Thank you for writing this column. I urge those who did not watch Bill Maher's Opening Monologue ("Real Time With Bill Maher") to do so, detailing his meeting with President Trump. Perhaps SB Current will post the YouTube link. Bill Maher was explicit that his commentary would be objective -- which it was -- and yet still managed seamlessly his masterful comedic voice. It was a stunning 10 minutes. Larry David, as well as Nancy Freeman above, fall into that trap of fellow citizens who are largely responsible for the dreadful state of degraded civility in our country. How can we self-govern when we can no longer speak to one another? How can we debate and resolve the complex issues when folks like Nancy, Larrry, Rosie etc., will not listen? How many of us have been destroyed -- yes, destroyed -- by family members, colleagues, and close friends of many years simply because you are Republican? I long for that time not so long ago, when on Friday mornings, co-workers would congregate around the water fountain to talk about last night's episode of "Seinfeld." Remember the 90's? A lot more was gained talking about "nothing" than the cruelty hurled at fellows these past 10 years. Just last week I listened to a new acquaintance shamelessly tell me (a stranger) that she no longer had anything to do with her adult son because of his MAGA politics. I was shocked. On a personal level, I was appalled that a mother would abandon her child. I recall Orwell's prophetic "1984" in which ALL allegiance is to Big Brother. Children betray parents. Parents betray one another, all for ideology. I sat silent and listened to this woman who proudly exclaimed her stance, no point in telling her that life is fragile. That those we love can be taken from us in an instant. I do not fathom such thinking. Maher was courageous in his monologue, a good American. Now, have at me Nancy.
Beautifully written, Celeste. Those who seek division and then cry out that we are divided (Nancy?) should hold their heads in shame. This modern version of 1984’s “Two Minute Hate” has done so much damage. A mother disowning a child? Over politics? Those who regurgitate such hate (Nancy?) act as though they haven’t a clue the bile they have swallowed and claim to spout only truths. Is it just a sick power move for people without principles or perhaps something worse?
Celeste, I think it depends on your POV. I have friends who are complete Commie-Dems. I’m an American Republican patriot about 2 steps to the right of John Wayne, but we laugh and joke about all these politicians, their goofy hustles, their successes and failures.
Earl, and their & your attitudes are healthy for the republic as well as each other. Personal relationships matter so mych more than the political ultimately. Thanks for your response.
Celeste: Thank you for your offer. I am not alone at being shocked and utterly dismayed at the number of Republicans who claim trump has not lied, admitted his admiration for Hitler, and Putin, has been deemed a felon by the courts, not paid IRS taxes, had 6 bankruptcies etc. etc…….yet none of that is EVER acknowledged by the Republicans. And when I repeatedly ask where the other ( to me wrongly stated attributions are made of trump, no one seems to be able to cite the source for claiming, for example, that the Jan.6 gang “was peaceful “ or that trump did not say he admired Hitler.
How about his promise that he is “ the Retribution “ and he is.now going after long standing admired truthful-reporting entities like NPR and PBS.?
We Liberals think trump is not fit to be president and he is demonstrating daily that he breaks the laws of our Democracy.
None of you will acknowledge that.
There is so much evidence daily, being reported by long standing reputable press, stations, individuals of his felonious behavior. The dialog between us gets stuck because none of you will cite your sources for admiring this man. None of you will ever admit ….Because it is the reality…..that he breaks the law of our constitution every day of his first 100 days, plus the fact that his history as a citizen Of this country is rife with breaking the laws.
How about admitting this grossly flawed human’s past and present law-breaking behavior..
He lied about not having lost the last Biden Presidency. He had those hoodlums attack Democracy on Jan .6. Tell me, Celeste, is all that behavior of his perfectly acceptable to you….for what gains to you personally? I would really like to know. No one here will honestly say.
I personally believe and we Liberals in general believe you are denying trumps gross flaws, but what we don’t understand is, what do you expect to gain for this massive failure?
Nancy, throughout your response, an accusatory position is clearly presented in the usage of "we [liberals]" and "you" in reference to all others. All other Americans. That was Bill Maher's point in his monologue and in his motivation to sit down as an invited guest with the President. (He also behaved like a guest in another's home.) Until we can again come together as a people and respect one another in public discourse, our country will continue to flounder rudderless: cc to those in governance, especially inside the Beltway. Here is an example of what we have lost, taken from my classroom experience while teaching at SBCC, Freshman English. Every semester, as the foundation for their persuasive essay-writing segment, I would assign the class to debate teams. I chose the topics and placed the students on the respective teams, assigning students to affirmative or negative positions . Students were not permitted to positions they agreed with. They were honorbound to inform me, so I could switch them to the opposing side -- where, they and their teammates would shortly discover, those individuals became effective "devil's advocates." My goal was never to indoctrinate, nor to sway one's deepheld beliefs. Instead, through the debate, students learned to examine all sides of the issues: both their opponents' strongest points as well as their side's weakest argument. Ultimately, students were allowed position choice in their final essay, but now with a clearer, more objective, fact-supported understanding of the complex issues. They wrote researched argumentative essays, not editorial opinions. Among the issues we debated -- all current at the time -- gay marriage, bilingual education, charter schools, legalization of marijuana, and the Electoral College. I never had a student complain, but many thanked me for enabling them to see the other side, even though they held onto their original position. I was so very proud of those young students over the years. Long after the semester concluded, they took away critical thinking skills, a necessary ability for our form of participatory governance. And by the way, I am a moderate liberal who actually breaks bread with "them." Many I count among my good friends, card-carrying members of the GOP. If you haven't yet watched that segment from "Real Time," DO. Then try hard to listen to what Bill Maher is saying. He is speaking to you, Nancy.
