Thursday, December 07, 2023

Micheal Brown and the Elephant in the Room

 

but in spite of that, to preserve his ministry support he must satisfy his 
right-wing constituency who by and large support Trump. He is in a captive
orbit around "Planet Trump" with its enormous gravitational pull.
He is therefore under duress to keep silent on Trump.


I recently received a highly emotive circular email from right-wing evangelical Micheal Brown. This is how it starts:

Timothy, we are living in a critical moment in world history, a time when everything around us is shaking and the whole world could erupt in a massive, deadly war......It feels as if things are spiraling out of control...

Well, perhaps, but I'm always skeptical of this kind of scary introduction; my first thoughts are "What's he after? What's he selling?". After all, there have been junctures in history where political, social and economic turmoil could be interpreted as the precursor of the apocalypse: Opportunistic power-hungry charlatans are always alert to opportunities to heighten & exploit people's fears, sense of grievance and anger and help them find scapegoats to pin the blame on for their misfortune.

In his email Micheal stokes up the anger and anxiety as he raises those hot-button topics such as Iran, Hamas, fear of world war (Putin?), rampant criminality, looting and robbery.  Yes, I agree, these are all nasty manifestations of the very worst of sinful humanity.  But Micheal goes on to tailor his mail shot to showcase those highly emotive hate objects of the evangelical right-wing. Viz: practicing homosexual Christians & the pastors who support them, transgender rights, illegal immigrants and of course the current US administration i.e. the "radical left" (sic) Biden government who support transgender rights. These are the tactics Micheal employs to reel in those angry and scared right-wingers who are part of his support constituency. 

But Micheal goes on to tell us that he doesn't think things have passed the point of no return and will not spiral out of control because,,,,.

....that is not what I feel in my own spirit! 

 

I’m convinced that now, more than ever, the harvest is ripe and the table is set for a massive spiritual and moral awakening. I’m convinced that the Spirit of God is pushing back with more and more believers standing up to say “Enough is enough!”

 

And I’m convinced that today, after 50 years of preaching the gospel, God has brought me into the kingdom for such a time as this.



And the good news is that Micheal is calling on me to help him work out his calling...


Just what "standing with us" means becomes clear enough in this paragraph...

Timothy, your generosity enables us to equip millions of believers, to empower thousands of leaders, to engage a sinning society, and to reach the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Your year-end gift will launch us into 2024 with the wind in our sails and a holy momentum in our hearts. Your gift is the difference!  So please, ask the Lord today what He would have you do. Thank you for your faithfulness and your generosity.

...Need I say more? Micheal wants my cash to support his ministry, a ministry that by and large is directed to the Trump supporting Christian far-right and it looks as though he's not going to challenge them about their preference for an autocratic "King Trump". (1 Sam 8:7-18). What the Lord would have me do is write this post in protest at Micheal's naivety. 

***

Full marks to Micheal for writing an email that's likely to emote his right-wing support base as he talks up the things aggravating the perceptions of this excitable constituency. But putting the world to rights in the far-right sense means to many US evangelicals installing Donald Trump as top-dog, the wannabe dictator. Trump and his followers are so far right that centrist democratic politics looks like Marxism and Communism. 

Micheal complains that the "UN lacks the Moral fibre to condemn Hamas", which of course they should. But then look who's talking: Should I complain that Micheal lacks the moral fibre to condemn the corrupt Donald Trump who looks to be the biggest danger to Western democracies since Hitler and Putin? Trump is the elephant in the room that Michael continues to ignore in order to avoid upsetting his support base.  Interestingly, I haven't yet heard Micheal express an opinion on Putin, Alex Jones, the Trump QANon cult and crank republicans like Marjorie Taylor-Green. Rather, his constituency want to hear him condemn homosexuals and transgenders who as a small vulnerable and often persecuted minority aren't going to be a major danger.

One other evil which Michael mentions is rising antisemitism. The antisemitism of Hamas led them to sow the wind and now they are reaping the whirlwind, a whirlwind which has had tragic consequences for many a Palestinian family, further inflaming antisemitism.  But there is an ironic twist here:  Micheal will find that the far-right is not free of antisemitism. After all, Hamas with its authoritarian traditionalist credentials would classify as far-right, not to mention those right-wing Rothschild conspiracy and replacement theories that do the rounds in the West.

