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Edited by Mrph1 on Nov 30th 2023 at 11:03:59 AM

Aszur A nice butterfly from Pagliacci's Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: Don't hug me; I'm scared
A nice butterfly
#192326: Jun 7th 2017 at 6:34:27 PM

To Trump being referred to as fascist:

He does fulfill several similar elements that fascist governments do. Its hyper nationalistic drive to unite the people under a jingoistic union, the totalitarianism is seen in just how unwilling Trump is to do anything with an for other political parties. It's not sending the secret police to slit their throats and forcibly taking the congress, but it IS fascist-like to always blame them, always seek to demonize them, never looking for common ground, and never consider them anything other than blatant enemies. It's like he is trying for a culture victory in civilization with just one theatre in the non capital city.

His "MUH MERICAN JERBS" is straight up from Nazi books. His indirect supports to violent acts by refusing to condemn them and also being bat blind to them are armchair general sort of fascism.

He is not a fascist at Hitler levels, of course that's what everyone thinks of when they think fascism. But that doesn't mean that his behavior isn't oriented towards controlling the same things fascists seek to control by other means, as opposed to actually seeking social growth and improvement

It has always been the prerogative of children and half-wits to point out that the emperor has no clothes
kkhohoho (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#192327: Jun 7th 2017 at 6:40:51 PM

[up]Of course, the difference being that due to a number of factors, (scandals, infighting, general mass incompetence, you name it,) Trump, unlike Hitler, is unable to carry most of his nightmarish fascistic policies out, and so instead of living in 1984, we're living in the Bush administration again. Only with a lot more stupid.tongue

Aszur A nice butterfly from Pagliacci's Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: Don't hug me; I'm scared
A nice butterfly
#192328: Jun 7th 2017 at 6:42:17 PM

Well, to be fair to him, he really does not govern an environment that makes it super easy for him to go full fascist.

To be fair to history, he is just super incompetent at everything he attempts, including controlling stuff.

It has always been the prerogative of children and half-wits to point out that the emperor has no clothes
FireCrawler2002 Since: Apr, 2017
#192329: Jun 7th 2017 at 6:47:01 PM

[up][up][up] It's more like Italian/Spanish-style fascism (Which were much more incompetent) than German/Nazi-style fascism.

edited 7th Jun '17 6:47:42 PM by FireCrawler2002

Elle Since: Jan, 2001
#192330: Jun 7th 2017 at 6:50:29 PM

The main things keeping the administration's facist tendancies in check are:

a: Trump's utter incompetence

b: The courts and the other constitutional checks and balances and the various laws limiting what he can actually do.

c: Media and public blowback making life difficult both on him and the Republican legislators that would enable him.

d: The Republicans only care to enable him insofar as he'll pass their policies and not to the degree of putting up laws that would actually undermine (b) and give him more power.

B in particular shouldn't be overlooked. Remember the initial flood of executive orders? Notice how they have dried up? The courts made it plain that if he tried to overstep the law he'd be hamstrung. It's gotten to the point where he's staging fake signings to look like he's doing stuff.

edited 7th Jun '17 6:51:39 PM by Elle

RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#192331: Jun 7th 2017 at 7:14:30 PM

Edit: Nevermind, I can't read a clock.

edited 7th Jun '17 7:14:48 PM by RedSavant

It's been fun.
megaeliz Since: Mar, 2017
#192332: Jun 7th 2017 at 7:35:46 PM

This is really powerful. It was written by the mayors of Pittsburgh and Paris, affirming their pledge to the Terms of the Paris Accords.

The Mayors of Pittsburgh and Paris: We Have Our Own Climate Deal

Last week, President Donald Trump tried to pit our two cities against each other when he announced, in pulling out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, “I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris.” As the mayors of Pittsburgh and Paris, we’re here to say that we’re more united than ever.

Though separated by an ocean and a language, we share a desire to do what is best for our citizens and our planet. That means putting aside parochial politics and embracing the global challenge of fighting climate change. In doing so, we can create a cleaner, healthier, more prosperous world for Parisians, Pittsburghers and everyone else on the planet.

As the sun sets each evening on the Allegheny River, Pittsburgh’s Rachel Carson Bridge lights up with 27,000 multi-colored bulbs. This nightly display downtown in the City of Bridges is powered entirely by 16 wind turbines attached to the arches of the bridge. It’s just one example of how a city once famous for its steel mills has emerged as a trailblazer in environmental innovation.

The experience of Pittsburgh in the three decades since the collapse of the steel industry reveals how a commitment to science, research and green technology can transform our cities. As late as the 1940s, the air hung heavy with pollution from steel mills. Streetlights were needed 24 hours a day to see through the smog. Today, 13,000 Pittsburghers are employed in the renewable energy industry. The city’s Phipps Conservatory is recognized as one of the world’s greenest buildings, generating all of its own energy and treating and reusing all water captured on site. Investments in smart infrastructure, bike sharing programs, new mass transit options and building efficiency means Pittsburgh is on track to meet our goal of slashing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2023. While the majority of electricity in the state of Pennsylvania is still generated from fossil fuels, Pittsburgh will be 100 percent powered by renewable energy by 2035.