Celeste, I am aware my question to you about why you like trump as the President of America ( am I wrong about that ? ) is difficult, but if you do approve of him, I’d like to know why.
Your response is not adequate as a reply to my question .
It is a response, but misses the point of the questions.
Yes I am a liberal and hold dearly-loved liberal values. I am quite clear on that.
IF however I made an assumption as to “you” being otherwise, I would still like to know, IF you approve of trump, WHY?
And I apologize for referring to you as other than the moderate liberal you call yourself.
My questions about trump’ s “ belovedness “ is a puzzlement to me and my fellow Liberals. He appears to be such a bad human. And now he is acting like a very bad American.
If you can’t or don’t want to answer my questions, I honor your freedom to do so……maybe you know Republicans whom you’d like to quote?
Otherwise, we’ll just add you to the long list of Republicans who can’t answer those questions either.
As to Maher: I’ve listened to him many times; I don’t find him particularly enlightening regardless of his aspersions towards trump, or his possible reversals of same….if that’s the case in the video you recommend.
First, I don't believe I have ever publicly made known my personal
opinion about Donald Trump the man. If you can find such a statement, please quote me here. Also, when I presented my take-away from Bill Maher's monologue, that's a secondhand account, and why I specifically encourage people (you) to watch and listen for yourselves. There's the big issue. We no longer base our opinions and pose questions derived from actual sources, primary sources. And, never based on the complete picture or quote. Case in point: Elon Musk as Nazi. MM coverage took Musk's "Nazi Salute" out of context. His arm swings from his heart outwards. The moment is twisted to suit the narrative. In persuasive writing, that's considered dishonest. Unethical. No reputable journalist would stoop to such a level, yet in today's newsrooms, it's encouraged and swept along as "truth." There are things that concern me about Mr. Musk, absolutely: like bringing his toddler into the Oval Office while important matters are taking place. That room is sacred, public space, not appropriate for Romper Room behavior. (As opposed to the photos of young John-John under the Resolution Desk, captured in one of JFK's private moments.) Frankly, I am deeply concerned about Money Buys Power, the number of billionaire powers behind the throne (both left and right, but with left the stronger, George Soros looming).
Celeste….i can see clearly you are not going to give me or anyone on this substack your opinion of trump. That is your freedom to do so or not.
But let’s be clear…..anyone reading your replies and comments would assume you are ProRepublicans. Your statements are protective, Possibly to get Buckleys weak accolades.
I will add you to the list of people who will not reveal why they do or do not like trump……I can’t understand the hesitation.
After all, when we vote we CANT fudge. It’s FOR or AGAINST, and there are reasons for that decision. So if you’re Pro liberal ( Or semi…forgot your words ) WHY….? Why do you not like trump ?
It is also evident the only negative words you wrote were Anti-Liberals, hinting that Soros is giving more money than Musk does to trump.
It used to e a free country, so enjoy while you can. Speak only what might be self serving on this substack. Popularity is important to some.
Hey Nancy, couldn’t resist your Q of why someone would approve of Trump…well, while I’m enjoying his first 100 Golden Days of America, President Trump has achieved the most secure border in America history (saving American lives), he's fighting crime, he's cutting your taxes, fighting the Deep State, standing up to radicals, standing up to the communist, making America stronger than ever, and on & on.
President Trump will never stop fighting for you, your children, and your family. President Trump will make sure American citizens come first, not illegal aliens, criminals, or foreign adversaries.
Dawson: None of these words you write here mean anything unless you can tell me where you got your information
How do you know what you write here?
The news I listen to and read says just the opposite, and I can quote you my sources. What are your sources….or do you talk to the demented man in office ? He calls you, does he?
Nothing you say has any value unless we can verify it by a source which has a history of truth telling : NPR, PBS, PROFESSORS AT Harvard, MSNBC has never been accuse of fabricating.
Everyone I read says those first 100 days have been / are “ disastrous.”.
Innocent men put in jail in foreign countries….? Admittedly innocent women and children also sent to foreign country jails?
TRUTH please. Spewing lies on this site is just too easy, and meaningless.
Dawson…..forgot to confront you with the most obvious of challenges to what is DELUSION on your part….why is his approval rating the LOWEST of any U.S. President’s first 100 days…..if you think trump is so great. What is wrong with your ears and eyes? There is evidence everywhere that he’s a disaster waiting to crumble.
Why are England, Europe, Canada, China all so ultra critical of him and his policies.
Why are thousand s and thousand of Americans across this country protesting his EVERYTHING HE DOES AND SAYS…..every every day.
Do I have to keep smearing your lying faces in those TRUTHS.
YOU ARE LIARS on this site…..almost all of you.
It’s no wonder I’m about the only one who challenges you.
IT IS A WASTE OF TIME trying to have a cogent discussion with liars.
No one of you has presented a tinge of evidence that anything you say about the state of America is true.
Trump has failed as a businessman in his own pathetic life, and now he’s trying to run America as a business……and kidnapping innocent Americans…..how can you tolerate these actions. You could be next.
