I'm about to drop a piece at The Atlantic on this Pentagon purge. As I warned, Trump is capturing Justice, Intelligence, the military. This is praetorianism, pure and simple.
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I haven’t seen any protests that warrant that kind of response. I do think people going to town halls and putting pressure on their representatives is a lot more effective and if they keep that up you may have a chance of getting Congress to act.
You are promoting yourself and someone else saying something inflammatory without substantiating it. So, do you want this to happen? Are you trying to get likes? What is your expertise and what is your game here?
If he crosses that line, the entire country shuts down. I think you’d see millions protesting. The US is maybe the least likely place where this could work. That’s my hope anyways.
The optimist in me says you’re right. America is always tough when she needs to be. If citizens are attacked by this gang of billionaire buffoons, we will experience a level of collective patriotism not seen since 9/11.
Trump will have Russian military occupying our country and patrolling our streets. He will not stop at any cost. He wants to own America. He has already declared himself King. He promised firing squads and a bloodbath during his campaign.
I said “his power is predicated on popular support.” I didn’t say “of him.” His popularity is only relevant anymore as it relates to elected republicans. And I can guarantee you that if things continue to spiral, it will mean a great deal.
There are a small number of fanatics that have wrested control of the government, with Trump as their figurehead. Do you think these career republicans want any of this? They’re scared of his base. The second that support evaporates, he’s useless.
Funny, it was perfectly clear to me, and apparently quite a lot of readers. Maybe some people need to work on vocabulary, especially by reading more. Ofc, I realize schools have all but abandoned teaching English, so it may not be your fault. But you can fix any deficit.
I didn't know it was a word but it's a self-explanatory word if you know anything about the Roman empire.
I haven't even read the article - when I do I strongly suspect context is going to make it clear even without knowing any ancient history. Gonna go check that now.
Guess I must take that back. The context doesn't really define the word. But - it's in the last sentence. Before you reach the word, you'll know what the author thinks of Trump's actions, so you'll infer that praetorianism involves a personally loyal military that's backing authoritarian rule.
I just listened to a multi-part podcast on the Roman empire, still didn't know what the word meant until somebody mentioned it explicitly in the context of the Roman empire
What have you got against, “praetorianism?” It’s a very specific, aptly descriptive word conveying a unique tone that sets the precise scene Tom intends…
If you had to use a dictionary, so much the better, because it means you might have actually learned something - not just the meaning of the word, but why “abusive political interference” is wholly inadequate to convey Tom’s message.
Trust me, this old washed-up guitar player can sling obtuse high-falutin’ post-doc $100 word hermeneutical jargon with the best of them. But, often, less is more. 🍺
🤣 “Hermeneutics” impels me to quietly move my hand over my wallet. An epistemological scam term basically used to infer that “YOU don’t know what words mean. I DO.“ Finds great buttfuckery application is judicial interpretation.
Justice Barrett: “putting aside the meaning of the word ‘and’…” 🤮
When I’m on the side of the pentagon, it’s probably a bad situation. I just naturally question the pentagon. I’m kinda now fully behind them. It’s all upside down.
I had a feeling Trump would replace the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs with a lower ranking officer but I did not expect it to be a retired lower ranking officer.
Thanks to The Rest is History pod, I get the praetorian reference. When a new guy was to be emperor of Rome, they’d go to the praetorian guard and seek their favor.
“ Snapped! A depraved mercenary at the highest level of madness! His ‘delusions of grandeur’ just opened up a whole new level of psychosis! We are entering the Twilight Zone, folks” @maddow.msnbc.com @nytimes.com @washingtonpost.com @democrats.org @msnbc.com @cnn.com @bbcbreaking-bot.bsky.social
I am getting sick & tired of the zero sum games, lawlessness & brazen unconstitutional acts perpetrated against this country. A line has been crossed. At no point will I bend the knee, kiss the ring or give allegiance to traitors of our democracy!! No one is coming to save us - we best get to work
Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan "Razin" Caine, USAF-a 3-Star General-will get a 4th Star (making him the JUNIOR 4-Star in the military)--then will be made the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff--the MOST SENIOR MILITARY OFFICER?!
