Thanks for another great piece! A very thorough - and terrifying - summary of what lays ahead. Trump is old, and his declining mental capacity and demented ravings are on full display. There's really only so much Adderall and orange make up you can use to keep this slob going, but, unfortunately, he is just the mouthpiece for the larger cancer that is growing rapidly - the Musks, the Bannons, the Millers and Project 2025 creators, etc. He has opened the door for them and is handing over all power, so long as he gets to prance around and feel like "the Man" and gets paid. His own wife can't hide her contempt for him, so I guess this is how he gets to feel "adored"?
And this "inauguration fund" is a joke - my understanding was that it as to be used for a nice party - but no self-respecting artist would perform at this "funeral" no matter how much money you threw at them, so, I get it, just another grift.
My fear is that once these people get a hold of power, they won't let go. They will dismantle the democratic system as quickly as possible, and people may not have the ability to go and vote to get rid of this vermin down the road. The good Christian White Supremacists have been waiting in the wings with their seething hatred for their fellow man for a long time, and, for whatever reason, the idea of equality and allowing people to live their lives in peace is completely intolerable to them. They MUST impose their will.
It's clear that Trump and Musk are acting out against humanity because they want their revenge and were either born without a soul or got bullied a lot and didn't get enough affection from mom & dad. Either way, they ooze disdain. And when Epstein says of you that you have no "moral compass", there's really only so much further down you can go.
My only hope is that people rise up quickly, before the cancer grows too large.
Thank you for your thoughtful and impassioned response. You’ve captured the bleak reality of what lies ahead with precision and urgency. The connections you draw between Trump and the larger network of enablers and opportunists like Musk and Bannon underscore the deeper threat we face. Your point about the fragility of democracy in the hands of these power-hungry forces is chilling, but it’s also a necessary wake-up call. Let’s hope, as you said, that people recognize the danger and mobilize before it’s too late.
I hear the fear in your words, and I understand it. The system was already fragile, and now it’s being dismantled in broad daylight. But I don’t see this as just a Trump problem, or even just a Musk, Bannon, or Miller problem. They are symptoms, not the disease. The real issue is the structure that allows people like them to consolidate power in the first place.
If there were real safeguards—if democracy had ever been truly secured—this wouldn’t be happening. But it was never built for equity, only for control. And those who benefit from that control have always found ways to adapt, to shift the narrative, to keep the system working in their favor. The U.S. didn’t suddenly stop being a democracy—it never fully was one.
So while I share your concern, I also think the real conversation has to go beyond individual figures. The moment calls not just for resistance but for reimagining. Otherwise, even if this particular chapter ends, the same story will be rewritten with new names.
I am afraid that, given human nature, the same stories will always be re-written. The Roman Empire for a time was relatively benevolent and "progressive", with just laws and even some guardrails, but ultimately greed and corruption took hold and an empire crumbled. It would be beautiful to have a system where all people were treated equally, where everyone had the opportunity to craft their own destinies and where compassion and justice prevailed. But there will always be people who are by nature cruel, evil and greedy, who want power more than anything and are willing to sell their souls for it. Nevertheless, I do hope Americans will stand up at some point and say "enough". (And given your eloquence and passion, I think public office might be something to consider.)
Sigrid, I understand why it feels inevitable—history certainly offers enough proof. But inevitability is just a story we tell when we’re too exhausted to imagine something else. Yes, greed and cruelty exist. But so do dignity, solidarity, and the capacity for radical change. The Roman Empire fell, but the people who lived through it didn’t just vanish. They adapted, restructured, and shaped what came next.
If this moment is another collapse, then the real question isn’t *how do we stop it?* but *what do we build in its place?* That’s where power actually lies—not in preventing the fall, but in deciding what rises from it.
I may not be American, but I have a vision for what *could* be built—one that drives every response I give here. A country founded not on the illusion of democracy, but on actual self-determination. Where power isn’t hoarded by the wealthiest, but shared among the people. Where human dignity is not a privilege, but a birthright. Where equity, diversity, and inclusion are not “ideals” to strive for but the foundation everything stands on. Where solidarity is stronger than individualism, and where governance isn’t about control but about collective well-being.
If the old system was never built for that, then maybe its collapse isn’t just a loss—it’s an opportunity. But only if enough people are willing to stop looking backward and start imagining forward. What if, instead of fighting to restore something broken, you took the chance to build something that can’t be dismantled so easily?
Your vision of what could be sounds wonderful - who knows, maybe this will be a turning point for Americans? I am lucky enough to be in Canada, and we are actually lucky have a lot of what you espouse. It's not a perfect system, but it seems anytime humans get involved, things go sideways!
Yeah, it might be influenced by my own imperfect, yet pretty modern and open, basic law here in Germany. So here we are—a German and a Canadian—discussing the future we wish for the United States... Life really does have a way of surprising us sometimes. Take care. I have so much love for Canada, and honestly, I sometimes wish I’d had the chance to restart my life there, maybe 40 years ago when I was supposed to go as Au Pair to Canada. Who know what would have come out of that.
Hopefully the people in the US will put a stop to the insanity that is taking over the country. What happens there has always had a profound impact on the rest of us.
P.S. Make sure to book a nice vacation to Canada!!!
What a summary of the swamp that’s the incoming cabinet! This should be required reading for all but I highly doubt that the voters who “voted their wallets” care much to read about these things. They are already too busy earning enough to put food on the table and pay the rent…I fear they still are in the dark about what is coming and won’t react till it hits them in the wallet that the savior they thought they voted for doesn’t give a hoot in hell about their lives or their well being. And by the time they realize they made a big mistake it will be much too late.
I fear moreover that the more educated Republican voter still hopes that a strong man will somehow lead us out of disaster and into the dream of a prosperous peaceful future. I doubt these people will ever admit to having made a mistake but will continue to justify and soothe any cognitive dissonance with placating platitudes .
