141 Comments
User's avatar
Mike Hammer's avatar

But Adam, you think “they” take the constitutional seriously?

Mari Wilson's avatar

He is telling us how it should be and historically was.

They have made it abundantly clear they only care about taking power. The man "swore" to uphold the Constitution just 8 months ago. I'm surprised he didn’t burst into flames when he went near those Bibles.

P.S.— using a bible is not required. Most Presidents have just chosen it as all were Christians. It is also good optics.

Jay Jay Eh's avatar

Wasn’t there a big fuss about him NOT touching the Bible?

— and theories as to why … did he he intend to lie his face off & was superstitious?

Stuyvesant Bearns's avatar

Actually, he is more than "superstitious". He is starting to get worried about "where he goes" when he dies.

If the man had any faith - he exhibits none - he would believe in a compassionate God who would forgive.

But he doesn't have any faith. So, naturally, in his 80th year he is getting worried.

As they say, "Karma's a bitch".

Pamela Mendenhall-Howard's avatar

Stuyvesant.....I think we all know where he is going......HELL!!!

I Resist's avatar

Damn obvious to me. He never intended to keep the oath because he’s a perpetual liar!

Mari Wilson's avatar

Indeed you are correct. I didn’t watch that Liar-in-Chief’s hypocrisy laden inauguration. *I edited my post! Ty!

JF's avatar

He seems to hope Heaven is in his future, so . . .

Joan Bailey's avatar

Hope doesn’t get one into heaven. Neither does good works.

Gordon Hoffman's avatar

I wish a Bible really meant something!

Mari Wilson's avatar

I hear you, but it does to about a billion Christian’s.

Gordon Hoffman's avatar

Sorry. I meant objectively, not just something that someone made up. I know a lot of people say they believe it.

Mari Wilson's avatar

No worries! I am not an organized religion kind of person. I just respect others’ beliefs. At least those who haven’t perversely twisted their books of faith into meaning something hateful and awful. We all see what THAT does!

Gordon Hoffman's avatar

The Heritage Foundation is counting on it to implement their 2025 agenda. The Bible carries a lot of power, if used correctly.

I Resist's avatar

But not MAGA Christians (CHINO) Christians in name only!

Jay Jay Eh's avatar

It’s all an “In the eye of the beholder …” thing, right? 🕊️

TheAngryBoomer's avatar

tRump is not a Christian. Find a clip of Bush's funeral where the Nicene Creed is being recited. Clinton's, Bush's, Obama's, Carter's were all reciting from memory. Cheeto Benito and the Bride of Frankenstein? Mute...

I Resist's avatar

So Adam, once again he's abused the Constitution. How do we restrict his NG power with a MAGA Congressional majority? And you can bet SCOUTIS isn’t going to do it!

MBSING's avatar

Thank you for continually being a voice of reason in today’s world.

Mari Wilson's avatar

Absolutely agree!

Kathleen Williams's avatar

I am old enough to remember Kent State, and Neil Young's song '4 Dead in Ohio'. Trump arming the National Guard is setting them up for a repeat. Where is the Military leadership? How did so many people lose their moral compass?

Professor Mac's avatar

Trump has been systematically replacing military leadership with his own people who are dedicated only to Trump.

Diane Battista's avatar

He did not call the National Guard in when there was an attempted coup and take over on January 6

Everything is backwards

Richard Breining's avatar

I like to use the phrase "bass ackwards"! 😉

Professor Mac's avatar

I agree, 100%. While I was never in the reserves, I did serve in the US Navy. I was a lifer, pushing for the 30 year retirement. The two are linked, US military and the Reserves, but the Reserves were always a force that belonged to the States. This is what we were taught back in the 50's and 60's, as part of our lessons on the US Constitution.

The States need to step up and force this before SCOTUS, and fight like hell to ensure that neither the Reserves nor the US Military are used at home against our own citizens.

Mari Wilson's avatar

The grotesquely corrupt SCOTUS 6?? You know they are going to say what he is doing is a-ok.

Professor Mac's avatar

The steps still need to be taken. This "mess" may still lead us into another civil war, but it is important that we do this by the book, so to speak. Just because the other side breaks the rules does not mean that we must do the same. We use the system to our benefit, and adjust the system to prevent future issues.

Remember that there are over 300 million Americans, and there are only ~19 million devout MAGA members. The rest are a mixture of never Trumpers, Democrats, and independents. Unity of the non-MAGA is a force that Trump cannot defeat.

Mari Wilson's avatar

And people like Adam, too! 😃

Mari Wilson's avatar

I agree wholeheartedly! Thanks for those great and inspiring words. ❤️

Diane Battista's avatar

Everything he/ they do is to silence and control the masses

The American people

Including this :

I do want to address the term “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as there needs to be a distinction made about why Trump and Maga coined this term. It is nothing that those opposing Trump should ever accept.

