The Putinization of America

Sunday, March 02, 2025

Unleashing Elon Musk and his DOGE cadres on the federal government, menacing Canada and European allies, and embracing Vladimir Putin's wish list for Ukraine and beyond are not unrelated. These moves are all strategic elements of a plan that is familiar to any student of the rise and fall of democracies, especially the "fall" part.

Posted by Gal_Tuesday at 10:48 AM | 114 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

Alternate links: Google News | Twitter

Trump isn't just rootin' for Putin; he's puttin' out for Putin.[image or embed]
" George Conway (@gtconway.bsky.social) March 1, 2025 at 11:06 AM

Comments

Admin's note: Participants in this discussion must follow the site's moderation policy. Profanity will be filtered. Abusive conduct is not allowed.

FTA:

Ronald Reagan gave a famous speech supporting Barry Goldwater for president in 1964 in which he said, "No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size ... A government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth." As a "Reagan Communist" myself back in the U.S.S.R., I sympathize with those who want to shrink and limit government power. But replacing it with a junta of unaccountable elites"the Putin model"is not an improvement.

Cutting bureaucracy isn't usually associated with despotism and power grabs. We tend to think of wannabe dictators packing the courts and increasing the size and power of the state. But that isn't what you do when you want to make the government impotent against private power"your private power. The Putin model was to weaken any state institution that might defy him and to build state power back up only when he had total control.

But why has Trump made Putin's agenda his top priority? The GOP has been compliant with every Trump move so far, but a few members still take issue with Trump calling Zelensky a dictator while cozying up to Putin. So why pick fights with his narrow congressional majorities over Russia so early, with such urgency? The same could be asked of Musk's reckless slash-and-burn tactics with DOGE, which are beginning to provoke backlash as popular programs are cut and job losses pile up, along with lawsuits.

These are not the acts of people who expect to lose power any time soon, or ever. They are racing to the point where they will not be able to afford to lose control of the mechanisms they are ripping up and remaking in their image. What such people will do when they believe that mounting a coup is the lesser risk to their fortunes and power cannot be predicted.

There may be a Pulitzer Prize awaiting the person who discovers the answer to the question "Why?" But stopping Putinization"the looting by cronies, the centralization of authority, the moving of decisions into unaccountable private hands"is the vital matter of the moment. Trump admiring Putin is far less dangerous than Trump becoming him.

#1 | Posted by Gal_Tuesday at 2025-03-02 08:08 AM | Reply

"There may be a Pulitzer Prize awaiting the person who discovers the answer to the question "Why?" "

People like FORTFISHER know why.

The closer they grope towards their fascist utopia the closer they get to being honest about it.

Frankly, everyone knows "why".

But we have usually too polite, and too incredulous, to really bear down on it.

Time for the rest of us to start being honest too.

#2 | Posted by Zed at 2025-03-02 08:22 AM | Reply

If/when Russia takes Ukraine, they take the largest, most experienced, best trained on modern weapons Military in Europe.... and then Vlad uses it on Nato.

He and Trumpalumpagus have already divvied up the world as Corporate Oligarchs do their Markets.

And Russia taking Europe makes it more normal for when Trump takes his share... Canada to Patagonia most likely. And Orangeland, formerly Greenland.

China gets all of Asia, and Africa goes to Israel and the Saudis, well, until the US, Russia, and China finish dividing it up, too, for resources.

Africa being the New Plantation South, and all.

No... not kidding.

#3 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-02 10:57 AM | Reply

MAGA first and foremost is a failure of character. It's a failure to believe in the core principles of America,

These are principles that "conservative" America once alleged were axiomatic.

I have to think that "conservatives" were always faking it.

What MAGA believes in is control of what they consider to be internal enemies, other Americans.

Notions of God and Country are obsolete, not matter how often they grasp that Bible of dress up in flags.

#4 | Posted by Zed at 2025-03-02 11:00 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Anyone care to guess how many times the word 'Oligarch(s)' was used on this site prior to 10/1/2024?

#5 | Posted by gracieamazed at 2025-03-02 11:04 AM | Reply | Funny: 1

Anyone care to guess how many times the word 'Oligarch(s)' was used on this site prior to 10/1/2024?