Thank you for such a thoughtful response. You’ve articulated the divide between voters’ immediate struggles and the long-term consequences of their choices with clarity and empathy. Your insight into the denial and cognitive dissonance among more educated voters is especially poignant—it’s a sobering reminder of how deep-seated these issues are. Let’s hope more voices like yours can help bring awareness before it’s too late.
Just sayin', no Matter what happens with tRump, "Elon Mucous" or Ramyswab, and other minions, I can never reconnect with former friends who supported, and voted for "It" and "them". They are dead to me.
What disaster? 48 months of continuous job growth? Infrastructure being addressed nationwide? Prescription costs for seniors and for insulin getting capped? Inflation near target levels, best economic recovery in the post-pandemic world? No American soldiers currently fighting on foreign soil? I could go on and on. WHAT DISASTER DO WE NEED TO RECOVER FROM?
The prosperous and peaceful future has been a reality for more and more Americans every day. And all that potential is circling the toilet as I type. So many spoiled, entitled, angry, bigoted Americans are about to get a HUGE reality check. I am grieving the fact that my daughters and granddaughters will have FEWER rights and freedoms than I have had. I am grieving the fact that efforts to preserve our environment for future generations are about to be abandoned. We are sleepwalking into catastrophe.
You’ve captured the heartbreak and frustration many feel right now. It’s devastating to see hard-won progress unravel, especially knowing the cost will be borne by future generations. Staying awake to the dangers and fighting for change, even when it feels like a losing battle, is the only way forward.
My daughter, at university earning her PhD, called the morning we began to realize Kamala had not won... 😭 Because she's smart enough to know she and all women have fewer rights now because of their sex and idiot tRump.
For DT, that is the disaster—because a functioning system leaves no room for his grand performance as the nation’s savior. Stability, progress, and a well-running government are threats to his entire identity. He needs to break what works, not just to justify his existence, but because his worldview is so distorted, his mindset so narrowly fixed, that he cannot comprehend any reality outside of his own.
This isn’t strategy. It isn’t ideology. It’s compulsion. A system that functions without him is intolerable, so he has to remake it in his image—no matter how much destruction that requires. There is no common sense here, no logic beyond his own need to control, and no version of events where he isn’t the center.
That makes sense for a sociopath with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. His ability to get so many people to buy into his delusions has shaken me to my core.
Yes, that what they survive and strive on, unfortunately. And combine that with a constitution and system that has no longer any safeguards, because he had very effectively eroded the last barrier, he has become law himself. And that it is, what narcissist seek. Becoming law and becoming the savior of all, even if it means destroying everything for it.
If only his voters would read your impeccably astute open letter. Thank you. There is much we can do, first of all to not believe there is nothing we can do. You are spot on about the power of grassroots organizing. Volunteering is critical also. Caring about the most marginalized (I volunteer leading Buddhist/religious services inside prison) is something we call can do, expanding our actions and concerns to people we might not normally connect with. Clearly King Con is out to destroy the country, mad with power. He is taking over mainstream media, which is why these alternative platforms are so critical. These buffoons are insane, a real Cuckoo’s Nest. We are The People, 99% of us. We must empower ourselves. TOGETHER.
Thank you for your thoughtful and inspiring response. Your commitment to grassroots action and volunteering, especially with those most marginalized, is deeply admirable. You’re absolutely right—our collective power lies in refusing to give in to apathy and coming together to challenge these destructive forces. Your words are a reminder of the strength and resilience of community. Let’s keep building and empowering one another.
Thank you! I agree, and I know we can do this together. It IS a new collective order. I've experienced so much love and respect from inside prison walls, staff and incarcerated alike. I know it's a maga stronghold and yet when we stop making everyone an enemy we do find common ground. We are all wounded, and we are all capable of healing. Thank you so much for your good works. I will be writing about all this on my substack. I'm so grateful for all you do here!
Sadly, I believe the reason Kamala did not win is reported to be because too many people DID NOT VOTE. Apparently, a non- vote hurt her, more than the actual votes tRump got. Even Democrats are mysogenist and racist.... Their inability to get past their own hidden beliefs caused them to chose "not voting for tRump or anyone else".
I just don’t think TFG’s voters care. Until his policies personally affect them, they’ll experience no regret. They KNEW who and what they were voting for and they voted for him, despite his crimes. 2016 may have been a fluke but 2024 was not.
Hell I know some of these voters. They gleefully support his racist statements, his Americans and America first visions. Pull out of NATO? Sure. They’re bloodsuckers anyway. Support Ukraine? What on earth for? That money is better spent here. Deport illegal immigrates. You betcha. Round up those families. Kick them off America’s dole. Get rid of DEI? Absolutely. Those women and minorities have had it too good for too long. Women should go back in the kitchen. This is the 1950’s. They have no rights.
This is the confederacy folks. This is white nationalism. On a massive scale.
Nope. They’ll go along up to and until it PERSONALLY affects them. Cut Medicare and SS? That may wake them up. We will see if even that works.
For Pete’s sake, look at the unions! Biden was THE most pro union president ever. He saved jobs and pensions. And still, dammit, they did not all support the Democratic ticket.
The idiocy is beyond words. Beyond comprehension.
Education cuts are coming. Vaccinations will be discouraged. Our intelligence agencies will be at risk. The DOJ will go after imagined enemies and will make them go broke defending themselves.
Putin will finally take Ukraine and maybe the Baltics. China may as well go after Taiwan. Who’s going to stop them? And billionaires will make more billions. The gap between rich and poor will widen.
And 77 million morons will cheer.
I honestly fear for this country and what’s coming.
Your words hit hard because they’re the truth, and it’s a truth many don’t want to face. The problem isn’t that TFG’s voters don’t know who they’re supporting—they absolutely do. They know his racism, his isolationism, and his disdain for democracy. They voted for it anyway, not in ignorance, but in alignment with their grievances and their worldview.
