Sooner or later the shit is going to hit the fan.

[shockey80]

There is no way in hell this complete disregard for the law, this in your face corruption is sustainable. Something has to give and I have no idea how this is going to end. I have said from the beginning this will probably end badly. How could it ever end well?

I have a feeling fate will step in and decide things for us. It may be completely out of our hands how all of this ends. That's the scary part. It may end with minor damage to our country that can be repaired over time or it could end in a catastrophic way that could take decades to repair, if ever.

[Eliot Rosewater]

1. First of all 60% of America doesnt know this is happening, another 20% knows and

doesnt care or understand how important it is and the last 20% are not enough to make iimportant shit happen like a general strike and massive protest.

Whimper is how we go out, and that is what is happening.

OH, by the way dont count on 2020, KGB and GOP and a certain group on the far left who are not left at all in reality are making sure no Democrat sits in the WH ever again.

[Dennis Donovan]

3. Explain "Far Left"?

[at140]

4. Why obvious things need explanations?

[murielm99]

39. Is that all you got out of this post???

[crazytown]

61. DSA

[Eliot Rosewater]

74. ..

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/elections/presidential/caucus/2019/05/05/bernie-sanders-joe-biden-compare-election-2020-iowa-caucuses-nafta-trade-iraq-war/1114233001/

wish sanders would leave the good guys alone...

[bitterross]

18. You are, unfortunately, all too correct.

I work with several people who are completely unaware any of this Constitutional crisis is happening. They and their families all have jobs. Gas and grocery are high, but not high enough to cause them enough pain to care yet. They see the news reporting the high stock market and low unemployment and then they tune to Game of Thrones.

We're in a very tough spot here. I'm at a complete loss as to how to wake people up.

[maryellen99]

27. They'll only wake up when trump starts ww3 and the nukes are inbound nt

[MarvinGardens]

33. Point of clarification.

OH, by the way dont count on 2020, KGB and GOP and a certain group on the far left who are not left at all in reality are making sure no Democrat sits in the WH ever again

You seem to be saying that the Democrats have no chance of winning in 2020. Is that what you are saying?

[Butterflylady]

49. Sorry to disagree

But most people will not pay attention till 2020 when the primaries begin. I am not going to let anyone get me to feel hopeless as some here are trying to. In fact I feel very positive of our chances to regain the WH. I still have faith in the American electoral, even if some here don't.

[Eliot Rosewater]

75. And ALL of this because people had to HOLD THEIR NOSE to vote for the MOST QUALIFIED

CANDIDATE WHO EVER FUCKING LIVED

i blame ANYONE who said that

[LibFarmer]

63. I agree

I couldn't have said it any better.

[DownriverDem]

72. Not where you are at

In fact, I can't help but wonder who you are.

[Eliot Rosewater]

73. What is your accusation now? WHAT are YOU saying?

[saidsimplesimon]

77. Pretty negative outlook on our prospects for

now, 2020 and beyond. I consider myself a pragmatic optimist. We will get out the maximum number to vote and Democratic candidates will win.

I do not believe Sanders is foolish enough to run as an Independent and split any vote. It is also unlikely that Sanders will be the Democratic Presidential candidate after the primaries. imo

[Eliot Rosewater]

79. The POINT of being NEGATIVE is to GET PEOPLE'S ATTENTION

and to REMIND people that NEGATIVE comments AT All about ANY democrat at this point is

FUCKING INSANE

And Bernie Sanders will continue to attack any and ALL Democrats...

[Dennis Donovan]

2. Except for one salient fact. Republicans have NO soul. Meaning they have no low threshold...

Nothing is too scummy for them.

[randr]

5. I will repeat---It ain't gonna end well

Either Trump or our Nation, one or the other is goin down.

[Arkansas Granny]

6. I keep thinking that there must be a point where even Trump's most avid supporters will say that he

has gone too far. I'm beginning to realize that nearly half the country just doesn't give a damn. They don't care that he tells lies more often than he tells the truth. They don't care that he buddies up to our adversaries while he thumbs his nose at our allies. They don't care that he separated children from their parents with no apparent plan to ever reunite them. They don't care that he defends white supremacists. The list of atrocities that they are willing to ignore is long and frightening.

