A Tale of Two Americas: The Great Divide Over Democracy

It's a fact accompli.

Let there be no doubt. 

We are living in a country so divided it's become two versions of America. One side defending Democracy and the other side promoting authoritarianism. It's not a tale of two cities; it's a tale of two Americas.

The growing partisan divide between the Democratic and Republican parties has widened since Trump appeared in politics by winning the 2016 election. The two parties have divergent views on nearly every issue, from the economy to climate change. According to geopolitical researchers America's partisan divisions are more extensive and profound than those in many other Western democracies.

Once the bastion of free speech and equality among all people, America is now looked upon by the world as a failing experiment in Democracy.

We are so divided it extends to consumer behavior. Since 2016, brand preferences and purchasing decisions have increasingly been influenced by consumers' political identities.

Americans widely share a profound and growing distrust in the government, media, and even their fellow citizens. A majority of voters in both parties also express a willingness to vote for candidates who have violated democratic principles.

Culture differences manifest in conflicting worldviews that challenge a common American identity, which makes it harder for different groups to communicate and trust each other. It's a deep divide between nationalism and political correctness that is far wider than in many European countries. That's how bad it is here.

Fact: the U.S. economy remains deeply unequal. In the first quarter of 2025, the top 10% of earners owned almost two-thirds of the nation's wealth, while the bottom 50% owned just 2.5%.

The ideological divide between Democrats and Republicans has grown consistently over the past several decades. Democrats have shifted moderately to the left, while Republicans have moved significantly to the right, leaving little common ideological ground.

Issues like climate change, gun control, and immigration are now highly partisan, where historically there was more agreement. Beyond policy differences, affective polarization describes the growing emotional animosity between partisans.

Particularly troubling to me is the religious and secular divides that are aligned with political identity. There's a Republican Jesus and there's the historical Jesus who loved mankind so much he gave his life to save people's souls.

I'm waiting for blue and red states to build walls around their borders and to vet visitors to see if their ideology fits with state standards.

As it Stands, which America do you live in? 

Conspiracies Seed Violence That Leads to Political Upheaval

When it comes to political violence Americans are numb and jaded.

Repeated attacks against lawmakers and political figures have had a numbing effect upon the public at large.

Experts say that when people see violence repeatedly, their early shock begins to dull, and the societal impulse to demand change fades. Despite the escalation of violence on the front pages of newspapers, TV, and social platforms, the public's heightened exposure seems to be breeding a kind of passive normalization rather than resistance.

How bad is the violence in political circles today?

Let's put it this way; Matt Dallek, a political historian at George Washington University recently said, "You'd have to go back to the pre-Civil War era to find a similar level of threats and acts of violence."

Research from Princeton University's Bridging Divides Initiative found that threats and harassment against local officials increased by 10% in 2024 compared to the previous year.

The U.S. Capitol Police reported that threats against members of Congress more than doubled between 2017 and 2024.

And get this; according to 2025 Global Peace Index, global peacefulness is continuing to decline, driven by geopolitical tensions and conflicts that are resisting traditional resolution methods. It's not just the United States experiencing record levels of violence.

Another sobering thought is online radicalization, fueled by disinformation and conspiracy theories, is inspiring unpredictable acts of violence by lone actors. It was a radicalized young man who shot and killed Charlie Kirk.

One of the signs that the public are becoming desensitized to political violence, is the news cycle around violent incidents is shorter. There are exceptions, however. In Kirk's case he's being treated like a martyr among conservatives and the coverage surrounding Kirk is more extensive than usual.

Take a look at the most recent school shooting last week in Colorado. Coverage of that horrible event has been minimal. Americans are so jaded about school shootings the coverage has been spotty at best, thanks to the NRA lobby that doesn't want to see any restrictions on their deadly toys.

As a result, we're seeing a chilling effect on civic engagement, with local officials and politicians becoming less willing to run for re-election or to participate in public events. The Republicans in particular are leery of holding town halls where their constituents have been unloading on them in an aggressive fashion. 

