on the prize and that prize is our freedom. We have to treat the Convict-in-Chief with all the deference he deserves, ie none. Just keep pushing back and insisting that our legislatures never, ever give him a centimeter. let alone an inch. Become legislative nags.
It would be nice if the Dems stopped cowering and groveling. I am furious that I gave any money at all to that cynical creep Fetterman, and that Ruben Gallego is crawling too.
Exactly! You don't win a competition, a race or anything else by beginning occupying a state of fear. Why even bother to compete? We need to stay focused on the prize.. that winning place, the goal.. Too many people acting fearful, when the race has barely begun. I guarantee if we stand tall, steeped in the belief we can win, DJT will crumple.
The bill is carefully hyped to make any who voted against it to look like they are in favor of non citizens committing murder. Statistically, that is an anomaly but when the legacy media smells blood....
Only these Democratic Senators voted against the bill:
Bernie Sanders (VT, Independent)
Elizabeth Warren (MA)
Cory Booker (NJ)
Andy Kim (NJ)
Ed Markey (MA)
Ben Ray Luján (NM)
Tina Smith (MN)
Mazie Hirono (HI)
Brian Schatz (HI)
Jeff Merkley (OR)
And then there is the fact that they represent their constituents, whether it is just or not.
Well said. When we find a crack, we insert a shim and keep pushing. They WILL implode, and we need to keep the pressure on. Demand cooperation from Democrats, and threaten them with your VOTE! And mean it! 2026 is sooner than you think.
The thought of Trump’s incompetence and mortality gives me hope. The scramble for the crown when the king is gone and the conspiracy theories that are sure to be unleashed are something to look forward to.
The founders gave us elections and sane succession. It’s a shame for the Trump Party they’ve cast that aside.
Ummm, once the Convict-in-Chief keels over, it's done. The excuse of a VP doesn't have the following. It will all fall apart. That said, we have to make sure that our legislatures never give in. They need to be the "loyal opposition." Loyal to the Constitution, not the MAGA monsters. They need to become like Elizabeth II's Corgis - constantly badgering, constantly nipping at the heels of the MAGAs.
Want to name some of those Dems? I'm having a problem thinking of one. I mean real Dems - not the likes of Mika and Joe. From what I have seen? Real Dems are still fighting.
Fetterman and Gallego. Also the reps who voted for HR 9495, the nonprofit killer bill, which will probably be reintroduced in the House. Even Sanders has made noises in support of Mr. Brainworm.
In a sad way I almost welcome the inevitable smackdown we're gonna receive as a result of all our combined hubris and incompetence. We've got it coming. Maybe it's what it will take to make for a real change.
Maybe, but the suffering will be extraordinary. That's assuming, of course, that Trump doesn't blow up the entire planet, in which case all bets are off. Perhaps the remaining sane nations will quarantine us before the Feral Hog gets a chance to start his war.
I keep wondering how long the rest of the world will put up with this, keep treating us with kid gloves. We deserve sanctions and scorn and penalties for the way we endanger the entire globe. THEY didn't vote for this!
Linda, I am right there with you.What are we to do?Watch Trump and company bulldoze everything including elections?I realize that fear of all of this is a big part of fascism.I commented earlier on another Substack that somebody or someone needs to step up to help us.I got a reply -what can be done? He won the election. Rs took both houses in our government .I was left flummoxed.I know Trump will never be my president but I am left distraught as to what I and millions of us have any recourse to do.
Does anyone want California to act? Will anyone support us? We're pretty upset, and face it, our money fuels the country. I want to start supporting any democrats who will run against Republicans in California, but we're on Social Security and there's only so much we can spare.
That's what I think, but I think we depend on Newsom to maneuver this. If Congress fucks up, and doesn't want to send us aid, why should we support the US government? Let them survive without our taxes. Taxation without representation...
I agree completely and I tell my friends in CA., "you guys decide to secede, I'm coming over and will help in all I can" even tho' I've only ever visited CA once and never lived there. But I have many friends there or from there and I am furious at what they are dumped with.
My understanding is that a state cannot choose, unilaterally, to secede from the Union of the states. Note the phrase "mutual consent" (i.e. agreement from Congress).
"Q65. “Where in the Constitution does it mention states’ right to secede from the union?”
