I don't recall abortion being one of our constitutional rights but - YES - The Texas law is a legit example of GOP authoritarianism. Total work around nonsense.
Luckily it will be struck down by the SC for being unconstitutional.
Florida is not stopping any individual from getting vaxxed, getting boosters, wearing masks... but, before we devolve into a vax debate, please tell me how Desantis signing this pro-choice bill, passed by the FL legislature, into law, is authoritarian.
Of course not. That would be tyranny of the majority in action. It's why we have the bill of rights, the Constitution and a Supreme Court.
But if you can explain why you think your Desantis example is authoritarian, I'm genuinely interested in your argument because I don't see one.
Again, elected legislature passes a bill. It's signed by the elected executive into law. It protects the liberty of the individual against corporations seeking to compel individuals under the threat of dismissal. What am I missing?
He has been cast as a Trump with a nicer veneer by people who are looking to discredit him. It's not working.
Desantis signs a bill that was passed by the Florida assembly to protect individual rights. Absolutely none of that is authoritarian. It's quite the opposite.
An actual example of authoritarians would be to use the King of California who just signed an Executive Order to extend his own emergency powers another 6 months.
If you take the position that the left is not authoritarian, and then you are provided a laundry list of ways in which the left is actually authoritarian - how exactly is that either "misdirecting" or "whataboutism?"
I grew up watching S&E on Saturday mornings. I loved the annual best pictures of the year show - iirc they called it "If We Picked the Oscars".. I imagine they had a better track record than the Academy in documenting which films would stand the test of time better. Reading the list of Best Picture winners through the decades is a great exercise in WTF were they thinking.
That said, it's just as well that S or E are no longer with us, because having to review a Marvel or DC movie every single week would be the death of them both.
For whatever strange reason, your comment reminded me of Pedro from one of the first few seasons of "The Real World" who was a young gay guy living with AIDS. For those too old (or too young) to remember, he was culturally relevant at that time - and he did a lot to raise awareness about HIV in the early-90s. (He unfortunately passed away not long after the series aired).
I recall one time Pedro was freaking out about introducing his boyfriend to his conservative cuban parents. Not because he was a guy, but because he was black.
Anyway, that's a long winded way of saying, you're probably right.
I understand the motivation to make an example of the King of Bills Mafia. But, I wish they picked someone who actually was violent and/or caused physical damage in/to the Capitol. As I understand it, this man did neither. This guy needs psychiatric help, not solitary confinement.
Joe Biden's obvious cognitive decline is not going to reserve itself, and likely will only worsen over the next 3 years. He will turn EIGHTY-TWO (82) years old in November 2024. Not sure how you can advocate for him to run for a second term without addressing that particular elephant in the Oval Office.
And your PAC funded nonsense poll is your proof? The one spoon fed to the Politcio reporter who is fresh from internships at the new ACLU and DemocracyNow! That's your proof?
Ignore the fact that our civil liberties are under constant attack by Team Blue, it's those pesky Republicans who insist on their their "freedoms" - they, THEY are the authoritarians!!!
The hold put on Biden's vax mandate EO by the US appeals court was reaffirmed last week. It's unconstitutional, and if it goes to the SC, it will be struck down as such. But that's not the first time Biden has signed an EO that he knows isn't legal (see the eviction moratorium). Authoritarians don't give a crap if something is illegal.
But I digress. The point is that - not YOU specifically Philip - but a significant percentage of dem/progs have no problem with authoritarianism as long as they like the result. Not sure why it is so difficult for you to concede that point. It seems fairly self evident.
Honestly Philip. Give me a break. You're equating the assassination of MLK as an attack on free speech?
Nice attempt at a misdirection.
The point of my response was to counter the false narrative that somehow only republicans "embrace authoritarianism" - which is utter nonsense. People, regardless of political affiliation, have a high tolerance for authoritarianism as long as they agree with the policy. You may agree with blue state governors implementing strict covid restrictions under emergency authority, but it doesn't make it less authoritarian. You may approve of the DoJ going after parents critical of school boards on CRT, but it's still authoritarian. You may think it's a great idea that the Biden administration is subcontracting free speech restrictions on social media platforms, but you are supporting an authoritarian idea.
