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Miles Taylor's avatar

To be clear, our current form of capitalism is deeply imperfect. Don't get me started. My point isn't a debate about capitalism vs its alternatives... it's that Trump is mimicking the dark versions of socialism (that led to Stalin, Mao, etc.) that he once decried. Economic power in the hands of ONE man is unacceptable, no matter what your economic views. If it is acceptable, well, you're probably in the wrong country.

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Lyn Gerry's avatar

Glad you clarified this because the tone of the article struck me as the choice between Ayn Rand and Stalin, both of which I don't want. There are obviously many other options. However, I probably am in the wrong country but I'm too old to move to Denmark.

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Dawn's avatar

Thanks for bringing up Ayn Rand warning about the monument builders. In the meantime, as I write I read Trump is declaring himself as President of Venezuela? (He also thinks Little Marco should be President of Cuba) Isn't that just one of many counts of TREASON committed by DJT? If I were in the military I would refuse unlawful orders from a traitor.

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Kim Sherwood's avatar

Excellent point about the military refusing orders, Dawn--thanks for bringing it up.

Miles, is this something you can elaborate on in a (near) future article or video? After all the national conversation about it over the last few weeks, WHY haven't they done it? (This seems especially pertinent after I just watched the conversation between Joyce Vance and Tess Bridgeman about the War Powers Act ( https://open.substack.com/pub/joycevance/p/live-with-tess-bridgeman-understanding?r=53w0td&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web ))

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Dawn's avatar

I watched that substack live, as well, Kim. I agree, it was an excellent conversation.

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Ana Maria's avatar

Excellent writing this morning! Thank you Miles!

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Allen B from MD's avatar

Hear! Hear!!! Miles! Spot on. So what is it going to take to get the MAGA acolytes to wake the eff up? Economic collapse? Will they then try to blame it on Biden? This behavior is all a rerun of "The Apprentice". Screw up and blame someone else so you don't get "fired" from the show. Are our Republican friends afraid of getting "fired" by donffrey trumpstein too? We have seen this "reality show" before, and it got cancelled for poor ratings after its entertainment value lost its shine and was boring.

Great seeing you at the NPC in DC. "The escalator guy"

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Michelle Oldani's avatar

This is such an excellent article, Miles. Thank you for all that you do!

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Liz Saghi's avatar

Thank you for writing this excellent essay, Miles. I don't see how anyone can argue against the points you bring up, but I guess the Trump loyalist will find a way to distort the facts. You exemplify the brave and patriotic American citizen. I admire your courage in speaking up and keeping us informed despite the threats you receive from this despotic regime. Keep up the good work.

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Wendy Shelley's avatar

“Some scared brute or some pretentious mediocrity who craved a mantle of unearned greatness.“ You couldn’t say it any better, Miles. I keep wondering when people are going to wake up and just say NO.

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sit_with's avatar

he's turning us into a banana republic, "The term is sometimes used disparagingly to describe any country experiencing significant political chaos or corruption, even democracies in decline, highlighting a perceived breakdown of law and order." Risa M

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Sher''s avatar

He always becomes what he projects on to others..like clockwork. And he does follow thru on every unjust and insane objective he puts forth unless summarily stopped and foiled. History bears that out.

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MB Matthews, she/her's avatar

This is all part of the 2+2= 5 Orwellian 1984 math.

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Linda Silfven's avatar

What the hell will it take for Republicans in Washington to wake up? Complete economic collapse? Maybe so; maybe that is their only red line. It certainly isn’t murdering American citizens or going to war with NATO. Not a peep out of the fuckers.

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mew's avatar

You are amazing.

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Star Aasved's avatar

It seems clear the Republicans, in the main, won’t do a damned thing about the idiot.

What happened to the “small government” mantra espoused by the Republicans for years? This government is inflating faster than a hot air balloon (and run by someone full of hot air) and clearly, in the wrong direction.

I’m waiting for serfdom, that’s most likely coming for those who have less. Maybe they’ll work on that “triumphal” arch.

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Elizabeth 🇨🇦's avatar

Respectfully pushing back a bit just on your headline Miles and all - he is one now and you are already in an authoritarian government. Heather C Richardson gave the Totalitarian definition and it was spot on. One historian said look at it as a plateau, and we’re half way. Or whatever way.

The outside world sees this. The sooner you can see this it is hoped everyone will galvanize more. Please say it like it is - just how bad it has really gotten. Zero like your old Republican Party (and you know that!).

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Joy P's avatar

Economist Justin Wolfers on negative impact when (idiot, per Miles) autocrat undermines fed independence … you get Turkey, graph in link

https://bsky.app/profile/justinwolfers.bsky.social/post/3mc6w3yflxm2p

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Joy P's avatar

Catherine Rampell with Powell asking him what happened last time Fed was less independent

https://www.youtube.com/live/Oy1vB7UCzTE?si=09YjuRfTCMm-gWuW

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Klm808150's avatar

Reeks of corruption

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