#5 | Posted by gracieamazed at 2025-03-02 11:04 AM | Reply

Who would bother to care or do the research? A useless Hans for the right? Someone whose self-worth apparently involves being a hall monitor on a website that attracts about 50 people, for whom she even has personal nicknames that don't mean much to anybody?

#6 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2025-03-02 11:08 AM | Reply

Oligarchs was used, but it was in reference to the Russian Oligarchs. If you do a search, the words "accidentally fell out a window" might also be found nearby.

So it makes sense to use it here, now.

And it's probably time to start calling our poor "Peasants" too.

#7 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-02 11:11 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 3

Anyone care to guess how many times the word 'Oligarch(s)' was used on this site prior to 10/1/2024?

#5 | POSTED BY GRACIEAMAZED

I am sure it was used quite often in the lead up to the election.

Low information voters such as yourself only become aware of the consequences of an election AFTER the election. No matter how often they were warned BEFORE the election.

#8 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-02 11:18 AM | Reply

look! russia russia russia
look! trump trump trump

archive.is

#9 | Posted by itchypossum at 2025-03-02 11:21 AM | Reply

I think it's nice that Gracie learn't a new word!

#10 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-02 11:23 AM | Reply

AssyAmazed is one of those turds googling "tariffs" after the election.

#11 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-03-02 11:24 AM | Reply

#8 So you know the answer without answering. A spoon-fed word by the LW media in October 2024 and the DR sheep jumped all over it.

#12 | Posted by gracieamazed at 2025-03-02 11:24 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

The first use of the word Oligarchs on this site was likely 20 years ago when we talked about Russia.

#13 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-02 11:27 AM | Reply

Has Fat Smelvis started providing weapons for Russia yet?

#14 | Posted by Reinheitsgebot at 2025-03-02 11:28 AM | Reply

"A spoon-fed word by the LW media in October 2024 and the DR sheep jumped all over it."

So you're denying that we have Oligarchs?

Or you're simply noting that the word was amplified on social media, like the stories of Haitians eating Cats in Springfield?

#15 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-02 11:29 AM | Reply | Funny: 1

A spoon-fed word by the LW media in October 2024 and the DR sheep jumped all over it.

This is hilarious coming from the quarter-ton twunt who belches out "woke" hundreds of times a day.

#16 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-03-02 11:35 AM | Reply | Funny: 1 | Newsworthy 1

And it's probably time to start calling our poor "Peasants" too.

#7 | Posted by snoofy at

Yep. MAGA peasants.

Seems to be what they're going for, so....

#17 | Posted by Zed at 2025-03-02 11:38 AM | Reply

It has been quieter here from MAGA since that national humiliation in the White House.

I used to think that this was because they were ashamed.

Now I know that their just waiting for someone to tell them what to say.

#18 | Posted by Zed at 2025-03-02 11:40 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

"So you know the answer without answering."

Because I know for a fact that I used that word here long before then. Many times.

And I am not going to do your research.

You made the ridiculous claim. Now show us your work.

#19 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-02 11:41 AM | Reply

Another who can't count, 'who belches out "woke" hundreds of times a day.' Shocked S/

#20 | Posted by gracieamazed at 2025-03-02 11:42 AM | Reply

Gracie cant work, that's why she is the hall mom of drudge.

#21 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-03-02 11:43 AM | Reply | Funny: 1

Zelensky didn't wear Gold Trump High Top Sneakers to the White House, further disrespecting Trump in his own home.
www.ebay.com

#22 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-02 11:43 AM | Reply

#21 Beanie, you will never catch me copy and pasting the moderation policy on a thread and insisting it's 'real'.

#23 | Posted by gracieamazed at 2025-03-02 11:45 AM | Reply

"Russia, if you're listening ... ."

#24 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2025-03-02 11:49 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

that's why she is the hall mom of drudge.

If she is, what's Jeffy going to do now?

#25 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-03-02 11:51 AM | Reply

#25

ROFL!!

You're killing me, Lee.

#26 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-02 11:52 AM | Reply

Anyone care to guess how many times the word 'Oligarch(s)' was used on this site prior to 10/1/2024?

#5 | POSTED BY GRACIEAMAZED

You voted for this you stupid pileof s^%#.

Shut your stupid, worthless f^**ing mouth.

#27 | Posted by jpw at 2025-03-02 11:52 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

'I think Trump may be one of those figures in history who appears from time to time to mark the end of an era and to force it to give up its old pretences.