How can you all live with yourselves having voted for that disaster of a human, ruining what was the most rich, cultural country in the world….
Trump is a stupid man interested only in himself. He will/is ruining America.
Nance - wait till the truth is revealed about how completeley crooked and corrupt Biden and the rest of his Democrats really were. It will blow even your little Commie mind!
My own mantra is “never meet a comedian you love.” My mom grew up worshipping Danny Kaye. And then we spent too many evenings at the LA Music Center watching Kaye get up in the audience and try to out-conduct Zubin Mehta. Johnny Carson was not known to be the same laugh master host when in public. Legendarily, a fan came up to him at Nate n' Al's in Beverly Hills and said “Mr. Carson, I'm such a fan of yours I don't know what to say.” Carson said, without smiling, “How about ‘bye-bye?’” A friend took Jonathan Winters to Flax Art Store (Winters being a wonderful cartoonist) and Winters, who we all know struggled with mental illness, did a demolition job performance about the owner, Harvey Flax, loud enough for everyone to hear. Stephen Colbert was very funny until 2016 - and then during Covid he did an excruciatingly unfunny dance “Vaccine!”
But the rule of comedy is it comes out of people who otherwise would lie in bed in a state of depression, anger, envy or murderous fury.
There are exceptions. One night many years ago my family gave Jack Benny a ride home from a party we were at and Benny was very sweet and appreciative. I spent a number of evenings with the Zucker brothers (Airplane!) who were friends of my then-boyfriend and I had as great a time as I did watching their classic comedies.
And then there's Trump, who's not only the greatest president we've had since Washington (thank you Earl Brown) but one of our greatest improv comedians. Even a friend who dislikes him told me his line about not deporting Prince Harry because he has too many troubles already with his wife made his day.
So … you wanna know why Larry David hates Trump? It's because comedians cannot stand anyone else getting laughs. That's all there is to it.
As for the TDS lady who has already posted one of her “Trump is Hitler” rants on this column: Sweetheart, you are a walking parody of everything hilariously wrong right now. Thank you for once again making me laugh.
Pol, you are so right. Years ago I came into some piss-away money so I thought a Hollywood gig would be fun. I hired several well-connected ‘pros’ who knew their way around Hollywood, specialized in classic PD movies, had a well known host , experienced writers etc. etc.
It took me about 6 months to become sick of the Hollywood scene - I chucked the whole thing. Everybody complete BS, liars and cheats, phonies and hustlers.
Sorry David. I never even heard of the guy you're writing about and I think you wasted an opportunity to write about more important subjects than this left wing idiot. .It just inspires more of the "Hitler" crap crowd to go their same old rant. That gets pretty old.
Excellent piece Mr. McCalmont. I have experience abandonment from old friends suffering from TDS. As for looney Nancy, you should enter one the 12 step programs for your severe case of TDS. ASAP. Nutty Nancy, please name some of the "Constitutional Laws" that President Trump has broken every day? As to the bogus felonies the the lefty loons in NYC charged President Trump with, they were all stale dated misdemeanors until the crooked lefties illegally converted them to felonies. The crooked looney lefties that run NY also extended the statute of limitations so they could charge President Trump. Your Presidential choice, drooling pervert joe biden illegally imprisoned J6ers without ever giving them a trial or hearing. Thank God the American people came through and elected a REAL leader in Donald Trump. Nancy, your brain dead pick, word salad Kamal, would have destroyed our country.
Watch what you say, Thomas John. Karen Jones who lives in Santa Barbara was arrested for Jan 6 is a wonderful, thoughtful, funny, brave woman. I am proud to count her as a fellow Santa Barbaran.
Because Trumpy is so good at fixing stuff I’m going to send him the following email:
"Dear President Trump. Our calendar is old fashioned and out of date. Please change it to:
- 13 months.
- Each month would then have precisely 28 days.
- Each month would have exactly 4 weeks.
- Each month and each week would begin on a Monday and end on a Sunday.
Let’s call the new month ’Trumptember’
That would leave one extra day. We’ll use it to usher in the new year between Trumptember and January. It will be a national holiday - we’ll call it Earl Day, for all the American patriots named Earl!
Larry David's claim to fame is his characters, including himself, whining about things so trivial that it surprised, and amused, us. I would expect him not to change.
I personally don’t see why in this days of chaos we are seriously considering what a comedian says about the real painful scary issues of everyday Americans under the rules of this mad president.
Comedians’ goal is to get attention; not relevant to this country’s rapid downfall under trump.
Brent: I suggest you Google your accusation as I just did. The truth is, according to a post, Both Twitter and Facebook were interested in “ limiting false information “ about Biden’s behavior. See, there is another side to most stories, and it would behoove the avid Republicans who write here to acknowledge that….for example, I keep asking:
Please list what you approve of in trumps recent behaviors….what exactly is he doing or has done in his life/presidencythat you find is consistent with the Laws of this Country….our Constitution, for example.
And do check on the statement you made here which I don’t think is accurate as to what Twitter/Facebook allowed.
I know what it feels like to keep reading vague non-confirmed ridiculous accolades about trump with NO ONE ever specifying what they actually are/were.
Our Press history and valued documentations are full of his flaws and painful law-breaking.
To hear people on here say otherwise accounts for why so few writers dispute the false information stated here. We liberals tire of trying to get substance and confirmations from the writers here.
