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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 16h

The only problem I have with the cartoon is that the journalist should be human and Trump should be the reptile he is.

johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

If by "lost his mind", you mean Trump, sure. But if you mean Bezos, alas, that is untrue. The loss is of a spine; I'd say he's heartless, too, but I doubt that that is news.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

I thought that by 2024, people of color would have dropped Trump. No one, except possibly white Christians, is safe from ICE. But we need to know of these things, painful though they are. Congressional power must change to have any chance of limiting damage from cruel, pointless immigration policy.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Well, there we have it. Finally, Trump has landed on the issue that Americans are most concerned about. A reminder: this is the guy that wants people to pretend he's on the ballot. I would rather pretend that he's in prison.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Trump wants new (UN chief) candidates. My, what a good idea. Let's try that here in the U.S. First, we'll fix the Congress and state governments in less than a month. Be careful what you wish for, Trump. (I hear Tevye, to the tune of "Tradition", singing, "Impeachment!")

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

The GOP does NOT speak for America on immigration. I recall a PBS series on Oppenheimer in which Gen. Grove said that America has the "best people; and if we don't, we bring them in". That's it. No surprise that our economy is now stagnant. I want GOP out, & immigrants given a path to citizenship.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Boo to this cartoon. It implies that Trump is really acting, really leading. He's doing nothing of the sort. Did people hear any of his speech in NY state this evening? Griping about not winning the Nobel Peace Prize; much of the rest was incoherent. He doesn't even try to connect w real concerns.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

It might be that revulsion is what will save us. Hegseth represents the cognition & morals of the gutter. Everyone knew he was totally unqualified. So, all senators who approved nominations like his should lose their next election; one-third of them have one soon. Vote early, folks!

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

T, at a rally, griped about someone "no one has heard of" winning the Nobel Peace Prize that should've gone to him. But she's been finding out what happened in Gaza -- not the easiest or safest thing. Maybe finding crimes. Nobel is the wrong Q. The right Q: When will Trump & Bibi go on trial?

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Is it OK if we call Trump A.P., i.e., an Artificial President?

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Maybe we misheard a line from Trump's campaign speeches. Maybe he didn't say, "I will be your retribution."; rather, maybe it was, "I will be your wealth pollution."

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

I hope he does not yell anything, and without being drugged. I would rather not have any excuse to make him "other"; I want people to see this as a defenseless human being put to death by state power.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

We might want to ponder the possibility of unintended consequences. Here are two. First, this might affect whether people see capital punishment as "just". Second, this might affect how people feel about guns. I'm not pulling for broadcast of this execution, but I'll hope for increased compassion.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

For some time, I have advocated this as the GOP motto: Government doesn't work; elect us, and we'll prove it. But before Trump, there was at least a bit of humor (wit?) in that claim. Not very much is funny right now. Elect Democrats to save humor, reliable government function, & mental health.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

For anyone keeping score, the T WH is promoting war, pestilence (per this story), and famine (by kneecapping USAID). The fourth horseman of the Apocalypse is conquest; I think that is shown in tariffs, Greenland, and Venezuela. I used to think that Revelation was just a bad dream, till Trump.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I just saw an MS NOW clip that pointed out that this also hurts GOP candidates running statewide. Also, many people have moved from CA to places like TX, but still have family in CA. Meanwhile, T ignores people's real concerns. Each day, he worsens things for the GOP. Trump: building the Blue Wave.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

More and more, I believe that not only does Rev. Hamilton have a chance in this race, he will win. How can the GOP attack him? And Marshall is a terrible candidate. Trump is doing GOP senators no favors with his disastrous tenure -- & without even making an effort to connect with people's concerns.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I'll bet there are GOP members of Congress from CA who have become vulnerable in the election because of Trump's "suggestion" to Iran to knock off L.A. or San Diego. Trump is not on the political spectrum anymore; he's on a criminal one.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Also: The GOP & maybe the money folks behind it must be held accountable tor failing to stop Trump. (The shameful Jack Smith hearings exposed them.) The Senate trial of the 2nd impeachment should have done T in. Soon, the U.S. might feel like France or Poland after WWII; we have collaborators, too.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Let's agree on why this is so concerning. Everyone, GOP, media, "experts", acts as though having a crook in the Oval Office is just a regular problem to be worked through. I just saw an interview of Chris Christie; he gets it. Unlike others, he's candid. Stop pretending; T must be forced OUT.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I've heard in a few places now that the direction an election takes is often significantly affected during the ten days before voting ends. (A reminder: Comey's interference in 2016, sinking Hillary, fell within that.) My Q: How do things improve for the GOP? What justifies keeping them in power?

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

A bit off topic: Sen. Thom Tillis now regrets his vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as Def. Sec'y. But the best this deserves is a "Profiles in Tardy Courage" honor. How many of these clearly unfit nominees could have been stopped with more prompt courage? I think Sen. Collins should face ads about this.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Wow! As if running the marathon is not already challenge enough. I am old, but not as old as this guy makes me feel. A new hero, and for a good cause.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Sure, but that is only half the story. They'd keep money in NC, except that the rest of the Senate map is a five-alarm fire for the GOP. Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, TX, Alaska, Ohio, all threaten the GOP's Senate hold, and there are more. (I sent $ to Annie Andrews, SC, and am considering MS as well.)

