Trump received the highest number of Black male votes than any Republican in history. But go ahead white guy, tell them how stupid they are. Get the fuck outta here with your fucking bullshit.
After researching the January 6th insurrectionists, law enforcement experts have not specifically labeled them as part of a Neo-Nazi movement. However, several extremist groups, including the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys, participated in the Capitol attack. These groups are associated with far-right ideologies and have members who hold white nationalist and extremist beliefs. The broader context of the insurrection has been linked to a rise in right-wing extremism in the United States.
What motivates these individuals?
• Ideology: Many extremists are driven by a belief in a particular ideology, whether political, religious, or social. They may see their actions as advancing their cause or fighting against perceived injustices.
• Identity and Belonging: Extremist groups often provide a sense of identity and belonging to their members. Individuals may join these groups to feel part of a community or to gain a sense of purpose.
• Grievances: Personal or collective grievances, such as economic hardship, social marginalization, or perceived discrimination, can motivate individuals to engage in extremist activities.
• Social Networks: Connections with friends, family, or acquaintances who are already involved in extremist activities can play a significant role in radicalizing individuals.
It is evident that some unscrupulous politicians and business people view these individuals in a transactional light. There is money to be made and unaccountable power to be acquired.
Could this movement be seen as the first stage of failure for democracy in this country? At this point, it is hard to say. However, during a speech at The Believers' Summit in West Palm Beach, Florida, on July 26, 2024, Trump told Christian voters that if they vote for him in the upcoming election, they "won't have to vote again" in four years.
Associating with Donald Trump can have varied consequences, depending on the context and the individual's role. For some, it can lead to increased visibility and support within certain political and social circles. For others, it might result in criticism or backlash from those who oppose Trump's policies and actions.
In the business world, the perception of associating with Trump has shifted over time. While it was once considered toxic, it has become less so in certain circles. This change highlights the evolving nature of political affiliations and their impact on individuals and organizations. But overall, those who are not in the Trump family circle, generally loose “big time”. Rudy, Eastman and a few others are prime examples.
The consequences of associating with Trump vary based on factors such as an individual's position, context, and the political climate. Elon Musk, without government credentials, currently provides financial support to Trump, who faces substantial legal fees, fines, and civil judgments. Trump's ventures, including his past presidency, have not achieved long-term success, paralleling his failed gambling operations and other businesses.
The midterms could be a turning point for Trump. His convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude disqualify him from holding certain licenses. There is a reason form this.
Thomas this is excellent. Exactly my thinking when I saw the outrage this morning on social media. We know Musk is a fascist so why are we freaking out because he might be giving the nazi salute? We have to pace ourselves on this stuff over the next four years. Thank you for bringing clarity to the issue.
I suppose many have stories of how they deliberately spent yesterday out in the world doing what we do. And some people "naturally" notice the details. Writers are like that. And from rural Anson County. You got damn chops, Thomas.
Fair point, and good practical advice in general. But it's pretty hard not to swing at the co-President, who supports the neo-Nazi party in Germany, overtly appealing to actual fucking Nazis.
When they're running the Nazi playbook, implementing Nazi policies, using the Nazi tactic of street violence to intimidate opposition from regular people, and FREEING ACTUAL NAZI THUGS who overran the Capitol, ON DAY ONE, their co-leader appealing to their Nazi supporters with an actual Nazi salute isn't just distraction.
In 2017, a little-known disgruntled clown named Richard Spencer did this at some wingnut conclave in the Reagan Building, and people shrugged. Seven months later, there was open mob violence in Charlottesville, during which an actual Nazi and White Supremacist named James Alex Fields drove his car at high speed into a crowd of peaceful protesters, killing one and injuring dozens, several critically.
Eight years later, we have the world's wealthiest man, the crytobro hero who funded Trump's campaign, shared his campaign stage, and then shared his transition palace while he picked his cabinet nominees, doing the same thing on stage at what was for practical purposes the official inauguration event. Just hours before the announcement that they were freeing the ACTUAL NAZIS AND WHITE SUPREMACISTS who sacked the Capitol, in mob violence exponentially greater, and six times as deadly, as that in Charlottesville. Hmmm, what harm could possibly follow?
I wonder what Heather Heyer would say about this advice.
