27 Comments
User's avatar
Reelin’ In The Fears's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Doug's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Doug's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Mark Rodin's avatar

Exactly: Emphasize a couple of areas where the public understands what's going on and hammer those home.

Expand full comment
Barbara Szombatfalvy's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
LuEllen  Huntley's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Bill Nasso's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Ruth Bromer's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Sandra Campbell's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
James Shelton's avatar

Blocking Patel and the Greedy tax cut are the priorities I see.

Expand full comment
Doug's avatar

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!"

Expand full comment
Tyler Morrison's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
William Flannery's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
William Flannery's avatar

Well, the Palestinians will be much, much better under Trump.

Expand full comment
William Flannery's avatar

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?

Expand full comment
Lee Mortimer's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Lee Mortimer's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Ruth Bromer's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Lee Mortimer's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Stuff my Sister Said's avatar

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/

Expand full comment
Kyle Holbrook's avatar

Fuck Donald Trump and his band of NAzi Bilionaires

Expand full comment
Jim Warlick's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
LuEllen  Huntley's avatar

Hell yeah!

Expand full comment
Randy Johnston's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Doug's avatar

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 ?

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Jan 21Edited
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Doug's avatar

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,

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Jan 22Edited
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Doug's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
ErrorError