Just, "BEGIN NOW", as the USMC DI says, to count who's Not gonna like that!
Yes + many anticipated this strategy for the better part of a yr.- begging the question as to why the defensive strategies were not initiated/deployed by those trained to do so: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praetorianism
Not sure how to stop it with everyone fearing his repercussions. And I am not sure Americans have what it takes to engage in this process to defeat him
At this point the military may be the only one to stop him. Elected officials do not seem to be stepping up. Heck, conservatives seem almost willing to dissolve congress to appease his wishes
I sure hope Trump’s story about “Razin” Caine is a fabrication, however there is definitely no doubt that Trump believes he has found in Caine unwavering loyalty to him and not the Constitution.
Embarrassed to admit that I had to look up that term.
Didn't like this part: In modern times, praetorianism can occur when the military takes control of a country during a period of social, political, or economic decay.
This is right out of the Hitler playbook of 1933. Convince the CEO’s & the money class, threaten the media, take hold of the military, all that’s left is the courts & that capitulation is inevitable. From Chancellor to Fuhrer in 53 days. tRump needs a Reichstag Fire & the circle will be complete.
Tom I look forward to your analysis. Not a moment too soon. Most of us simply don’t know the military and hence can’t appreciate the mess we are in. It has often looked like our military is made of foederati…while citizens are clueless.
I look forward to reading it. I hope it addresses the reality that we're at a point where the legislative branch refuses to do its duty, and the judiciary is being ignored.
In 2020, he ordered the military to deploy against protestors.
Protests on the scale of those seen in 2020 have not arisen in his second presidency, but a constitutional crisis was averted then because the military and others rightly pushed back.
What would happen now? https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/trumps-threat-use-military-against-protesters-what-know
I never expected much from the government except order. I can't believe I'm left praying that some general does the right thing, like some third world hell hole.
What I'm seeing more and more in the social media comments is no imagination and no tools for all the frustrated people to move forward.
Look up Erika Chenoweth
Look up Anat Shenker-Osorio
We only lose if we give up or we wait for someone else to create the change.
I just saw that dumbass Hegseth video. He closed with, "We're gonna keep fighting." We're at war? With whom? Besides the Constitution and the rule of law, of course.
Trump is systematically dismantling the Government. These firing are ment to cripple the US government and it's military. This was ordered by Vladimir Putin. Donald Trump is a Russian asset. The Republicans are Compromised thus they allow this to occur without lifting a finger to stop it.
The key is the Rs in Congress, they have the ability to stop this. They have to fear us more than they fear dear leader. Go to town halls or call them and scream at them like the tea party did to us. No threats of violence, but make them believe you're on the edge.
The "R's" were gradually replaced by maga. Maga is the force behind this coup. I think the D's know it's over and that's why their sitting on their asses watching
It's been down to civil action from day 1 - but nobody's wanted to hear it, or been ready to.
Trying to curb the onslaught via the judiciary was never going to be successful. The wheels of the legal system move far too slowly to cope.
It's like trying to catch every raindrop in a storm with a spoon.
If anyone thinks there will be free & fair elections in ‘26 or ‘28 or beyond, they’re delusional. This is a fascist dictatorship. A “resistance” won’t cut it. It will take a much stronger response to reclaim democracy. Do we have it in us? 🤷🏽♂️
The NAR believe Trump will help them take over the earth & establish a worldwide Christian Theocracy. The NAR use the little flag Justice Alito put up on his properties.
Some Christians don’t realize the point is to prevent worldwide government.
There are several comments asking about martial law. In a country as large as ours, martial law would be virtually impossible to impose from coast to coast. What this Administration is doing is scaring people so they actually begin to act as if martial law has already been declared. They limit their
Yep this might indeed happen. Can you envision what would happen if people were at a peaceful protest and the government opened fire in this way. Torches and pitchforks would be an understatement. Watch the documentary on Netflix titled winter on fire, Ukraine's fight for freedom. You'll understand
Movement, what they are doing, who they are talking to and what they post. If you find that you are afraid and you are beginning to do any of those things then you are already under martial law. We have to remember there are more us than there are of them and we need to be loud about it.