You’re right about all of it, of course. Except for this “He gave up an incredible amount of moral high ground….” Not sure any of those he preemptively pardoned would agree. Biden was willing to take the slings and arrows for doubt it because no pardoning them would leave them wide open to whatever vengeful prosecution Trump felt like inflicting on them. And the likelihood was more like when than if.
I completely agree. Biden was just trying to protect innocent people, many who did a lot of good. Maybe the optics aren't great, but he did what he needed to do. We are already seeing what the Monster in Chief will do.
Get your Crypto coin, victory watch, or gold tennis shoes before they're gone! The grift is on! The White House is no longer a respected seat of government, but a corporate headquarters for a retail operation selling Trump Towers, bibles, guitars and get out of jail cards. I can’t help but remember the Movie Caddie Shack II, where Jackie Mason played a character named Jack Hartounian who turned a golf club into an amusement park.
While Jackie delivered an admirable performance as a wealthy but culturally challenged character in Caddy Shack II, his predecessor Rodney Dangerfield, who portrayed Al Czervik in the original Caddy Shack, would have been an excellent choice for portraying Donald Trump. They both claim "I don't get no respect, no respect at all!"
Musk’s salute wasn’t some still photo taken out of context. He emphatically did the gesture twice.
Was he just trolling? Was it genuine? You could argue either of those cases, but it’s irrelevant.
Musk did the salute from behind the Presidential Seal at an official event. This matters.
When you have an official White House email and an office outside the oval, you don’t get to just do things for the shits and giggles of it. At least, not without impacting our standing on the global stage.
Don’t agree with much today. Biden losing the moral high ground by giving pardons. Do you really think Trump gives two shits about what Biden did to protect innocent people? He will pardon whoever the hell he pleases which he has done several times. A nazi salute at an inauguration event and we aren’t supposed to get fired up about that. I agree about picking battles but we can’t sit idly by when that is going on.
I waited until the final hours of election day to see if Harris showed any sign that she would take a moral stand. Sadly, she did not. And it's not that Biden "wasn't able to stop Bibi." He had the means, just not the moral fortitude to do it.
Biden long ago "lost the moral high ground" by sponsoring and enabling Israel's mass-murder revenge campaign in Gaza that has left tens of thousands of defenseless civilians dead--or missing under tons of bombed-out rubble. Shortly before the election he warned Bibi Netanyahu to allow humanitarian aid to reach starving Gazans or risk a weapons cutoff. When his deadline came and went, Biden didn't even have the integrity to say he never meant it. He left it to his subordinates to announce his shameful capitulation. Biden will long be remembered by his well deserved moniker of "Genocide Joe." That and bringing Trump back to power will be Biden's enduring legacy.
Some people may be able to turn a blind eye to Israel's monstrous war crimes and the Biden-Harris deep complicity in them. I'm just not one of those people.
Here's one that won’t age well, especially with bird flu getting cranked up ... "Trump revoked several Biden policies aimed at tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and preparing the country for future infectious disease outbreaks. All were issued in 2021 in the midst of the crisis, and were meant to bolster Covid-19 testing, research into treatments, provide economic relief, and enhance cooperation with other countries in the event of another pandemic. " from https://www.statnews.com/2025/01/20/trump-executive-orders-health-care-drug-pricing-aca-covid-gender-discrimination/
Mr. Mills. Your column should be daily in the New York Times. Your writing exceeds that of many opinion writers. Keep up your wonderful observations....and thank you.
Agree with much of this Thomas. But Musk made a clear, intentional and repeated Nazi salute from the podium. It cannot be dismissed. This is not a distraction. It is an in your face dangerous Fascist statement from the richest man in the world and the President’s favorite advisor. I am paying attention to the things you list as important. Those things take us in a Fascist direction - the direction Musk confirmed from the podium with his salute. The salute did not make me look the other way and miss the actions. And the American people have the capacity to understand both the actions and the meaning.
Come on guys, if Elon was trying to give a Roman military salute he did a piss poor job. Romans regarded the salute as a symbol of discipline, respect, and unity within the Roman military.
It was performed as follows: A Straight Arm: The right arm was extended forward, slightly raised, with the palm facing down. The arm was kept straight and firm. The fingers were together, and the thumb was aligned with the fingers, creating a flat hand. The Roman soldier stood upright with a disciplined posture, shoulders back, and chest out. The gaze was often directed forward or towards the person receiving the salute.