The are witnessing the takeover and dismantling of our government by the least qualified person to ever hold the office of President and they just don't care.

[marylandblue]

9. There is no end point as long as they get what they think they want. History shows that.

When a country heads down the road of barbarism, there is nothing too barbaric that will make them turn back.

Only an opposition alliance can turn then around.

Germany's decisive moment was when the center-right decided to ally with Hitler, thinking they could control him. They could have allied with the left instead, but they were too worried about preserving their own wealth.

[KPN]

59. And that's a scary reality that we may be

faced with here.

[brush]

10. Agreed. It's quite scary. The pendulum has to swing back though...

the question is how long will it take for sanity to return.

[cilla4progress]

14. Agree - they dont even care if he

takes away their Obamacare!

And we know why....

I do not want to get into an "everyone for themselves" situation, but getting increasingly worried!

[at140]

36. Trumpanzee's will abandon him when this happens...

> Starts a war with Iran or NoKo, and many American soldiers suffer casualties
> China trade war gets out of hand and Walmart prices leap upwards
> Many family members lose their jobs and can't find another
> Gasoline goes to $5 in Southern states
> More caravans arrive across southern border and are allowed to enter unrestricted

Any one of above is enough to send Trump back to Trump tower apartment in NYC.

[murielm99]

40. The economy goes on the blink in a big way.

The tariffs are going to hit home, and he won't be able to blame the Democrats.

[at140]

47. Economy is going south in a big way, but

the momentum is too large to reverse course for another year or so.
Economy seldom makes a 180 deg turn on a dime.
It is like a big ship. It is slow and massive.
The stock market bubble is much bigger than in 1929.
The real-estate bubble is bigger than in 2010.
Trump is borrowing a Trillion dollars every year to keep the party going.
But prosperity based on debt is like a house of cards.

[Firestorm49]

43. I agree with Shockey80, that's this isn't going to end well.

The trouble is, nobody knows how it will end. But one thing is for sure, as Republicans seem to be hiding in plain view, they have a plan and they’re unfolding it now. How else can you explain the total Republican support for a president who is dismantling democracy in pursuit of autocracy? Not to sound too Hitleresque, but they are all marching in lock step behind the idiot president. They must see some kind of personal “win” in this madness beyond just taking absolute control - personal gain? This is bigger than we think and they’re taking advantage of the fact that the majority of the American public is either apathetic or ignorant, as someone else already posted.

I am seriously concerned about 2020. In my heart I can’t understand anybody who sees value in what the current unpopularly elected resident of the Oval Office has to offer or has already done. Despite my negativity, I will do my best to make others aware, help the party as best I can, and maintain faith that right will conquer wrong.

This whole nightmare is outrageous beyond belief.

[Grasswire2]

53. As Republican David Frum said ....

Republicans will subvert democracy itself in order to retain power as they lose the white majority status.

[KPN]

60. Will? They already have.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

52. Nixon's most avid supporters remained avid. He still had a 25% approval rating

even after he resigned in disgrace. It should have been 0%, but there was that hard core who stuck with him. Trump's hard core will never give up either, but I'm betting that the actual percentage of true believers will turn out in the long run to be no greater than Nixon's.

[barbtries]

68. well, they kinda care

they're owning the libtards. it's bliss to them.

[marylandblue]

7. 2020 will be the decision point. We may be stalemated until then.

We are heading towards authoritarianism. Winning in 2020 gives us a chance to re-establish democratic norms. We won't necessarily succeed, but we will have that chance.

It will not be a matter of fate. We will vote either to lock the chains around our own necks or break them.

[lunatica]

21. Yes. 2020 will be decisive

Midterms were only the beginning and the first step to stop the slide into a dictatorship. In the next elections we will know the direction of our future as a country.

We’re living in a pivotal historic time now.