Talking about right from wrong, illegal versus legal, constitutional versus unconstitutional, democracy versus fascism is NOT any type of “derangement syndrome”.

It is nothing but the continued psychological PROJECTION from Trump and Maga onto people that are trying holding them accountable, talking the truth , talking the reality of the illegal and unconstitutional acts that they are doing, and the fascist authoritarian takeover that we are living through.

It is the same psychological projection that they do with every ACCUSATION that they make against anyone not a Maga follower . Projecting their own criminal behavior, deviant behavior that they’re thinking or planning to doing or that they’ve already done. And their own psychological condition.

What they’re doing to John Bolton is also part of this.

Narcissistic and psychopathic people when being held accountable or someone stands up to them always have the immediate knee-jerk response that the person or people are crazy and mentally ill.

Narcissistic abusers do this to women and even to their children if their secret gets out, and someone speaks up about their abuse in order to discredit the woman, including the children . It is more emotional and psychological abuse.

Alcoholics when confronted about their drinking and behavior always call everybody crazy .

There is a real push to have this term labeled a real mental illness for everybody else not following Trump and Maga.

With a mental illness labeled on a person in their minds they can forcibly detain, institutionalize , hospitalize and medicate their targets.

Yet another way to discredit , silence and control.

It is used as a WEAPON.

There was a Republican senator in the state of Minnesota who took to the floor of the Senate in Minnesota in March of this year to introduce legislation and have a bill passed to declare

“Trump Derangement Syndrome “ a real mental illness in the state of Minnesota.

Less than five hours later, he was arrested in a sting operation as he was trying to solicit sex from a minor.

He is a married man with 4 children.

It is important to make the distinction and unravel the meaning of this as everything else has been in the last 10 years educating people.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/18/minnesota-justin-eichorn-arrested-soliciting-minor

https://www.fox9.com/news/senator-justin-eichorn-arrested-info.amp

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/03/18/minnesota-senator-justin-eichorn-trump-derangement-syndrome/82523535007/

Jay Jay Eh's avatar

Yes, well said. The short version is “Every accusation is an admission.”

It all reminds me of John 8:44 — You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires … When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (Jesus)

Today’s Guardian discusses why he-they need to lie — “Why Trump built a staff of incompetent sycophants Leaders who value *loyalty above all else have a *symbiotic relationship with those unable to succeed on their own merits” Robert Reich

Jay Berlin's avatar

JF and others. Re the term "gaslighting." This from Wikipedia:

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where one person causes another to question their reality, memories, or perceptions. It often occurs in abusive relationships.

The term gaslighting is derived from the title of a 1938 British stage play, Gas Light, which was subsequently produced as a film, Gaslight, in the United Kingdom (1940) and the United States(1944).

A husband manipulates his wife into believing she is going insane in order to cover up his criminal activities.

Nancy's avatar

Your explanation, which is perfect, reminds me of a book I read a while ago, The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore, also author of The Radium Girls. It's historical fiction and tells of a time in the 1800s when men, usually husbands, could have their wives committed to an insane asylum (what they called them) for any behavior they disagreed with--not enough sex, not religious enough, too decisive, not sufficient controlling of the children, not able to have children.... The list goes on. It was legal, and people/men came and took these women away, and all it took was the husband to sign a paper saying she was insane. She could be put away for life! How many steps are we away from that when anything MAGA says is true and followed up by the might of the military. BTW, I highly recommend both books.

Diane Battista's avatar

It goes on still it’s called systemic misogyny.

Kate Moore also wrote

“The Woman They Could Not Silence”.

I see now looking back at your post that you mentioned this book.

All are must reads

A woman getting divorced today from a narcissistic abuser is always accused of being mentally ill. They have weaponized mental health.

Kevin McCarthy was trying to put through legislation that would classify a woman being abused as a pre-existing condition for healthcare!

Obviously, a way to silence a woman from ever telling doctors or any medical health professionals that she was abused and putting it in her health record.

The goal also being to take custody of the children and not have to pay child support. Everything is about money. The wealthy abusers are the worst given special privilege that we are witnessing right now. Many good women and mothers get destroyed with the same tactics we are witnessing

JD Vance has publicly declared that a woman must not be allowed to leave an abusive relationship.

In the past two weeks, Pete Hegseth coming out showing videos from his pastor and the most outrageous beliefs about women .

Also with the death of horrible James Dobson who was one of the original the creators of this evangelical Christian nationalism movement, intending to fully take over our government as a national religion. All shows how misogynistic brutal cruel they are.

Women now days do not have to fight back alone. They have husbands

fathers

brothers

sons standing and walking with them against misogyny, discounting minimizing, dismissing of women.