Further, I conceded the Morning Consult "study" and I really shouldn't have. If this is what you are holding up as definitive "proof" that republican voters are authoritarian and dems are not, you should really keep looking.
It's a great example of how you can cook up any survey to confirm a bias.
Here are the questions they asked to measure authoritarian tendencies, basically defining Trump himself as the definition. If you like him, you are it. If you don't, you're not.
MCWA25 Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. [MATRIX RANDOMIZE ALL]
Our country desperately needs a mighty leader who will do what has to be done to destroy the radical new ways and sinfulness that are ruining us.
Gays and lesbians are just as healthy and moral as anybody else.*
It is always better to trust the judgment of the proper authorities in government and religion than to listen to the noisy rabble-rousers in our society who are trying to create doubt in people’s minds
Atheists and others who have rebelled against the established religions are no doubt every bit as good and virtuous as those who attend church regularly.*
The only way our country can get through the crisis ahead is to get back to our traditional values, put some tough leaders in power, and silence the troublemakers spreading bad ideas.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with nudist camps.*
Our country needs free thinkers who have the courage to defy traditional ways, even if this upsets many people.*
Our country will be destroyed someday if we do not smash the perversions eating away at our moral fiber and traditional beliefs.
Everyone should have their own lifestyle, religious beliefs, and sexual preferences, even if it makes them different from everyone else.*
The “old-fashioned ways” and the “old-fashioned values” still show the best way to live.
You have to admire those who challenged the law and the majority’s view by protesting for women’s abortion rights, for animal rights, or to abolish school prayer.*
What our country really needs is a strong, determined leader who will crush evil, and take us back to our true path.
Some of the best people in our country are those who are challenging our government, criticizing religion, and ignoring the “normal way things are supposed to be done.”*
God’s laws about abortion, pornography and marriage must be strictly followed before it is too late, and those who break them must be strongly punished.
There are many radical, immoral people in our country today, who are trying to ruin it for their own godless purposes, whom the authorities should put out of action.
A “woman’s place” should be wherever she wants to be. The days when women are submissive to their husbands and social conventions belong strictly in the past.*
Our country will be great if we honor the ways of our forefathers, do what the authorities tell us to do, and get rid of the “rotten apples” who are ruining everything.
There is no “ONE right way” to live life; everybody has to create their own way.*
Homosexuals and feminists should be praised for being brave enough to defy “traditional family values.”*
This country would work a lot better if certain groups of troublemakers would just shut up and accept their group’s traditional place in society.
This is an intellectually disingenuous way to conduct research.
I imagine if you flipped the questions to ask things like "do you think the government should censor Fox News?" and "Do you think it's right for workers to be fired for refusing to get the covid vaccine?" - the results would show democrats embrace authoritarianism and republicans do not.
Philip - I'm not really sure what point you're trying to make with these articles.
Do you really deny that a significant percentage of the left support authoritarianism, fueled by ethnic grievance or otherwise? Really?
Do you really deny that a significant percentage of the left have a problem with a liberal democracy (the kind we all grew up where free speech was assumed, media outlets being deplatformed), the rule of law (mostly peaceful protesters, open borders, defund the police), and racial tolerance (anti-racism)?
Any balanced view of the state of affairs in this country should be able to recognize that no one political party can claim being anti-authoritarian. And to claim the left is less so isn't being honest with oneself. Look no further than the Biden DoJ's activity the last few months.
The Literary Pub Crawl in Greenwich Village is an afternoon well spent if you're a tourist or local. It starts at the White Horse Tavern where Thomas consumed those infamous shots of whisky.
This essay also speaks to us Democrats, in that America is now in a place where some very large number, maybe 35-40% of the electorate, supports open authoritarianism fueled by ethnic grievance. How do we convince people to support liberal democracy, the rule of law, and racial tolerance?
By 35-40% of the electorate, do you mean left wing progressives or trumpy republicans?