You’re right—2016 might have been an anomaly, but 2024 was a deliberate choice. This isn’t about being misled; it’s about cheering on a vision of America that turns back progress, rejects inclusion, and embraces a cruel, zero-sum view of society. And until these policies hit home—when Medicare or Social Security are gutted, when education budgets collapse, or when their own communities feel the economic and social pain—they’ll keep cheering.
The examples you listed—education cuts, anti-vaccine rhetoric, weakened intelligence agencies, and the DOJ hunting “enemies”—aren’t just hypothetical anymore. They’re the blueprint. And as billionaires profit and authoritarian regimes gain ground, the rest of us are left to wonder how long the cheering will last before the consequences become too much to ignore.
It’s maddening, especially when even groups like unions, who’ve directly benefited from Democratic policies, can’t fully align with a party fighting for their future. The sheer shortsightedness is staggering.
But your frustration and fear for the future are justified—and shared. This country is at a crossroads, and the fight to wake people up before it’s too late is harder than ever. Still, voices like yours matter. They remind us what’s at stake and push us to keep resisting, to keep speaking out. Because the alternative—staying silent or giving up—isn’t an option.
You’ve stated my position far more eloquently than I ever could. 😂
The only light I see are the courts. Not the corrupted and bought off Supreme Court, but some of those beneath. They can and will slow down the destructive laws that are coming. Hopefully, the madness will subside and the House will flip back to Democratic control but it will be a long and hellacious two years and with billionaires in control who can say for sure if that will even happen. Musk and other lobbyists will target anyone (republican or democrat) who stands in their way.
Because, you know, the poor billionaires 🙄.
(Poor men want to be rich, rich men want to be king, and the king ain’t satisfied till he rules everything- Bruce Springsteen. )
I hear the frustration, and I understand why. It’s infuriating to watch people vote against their own well-being, against democracy itself, and still cheer as the walls close in. And yet, this has never been about policies or logic—it’s about identity, grievance, and a narrative that tells them they are the rightful rulers of this country.
They don’t see the cliff they’re running toward because, for now, they believe they’re in control. They believe the suffering will always fall on others—immigrants, women, marginalized communities—never on them. But power built on exclusion eventually turns on its own. The moment Medicare, Social Security, or personal freedoms vanish, some may wake up. But even then, some will still find a way to blame "the enemy" rather than the system they upheld.
History tells us that people don’t just change their minds because the truth is evident. They change when reality forces them to confront what they can no longer deny. Whether that reckoning will come in time, I don’t know. But I do know this: those of us who see it now have no choice but to hold the line, to refuse to let this descent go unchallenged.
Because what’s at stake isn’t just policy—it’s whether a nation built on an idea, however imperfectly, can still be saved from those willing to burn it all down just to stay on top.
Exceptionally crafted piece! The unctuous derps that voted in favor such a flawed, malodorous codpiece, flies beyond ones imagination! Your words speak volumes to a class system that voted against their own interests, thanks for this!
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad the piece resonated with you. It’s astonishing how often people are misled into voting against their own interests—an issue that speaks to deeper systemic flaws. I appreciate your thoughtful feedback and support!
Excellent! If only a single trump supporter would read it. Too long for their attention span, no familiar republicans catch phrases, and the multiple syllable words are just too "elitist" for them to make it past the first paragraph. They'd just turn up their nose out of pride for their willful ignorance.
When Trump supporters read this they find it most entertaining because the entire article and most of the comments are so incredibly out of touch with reality, it’s actually comical. So yes, thanks for the laugh…and cool your jets - the world will not stop spinning just because a few elite progressives didn’t get to finish their socialist experiment.
Ah, the typical Trump supporter’s rebuttal: dismissive, smug, and entirely devoid of substance. Your comment is a masterclass in projection, so let’s unpack it, shall we?
First, the assertion that critiques of Trump are “out of touch with reality.” This would be laughable if it weren’t so ironic coming from someone who likely consumes a steady diet of propaganda so far removed from reality it’s practically speculative fiction. The irony of accusing others of delusion while pledging allegiance to a man whose relationship with the truth is purely coincidental could power an entire semester of philosophy classes on cognitive dissonance.
You call progressive ideals a “socialist experiment.” Ah yes, because healthcare, livable wages, and environmental sustainability—the very policies embraced by most developed nations—are apparently some nefarious plot. Meanwhile, your dear leader’s so-called “policies” consist of tax cuts for billionaires, dismantling regulatory safeguards, and fostering a culture of grievance so his base will continue to scapegoat rather than reflect.
And as for the world not stopping because “elite progressives” didn’t get their way: you might want to check on the state of democracy, civil discourse, and basic governance in the wake of your hero’s reign. When your side spends more time banning books, obsessing over bathrooms, and propping up conspiracy theories than governing, the world spins all right—just in the wrong direction.
The truly comical part here is not the critique of Trump—it’s the relentless, almost religious devotion to him by those who claim to value “freedom” while cheering on authoritarian tendencies. You find this amusing? Good. The rest of us find it tragic.
I do not understand why otherwise good people promote trump as a “good man”. It is delusional at best. This is not a contest. It is our country which is betraying the very ideals under which it was founded. The corporate media has done its job well, normalizing extremism as normal discourse. We do live in a sad place and it will only get worse.
What is evident is the incredible difference between the bias of the lenses we are seeing what is reality. What those of us on the MAGA side see is as impossible for those on the progressive side to see as it is for The MAGA side to see what you see because both sides sincerely believe what they are seeing is reality! It will remain unresolved until one or the other - or ideally both sides choose to acknowledge that our perceptions are quite severely biased, at that point it may become possible to actually have a productive conversation. Until then both sides will probably continue trying to shout each other down without every seeking to understand each other.
