RFK Jr. is a LUNATIC! He is an IDIOT! He is a WACK JOB! With NO medical training or background. Guess if he needs any medical procedures ANY of us could work on him! His OWN family warned against approving him! He IS going to get thousands and possibly millions of Americans killed with is OFF THE WALL CRACKPOT IDIOCY! He MUST be removed from office or "Death to America" will be taking on new meaning.......an American hell bent on killing Americans with his STUPIDITY!! Wonder how much longer Republicans are going to let him KILL them and kill THEIR FAMILIES???? (And THIS is just par for the course for this totally Bankrupt, Corrupt, and Incompetent collection of Screw Balls who do NOT care about America, or Americans, or the future of our country! Destroy the Country R US..........from Donnie the Dictator, to his entire regime, to DOGE, to Project 2025, to Quisling Republicans all over America who do NOT give a damn about their own Constituents - like mine who REFUSES to meet with us, to the Corrupt Roberts 6..... America under attack and under assault from ALL of these Anti-American Fascists!!!!!)
I stand by my opinion of RFK Jr. He is a threat to all Americans with his dismissal of vaccines. He is not someone I would never in a thousand years trust with my health, the health of my family or the health of anyone else. I encourage you to check out Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota and his warnings about what could very well happen in the near future. It is extremely dangerous for everyone in America and RFK Jr. is headed us in that direction.
It's all about the grift, whether directly or for elected or appointed officials, through remaining in office at any cost. If any member of this administration actually stands on a real principle to make a difficult decision on behalf of the American people, half of the electorate will faint dead away.
Bobby Jr. is a disgrace to the Kennedy family, who is far from perfect but at least normal. This "health czar" looks like a character from The Walking Dead - bad advertising! And why would anyone be surprised that when money talks, he listens? When he became a republican, that was part of the deal. Wanna bet that he, Mr. Trump, and all the other republican "public servants" will get the best vaccines and medical care that our money can buy when they get sick?
His father was president before our government became SO corrupt and distorted as it is now. They didn't bother or maybe know how to corrupt him, so they killed him.
Sure, RFK Jr. and Trump are horrible human beings. But focussing on them is wishful thinking--as if getting rid of them would solve everything. It's political clickbait; a distraction from what's behind the curtain: the econopathy.
Why no mention that wages for the majority working class in terms of constant $$$ have been flat for decades? Are the Ds proud of bailing out Wall St. after the '08 debacle while the millions who lost jobs, pensions, houses got nothing? Why do the Ds enable a corporate econ system that dismisses devastation of human communities and entire ecosystems as 'externalities'? Why do the Ds say nothing about the egregious practice of stock buy-backs funded by mass layoffs now totaling millions of workers yet benefitting only CEOs, their Wall St. cronies, and their bankster allies?
Besides, who really cares about those most affected by poor nutrition? The Ds did nothing to help the under and unemployed of the Rust Belt/Appalachia. Is it a coincidence the area leads in what are called "deaths of despair"? People so desperate after decades of neglect some voted for Trump. BTW, a direct correlation between mass layoffs and a drop in D votes. But of course they deserve nothing since they're among that infamous "basket of deplorables." Have a good laugh; go look up the site called 'People of Wal-Mart.' Class prejudice confirmed as merely what the better sorts 'know' to be true of such inferiors.
Trump not only duped the MAGAs, he in particular appealed to their racist hatred of anyone different from them, especially people of color and immigrants from non-European countries. They were told that all these "others" were taking their jobs, so if we just deport all the immigrants there'll be plenty of jobs. At some point, a person is responsible for the decisions they make in this, "rugged individual" country. You voted for the guy. It's on you if you don't like the outcome.
Oh, yeah. The expected sniffing dismissal. To begin with, to characterize any group of people as all the same is the very definition of prejudice. I guess it's okay not to have any empathy for "those inferior sorts" no matter the suffering. It isn't "duping," it's desperation. But don't let those deaths of despair bother you.
FYI, none of your assumed characteristics are true. The stats done by Les Leopold in his 2024 book //Wall Street's War on Workers (How Mass Layoffs and Greed Are Destroying the Working Class and What to Do about It)// show the white working class as quite different than the assumptions of bigotry as the allegedly educated would have it. I was a blue collar worker for 28+ years plus being both BIPOC and LGBT. I know by experience what the truth is and I've done the research to confirm this.
You speak of MAGAs as if monolithic, yet seem to deny any form of structuralism. As if everyone has the same chances. That political, economic,and social connections or legacy wealth are unimportant. If that were true, why would racism be a factor? You can't claim collective impacts for one group (BIPOC) and deny them to another. As for blame assigned due to voting "for the guy," whom did you vote for? Was it the neolib (econ term meaning support for this deeply unfair system) Dems? If so, then it's on you, too, for prolonging the agony. Go back and read what I said about the econ system and its D enablers. If you think the econ system is fine, you're either among its few beneficiaries or unaware of how it really operates. Check Jim's posts on this for some basic lessons.