Stopped into the Copper Monkey on Conti. The entire road is ripped up and they did have an active crew there. Hard to get into the places on that road. I asked the bartender if this was all because of Ida. It had to be hell on the business. She said that the construction had been going on for 3 years and they just actually took a wall down that blocked the storefront entirely for most of that time. They are still there despite that and Covid. Amazing.
Thank you, Em! I enjoyed writing it. As much as I love the place, I could never live there. I'd weigh 400 ilbs if I did...
Central Grocery's sign said they are coming back but also "closed for the foreseeable future" so it sounds like it will be awhile before they do. I passed it a couple of times over the week and never saw anyone working on the building.
Must have been amazing to see Kermit back then. I would have liked to see him play at the Mother-in-law lounge last week as well - and be able to compare and contrast his shows for the piece. I'm guessing they would be very different. Alas ...
On “Is Leftist Authoritarianism A Thing Or Not?”
I don't recall abortion being one of our constitutional rights but - YES - The Texas law is a legit example of GOP authoritarianism. Total work around nonsense.
Luckily it will be struck down by the SC for being unconstitutional.
"
LOL. ok.
"
Florida is not stopping any individual from getting vaxxed, getting boosters, wearing masks... but, before we devolve into a vax debate, please tell me how Desantis signing this pro-choice bill, passed by the FL legislature, into law, is authoritarian.
"
Of course not. That would be tyranny of the majority in action. It's why we have the bill of rights, the Constitution and a Supreme Court.
But if you can explain why you think your Desantis example is authoritarian, I'm genuinely interested in your argument because I don't see one.
Again, elected legislature passes a bill. It's signed by the elected executive into law. It protects the liberty of the individual against corporations seeking to compel individuals under the threat of dismissal. What am I missing?
"
He has been cast as a Trump with a nicer veneer by people who are looking to discredit him. It's not working.
Desantis signs a bill that was passed by the Florida assembly to protect individual rights. Absolutely none of that is authoritarian. It's quite the opposite.
An actual example of authoritarians would be to use the King of California who just signed an Executive Order to extend his own emergency powers another 6 months.
https://www.ksbw.com/article/gavin-newsom-emergency-powers-resign/38239450#
"
I actually thought you were referring to *this* discussion in your piece. I didn't realize how popular a topic it is!
https://ordinary-times.com/2021/11/11/nevertrumpers-must-fork-the-gop/#comments
"
If you take the position that the left is not authoritarian, and then you are provided a laundry list of ways in which the left is actually authoritarian - how exactly is that either "misdirecting" or "whataboutism?"
On “Things I Learned From Binging Siskel And Ebert”
I grew up watching S&E on Saturday mornings. I loved the annual best pictures of the year show - iirc they called it "If We Picked the Oscars".. I imagine they had a better track record than the Academy in documenting which films would stand the test of time better. Reading the list of Best Picture winners through the decades is a great exercise in WTF were they thinking.
That said, it's just as well that S or E are no longer with us, because having to review a Marvel or DC movie every single week would be the death of them both.
On “Joe Biden Needs to Be The Next Democratic Nominee”
https://governors.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/GovernorsWhoBecamePresident_Biographies.pdf
17 of 46
The last third of the 20th century saw a good run starting with Jimmy Carter
"
W was Gov of TX
"
For whatever strange reason, your comment reminded me of Pedro from one of the first few seasons of "The Real World" who was a young gay guy living with AIDS. For those too old (or too young) to remember, he was culturally relevant at that time - and he did a lot to raise awareness about HIV in the early-90s. (He unfortunately passed away not long after the series aired).
I recall one time Pedro was freaking out about introducing his boyfriend to his conservative cuban parents. Not because he was a guy, but because he was black.
Anyway, that's a long winded way of saying, you're probably right.
On “The “QAnon Shaman” Gets 41 Months In Prison”
I understand the motivation to make an example of the King of Bills Mafia. But, I wish they picked someone who actually was violent and/or caused physical damage in/to the Capitol. As I understand it, this man did neither. This guy needs psychiatric help, not solitary confinement.