Political leaders across the spectrum are facing increased security concerns. While some appeal for unity, others like Trump, have been criticized for blaming the "radical left" for the attack on Charlie Kirk.

As it Stands, the one thing political experts agree on is that conspiracy theories are the major driver of extremism and violence in our country today.

Get Real: Charlie Kirk Wasn't a Saint

Let's look at the facts about Charlie Kirk before trying to canonize him.

MAGA world went ballistic when Tyler Robinson shot Charlie Kirk who was speaking at a college campus. They were sure it was a radical transgender leftist with purple hair who took down their hero. It wasn't. Kirk was killed by a Trump supporter who came from a family of Trump supporters.

Trump's first response, before knowing the identity of the shooter, was a hateful diatribe against Democrats. He instantly lite the fire of hatred for his minions who picked up the torch and went on a threat crusade against liberals. I can safely say no other president in history was as polarizing and mean as Trump.

So, who was Charlie Kirk?

He was the Founder and President of Turning Point USA, a national conservative youth organization that vilified liberals and was associated with Neo Nazi groups who often asked him to speak at their events. Look it up. 

Behind the branding of "patriotism" and "freedom" the record shows a pattern of rhetoric, organizational culture, and alliances with white supremacist and Christian nationalist ideologies.

The Southern Poverty Law Center documented how his organization repeatedly framed immigrants, LGBTQ + people, and racial justice advocates as existential threats to "White Christain America," warning his followers that their families, religion, and entire way of life were under attack. It was no wonder why Trump liked him as much as he did.

In recent years Kirk openly embraced Christian nationalist language, claiming that liberty was only possible with a Christian population - a narrative tying freedom to demographic dominance, a cornerstone of supremacist logic.

Despite his mission in life to polarize Americans, Kirk became a youth whisperer who went from college to college spreading hate and lies. His original supporters were college kids, but the infection spread to social media (his podcast) until his followers were legion.

To be clear Kirk was no Martin Luther King whose ideology brought together people of all colors. He was just the opposite, but Trump and his minions are doing their best to make Kirk a saint. 

Flags at half-mast for a racist. His body being transported from Utah to Arizona in Airforce Two and accompanied by Vice President JD Vance. Talk about putting his body in the Capitol was a hot topic for Republicans who wanted Kirk to lie in state so that the alt-right community could properly mourn him. 

It's enough to make a sane person puke. Watching the White House tribute video for him you'd think the whole country had lost a titan of liberty, when in fact another racist violently met his end.

By denying systemic racism, vilifying movements for justice, and legitimizing extremists, Kirk and his organization reinforced the architecture of racial dominance in America.

In the end, Kirk pioneered a style of ideological warfare against what he viewed as bastions of leftism, helping turn campuses into cultural battlefields.

I'm especially disgusted with the legacy media who have been timidly reporting on him because their afraid of Trump's wrath and the alt-right community. It goes to show how far this country has sunk since Trump slunk back into the White House.

As it Stands, I wouldn't be surprised if Trump's sycophants in Congress move to make Kirk's birthday a national holiday. Then again, they may go for Hitler's birthday on April 20th.

Trump's War on Americans Could Stretch to Brazil ...Soon

 Americans better brace themselves for a war abroad with Brazil because Trump's buddy Bolsonaro was convicted for trying to overthrow the government. 

Trump loves people trying to overturn governments. Just look at the 1,500 insurrectionists he pardoned. And Bolsonaro is Trump's longtime friend.

Minister of Propaganda Karoline Leavitt suggested that the US could use its military might in response to Bolsonaro's majority conviction by the country's Supreme Court. 

This ominous warning is backed up with a fleet of American warships off of South America's coast. On top of that Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian exports to the U.S. Leavitt claimed Trump was concerned about Bolsonaro's free speech being violated and it's a priority with the administration. 

Declaring war, is apparently a priority right now. Mull that over. Our twice-impeached president feels invincible. 

