The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
Trumpster Diving
According to intelligence reports, far-right extremist groups such as The Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers will rally later (Sept. 18) this month at the U.S. Capitol to demand “justice” for those charged in connection with the Jan. 6 siege. A key, ironic, call will be made by the Capitol Police regarding the defense of the People’s House: Do they or don’t they build that fence?
“If our election systems continue to be rigged and continue to be stolen, then it’s going to lead to one place, and it’s bloodshed.”—That was first-year Republican Congressman Madison Cawthorn, a repellent North Carolina Oaf Keeper, awaiting more self-fulfilling dog whistles from Trump.
That was then: In 2016, the Republican National Committee Platform included the ideological reminder that the RNC “recognizes the wisdom of local control of our schools” and “we support a constitutional amendment to protect that right from interference by states.” Too bad that old-school tenet no longer applies to, among others, Florida.
“Their governing during the pandemic has made clear that (Texas Gov. Greg) Abbott and (Florida Gov. Ron) DeSantis are essentially Donald Trumpwithout the tweets.”—Perry Bacon Jr., WaPo.
We’ve already had the “Roaring ‘20s.” If the GOP continues its Trump-fealty makeover –no longer lionizing local control, limited spending and free trade–it will bequeath us the “Whoring ‘20s.”
Here’s how Trump flunky Matt Gaetz described the Taliban on Twitter: “More legitimate than the last government in Afghanistan or the current government here.”
Kabul-sh*t: Here’s a Tucker Carlson take that also weaves partisan political ideology into the Afghan cauldron. “Maybe it’s possible that we failed in Afghanistan because the entire neoliberal program is grotesque,” said Carlson with a straight Fox face.
Sen. Marco Rubio’s recent visits to Iowa—undercutting his promise to Floridians that he was focused on his Senate job–have increased speculation that he just might be trying to revive his presidential ambitions. In short, take at shot when there might not be a “Little Marco”-spewing “con man” to contend with.
“Religious voters, especially white evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics, are part of the bedrock of the modern Republican Party.”—Eastern Illinois University political scientist Ryan Burge.
Trump has promised the “Complete and Total Endorsement!” of Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson who has filed to run for agriculture commissioner. The incumbent, Nikki Fried, is challenging Gov. Ron DeSantis next year. BTW, Simpson recently announced that Tallahassee lawmakers were–no surprise–already working on an anti-abortion bill for next year’s legislative session.