I never said I support the economic system. It continues to increase inequality in this country. We have pretty much devolved into a techno-feudalism as Yanis Varifakous has written. Democracy and corporate capitalism are basically at odds because capitalism is hierarchical and authoritarian by nature. Should I go on? I understand why a lot of people voted for Trump. Of course not all are racists, but I know plenty who are. My own brother-in-law finds a way to rationalize every crazy, toxic thing Trump or RFK Jr says/does, because he can never acknowledge that Trump is a no-nothing idiot and grifter, no matter how much the evidence accumulates. It's a cult, pure and simple. The only people Trump cares about are me myself and I. As for the Dem enablers, of course, both parties are in the pocket of big money, wherever it comes from. But there is a growing number of progressive democrats who don't take money from big business, and don't support the spineless positions of mainstream democratic politicians, and don't support Israel's fascist administration. Unfortunately, there are very few Republicans these days who have any principles or honesty. And the handful who do have a moral compass are all afraid to oppose Trump.
Okay, fine. I agree here. The cult thing is scary. Especially when conjoined to the techie anarcho-capitalists and the horrific Christofascists. But to lump all the desperate working class people into one group is not only unfair, but a political loser. BTW, I have read Varoufakis. On econ, I recommend on MMT //The Deficit Myth// by Stephanie Kelton and the wonderful //Debunking Economics// by Steve Keen. And of course the New Deal.
I feel that RFK might be the most vulnerable of the cabinet members. Democrats in Congress should be beating a non-stop drum to remove him. If we can chip away at the lackies, it will weaken Trump without appearing to be a direct attack. MAGA followers are not necessarily RFK supporters
It should come as no surprise of the less than subtle shift from the "recommendations" and the Rhetoric! How else can he maintain the fine lining in his pants pockets if he doesn't get a regular boost of Corporate "Grease"!!
Great column. But Worm in the Brain RFKjr in my opinion was never serious about combatting big Ag. He's an opportunist through and through, snd as delusionary as old Scumpie. Little Kennedy actually thinks he can win the Presidency. Do feel sorry for the Kennedy clan though- to have the family name dragged through the mud, while Scump chortles that he will build an even greater political dynasty.
Although we've never met, I happened to be standing next to you at Beth's funeral. I was her holistic psychotherapist for her last months. I also became a friend of Suzy Reid when we both worked at ACC.
As you already know, money in our politics is the biggest problem we have. Although at the moment it appears the progressives and the Dems have lost, the political pendulum will swing again soon. But it doesn't change the fact that the two parties are in stalemate and are so entrenched that continued stalemate is predictable.
I know you are well aware of the destructive influence of Citizens United on our politics, for I followed your excellent effort to squelch it, with as usual great humor and biting ironies. I think at this time it is not only a viable issue to reincarnate, but it is about the only solution left to halting the progression of oligarchy into a state of permanence.
Please consider this. It may seem hopeless politically, but that has never stopped you!
Sincerely,
Ryan Rose (changed my name in 1990)
P.S. I agree with your assessment of RFK, Jr. Of all the people in Trump's cabinet, it seems he is the only one who could accomplish something positive. The comment just below is apparently from a dyed-in-the-wool believer in the alloopathic med system and Big Pharma. It is a nuanced situation,l as you know. Some parts of the system are fabulous, e.g., vision, ER, ICU, surgery, but internal medicine needs to be married to alternative medicine and wellness, which some brave M.D.s have done, and the alternative disciplines need to be empowered, not suppressed. But right now Citizens United is our main hope for change, at present.
This entire U S. Administration is just sickening. We need an interim Presidential Administration that is representative of the registered voters to upgrade the Election Process and overturn S.C.O.T.U.S. Citizens United of 2010. Get corporate money persons out of our elections and our government offices!
Another thing most people don't know. Remember Polio? Full name poliomyelitis. There were very few cases of this till mid 20th century, after WWII. Although many toxic pesticides had been used on plants since the late 1800's, DDT became the big one in 1940's.
People were told that in addition to it killing unwanted insects, it could even be sprayed ON CHILDREN to keep them from being bitten by toxic bugs. Well, Polio began developing in children. Not seen so much before then. So Jonas Salk developed the Salk vaccine for Polio. However, about the same time, the perils of DDT were discovered and its use was being lessened a lot. Polio thankfully slid down the hill and essentially went away. (DDT was permanently banned by 1972.)
