In the very finest traditions of kleptomania with which this blog is imbued, I bring you today, via Zero Hedge, a post from a new site to me, The Burning Platform. It was written by Mr. Francis Marion - and no, me neither! - and I was rather taken with his style which is laced throughout with pure malice:
It’s Nov 10th and it’s time to face the music.
For those of you on the left I know it is hard. You are confused, bewildered and deeply, deeply saddened. Maybe even triggered. You probably missed work or school yesterday, called in sick or simply didn’t get out of bed. That’s ok though because your Indigenous Women’s Studies prof said it was ok to skip the exam today. Everyone is getting an A as a morale builder. So cheer up.
But unfortunately that doesn’t really explain anything. How did this happen? It wasn’t supposed to happen. But it did. How could the polls be so wrong? What about the entire media? How?
Well, here are a few theories that might help you see where some of your mistakes were made. First, and probably foremost, is just good old fashioned hubris. The idea that “we can’t be beat”. Arrogance mixed with confirmation bias is a dangerous thing in any type of conflict; physical or otherwise. Just ask General Custer. Things didn’t work out real well for him and for the same reasons.
This leads directly into another problem that often arises from hubris. That is: failing to understand your enemy.
It would interest you to know that I, the author of this piece, am not an American. That’s right. I’m not a Yank. I don’t reside in the USA and have no interest in doing so. That means, unlike my illegal immigrant counterparts currently residing in your nation, I didn’t vote.
But like many who fall into the ‘basket of deplorables’ residing in the US I realized early on that the battle between Trump and Clinton was much more than simply a contest between two politicians for the presidency. At its core it was an ideological conflict between light and dark, truth and lies. It was a struggle for the heart of western civilization in general.
And while I’ve never considered myself much of a right winger, being more of a libertarian bent, I have found myself increasingly pushed and marginalized by the “enlightened and progressive” amongst you into the same camp with all sorts of deplorables, regardless of where they lived and what they called themselves. Nationalists, alt righters, anarchists, constitutionalists and so on and so forth all made for strange bedfellows but an effective team. Working on the premise that the enemy of my enemy is my friend we have all found common ground. We have you to thank for that. By pushing, badgering, harassing, marginalizing and insulting us on a regular basis you created something new. And it crushed you at the ballot box.
There were other factors as well. The pesky internet for example. It allowed those of us who could not vote to contribute in other ways. Through memes, leaks and general trolling we cheered and supported our freedom loving brothers and sisters in your country and encouraged them to have heart and stay the course. Of course, our part was small, minisucle really, compared to what our American brothers and sisters had to endure, but you get the picture.
Elections, especially ones mired in icky things like ideology and principle, now cross national boundaries. It sucks I know, but a lack of imagination on your part does not equal or represent a foul on ours. We did nothing illegal or immoral. We simply beat you because, well, we’re smarter than you are.
But not to worry. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to learn from your mistakes. You see, the battle that took place in your polling stations on the 8th of November was just that. A battle. We, the freedom loving peoples of the western world, well, we’re just getting warmed up. To quote the man: “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet“.
So retreat to your safe spaces, grab your adult colouring books and put on a happy face my special snow flakes because regardless of whoever/whatever you are and regardless of what nation it is you reside in, we, the deplorables, are coming for you.
Couldn't have put it better myself but now, alas, I have pure schadenfreude dribbling down my chin - too, too delicious!
That is a new site to me too. The writer nailed it. If the West is to save itself, this same war must be fought against the same enemy- nation by nation by nation. For a few it may be too late.
The deplorable Right is constantly accused of all sorts of imagined violence and plotting murder and mayhem. But we don't do it. The Left does it after Brexit, after Hillary lost. I'm sure similar happens in many countries. We on the Right don't riot although we can. We don't even use our well oiled firearms against the Lefty Brown Shirts although we can. We don't and we haven't. Why not?
Posted by: Whitewall | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 12:44
Coz you won ...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/28/donald-trump-supporters-warn-of-another-revolutionary-war-if-hil/
SoD
Posted by: Loz | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 12:53
SoD, interesting. The march on Government would take the form of the last march on government--The TEA Party movement. Orderly, clean and peaceful. It is our way for now. We leave the Brown Shirt stuff to the Left where it belongs. Revolutions come in many forms.