Sorry Micheal old son but I think I'm going remain what you casually write-off as a "man-pleasing superficial Christian" and/or even a "radical leftist". ( *Gasp!* )
 

Trump AR15 Militias: Make sure you've got some bullet proof
arguments if you ever meet this lot. 

Relevant Links

Here are some of my articles on Brown and Trump:













Further links elsewhere

1. GOP moving further right? 

2. Even the Right are getting worried about Trump


3. Trump's second term about Revenge and Dictatorship?


4. Security Risks to UK if Trump elected


The threats feared include Ukraine being left exposed if Mr Trump seeks to appease Vladimir Putin over Russia’s invasion, as well as Mr Trump turning his back on the Nato alliance – which he has previously called “obsolete”.

Cross-bench peer Lord McDonald, who was head of the diplomatic service for five years, said: “The impact on the UK is potentially huge.”

“There’s nothing in my lifetime that comes close,” he added, referring to the potential defence and security challenges posed by an ally.

.....

Meanwhile, Sir Peter, who served as British ambassador to the US from 2012 to 2016, told The i that Britain “ought to be doing some serious homework”.

He added: “There’s not much point in saying, ‘We know he’s a monster, he’s unprincipled, he’s a misogynistic fraud and liar and destroyer of constitutions.’ The reality is: he will be there. We have to find ways of engaging with the US if Trump is elected.”

5. Nigel Farage Supports Trump

Nigel Farage: 'Remainer' Foreign Office that wants us back in EU claims a Trump victory could cause major security issue (msn.com)

Donald Trump lavishes praise on Nigel Farage during Iowa speech: ‘Honour to have you here’ (msn.com)

'I think the world needs Trump back' | Watch (msn.com)

6. Some people get the idea..

'We don't have kings in America': Conservatives bash Trump's 'total immunity' claims (msn.com)


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Friday, November 03, 2023

The "Answers in Genesis" world of half-truths

 Ken needs to screw his head on more tightly!

Beware: This probable Trumpite is helping to corrupt both 
American Christianity and American democracy.  


I've caught fundamentalist theme park supremo Kenneth Ham at it before; that is, telling half-truths in a way that has the effect of misrepresenting the actual situation. See for example the link below:

Views, News and Pews: History Please, Not Hamstory (viewsnewsandpews.blogspot.com)

See also my Hell and Hamnation watch posts which provide a sample of the kind of personality we are dealing with in Ken.

Now, if the Panda's Thumb website is to be believed then Ken is at it again with his contentions about his Ark Park financing. See here: 

Dan Phelps reminds Ken Ham of some important tax benefits (pandasthumb.org)

Ken is saying that the Ark Park was entirely funded by private means, a statement which I have no reason to doubt!  However, according to Panda's Thumb Ken is being selective in what he is telling us, and he is not telling us about the following:

* City of Williamstown sold Ark 98 acres of land for $1.

* City also gave AIG $175,000 in cash.

* City reduced property tax on Ark.

* City issued $62 million in unsecured junk bonds for Ark construction.

* 75% of Ark Encounter's property taxes will go to repaying bonds instead of to local government.

* Employees of Ark Encounter must pay 2% of wages to Ark bond debt (for next 30 years).

* State transportation cabinet spent $11 million to upgrade Interstate 75 exits in anticipation of huge traffic increase that did not occur.

* AIG claims Ark is worth $130 million on 990 forms to Federal government and potentially when getting loans. Grant County property tax valuation (which supports local schools) assesses Ark value at $48 million.

A selective epistemic like Ken's is something we've all got to be careful not to use: It is all too easy to find oneself selecting out only the facts which strengthen our contention. 

As we have seen in my links above Ken is very quick to accuse those who don't see eye to eye with him of being liars and/or evil compromisers (Much like Donald Trump in fact - Trump takes a very dim view of critics and disloyal followers; he uses any opposition to his Trumpness as a reason to abuse people). This form of character assassination is very much in line with a cult ethos which has parallels in the Watch Tower organization founded by Charles Taze Russel. However, the WT & its followers do at least keep themselves to themselves and aren't out to rule us all, since they eschew political involvement, unlike many a Trumpite fundamentalist who seem to be pursuing a line which looks suspiciously dominionist. As we have seen Ken is probably a Trumpite and has also given implicit credence to the Trump QAnon cult.