We Pittsburghers are proud of our industrial history, but we are preparing for a prosperous future. That means addressing our air quality, which remains among the worst in the nation. That means ensuring that the shift to sustainable infrastructure tackles inequality between communities. And that means taking climate change seriously.

In Paris — another city famous for its bridges — we are inspired by the resolve of Pittsburgh to deliver on the ambition of the Paris Agreement by building an ever more sustainable and thriving city. In the City of Lights, we’re taking big steps to boost our economy, encourage social mobility and improve the health of our citizens. In recent years, we reclaimed the right bank of the River Seine — an iconic part of the city that was previously dominated by polluting vehicles — for pedestrian use.

In the absence of executive leadership in the United States, an unprecedented alliance is emerging among cities like ours to push progress forward. We are both members of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, which represents more than 7,400 cities around the world committed to local climate action. Pittsburgh is one of nearly 250 cities in the United States, representing 56 million Americans, whose mayors have committed to honor and uphold the goals of the Paris Agreement. We are being joined by business leaders, governors, university presidents and millions of citizens across the United States to pledge “We Are Still In” — and we will achieve and exceed America’s commitment to the Paris Agreement. And through C40 Cities, the global network of 91 cities, of which I, Mayor Hidalgo, serve as chairwoman, mayors representing 650 million citizens are pledging their determination to deliver on the Paris Agreement.

As Mayor of Pittsburgh, I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris.

As Mayor of Paris, I was elected to represent the citizens of Paris, not Pittsburgh.

But the only way to do right by Pittsburghers and Parisians is to abide by the principles of the Paris Agreement, which guarantees the future health and prosperity of both of our cities — and every other city in the world.

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/06/07/opinion/the-mayors-of-pittsburgh-and-paris-we-have-our-own-climate-deal.html?_r=1&referer=https://t.co/b9q9lZNUmT?amp=1

edited 7th Jun '17 8:44:59 PM by megaeliz

LSBK Since: Sep, 2014
#192333: Jun 7th 2017 at 7:45:20 PM

You know, ever since Trump said he was for Pittsburgh over Paris I've been finding myself thinking that's pretty ironic that he wants to represent them, even though Pittsburgh (and correct me if I'm wrong) likely went much more for Hilary than him.

But now I'm finding myself thinking that's what the President is supposed to do. Represent everyone and not just the ones who vote for them. That while I got a genuine sense that Obama or Hilary (or even Sanders) would try and due that, Republicans seem more or less open about not being interested in representing everyone, besides cursory lip-service her and there and as ploys to justify destroying welfare or something.

This probably preaching to the choir, which I hate so apologies, but I just find it ironic that Trump actually said something that (somewhat) fits with the spirit of the presidency, and he choice and entirely terrible cause to do so.

Aszur A nice butterfly from Pagliacci's Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: Don't hug me; I'm scared
A nice butterfly
#192334: Jun 7th 2017 at 7:49:01 PM

Even Spanish and Italian fascism did go on killing sprees, so, even they reaffirmed their power by violence whereas Trump just dances on that line between inciting it while still (according to him) having enough plausible deniability to say he totes didn't. Pinkie swear.

edited 7th Jun '17 7:54:01 PM by Aszur

It has always been the prerogative of children and half-wits to point out that the emperor has no clothes
M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#192335: Jun 7th 2017 at 7:54:24 PM

[up][up] You are giving Trump too much credit. He probably just picked Pittsburgh because it was a well known city in a state he (barely) won and for the alliteration.

Trump has proven over and over again that he doesn't give two shits about what the POTUS is supposed to do. He only cares about image and showboating.

edited 7th Jun '17 7:56:59 PM by M84

Disgusted, but not surprised
LinkToTheFuture A real bad hombre from somewhere completely different Since: Apr, 2015 Relationship Status: What's love got to do with it?
A real bad hombre
#192336: Jun 7th 2017 at 7:57:22 PM

I wonder what it would take to set up a true Fascist regime in the United States.

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." -Thomas Edison
Gilphon (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#192337: Jun 7th 2017 at 8:01:44 PM

Pittsburgh went something like 80% for Hillary, IIRC.

M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#192338: Jun 7th 2017 at 8:03:04 PM

[up] Yep. But I doubt Trump knew or cared. He likely went with Pittsburgh because "Pittsburgh not Paris" sounds catchy thanks to alliteration.

edited 7th Jun '17 8:03:26 PM by M84

Disgusted, but not surprised
M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#192340: Jun 7th 2017 at 8:13:12 PM

[up] It's fitting that Trump's vision of Pittsburgh is, as the article title puts it, "Sooooooo 80s". The man himself is in many ways a rotten old leftover of the 1980s.

edited 7th Jun '17 8:13:34 PM by M84

Disgusted, but not surprised
AmbarSonofDeshar Since: Jan, 2010
#192341: Jun 7th 2017 at 8:24:46 PM

RE: Trump and fascism

As others have said, there's a compelling case to be made that Trump is, personally, a fascist or neofascist. His administration also contains a number of fascistic and neofascistic figures, with Steve Bannon and Stephan Miller being the most obvious, and has won the support of numerous other fascistic and neofascistic figures, with Richard Spencer and David Duke being the most obvious.