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

NPR has a show, Left, Right, and Center. I admire its host, and panelists have solid things to say. But its premise sickens me. The battle right now is NOT between left and right; it is between people who were OK electing a criminal, and those who tried to fight against that. We must face this.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

What is it with this testosterone fetish? I recently heard someone who knows about this stuff say that men with very high testosterone are found in prisons in disproportionally large numbers. And Jesus apparently never married. Oh, well, I shouldn't expect a story like this to make sense.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Thank you. Four years ago, I bought a hybrid. Then I read article after article about how EVs were the future; they made me feel guilty. So, GM, was I ahead of the curve? That feels odd, too.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I admire Prof Reich, but why does this list not contain a plank about revamping federal tax policy? Do I need to light candles to Barney Frank? Someone should be working out legislation to shift the tax burden away from workers and toward investors (like me, actually; but bring it on).

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Gosh, who could have seen this coming? This just makes me even more angry at people like Joe Rogan who should have seen the danger, but enjoyed the spotlight way too much. A little help now, folks; you owe us.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

What is hilarious is that Iran now sees that its major enemy (Trump, NOT the US) suggests that it's OK for them to attack certain places in that enemy's nation. Iran will surely agree, but they'll look to attack their enemy, Trump, directly, not the places he suggests. So, solid thinking, Donnie!

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

One of the best things about this pledge is that journalists can check on it later. I hope it doesn't change a single vote in the midterms, but I also expect, not just hope that this is a point that Trump can be hammered on if he does not follow through (as I expect, given his history).

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

For me, the pity of Christian nationalism is that it is fear- and race-based. Decades ago, Jacques Barzun worked out race to be an artificial construct. Both bases are the opposite of the teachings of Jesus, who preached radical inclusion and often in the Gospels said, "Fear not."

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

I am trying to imagine a woman, even a GOP one, looking at this ad and saying, "Yeah, you've changed my mind; sure, I'll vote Paxton -- take one for the team." And Trump claims that Talarico is the freak?

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

TN's botched affair was a clear violation of the Eighth Amendment -- so of course Trump wants more of it. This sort of thing makes it hard to be Catholic, though Pope Leo might bring us to the "seamless garment" definition of Pro-life, which includes ending capital punishment.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Not too many of us are "happy persons" with the president we're stuck with for now. I'll wager that Ms. Collins will do plenty of smiling after the 2028 election. And in fact, I saw her smile recently when asking Scott Jennings what was "public service" in the PSA w recycled Trump campaign ads.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

This dismal story reminds me of George W. Bush ignoring warnings about Al Qaeda in early 2001. His failure cost the U.S. plenty -- but what did it cost him, or the GOP? Can Israel do better re Bibi?

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

In preparation for the "shoving",. Trump is blowing smoke up these people's a--es. I hope that more and more, even of MAGA folks, are tired of this sort of pitch.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

In case we were wondering where the impetus to MAHA came from. My goodness, even when aspirin was recommended it was supposed to be "baby" size. And if anyone should be given a baby size, it is toddler Trump.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

A recent film tackles the last days of Vidkun Quisling, Norway's dictator/Nazi collaborator during WWII. It focuses on a pastor who reluctantly agrees to meet with him. The two form a sort of friendship. There are times when he is very seductive. I suspect that on a smaller scale, so is Holmes.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

I finally reached a boiling point due to Trump sleeping during meetings. Maybe you Lincoln Project folks can do a montage of T sleeping episodes (perhaps after he uses "sleepy Joe"). At the end, something like: Trump: "Pretend I'm on the ballot." LP You aren't even on the job.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Ah, the savvy businessman is cleverly pleading with Europe to bail us out from record-high diesel prices due to our war of choice. Nice planning, folks. Way to set up this October surprise. Isn't the one you planned on, is it?

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

I just saw a clip, a reporter asking Schmitt about this after. S said it was an honest mistake, there was no other NBA or men's NCAA game at that date & time. He still didn't mention women's NCAA (or even WNBA). If they're not beating up on trans people, do women's sports even exist for the GOP?

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

It never hurts to point out what real Christianity is. (Gandhi: I like your Christ, but not your Christians.) Btw, Adam Hamilton practices what he preaches, & heads the largest Methodist congregation in the U.S. He might win a Senate seat (KS).

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

One other thing. The smugness in this episode came from Sen. Schmitt (and perhaps his staff). And Sen. Klobuchar was correct to insist on an apology from him (not that he'll give one). But it just occurred to me that Jack Smith was drama-free. He wanted to get the facts out, but w/o grandstanding.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Something else, prompted by a Bulwark clip, lambasting those who enabled Trump 2.0, including the Supreme Court. Where on earth did the idea of granting Trump immunity from crimes committed while in public office, thus frustrating accountability? I think think this violates their oath; impeach?

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

The saddest consequence of having Trump back in the Oval Office (I am still angry about the 2016 election; I am livid about 2024): even when opposition to Trump prevails, precious time and resources, including judicial resources, have been spent just to avoid making matters worse. Come on, election!

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Two further points. First, might we ask whether Sen. Schmitt & his staff, by Schmitt's own reasoning, committed perjury? Second, for those who want to post the 10 Commandments: one of them forbids false witness. Intentional or not, that happened here. Does this bother GOP Christians?

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

In all of this, we shouldn't lose sight of how slight the "gotcha" would have been, even if true. Sen. Schmitt had no information about any contacts between Mr. Smith and Fani Willis. So at best (worst?), Smith's attendance at a Hawks game would only have "supported" a conspiracy theory.

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johndbecker.bsky.social @johndbecker.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

I saw that later, too. But that was only two short texts, no mention of the arena or the city. They did indicate the area where Smith would sit; later, MS NOW found Smith on video of the game in Maryland. Hey, MO, how do you like your guy? Maybe let him know when he's up for re-election.

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