If you are interested in that type of conversation I would be glad to continue, if not - I’m out.
What a noble pivot to the high ground after such a dismissive and belittling opening comment. A masterclass in rhetorical strategy. Let me start by acknowledging your point that different lenses can distort reality. However, just because two perspectives exist does not make them equally valid. After all, Taco Bell was recently voted the best Mexican restaurant in America. Popular opinion doesn’t always reflect objective truth.
Some viewpoints—like believing that Trump represents anything close to competent governance—are demonstrably false, much like trying to argue that a Cheesy Gordita Crunch represents authentic Mexican cuisine. Trump, in this metaphor, is the soggy Crunchwrap Supreme of heads of state: flashy packaging, questionable ingredients, and ultimately, a regret-inducing experience.
I’m happy to engage in a productive conversation, but let’s start by agreeing on a shared reality, or at least acknowledging when one side is peddling refried nonsense as fact. Let me know if you’re up for that.
I believe that most Trump voters will either never become aware of this list of horribles, or consider them features rather than bugs. Far from remorse, many of them are only too eager to "own the libs", even if it hurts their own interests.
Thank you for your note—I really appreciate it. I’ve been pointing out more and more how red states are being duped into voting against their own interests. In fact, I’m working on a piece right now that dives into that very theme. I hope you’ll subscribe and check out my recent articles, as they explore this issue in depth. Let me know your thoughts!
Conservatives' interests? Let’s be honest—Trump has never embodied them. Fiscal responsibility? He added nearly $8 trillion to the national debt, mostly to enrich billionaires. Immigration? He blocked a bi-partisan bill to curb immigration. Foreign policy? He alienated allies, cozied up to despots, and emboldened adversaries. None of this served the values or principles conservatives once claimed to champion.
Trumpism isn’t conservatism; it’s grievance, fear, and scapegoating wrapped in a con. If you think you voted for policy or principle, you weren’t just wrong—you were willfully blind to the grift. But perhaps that’s the real 'interest' here: not governing, but venting. Congratulations—you got duped, loudly.
They will not, I fear, truly regret their choice, until the boot is on -their- throat, but fear not, eventually, it WILL be, much sooner than they think, totalitarianism spares no one. I am beginnimg to think a civil war is coming, because I'm not seeing a peaceful resolution to this. I think peaceful resistance is going to be met with violence, time will tell I guess, I hope I am wrong.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I share your concerns about the trajectory we’re on and the dangers of totalitarianism—it truly spares no one. While I hope for peaceful solutions, I understand why you fear otherwise. History teaches us that vigilance and resistance, even in the face of violence, are crucial. Let’s keep raising awareness and working toward a better outcome, no matter how daunting it seems.
True, that's one of the things that makes it hard for me to see a peaceful resolution to things. You simply can't reason with unreasonable people, they have an answer for everything, and that answer making any sense, or not being completely hypocritical just isn't requred, how do you deal with people who are not capable of admitting fault?
I mean, they are just wrong, by every single metric, but nope, not their fault, not ever. Yet they will point at YOU, and say you're "brainwashed", it's so completely infuriating, and it's difficult to wrap your mind around how utterly trump, reich wing media, and Republicans in general have fucked these people's minds up, talk about your effective "psy-ops"....
True—it’s a cult, Jonestown-style. The MAGA Kool-Aid? A red-cup cocktail of conspiracy theories, grievance, and blind loyalty. No cyanide needed—the poison is disinformation, false promises, and self-sabotaging policies. The kicker? They gulp it down, convinced it’s “greatness.”
I haven't seen any remorse or regret from my family members who voted for Trump. They are still trying to get me to give up my Liberal Democrat beliefs and start watching Fox.
I initially thought that trump's cabinet picks were merely a clown show of poor choices. Having learnt more about these individuals I see that they are an actual horror show. It is horrifying to think what these people are capable of. A complete dismantling of a democratic United States. Thank you, Mersault for a very enlightening piece.
I appreciate the list of incoming cabinet picks - truly terrifying.
I disagree that those with “buyer’s remorse” will even realize they caused the problem nor do I think they can be trusted to vote for better candidates in the midterms. Those who put that monster over the top don’t have the reasoning or intellect to see he’s the cause of their (and our) woes. They are fully brainwashed and in a cult.
The voters we want and need are the ones who have decided all politicians are bad and there is no difference between the two parties. We also need those who think their vote makes no difference to step up and vote. We need to show the people who have lost or never had a sense of the good that can come from having just and honest leaders to understand that positive changes can come from their civic engagement and that negative ones occur when they shirk their civic responsibility to be informed and vote.
People who say things like this need to get more aggrssive and say that he should be disqualified. After 4 years of his crooks ther won’t be much to salvage.
And one donor gave $277 million. What was the illegal quid pro pro? Don’t suggest to me that there was not one. Then corporations donate because they expect a quid pro quo, or they would be violating shareholder rights. You know that. I know that. It should be illegal. We can correct this in a new platform in which ALL will support. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/create-a-platform-for-all?r=3m1bs
Thanks for another great piece! A very thorough - and terrifying - summary of what lays ahead. Trump is old, and his declining mental capacity and demented ravings are on full display. There's really only so much Adderall and orange make up you can use to keep this slob going, but, unfortunately, he is just the mouthpiece for the larger cancer that is growing rapidly - the Musks, the Bannons, the Millers and Project 2025 creators, etc. He has opened the door for them and is handing over all power, so long as he gets to prance around and feel like "the Man" and gets paid. His own wife can't hide her contempt for him, so I guess this is how he gets to feel "adored"?
And this "inauguration fund" is a joke - my understanding was that it as to be used for a nice party - but no self-respecting artist would perform at this "funeral" no matter how much money you threw at them, so, I get it, just another grift.