Someone states “ trump is the greatest president since Washington “ and nobody asks for substantiation ? See….that is such a crazy comment to make!
So, it’s really not true that there are people confronting the trump lovers here. Practically no one…..because your side of the issue won’t present documentation for your skewed views and statements about trump. So except for me and an occasional other…..the Liberals don’t bother confronting the false statements made about trump.
Mr.McCalmont: What you do not address is that trump himself spoke and was quoted on TV telling Americans he admired Hitler. Just as he said to all Americans that White Supremecists were “ good people” and that the mob who broke into the Capitol on Jan 6, and hurt many people were “ peaceful “.
Are those also your values also? Do you admire Hitler? Did you think V.P. Pence should be hanger for not wanting to admit trump had lost the election?
Why doesn’t any of you address the actual dangerous anti-Democratic words that are spoken by trump even if you refuse to realistically confront the evil actions he s now taking to hurt American citizens?
Those are just a few of the many hateful words and actions trump speaks and takes which none of you who write here dares to admit and explain to the thousands of Americans who protest him….justifiably……every day in the U.S.
Avoiding the reality of trump makes one distrust anything you adherents tignoring his values
McCalmont : RESTATING MY LAST SENTENCE: By avoiding the REALITY of what trump says and does, you create a false image of a man ( trump ) who is by his own words a racist, out to harm people whom he doesn’t like, an admirer of Hitler, a tax evader, an abuser of women, a convicted felon, just to name a few of his gross flaws.
If you could at least face those truths about him, then try to tell us why you voted for him, we might all begin a healthy dialog. I would dearly like to know what you can possibly admire about trump. Thanking you in advance.
Two people's comments below say they've never either heard of Larry David, Bill Maher - or both. Not knowing anything about these two commenters, I can't venture a guess as to why they couldn't recognize two A -list celebrities of TV/cable comedy. Polling the public on anybody will always uncover people so sheltered from outside wave-lengths and band-widths that they don't even recognize the names of elected presidents in their lifetime. Subconsciously beneath this maybe embarrassing admission ( they don't recognize the names talked about in an article) is the personal conceit that if they don't recognize the topic or the chief actors in that topic, then the topic and the actors aren't worthy of anybody's attention. "If I don't know who these people are and what they're talking about, well it's not important". For anybody living active lives of the mind, they are unearthing names, topics and ideas which either refresh their memories, illuminate and redirect their thinking or point them toward people and things they've never heard before - all the time. A genuine life of the mind requires humility. Every atom of our physical being is replaced every 7 years. I cringe when I reread my notebooks from just a decade ago, much less from last century. Most of us evolve noticeably over just a few years but we're unaware of the creeping pace of change. It all starts when we read something and admit out loud, "Holy crap, I didn't know that. How could it be I didn't know that"? We change when we begin to pursue and learn about that which we previously knew nothing about. I strongly recommend the autodidactic life. It's satisfying - and it works.
I do not support everything Trump does but the Hitler analogy is grotesque. This ridiculous comparison says much more about the unhinged left than anything going on in the real world today. It's the people who carelessly bring up Hitler to make an insane point are the ones I am worried about. If given the opportunity, they are the ones who would jettison your civil liberties to accomplish their reordering of society.
Lou, I agree that is a gross analogy. But his current VP also called Trump 'America's Hlter' way back in 2016. Of course, he's moved on from that position - but it's not all the unhinged left making insanes points.
Does it surprise you that as a politician (Vance) he is an opportunist who will tailor his views and positions on issues to advance his career. It's why I never become too enamored of any politician. Almost of them will lie or obfuscate if it is to their advantage.
When Trump first came on the scene in 2015, at least politically, no one really knew what he was capable of, other than he likes to shock people with his colorful language and his embellishment of the truth. Now we have 10 years of seeing him up close, so the Hitler analogy should have been retired a long time ago.
Madame Rosinka is trying to contact you, Julia. She wants to take a vacation and needs another mind-reader to take her place. You could get your big break.
Thank you for writing this column. I urge those who did not watch Bill Maher's Opening Monologue ("Real Time With Bill Maher") to do so, detailing his meeting with President Trump. Perhaps SB Current will post the YouTube link. Bill Maher was explicit that his commentary would be objective -- which it was -- and yet still managed seamlessly his masterful comedic voice. It was a stunning 10 minutes. Larry David, as well as Nancy Freeman above, fall into that trap of fellow citizens who are largely responsible for the dreadful state of degraded civility in our country. How can we self-govern when we can no longer speak to one another? How can we debate and resolve the complex issues when folks like Nancy, Larrry, Rosie etc., will not listen? How many of us have been destroyed -- yes, destroyed -- by family members, colleagues, and close friends of many years simply because you are Republican? I long for that time not so long ago, when on Friday mornings, co-workers would congregate around the water fountain to talk about last night's episode of "Seinfeld." Remember the 90's? A lot more was gained talking about "nothing" than the cruelty hurled at fellows these past 10 years. Just last week I listened to a new acquaintance shamelessly tell me (a stranger) that she no longer had anything to do with her adult son because of his MAGA politics. I was shocked. On a personal level, I was appalled that a mother would abandon her child. I recall Orwell's prophetic "1984" in which ALL allegiance is to Big Brother. Children betray parents. Parents betray one another, all for ideology. I sat silent and listened to this woman who proudly exclaimed her stance, no point in telling her that life is fragile. That those we love can be taken from us in an instant. I do not fathom such thinking. Maher was courageous in his monologue, a good American. Now, have at me Nancy.