-Hank Kissinger

If your time to you is worth savin'
And you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'

#28 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-03-02 11:55 AM | Reply

Oligarchy, Oligarchs. Oligarchy.Oligarchs.Oligarchs, Oligarchs. Oligarchs. OLIGARCHY, Oligarchs.Oligarchy. Oligarchs. Oligarchs.

Oligarchs.oligarchy. Oligarchs. Oligarchs.

Been used a bunch more times now, you sick effin Sow.

Happy Sunday. Oligarchs, Gracie loves Rich Penis.

Grateful, Thankful,And Blessed. OLIGARCHS.

#29 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2025-03-02 12:00 PM | Reply

21 Beanie, you will never catch me copy and pasting the moderation policy on a thread and insisting it's 'real'.

#23 | POSTED BY GRACIEAMAZED AT 2025-03-02 11:45 AM | REPLY

if it wasnt real i couldnt have copy/pasted it moron.

#30 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-03-02 12:03 PM | Reply

Zelensky didn't wear Gold Trump High Top Sneakers to the White House, further disrespecting Trump in his own home.
www.ebay.com

#22 | POSTED BY SNOOFY

Zelensky did not properly kiss the Trumpy rump. That's why Trumpy got all magamania on him. It was like that team wrestling in there for a minute.

"The way to have gone in there," Zakaria joked, "is first, you begin by saying, President Trump, you are a genius. You have completely transformed the landscape. I have with me the highest order of merit " Ukraine has never created a civilian honor this big " for you.'"

"You have a big medal, put it on him, then say to him, I look forward to working with you,'" Zakaria added.

#31 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-02 12:10 PM | Reply

OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY .............. GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED

GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED.

GRACIE WE LOVE YA........

#32 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2025-03-02 12:12 PM | Reply

You voted for this you stupid pileof s^%#.

Shut your stupid, worthless f^**ing mouth.

#27 | Posted by jpw at 2025-03-02 11:52 AM | Reply | Flag:

Busted Condom strikes again!

#33 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2025-03-02 12:19 PM | Reply

OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS Oligarchs OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHS OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY MORE OLIGARCHS

USED ENOUGH NOW? YOU OLD UGLY SOW?

#34 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2025-03-02 12:21 PM | Reply

Life is good (if you're not a 2020 SP)! Tootles.

#35 | Posted by gracieamazed at 2025-03-02 12:35 PM | Reply

#34 What are we in?? Grade school??

#36 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-03-02 12:35 PM | Reply

Tootles.

#35 | POSTED BY GRACIEAMAZED

Have a wonderful day in your neighborhood!

And.

Bless you and your two sizes too small shriveled blackened heart.

#37 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-02 12:38 PM | Reply

Unelected billionaires running the country in the shadows are only an oligarchy when the Republicans run the White-house.

#38 | Posted by visitor_ at 2025-03-02 12:45 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Trump sealed the border. That's what most wanted. Now he needs to send back those who will not self deport. Never allow them here again. Give them 6 months to get finger printed and leave.

#39 | Posted by Robson at 2025-03-02 12:50 PM | Reply

"Trump sealed the border."

The Mexican border is not "sealed". Whatever you think that means.

Oh wait. You must be referring to the Canadian border.

#40 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-02 12:55 PM | Reply

Biden and Democrats gave away 200 billion unaudited USD dollars to Zelensky and Democrat leftists applauded. They had no clue or strategy what it would be used for. Still none.

#41 | Posted by Robson at 2025-03-02 12:55 PM | Reply

"Unelected billionaires running the country in the shadows are only an oligarchy when the Republicans run the White-house."

Took long enough for Russia to get that clever but completely wrong and bass ackwards talking point to you.

Which unelected oligarch was given access to Americans personal and financial information and hiring and firing authority within the Biden White House?

#42 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-02 01:00 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"Biden and Democrats gave away 200 billion unaudited USD dollars to Zelensky and Democrat leftists applauded."

Just more Russian inspired lies and you are one of the lying liars who loves to tell them.

1. Much of the money the U.S. has dedicated for Ukraine aid is spent in the U.S. on domestic weapons manufacturers and U.S. military and government operations.

2. Direct military support to Ukraine totaled about $70 billion out of the $175 billion Congress has appropriated.

2. The money isn't being laundered, it's being spent as Congress intended.

#43 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-02 01:04 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Krasnov sealed the border.

