Welcome to Home & Away. It arrives early this week given both the flood of news and the arrival of Yom Kippur. For those of you observing the holiday, I wish you a meaningful but easy fast.
As a Canadian watching (as much as I could stand to) the Speeches to the assembled flag officers I was (again),appalled at Trump's wild meandering. At times he appeared to be half asleep. If Biden had delivered that, in that manner, he'd have been ridiculed even on CNN and MSNBC. His talk of 'the enemy within' should be truly frightening to ALL Americans. And I didn't much care for yet another 51st state allusion either. I fear your country has degenerated into a very bad state.
Pres Trump's references to the "enemy within" refer to CRIME, not military enemies. I recognize it is hard to understand American when you only speak Canadian. [That's a joke.]
The US has an epidemic of crime, unchecked and made worse by efforts to defund the police, in its largest cities -- all run by soft on crime Democrats.
It is Trump's intention and every residents' hope that the simple presence of National Guard units will give local police the respite they need to regain control of the city streets.
These NG units don't do any policing -- arguably forbidden by the Posse Comitas Act -- but just occupy space in dangerous areas thereby channelizing the crime to where the local cops can apprehend the scumbags.
There is a long history of using military units to counter riots and to contain peace. This is simply an extension of that history.
The result will be cities that are safer and, hopefully, with more criminals behind bars whereafter Americans can enjoy their cities.
It's going to be fine. Unless you are a criminal or a supporter of criminals. Than, hopefully, it will really suck.
The deploying of military into cities that are not requesting help is unprecedented and seen as unconstitutional. What Trump is doing is creating more division. Why not just increase funding for more police in those cities?
What Article of the Constitution do you think the President violates when he exercises his authority under Title 10/30 (Federalizing the National Guard and hybrid State/Federal control) to protect Federal facilities left at risk by local law enforcement and to protect Federal workers (ICE) in the discharge of there lawful duties?
These actions do not rely upon the Insurrection Act nor violate Posse Comitatus (no arrest powers and therefore not engaged in law enforcement).
Here's the problem -- the big, crime ridden cities are run by Dems but the President has the same responsibility for the state of law enforcement and public safety to those citizens as he has to all of us.
These Dem cities are run by soft on crime mayors who have underfunded law enforcement -- remember "defund the police."
The results speak for themselves. In the case of Washington DC wherein Mayor Bowser initially opposed assistance and then became grateful when within 30 days crime plunged precitiously.
In a handful of days, Memphis (Dem Mayor and Rep Gov) is already dramatically changed. Would you undo that? Bring back the crime?
Funding for police is local. If more funds were the answer those same mayors (who control police funding) would have already done that, wouldn't they?
Do you oppose putting scumbags in jail? Making the streets safe? Reducing crime? It sounds like you support crime.
I support collaboration, respect for states rights, increased funding for local police. It’s a slippery slope when our government sends in the military to address crime in a city especially if the governor or mayor is not asking for it or does not want it. Creating false emergencies can create more conflict. Wondering why Trump didn’t call on the national guard on January 6th. Please don’t tell me it was bc Nancy Pelosi didn’t want to. Also, the ends don’t justify the means.
No, I doubt it. I’m a psychotherapist and have been in the presence of many narcissistic people as well as people who have suffered abuse by narcissists. I know they only do things to fill the very deep hole in their psyche. Donald Trump is no different- he does things only to service himself. We’ll see how these things work out but it’s not for the benefit of humanity or the suffering - it’s to benefit himself. And btw, he lost me at “grab them by the pussy”among many, many other things. He should have lost all if us.
First, the dangerous casualness with which our leaders now speak about using the military “within” — rhetoric that undermines both civil-military trust and the very idea of democracy as self-government. Having served with many of the men and women now in uniform, I know how corrosive it is when they’re asked to become props in our political theater.