The timing of the vaccine and the lessening use of DDT were very similar, but credit was given to the vaccine for eradicating Polio. The "experts" still claim that DDT was not involved in Polio, and everyone should still be vaccinated for it.
I do understand that when we try to find information online, even then the big money companies prevail. So, how DO we know what's real? Just some food for thought.
RFK Jr. is a LUNATIC! He is an IDIOT! He is a WACK JOB! With NO medical training or background. Guess if he needs any medical procedures ANY of us could work on him! His OWN family warned against approving him! He IS going to get thousands and possibly millions of Americans killed with is OFF THE WALL CRACKPOT IDIOCY! He MUST be removed from office or "Death to America" will be taking on new meaning.......an American hell bent on killing Americans with his STUPIDITY!! Wonder how much longer Republicans are going to let him KILL them and kill THEIR FAMILIES???? (And THIS is just par for the course for this totally Bankrupt, Corrupt, and Incompetent collection of Screw Balls who do NOT care about America, or Americans, or the future of our country! Destroy the Country R US..........from Donnie the Dictator, to his entire regime, to DOGE, to Project 2025, to Quisling Republicans all over America who do NOT give a damn about their own Constituents - like mine who REFUSES to meet with us, to the Corrupt Roberts 6..... America under attack and under assault from ALL of these Anti-American Fascists!!!!!)
I completely agree with the assault of fascism. But NOT with your opinion of RFK. See my post above for why.
I stand by my opinion of RFK Jr. He is a threat to all Americans with his dismissal of vaccines. He is not someone I would never in a thousand years trust with my health, the health of my family or the health of anyone else. I encourage you to check out Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota and his warnings about what could very well happen in the near future. It is extremely dangerous for everyone in America and RFK Jr. is headed us in that direction.
It's all about the grift, whether directly or for elected or appointed officials, through remaining in office at any cost. If any member of this administration actually stands on a real principle to make a difficult decision on behalf of the American people, half of the electorate will faint dead away.
RFK is proof that rump hates us and wants us to die .
Bobby Jr. is a disgrace to the Kennedy family, who is far from perfect but at least normal. This "health czar" looks like a character from The Walking Dead - bad advertising! And why would anyone be surprised that when money talks, he listens? When he became a republican, that was part of the deal. Wanna bet that he, Mr. Trump, and all the other republican "public servants" will get the best vaccines and medical care that our money can buy when they get sick?
Kennedy is a fraud of the 1st degree. He's too chicken to go against Rump!
I wish you were the HHS secretary mr Hightower!
It’s sad to see RFK Jr sink so low. His father would be mortified.
His father was president before our government became SO corrupt and distorted as it is now. They didn't bother or maybe know how to corrupt him, so they killed him.
Not surprised that there will no threat to big agribusiness status quo.
Bobby Kennedy Jr is the definition of a "SELLOUT".
Sure, RFK Jr. and Trump are horrible human beings. But focussing on them is wishful thinking--as if getting rid of them would solve everything. It's political clickbait; a distraction from what's behind the curtain: the econopathy.
Why no mention that wages for the majority working class in terms of constant $$$ have been flat for decades? Are the Ds proud of bailing out Wall St. after the '08 debacle while the millions who lost jobs, pensions, houses got nothing? Why do the Ds enable a corporate econ system that dismisses devastation of human communities and entire ecosystems as 'externalities'? Why do the Ds say nothing about the egregious practice of stock buy-backs funded by mass layoffs now totaling millions of workers yet benefitting only CEOs, their Wall St. cronies, and their bankster allies?
Besides, who really cares about those most affected by poor nutrition? The Ds did nothing to help the under and unemployed of the Rust Belt/Appalachia. Is it a coincidence the area leads in what are called "deaths of despair"? People so desperate after decades of neglect some voted for Trump. BTW, a direct correlation between mass layoffs and a drop in D votes. But of course they deserve nothing since they're among that infamous "basket of deplorables." Have a good laugh; go look up the site called 'People of Wal-Mart.' Class prejudice confirmed as merely what the better sorts 'know' to be true of such inferiors.
Trump not only duped the MAGAs, he in particular appealed to their racist hatred of anyone different from them, especially people of color and immigrants from non-European countries. They were told that all these "others" were taking their jobs, so if we just deport all the immigrants there'll be plenty of jobs. At some point, a person is responsible for the decisions they make in this, "rugged individual" country. You voted for the guy. It's on you if you don't like the outcome.
Oh, yeah. The expected sniffing dismissal. To begin with, to characterize any group of people as all the same is the very definition of prejudice. I guess it's okay not to have any empathy for "those inferior sorts" no matter the suffering. It isn't "duping," it's desperation. But don't let those deaths of despair bother you.