Mexicans warned not to travel to Texas over measles
www.borderreport.com

Mexico is telling its citizens to avoid Texas because of paste-eating MAGAts.

#44 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-03-02 01:10 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Trump Demands Respect From Zelensky

www.youtube.com

Don Corleone style.

#45 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-02 01:38 PM | Reply

Greatest fear mongering headline wins!

#46 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-02 01:45 PM | Reply

2. The money isn't being laundered, it's being spent as Congress intended.
#43 | POSTED BY DONNERBOT

Sure DonnerBot, sure...

Here's how it works, so long as you go along you can embezzle as much as you want. Once you go against the grain though ...
You're outted

Ukraine says corrupt officials stole $40 million meant to buy arms for the war
www.npr.org

#47 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-02 01:49 PM | Reply

47 | POSTED BY IAMRUNT

--------, the------------- pissed away $20 million at the Super Bowl.

#48 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-03-02 01:51 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Greatest fear mongering headline wins!

#46 | POSTED BY ONEIRONAUT

You just wake up from a coma?

Welcome to 2025.

Wait until you find out who the latest U.S. president is and what he has done to our fellow Americans AND our allies.

If you care about Americans you should probably sit down first.

If not get your champagne glass ready and have toast with Moscow. Sarah Palin can hear them cheering from her front porch!

#49 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-02 01:53 PM | Reply

I'm afraid that 1NumbNut is NEVER going to, 'own himself a lib'... which appears to be his only goal in life.

He's just not bright enough, and always wrong on the issues.

#50 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-02 01:54 PM | Reply

DEATH TO PUTIN

DEATH TO RUSSIA

DEATH TO TYRANTS

#51 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-03-02 01:58 PM | Reply

#47 | Posted by oneironaut

---- off Jeff, you're a ------- cartoon.

#52 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-03-02 01:59 PM | Reply

Even the Daily Fail is appalled by Krasnov.

ichef.bbci.co.uk

#53 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-03-02 02:03 PM | Reply

"Here's how it works, so long as you go along you can embezzle as much as you want. Once you go against the grain though ...
You're outted"

You just described the Art of the Steal, or How to be a Dictator on Day One, by Donald J (for Genius) Humpy Trumpy.

#54 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-03-02 02:08 PM | Reply

Odd isn't is just how many leftists are pencil necks and moon heads and always homely as hell. That left wing DNA malformation runs very deep. Bad enough with the visuals but then they all are cognitive losers. So sad.

#55 | Posted by Robson at 2025-03-02 02:52 PM | Reply

I'm afraid that 1NumbNut is NEVER going to, 'own himself a lib'...

Remember back in the day when he was pretending to be an immigrant "open borders liberal" Bernie Bro that wanted to give jobs and visas to all immigrants?

Now he's reverted back to just being a white-wing, MAGA-humping refugee from the Nooner.

#56 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-03-02 02:57 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Robson keeps swinging and missing.

Seems he doesn't realize no one believes the bullshht he's posting.

His generic ChatGPT comments are nothing but a desperate cry for attention.

#57 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-03-02 03:01 PM | Reply

Remember back in the day when he was pretending to be an immigrant "open borders liberal" Bernie Bro that wanted to give jobs and visas to all immigrants?

I have no issues with this, entering legally and for everyone is perfectly reasonable.

#58 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-02 03:46 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

Now he's reverted back to just being a white-wing, MAGA-humping refugee from the Nooner.
- dialagain

This is objectively false, I have been critical of Trump, musk and many of his choices for the cabinet.

#59 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-02 03:48 PM | Reply

I just don't subscribe as the sky is falling

#60 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-02 03:48 PM | Reply

Greatest fear mongering headline wins!

#46 | POSTED BY ONEIRONAUT

You just wake up from a coma?

Welcome to 2025
- donnorbot

Exactly, the DR is just posting outrageous banner headlines for clicks.

#61 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-02 03:53 PM | Reply

This is objectively false

He does reliably pop in to say "Nuh-uh!" once in a while.

#62 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-03-02 03:54 PM | Reply

The thread title, The Putinization of America... or the descent of America into Authoritarian Corporate Rule by the moneyed entities... is the result of ignoring what is both an American and a Christian (actual Christian) Basic Principle:

That Democracy and Multiculturalism are basic to human co-existence.