Beautifully written, Celeste. Those who seek division and then cry out that we are divided (Nancy?) should hold their heads in shame. This modern version of 1984’s “Two Minute Hate” has done so much damage. A mother disowning a child? Over politics? Those who regurgitate such hate (Nancy?) act as though they haven’t a clue the bile they have swallowed and claim to spout only truths. Is it just a sick power move for people without principles or perhaps something worse?
Something worse. Sickness of the soul. They lack mercy, compassion, understanding, kindness, humility, humanity.
Celeste, I think it depends on your POV. I have friends who are complete Commie-Dems. I’m an American Republican patriot about 2 steps to the right of John Wayne, but we laugh and joke about all these politicians, their goofy hustles, their successes and failures.
Earl, and their & your attitudes are healthy for the republic as well as each other. Personal relationships matter so mych more than the political ultimately. Thanks for your response.
Celeste: Thank you for your offer. I am not alone at being shocked and utterly dismayed at the number of Republicans who claim trump has not lied, admitted his admiration for Hitler, and Putin, has been deemed a felon by the courts, not paid IRS taxes, had 6 bankruptcies etc. etc…….yet none of that is EVER acknowledged by the Republicans. And when I repeatedly ask where the other ( to me wrongly stated attributions are made of trump, no one seems to be able to cite the source for claiming, for example, that the Jan.6 gang “was peaceful “ or that trump did not say he admired Hitler.
How about his promise that he is “ the Retribution “ and he is.now going after long standing admired truthful-reporting entities like NPR and PBS.?
We Liberals think trump is not fit to be president and he is demonstrating daily that he breaks the laws of our Democracy.
None of you will acknowledge that.
There is so much evidence daily, being reported by long standing reputable press, stations, individuals of his felonious behavior. The dialog between us gets stuck because none of you will cite your sources for admiring this man. None of you will ever admit ….Because it is the reality…..that he breaks the law of our constitution every day of his first 100 days, plus the fact that his history as a citizen Of this country is rife with breaking the laws.
How about admitting this grossly flawed human’s past and present law-breaking behavior..
He lied about not having lost the last Biden Presidency. He had those hoodlums attack Democracy on Jan .6. Tell me, Celeste, is all that behavior of his perfectly acceptable to you….for what gains to you personally? I would really like to know. No one here will honestly say.
I personally believe and we Liberals in general believe you are denying trumps gross flaws, but what we don’t understand is, what do you expect to gain for this massive failure?
Please, try to answer my questions.
Nancy, throughout your response, an accusatory position is clearly presented in the usage of "we [liberals]" and "you" in reference to all others. All other Americans. That was Bill Maher's point in his monologue and in his motivation to sit down as an invited guest with the President. (He also behaved like a guest in another's home.) Until we can again come together as a people and respect one another in public discourse, our country will continue to flounder rudderless: cc to those in governance, especially inside the Beltway. Here is an example of what we have lost, taken from my classroom experience while teaching at SBCC, Freshman English. Every semester, as the foundation for their persuasive essay-writing segment, I would assign the class to debate teams. I chose the topics and placed the students on the respective teams, assigning students to affirmative or negative positions . Students were not permitted to positions they agreed with. They were honorbound to inform me, so I could switch them to the opposing side -- where, they and their teammates would shortly discover, those individuals became effective "devil's advocates." My goal was never to indoctrinate, nor to sway one's deepheld beliefs. Instead, through the debate, students learned to examine all sides of the issues: both their opponents' strongest points as well as their side's weakest argument. Ultimately, students were allowed position choice in their final essay, but now with a clearer, more objective, fact-supported understanding of the complex issues. They wrote researched argumentative essays, not editorial opinions. Among the issues we debated -- all current at the time -- gay marriage, bilingual education, charter schools, legalization of marijuana, and the Electoral College. I never had a student complain, but many thanked me for enabling them to see the other side, even though they held onto their original position. I was so very proud of those young students over the years. Long after the semester concluded, they took away critical thinking skills, a necessary ability for our form of participatory governance. And by the way, I am a moderate liberal who actually breaks bread with "them." Many I count among my good friends, card-carrying members of the GOP. If you haven't yet watched that segment from "Real Time," DO. Then try hard to listen to what Bill Maher is saying. He is speaking to you, Nancy.
🙏👏🏻 - Amen!‼️, DL. We have to give up on Nancy, she’s completely hypnotized under the spell of the Mockingbird media.
Celeste, I am aware my question to you about why you like trump as the President of America ( am I wrong about that ? ) is difficult, but if you do approve of him, I’d like to know why.
Your response is not adequate as a reply to my question .
It is a response, but misses the point of the questions.
Yes I am a liberal and hold dearly-loved liberal values. I am quite clear on that.
IF however I made an assumption as to “you” being otherwise, I would still like to know, IF you approve of trump, WHY?
And I apologize for referring to you as other than the moderate liberal you call yourself.
My questions about trump’ s “ belovedness “ is a puzzlement to me and my fellow Liberals. He appears to be such a bad human. And now he is acting like a very bad American.
If you can’t or don’t want to answer my questions, I honor your freedom to do so……maybe you know Republicans whom you’d like to quote?
Otherwise, we’ll just add you to the long list of Republicans who can’t answer those questions either.