A. The Constitution does not permit a state to secede once it is a part of
the Union. However, it does not prevent it either. It could be argued either
way. The Supreme Court added its opinion in Texas v White (74 US 700
[1869]). It said that the entry of Texas into the United States was its entry
into “an indissoluble relation.” It said that only through revolution or
mutual consent of the state and the United States could a state leave the Union (it is interesting to note that Texas benefited from the decision that it had unconstitutionally attempted to leave the Union)." https://www.usconstitution.net/constfaq_q65-html/
I think the legalisms are all immaterial when push comes to shove. What's "legal" about some states shoving other states around, or the federal government playing favorites like Drumpf likes to do? Denying assistance to states that "don't vote the right way." When things get as bad as that, it's 1775 time as far as I'm concerned. Did the American colonists ask permission to secede from the British Crown?
Yes exactly who? I am wringing my hands over this.Are we sitting ducks for this monster?we are not 1933 Germany but we are Trump 2.0 which may be more deadly.
Wish I had an answer. Resistance became virtually impossible in Germany. I don't know what to do - I'm a long-time lefty and I'm old and poor, with very little in the way of resources. I can't see myself taking to the hills, and I have already checked out the possibility of fleeing, with no luck. Seems that too many people have not yet realized what the coming of American fascism will really mean, since this country is steeped in historical ignorance. I just know that I may not survive this, just as many anti-Nazis did not survive.
Welcome back to the trenches, so good to hear your outraged voice and always spot-on commentary! (Don’t forget to allow your recovery to continue though)
It feels so good to read your column again... With one caveat... Take care of yourself please. Slow down. Monday is our country's TRUE DAY OF MOURNING. Pace yourself and let us know how you and Tracy are doing
If my American flag were not already flying at half-staff for former President Carter, I would lower it in mourning on Monday during the felon-in-chief's swearing-in.
Welcome back, LKTIV. Hope you and Tracy are feeling better. I'm not sure we can withstand this shitshow barreling down on us. To quote McWatt in Catch 22, "Oh Well, What the Hell."
Glad to read this Lucian. The fight is back in the saddle and I hope for a long, healthy time. We need your voice here in the trenches. That we find ourselves in interesting times is putting it mildly. We aren’t the first throughout history though. Heather Cox Richardson is so good at pointing out periods of time that seemed just as wild as what we are experiencing now. Face it. We’ve been sitting here, fat and sassy, thinking we were invulnerable. Now that we’ve finding out that we may not be, our rose-colored glasses are broken and we’re finding out that life has thrown us a big curve ball. We’re realizing now that life could get very dicey soon. We will be in for a lot of changes and challenges. Ultimately, it will tell us what we are made of.
On a side note, I read where President Biden is leaving office with extremely low poll numbers. How is it that the man who in 4 short years, pulled our economic butts out of the Covid fire and set us to right; who ended up doing so much for so many wind up with those numbers(36%)? Was he perfect? No. Should he have served his term and stepped aside? Yes. Should he have pardoned Hunter? Under the circumstances, absolutely! Joe Biden is a human being who has served his country for many years under difficult circumstances. He has made mistakes throughout his long career but in my opinion he has tried to be a better person each day he wakes up. What’s following him can’t or won’t say that. So, from this person to my President, thank you sir. I appreciate your all your effort on my behalf.
And Lucian, get better each day and stay that way! Please.
Joe Biden's poll numbers have been low for some time. It's difficult to understand why he doesn't get the credit he deserves. I wonder if Hunter being front and center in the public view has soured some people's feelings towards his father. President and Dr. Biden's daughter, Ashley, keeps a low profile. Most parents support their children through tough times, but Hunter was a lightening rod for bad press. And sadly, some of Hunter's bad press hurt President Biden.
Thank you for sharing your good analysis and thoughts. I am so glad you are able to be back at it again. Please continue to take care of yourself and your wife.
As an intuitive, I have to say that men like Hegsmith ulitmately do themselves in. I can't yet say how long that will take. I don't believe he has much self control and that, will eventually bring about his demise.
You are correct, but before they collapse into the ash heap of history, they will cause nearly insurmountable damage and tragedy. I will be posting an article tonight dealing about how he and Trump will destroy the military.
Please continue to get well, stay safe, and watch your six.
I’m wondering what will happen when T/H turn the military into a rotten hellscape. The services already are having trouble reaching enlistment goals, and folks will go nuts at a reinstated draft, not to mention the issue of drafting women. Or maybe there are enough MAGA wingnuts to fill those slots if they think a real MAN is in charge. Now excuse me while I barf.
Let me hold back your hair. This is truly horrifying. The draft will be reinstated, he has already floated trial balloon in that regard. I do think that may wake people up but it may be too late. Canada can only take so many young people fleeing the draft. It's not like the good old days.
The other glimmer of good news is that you are back in the saddle.
William was literally going to write the same thing. Glad you're feeling a bit better Lucian. Hope the same is true for Tracy.