My fear is that once these people get a hold of power, they won't let go. They will dismantle the democratic system as quickly as possible, and people may not have the ability to go and vote to get rid of this vermin down the road. The good Christian White Supremacists have been waiting in the wings with their seething hatred for their fellow man for a long time, and, for whatever reason, the idea of equality and allowing people to live their lives in peace is completely intolerable to them. They MUST impose their will.
It's clear that Trump and Musk are acting out against humanity because they want their revenge and were either born without a soul or got bullied a lot and didn't get enough affection from mom & dad. Either way, they ooze disdain. And when Epstein says of you that you have no "moral compass", there's really only so much further down you can go.
My only hope is that people rise up quickly, before the cancer grows too large.
Thank you for your thoughtful and impassioned response. You’ve captured the bleak reality of what lies ahead with precision and urgency. The connections you draw between Trump and the larger network of enablers and opportunists like Musk and Bannon underscore the deeper threat we face. Your point about the fragility of democracy in the hands of these power-hungry forces is chilling, but it’s also a necessary wake-up call. Let’s hope, as you said, that people recognize the danger and mobilize before it’s too late.
I wrote more about the Inauguration here: https://substack.com/@patricemersault/note/c-83122000?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=4d7sow
Perfect Sigrid!!
AGREED. SIGRID!! Terrifying summarises it very well.
Sigrid,
I hear the fear in your words, and I understand it. The system was already fragile, and now it’s being dismantled in broad daylight. But I don’t see this as just a Trump problem, or even just a Musk, Bannon, or Miller problem. They are symptoms, not the disease. The real issue is the structure that allows people like them to consolidate power in the first place.
If there were real safeguards—if democracy had ever been truly secured—this wouldn’t be happening. But it was never built for equity, only for control. And those who benefit from that control have always found ways to adapt, to shift the narrative, to keep the system working in their favor. The U.S. didn’t suddenly stop being a democracy—it never fully was one.
So while I share your concern, I also think the real conversation has to go beyond individual figures. The moment calls not just for resistance but for reimagining. Otherwise, even if this particular chapter ends, the same story will be rewritten with new names.
I am afraid that, given human nature, the same stories will always be re-written. The Roman Empire for a time was relatively benevolent and "progressive", with just laws and even some guardrails, but ultimately greed and corruption took hold and an empire crumbled. It would be beautiful to have a system where all people were treated equally, where everyone had the opportunity to craft their own destinies and where compassion and justice prevailed. But there will always be people who are by nature cruel, evil and greedy, who want power more than anything and are willing to sell their souls for it. Nevertheless, I do hope Americans will stand up at some point and say "enough". (And given your eloquence and passion, I think public office might be something to consider.)
Sigrid, I understand why it feels inevitable—history certainly offers enough proof. But inevitability is just a story we tell when we’re too exhausted to imagine something else. Yes, greed and cruelty exist. But so do dignity, solidarity, and the capacity for radical change. The Roman Empire fell, but the people who lived through it didn’t just vanish. They adapted, restructured, and shaped what came next.
If this moment is another collapse, then the real question isn’t *how do we stop it?* but *what do we build in its place?* That’s where power actually lies—not in preventing the fall, but in deciding what rises from it.
I may not be American, but I have a vision for what *could* be built—one that drives every response I give here. A country founded not on the illusion of democracy, but on actual self-determination. Where power isn’t hoarded by the wealthiest, but shared among the people. Where human dignity is not a privilege, but a birthright. Where equity, diversity, and inclusion are not “ideals” to strive for but the foundation everything stands on. Where solidarity is stronger than individualism, and where governance isn’t about control but about collective well-being.
If the old system was never built for that, then maybe its collapse isn’t just a loss—it’s an opportunity. But only if enough people are willing to stop looking backward and start imagining forward. What if, instead of fighting to restore something broken, you took the chance to build something that can’t be dismantled so easily?
Your vision of what could be sounds wonderful - who knows, maybe this will be a turning point for Americans? I am lucky enough to be in Canada, and we are actually lucky have a lot of what you espouse. It's not a perfect system, but it seems anytime humans get involved, things go sideways!
Yeah, it might be influenced by my own imperfect, yet pretty modern and open, basic law here in Germany. So here we are—a German and a Canadian—discussing the future we wish for the United States... Life really does have a way of surprising us sometimes. Take care. I have so much love for Canada, and honestly, I sometimes wish I’d had the chance to restart my life there, maybe 40 years ago when I was supposed to go as Au Pair to Canada. Who know what would have come out of that.
Hopefully the people in the US will put a stop to the insanity that is taking over the country. What happens there has always had a profound impact on the rest of us.
P.S. Make sure to book a nice vacation to Canada!!!
What a summary of the swamp that’s the incoming cabinet! This should be required reading for all but I highly doubt that the voters who “voted their wallets” care much to read about these things. They are already too busy earning enough to put food on the table and pay the rent…I fear they still are in the dark about what is coming and won’t react till it hits them in the wallet that the savior they thought they voted for doesn’t give a hoot in hell about their lives or their well being. And by the time they realize they made a big mistake it will be much too late.
I fear moreover that the more educated Republican voter still hopes that a strong man will somehow lead us out of disaster and into the dream of a prosperous peaceful future. I doubt these people will ever admit to having made a mistake but will continue to justify and soothe any cognitive dissonance with placating platitudes .
Thank you for such a thoughtful response. You’ve articulated the divide between voters’ immediate struggles and the long-term consequences of their choices with clarity and empathy. Your insight into the denial and cognitive dissonance among more educated voters is especially poignant—it’s a sobering reminder of how deep-seated these issues are. Let’s hope more voices like yours can help bring awareness before it’s too late.
Just sayin', no Matter what happens with tRump, "Elon Mucous" or Ramyswab, and other minions, I can never reconnect with former friends who supported, and voted for "It" and "them". They are dead to me.