The daily news is packed with reports about our rapidly losing freedoms and a first felon assaulting cities to divert from his role in the Epstein Files. No wonder Trump re-named the Department of Defense the Department of War. Of course, the change hasn't been approved by Congress, but Trump doesn't let little things like that get in his way.

The first flamethrower is also busy jacking up the radical right over Charlie Kirk's assassination. His lies are raw meat for his devoted supporters who wait every day for his instructions like sheep being taken out to pasture. They're just waiting to get their marching orders now.

I think I need an emotional support alligator to deal with the stress it's causing me. 

I know where to find one too. A western Pennsylvania man, 60-year-old Wesley Silva, took his on a shopping trip to Walmart the other day. 

Who wouldn't feel close to a five-foot reptile named Jinseioshi wearing a dress? 

As it Stands, I need a durable pet like a support alligator who can withstand right-wing incoming.

Kirk's Assassination Politicized by Trump: DNC Bomb Threat Today

When Trump found out that one of his biggest supporters was shot dead at a college campus he immediately went after Democrats and liberals without even knowing who the killer was.

Between sobs he promised a crackdown against Democrats and liberals. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio claimed conservatives were being hunted. MAGA nuts nationwide are flooding social media platforms promising some terrible purge against Charlie Kirk detractors.

Can we back up for a moment?

First, today is a day of Remembrance for the victims that died during the deadliest assault ever on American soil by a foreign actor. During the memorial event Trump touched on the events of 911 before launching into a eulogy for Charlie Kirk.

Second, Charlie Kirk was no saint despite the right's efforts to canonize him. I urge my readers to do their own research on Kirk and to decide if he was a uniter or divider. Meanwhile Trump ordered all flags at half-mast yesterday in his honor. Personally, I see that move as an abomination. Are we going to start doing that for every MAGA moron who dies? It's a terrible look.

Just a few months ago Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were murdered when a conservative wingnut dressed up as a cop. When they answered the front door, he shot them point blank. Vance Boelter was indicted for what Gov. Tim Walz said was "a politically motivated assassination." 

While Trump called for an end to politically violence following Kirk's assassination he did not recognize or acknowledge the recent threats, violent attacks and killing of Democrats. There was no flying the American flag at half-mast or a posthumous Presential Medal of Freedom for Hortman. We all know why.

Based upon his history Trump will politicize the tragic event to further encroach upon our freedoms by demonizing Democrats. 

News Alert:

As I'm writing this (4 p.m. Eastern Time) there is a potential bomb threat at DNC headquarters as Capitol Police respond. DNC staff were asked to remain clear of the building located on South Capitol Street in Southwest D.C. Authorities have surrounded the building and nearby area. 

Update: No bomb was found according to Capitol Hill Police who reported their Threat Assessment Section will be working with their federal partners to find the person who sent the false bomb threat.

I'm also willing to bet that Trump downplays the seriousness of a bomb in DNC Headquarters. It doesn't take a mastermind to guess who made the bomb threat so soon after Kirk's death.

Meanwhile some historically Black Colleges and Universities are on lockdown after receiving reports of threats against them. I'm no detective but the connection between the DNC Headquarters bomb scare, and the bomb threats against black colleges are suspicious timing.

As it Stands, Americans better buckle up for the violent days ahead when the two party's clash on the streets and in Congress.

'Fire Them all!' Donny's War on the FBI Goes to Court

 "Off with their heads!

Whose been painting my roses red?"

- Queen of Hearts

---------------------------------------------

"Who did this, and I want to find out now!

He'll never get a job at the White House again."

- Trump

(Photo of a worried Kash Patel looking at Trump)

Once again Trump has violated someone's First Amendment rights and rights to due process by having his flunky Kash Patel summarily fire three top FBI officials because they played a part in investigating his coup attempt on Jan. 6, 2001.

The three former FBI officials - who served as the bureau's former acting director, assistant director of Washington DC, field office and special agent in charge of its Las Vegas office -sued Patel, the FBI, Justice Department and Attorney General Pam Bondi in federal court, alleging their termination in August from the FBI was unlawful.