And if we win we will have to make important changes so something like Trump can never happen again. If they win they will make sure to make the changes in their favor too. We will veer sharply in one of those directions.

It’s going to be a long struggle if our side wins.

[Firestorm49]

44. Very well said.

[Maven]

11. The U.S. as it existed for much of the 20th and early 21st century is over.

I've thought that for quite some time. We are not really functioning as one unified country and we likely never will again. The question is whether we have a soft landing or a hard one.

What I find the most darkly comical, at this point, is the number within our ranks who are anxious to save "the Constitution". It is the Constitution that enables the GOP to rule from the minority. They have become experts at exploiting all its gaps, gray areas and design flaws to solidify their power and block us from governing effectively.

[zipplewrath]

76. You are correct of course

There is a fatal flaw in our constitution and it cannot be changed "constitutionally". I'm just not sure how we do it extra-constitutionally without creating the 2nd civil war.

[Towlie]

12. I'm curious about how you think "fate will step in and decide things for us."

[Ligyron]

64. You're absolutely right, of course; "fate" never decides anything.

I always substitute "random shit not considered" when I hear that term used.


Works for me...

[Penn Voter]

13. I agree

and it may not be this year or in 2020, however, I believe that an unimpeded investigation by the new New York State Attorney General, Letitia James will being much to light about the Trump crime family. It is our job to remove him from office in 2020. From there, Ms. James has promised a complete investigation of Trump's business and I believe that will bring his ultimate downfall.

[dameatball]

17. Since I have no crystal ball, I'll just go along with this scenario because I like it.

Plus it is Cinco de Mayo and in about 3 hours I am going to have a burrito and a Corona and I'm in a good mood.

[Penn Voter]

32. Enjoy Cinco de Mayo, dameatball!

Life is enjoyable with great Mexican food, a Corona, and a positive attitude!

[jalan48]

15. Climate change is going to drive change. Whether it's a democratic or a military approach to dealing

with the problem will be seen.

[trickyguy]

20. All of these goons will have to answer as to why they did nothing about the climate crises.

They won't be able to argue or pull shit with the wall of water that's coming.
Or the world migrant situation etc. etc.

There's social justice to be had. And it will come.

[marylandblue]

23. If we don't address climate change, there will be no social justice.

Mother Nature's justice does not make moral distinctions.

[lunatica]

22. I agree. The future is not rosy for any of us.

[Catch2.2]

16. Trump will run out the clock...

Hopefully a Dem will be elected in 2020. The sentiment will be to move on and forget about Trump. As a result, Trump will have gotten away with everything and more importantly, the Republicans will now know they can do whatever they want and get away with it.

[marylandblue]

25. They will know they can do what they want either way.

Even if Trump and all his collaborators go to jail, they will conclude it was only because he was a clumsy criminal criminal. The next criminal will be more careful.

[rzemanfl]

45. Gotta wash socks. BBL. n/t

[Paladin]

19. You're right. Things just can't keep going on this way.

I'm ready for fate to take a hand.

[ananda]

24. Well, the way climate change is going ...

... I don't think we have to worry about anything
except going extinct.

[at140]

37. I was in SE Asia and India recently

If you think smog is bad in Los Angeles, it is much much worse in some cities there.
And the population of (China+SE Asia+India) is 10 times bigger than United States.

[ReformedGOPer]

26. I was a younger teen during the Watergate years and I remember feeling so hopeless . That Nixon

would never be held accountable. I was glued to the TV that summer, 1973, watching the hearings. I remember thinking everyone was a crook. But I also remember John Dean's testimony. I remember thinking that maybe there were a few good people left.

In looking back now, I realize it was more then a year between Dean's testimony and Nixon's eventual resignation. Unfortunately it seemed like forever. But it DID happen. I have to remind myself of this when I start to lose hope.

[bigbrother05]

65. Turned 21 in '73, all to vivid in memory

We have to remember that it was the televised hearings in Congress that turned the tide. Can recall my mother's outrage once she started listening to the testimony. My folks were stationed in Germany and hadn't paid much attention until my brother and I came over that summer.