Second, the polling on Israel is a real warning sign — not just for Israel, but for America. A nation’s long-term strength depends not only on its military but on sustaining alliances and the trust of future generations. Losing that is far easier than rebuilding it.
If there’s a common thread here, it’s this: division at home and drift abroad reinforce each other. The harder work is not in scoring political points or securing short-term “wins,” but in doing the unglamorous work of compromise, diplomacy, and trust-building. That’s the only path back to resilience.
I’m glad you brought up the issue of repairing the damage done by your president regarding the relationship with it’s allies. Trust has to be earned. America has done great things and protected nations worldwide it would be a shame to let this president undo that bond. Having strong allies against those that would impose their will on us, as is happening with Russia imposing it’s will on Ukraine. These aggressors have to learn a valuable lesson. You don’t get respect that way and you most certainly don’t get peace that that way.
That Trump will be heading up the settlement of hostilities in Gaza and its redevelopment tells me that there is money to be made by the Trumps and Kushner. His goal will be building hotels, casinos and more, to stuff his pockets. It is not, first and foremost, to help others.
I nominate Richard HAAS for the job of CHIEF Administrative Supervisor & Negotiator of peace in GAZA. His professional career has strengthen his commitment to finding just, reasonable & objective outcomes to International SECURITY matters arround the World & especially in the Middle EAST!
Trump will achieve peace. A real estate agent will go to the Middle East and get both sides to sign an agreement and there will be peace, forget your political experts on international affairs. They read old books and follow a path which is a dead end.
When people want peace they easily get it! The problem so far was that Israel wants war & subjugation of both people & land in Palestine. Israel is the most corrupt Nation in the WORLD without clear sense of Intetnational Boarders. Israel tends to impose their will on People arround the World like Russia in Ukraine. Failed state from the moment of its creation & conception! It has disrespect people & property around the World! This is why I have committed to non-Israel bidding, business & Existance in my personal, business &/or professional matters!
The only way for Israel to Exist as a decent state is membership into NATO! Only then it will follow the rules of engagement, observe international law & live a civilized state-life not fictional nor aggressive state-life! Why put oneself in danger with such rampant people & state who have the inclination to think that they represent Holiness or God on EARTH! This is their political State of Existance & I am sure that there are many decent jewish people who disagree with their official Government, Politicians & Terrorists - DELUSIONAL BASTARDS - Viktor HADJIEV, Rector of the World, DNA MANAGEMENT BRAND
Lucid as always: thank you. I would just like to say that from any and all perspectives it must be clear that this peace, which we presume everyone wants, is not going to happen at the signing of papers, whether vaguely worded or endlessly detailed. A true lasting peace will need at least a generation or two of good will and hard work on the ground. Until such time it will be one problematic detail after another endlessly. The main thing now must be to get the two sides working in generally the same direction, and not get bogged down in those pesky details. One state two state: just get them in a state to work together. The rebuilding of Gaza should be a joint venture concern that secures the peace and safety of Israelis as well as that of a democratic Palestine not dominated by Hamas Hezbollah or even the PLO. Only by working together to address one another’s concerns can Israelis and Palestinians live their way into a new relationship. My guess is that holding out for a two-state solution long-term might well end up leading to some sort of federal structure that will better serve all concerned. In any case something like a federalism with international oversight and cooperation will have to be a provisional arrangement. To try iron out all the details can only raise problems. Only getting the two sides working together can begin to develop the mutual understanding needed to move forward.
On the enemy from within comment and the political deadlock, I’m reminded of Pogo. On the Gaza plan, obviously I’m no lover of Hamas, but how can anyone expect them to agree to this. It’s the height of delusion to think so. I was 17 in 1967 and that was a great moment for me as a Jewish teenager. However, the last 20 years have filled me with growing shame and disgust at what has happened to Israel and they have completely lost my support. If you stand for freedom, you can’t reconcile supporting Israel. Sad it’s come to this.