The government itself is not a fascist one and accordingly the state itself is not fascist. Applying the label to Trump himself is not, however, as unreasonable as it should be—he's certainly closer to fascism than say, George W or Romney were.

megaeliz Since: Mar, 2017
#192342: Jun 7th 2017 at 8:50:27 PM

Steven Colbert is looking at the comey testimony draft tonight.

MadSkillz Destroyer of Worlds Since: Mar, 2013 Relationship Status: I only want you gone
Destroyer of Worlds
#192343: Jun 7th 2017 at 8:55:18 PM

Trump's used to running a private company and private companies are authoritarian structures. So that's a definite influence of Trump's way of doing things.

Private companies are like fiefdoms nowadays. So Trump is like a Duke thinking he's about to become an absolute monarch.

Swanpride Since: Jun, 2013
#192344: Jun 7th 2017 at 11:22:38 PM

Trump is an authoritarian and there is no doubt that his politics fall into the fascist category - which happens to be a pretty broad label...you can use fascist for more or less every authoritarian right wing group. What protects the US so far is that at least a few checks and balances which are in place still work and that Trump is too inept to circumvent them. Which, frankly, is not something to be proud of. If Trump were more like Erdogan or Putin, he would have been able to dismantle the system step by step.

Aszur A nice butterfly from Pagliacci's Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: Don't hug me; I'm scared
A nice butterfly
#192345: Jun 7th 2017 at 11:44:30 PM

I disagree. Erdogan and Putin wouldn't have been able to dismantle the U.S system so easily. Turkey is a nation that has been ravaged plenty by conflict and nearby war, as well as religious and governamental shistory. people are easy to manipualte when they are so eager to put htemselves in easily malleable boxes.

Putin leads the Russians. Russia might once have been a nation whose population was willing to give plenty of fucks about their rulers, but the fucks were depleted and they haven't given any since...a long time ago. They've known nothing but authoritarian governments since...heck. Ever?

Compare to the united states: Trump trying to control guns (which he'd need to, to be a fascist) would be enough to have his base flip on him at break neck speeds, a culture and economy of hyper consumerism would shatter under its own weight by a leader who tried to seize those assets and call the yankees ignorant all you like, they still have enough educated and non stupid peopleto not really go quietly into such madness while still having enough uneducated morons to have flashy results if Trump tries something too stupid even for him.

It has always been the prerogative of children and half-wits to point out that the emperor has no clothes
LeGarcon Blowout soon fellow Stalker from Skadovsk Since: Aug, 2013 Relationship Status: Gay for Big Boss
Blowout soon fellow Stalker
#192346: Jun 7th 2017 at 11:48:57 PM

He already controls guns though. Remember, most of the gun owners in the country have openly sided with him of their own free will.

Don't ever count on them being some future rebellious fighters for our freedom. They're black shirts.

edited 7th Jun '17 11:49:53 PM by LeGarcon

Oh really when?
Aszur A nice butterfly from Pagliacci's Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: Don't hug me; I'm scared
A nice butterfly
#192347: Jun 7th 2017 at 11:52:16 PM

yes but there's a difference between those guys and , say, Putin's Night Wolves: they aren't directly funded, and the second Trump would attempt to get in the way of that by seizing assets (something they also tend to be horribly against: Gub'mint gettin' into muh stuff!!!1) they'd turn on him fast and dumb. Which is a deadly combination.

I'm not syaing they are freedom fighters, I am saying they are idiots with guns who will fire them off the second they feel threathened.

At anyone.

edited 7th Jun '17 11:52:41 PM by Aszur

It has always been the prerogative of children and half-wits to point out that the emperor has no clothes
Luigisan98 A wandering user from Venezuelan Muscat Since: Oct, 2013 Relationship Status: I <3 love!
A wandering user
#192348: Jun 7th 2017 at 11:55:35 PM

[up][up] Well, this kind of government is one brought down by words and actions...but not violence, so these guys are the not the necessary type.

edited 7th Jun '17 11:55:56 PM by Luigisan98

The only good fanboy, is a redeemed fanboy.
LeGarcon Blowout soon fellow Stalker from Skadovsk Since: Aug, 2013 Relationship Status: Gay for Big Boss
Blowout soon fellow Stalker
#192349: Jun 7th 2017 at 11:55:43 PM

Police already seize assets. They don't care because they're never white people's assets.

Oh really when?
Aszur A nice butterfly from Pagliacci's Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: Don't hug me; I'm scared
A nice butterfly
#192350: Jun 8th 2017 at 12:00:48 AM

Yes. but, again, all I am saying is that if there's ever been an actual risk of the U.S government seizing private citizens' arms, it would be, ironically, in Trump's administration. He wants everyone to like him, and he wants everyone to obey him. And if he could get away with it, he'd punish them if one or the other was not possible and he'd likely see to removing firearms.

Or, hear his quoting.

https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/369926661644357632?lang=es

It has always been the prerogative of children and half-wits to point out that the emperor has no clothes

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