Those young, white males 18-30 who voted for the convicted felon/sex abuser/business fraud have NO CLUE what is truly happening to America, democracy, roflaw & the Constitution. All their intelligence comes from listening to a walking, talking violation of every code of ethics, morality & decency!
Especially when they have to re-establish the draft because no one wants to sign up to serve in an org that fires qualified leaders and replaces them with white incompetent hires
Typed in praetorianism and my browser offered to define it in Urdu, a language written in a non-Latin alphabet.
The utter uselessness of this seems like a marker of our nonsensical untranslatable times this last month. You know, like firing all the people who know how to disassemble our nukes.
Something has to be done before July, Trump is escalating fast, this will be over if we wait until July. We need to rise up now, take to the streets in numbers too massive to ignore.
It’s worth noting that when institutions begin shifting toward praetorianism, there’s usually a point where either mass public resistance or full compliance determines the outcome🚨
3 Chinese warships are off the coast of Australia conducting live exercises, emboldened no doubt by the lack of commitment by Trump to uphold US alliance treaties. Ex Aust. Prime Minister Turnbull pointing to Australias AUKUS comitment to purchase submarines from an an ally it can no longer rely on.
Democrats need to take DRASTIC action. Here's a start: There are 3 crossover districts in the House held by GOP reps: NE-2; NY-17; and PA-1. They need to lobby those reps. to break with the chaos of the GOP & support a motion to vacate the SOTH. Then join Dems in voting for a Democratic SOTH. NOW.
No. It’s time to put on your big girl panties and lace up your ass kicking shoes. We got asses to kick and nazis who need a reminder that we outnumber them and we aren’t giving up our country without a fight.
Can we use the word fascism yet Tom? You have always been so worried about us overreacting. Here he is purging military leadership to install the MAGA faithful. He’s not planning on leaving. Ever.
Out of curiosity, have you seen the recent reports that "A former senior KGB chief claims Trump was recruited by them in 1987?" I don't have the training or experience so decide of the news article sounds insane, or insane and plausible.
Yesterday Alnur Mussayev, the guy who ran Kazakhstan's post-USSR version of the KGB, revealed that he was working at the 6th Directorate of the KGB when it recruited Trump in Moscow in 1987.
Today The Daily Beast ran a story about that and then nuked it.
Apologies, the story you are referencing is recent, yes. The story of DJT being identified and groomed long ago isn’t new, which was what I was attempting to provide clarity on.
No need for apologies - it's hard to keep up with the ever-unfolding madness. What's most interesting to me is the ongoing scrubbing of recent developments from our various supposed "free press" organs; the Information Age has almost completely metastasized into the Disinformation Age.
I'm wondering when I was first hearing these warnings, and recalling those who were dismissing them, years ago.
Now a bunch of those conservatives are playing Johnny come lately hero types. I see them on the bulwark and it kinda annoys me.
Its very clear what Trump is doing, and totally expected, but what do you propose we do about it? Wait until he silences us? We know that's coming if we don't stand up now.
The only option is to push for a #NationalDivorce to force Republics in Congress to choose Trump or America.
Let’s see the reaction when the military is ordered to shoot and kill Americans and the blood flows on the streets of the nation. This is the plan of this demented and senile idiot, and the longer this condition prevails the more radical and dangerous the criminal and convicted felon becomes.
You and @markhertling.bsky.social both indicated recently that the military should not intervene due to the democratic nature of the last elections. Fair point but do you see a time when the military (if not totally subservient to MAGA) would intervene to ensure that democracy continues?
2. as well as those used by terrorists to recruit. The tentacles are far reaching and run deep into the right the criminality and amorality of what they have been doing is more than astounding and unconscionable.
1. This is an abusive relationship. A psychosociopathic relationship and those running it are deliberately inflicting psychological warfare on us all but particularly their own followers targeting them for their “dysfunction” and propensity to anger using tactics of counter terrorism
They're part of this, it's maga that infiltrated the "old" GOP and is conducting this coup. And I think Democrats are not sticking their necks out now because they know it's already too late
It’s also going to be easier to invoke the Insurrection Act if people protest in the streets about Musk & DOGE once Trump had installed his bobbleheads as JAGs.