And in recent developments I note that the elected house speaker Mike Johnson is not only a Trump supporter and helped promote those 2020 lies about election fraud, but he also has connections with AiG. Answers in Genesis under Ken's leadership seems to be slowly cementing its links with the potential mob rule of Donald Trump. AiG is therefore corrupting Christianity and American democracy to boot. Political corruption of Christianity has happened before.

It would be nice if our Ken took a leaf out of the books of Christian conservatives Mike Pence and Micheal Brown*; neither supports Trump and both seem reasonable sympathetic Christians who, unlike Ken, have their heads well screwed on. I suspect that Micheal Brown is a young earthist which only goes to show that my problem with Ken is not primarily with his young earth views. 


Footnote:

* My main complaint with Brown is that he's not vocal enough about the dangers of Trumpism although I realize he has mitigating circumstances in that a large part of his audience and support base are from the Christain Trump-voting far-right, so he's got a lot at stake. 


Relevant links

1. Mike Johnson challenged over Trump election lies. 

'MAGA' Mike Johnson busted by Christian columnist for using the Bible to shield his lies (msn.com)

QUOTE: Touching on "Mike Johnson’s refusal to answer a question about the effort to overturn the 2020 election," French wrote, "There is a reason that effort is called the Big Lie. It was one of the most comprehensively and transparently dishonest political movements in American history. And Mike Johnson was in the middle of it."

2.  Trump's Extreme Nazi Sounding Rhetoric

Trump's Veteran's Day message draws comparisons to Hitler (msn.com)

Trump says: "In honor of our great Veterans on Veteran’s Day, we pledge to you that we will root out the Communists, Marxists, Fascists, and Radical Left Thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our Country, lie, steal, and cheat on Elections, and will do anything possible, whether legally or illegally, to destroy America, and the American Dream. The threat from outside forces is far less sinister, dangerous, and grave, than the threat from within. Despite the hatred and anger of the Radical Left Lunatics who want to destroy our Country, we will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

I have a feeling I'd fall into Trump's "Vermin" class. 

3. The Fear of Authoritarianism in the US

'Authoritarian lunatic' Trump aiming for 'something resembling Nazi Germany in the 30s': GOP strategist (msn.com)


4. Links to note:

Trump lawyers suggest Mike Pence is colluding with Biden to bring down their client (msn.com)

BBC blasted over 'woke' documentary as angry viewers call it 'ham-fisted propaganda' (msn.com)




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Monday, October 02, 2023

Michael Brown still doesn't get the Trumpite threat.


Will the Trump party sink American democracy? 
The Kraken: What is it and why has Trump's ex-lawyer released it? - BBC News

In an article that's relevant to my last post Christain right-winger Michael Brown explains why he isn't vocal about his politics. But he again fails to justify why he isn't objecting to the clutching tentacles of the Trumpite canker which is gripping parts of the US democratic system, particularly the Republican party.

Below, I reproduce parts of Michael's article with my comments interleaved: 

MICHAEL:  My Loyalty Is to the Lord, Not to a Political Candidate or Party: If you’ve listened regularly to my Line of Fire broadcast or read my articles consistently, you’ll see that I’ve said or written very little about former President Trump for some time now. There are several reasons for that.

MY COMMENT:  Yes, I noticed the absence of comment about Trump - see my previous post. Here are Michael's reasons for this absence:


MICHAEL: First, I have cut way back on political commentary in general in order to avoid getting caught up in election fever, especially since the presidential elections are more than 13 months away and there remains real uncertainty about who the candidates will be.

Second, I generally do not comment much on legal cases (in this case, indictments against Trump or the potential impeachment of President Biden), since these are outside my areas of expertise.

Third, while I have made clear that I would prefer a candidate other than Trump for the GOP in 2024, I am not a Trump basher and I have no desire to needlessly alienate tens of millions of loyal Trump supporters. Instead, my goal is to rally all of us around righteous and godly causes.

MY COMMENT:  Yes, like anyone in a democratic system Michael isn't obliged to come out on one side or the other of a party-political divide even though I think we can guess that he's happier with the GOP than he is with the Democrats. Also, he's probably wise in not commenting on legal cases.