All the prior reporting only reached the 20-30% activists and political junkies. It took hearing/seeing it for themselves to inflame the general public. Just as Nixon recognized losing Cronkite meant losing support for Viet Nam, losing the "Silent Majority" meant he was toast.

[Tipperary]

28. I think it was you, not too long ago, saying rump was toast, history, done, etc.?

Changed your mind, I guess.

[no_hypocrisy]

29. "Brains'll only get you so far and luck always runs out."

Thelma and Louise

[yaesu]

30. the shit has already hit the fan but no one can or will clean it up. nt

[Duppers]

31. My hubby fears a worst-case scenario

Such that happened in the 1990s Balkans/ Yugoslavia Civil War where there was house to house slaughter. That's a bit too far-fetched??


Yet, we folks who follow climate scientists know that GW will indeed shatter the global economy. Not gonna be pretty at all, most likely unsurvivable in the long term. (My son has decided not to have children who would have to face horrific suffering.) During the undeniable phrases, the rethugs will continue to live in their la-la land and blame the disasters on godless liberals for angering god again.

[TrogL]

34. That's not the way authoritarian culture works

Now that the populace had gotten a taste you’re in for the long run

[QED]

35. Does anyone think IQ45 is healthy?

Maybe he'll have a health crisis that will cause him to resign or make A25 necessary. Of course, then we'll get conspiracy theories about the deep state having him hidden away or that he was harmed intentionally.

Pence is scary.

[at140]

48. Agreed on Pence being scary

Religious zealots always scare me, regardless of which religion.

[appalachiablue]

38. Things are about to blow, we're entering uncharted territory

and it will be a bumpy ride. Better fasten your seatbelts.

I was hoping to finish my book, 'Bonfire of the Boomers' before all hell broke loose...

In comparison, following Watergate was like going to a raucous, loud pool party, lol.

WG was an event; what we're experiencing now is part of a process of very large proportions.

[Kablooie]

41. If only Republicans had any patriotism and respect for the law and Constitution it could end well.

But as long as one major party supports, protects and enables Trump's anarchy, our democracy is in serious danger.

[playaseeker]

42. Everyone is following Trump down the rabbit hole

The media breathlessly reports Trump latest lie as the lead story. There is no more filter on what is real or fake and Trump can spin his own reality. He is going after the FBI now and could seriously undermine their ability to enforce the law. It seems like the people who should know what is going on are too afraid of "stretching" the rules, while Trump plays by no rules. Law enforcement, the intelligence agencies, the Democrats are all afraid to fight Trump at his level of tenacity. It is Neville Chamberlain on a national scale.

I don't think that the House of Representatives is going to put a dent in Trump. Even if they impeach, Trump controls the spin and when the Senate lets it all slide, then he is vindicated. Either the intelligence agencies or national law enforcement needs to nail him. With a tape, a wiretap, something that is so tangible that it cannot be denied. He needs to actually shoot someone on 5th Avenue

If Trump is still in office in 2020, my thinking is the country is toast. There is no current effort to push back on Russian intelligence actions and in 2020, I believe, they will hack and alter the votes. Trump will win by a landslide and then it takes everything he is doing and pours it in cement. Backed by the Supreme Court which is filled with traitors.

Sorry to be so negative, but it is 1939 and the good guys still think that writing their Congresspeople is somehow going to make a difference.

[doompatrol39]

46. We just need to give reasonable incrementalism more time...

.......just a few more years and the approach we've been trying for the past few decades will really start paying dividends I'm sure.

The advocates of a measured, rule of law, high road approach have been assuring me the Republicans are toast for the better part of 25 years now. No sense rushing to judgment and saying they are wrong.

[Grins]

50. There is no way in hell this...is sustainable? You sure?

"There is no way in hell this complete disregard for the law, this in your face corruption is sustainable."