As to Maher: I’ve listened to him many times; I don’t find him particularly enlightening regardless of his aspersions towards trump, or his possible reversals of same….if that’s the case in the video you recommend.
So, I won’t listen to him.
Why do that, when you’re here to quote him?
First, I don't believe I have ever publicly made known my personal
opinion about Donald Trump the man. If you can find such a statement, please quote me here. Also, when I presented my take-away from Bill Maher's monologue, that's a secondhand account, and why I specifically encourage people (you) to watch and listen for yourselves. There's the big issue. We no longer base our opinions and pose questions derived from actual sources, primary sources. And, never based on the complete picture or quote. Case in point: Elon Musk as Nazi. MM coverage took Musk's "Nazi Salute" out of context. His arm swings from his heart outwards. The moment is twisted to suit the narrative. In persuasive writing, that's considered dishonest. Unethical. No reputable journalist would stoop to such a level, yet in today's newsrooms, it's encouraged and swept along as "truth." There are things that concern me about Mr. Musk, absolutely: like bringing his toddler into the Oval Office while important matters are taking place. That room is sacred, public space, not appropriate for Romper Room behavior. (As opposed to the photos of young John-John under the Resolution Desk, captured in one of JFK's private moments.) Frankly, I am deeply concerned about Money Buys Power, the number of billionaire powers behind the throne (both left and right, but with left the stronger, George Soros looming).
Celeste….i can see clearly you are not going to give me or anyone on this substack your opinion of trump. That is your freedom to do so or not.
But let’s be clear…..anyone reading your replies and comments would assume you are ProRepublicans. Your statements are protective, Possibly to get Buckleys weak accolades.
I will add you to the list of people who will not reveal why they do or do not like trump……I can’t understand the hesitation.
After all, when we vote we CANT fudge. It’s FOR or AGAINST, and there are reasons for that decision. So if you’re Pro liberal ( Or semi…forgot your words ) WHY….? Why do you not like trump ?
It is also evident the only negative words you wrote were Anti-Liberals, hinting that Soros is giving more money than Musk does to trump.
It used to e a free country, so enjoy while you can. Speak only what might be self serving on this substack. Popularity is important to some.
Hey Nancy, couldn’t resist your Q of why someone would approve of Trump…well, while I’m enjoying his first 100 Golden Days of America, President Trump has achieved the most secure border in America history (saving American lives), he's fighting crime, he's cutting your taxes, fighting the Deep State, standing up to radicals, standing up to the communist, making America stronger than ever, and on & on.
President Trump will never stop fighting for you, your children, and your family. President Trump will make sure American citizens come first, not illegal aliens, criminals, or foreign adversaries.
Dawson: None of these words you write here mean anything unless you can tell me where you got your information
How do you know what you write here?
The news I listen to and read says just the opposite, and I can quote you my sources. What are your sources….or do you talk to the demented man in office ? He calls you, does he?
Nothing you say has any value unless we can verify it by a source which has a history of truth telling : NPR, PBS, PROFESSORS AT Harvard, MSNBC has never been accuse of fabricating.
Everyone I read says those first 100 days have been / are “ disastrous.”.
Innocent men put in jail in foreign countries….? Admittedly innocent women and children also sent to foreign country jails?
TRUTH please. Spewing lies on this site is just too easy, and meaningless.
Dawson…..forgot to confront you with the most obvious of challenges to what is DELUSION on your part….why is his approval rating the LOWEST of any U.S. President’s first 100 days…..if you think trump is so great. What is wrong with your ears and eyes? There is evidence everywhere that he’s a disaster waiting to crumble.
Why are England, Europe, Canada, China all so ultra critical of him and his policies.
Why are thousand s and thousand of Americans across this country protesting his EVERYTHING HE DOES AND SAYS…..every every day.
Do I have to keep smearing your lying faces in those TRUTHS.
YOU ARE LIARS on this site…..almost all of you.
It’s no wonder I’m about the only one who challenges you.
IT IS A WASTE OF TIME trying to have a cogent discussion with liars.
No one of you has presented a tinge of evidence that anything you say about the state of America is true.
Trump has failed as a businessman in his own pathetic life, and now he’s trying to run America as a business……and kidnapping innocent Americans…..how can you tolerate these actions. You could be next.
How can you all live with yourselves having voted for that disaster of a human, ruining what was the most rich, cultural country in the world….
Trump is a stupid man interested only in himself. He will/is ruining America.
Nance - wait till the truth is revealed about how completeley crooked and corrupt Biden and the rest of his Democrats really were. It will blow even your little Commie mind!
Celeste - if you want to know or find _anything_ ask ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/
Maher's Trump monologue - https://tinyurl.com/3edkb9an
My own mantra is “never meet a comedian you love.” My mom grew up worshipping Danny Kaye. And then we spent too many evenings at the LA Music Center watching Kaye get up in the audience and try to out-conduct Zubin Mehta. Johnny Carson was not known to be the same laugh master host when in public. Legendarily, a fan came up to him at Nate n' Al's in Beverly Hills and said “Mr. Carson, I'm such a fan of yours I don't know what to say.” Carson said, without smiling, “How about ‘bye-bye?’” A friend took Jonathan Winters to Flax Art Store (Winters being a wonderful cartoonist) and Winters, who we all know struggled with mental illness, did a demolition job performance about the owner, Harvey Flax, loud enough for everyone to hear. Stephen Colbert was very funny until 2016 - and then during Covid he did an excruciatingly unfunny dance “Vaccine!”