All that would be true under normal constitutional politics, but the situation in US politics at the moment isn't normal constitutional politics: Like a banana "republic" the current political argy-bargy in the US isn't just confined to sharp criticism of policy: Instead, it is awash with accusations of serious corruption and fraud, not least election fraud.  We also hear threats of jailing your opponents, perhaps even killing them. And of course, we are glancing nervously at all those AR15s in the hands of the Trump militias. This is not normal democratic accountable politics. It appears that the US democratic system is no longer trusted by a big slice of its populace, with Donald Trump inciting distrust with his talk of "draining the swamp" and calling the judiciary names. In fact, the situation has become pathological. But Michael Brown is behaving as if it's business as usual and he's failing to comment on the elephant in the room. 

As I have made clear in this blog I trace these problems back to that political pied piper and cuckoo in the evangelical nest Donald J Trump. But it seems Michael Brown is just too scared to alienate Trump's many loyal followers on which his career depends. But Trumpism is hardly a righteous and godly cause. This doesn't mean to say that I would agree with the far-left, but on my assessment the tide of far-left dictatorship is currently further out than the tide of far-right dictatorship, a tide which is getting uncomfortably close!


MICHAEL: That being said, when an issue comes up that is worthy of discussion, and when that issue causes me to differ with Trump’s position, I will do so freely. That’s because my loyalty is to Jesus rather than to a political leader or a political party

These would be my sentiments regardless of who was in the White House. JESUS IS LORD. The rest of us are redeemed dust at best.

When it comes to my voting preferences, beyond the obvious question of the candidate’s character and trustworthiness, I always start with the abortion issue. How strongly pro-life is the candidate? Next, I look at where they stand on moral, family issues, such as same-sex “marriage” and transgender identity. Then, I look at their views on Israel, then on other relevant issues (such as national security, the economy, international relations, etc.). Other voters might start with the economy. Or race issues. Or border control. Or education. Or national security. I respect that, and that is their prerogative.

MY COMMENT: Fair enough, Michael is acting perfectly within his democratic rights to tender these opinions. He's proceeding. however, as if American politics is in a state of normalcy and he's ignoring all those shouts of "corruption" and the promotion of coercion.  But here's a question: Would he sign a pact with a demon, if that demon promised to lobby for Michael's views? 


MICHAEL: But we each have our priorities, and that is what informs our voting. When it came to voting for Trump in 2016, the biggest issue for me was the potential of him appointing pro-life Supreme Court justices, and he delivered on his promises, contributing in a massive, fundamental way to the overturning of Roe v Wade. For that, I am deeply grateful. But when he says that Gov. DeSantis made “a terrible mistake” by signing into law a ban on abortions after 6 weeks, I categorically reject his position. Trump’s whole approach, in which he says that “15 weeks” is a number that everyone seems to like, is misguided, failing to address the injustice of abortion. And he is quite wrong in thinking that both sides will like his pragmatic approach. (From the pro-life side, just ask Lila Rose.)

MY COMMENT:  Does this mean that if Trump signed up to an anti-abortion & anti-gay stance which satisfied Michael, Michael would then vote Trump? I wonder! I have a feeling, however, that in his heart of hearts Michael does understand the Trump threat, but he can't afford to come clean in fear of alienating all those Trump popularists which are his bread and butter. As I have made clear in this blog Trump's concern is first and foremost for Trump Power. Trump is taking what to Michael Brown is a compromised position on abortion because Trump wants to maximize his vote in order to facilitate what looks to me to be a grab for absolute power. 


MICHAEL: What happens when I dare take issue with Trump for his comments? I get comments like this, posted on our YouTube channel in response to the broadcast:

“Shame on you Mr. Brown for not remaining loyal to Trump. Trump was CHEATED and you are looking for ‘better’ candidates? You profess to stand for life but you can't even stand up for the man who overturned abortion & was cheated. REPENT! stop being jealous. Deep down you know Trump is smarter than you and it drives you nuts. REPENT. you think you can do a better job...admit it.. but you can't..he is tougher & smarter...Trump has to get done what is realistic because HE IS INVOLVED IN POLITICS...He is not your pastor...if you Loved TRUTH you would LOVE REALISM...because they are the same.”  `

Putting aside the silly, schoolyard level attacks, the issue is very simple: my loyalty here is to the pro-life cause, and if I believe that Trump’s view is weak – as do many other pro-life leaders who are much more on the front lines than I am – I will say so.