Which is the theme of this Oxford Prof's lecture:

February 2025

www.youtube.com

#63 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-02 03:55 PM | Reply

Busted Condom strikes again!

#33 | POSTED BY LFTHNDTHRDS

Exactly what I'd expect from this mouth breathing piece of s^*%.

#64 | Posted by jpw at 2025-03-02 03:57 PM | Reply

- outrageous banner headlines

Putin is throwing Parties in the Kremlin, but the headline is faulty?

Like I said, that poster is a waste of Time and Space.

#65 | Posted by Corky at 2025-03-02 04:11 PM | Reply

Beggers can't be choosers.

That said, all Z had to do was say Trump is the smartest and prettiest and he would've got something out of it.

#66 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-03-02 04:32 PM | Reply

Also, Marco Rubio is now the least consequential SoS in the history of this country.

#67 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-03-02 04:34 PM | Reply

I just saw an ad for roast beef.

Which reminds me...

#68 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-03-02 04:35 PM | Reply

69!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#69 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-03-02 04:35 PM | Reply

Woke up, fell out of bed

#70 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-03-02 04:37 PM | Reply

Dragged a comb across my head

#71 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-03-02 04:37 PM | Reply

Found my way downstairs and drank a cup

#72 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-03-02 04:37 PM | Reply

And looking up, I noticed I was late

#73 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-03-02 04:37 PM | Reply

Found my coat and grabbed my hat

#74 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-03-02 04:37 PM | Reply

That's the five things I did last week.

#75 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-03-02 04:38 PM | Reply

#23 | Posted by gracieamazed

Why are you deflecting? Comment on the thread's context or shut the ---- up.

#76 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-03-02 04:40 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

#76 HBIC speaks. Swallow it.

#77 | Posted by gracieamazed at 2025-03-02 04:43 PM | Reply

#38 | Posted by visitor_

JFC you're dumb, cultist.

Swallow it.

#78 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-03-02 04:43 PM | Reply

#77 | Posted by gracieamazed

Why the fukc do you bother? You're such a waste.

Swallow it.

#79 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-03-02 04:47 PM | Reply

Also, Marco Rubio is now the least consequential SoS in the history of this country.
#67 | Posted by lee_the_agent

Little Marco gives new meaning to the term couch potato:

bsky.app

#80 | Posted by Gal_Tuesday at 2025-03-02 05:01 PM | Reply

Hey GRACIE,

Rubio Melts Down on Air Over Accusation U.S. Is Placating Putin
www.youtube.com

Eat shit.

#81 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-03-02 05:01 PM | Reply

Anyone care to guess how many times the word 'Oligarch(s)' was used on this site prior to 10/1/2024?
#5 | Posted by gracieamazed

Yes:

Oligarchs was used, but it was in reference to the Russian Oligarchs. If you do a search, the words "accidentally fell out a window" might also be found nearby.
So it makes sense to use it here, now.
And it's probably time to start calling our poor "Peasants" too.
#7 | Posted by snoofy

Prior to 1/20/25 we never had a display like this:

Seatings come under fire from Trump critics as sign of oligarchy and the powerful influence they wield

The stagecraft of Donald Trump's inauguration that placed global billionaire tech titans in front of his own cabinet picks has come under immediate fire from Trump critics as sign of oligarchy and the powerful influence they wield.

During the ceremony at the Capitol rotunda, tech leaders including Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg; Apple's CEO, Tim Cook; Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai; Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos; and Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, gathered together to symbolize the increasingly close relationship between the tech industry and the new American president.

www.theguardian.com

We also never had an unelected oligrach in slashing and burning down the federal government and showing up at Cabinet meetings to pontificate to all assembled.

#82 | Posted by Gal_Tuesday at 2025-03-02 05:12 PM | Reply

It would be a terrible thing to stop government waste like this: news4sanantonio.com

Thinks of the negative affect it would have on GDP.

#83 | Posted by visitor_ at 2025-03-02 05:18 PM | Reply

Speaking of waste, the $38 billion Musk leeched out of the government needs to be clawed back.

#84 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-03-02 05:19 PM | Reply

It's absolutely a first that all these CEOs are in the front row at the inauguration.

But, there's also the fact that the net worth of those CEOs has gone up 20-200x over the past few decades.