Here' the kicker, DOJ leadership and the White House directed Patel "to fire anyone who they identified as having worked on a criminal investigation against Trump," the ex-officials alleged, claiming Patel told one of the plaintiffs, Brian Driscoll, that he could be fired if he didn't, and "there was nothing he could do to prevent these or other filings, because the FBI tried to put the President in jail and he hasn't forgotten it."

Driscoll was told to compile lists of FBI agents who worked on the investigations against Trump when he was acting director. He refused and was fired. Simple as that.

It's not clear how quickly the case will be tried. Meanwhile Trump will continue his revenge tour of Americans he doesn't like. I wish I could say justice will win out but there's no such thing in this administration.

The reason I say this is the most recently confirmed federal court judge, Emil Bove, is in on the scam. When Driscoll was told, "an allegation of misconduct was not necessary for him to terminate FBI personnel of his choosing and at his discretion," he disagreed, and the rest was history.

When Driscoll told Bove the threat of terminations "was causing panic and anxiety in the FBI workforce and putting the FBI's mission, and thus the safety of Americans are at risk," Bove responded that "the creation of panic and anxiety in the workforce was the intent."

And there you have it dear reader. Another episode of Trump going after his perceived enemies. The climate of fear that Trump has fostered throughout the country is exactly what he wants. '

He doesn't want anyone to feel comfortable with their status in society. It's been open season since January. How long the hunt will go on depends on the courts. I know. That's not a comforting thought.

As it Stands, Trump's private war against truth and justice is exactly what his minions want. Or do they?

Sorry Donny: The Epstein Files Aren't a 'Dead Issue'

On Tuesday morning Trump told the press that the Epstein Files are a dead issue. A funny way of putting it don't you think?

Reporters were pressing Trump yesterday to respond to the recently discovered message he sent to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday. 

By now I'm pretty sure most of the world has seen that lewd drawing of a naked woman (girl?) alongside a loving message telling Epstein, "May every day be another wonderful secret."

This direct proof has the MAGA morons in Congress scrambling around like a bunch of chickens with their heads cut off. At first, they were told there was no nude drawing and accompanying message. It didn't exist. It was all a lie. Then it wasn't.

Now that the world has seen the controversial message and drawing - actual evidence from Epstein's estate - they claim it's not Trump's signature, and that it was signed by someone else. Who? They don't know but their glorious leader has demanded they ignore reality...again. 

As for the signature several newspapers printed his signature from past correspondences, and they match exactly with the one on the birthday card. So that lie isn't going to fly in the face of facts.

The birthday book also reportedly featured contributions from former president Bill Clinton and billionaire investor Leon Black, as well as a letter written by Mar-a-Lago member Joel Pashcow joking about Epstein selling Trump a woman.

"Jeffrey showing early talents with money plus women! Sells "fully depreciated (redacted) to Donald Trump for $22,500," Pashcow crowed adding, "Showed early people skills too. Even though I didn't get any of the money or the girl!" The Wall Street Journal published the letter today.

Another page in

the Epstein Birthday Book.

Enough said.

What's next? I suspect he's going to really ramp up invasions of blue states and will also come up with a new more insidious assault on our democracy. It's just going to get uglier by the day as the first felon gets more desperate.

As it Stands, regarding Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal for publishing the controversial letter and drawing... sorry Donny, the case just went up in smoke.

No Donny - You Aren't Appointed by God No Matter What MAGA Minions Say

In the Bible Galatians 6:7 talks about not mocking God. And if you do you are going to reap whatever you sow.

Well Trump better buckle up because when his time comes, he's going to be turned away from those pearly gates and instead the gates of Hell will swing open for him.

Mocking God has been Trump's modus operandi since he got into politics. He pretends that he's religious to get that holy vote but behind closed doors he's laughing at the buffoons who think he was sent by God to make America great again.

On Monday Trump spoke before the White House Religious Liberty Commission - one of his latest bullshit agencies funded by taxpayer's dollars. He reaffirmed his strong religious convictions and criticized the Constitution for separation of church and state. He also gushed about prioritizing prayer in his life. 