On “Joe Biden Needs to Be The Next Democratic Nominee”
Joe Biden's obvious cognitive decline is not going to reserve itself, and likely will only worsen over the next 3 years. He will turn EIGHTY-TWO (82) years old in November 2024. Not sure how you can advocate for him to run for a second term without addressing that particular elephant in the Oval Office.
On “Executive Dictatorship: A Look At Some Of The Most Egregious EO’s”
And the Senate vote was 69 to 30.
It should be difficult to pass sweeping and/or incredibly expensive legislation.
"
And yet the President just signed a $1 trillion infrastructure bill 2 days ago that required bipartisan support.
On “NeverTrumpers Must “Fork” the GOP”
75% of dems support Biden’s vax mandate:
https://fortune.com/2021/09/30/ap-norc-poll-americans-republicans-democrats-divided-on-biden-vaccine-mandate/
More Americans want U.S. government to restrict, censor online content, ‘misinformation’
https://www.stardem.com/news/national/more-americans-want-u-s-government-to-restrict-censor-online-content-misinformation/article_0910acd1-fcae-58e6-a98e-d14b5db91e6c.html
Nearly 3 in 5 Democrats support the CDC’s authority to ban evictions through Oct. 3, while just 16% of GOP voters said the same.
https://morningconsult.com/2021/08/11/cdc-eviction-ban-poll/
Am I still wishcasting, Philip?
"
And your PAC funded nonsense poll is your proof? The one spoon fed to the Politcio reporter who is fresh from internships at the new ACLU and DemocracyNow! That's your proof?
Ignore the fact that our civil liberties are under constant attack by Team Blue, it's those pesky Republicans who insist on their their "freedoms" - they, THEY are the authoritarians!!!
C'mon man. Open your eyes.
"
The hold put on Biden's vax mandate EO by the US appeals court was reaffirmed last week. It's unconstitutional, and if it goes to the SC, it will be struck down as such. But that's not the first time Biden has signed an EO that he knows isn't legal (see the eviction moratorium). Authoritarians don't give a crap if something is illegal.
But I digress. The point is that - not YOU specifically Philip - but a significant percentage of dem/progs have no problem with authoritarianism as long as they like the result. Not sure why it is so difficult for you to concede that point. It seems fairly self evident.
"
Honestly Philip. Give me a break. You're equating the assassination of MLK as an attack on free speech?
Nice attempt at a misdirection.
The point of my response was to counter the false narrative that somehow only republicans "embrace authoritarianism" - which is utter nonsense. People, regardless of political affiliation, have a high tolerance for authoritarianism as long as they agree with the policy. You may agree with blue state governors implementing strict covid restrictions under emergency authority, but it doesn't make it less authoritarian. You may approve of the DoJ going after parents critical of school boards on CRT, but it's still authoritarian. You may think it's a great idea that the Biden administration is subcontracting free speech restrictions on social media platforms, but you are supporting an authoritarian idea.
Further, I conceded the Morning Consult "study" and I really shouldn't have. If this is what you are holding up as definitive "proof" that republican voters are authoritarian and dems are not, you should really keep looking.
It's a great example of how you can cook up any survey to confirm a bias.
Here are the questions they asked to measure authoritarian tendencies, basically defining Trump himself as the definition. If you like him, you are it. If you don't, you're not.
https://morningconsult.com/2021/06/28/right-wing-authoritarianism-international-study-methodology/
Appendix B
MCWA25 Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. [MATRIX RANDOMIZE ALL]
Our country desperately needs a mighty leader who will do what has to be done to destroy the radical new ways and sinfulness that are ruining us.
Gays and lesbians are just as healthy and moral as anybody else.*
It is always better to trust the judgment of the proper authorities in government and religion than to listen to the noisy rabble-rousers in our society who are trying to create doubt in people’s minds
Atheists and others who have rebelled against the established religions are no doubt every bit as good and virtuous as those who attend church regularly.*
The only way our country can get through the crisis ahead is to get back to our traditional values, put some tough leaders in power, and silence the troublemakers spreading bad ideas.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with nudist camps.*
Our country needs free thinkers who have the courage to defy traditional ways, even if this upsets many people.*
Our country will be destroyed someday if we do not smash the perversions eating away at our moral fiber and traditional beliefs.