I misspelled "idiocracy" with an "e", which has an actual meaning -- a government or social management based on actual ideas, when of course what "idiocracy" means is that there are no ideas at all, just idiocy. I'm still moving a little slow from the flu, it seems...
Dude, this column does not read like one written by a slow-moving flu victim. You're allowed a tiny boo-boo from time to time. Cut yourself some slack, and especially, take care of yourself (and Tracy too), cuz life ain't the same without a daily dose of LKTIV.
Here's an idea I'd be happy for you to promote: let's all mobilize massively to get rid of Joni Ernst in 2026. She's uniquely positioned to deny Hegseth's confirmation, but all it took for her to roll over like a cheap ho was a little pressure from Trump. Shame! Shame! Shame!
Not a problem. Your article today was spot-on and your writing is brilliant, as always.
I did wonder at that, but then any lingering brain fog cleared and your reasoned integrity shone through.
Normal programming has resumed.
Sounds like your error (ideocracy) was not an error, but wishful thinking!
An old-style essay that betrays nothing of the terrifying illness the author has been enduring. My reaction is simply, "Whew! Lucian's BACK!" And hopefully, on the recovery road, full steam.
Trump wants war and is doing everything possible to make sure he gets it. He also wants to crush domestic dissent at the same time. There is no one left to save us - the nation that helped defeat fascism 80 years ago is now openly fascist. No Allies to come to the rescue. I'm utterly terrified.
Don't be terrified, be mad. Fight back in by any legal means available to you.
Thank you! There are times when I look at the Democratic party as the "chicken little brigade." The Convict-in-Chief did not win a majority. The blue states are wealthier, pay more taxes, and have a larger population all totaled. No, this is not 1933 and 3 of the states of the United States equal the population of Germany in 1933. Much harder to corral and control. Dems have to keep their eye on the prize and that prize is our freedom. We have to treat the Convict-in-Chief with all the deference he deserves, ie none. Just keep pushing back and insisting that our legislatures never, ever give him a centimeter. let alone an inch. Become legislative nags.
It would be nice if the Dems stopped cowering and groveling. I am furious that I gave any money at all to that cynical creep Fetterman, and that Ruben Gallego is crawling too.
Exactly! You don't win a competition, a race or anything else by beginning occupying a state of fear. Why even bother to compete? We need to stay focused on the prize.. that winning place, the goal.. Too many people acting fearful, when the race has barely begun. I guarantee if we stand tall, steeped in the belief we can win, DJT will crumple.
Fetterman is not a real Dem. We've all known that. He is a maverick. As for Sen Gallego, cite please.
Gallego is supporting the Laken Riley Act.
The bill is carefully hyped to make any who voted against it to look like they are in favor of non citizens committing murder. Statistically, that is an anomaly but when the legacy media smells blood....
Only these Democratic Senators voted against the bill:
Bernie Sanders (VT, Independent)
Elizabeth Warren (MA)
Cory Booker (NJ)
Andy Kim (NJ)
Ed Markey (MA)
Ben Ray Luján (NM)
Tina Smith (MN)
Mazie Hirono (HI)
Brian Schatz (HI)
Jeff Merkley (OR)
And then there is the fact that they represent their constituents, whether it is just or not.
Better than Kari Lake though?
https://time.com/7205925/laken-riley-act/
I'd like to know the pressures Gallego is under to knuckle under on immigration. Sad to the max.
Instead of looking at Sen Gallego, how about also looking at all those other Senators? This was not a squeaker of a bill. See above.
Absolutely!!
Well said. When we find a crack, we insert a shim and keep pushing. They WILL implode, and we need to keep the pressure on. Demand cooperation from Democrats, and threaten them with your VOTE! And mean it! 2026 is sooner than you think.
We must rise above the treachery that immeshing our world. It is our responsibility to resist and not devolve into a bloodthirsty cult.
The thought of Trump’s incompetence and mortality gives me hope. The scramble for the crown when the king is gone and the conspiracy theories that are sure to be unleashed are something to look forward to.
The founders gave us elections and sane succession. It’s a shame for the Trump Party they’ve cast that aside.
Assuming the fascists permit any elections.
Ummm, once the Convict-in-Chief keels over, it's done. The excuse of a VP doesn't have the following. It will all fall apart. That said, we have to make sure that our legislatures never give in. They need to be the "loyal opposition." Loyal to the Constitution, not the MAGA monsters. They need to become like Elizabeth II's Corgis - constantly badgering, constantly nipping at the heels of the MAGAs.
Tell that to that cowardly Dems who are falling over each other in the race to kiss Trump's ass.