What disaster? 48 months of continuous job growth? Infrastructure being addressed nationwide? Prescription costs for seniors and for insulin getting capped? Inflation near target levels, best economic recovery in the post-pandemic world? No American soldiers currently fighting on foreign soil? I could go on and on. WHAT DISASTER DO WE NEED TO RECOVER FROM?
The prosperous and peaceful future has been a reality for more and more Americans every day. And all that potential is circling the toilet as I type. So many spoiled, entitled, angry, bigoted Americans are about to get a HUGE reality check. I am grieving the fact that my daughters and granddaughters will have FEWER rights and freedoms than I have had. I am grieving the fact that efforts to preserve our environment for future generations are about to be abandoned. We are sleepwalking into catastrophe.
You’ve captured the heartbreak and frustration many feel right now. It’s devastating to see hard-won progress unravel, especially knowing the cost will be borne by future generations. Staying awake to the dangers and fighting for change, even when it feels like a losing battle, is the only way forward.
My daughter, at university earning her PhD, called the morning we began to realize Kamala had not won... 😭 Because she's smart enough to know she and all women have fewer rights now because of their sex and idiot tRump.
Gail,
For DT, that is the disaster—because a functioning system leaves no room for his grand performance as the nation’s savior. Stability, progress, and a well-running government are threats to his entire identity. He needs to break what works, not just to justify his existence, but because his worldview is so distorted, his mindset so narrowly fixed, that he cannot comprehend any reality outside of his own.
This isn’t strategy. It isn’t ideology. It’s compulsion. A system that functions without him is intolerable, so he has to remake it in his image—no matter how much destruction that requires. There is no common sense here, no logic beyond his own need to control, and no version of events where he isn’t the center.
That makes sense for a sociopath with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. His ability to get so many people to buy into his delusions has shaken me to my core.
Yes, that what they survive and strive on, unfortunately. And combine that with a constitution and system that has no longer any safeguards, because he had very effectively eroded the last barrier, he has become law himself. And that it is, what narcissist seek. Becoming law and becoming the savior of all, even if it means destroying everything for it.
Exactly Phoebe!!
If only his voters would read your impeccably astute open letter. Thank you. There is much we can do, first of all to not believe there is nothing we can do. You are spot on about the power of grassroots organizing. Volunteering is critical also. Caring about the most marginalized (I volunteer leading Buddhist/religious services inside prison) is something we call can do, expanding our actions and concerns to people we might not normally connect with. Clearly King Con is out to destroy the country, mad with power. He is taking over mainstream media, which is why these alternative platforms are so critical. These buffoons are insane, a real Cuckoo’s Nest. We are The People, 99% of us. We must empower ourselves. TOGETHER.
Thank you for your thoughtful and inspiring response. Your commitment to grassroots action and volunteering, especially with those most marginalized, is deeply admirable. You’re absolutely right—our collective power lies in refusing to give in to apathy and coming together to challenge these destructive forces. Your words are a reminder of the strength and resilience of community. Let’s keep building and empowering one another.
Thank you! I agree, and I know we can do this together. It IS a new collective order. I've experienced so much love and respect from inside prison walls, staff and incarcerated alike. I know it's a maga stronghold and yet when we stop making everyone an enemy we do find common ground. We are all wounded, and we are all capable of healing. Thank you so much for your good works. I will be writing about all this on my substack. I'm so grateful for all you do here!
Sadly, I believe the reason Kamala did not win is reported to be because too many people DID NOT VOTE. Apparently, a non- vote hurt her, more than the actual votes tRump got. Even Democrats are mysogenist and racist.... Their inability to get past their own hidden beliefs caused them to chose "not voting for tRump or anyone else".
Sadly. Agreed 👍
Hey MAGA fans, Musk and Vivek are calling you stupid. What are you going to do about those immigrants?
I just don’t think TFG’s voters care. Until his policies personally affect them, they’ll experience no regret. They KNEW who and what they were voting for and they voted for him, despite his crimes. 2016 may have been a fluke but 2024 was not.
Hell I know some of these voters. They gleefully support his racist statements, his Americans and America first visions. Pull out of NATO? Sure. They’re bloodsuckers anyway. Support Ukraine? What on earth for? That money is better spent here. Deport illegal immigrates. You betcha. Round up those families. Kick them off America’s dole. Get rid of DEI? Absolutely. Those women and minorities have had it too good for too long. Women should go back in the kitchen. This is the 1950’s. They have no rights.
This is the confederacy folks. This is white nationalism. On a massive scale.
Nope. They’ll go along up to and until it PERSONALLY affects them. Cut Medicare and SS? That may wake them up. We will see if even that works.
For Pete’s sake, look at the unions! Biden was THE most pro union president ever. He saved jobs and pensions. And still, dammit, they did not all support the Democratic ticket.
The idiocy is beyond words. Beyond comprehension.
Education cuts are coming. Vaccinations will be discouraged. Our intelligence agencies will be at risk. The DOJ will go after imagined enemies and will make them go broke defending themselves.
Putin will finally take Ukraine and maybe the Baltics. China may as well go after Taiwan. Who’s going to stop them? And billionaires will make more billions. The gap between rich and poor will widen.
And 77 million morons will cheer.
I honestly fear for this country and what’s coming.
Your words hit hard because they’re the truth, and it’s a truth many don’t want to face. The problem isn’t that TFG’s voters don’t know who they’re supporting—they absolutely do. They know his racism, his isolationism, and his disdain for democracy. They voted for it anyway, not in ignorance, but in alignment with their grievances and their worldview.
You’re right—2016 might have been an anomaly, but 2024 was a deliberate choice. This isn’t about being misled; it’s about cheering on a vision of America that turns back progress, rejects inclusion, and embraces a cruel, zero-sum view of society. And until these policies hit home—when Medicare or Social Security are gutted, when education budgets collapse, or when their own communities feel the economic and social pain—they’ll keep cheering.