That's what makes them our Oligarchs.

It's the Capitalism.

This is how it's supposed to work.

#85 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-02 05:45 PM | Reply

BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I want to thank you losers for putting so much S.F.S. in one place.

#86 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-03-02 05:53 PM | Reply

Captialism is one thing. Tax breaks for oligrachs at the expense of everyone else is something else again:

Senator Bernie Sanders
@sanders.senate.gov

If Republicans make massive cuts to Medicaid, it will impact all aspects of our health care system. Millions of kids will lose coverage, hospital and insurance rates will soar and nursing homes will shut down.

All this in order to give huge tax breaks to billionaires.

NO CUTS TO MEDICAID.

Medicaid provides 40% of the funding for community health centers.

Medicaid supports 2 out of 3 people in nursing homes.

Medicaid provides health care to 41 million children.

Trump and his Republican friends want to enact massive cuts to the program.

We won't let them.

#87 | Posted by Gal_Tuesday at 2025-03-02 05:55 PM | Reply

"Medicaid supports 2 out of 3 people in nursing homes."

Fuck those leeches. Cut them off.
--Republicans

#88 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-02 05:57 PM | Reply

That's the thing about GRACIE. She had never seen "oligarch" being thrown around on the DR because she purposefully avoided those threads focusing on Russia and/or Putin.

She exposed her willful ignorance without even realizing it. Damn she's dumb.

#89 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-03-02 05:57 PM | Reply

ANNOUNCEMENT..Word from my sources in DC tell me that DOGE has announced their next targets...

COLUMBIA RECORD AND TAPE CLUB

so you bead beats who still owe for those penny tapes......get ready to fork over the mone4y

ha ha !!

#90 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-03-02 05:59 PM | Reply

money /

#91 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-03-02 05:59 PM | Reply

"Medicaid provides health care to 41 million children.""

Fuck 41 million children.
--Republicans

#92 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-03-02 06:01 PM | Reply

"The US will have to send their Sons & Daughters to fight & they will be dying"

Zelensky talking about American Troops dying if NATO Article 5 is triggered.
Except now it will be British Troops that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he would deploy.
x.com

Need more context, but my take is that he's saying, if the UK sends troops to Ukraine doest that oblige US to engage in Ukraine?

Well, I guess then we'll see how interested Lumpers are in Peace, or else its Putinization for everyone!

#93 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-02 06:07 PM | Reply

"Medicaid provides health care to 41 million children.""

Fuck 41 million children.
--Republicans

#92 | POSTED BY SNOOFY

Well the US can't fund everything, I would like the Medicaid to support the children, but I don't think Lumpers like you would choose that over stopping Putinization.

#94 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-02 06:08 PM | Reply

Captialism is one thing. Tax breaks for oligrachs at the expense of everyone else is something else again:

This is just hilarious drama. Plenty of people are building businesses because of capitalism, in China none of this is possible with greasing the local "party" leaders.

#95 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-02 06:10 PM | Reply

NO CUTS TO MEDICAID.

I see nothing wrong with looking for fraud, isn't that cutting medicaid?

Inside the mind of criminals: How to brazenly steal $100 billion from Medicare and Medicaid
www.cnbc.com

#96 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-02 06:11 PM | Reply

but I don't think Lumpers like you would choose that over stopping Putinization.

False dichotomy. If you didn't have logical fallacies you wouldn't be able to post.

#97 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-03-02 06:13 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

IAMRUNT supports Rick Scott.

www.miamiherald.com

#98 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-03-02 06:14 PM | Reply

Elon Musk was on Joe Rogan discussing in detail how he is going to destroy Social Security.

And the MSM is quiet.

#99 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-03-02 06:20 PM | Reply

This is just hilarious drama.

#95 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-03-02 06:10 PM | Reply | Flag:

as always...."these people" are such drama queens , I'm surprised they aren't busy watching the red carpet getting

ideas for their new gowns.

"ball gowns"..AAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAAHAAA

#100 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2025-03-02 06:35 PM | Reply

Exactly what I'd expect from this mouth breathing piece of s^*%.

#64 | Posted by jpw at 2025-03-02 03:57 PM | Reply | Flag:

Sounds like you didn't get the invite to that frat party.

#101 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2025-03-02 09:03 PM | Reply

@#95 ... This is just hilarious drama. ...