Want to name some of those Dems? I'm having a problem thinking of one. I mean real Dems - not the likes of Mika and Joe. From what I have seen? Real Dems are still fighting.
Fetterman and Gallego. Also the reps who voted for HR 9495, the nonprofit killer bill, which will probably be reintroduced in the House. Even Sanders has made noises in support of Mr. Brainworm.
Exactly.Trump has said that we won’t need to vote again.I am taking his comment at face value.He has the country by the balls.
"Aye, there's the rub."
In a sad way I almost welcome the inevitable smackdown we're gonna receive as a result of all our combined hubris and incompetence. We've got it coming. Maybe it's what it will take to make for a real change.
Maybe, but the suffering will be extraordinary. That's assuming, of course, that Trump doesn't blow up the entire planet, in which case all bets are off. Perhaps the remaining sane nations will quarantine us before the Feral Hog gets a chance to start his war.
I keep wondering how long the rest of the world will put up with this, keep treating us with kid gloves. We deserve sanctions and scorn and penalties for the way we endanger the entire globe. THEY didn't vote for this!
But they are afraid of Trump and will probably start groveling soon, just as they did while appeasing Hitler.
Especially when we invade Greenland and Panama.
"Operation Frequent Manhood" again!
Next -- the Sudetenland!
Linda, I am right there with you.What are we to do?Watch Trump and company bulldoze everything including elections?I realize that fear of all of this is a big part of fascism.I commented earlier on another Substack that somebody or someone needs to step up to help us.I got a reply -what can be done? He won the election. Rs took both houses in our government .I was left flummoxed.I know Trump will never be my president but I am left distraught as to what I and millions of us have any recourse to do.
Does anyone want California to act? Will anyone support us? We're pretty upset, and face it, our money fuels the country. I want to start supporting any democrats who will run against Republicans in California, but we're on Social Security and there's only so much we can spare.
You can volunteer your time and effort in the campaign of a local Democrat.
In Berkeley? Barbara Lee was our representative. We're bluer than anyone else.
Secession. The time is coming for the west coast and blue states in general. Go independent or submit to tyranny.
That's what I think, but I think we depend on Newsom to maneuver this. If Congress fucks up, and doesn't want to send us aid, why should we support the US government? Let them survive without our taxes. Taxation without representation...
I agree completely and I tell my friends in CA., "you guys decide to secede, I'm coming over and will help in all I can" even tho' I've only ever visited CA once and never lived there. But I have many friends there or from there and I am furious at what they are dumped with.
My understanding is that a state cannot choose, unilaterally, to secede from the Union of the states. Note the phrase "mutual consent" (i.e. agreement from Congress).
"Q65. “Where in the Constitution does it mention states’ right to secede from the union?”
A. The Constitution does not permit a state to secede once it is a part of
the Union. However, it does not prevent it either. It could be argued either
way. The Supreme Court added its opinion in Texas v White (74 US 700
[1869]). It said that the entry of Texas into the United States was its entry
into “an indissoluble relation.” It said that only through revolution or
mutual consent of the state and the United States could a state leave the Union (it is interesting to note that Texas benefited from the decision that it had unconstitutionally attempted to leave the Union)." https://www.usconstitution.net/constfaq_q65-html/
I think the legalisms are all immaterial when push comes to shove. What's "legal" about some states shoving other states around, or the federal government playing favorites like Drumpf likes to do? Denying assistance to states that "don't vote the right way." When things get as bad as that, it's 1775 time as far as I'm concerned. Did the American colonists ask permission to secede from the British Crown?
Oh good. I'm sure T doesn't want us.
Oh, good, I'm sure T doesn't want us.
Yup. As a wartime president, he can argue we don’t have time/money/resources/whatever for elections, and so he has to remain president.
He wants to proclaim a national emergency and impose martial law. Who's going to stop him?
Head down. You’re not alone. The nazis didn’t have the internet. We’re a community of likeminded resisters. We will survive this.
Yes exactly who? I am wringing my hands over this.Are we sitting ducks for this monster?we are not 1933 Germany but we are Trump 2.0 which may be more deadly.
Wish I had an answer. Resistance became virtually impossible in Germany. I don't know what to do - I'm a long-time lefty and I'm old and poor, with very little in the way of resources. I can't see myself taking to the hills, and I have already checked out the possibility of fleeing, with no luck. Seems that too many people have not yet realized what the coming of American fascism will really mean, since this country is steeped in historical ignorance. I just know that I may not survive this, just as many anti-Nazis did not survive.
The US military. Most officers take their oath and code of honor seriously.