Praetorianism means excessive or abusive political influence of the armed forces in a country. The word comes from the Roman Praetorian Guard, who became increasingly influential in the appointment of Roman emperors.[1][2]
This was always Steve Bannon’s plan. He has said it since 2016. He was smart and evil enough to keep plugging away. Musk is just the shiny object to distract. Trump doesn’t care so long as he can play golf and not go to prison. Bannon is the master mind, Miller is the axe. Vlad is the support team
I’ve been freaking out about Bannon since he said this in an interview “Lenin wanted to destroy the state, and that’s my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today’s establishment.” He’s finally getting his chance to burn it all down from within.
With AI integrated into the government like it is, this could very well be a totalitarian state shaping up. Trump said once he wanted his people standing at attention like North Korea. At this point, we shouldn't doubt his word.
I think one grim reality that is emerging is that they already control broad swaths of people. There is a really glaring contradiction on the side of the prodemocracy camp. Despite what they say, they continue to buy the products and invest their money into the very people they warn danger about.
You are not incorrect about Americans physical unwillingness to put their money where their mouth is, or show up to actively resist. I have done both my whole life with legitimacy. I feel you are probably also of this, too much cognitive dissonance leads to not sleeping profession as well.
It's going to be interesting but I hate to admit I don't think you are wrong here either, regardless of my copetimism. Given what the GOP is willingly openly allowing Nazi wise co-signing etc
Comments
“Trump wants loyalists when he declares martial law & suspends the constitution in short order.
The race was just a bonus for them.
This. Is. Bad.” Source: https://bsky.app/profile/rwarrin.bsky.social/post/3liqabathek2d
https://bsky.app/profile/hcxs.bsky.social/post/3liqdwa6qq22b
“Trump wants loyalists when he declares martial law & suspends the constitution in short order.
The race was just a bonus for them.
This. Is. Bad.” Source: https://bsky.app/profile/rwarrin.bsky.social/post/3liqabathek2d
https://bsky.app/profile/hcxs.bsky.social/post/3liqdwa6qq22b
- Stalin
"We don’t want generals who are too good at their jobs. We want generals who are loyal."
— Stalin
"I need the kind of generals that Hitler had." - Trump
But if that's what he wants, I'm fine with it
I haven't even read the article - when I do I strongly suspect context is going to make it clear even without knowing any ancient history. Gonna go check that now.
"Excuse me, but my preferred style guide shows copy editor as two words, and your use of ellipses is entirely unnecessary."
Self critiquing to save others the trouble.
A beautiful mixture of art and language when they're loved well & raised correctly, much like the en dash.
I’m just a STEM guy; I can handle “oligosaccharide” or “adiabatic,” but “hermeneutical” really separates the Scholars from the technicians. 🍺
Justice Barrett: “putting aside the meaning of the word ‘and’…” 🤮
Or should we wait until the Army is patrolling American cities?
He's breaking all the things - with impunity. So much for guardrails.
Any suggestions on next steps, Tom?
Just, "BEGIN NOW", as the USMC DI says, to count who's Not gonna like that!
November 5 was our one and only chance and we fucked it up.
𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒏𝒅!!
Didn't like this part: In modern times, praetorianism can occur when the military takes control of a country during a period of social, political, or economic decay.
Thats what they will have to do to kill SS --a TechBros' goal.
Sounds outlandish, right? This is just the start.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/acting-social-security-chief-opens-up-doge-claims-dead-people-receiving-benefits
“Trump wants loyalists when he declares martial law & suspends the constitution in short order.
The race was just a bonus for them.
This. Is. Bad.” Source: https://bsky.app/profile/rwarrin.bsky.social/post/3liqabathek2d
https://bsky.app/profile/hcxs.bsky.social/post/3liqdwa6qq22b
Protests on the scale of those seen in 2020 have not arisen in his second presidency, but a constitutional crisis was averted then because the military and others rightly pushed back.
What would happen now?
https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/trumps-threat-use-military-against-protesters-what-know
and
if it's not obvious to everyone that the orange faced rapist plans on passing the oval office to the Trump Crime Family before he goes,
then you're not listening.