Elon waved his arm around like he was trying hail a taxi. Would you expect anything else from an individual who like his idol,” The Donald”, never served in the military ?
Please. This is the kind of plausible-denial nitpicking neo-Nazis engage in. It's deliberate. (As came out in the evidence at the Charlottesville Nazi trial.)
We saw the video. We know who he publicly supports. (The Alliance for Deutschland, Germany's neo-Nazi party.) Stop providing cover.
Listen, I was merely trying to ILLUSTRATE how amateurish Elon was in his attempt to imitate something he clearly did not understand. I'm not even remotely associated with any neo- ideology. Please take a look at my previous comments for context,
I did, and edited my reply accordingly. It remains true that vagueness, obfuscation, "it was just a joke," "oh man, he was just bro'ing," etc, are all part of the dog whistle. (Really, a slightly turned-down bullhorn.) They're plausible deniability.
And the fact that you and I restack a lot of the same stuff, and appear to see the world in the same way on most of this stuff most of the time, doesn't change the fact that your comment above, as written and without the context of the rest of your stack, is doing the work, whether you mean to or not, of providing cover for this Nazi supporter. Who, from his Xheets saying Germany's only salvation is through the AfD, is a genuine Nazi supporter.
If you think you're making fun of him, terrific. As a reader, I'm pointing out it's having the opposite effect. And also that there's nothing funny about it.
I get where you're coming from. It's important to recognize that even if the intent behind a comment is to mock or criticize, it can still be misinterpreted or used to provide cover for harmful ideologies. The use of vague language or humor can sometimes obscure the true message and allow for plausible deniability. It's crucial to be mindful of how our words might be perceived and the potential impact they can have, especially when discussing sensitive topics like this. Thanks for pointing it out.
Trump received the highest number of Black male votes than any Republican in history. But go ahead white guy, tell them how stupid they are. Get the fuck outta here with your fucking bullshit.
After researching the January 6th insurrectionists, law enforcement experts have not specifically labeled them as part of a Neo-Nazi movement. However, several extremist groups, including the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys, participated in the Capitol attack. These groups are associated with far-right ideologies and have members who hold white nationalist and extremist beliefs. The broader context of the insurrection has been linked to a rise in right-wing extremism in the United States.
What motivates these individuals?
• Ideology: Many extremists are driven by a belief in a particular ideology, whether political, religious, or social. They may see their actions as advancing their cause or fighting against perceived injustices.
• Identity and Belonging: Extremist groups often provide a sense of identity and belonging to their members. Individuals may join these groups to feel part of a community or to gain a sense of purpose.
• Grievances: Personal or collective grievances, such as economic hardship, social marginalization, or perceived discrimination, can motivate individuals to engage in extremist activities.
• Social Networks: Connections with friends, family, or acquaintances who are already involved in extremist activities can play a significant role in radicalizing individuals.
It is evident that some unscrupulous politicians and business people view these individuals in a transactional light. There is money to be made and unaccountable power to be acquired.
Could this movement be seen as the first stage of failure for democracy in this country? At this point, it is hard to say. However, during a speech at The Believers' Summit in West Palm Beach, Florida, on July 26, 2024, Trump told Christian voters that if they vote for him in the upcoming election, they "won't have to vote again" in four years.
Associating with Donald Trump can have varied consequences, depending on the context and the individual's role. For some, it can lead to increased visibility and support within certain political and social circles. For others, it might result in criticism or backlash from those who oppose Trump's policies and actions.
In the business world, the perception of associating with Trump has shifted over time. While it was once considered toxic, it has become less so in certain circles. This change highlights the evolving nature of political affiliations and their impact on individuals and organizations. But overall, those who are not in the Trump family circle, generally loose “big time”. Rudy, Eastman and a few others are prime examples.
The consequences of associating with Trump vary based on factors such as an individual's position, context, and the political climate. Elon Musk, without government credentials, currently provides financial support to Trump, who faces substantial legal fees, fines, and civil judgments. Trump's ventures, including his past presidency, have not achieved long-term success, paralleling his failed gambling operations and other businesses.
The midterms could be a turning point for Trump. His convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude disqualify him from holding certain licenses. There is a reason form this.