If Roosevelt didn't, he should at least run...
Well, I think Putin is very hopeful.
We are here. It's up to us. We are the army that will fight against this fascism.
Welcome back to the trenches, so good to hear your outraged voice and always spot-on commentary! (Don’t forget to allow your recovery to continue though)
Thank God you are back to shine a light on these fascists.
“we know how much Trump admires dictators.”
Absolutely! What was so bad about Tiananmen Square anyway.
Glad to see you back and writing furiously, Lucian.
Maybe on Monday, I'll wear my t-shirt of the student facing down the tank in Tiananmen Square. I was going to wear a Black Panther Party t-shirt...
I think I’ll dress all in black because I’ll be mourning the impending death of democracy.
It's a sad irony that MLK, Jr. day is on the same day as this ridiculous and gut-wrenching tactless event.
It is a significant irony: What Would Martin Luther King Do?
It feels so good to read your column again... With one caveat... Take care of yourself please. Slow down. Monday is our country's TRUE DAY OF MOURNING. Pace yourself and let us know how you and Tracy are doing
Monday is MLK Day. Celebrate him and his legacy! Ignore Trump. Simple solution.
Absolutely my intention.
If my American flag were not already flying at half-staff for former President Carter, I would lower it in mourning on Monday during the felon-in-chief's swearing-in.
Welcome back, LKTIV. Hope you and Tracy are feeling better. I'm not sure we can withstand this shitshow barreling down on us. To quote McWatt in Catch 22, "Oh Well, What the Hell."
Glad to read this Lucian. The fight is back in the saddle and I hope for a long, healthy time. We need your voice here in the trenches. That we find ourselves in interesting times is putting it mildly. We aren’t the first throughout history though. Heather Cox Richardson is so good at pointing out periods of time that seemed just as wild as what we are experiencing now. Face it. We’ve been sitting here, fat and sassy, thinking we were invulnerable. Now that we’ve finding out that we may not be, our rose-colored glasses are broken and we’re finding out that life has thrown us a big curve ball. We’re realizing now that life could get very dicey soon. We will be in for a lot of changes and challenges. Ultimately, it will tell us what we are made of.
On a side note, I read where President Biden is leaving office with extremely low poll numbers. How is it that the man who in 4 short years, pulled our economic butts out of the Covid fire and set us to right; who ended up doing so much for so many wind up with those numbers(36%)? Was he perfect? No. Should he have served his term and stepped aside? Yes. Should he have pardoned Hunter? Under the circumstances, absolutely! Joe Biden is a human being who has served his country for many years under difficult circumstances. He has made mistakes throughout his long career but in my opinion he has tried to be a better person each day he wakes up. What’s following him can’t or won’t say that. So, from this person to my President, thank you sir. I appreciate your all your effort on my behalf.
And Lucian, get better each day and stay that way! Please.
Joe Biden's poll numbers have been low for some time. It's difficult to understand why he doesn't get the credit he deserves. I wonder if Hunter being front and center in the public view has soured some people's feelings towards his father. President and Dr. Biden's daughter, Ashley, keeps a low profile. Most parents support their children through tough times, but Hunter was a lightening rod for bad press. And sadly, some of Hunter's bad press hurt President Biden.
Thank you for sharing your good analysis and thoughts. I am so glad you are able to be back at it again. Please continue to take care of yourself and your wife.
As an intuitive, I have to say that men like Hegsmith ulitmately do themselves in. I can't yet say how long that will take. I don't believe he has much self control and that, will eventually bring about his demise.
Lucian,
You are correct, but before they collapse into the ash heap of history, they will cause nearly insurmountable damage and tragedy. I will be posting an article tonight dealing about how he and Trump will destroy the military.
Please continue to get well, stay safe, and watch your six.
Steve Dundas
The GOP boot lickers are preparing for their MAGA bonfire, while they take turns bashing California.
Is there an American Navalny that can rise from the ashes and expose the tech bro oligarchy Trump is selling America to?
Feel better LKTIV
I’m wondering what will happen when T/H turn the military into a rotten hellscape. The services already are having trouble reaching enlistment goals, and folks will go nuts at a reinstated draft, not to mention the issue of drafting women. Or maybe there are enough MAGA wingnuts to fill those slots if they think a real MAN is in charge. Now excuse me while I barf.
Let me hold back your hair. This is truly horrifying. The draft will be reinstated, he has already floated trial balloon in that regard. I do think that may wake people up but it may be too late. Canada can only take so many young people fleeing the draft. It's not like the good old days.
The draft has been in the back of my mind also.
Why I’m A Paid Subscriber.
I, as well!