Look up Erika Chenoweth
Look up Anat Shenker-Osorio
We only lose if we give up or we wait for someone else to create the change.
#USMilitaryCrisis #Resist #USMartialLaw #USGovtCoup #NoNaziUS #DefendTheConstitution
Also, look up Erica Chenoweth – armed rebellion fails twice as often as other forms. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s0JbXhND7-1iqABNcUNL031NQLxkLfr-USkCKGZTidI/mobilebasic
Trying to curb the onslaught via the judiciary was never going to be successful. The wheels of the legal system move far too slowly to cope.
It's like trying to catch every raindrop in a storm with a spoon.
“Trump wants loyalists when he declares martial law & suspends the constitution in short order.
The race was just a bonus for them.
This. Is. Bad.” Source: https://bsky.app/profile/rwarrin.bsky.social/post/3liqabathek2d
https://bsky.app/profile/hcxs.bsky.social/post/3liqdwa6qq22b
Moscow Mitch. Enabler, apologist, insider architect.
Collins, Murkowski, McConnell have just been doing a carefully calculated dance of mock protest to exhibit a phantom of principle or spine.
Eff em all.
Especially McConnell. Not run?
He should be in chains.
Some Christians don’t realize the point is to prevent worldwide government.
I am Elijah - the forerunner to Jesus.
Malachi 3:8 is telling anyone that ever profited money off the gospel to return it.
Matthew 19:12 says God prefers same-sex marriage.
World peace is coming.
Did the framers intend that when we get totalitarian dictator, we have no options except to wait for four years to throw him out?
He eventually going to run out of qualified Lawyers to fight all the Lawsuits, especially with the purge in the justice department.
#USMilitaryCrisis #Resist #USMartialLaw #USGovtCoup #NoNaziUS #DefendTheConstitution
https://bsky.app/profile/donjorizzy.bsky.social/post/3liq66bdgzs2t
“Trump wants loyalists when he declares martial law & suspends the constitution in short order.
The race was just a bonus for them.
This. Is. Bad.” Source: https://bsky.app/profile/rwarrin.bsky.social/post/3liqabathek2d
https://bsky.app/profile/hcxs.bsky.social/post/3liqdwa6qq22b
All of their actions make sense if you look at them from this perspective.
Just sayin'
The utter uselessness of this seems like a marker of our nonsensical untranslatable times this last month. You know, like firing all the people who know how to disassemble our nukes.
Time to put a stop to it
I wonder why the writers at The Atlantic couldn’t see past the white economic grievances.
Out of curiosity, have you seen the recent reports that "A former senior KGB chief claims Trump was recruited by them in 1987?" I don't have the training or experience so decide of the news article sounds insane, or insane and plausible.
Today The Daily Beast ran a story about that and then nuked it.
Recent.
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/2/21/2305351/-Magic-Disappearing-DB-Story-About-Allegations-Trump-Was-Recruited-as-a-Russian-Asset
Musk, Trump, Vance
noun
prae·to·ri·an·ism
plural -s
: a corrupt military despotism
“I will obey the orders of the President of the United State”
Tricky problem that.
Good luck America!
History rhymes?
Looking forward to reading the article!
To the BIPOC especially Black/African American Don't enlist #DontEnlist
Now a bunch of those conservatives are playing Johnny come lately hero types. I see them on the bulwark and it kinda annoys me.
“Trump also has claimed Caine donned a 'MAGA' hat during their 2018 meeting in Iraq, which is against military regulations.”
The only option is to push for a #NationalDivorce to force Republics in Congress to choose Trump or America.
Webster said so
We, the Constitution, and Democracy are the eggs.
“Trump wants loyalists when he declares martial law & suspends the constitution in short order.
The race was just a bonus for them.
This. Is. Bad.” Source: https://bsky.app/profile/rwarrin.bsky.social/post/3liqabathek2d
https://bsky.app/profile/hcxs.bsky.social/post/3liqdwa6qq22b
The courts won't be able to keep up. Temporary injunctions will dry up.
Fascist goals WILL be implemented, and we'll be stuck trying to undo them.
🤬
[==*==]
(in that harmless word nerd kinda way)
Just. FYI.