This is the same idiot who when asked by a reporter about his favorite chapter in the Bible he couldn't come up with one, so he blithely lied and said they were all his favorites. I'll bet God grinned when he heard that answer. I think God must have a sense of humor while not losing sight about what is wrong and what's right.

During the ceremony - which kind of reminded me of a dark mass - Housing and Urban Development Secretary MAGA Scott Turner delivered a prayer.

"Father, we thank you for our president, Donald J. Trump whom you have anointed and appointed for this time."

Hold on!

A MAGA moron with the morals of sewer rat is thanking God for what has to be the evilest man on the planet trying to purge our democracy. I don't think so. The only God he's serving is Baal the ancient deity of war.

Writer Paul Hughes-Cromwick commented on Scott's prayer, "Interesting that the Father would anoint someone who abuses women, lies with nearly every word, and is fond of bullying people of color. Must have been a slow day for anointing. Oh, and the Antichrist prioritizes prayer? Well, that is news!"

Despite his sanctimonious speech Trump is worried about making it to heaven. He's worried enough to grift from his MAGA Base to raise money so that he can ascend to heaven. He's repeated that grift twice now. The first time he told his followers that he needed $15 donations in 24 hours to go to heaven. No time limit was applied the second time he brought it up.

In Trump's lizard brain he's going to heaven on a golden elevator and when he sees St. Peter he'll pay his way to paradise. Republican Jesus will be there to greet him.

Meanwhile I reccomend reading the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. The main character, a Romanian politician named Nicolae Jetty Carpathia takes over the world. He is the antichrist. If you see similarities between him and Trump don't be surprised. It's why I suggested reading it.

As it Stands, I'll never got over the irony of Trump pretending he's a follower of Christ when, in fact, he's really a follower of the fallen angel Lucifer.

Chipocalypse Now: Trump Admits It's War Against States Rights

Trump is a chronic meme moron living in a fantasy world.

Here's a recent post on his Truth Social platform:

"I love the smell of deportations in the morning... Chicago is about to find out why it's called the Department of War."

He also posted an AI-generated photo (above) of himself as Robert Duvall's Colonel Kilgore in Apocalypse Now. 

Trump's twisted meme-laden website shows a man who is increasingly losing touch with reality - much like the character Colonel Kilgore.

He's warning America that he's going to turn his private army (they used to be called the national guard) against states that displease him with a flood of ICE agents, federal officers from the FBI, DOD (Oops! It's called the Department of War now), and a host of other agencies to hunt down people of color in Chicago soon.

Trump is only interested in attacking blue states despite the fact that all of his targets have less crime rates than other red states do. According to the FBI's own records, Chicago and Boston (which is undergoing an ICE raid as I write this) have lower crime rates than cities in red states, including Memphis and St. Louis.

The back and forth between Trump and Chicago Democrats has increased over the last week, with Trump calling Chicago "the worst and most dangerous city in the world, by far," on his social media platform."

Part of the problem about the memes Trump constantly posts is people don't know if they should take them seriously or as a joke. It's like the little boy crying wolf so often we ignore his stupid messaging - often to our own detriment.

Dumb trolling, authoritarian threats, and genuine abuses of power combine into the ravings of a demented narcissist with too much power in his tiny hands. 

Over time, the public tunes out, unable to tell when the sky is actually falling. Trump understands this better than anyone. He's not hiding the ball. He's juggling it.

As it Stands, this latest meme tells you all you need to know. Trump's dictator fantasy is quickly becoming reality.

He's Coming for You Next: Trump's Revenge Tour Reshaping Our Society

I doubt if author Tom Clancy could have come up with a book of fiction to rival Trump's attack against his perceived enemies and people of color.

Just the thought that a president of the United States is a convicted felon and world class grifter would have strained readers imagination to the limits. Unfortunately, it's our reality today.

Trump seldom keeps promises but when it comes to going after anyone, he doesn't like he's been remarkably consistent. When he was re-elected Trump pulled out his enemies list and went after them like a rabid badger.