I think the better word is "survivable". "Sustainable" it already is, given the thousands of lies, the horrific picks for a cabinet, worse picks for the courts, threats to NATO, complicity the assaults on veterans and the families, a government shutdown, the dismemberment of health care protections, declarations of a national emergency, lip-service to an opioid crisis, huge financial frauds, links to both American and Russian mobsters, hell - LOCKING CHILDREN IN CAGES FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE!!!!

And nothing phases the overwhelming majority of Americans...

[brewens]

51. When it does, it will stay hit hopefully, and we get the House and Senate. n/t

[7horses]

54. My question is...

My question is, What has/are the Democrats in the House doing about any of this? We all worked hard for the Blue Wave and thought it would make a big difference. Now we have the Speaker of the House refusing to bring impeachment. WTF? Still no taxes, and trump is going about hi evilness.

[Fiendish Thingy]

55. The leak of the Meuller letter was one hopeful sign

The weeks to come may bring more, but regardless, Congress needs to fight with every weapon in its arsenal.

[colsohlibgal]

56. Totally Agree

The next 2-3 years are going to be ultra eventful, with no guarantee the forces of good will prevail.

Nixon quit in the end because he lost he support of some republicans who put country over party.

That is not happening with Mitch the Turtle so we are in uncharted waters.

[elfin]

57. I'm thinking a shitty summer ahead

But we still won't be able to poop him out until the election or until McConnell really does meet the Grim Reaper while he is killing yet another House initiative.

[stillcool]

58. I think the end needs..

to be defined. Will we know it, or are we already there?

[Ferrets are Cool]

62. Why? The criminality of the previous "R" presidency did not end

with people going to jail or even a slap on the wrist and they were responsible for the deaths of almost a MILLION women, children and men. Hell, they are all running around with happy faces, making millions now from the corruption and destruction they wrought during those 8 terrible years.
So, until I see him frog-marched into a prison cell, I will not be holding my breath for any justice.

[Honeycombe8]

66. Well, his term will end at some point, and that will end it.

But will he be stopped before then? We'll see. People have been saying since inauguration that he'll be stopped sooner or later. It's now pretty darn late, and he's still there, doing what he does.

[barbtries]

67. yes. it only feels endless.

it will end, whether in a good way or not. i don't think the damage already done will be repairable in decades - generations imo. the question now is will we be a democracy, will we have a constitution?

[Maven]

69. The current Constitution is the reason we have less and less of a democracy as time goes on

The question we should be asking is, how do we reform or replace the Constitutional order that we have so that a Trump and a McConnell can never happen again?

[barbtries]

70. please elaborate.

i see it as our last hope to save democracy.

[Maven]

80. Sure.

These links might be helpful:

https://govtrackinsider.com/the-senate-has-never-been-as-un-democratic-as-it-was-in-2017-2018-and-minority-rule-could-801e1046af28

https://govtrackinsider.com/with-kavanaugh-vote-the-senate-reaches-a-historic-low-in-democratic-metric-dfb0f5fa7fa

https://www.vox.com/2018/10/13/17971340/the-senate-represents-states-not-people-constitution-kavanaugh-supreme-court

As the population of the country becomes more concentrated in the largest states, the majority of the population is at the mercy of a radical conservative minority that is vastly over-represented in the Senate due to the two-Senators-per-state rule that is hard-coded into the Constitution. The Senate is now an instrument of minority rule that is keeping Donald Trump in power and will prevent us from governing effectively if Democrat wins the presidency in 2020, assuming the Senate remains in GOP hands. That is likely when you consider the fact that the GOP actually gained Senate seats in 2018 despite winning almost 20 million fewer votes.

And then there is the Electoral College. We all know how that has worked out.

[PatrickforO]

71. I think we're seeing it 'give' now.

This peeing contest Trump is having with Pelosi and the House...not a good idea for him because the House, with the Senate, is in fact a coequal branch of government.

Trump will not be allowed, ultimately, to ride roughshod over the laws.

[ScratchCat]

78. There is only one path forward

That his cult followers will accept, and they will only reluctantly accept that one after they have been assured by Fox News, Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter that it was in deed natural causes.