In a separate article, I’ll return to the larger issue of political pragmatism in the abortion debate, something advocated by Republican candidate Nikki Haley.

MY COMMENT:  Through the words of a Trump acolyte, we learn what Trump demands above all - loyalty and probably an unquestioning loyalty at that; to hell with Michael's moral qualms about abortion if it gets in the way of Trump Power! And if you do get in the way of Trump Power, you stand accused of the ulterior motive of envy toward the superior being of Donald Trump and therefore you must repent of your sin of opposition to this demigod. Note also that our Trump acolyte equates Trump-Realism with TRUTH!  In a sinister echo of dictator Putin, disloyalty, a concept closely related to treachery, becomes the unforgivable sin.  Actually, it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that the above was written by a Putin acolyte interfering in American politics. In Trump's and Putin's eyes the Godfatheresque politics of loyal submission comes first, not moral standards. 

But let's notice once again: Michael is getting carried away with his views on abortion, sexuality & gender and failing to comment on the real issue: the looming ogre of Trump Power. 

MICHAEL:  It’s the same when it comes to LGBTQ activist issues, number two on my list of priorities when voting. I take deep exception to Trump saying last December to a crowd filled with LGBTQ activists and their allies,

“We are fighting for the gay community, and we are fighting and fighting hard.”

He also said at the gala event, held in Mar-a-Lago,

“With the help of many of the people here tonight in recent years, our movement has taken incredible strides, the strides you’ve made here is incredible.”

Sorry, but those sentiments do not get my support, even if Trump opposes the transitioning of children. 

MY COMMENT:  And again, the above is classic Trump: Once again we see the same Trump approach of convenience:  To hell with principled policy and instead maximization of his support base by any means; in particular by telling people what he thinks they want to hear in order to get their support. At least I can give Michael a brownie point or two for standing by his principles in spite of pressure from Trump acolytes. 


MICHAEL: So, when it comes to voting, I have my lines drawn in the sand. Should a candidate move from those lines, I have not abandoned him. He has abandoned me. Where the former president will ultimately land remains to be seen. But my loyalty is to my Lord and the causes I believe are important to Him. All other loyalties are filtered through that lens.

MY COMMENT:  Trump abandons all those who aren't loyal to his Trumpness. The former president has long since landed where in fact where he has been all along: namely, as a steadfast supporter for Trump, Trump, Trump.  Trump is a dictator in waiting who demands submission and to that end he is corrupting the American democratic system. That must be resisted, vocally resisted. But unfortunately, Michael is in a difficult spot: Much of his constituency is found among right-wing Trump support and therefore what comes first for him is this:

I am not a Trump basher and I have no desire to needlessly alienate tens of millions of loyal Trump supporters

Needlessly alienate? My dear Michael, Western freedoms are at stake here! The above quote sums up why Michael can't speak out against Trump; Viz: he'll lose a big slice of his income. He is an economic captive to Trump and that will l no doubt suit Trump down to the ground.  

***

The Republican party should split into two parts: A Trump party and the original GOP. It would likely mean that the GOP would be out of power for some years until they have rebuilt their party. But then that's the cost of hosting the Trump parasite for too long. 

If for the sake of argument we imagine that Trump becomes president in 2024 and a MAGA autocratic dynasty is the result, then my guess is that an alliance with a Putin dynasty would be an outcome, with this alliance setting itself against China. To this end it is likely that Putin is hanging on hoping that Trump gets into power. 



RELEVANT LINKS:

1. On the Threat of Trumpism

Is the fever of Trumpism starting to break? (msn.com)

Taken from the article: 

One day after he [Trump] posted “IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I’M COMING FOR YOU!” a woman called the chambers of the US district judge Tanya Chutkan, who has been assigned to the election fraud case against Trump, and said that if Trump is not reelected next year, “we are coming to kill you”.

A Trump supporter wearing tactical gear and armed with an AR-15 tried to breach the FBI field office in Cincinnati. He failed, fled and later died in a shootout with law enforcement.