There is much to not like about Netanyahu, his policies and his divisive tactics. But please, to lay this blame squarely and only on Israel is completely ahistorical. The Palestinians have not only refused peace 5 times, they refused everything they say they are fighting for, lastly in 2000 and 2008, and started intifadas. This violence and refusal of peace in addition to the violence Hamas has inflicted on and at Israel has pushed Israeli’s to the right. You only have to look at Bill Clintons recent interview by NYT. The younger generation has been brainwashed, as apparently you have, by a Qatari influence peddling scheme of $25 billion spent influencing America’s media and academic forums. You need to give the Palestinians some agency!
The decision to change pitchers is the biggest error managers make. As someone once said, "Noone goes to a ballpark to watch a manager think." Blessed holiday.
Good column. But, why are we (you’re not the only one) speaking about the destruction of cherished American institutions in such measured tones? The Republican Party has been destroyed, eviscerated is more exact. The Democratic Party is next. Hegseth was telling the troops they should be fit and vicious! And Trump told them they will be unleashed on fellow citizens. That’s scary.
Echoes of Joseph McCarthy, who used this “enemies from within” phrase in a speech from 1950 where he said “When a great democracy is destroyed, it will not be because of enemies from without, but rather because of enemies from within.”
[Rev. 3, 8.3.2025] A single whisper is faint, but millions banding together can roar loudly enough to topple a kakistocracy and demand The Clean New Deal
As a Canadian watching (as much as I could stand to) the Speeches to the assembled flag officers I was (again),appalled at Trump's wild meandering. At times he appeared to be half asleep. If Biden had delivered that, in that manner, he'd have been ridiculed even on CNN and MSNBC. His talk of 'the enemy within' should be truly frightening to ALL Americans. And I didn't much care for yet another 51st state allusion either. I fear your country has degenerated into a very bad state.
Pres Trump's references to the "enemy within" refer to CRIME, not military enemies. I recognize it is hard to understand American when you only speak Canadian. [That's a joke.]
The US has an epidemic of crime, unchecked and made worse by efforts to defund the police, in its largest cities -- all run by soft on crime Democrats.
It is Trump's intention and every residents' hope that the simple presence of National Guard units will give local police the respite they need to regain control of the city streets.
These NG units don't do any policing -- arguably forbidden by the Posse Comitas Act -- but just occupy space in dangerous areas thereby channelizing the crime to where the local cops can apprehend the scumbags.
There is a long history of using military units to counter riots and to contain peace. This is simply an extension of that history.
The result will be cities that are safer and, hopefully, with more criminals behind bars whereafter Americans can enjoy their cities.
It's going to be fine. Unless you are a criminal or a supporter of criminals. Than, hopefully, it will really suck.
JLM
The deploying of military into cities that are not requesting help is unprecedented and seen as unconstitutional. What Trump is doing is creating more division. Why not just increase funding for more police in those cities?
What Article of the Constitution do you think the President violates when he exercises his authority under Title 10/30 (Federalizing the National Guard and hybrid State/Federal control) to protect Federal facilities left at risk by local law enforcement and to protect Federal workers (ICE) in the discharge of there lawful duties?
These actions do not rely upon the Insurrection Act nor violate Posse Comitatus (no arrest powers and therefore not engaged in law enforcement).
Here's the problem -- the big, crime ridden cities are run by Dems but the President has the same responsibility for the state of law enforcement and public safety to those citizens as he has to all of us.
These Dem cities are run by soft on crime mayors who have underfunded law enforcement -- remember "defund the police."
The results speak for themselves. In the case of Washington DC wherein Mayor Bowser initially opposed assistance and then became grateful when within 30 days crime plunged precitiously.
In a handful of days, Memphis (Dem Mayor and Rep Gov) is already dramatically changed. Would you undo that? Bring back the crime?
Funding for police is local. If more funds were the answer those same mayors (who control police funding) would have already done that, wouldn't they?