Trump wants to take away Rosie O’Donnell’s American citizenship for one reason one reason only: she got away. Abusers do not like this.

No more than the racists and the slave owners liked the emancipation proclamation that freed the slaves.

They have a very definite idea about everybody’s proper place in society under them . The video that Trump showed a Barack Obama being arrested and brought before him on his knees before him was a racist dog whistle showing where he thinks black men belong in society. Yes disgustingly self promoting for a Nobel peace prize because it was given to Barack Obama.

Now Maga and Trump Christian nationalism is trying to turn us back 100 years

It's Come To This's avatar

Cannot be said too frequently. Murderers accuse their victims, deranged lunatics fob themselves off as normal. 'It's about the cover-up, stupid.' By their deceit and treachery you shall know them.

JF's avatar

It’s also called “gaslighting”. I seriously didn’t completely comprehend the term until observing and feeling the phenomenon from Trump.

Richard Breining's avatar

Great comment! I was personally accused of having "trump Derangement Syndrome" in June (also the first time I had heard of it).

My response?

If I have it, I'm damn proud of it!

Diane Battista's avatar

Richard don’t take that!

Push right back and tell them that is their issue .

That is their mental health issue .

It’s a cult of personality

The Christian nationalist have created a false God

Has nothing to do with Christianity

Richard Breining's avatar

Actually, it is THEY who have trump deraingement syndrome. THEY are all very derainged! I suggest we all tell them that when they try to put that label on us!

Gavin Newsom is doing a terrific job of turning their BS back on them (particularly trump) and from what I can tell it's working, as evidenced by how faux news is talking about it! We should all do likewise.

Professor Mac's avatar

The simplest defense against TDS is a newborn child. Are they born with this so called TDS? Obviously they are not following Trump. Does the majority of the human race suffer from this TDS?

In every case that I can imagine so far, they all fail the litmus test. TDS is a failure. Better to call it "TDIS", or Trump Derangement Imaginary Syndrome.

Kandy Brown's avatar

The Second Amendment was written before ak-47's and Trump. The founding fathers would be HORRIFIED by what is now occurring. It was meant to protect, not to destroy. (Remember a gun in the eighteenth century was protection and a grocery store. If you could load a musket and shoot someone accurately in 60 seconds, it was a fucking miracle. Now you can mow down more that 300 people in that amount of time. Advances in technology changes the rules!) Trump is using our own precious Constitution against us. AND THAT IS TREASON! Impeach him for that! Maybe the third time would be a charm!

WayneNW's avatar

Sorry but a third time won't be a charm as long as the Nazi-Republican party controls both houses of Congress.

Kandy Brown's avatar

You are probably right. But there is a way to finally stop him! I won't say it here, but it exists and is rather final!

WayneNW's avatar

Agreed. Hate to say it. :(

WayneNW's avatar

However, if anything other than the 25th Amendment was used to remove him and failed, it would be the excuse he needs to declare a national emergency and remove any remaining resemblance of democracy.

Sioux Fleming's avatar

If I am following the legal case before Judge Charles Breyer in California correctly this is another violation of the Posse Comitatus Act. Were still waiting for his ruling on the use of the Guard and Marines in LA and that may affect Trump’s ability to use the Guard in other cities but I no longer respect the 9th circuit or the Supreme Court so I’m very afraid how this will turn out.

I’m also not a lawyer big this second amendment argument may play better with the center and the right than another approach and it’s one I hadn’t. Considered, so thank you. I’m proudly liberal but I realize that what works for me won’t work for others. Thank you for making this interesting legal point.

JF's avatar

Not trusting our own Supreme Court wasn’t on my dance card. It’s still rattling around inside, making me uncomfortable. Very uncomfortable. To realize there is no recourse for these abuses.

Sioux Fleming's avatar

Since I don’t know your threshold for this, I don’t know where you draw the line. I’m very liberal so I danced that rumba a long time ago but I would think presidential immunity would be a line for most

Ellen Brown's avatar

There is no longer a balance of power. Checks and balances as envisioned by the founding fathers is not a concept this administration finds acceptable. Another example of how democracy is being dismantled. I repeatedly say that if there is a national disaster where the National Guard is needed, God help us. I don’t want my tax dollars going to the President’s folly. We no longer have a say.

Diane Battista's avatar

Do you think that this movement of national military to DC and then announcing all these other cities is to prevent another massive no kings protest?

Mari Wilson's avatar

It is all part of taking kkkontrol.

Steve O’Cally's avatar

Drop your fucking pearls, girls. We ain’t lost yet.

The organized militia exists already in half of the States. 25 states have an active State Militia only answering to State authority, the Governor.