2.Threats of violence to those who oppose Trump

Trump’s escalating violent rhetoric is straight out of the autocrat’s playbook (msn.com)


3. Trump's violent threats laying the foundation for autocracy. 

Trump’s violent rhetoric underscores his plans 'for dictatorial rule': DC insider (msn.com)


4. Dismantling democracy:

Why Trump and the GOP are burning the entire system down | Opinion (msn.com)


5. Trump gets ever more extreme and deranged as he demands loyalty. 

Donald Trump Says Republicans 'Eat Their Young' In Rant About Members of His Own Party's 'Lack of Loyalty' (msn.com)


6. Trump and fascism

"The goal of fascism is to turn politics into warfare," said Jennifer Mercieca, a historian of political rhetoric at Texas A&M and author of "Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump." To do this, [fascist leaders] narrate a world of chaos, corruption and hypocrisy. They position their opposition as enemies who cheat, as untrustworthy and determined to undermine and destroy all that's good and noble. If the fascist can convince his followers that there is so much scary chaos and so many enemies, then the fascist rises to power because people want the 'strong arm of the fascist to solve problems."

From: Trump is following 'the fascist playbook to the letter': historian (msn.com)


7. Trump Junior criticizes the FBI

Donald Trump Jr points finger at FBI for Maine mass shooting (msn.com)

As Trump Jr once said, his father hand turned the GOP into "The Trump Party" (God forbid!).  Does this mean that when the Trump Dynasty gets in power the FBI will be replaced by Trump Security? Perhaps even the American Military will be replaced by the AR15 wielding Trump Militias who will be upcycled to become the Trump Military.  If MAGA takes charge, it will be Trump Everything!!!

8. Trump: A mob boss?

Mob boss Trump's threats to mobilize his mob are escalating | Opinion (msn.com)


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Friday, September 08, 2023

Well done Mike Pence! But Michael Brown gets a fail.

My second look at Mike Pence and Michael Brown....

Mike Pence under the Shadow of Trump

Michael Brown (left) once spoke out against Trump's "prophets" (Right).

Mike Pence, ex-vice president under Trump, has spoken out against Trump and as a result is now on the receiving end of Trump's insults and lies.....



I did my last post on Pence and Michael Brown here: In that post I applauded Pence for his stand against Trump in favour of the American democratic constitution. I also applauded Brown for being a voice of reason and moderation in the crazy world of Trumpite evangelical dominionism. He also appeared to be attempting to ween his right-wing readership off Trump. 

Since my last article on Pence and Brown, Mike Pence has consolidated his anti-Trump position by default simply by coming out as a potential POTUS candidate; by merely running as a candidate Trump regards Pence as a rival, traitor and enemy. It goes to show that as far as Trump's perception is concerned the presidency isn't about policy, even Republican policy, but it's all about Trump-truth and Trump-power.  For Trump there only two kinds of people in the world: Those who have fealty to him and those he targets as enemies & rivals to be dominated. This man is a would-be-despot and an indicted criminal.  He must be stopped. I wish Pence Godspeed and protection with his campaign. I'd be very happy if he became president.

But since my last post on Pence and Brown, Brown has stayed remarkably mute about Trump. In his newsletters (which I receive) he continues to harp-on about issues he knows are a safe bet with his right-wing constituency and won't alienate them (Viz: attacks on gays, blended gender, abortion, and the far left), but says next to nothing about Trump. The reason for this is undoubtedly because he knows that if he comes over as anti-Trump he would lose a lot of support, support that is his bread and butter.  And yet a candidate like Mike Pence would share many of Brown's views, but Brown knows his career will take a hit if he publicly supports Pence.

A Warning to Michael Brown
It is important to understand that I am not talking here about Christians coming down on the side of either the politics of traditional Democrats or traditional Republicans, where presumably the politics of both parties doesn't threaten the American democratic system. No, what is at issue here is the Trump personality cult which brings to my mind the prophet Samuel's warning against Israel's desire for the potentially despotic rule of an earthly king. This personality cult, egged-on by none other than Trump himself and Vladimir Putin, threatens both Democrat and Republican and above all America's peaceful democracy. It is this which Michael Brown has so conspicuously failed to speak out against.  Moreover, why hasn't he disowned the cranky conspiracy theorists like Marjorie Taylor Green and Mike Huckabee to mention just two of a whole nest of right-wing conspiracy fantasists? This isn't about party politics, it's about an encroaching evil. 

I suppose it's easy for me to criticize Brown as, unlike Brown, I have no audience constituency to keep sweet. Perhaps Brown should retire on a pension and then he can become a real independent prophet and not a crowd pleaser. 