Exactly: Emphasize a couple of areas where the public understands what's going on and hammer those home.
Thomas this is excellent. Exactly my thinking when I saw the outrage this morning on social media. We know Musk is a fascist so why are we freaking out because he might be giving the nazi salute? We have to pace ourselves on this stuff over the next four years. Thank you for bringing clarity to the issue.
I suppose many have stories of how they deliberately spent yesterday out in the world doing what we do. And some people "naturally" notice the details. Writers are like that. And from rural Anson County. You got damn chops, Thomas.
Fair point, and good practical advice in general. But it's pretty hard not to swing at the co-President, who supports the neo-Nazi party in Germany, overtly appealing to actual fucking Nazis.
When they're running the Nazi playbook, implementing Nazi policies, using the Nazi tactic of street violence to intimidate opposition from regular people, and FREEING ACTUAL NAZI THUGS who overran the Capitol, ON DAY ONE, their co-leader appealing to their Nazi supporters with an actual Nazi salute isn't just distraction.
In 2017, a little-known disgruntled clown named Richard Spencer did this at some wingnut conclave in the Reagan Building, and people shrugged. Seven months later, there was open mob violence in Charlottesville, during which an actual Nazi and White Supremacist named James Alex Fields drove his car at high speed into a crowd of peaceful protesters, killing one and injuring dozens, several critically.
Eight years later, we have the world's wealthiest man, the crytobro hero who funded Trump's campaign, shared his campaign stage, and then shared his transition palace while he picked his cabinet nominees, doing the same thing on stage at what was for practical purposes the official inauguration event. Just hours before the announcement that they were freeing the ACTUAL NAZIS AND WHITE SUPREMACISTS who sacked the Capitol, in mob violence exponentially greater, and six times as deadly, as that in Charlottesville. Hmmm, what harm could possibly follow?
I wonder what Heather Heyer would say about this advice.
You’re right about all of it, of course. Except for this “He gave up an incredible amount of moral high ground….” Not sure any of those he preemptively pardoned would agree. Biden was willing to take the slings and arrows for doubt it because no pardoning them would leave them wide open to whatever vengeful prosecution Trump felt like inflicting on them. And the likelihood was more like when than if.
I completely agree. Biden was just trying to protect innocent people, many who did a lot of good. Maybe the optics aren't great, but he did what he needed to do. We are already seeing what the Monster in Chief will do.
The outrage machine isn't merely to keep us swinging at everything that moves; it's to wear us down with confusion and, finally, exhaustion.
Blocking Patel and the Greedy tax cut are the priorities I see.
Get your Crypto coin, victory watch, or gold tennis shoes before they're gone! The grift is on! The White House is no longer a respected seat of government, but a corporate headquarters for a retail operation selling Trump Towers, bibles, guitars and get out of jail cards. I can’t help but remember the Movie Caddie Shack II, where Jackie Mason played a character named Jack Hartounian who turned a golf club into an amusement park.
While Jackie delivered an admirable performance as a wealthy but culturally challenged character in Caddy Shack II, his predecessor Rodney Dangerfield, who portrayed Al Czervik in the original Caddy Shack, would have been an excellent choice for portraying Donald Trump. They both claim "I don't get no respect, no respect at all!"
Hard disagree.
Musk’s salute wasn’t some still photo taken out of context. He emphatically did the gesture twice.
Was he just trolling? Was it genuine? You could argue either of those cases, but it’s irrelevant.
Musk did the salute from behind the Presidential Seal at an official event. This matters.
When you have an official White House email and an office outside the oval, you don’t get to just do things for the shits and giggles of it. At least, not without impacting our standing on the global stage.
Don’t agree with much today. Biden losing the moral high ground by giving pardons. Do you really think Trump gives two shits about what Biden did to protect innocent people? He will pardon whoever the hell he pleases which he has done several times. A nazi salute at an inauguration event and we aren’t supposed to get fired up about that. I agree about picking battles but we can’t sit idly by when that is going on.
Well, the Palestinians will be much, much better under Trump.
Did you vote for Harris or did you stand on the moral high ground because Biden wasn’t able to stop Bibi from doing what he was going to do?
I waited until the final hours of election day to see if Harris showed any sign that she would take a moral stand. Sadly, she did not. And it's not that Biden "wasn't able to stop Bibi." He had the means, just not the moral fortitude to do it.