Posted by: Whitewall | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 13:03
Here's a more informed view of what happened:
https://www.propublica.org/article/revenge-of-the-forgotten-class
And a taste of what's to come:
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2016/11/10/Judge-rules-against-Donald-Trump-on-pretrial-Trump-University-motions/9341478809179/?spt=sec&or=tn
http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/10/politics/kellyanne-conway-protesters-donald-trump-2016-election/
It's also likely Angela Merkel will become head of NATO. Trump doesn't care about it as much as he does his buddy Putin who he doesn't believe ever invaded anything.
Posted by: Bob | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 13:17
Angela Merkel? If there is justice still to be found in Germany, that sick woman will be booted from office. Germany is boiling over.
Posted by: Whitewall | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 13:38
Well, Whitewall, if the president isn't interested in security arrangements that aren't a good financial deal, someone will step in to fill the gap. If Merkel is booted it would probably be her successor. Or do you think some other country has the standing?
Posted by: Bob | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 13:48
Amusing photo on MSN a while ago...Obama and Trump in the Oval Office. Caption reads "Obama Aims to Salvage His Legacy". Well, Player, your "legacy" just shook your hand on camera.
Posted by: Whitewall | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 13:52
Bob, you could be right about her successor. But standing, I'm not sure. Europe today in reaction to any outside threat would do what it often does---stand up straight and look longingly in the direction of London.
Posted by: Whitewall | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 13:59
Metros vs the Country Bumpkins ...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/10/calexit-californians-campaign-to-leave-the-united-states-after-t/
... It's ok, I won't say it.
I do hope I manage to get through Rich and Tracey's recounting of the first American Civil War ...
http://civilwarpodcast.org/
... before the second one starts!
SoD
Posted by: Loz | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 14:03
By George and all the Saints!
The DT has finally had its collective penny drop!
Or have they plagiarized me from D&N? : -
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/11/both-donald-trump-and-brexit-were-driven-by-the-gap-between-town/
"The new political divide which drove both Brexit and Donald Trump: town versus country"
Town vs Country. Typical polite DT, c'mon, Metro-W*nkers vs Country-Bumpkins is sooo much better!
The new conflict, to add to the long list: -
- Left vs Right
- Working vs Middle class
- Black vs White
- Proddies vs Left Footers
- Royalist vs Cavalier
- Lords vs Peasants
- Lancaster vs York
SoD
Posted by: Loz | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 14:21
Ooops - should say "Cavalier vs Roundhead"
And last, but definitely not least: Rebel vs Yankee
SoD
Posted by: Loz | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 14:23
SoD, above the line/below the line. Protected vs not protected. Allowed/not allowed. Riot if we lose/don't riot when we lose.
Posted by: Whitewall | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 14:36
This is thorough and fits the theme of the morning:
http://legalinsurrection.com/2016/11/research-guru-saw-trump-phenomenon-coming-before-anyone-else/
Amazing!
Posted by: Whitewall | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 14:39
Trump's supporters are not exactly all polite, thoughtful types:
"The right to free assembly and free speech is a two way street. And by far the largest share of the physical violence that has erupted during this campaign season has been instigated by Trump supporters and directed at nonviolent protesters."
http://www.redstate.com/leon_h_wolf/2016/06/06/trump-supporters-pepper-spray-non-violent-protesters-video/
and:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/acts-of-intimidation-violence-and-vandalism-reported-after-trump-win-221612138.html
At some point they'll figure out he's not going to do most of what he promised. Then the fireworks really begin.
Posted by: Bob | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 15:39
Maybe, who knows, as he owes no one. But there is one goddam thing for sure, Obama weaponized agencies of the Federal government for political ends. In two months, Trump inherits it.
Posted by: Whitewall | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 16:07
"At some point they'll figure out he's not going to do most of what he promised."
Well Bob, I'll just offer what solace as I am able.
If you like your doctor you can keep your doctor!
Loose the fireworks Bob ...