Do you oppose putting scumbags in jail? Making the streets safe? Reducing crime? It sounds like you support crime.
Do I have that wrong?
I support collaboration, respect for states rights, increased funding for local police. It’s a slippery slope when our government sends in the military to address crime in a city especially if the governor or mayor is not asking for it or does not want it. Creating false emergencies can create more conflict. Wondering why Trump didn’t call on the national guard on January 6th. Please don’t tell me it was bc Nancy Pelosi didn’t want to. Also, the ends don’t justify the means.
You will be praising Trump at the end of his term as being one of the greatest peacemakers.
No, I doubt it. I’m a psychotherapist and have been in the presence of many narcissistic people as well as people who have suffered abuse by narcissists. I know they only do things to fill the very deep hole in their psyche. Donald Trump is no different- he does things only to service himself. We’ll see how these things work out but it’s not for the benefit of humanity or the suffering - it’s to benefit himself. And btw, he lost me at “grab them by the pussy”among many, many other things. He should have lost all if us.
Why would I support crime?
There’s a lot packed into this piece.
First, the dangerous casualness with which our leaders now speak about using the military “within” — rhetoric that undermines both civil-military trust and the very idea of democracy as self-government. Having served with many of the men and women now in uniform, I know how corrosive it is when they’re asked to become props in our political theater.
Second, the polling on Israel is a real warning sign — not just for Israel, but for America. A nation’s long-term strength depends not only on its military but on sustaining alliances and the trust of future generations. Losing that is far easier than rebuilding it.
If there’s a common thread here, it’s this: division at home and drift abroad reinforce each other. The harder work is not in scoring political points or securing short-term “wins,” but in doing the unglamorous work of compromise, diplomacy, and trust-building. That’s the only path back to resilience.
I’m glad you brought up the issue of repairing the damage done by your president regarding the relationship with it’s allies. Trust has to be earned. America has done great things and protected nations worldwide it would be a shame to let this president undo that bond. Having strong allies against those that would impose their will on us, as is happening with Russia imposing it’s will on Ukraine. These aggressors have to learn a valuable lesson. You don’t get respect that way and you most certainly don’t get peace that that way.
By the end of President Trump‘s term you will be praising him.
That Trump will be heading up the settlement of hostilities in Gaza and its redevelopment tells me that there is money to be made by the Trumps and Kushner. His goal will be building hotels, casinos and more, to stuff his pockets. It is not, first and foremost, to help others.
I nominate Richard HAAS for the job of CHIEF Administrative Supervisor & Negotiator of peace in GAZA. His professional career has strengthen his commitment to finding just, reasonable & objective outcomes to International SECURITY matters arround the World & especially in the Middle EAST!
Trump will achieve peace. A real estate agent will go to the Middle East and get both sides to sign an agreement and there will be peace, forget your political experts on international affairs. They read old books and follow a path which is a dead end.
When people want peace they easily get it! The problem so far was that Israel wants war & subjugation of both people & land in Palestine. Israel is the most corrupt Nation in the WORLD without clear sense of Intetnational Boarders. Israel tends to impose their will on People arround the World like Russia in Ukraine. Failed state from the moment of its creation & conception! It has disrespect people & property around the World! This is why I have committed to non-Israel bidding, business & Existance in my personal, business &/or professional matters!
The only way for Israel to Exist as a decent state is membership into NATO! Only then it will follow the rules of engagement, observe international law & live a civilized state-life not fictional nor aggressive state-life! Why put oneself in danger with such rampant people & state who have the inclination to think that they represent Holiness or God on EARTH! This is their political State of Existance & I am sure that there are many decent jewish people who disagree with their official Government, Politicians & Terrorists - DELUSIONAL BASTARDS - Viktor HADJIEV, Rector of the World, DNA MANAGEMENT BRAND
THE FORFEITED OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKES PEACE WITH PALESTINIANS. what an unbelievable crock. why does anyone take Haas seriously?