Biden long ago "lost the moral high ground" by sponsoring and enabling Israel's mass-murder revenge campaign in Gaza that has left tens of thousands of defenseless civilians dead--or missing under tons of bombed-out rubble. Shortly before the election he warned Bibi Netanyahu to allow humanitarian aid to reach starving Gazans or risk a weapons cutoff. When his deadline came and went, Biden didn't even have the integrity to say he never meant it. He left it to his subordinates to announce his shameful capitulation. Biden will long be remembered by his well deserved moniker of "Genocide Joe." That and bringing Trump back to power will be Biden's enduring legacy.
And it's logic like that which caused millions to stay home and not vote so that Trump could win. Being a one issue voter just helped Trump win.
Some people may be able to turn a blind eye to Israel's monstrous war crimes and the Biden-Harris deep complicity in them. I'm just not one of those people.
Here's one that won’t age well, especially with bird flu getting cranked up ... "Trump revoked several Biden policies aimed at tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and preparing the country for future infectious disease outbreaks. All were issued in 2021 in the midst of the crisis, and were meant to bolster Covid-19 testing, research into treatments, provide economic relief, and enhance cooperation with other countries in the event of another pandemic. " from https://www.statnews.com/2025/01/20/trump-executive-orders-health-care-drug-pricing-aca-covid-gender-discrimination/
Fuck Donald Trump and his band of NAzi Bilionaires
Mr. Mills. Your column should be daily in the New York Times. Your writing exceeds that of many opinion writers. Keep up your wonderful observations....and thank you.
Hell yeah!
Agree with much of this Thomas. But Musk made a clear, intentional and repeated Nazi salute from the podium. It cannot be dismissed. This is not a distraction. It is an in your face dangerous Fascist statement from the richest man in the world and the President’s favorite advisor. I am paying attention to the things you list as important. Those things take us in a Fascist direction - the direction Musk confirmed from the podium with his salute. The salute did not make me look the other way and miss the actions. And the American people have the capacity to understand both the actions and the meaning.
Come on guys, if Elon was trying to give a Roman military salute he did a piss poor job. Romans regarded the salute as a symbol of discipline, respect, and unity within the Roman military.
It was performed as follows: A Straight Arm: The right arm was extended forward, slightly raised, with the palm facing down. The arm was kept straight and firm. The fingers were together, and the thumb was aligned with the fingers, creating a flat hand. The Roman soldier stood upright with a disciplined posture, shoulders back, and chest out. The gaze was often directed forward or towards the person receiving the salute.
Elon waved his arm around like he was trying hail a taxi. Would you expect anything else from an individual who like his idol,” The Donald”, never served in the military ?
Please. This is the kind of plausible-denial nitpicking neo-Nazis engage in. It's deliberate. (As came out in the evidence at the Charlottesville Nazi trial.)
We saw the video. We know who he publicly supports. (The Alliance for Deutschland, Germany's neo-Nazi party.) Stop providing cover.
Listen, I was merely trying to ILLUSTRATE how amateurish Elon was in his attempt to imitate something he clearly did not understand. I'm not even remotely associated with any neo- ideology. Please take a look at my previous comments for context,
I did, and edited my reply accordingly. It remains true that vagueness, obfuscation, "it was just a joke," "oh man, he was just bro'ing," etc, are all part of the dog whistle. (Really, a slightly turned-down bullhorn.) They're plausible deniability.
And the fact that you and I restack a lot of the same stuff, and appear to see the world in the same way on most of this stuff most of the time, doesn't change the fact that your comment above, as written and without the context of the rest of your stack, is doing the work, whether you mean to or not, of providing cover for this Nazi supporter. Who, from his Xheets saying Germany's only salvation is through the AfD, is a genuine Nazi supporter.
If you think you're making fun of him, terrific. As a reader, I'm pointing out it's having the opposite effect. And also that there's nothing funny about it.
I get where you're coming from. It's important to recognize that even if the intent behind a comment is to mock or criticize, it can still be misinterpreted or used to provide cover for harmful ideologies. The use of vague language or humor can sometimes obscure the true message and allow for plausible deniability. It's crucial to be mindful of how our words might be perceived and the potential impact they can have, especially when discussing sensitive topics like this. Thanks for pointing it out.