Everyone should have their own lifestyle, religious beliefs, and sexual preferences, even if it makes them different from everyone else.*
The “old-fashioned ways” and the “old-fashioned values” still show the best way to live.
You have to admire those who challenged the law and the majority’s view by protesting for women’s abortion rights, for animal rights, or to abolish school prayer.*
What our country really needs is a strong, determined leader who will crush evil, and take us back to our true path.
Some of the best people in our country are those who are challenging our government, criticizing religion, and ignoring the “normal way things are supposed to be done.”*
God’s laws about abortion, pornography and marriage must be strictly followed before it is too late, and those who break them must be strongly punished.
There are many radical, immoral people in our country today, who are trying to ruin it for their own godless purposes, whom the authorities should put out of action.
A “woman’s place” should be wherever she wants to be. The days when women are submissive to their husbands and social conventions belong strictly in the past.*
Our country will be great if we honor the ways of our forefathers, do what the authorities tell us to do, and get rid of the “rotten apples” who are ruining everything.
There is no “ONE right way” to live life; everybody has to create their own way.*
Homosexuals and feminists should be praised for being brave enough to defy “traditional family values.”*
This country would work a lot better if certain groups of troublemakers would just shut up and accept their group’s traditional place in society.
This is an intellectually disingenuous way to conduct research.
I imagine if you flipped the questions to ask things like "do you think the government should censor Fox News?" and "Do you think it's right for workers to be fired for refusing to get the covid vaccine?" - the results would show democrats embrace authoritarianism and republicans do not.
Obviously, that would be disingenuous as well.
"
Philip - I'm not really sure what point you're trying to make with these articles.
Do you really deny that a significant percentage of the left support authoritarianism, fueled by ethnic grievance or otherwise? Really?
Do you really deny that a significant percentage of the left have a problem with a liberal democracy (the kind we all grew up where free speech was assumed, media outlets being deplatformed), the rule of law (mostly peaceful protesters, open borders, defund the police), and racial tolerance (anti-racism)?
Any balanced view of the state of affairs in this country should be able to recognize that no one political party can claim being anti-authoritarian. And to claim the left is less so isn't being honest with oneself. Look no further than the Biden DoJ's activity the last few months.
On “POETS Day: The Unholy Reality That Is/Was Dylan Thomas”
The Literary Pub Crawl in Greenwich Village is an afternoon well spent if you're a tourist or local. It starts at the White Horse Tavern where Thomas consumed those infamous shots of whisky.
http://www.literarypubcrawl.com/greenwich-village.html
On “NeverTrumpers Must “Fork” the GOP”
This essay also speaks to us Democrats, in that America is now in a place where some very large number, maybe 35-40% of the electorate, supports open authoritarianism fueled by ethnic grievance. How do we convince people to support liberal democracy, the rule of law, and racial tolerance?
By 35-40% of the electorate, do you mean left wing progressives or trumpy republicans?
You seem to be describing both groups.
On “Ode To The Big Easy”
Stopped into the Copper Monkey on Conti. The entire road is ripped up and they did have an active crew there. Hard to get into the places on that road. I asked the bartender if this was all because of Ida. It had to be hell on the business. She said that the construction had been going on for 3 years and they just actually took a wall down that blocked the storefront entirely for most of that time. They are still there despite that and Covid. Amazing.
"
Thank you, Em! I enjoyed writing it. As much as I love the place, I could never live there. I'd weigh 400 ilbs if I did...
Central Grocery's sign said they are coming back but also "closed for the foreseeable future" so it sounds like it will be awhile before they do. I passed it a couple of times over the week and never saw anyone working on the building.
"
Must have been amazing to see Kermit back then. I would have liked to see him play at the Mother-in-law lounge last week as well - and be able to compare and contrast his shows for the piece. I'm guessing they would be very different. Alas ...