But the rule of comedy is it comes out of people who otherwise would lie in bed in a state of depression, anger, envy or murderous fury.
There are exceptions. One night many years ago my family gave Jack Benny a ride home from a party we were at and Benny was very sweet and appreciative. I spent a number of evenings with the Zucker brothers (Airplane!) who were friends of my then-boyfriend and I had as great a time as I did watching their classic comedies.
And then there's Trump, who's not only the greatest president we've had since Washington (thank you Earl Brown) but one of our greatest improv comedians. Even a friend who dislikes him told me his line about not deporting Prince Harry because he has too many troubles already with his wife made his day.
So … you wanna know why Larry David hates Trump? It's because comedians cannot stand anyone else getting laughs. That's all there is to it.
As for the TDS lady who has already posted one of her “Trump is Hitler” rants on this column: Sweetheart, you are a walking parody of everything hilariously wrong right now. Thank you for once again making me laugh.
Pol, you are so right. Years ago I came into some piss-away money so I thought a Hollywood gig would be fun. I hired several well-connected ‘pros’ who knew their way around Hollywood, specialized in classic PD movies, had a well known host , experienced writers etc. etc.
It took me about 6 months to become sick of the Hollywood scene - I chucked the whole thing. Everybody complete BS, liars and cheats, phonies and hustlers.
Polly: You say here that trump its “ the greatest president we’ve had since Washington “.
Could you, would you, give evidence of that?
If you did, you would be the FIRST person to give us a clue as to why you think this is so.
Please be specific . Thank you.
Open your eyes. The massive evidence is all around you.
Wanna see what Trump has done? Here are the _facts_ : tinyurl.com/4f5dz3bf
And he’s just getting started!
Maybe you'd rather have Putz Biden running the show!
EARL THE dunce:
Ha ha ha ha ha HA HA HA HA ha ha ha ha hahahahahahaha
.
YOU POOR STUPID MAN.
No wonder no one but you has responded……no one else wants to be laughed
at.
It’s true that Trump is the best president in America has ever had.
Sorry David. I never even heard of the guy you're writing about and I think you wasted an opportunity to write about more important subjects than this left wing idiot. .It just inspires more of the "Hitler" crap crowd to go their same old rant. That gets pretty old.
Exactly. I think David Larry might be well known to the insider community of comedy - but he's fringe at best to most of the rest of us folks.
Excellent piece Mr. McCalmont. I have experience abandonment from old friends suffering from TDS. As for looney Nancy, you should enter one the 12 step programs for your severe case of TDS. ASAP. Nutty Nancy, please name some of the "Constitutional Laws" that President Trump has broken every day? As to the bogus felonies the the lefty loons in NYC charged President Trump with, they were all stale dated misdemeanors until the crooked lefties illegally converted them to felonies. The crooked looney lefties that run NY also extended the statute of limitations so they could charge President Trump. Your Presidential choice, drooling pervert joe biden illegally imprisoned J6ers without ever giving them a trial or hearing. Thank God the American people came through and elected a REAL leader in Donald Trump. Nancy, your brain dead pick, word salad Kamal, would have destroyed our country.
The January 6th holligans didn't get a trial or a hearing?
Watch what you say, Thomas John. Karen Jones who lives in Santa Barbara was arrested for Jan 6 is a wonderful, thoughtful, funny, brave woman. I am proud to count her as a fellow Santa Barbaran.
Had an idea - see whatchya think:
Because Trumpy is so good at fixing stuff I’m going to send him the following email:
"Dear President Trump. Our calendar is old fashioned and out of date. Please change it to:
- 13 months.
- Each month would then have precisely 28 days.
- Each month would have exactly 4 weeks.
- Each month and each week would begin on a Monday and end on a Sunday.
Let’s call the new month ’Trumptember’
That would leave one extra day. We’ll use it to usher in the new year between Trumptember and January. It will be a national holiday - we’ll call it Earl Day, for all the American patriots named Earl!
Larry David's claim to fame is his characters, including himself, whining about things so trivial that it surprised, and amused, us. I would expect him not to change.
I personally don’t see why in this days of chaos we are seriously considering what a comedian says about the real painful scary issues of everyday Americans under the rules of this mad president.
Comedians’ goal is to get attention; not relevant to this country’s rapid downfall under trump.
Isn't it wonderful that SBCurrent, unlike Facebook and Twitter during the Biden Administration, permit the both sides of issues?
Brent: I suggest you Google your accusation as I just did. The truth is, according to a post, Both Twitter and Facebook were interested in “ limiting false information “ about Biden’s behavior. See, there is another side to most stories, and it would behoove the avid Republicans who write here to acknowledge that….for example, I keep asking:
Please list what you approve of in trumps recent behaviors….what exactly is he doing or has done in his life/presidencythat you find is consistent with the Laws of this Country….our Constitution, for example.
And do check on the statement you made here which I don’t think is accurate as to what Twitter/Facebook allowed.
I know what it feels like to keep reading vague non-confirmed ridiculous accolades about trump with NO ONE ever specifying what they actually are/were.
Our Press history and valued documentations are full of his flaws and painful law-breaking.
To hear people on here say otherwise accounts for why so few writers dispute the false information stated here. We liberals tire of trying to get substance and confirmations from the writers here.