The examples you listed—education cuts, anti-vaccine rhetoric, weakened intelligence agencies, and the DOJ hunting “enemies”—aren’t just hypothetical anymore. They’re the blueprint. And as billionaires profit and authoritarian regimes gain ground, the rest of us are left to wonder how long the cheering will last before the consequences become too much to ignore.
It’s maddening, especially when even groups like unions, who’ve directly benefited from Democratic policies, can’t fully align with a party fighting for their future. The sheer shortsightedness is staggering.
But your frustration and fear for the future are justified—and shared. This country is at a crossroads, and the fight to wake people up before it’s too late is harder than ever. Still, voices like yours matter. They remind us what’s at stake and push us to keep resisting, to keep speaking out. Because the alternative—staying silent or giving up—isn’t an option.
You’ve stated my position far more eloquently than I ever could. 😂
The only light I see are the courts. Not the corrupted and bought off Supreme Court, but some of those beneath. They can and will slow down the destructive laws that are coming. Hopefully, the madness will subside and the House will flip back to Democratic control but it will be a long and hellacious two years and with billionaires in control who can say for sure if that will even happen. Musk and other lobbyists will target anyone (republican or democrat) who stands in their way.
Because, you know, the poor billionaires 🙄.
(Poor men want to be rich, rich men want to be king, and the king ain’t satisfied till he rules everything- Bruce Springsteen. )
America is truly in uncharted waters.
Sigh.
You said this better than I could have said it. I fear for our country. I’m glad I’m a Christian. My faith in God is keeping me sane.
Lynn,
I hear the frustration, and I understand why. It’s infuriating to watch people vote against their own well-being, against democracy itself, and still cheer as the walls close in. And yet, this has never been about policies or logic—it’s about identity, grievance, and a narrative that tells them they are the rightful rulers of this country.
They don’t see the cliff they’re running toward because, for now, they believe they’re in control. They believe the suffering will always fall on others—immigrants, women, marginalized communities—never on them. But power built on exclusion eventually turns on its own. The moment Medicare, Social Security, or personal freedoms vanish, some may wake up. But even then, some will still find a way to blame "the enemy" rather than the system they upheld.
History tells us that people don’t just change their minds because the truth is evident. They change when reality forces them to confront what they can no longer deny. Whether that reckoning will come in time, I don’t know. But I do know this: those of us who see it now have no choice but to hold the line, to refuse to let this descent go unchallenged.
Because what’s at stake isn’t just policy—it’s whether a nation built on an idea, however imperfectly, can still be saved from those willing to burn it all down just to stay on top.
Exceptionally crafted piece! The unctuous derps that voted in favor such a flawed, malodorous codpiece, flies beyond ones imagination! Your words speak volumes to a class system that voted against their own interests, thanks for this!
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad the piece resonated with you. It’s astonishing how often people are misled into voting against their own interests—an issue that speaks to deeper systemic flaws. I appreciate your thoughtful feedback and support!
Excellent! If only a single trump supporter would read it. Too long for their attention span, no familiar republicans catch phrases, and the multiple syllable words are just too "elitist" for them to make it past the first paragraph. They'd just turn up their nose out of pride for their willful ignorance.
When Trump supporters read this they find it most entertaining because the entire article and most of the comments are so incredibly out of touch with reality, it’s actually comical. So yes, thanks for the laugh…and cool your jets - the world will not stop spinning just because a few elite progressives didn’t get to finish their socialist experiment.
Ah, the typical Trump supporter’s rebuttal: dismissive, smug, and entirely devoid of substance. Your comment is a masterclass in projection, so let’s unpack it, shall we?
First, the assertion that critiques of Trump are “out of touch with reality.” This would be laughable if it weren’t so ironic coming from someone who likely consumes a steady diet of propaganda so far removed from reality it’s practically speculative fiction. The irony of accusing others of delusion while pledging allegiance to a man whose relationship with the truth is purely coincidental could power an entire semester of philosophy classes on cognitive dissonance.
You call progressive ideals a “socialist experiment.” Ah yes, because healthcare, livable wages, and environmental sustainability—the very policies embraced by most developed nations—are apparently some nefarious plot. Meanwhile, your dear leader’s so-called “policies” consist of tax cuts for billionaires, dismantling regulatory safeguards, and fostering a culture of grievance so his base will continue to scapegoat rather than reflect.
And as for the world not stopping because “elite progressives” didn’t get their way: you might want to check on the state of democracy, civil discourse, and basic governance in the wake of your hero’s reign. When your side spends more time banning books, obsessing over bathrooms, and propping up conspiracy theories than governing, the world spins all right—just in the wrong direction.
The truly comical part here is not the critique of Trump—it’s the relentless, almost religious devotion to him by those who claim to value “freedom” while cheering on authoritarian tendencies. You find this amusing? Good. The rest of us find it tragic.
I do not understand why otherwise good people promote trump as a “good man”. It is delusional at best. This is not a contest. It is our country which is betraying the very ideals under which it was founded. The corporate media has done its job well, normalizing extremism as normal discourse. We do live in a sad place and it will only get worse.
Then we agree…it’s a tragic comedy from both sides…I suppose as the next four years unfold we’ll see who laughs last and who laughs best.
Good to know you’re laughing about Trump’s hate and chaos. It truly is a tragic comedy—one side laughing at cruelty, the other mourning democracy.
What is evident is the incredible difference between the bias of the lenses we are seeing what is reality. What those of us on the MAGA side see is as impossible for those on the progressive side to see as it is for The MAGA side to see what you see because both sides sincerely believe what they are seeing is reality! It will remain unresolved until one or the other - or ideally both sides choose to acknowledge that our perceptions are quite severely biased, at that point it may become possible to actually have a productive conversation. Until then both sides will probably continue trying to shout each other down without every seeking to understand each other.