See my comment above to Levin. People out of touch with reality!
Lucid as always: thank you. I would just like to say that from any and all perspectives it must be clear that this peace, which we presume everyone wants, is not going to happen at the signing of papers, whether vaguely worded or endlessly detailed. A true lasting peace will need at least a generation or two of good will and hard work on the ground. Until such time it will be one problematic detail after another endlessly. The main thing now must be to get the two sides working in generally the same direction, and not get bogged down in those pesky details. One state two state: just get them in a state to work together. The rebuilding of Gaza should be a joint venture concern that secures the peace and safety of Israelis as well as that of a democratic Palestine not dominated by Hamas Hezbollah or even the PLO. Only by working together to address one another’s concerns can Israelis and Palestinians live their way into a new relationship. My guess is that holding out for a two-state solution long-term might well end up leading to some sort of federal structure that will better serve all concerned. In any case something like a federalism with international oversight and cooperation will have to be a provisional arrangement. To try iron out all the details can only raise problems. Only getting the two sides working together can begin to develop the mutual understanding needed to move forward.
Really comprehensive coverage this week.
On the enemy from within comment and the political deadlock, I’m reminded of Pogo. On the Gaza plan, obviously I’m no lover of Hamas, but how can anyone expect them to agree to this. It’s the height of delusion to think so. I was 17 in 1967 and that was a great moment for me as a Jewish teenager. However, the last 20 years have filled me with growing shame and disgust at what has happened to Israel and they have completely lost my support. If you stand for freedom, you can’t reconcile supporting Israel. Sad it’s come to this.
There is much to not like about Netanyahu, his policies and his divisive tactics. But please, to lay this blame squarely and only on Israel is completely ahistorical. The Palestinians have not only refused peace 5 times, they refused everything they say they are fighting for, lastly in 2000 and 2008, and started intifadas. This violence and refusal of peace in addition to the violence Hamas has inflicted on and at Israel has pushed Israeli’s to the right. You only have to look at Bill Clintons recent interview by NYT. The younger generation has been brainwashed, as apparently you have, by a Qatari influence peddling scheme of $25 billion spent influencing America’s media and academic forums. You need to give the Palestinians some agency!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO_8muXEipn/?igsh=eXp2N3JvdjZ1bXc4
The decision to change pitchers is the biggest error managers make. As someone once said, "Noone goes to a ballpark to watch a manager think." Blessed holiday.
The entire concept of the "debt ceiling" being a driver of government continuation deserves a careful consideration.
JLM
Good column. But, why are we (you’re not the only one) speaking about the destruction of cherished American institutions in such measured tones? The Republican Party has been destroyed, eviscerated is more exact. The Democratic Party is next. Hegseth was telling the troops they should be fit and vicious! And Trump told them they will be unleashed on fellow citizens. That’s scary.
Echoes of Joseph McCarthy, who used this “enemies from within” phrase in a speech from 1950 where he said “When a great democracy is destroyed, it will not be because of enemies from without, but rather because of enemies from within.”
Thank you !
No Kings, No Cronies, No Robber Barons
Transcript: TNU Episode # 40: The flood the zone strategy is now naked authoritarianism swimming in lies
~ A call to unifying, whistleblowers, etc.
https://pc93.substack.com/p/transcript-the-new-untouchables-tnu?r=55nkvn
Updated: Epstein name-dropped Trump Putin as client.. Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Steve Bannon,..
The Alpha and Omega of the Epstein Cover-up ~ Clean New Deal megapost
https://open.substack.com/pub/pc93/p/the-alpha-and-omega-of-the-epstein?r=55nkvn&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=truei76o
[Rev. 3, 8.3.2025] A single whisper is faint, but millions banding together can roar loudly enough to topple a kakistocracy and demand The Clean New Deal
https://pc93.substack.com/p/rev-3-832025-a-single-whisper-is?r=55nkvn