Someone states “ trump is the greatest president since Washington “ and nobody asks for substantiation ? See….that is such a crazy comment to make!
So, it’s really not true that there are people confronting the trump lovers here. Practically no one…..because your side of the issue won’t present documentation for your skewed views and statements about trump. So except for me and an occasional other…..the Liberals don’t bother confronting the false statements made about trump.
"So, it’s really not true that there are people confronting the trump lovers here. Practically no one…"
That's because most of us are sane and see what a great president Trump really is, unlike the coo-coo Commie-Dems.
"A Comedians’ goal is to get attention" - no it's not - a comedians’ goal is to be funny.
Mr.McCalmont: What you do not address is that trump himself spoke and was quoted on TV telling Americans he admired Hitler. Just as he said to all Americans that White Supremecists were “ good people” and that the mob who broke into the Capitol on Jan 6, and hurt many people were “ peaceful “.
Are those also your values also? Do you admire Hitler? Did you think V.P. Pence should be hanger for not wanting to admit trump had lost the election?
Why doesn’t any of you address the actual dangerous anti-Democratic words that are spoken by trump even if you refuse to realistically confront the evil actions he s now taking to hurt American citizens?
Those are just a few of the many hateful words and actions trump speaks and takes which none of you who write here dares to admit and explain to the thousands of Americans who protest him….justifiably……every day in the U.S.
Avoiding the reality of trump makes one distrust anything you adherents tignoring his values
say
McCalmont : RESTATING MY LAST SENTENCE: By avoiding the REALITY of what trump says and does, you create a false image of a man ( trump ) who is by his own words a racist, out to harm people whom he doesn’t like, an admirer of Hitler, a tax evader, an abuser of women, a convicted felon, just to name a few of his gross flaws.
If you could at least face those truths about him, then try to tell us why you voted for him, we might all begin a healthy dialog. I would dearly like to know what you can possibly admire about trump. Thanking you in advance.
Here's why I voted for Trump: tinyurl.com/4f5dz3bf
If you believe all the self-reporting.
I'm wondering how Trumpy figured this one out - "Manufacturing optimism nearly doubled."
nancy - a name, (like Trump), is a proper noun.
Two people's comments below say they've never either heard of Larry David, Bill Maher - or both. Not knowing anything about these two commenters, I can't venture a guess as to why they couldn't recognize two A -list celebrities of TV/cable comedy. Polling the public on anybody will always uncover people so sheltered from outside wave-lengths and band-widths that they don't even recognize the names of elected presidents in their lifetime. Subconsciously beneath this maybe embarrassing admission ( they don't recognize the names talked about in an article) is the personal conceit that if they don't recognize the topic or the chief actors in that topic, then the topic and the actors aren't worthy of anybody's attention. "If I don't know who these people are and what they're talking about, well it's not important". For anybody living active lives of the mind, they are unearthing names, topics and ideas which either refresh their memories, illuminate and redirect their thinking or point them toward people and things they've never heard before - all the time. A genuine life of the mind requires humility. Every atom of our physical being is replaced every 7 years. I cringe when I reread my notebooks from just a decade ago, much less from last century. Most of us evolve noticeably over just a few years but we're unaware of the creeping pace of change. It all starts when we read something and admit out loud, "Holy crap, I didn't know that. How could it be I didn't know that"? We change when we begin to pursue and learn about that which we previously knew nothing about. I strongly recommend the autodidactic life. It's satisfying - and it works.
Who cares about this Larry David chump - never heard of him.
I do not support everything Trump does but the Hitler analogy is grotesque. This ridiculous comparison says much more about the unhinged left than anything going on in the real world today. It's the people who carelessly bring up Hitler to make an insane point are the ones I am worried about. If given the opportunity, they are the ones who would jettison your civil liberties to accomplish their reordering of society.
TDS bankrupts the mind, as much as taxpayer pocket books and voter good will.
Lou, I agree that is a gross analogy. But his current VP also called Trump 'America's Hlter' way back in 2016. Of course, he's moved on from that position - but it's not all the unhinged left making insanes points.
Here is part of the VP debates on CBC news addressing Vance's Hitler claim. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuK5v8taTfA
Does it surprise you that as a politician (Vance) he is an opportunist who will tailor his views and positions on issues to advance his career. It's why I never become too enamored of any politician. Almost of them will lie or obfuscate if it is to their advantage.
I agree with all of that.
When Trump first came on the scene in 2015, at least politically, no one really knew what he was capable of, other than he likes to shock people with his colorful language and his embellishment of the truth. Now we have 10 years of seeing him up close, so the Hitler analogy should have been retired a long time ago.
I have many liberal friends and they truly believe the Hitler analogy.
Excellent commentary!
Madame Rosinka is trying to contact you, Julia. She wants to take a vacation and needs another mind-reader to take her place. You could get your big break.
JL;
Madame Rosinka passed away 10 years ago. Perhaps you’d consider taking her place.
https://www.independent.com/2015/10/15/barbara-sonia-adams-aka-madame-rosinka-1947-2014/?amp=1
Peter, her voice wafts in from the Great Beyond. Yes Peter, there is a Madame Rosinka amongst us still.
"Madame Rosinka is trying to contact you" . . . F-u-n-n-y! I'm stealing it!
Ack ..ack .. ack. Elder abuse, Julia. Or is that music to my own four score and deuce ears. I'll get back to you, once I decide.