If you are interested in that type of conversation I would be glad to continue, if not - I’m out.
What a noble pivot to the high ground after such a dismissive and belittling opening comment. A masterclass in rhetorical strategy. Let me start by acknowledging your point that different lenses can distort reality. However, just because two perspectives exist does not make them equally valid. After all, Taco Bell was recently voted the best Mexican restaurant in America. Popular opinion doesn’t always reflect objective truth.
Some viewpoints—like believing that Trump represents anything close to competent governance—are demonstrably false, much like trying to argue that a Cheesy Gordita Crunch represents authentic Mexican cuisine. Trump, in this metaphor, is the soggy Crunchwrap Supreme of heads of state: flashy packaging, questionable ingredients, and ultimately, a regret-inducing experience.
I’m happy to engage in a productive conversation, but let’s start by agreeing on a shared reality, or at least acknowledging when one side is peddling refried nonsense as fact. Let me know if you’re up for that.
Please be out and stay out. Come back when you can write a paragraph that makes sense. Yours does not.
Ah, yes, another MAGAt using the word “socialist” while clearly having not the faintest idea what it is.
I believe that most Trump voters will either never become aware of this list of horribles, or consider them features rather than bugs. Far from remorse, many of them are only too eager to "own the libs", even if it hurts their own interests.
Thank you for your note—I really appreciate it. I’ve been pointing out more and more how red states are being duped into voting against their own interests. In fact, I’m working on a piece right now that dives into that very theme. I hope you’ll subscribe and check out my recent articles, as they explore this issue in depth. Let me know your thoughts!
They tolerate it for the racism and misogyny.
Liberals never understood what conservative’s interests are.
Hint - it’s not govt handouts.
That’s where you go wrong.
Conservatives' interests? Let’s be honest—Trump has never embodied them. Fiscal responsibility? He added nearly $8 trillion to the national debt, mostly to enrich billionaires. Immigration? He blocked a bi-partisan bill to curb immigration. Foreign policy? He alienated allies, cozied up to despots, and emboldened adversaries. None of this served the values or principles conservatives once claimed to champion.
Trumpism isn’t conservatism; it’s grievance, fear, and scapegoating wrapped in a con. If you think you voted for policy or principle, you weren’t just wrong—you were willfully blind to the grift. But perhaps that’s the real 'interest' here: not governing, but venting. Congratulations—you got duped, loudly.
Do you actually think that there’s remorseful Trump voters yet?
They will not, I fear, truly regret their choice, until the boot is on -their- throat, but fear not, eventually, it WILL be, much sooner than they think, totalitarianism spares no one. I am beginnimg to think a civil war is coming, because I'm not seeing a peaceful resolution to this. I think peaceful resistance is going to be met with violence, time will tell I guess, I hope I am wrong.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I share your concerns about the trajectory we’re on and the dangers of totalitarianism—it truly spares no one. While I hope for peaceful solutions, I understand why you fear otherwise. History teaches us that vigilance and resistance, even in the face of violence, are crucial. Let’s keep raising awareness and working toward a better outcome, no matter how daunting it seems.
They won't, ever. They will just figure out some way to blame all the coming trump destruction on the libs.
True, that's one of the things that makes it hard for me to see a peaceful resolution to things. You simply can't reason with unreasonable people, they have an answer for everything, and that answer making any sense, or not being completely hypocritical just isn't requred, how do you deal with people who are not capable of admitting fault?
I mean, they are just wrong, by every single metric, but nope, not their fault, not ever. Yet they will point at YOU, and say you're "brainwashed", it's so completely infuriating, and it's difficult to wrap your mind around how utterly trump, reich wing media, and Republicans in general have fucked these people's minds up, talk about your effective "psy-ops"....
I doubt it. It’s a cult. This is Jonestown Revisited.
True—it’s a cult, Jonestown-style. The MAGA Kool-Aid? A red-cup cocktail of conspiracy theories, grievance, and blind loyalty. No cyanide needed—the poison is disinformation, false promises, and self-sabotaging policies. The kicker? They gulp it down, convinced it’s “greatness.”
Pass the Kool-Aid!
I haven't seen any remorse or regret from my family members who voted for Trump. They are still trying to get me to give up my Liberal Democrat beliefs and start watching Fox.
Yes!!
Unfortunately, Maga will never get it.
I initially thought that trump's cabinet picks were merely a clown show of poor choices. Having learnt more about these individuals I see that they are an actual horror show. It is horrifying to think what these people are capable of. A complete dismantling of a democratic United States. Thank you, Mersault for a very enlightening piece.
Required reading for all high schoolers. Start teaching our kids their Constitutional rights.
I appreciate the list of incoming cabinet picks - truly terrifying.
I disagree that those with “buyer’s remorse” will even realize they caused the problem nor do I think they can be trusted to vote for better candidates in the midterms. Those who put that monster over the top don’t have the reasoning or intellect to see he’s the cause of their (and our) woes. They are fully brainwashed and in a cult.
The voters we want and need are the ones who have decided all politicians are bad and there is no difference between the two parties. We also need those who think their vote makes no difference to step up and vote. We need to show the people who have lost or never had a sense of the good that can come from having just and honest leaders to understand that positive changes can come from their civic engagement and that negative ones occur when they shirk their civic responsibility to be informed and vote.
Are you sure there are any regretful Trump voters?
I think NO, based on the friends I've had to "write off".
People who say things like this need to get more aggrssive and say that he should be disqualified. After 4 years of his crooks ther won’t be much to salvage.
And one donor gave $277 million. What was the illegal quid pro pro? Don’t suggest to me that there was not one. Then corporations donate because they expect a quid pro quo, or they would be violating shareholder rights. You know that. I know that. It should be illegal. We can correct this in a new platform in which ALL will support. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/create-a-platform-for-all?r=3m1bs