Posted by: JK | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 16:07
JK,
Is lying about whether you can keep your doctor really equivalent to insulting entire ethnic groups, religions, countries, and security institutions? How about flirting with the so-called "alt right" of Steve Bannon's? Could you have really thought Trump wouldn't be trouble? You probably ain't seen nothing yet.
Btw, the doctor thing wasn't a complete lie, I know people that kept their doctors. They just had to buy the right policy on the exchange.
Also btw, I just cooked up a big pot of red and thought about inviting you over. Now I'm not so sure.
Posted by: Bob | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 16:55
Bob, "a big pot of red"?
What is this thing called "red"?
Posted by: David Duff | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 17:21
Can't Bob, I'm outta Prilosec.
Thanks anyway tho'
Posted by: JK | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 17:42
Pot of Red. Around here that could mean red beans, rice and Andouille sausage?
Posted by: Whitewall | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 17:55
In Texas and the surrounding states "red" is a tasty Texas Chili. It's spicy, has no beans or other fillers and is not for the timid.
Posted by: Bob | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 19:03
"Texas chilli"! Oh myyyy Gaaaaard! This Brit just wet himself!
Posted by: David Duff | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 19:17
David, you're one of those Brits that likes everything boiled - including bread?
Whitewall, if you live near n'awlins you're a lucky guy food-wise.
Posted by: Bob | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 19:28
For me, Bob, brought up on wartime rations, no spice is ever the spice of life!
Posted by: David Duff | Friday, 11 November 2016 at 19:46
Bob I don't know you from a bar of soap other than from your posts here but you remind me of SoD and his ramblings on Brexit.
What is it you do not understand about democracy? The people in the country you lot proclaim ad nauseum as the land of the free and the home of the brave have had their say. You may not like it but suck it up sunshine and make the best of it. Help make your country the great place I found it to be in my interaction with its service personnel. I have seen several governments elected here in Oz for which I did not vote but got on with my job and bided my time.
If you don't want to do that you could always defect to Canada. The boy Prime Minister would welcome you I am sure.
Posted by: AussieD | Saturday, 12 November 2016 at 09:49
Hasn't the Donald already ratted? ...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2016-37953528
Kids on their parents' insurance, and no medical history in the insurance calculation. Good solid Libertarian stuff.
SoD
Posted by: Loz | Saturday, 12 November 2016 at 11:40
We've got a very metro "bring around a dish and booze" do next month. Well that's sorted then ...
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=pot+of+red&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-GB:IE-Address&ie=&oe=&gfe_rd=cr&ei=bRQnWKq3NbPA8ge84o3YAQ#q=pot+of+red+recipe
... and a bottle of Rebel Yell short batch.
While we're all moaning about Brexit and Trump, I'll be thinkin' of y'all and raise a toast!
(Plus a sick day Monday, yippppeeee!)
SoD
Posted by: Loz | Saturday, 12 November 2016 at 13:16
SoD, if you drink that bottle of Rebel Yell, you could easily lose your ability to speak proper English for quite a while.
Posted by: Whitewall | Saturday, 12 November 2016 at 13:37
So not all bad, then, Whiters!
Posted by: David Duff | Saturday, 12 November 2016 at 14:11
AussieD,
I'm not sure where you got your impression I'm upset or even surprised about the election results, but I'm under no obligation to think electing Trump was anything but a huge mistake. The people who voted for him, for the most part, did it as a big "fck you" to the elite and the elite deserve it to a large extent; especially the Clintons.
However, Trump voters are in for a rude awakening that might take a while and might not. He's already appointing the elite to his transition team and possible cabinet. This includes his kids that will also be running his business. Think there might be a conflict of interest there that will make people suspicious? If it upsets you I have a different way of interpreting politics and current events just skip over my comments and indulge yourself in group think.
SoD, this is the stuff: https://www.google.com/#q=bowl+of+red
Posted by: Bob | Saturday, 12 November 2016 at 14:59
Bob, I'm beginning to worry about myself because I agree with much of what you wrote - except for that stuff about gut-searing red beans!
Posted by: David Duff | Saturday, 12 November 2016 at 15:13
David, you still miss the point. Red has no beans.
Posted by: Bob | Saturday, 12 November 2016 at 15:37