These states, the blue states, should declare their State National Guard subordinate to the State Defense Forces/State Militia and mobilize them as a unit.

If the National Guard, mobilized by the Governor, is Federalized and ordered by the Federal Government to break away and fight their brothers, will they?

It is better to have armed disobedience than helpless complicity.

Blue states that have a legally inactivated Defense Forces better get a wiggle on, bro’s and gals.

Steve O’Cally's avatar

These are not the freakshow boys.

California State Militia under Governor Newsom’s command states:

“Units NOT open to public membership and/or which are organized for any purpose other than the support of Constitutional principals and community service may be considered private armies and are NOT to be confused with the Constitutional "unorganized" militia.

As a practical matter, we allow only citizens of good character in the militia.”

https://www.californiastatemilitia.org/

They have guns and armories, but more importantly, a standing structure and chain of command. They NEED CALIFORNIANS to fill their ranks, especially those who have military experience.

The law opts for the California Inactive Reserve, who include all California citizens of good character. They can be trained at some time if needs be.

Right now, a weekend a month to train and Camp in California. You got a weekend a month?

We are not just f*d, no, not by a long shot.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

GOD BLESS CALIFORNIA

https://www.californiastatemilitia.org/s/cc_images/teaserbox_4097296943.jpg?t=1476227299

Mari Wilson's avatar

Well, that’s all blown to hell now. Do you see who he’s letting be “FBI” agents? And “LEO”? And “ICE” agents? 🤦🏻‍♀️

Mari Wilson's avatar

Some are obese, seriously overweight, obviously untrained. And wearing masks—those are mainly the ones who are doing it. If you have seen any of these events happen. Which you have a lot if you’re in California.

He also recently announced that you no longer have to pass a fitness test nor have a college degree to join the F.B.I. Agents are quitting and he is desperate.

I am a born and raised Californian, I just left 20 years ago. But I go back to visit F&F all the time.

Steve O’Cally's avatar

Well, go join the California State Defense Force. Chase some of those couch-dwellers.

Recruit friends and family. Can they stand being required to camp a weekend a month at Big Sur or Pismo Beach?

Mari Wilson's avatar

Wow, that comment is surprisingly harsh and assumptive. I no longer live there and don't know anyone capable tbh.

Have you joined? Are your F&F joining?

I'm coming out for a visit soon and am concerned I will see one of these blatant illegal kidnappings right in front of me, lose it and get arrested!

Not that I'd go after them in a violent way, but I would definitely get in their faces.

Michelle Wright's avatar

They don’t care and are ignoring the Constitution. This is turning into martial law and if we keep going, they are going to lie and never acknowledge 2026. There maybe elections but rigged or denied elections. Adam, you are so clever and fearless and I follow you daily but we need to face a dangerous reality here. Going to keep up the fight and always open to optimism??

Maria K.'s avatar

Adam, I have been wondering about this too. I know the National Guard and the military both have a legal right to refuse obeying the orders they believe to be in violations of their oath and the Constitution. So, why do we not see this happening? There were independent journalists on the ground in LA and in DC who took time to talk to the National Guard dispatched there - and in both cases, these people did NOT want to be there and knew this was wrong. So, why do they not refuse?

Phgladko's avatar

So Pritzker should grab the guard first, to protect Illinois from a tyrannical despot, clearly in mental decline.

JF's avatar

Something like that scenario is probably awaiting.

Richard Breining's avatar

"If the Guard can be taken over by Washington whenever it wants, then the “militia” that the Second Amendment promised the states — and the people — isn’t really there. That undercuts not just state sovereignty, but the deeper principle that the people themselves should have a defense outside of federal control."

What I am about to point out is my opinion only and not meant to describe Adam's intent by writing this paragraph.

Ongoing actions taken by the trump administration appear (at least to me) to be intended to take over everything and create their idea of "civilization" through an Oligarchic Authoritarian Dictatorship. (Using wealth and power to force everyone else to live a certain way and "keep them in their place".)

If this oppression of Americans continues and expands, I am concerned that "the people themselves" WILL form "a defense outside of federal control."

So far the lower courts have been doing a yeoman's job of defending us from this abuse of power by the executive branch. Unfortunately executive branch cases that get to SCOTUS so far have been decided in favor of the executive, contributing to the erosion of democracy.

In short, I think that we may be forced to form a defense outside of federal control (perhaps as intended within the scope of the 2nd Amendment).

BTW, ever notice how trump must have EVERY ONE if his "sickophants" lined up behind him at every press event? To me, a sure sign of cowardice!

Fred Behringer's avatar

It's been a huge wake-up - how frail the country's constitution and checks/balances are. It's basically been working because for the most part there were norms that people followed. Trump and MAGA have thrown that out the window. We have a lot of work to do to get back on the right track.