The latest victim, former National Security Advisor John Bolton, had his Maryland residence invaded by an army of FBI agents. You would have thought they were after an armed terrorist with their automatic weapons and surrounding the house. Reportedly they were searching for classified information - a new excuse that's being used by Trump's minions to raid his enemies' homes. 

Another former government employee named Miles Taylor - the former Department of Homeland Security Deputy Chief of staff - is expecting election denier and FBI Chief Kash Patel to search his home next. Miles was a critic of Trump which automatically put him on the enemies list.

Going after former government officials is one of Trump's prime missions, but he's an equal opportunity hater and will go after anyone - regardless of who they are - if he doesn't like them. Right to the point of absurdity. 

To be clear, no matter how famous a person is if they don't like him, he goes on his toxic public platform the ironically named, Truth Social, and berets them like an angry 8-year-old. He doesn't ever spare the common man or woman who dare to speak out against him. Like a spoiled child he demeans them and uses the power of the presidency to get his way.

Like George Orwell's book 1984, Trump has become Big Brother and is invading all walks of life by taking over the entire federal government and state governments. 1984 is a novel written to warn people about what will happen if they become complacent. 

Have we become too complacent? Has Orwell's warning fallen on deaf ears? A frazzled Democratic Party is trying to cope with the continuous attacks on our freedoms but until they're united their efforts are just holding actions.

As it Stands, be careful of what you say and do because Big Orange Brother is watching you.

Supreme Takeover by Trump Threatens Our Freedoms

The first fatal blow against democracy came on July 1, 2024, when Trump was granted absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken within his core constitutional duties and a presumptive immunity for other official acts.

The gates of hell were opened, and the hounds were turned loose.

The Supreme Court basically gave Trump carte blanche to corrupt every government agency we have without fear of interference by the lower courts.   

Lower court trial judges are concerned about Justice Neil Gorsuch who recently criticized them for changing some rulings that they've made from the infamous Shadow Docket. Federal and state judges are under growing pressure from Trump and his minions who are openly defying their decisions.

A quick roundup of the Supreme Nine:

About Chief Justice John Roberts: Some have described him as having a moderate conservative judicial philosophy. Appointed by George W. Bush, Roberts has sided with conservatives in a majority of his decisions.

About Neil Gorsuch: he believes private corporations are persons with rights that trump those of other Americans. He was appointed by Trump for his right-wing leanings.

About Clarence Thomas: apart from the televised hearings over Anita Hill's accusation of being sexually harassed by him we know he is a big Trump fan, accepts bribes in the form of gifts from millionaire pals, and hates democrats.

About Samuel Alito: He calls himself a "practical originalist" and loves right wing ideologies. He's another top grifter who has been receiving bribes from wealthy friends his entire time on the bench.

About Brett Kavanaugh: his 2018 confirmation was a big coverup and the FBI refused to look into hundreds of claims against him from sexual assault in high school to two separate allegations from women who accused him of sexual misconduct. Trump and Republican senators hurried up his confirmation.

About Amy Coney Barrett: She was appointed by Trump in 2020. She's best known for fighting to undermine health care for millions in her attack on the Affordable Care Act and publicly criticized Chief Justice John Roberts for his decision to uphold the law. She also fought efforts to ensure that women have access to contraceptives.

That leaves just three associate justices who are liberals:

Elena Kagan: She was appointed in 2010 by Barrack Obama.

Sonia Sotomayor: She was also appointed by Barack Obama on May 26, 2008.

Ketanji Brown Jackson: She was appointed by Joe Biden on Feb. 25, 2022.

With a lopsided 6-3 majority the hard right has the fate of the country in their hands. Heavily Trumpified we can no longer hope for fair decisions. They're becoming rarer than the fabled jackalope population.

The really scary part is that state and federal judges are fighting off attacks from Trump and the Supreme Court. They are our last bastion before total chaos.

As it Stands, I never believed there was another country that could defeat America by military force. I still believe that. But it appears our fate is going to be much like Rome's, and we'll fall from within.