Western Sieve
“Naturally, on Oligarchs’ Island the premise of Gilligan’s Island would have to be adjusted. The castaways on Gilligan’s Island were all American, whereas the powerful oligarchs are South African or Russian. Rather than try to find ways to return home, the oligarchs seek a Muscovian promised land of endless wealth, impunity, and immortality. Our oligarchs are stuck with one another, as were the good people of Gilligan’s Island, but they cannot be expected to cooperate. Oligarchies are unstable; members disappear.” Timothy Snyder compares the new American oligarchy to Gilligan’s Island. Oligarchs’ Island. (I got so nauseated I barely survived the three-hour cruise.) Related: Elon Musk’s PAC spent an estimated $200 million to help elect Trump. (And he’s not going to stop spending. Look as the Tesla share price. He made a profit on the 200.)
+ And another piece by Snyder, this one from The New Yorker: What Does It Mean That Donald Trump Is a Fascist? “Trump takes the tools of dictators and adapts them for the Internet. We should expect him to try to cling to power until death, and create a cult of January 6th martyrs.”
+ One of the things it means is that those appointed to be in his administration will all share something in common: Loyalty to Trump. (And support of the Big Lie looks real good on the resume). Marco Rubio, Stephen Miller, Susie Wiles, Lee Zeldin, Tom Homan, Elise Stefanik, Mike Waltz, and Kristi Noem are among the picks so far. Trump’s cabinet picks and likely contenders – so far.
+ Seriously but not literally is old news. Trump’s picks for certain positions indicate this time we need to take his promises seriously and literally. Meet Tom Homan, the new border czar, previously known as the father of Trump’s family separation policy. “Trump comes back in January, I’ll be on his heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen. They ain’t seen shit yet. Wait until 2025.”
+ Well, at least we have our health. At least for a few more days. Kennedy’s F.D.A. Wish List: Raw Milk, Stem Cells, Heavy Metals. (It will be interesting to see if RFK, Jr gets a top role he believes he was promised.)