***


The following article on Trump-Pence relations is reproduced below:

'Absolutely False': Donald Trump Slams Ex-VP Mike Pence for Going to the 'Dark Side' and 'Making Up Stories' About Him (msn.com)

Donald Trump isn't very happy with his former vice president.

The embattled ex-prez took to his Truth Social platform to slam Mike Pence for allegedly spreading lies about his actions surrounding the January 6th Capitol riots. 

"For 7 years Mike Pence only spoke well of me. Now he’s decided to go to the 'Dark Side,'" Trump wrote on Wednesday, September 6. "Why didn’t he do this years before, just like why didn’t DOJ and Deranged Jack Smith bring these Fake Indictments three years ago."

"Why did they wait until the middle of my Campaign where I am beating DeSanctimonious and all others badly, and beating Biden in almost every Poll?" he ranted.

Trump continued to trash his ex-VP in a second message, claiming that he'd just watched Pence "make up stories" about him that he insisted were "absolutely false."

"I never said for him to put me before the Constitution — I don’t talk that way, and wouldn’t even think to suggest it," he argued. "Mike failed badly on calling out Voter Fraud in the 2020 Presidential Election, and based on the fact that he is at approximately 2 percent in the Polls, with no money or support, he obviously did the wrong thing."

"His advisors have led him down a very bad path!" he concluded

Despite his hesitance to believe the 77-year-old committed a crime, Pence has still repeatedly called out the former POTUS for his behavior on January 6, 2021.

"I believe anyone that puts themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States, and anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be president of the United Sates again," the 64-year-old politician said when launching his own presidential campaign.

On Wednesday, September 6, Pence gave a speech at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, declaring that Republican voters must choose between conservative values and the populist movement within the party.

"When Donald Trump ran for president in 2016, he promised to govern as a conservative. And together, we did just that," he told the crowd. "But it’s important for Republicans to know that he and his imitators in this Republican primary make no such promise today."

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Sunday, August 20, 2023

Is Donald Trump a Sociopath?



I'm certainly not the first to have the word "sociopath" pop into my head in connection with the observed behavior of Donald Trump. So I thought I'd try a little experiment and ask Bing AI and ChatGPT about the Trump and sociopathy connection. Rightly, the two AI applications cautioned that a firm diagnosis can not and should not be made at this juncture, but nevertheless it is clear that Trump's name has become linked with suspected sociopathy and this doesn't surprise me in the least. See below for the AI results.

Bing AI

My Question: Is Donald Trump a Sociopath?

Bing AI: I’m sorry but I cannot make any diagnosis on someone’s mental health. However, there are articles that discuss this topic. According to an article from The Atlantic, the co-author of Donald Trump’s autobiography said in The New Yorker that if he were writing The Art of the Deal today, it would be a very different book with a very different title: The Sociopath. To title a person’s life story with that label is a serious accusation, and one worth considering. The stakes are high. Tony Schwartz, the writer of the best-selling book, said that he “genuinely believe [s] that if Trump wins and gets the nuclear codes, there is an excellent possibility it will lead to the end of civilization.”1

Another article from Alternet states that Mr. Trump meets every diagnostic criterion for the official diagnostic term “Antisocial Personality Disorder.”2

It’s important to note that these are just opinions and not actual diagnoses.



ChatGPT

My question: Is Donald Trump a sociopath?

ChatGPT: I am an AI language model and cannot provide real-time diagnoses or assessments of individuals. Determining whether someone is a sociopath (now more commonly referred to as having antisocial personality disorder) requires a comprehensive evaluation by qualified mental health professionals who have directly interacted with the individual and have access to their medical history and other relevant information.

Public figures like Donald Trump are often subject to a wide range of opinions and interpretations, and discussions about their mental health can be highly polarized. It's important to approach such discussions with caution and respect for the complexity of mental health diagnoses. If you have concerns about someone's mental health, it's best to encourage them to seek professional help from licensed mental health practitioners.


My second question: What opinions have been mooted suggesting he may be a sociopath?

ChatGPT: Various opinions and speculations about Donald Trump's personality traits and mental health have circulated in the media and public discourse. Some individuals and mental health professionals have raised concerns or offered opinions suggesting that certain behaviors and characteristics displayed by Trump might align with traits associated with antisocial personality disorder (sociopathy). These opinions are not based on direct clinical assessments but rather on observations of his public behavior and statements. Some of the behaviors and traits that have been pointed out include:

Lack of Empathy: Critics have pointed to instances where Trump appeared to lack empathy or demonstrated a disregard for the feelings and well-being of others, both in his public statements and actions.