Thanks for admitting that.

On the other hand, I have a significant concern about the apparent retreat of the United States from being the world leader of Freedom in the world.

#102 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-03-02 10:19 PM | Reply

... Trump and his Republican friends want to enact massive cuts to the program. ...

What is President Trump Saying About Medicaid? (February 28, 2025)
ccf.georgetown.edu

... Asked about broader spending cuts ... Trump said we'll "love and cherish" Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the last of which insures more than 70 million Americans.

"We're not going to do anything with that, unless we can find some abuse or waste," Trump said.

"The people won't be affected.

It will only be more effective and better."

" Politico January 31, 2025
...

#103 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-03-02 10:25 PM | Reply

Yeah he lied. Again.

#104 | Posted by YAV at 2025-03-02 10:38 PM | Reply

Heaven forbid we cut out any waste fraud or abuse in the Medicaid system,

#105 | Posted by visitor_ at 2025-03-02 10:58 PM | Reply

Heaven forbid we cut out any waste fraud or abuse in the Medicaid system,
#105 | Posted by visitor_

Name one case of fraud that DOGE has found.

We'll wait.

#106 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-03-02 11:05 PM | Reply

Before Trump's inauguration, the primary responsibility for identifying and investigating cases of fraud within Medicaid fell to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG). Christi Grimm served as the Inspector General for HHS during this period, tasked with finding waste, fraud, and abuse within the agency.

In fiscal year 2024, the Department of Justice reported a national health care fraud enforcement action that resulted in 193 defendants being charged and over $275 million in losses identified.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has calculated improper payment rates in Medicare fee-for-service programs since 1996. While specific numbers for Medicaid are not provided, this suggests ongoing efforts to identify potential fraud and errors in federal health care programs.

Citations:
[1] www.newsweek.com
[2] www.protectourcare.org
[3] scholarship.law.unc.edu
[4] abcnews.go.com
[5] www.fiercehealthcare.com
[6] www.justice.gov
[7] www.yahoo.com
[8] www.linkedin.com

VISITOR_ is such a sucker. And a cultist to boot!

#107 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-03-02 11:10 PM | Reply

"Heaven forbid we cut out any waste fraud or abuse in the Medicaid system,"

Shouldn't identifying it be the first step?

Your theory is fire, ready, aim.

#108 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-03-02 11:12 PM | Reply

"That's the thing about GRACIE. She had never seen "oligarch" being thrown around on the DR"

Well, on his way out the door Biden awarded the prestigious Medal of Freedom to Oligarch George Soros.

Oligarchs are great when they are OUR oligarchs - lefties everywhere.

#109 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-03-03 12:35 AM | Reply

""Heaven forbid we cut out any waste fraud or abuse in the Medicaid system,"

Shouldn't identifying it be the first step?

Your theory is fire, ready, aim.

#108 | POSTED BY DANFORTH AT 2025-03-02 11:12 PM | FLAG: "

I want to understand you correctly. My interpretation of that post is - You are good with what DOGE is ostensibly doing but you think HOW they are conducting their 'audits' is back-assward.

Is that accurate?

#110 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-03-03 12:37 AM | Reply

That's not a loaded question, nor a 'gotcha'.

#111 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-03-03 12:39 AM | Reply

" You are good with what DOGE is ostensibly doing...?"

I think it would've been great for them to announce a freeze on government hiring, and a plan to replace workers with AI as possible, over time.

Similarly, a study to recommend sensible cuts everywhere would've made sense...BEFORE slashing, say, nuclear secret keepers willy-nilly

I also believe they should've learned the DEFINITION of "probationary worker" before they started axing them.

And at USAID, they fired 94%, and on what basis? Not waste, fraud, or abuse. It's because USAID called out Elon for lying about stars being paid millions to be photographed with Zelenskyy.

#112 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-03-03 12:54 AM | Reply

"a study to recommend sensible cuts everywhere would've made sense"

Were you "of age" when Reagan went looking for WFA? Do you remember what a total nothingburger that turned out to be?

#113 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-03-03 12:56 AM | Reply

#112 Thank you for the answer. What you said makes a lot of sense - a more prolonged strategy of cuts as opposed to running through with a machete.

That's all I was looking for from you with my question and I appreciate your answer.

#114 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-03-03 01:02 AM | Reply