Replies to post #502918 on Tornado Alley (PROG)

[fuagf]

OMOLIVES, First off your "first off" comment " First off....never include an Ausie's opinion regarding US politics...especially on policy. They have really gotten fd' up over there." is uninformed, ignorant and invalid, generalist nonsense. Regardless of what you think of Australian policies they are not nearly as fucked up as Trump's promised policies.

I think it's pretty well universally accepted by most all in the game who are not Trump acolytes that Trump's cabinet picks in general are about the most unqualified of any group of cabinet nominees in recent American history. What is the predominant quality he used in his picks. Loyalty. So much for your:

"I have never seen an Authoritarian pick such an astonishing, politically diverse cabinet ever...and quite frankly...I have never seen any US President pick such a politically/social diverse cabinet in my lifetime."

As others have said here i'm one of those happier to be on the losing side than on your winning side. Trump will not turn out to be a winner for many. If history is any judge certainly not for your country.

Finally there is nothing at all in Trump that fits this description of progressives:

Progressivism is a left-leaning political philosophy and reform movement that seeks to advance the human condition through social reform – primarily based on purported advancements in social organization, science, and technology.[1] Adherents hold that progressivism has universal application and endeavor to spread this idea to human societies everywhere. Progressivism arose during the Age of Enlightenment out of the belief that civility in Europe was improving due to the application of new empirical knowledge.[2]

In modern political discourse, progressivism is often associated with social liberalism,[3][4][5] a left-leaning type of liberalism, and social democracy.[6][7] Within economic progressivism, there is some ideological variety on the social liberal to social democrat continuum, as well as occasionally some variance on cultural issues; examples of this include some Christian democrat and conservative-leaning communitarian movements.[8][9] While many ideologies can fall under the banner of progressivism, both the current and historical movement are characterized by a critique of unregulated capitalism, desiring a more active democratic government to take a role in safeguarding human rights, bringing about cultural development, and being a check-and-balance on corporate monopolies.[10] [11] There are differences in specific approaches between factions, including capitalist-leaning social liberals and social democrats versus some anti-capitalist democratic socialists.[12][13]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressivism

Take the bits i have emphasized. Trump sure as fuck is not a fan of any of those positions, unless you see habitual lying and championing disinformation as positive cultural development.

[blackhawks]

Why is trump considered an authoritarian?

Donald Trump is considered an authoritarian by many political analysts and scholars due to several key behaviors and strategies he has employed during his presidency and political career. Here are the main reasons:

1. Undermining Democratic Norms

Election Denial: Trump has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of elections, particularly the 2020 presidential election, claiming widespread voter fraud without substantial evidence. This undermines the foundational democratic principle of accepting electoral outcomes, which is a hallmark of authoritarian regimes.

Attacks on Political Opponents: He has consistently denied the legitimacy of his political opponents and encouraged hostility towards them, framing them as enemies of the state. This includes threats to investigate and prosecute political rivals.

2. Concentration of Power

Aggrandizing Executive Authority: Trump has sought to expand presidential powers, often bypassing legislative checks and balances. He has used executive orders extensively and has expressed a willingness to govern through emergency powers, which can lead to authoritarian governance.

Judicial Manipulation: Appointing numerous judges, including three Supreme Court justices, who align with his views has been seen as an attempt to stack the judiciary in favor of his policies and diminish judicial independence.

3. Suppression of Dissent

Targeting the Media: Trump has attacked the press, labeling unfavorable coverage as "fake news" and suggesting that media outlets should have their licenses revoked. This hostility towards the media is a common tactic among authoritarian leaders who seek to suppress dissenting voices.

Encouraging Violence: There have been instances where Trump has appeared to condone or encourage violent actions by his supporters against those he perceives as opponents. This tactic is often used by authoritarians to intimidate dissenters.

4. Manipulation of Electoral Processes
Voter Suppression Efforts: Since 2020, several states governed by Trump-aligned officials have enacted laws aimed at reducing voter access, which critics argue are designed to suppress votes from demographic groups that tend to oppose him.

5. Exploiting National Crises

State of Exception: Trump’s approach often involves exploiting crises (real or perceived) to justify extraordinary measures that could undermine democratic norms while maintaining a facade of legality 4.
These behaviors align with characteristics identified in authoritarian leaders worldwide, highlighting a trend towards democratic backsliding in the U.S. under Trump's influence. Political scientists warn that such actions can erode democratic institutions and norms over time, leading to a more authoritarian governance style if unchecked.


https://www.perplexity.ai/search/how-is-perplexity-ai-different-gq0sHiNNRKWK82i67xnJJg?login-source=signupButton

[janice shell]

I have never seen an Authoritarian pick such an astonishing, politically diverse cabinet ever...and quite frankly...I have never seen any US President pick such a politically/social diverse cabinet in my lifetime.

That is because Trump is not a typical employer, politician or not. He's more like a ringmaster, interested in performance and pizazz. Ratings, which in fact he refers to often. To him, the ability to shock and surprise is more important than the ability to lead or otherwise act responsibly.

Hitler wasn't entirely different. He made some pretty weird appointments.

[janice shell]

I've yet to see a Democrat ever be Progressive. You certainly won't like everything....but you will see major change or at least an attempt.

You've been following a different Donald Trump than have the rest of us, obviously. His ONLY interest is giving more money to the rich. Which is not "Progressive".

I'll point out that Teddy Roosevelt was interested in breaking up monopolies and the like. That is not Trump's thing, either.