Manipulative Behavior: Some individuals have noted Trump's ability to manipulate and control situations to his advantage, which could be seen as a characteristic of manipulative behavior associated with sociopathy.

Impulsivity: Trump has been known for making impulsive decisions and statements, often without careful consideration of potential consequences.

Superficial Charm: Supporters and critics alike have commented on Trump's charisma and ability to captivate audiences, a trait sometimes associated with sociopathy.

Grandiose Sense of Self: Trump has often portrayed himself as highly successful and talented, sometimes using exaggerated language to describe his achievements.

Pattern of Deception: Critics have highlighted instances where Trump has been accused of providing false information or making misleading statements.

Aggressive Behavior: Some of Trump's confrontational and aggressive behaviors, both in his public speeches and on social media, have led to discussions about his temperament.

It's important to emphasize that these observations are made from a distance and are not equivalent to a comprehensive clinical assessment. Diagnosing a mental health disorder requires a thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health professional who has interacted directly with the individual and has access to relevant information.

Public discussions about the mental health of public figures should be approached with sensitivity, respect for privacy, and an understanding of the limitations of making diagnoses without proper evaluation.


Well, I know what I think and you can probably guess what I'm thinking. Here's an article on sociopathy: 


Many evangelical Christians have been duped by Trump and that includes Kenneth Ham


Relevant links

1. Another opinion: Trump's dangerously narcissistic personality:


2. Trump, Putin and Power


3. Trump is the preferred option for Hungarian autocrat


4. Trump and his political opponents


PS Note reference to Glenn Beck

5. Trump supporter incites the use of violence



6. Putin Supports Trump


7.  Trump and an epidemic of stupid


8. Retired General Warns of possible Trump Dictatorship

"The next time around, if you decapitate the institutions — the FBI, the CIA, Homeland Security and put loyalists without a sense of respect fo the law in there, we could be in trouble. There's always an assumption — that couldn't happen here. The 1930s Germany was a civilized nation that descended into autocracy, so we better worry about it. Trump is a leading contender, and this is not a political statement — he's entirely unqualified to be the commander-in-chief. He's a danger to the republic and that's where we stand," 
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Wednesday, August 02, 2023

The Rise of an American Godfather

The cuckoo in the evangelical nest

The news:

 America in uncharted territory as Donald Trump charged with conspiracy to defraud the US (msn.com)

Died-in-the-wool Trump supporters claim the American democratic system is corrupt and has Trump in its sights*. These supporters are trying to get the conspiracy theory past us that the American system has been an oppressive "deep state" autocracy all along, but we didn't know it and that Trump, saviour of America, has help reveal the truth and will put it all right. That's just too similar to the kind of line we get from dictatorial Godfathers the world over. And, of course, it's the likely story put about by any would-be-dictator as they sought absolute power, turning elections into personality politics, legal battles and violent fights for survival that border on civil war; in fact, the sort of thing we see in some failed third world states. 

As the article I've linked to says this is uncharted territory for the American constitution: We've never seen the like of it in my lifetime and this farcical game only started when Trump appeared on the scene. Let's hope that the American democratic system will survive the assault from this pied piper of American evangelicalism.


* ...and so it should have, the man's a felon.


Relevant Links:


1. The threatening words of a wannabe dictator:

On the Truth social network Mr Trump wrote "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I'M COMING AFTER YOU!" on Friday afternoon, just a day after he pleaded not guilty to four charges in the alleged election fraud case.

See:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66417168

That's not how a constitutional democracy is supposed to work, Donald!


2. Would Trump opt for a coup if he doesn't get his way?

'What's he got to lose?' Fascism expert says Trump's only option is to 'stage a coup' (msn.com)


3. Threats against Jurors

Georgia investigates threats against Trump jury - BBC News

4. Is Trump's mental health suffering?

Trump is blinded by 'impotent rage' that poses a grave threat to America: mental health expert (msn.com)


5. Evangelicals suckered by Trump

'Wake up': Trump-loving Evangelicals warned they been 'taken in by a hoax' (msn.com)

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