FYI, none of your assumed characteristics are true. The stats done by Les Leopold in his 2024 book //Wall Street's War on Workers (How Mass Layoffs and Greed Are Destroying the Working Class and What to Do about It)// show the white working class as quite different than the assumptions of bigotry as the allegedly educated would have it. I was a blue collar worker for 28+ years plus being both BIPOC and LGBT. I know by experience what the truth is and I've done the research to confirm this.
You speak of MAGAs as if monolithic, yet seem to deny any form of structuralism. As if everyone has the same chances. That political, economic,and social connections or legacy wealth are unimportant. If that were true, why would racism be a factor? You can't claim collective impacts for one group (BIPOC) and deny them to another. As for blame assigned due to voting "for the guy," whom did you vote for? Was it the neolib (econ term meaning support for this deeply unfair system) Dems? If so, then it's on you, too, for prolonging the agony. Go back and read what I said about the econ system and its D enablers. If you think the econ system is fine, you're either among its few beneficiaries or unaware of how it really operates. Check Jim's posts on this for some basic lessons.
I never said I support the economic system. It continues to increase inequality in this country. We have pretty much devolved into a techno-feudalism as Yanis Varifakous has written. Democracy and corporate capitalism are basically at odds because capitalism is hierarchical and authoritarian by nature. Should I go on? I understand why a lot of people voted for Trump. Of course not all are racists, but I know plenty who are. My own brother-in-law finds a way to rationalize every crazy, toxic thing Trump or RFK Jr says/does, because he can never acknowledge that Trump is a no-nothing idiot and grifter, no matter how much the evidence accumulates. It's a cult, pure and simple. The only people Trump cares about are me myself and I. As for the Dem enablers, of course, both parties are in the pocket of big money, wherever it comes from. But there is a growing number of progressive democrats who don't take money from big business, and don't support the spineless positions of mainstream democratic politicians, and don't support Israel's fascist administration. Unfortunately, there are very few Republicans these days who have any principles or honesty. And the handful who do have a moral compass are all afraid to oppose Trump.
Okay, fine. I agree here. The cult thing is scary. Especially when conjoined to the techie anarcho-capitalists and the horrific Christofascists. But to lump all the desperate working class people into one group is not only unfair, but a political loser. BTW, I have read Varoufakis. On econ, I recommend on MMT //The Deficit Myth// by Stephanie Kelton and the wonderful //Debunking Economics// by Steve Keen. And of course the New Deal.
Yep. Like so many of the president's other toadies, Kennedy is proving himself to be just another chicken shit.
I feel that RFK might be the most vulnerable of the cabinet members. Democrats in Congress should be beating a non-stop drum to remove him. If we can chip away at the lackies, it will weaken Trump without appearing to be a direct attack. MAGA followers are not necessarily RFK supporters
It should come as no surprise of the less than subtle shift from the "recommendations" and the Rhetoric! How else can he maintain the fine lining in his pants pockets if he doesn't get a regular boost of Corporate "Grease"!!
Great column. But Worm in the Brain RFKjr in my opinion was never serious about combatting big Ag. He's an opportunist through and through, snd as delusionary as old Scumpie. Little Kennedy actually thinks he can win the Presidency. Do feel sorry for the Kennedy clan though- to have the family name dragged through the mud, while Scump chortles that he will build an even greater political dynasty.
Dear Jim,
Although we've never met, I happened to be standing next to you at Beth's funeral. I was her holistic psychotherapist for her last months. I also became a friend of Suzy Reid when we both worked at ACC.
As you already know, money in our politics is the biggest problem we have. Although at the moment it appears the progressives and the Dems have lost, the political pendulum will swing again soon. But it doesn't change the fact that the two parties are in stalemate and are so entrenched that continued stalemate is predictable.
I know you are well aware of the destructive influence of Citizens United on our politics, for I followed your excellent effort to squelch it, with as usual great humor and biting ironies. I think at this time it is not only a viable issue to reincarnate, but it is about the only solution left to halting the progression of oligarchy into a state of permanence.
Please consider this. It may seem hopeless politically, but that has never stopped you!
Sincerely,
Ryan Rose (changed my name in 1990)
P.S. I agree with your assessment of RFK, Jr. Of all the people in Trump's cabinet, it seems he is the only one who could accomplish something positive. The comment just below is apparently from a dyed-in-the-wool believer in the alloopathic med system and Big Pharma. It is a nuanced situation,l as you know. Some parts of the system are fabulous, e.g., vision, ER, ICU, surgery, but internal medicine needs to be married to alternative medicine and wellness, which some brave M.D.s have done, and the alternative disciplines need to be empowered, not suppressed. But right now Citizens United is our main hope for change, at present.
This entire U S. Administration is just sickening. We need an interim Presidential Administration that is representative of the registered voters to upgrade the Election Process and overturn S.C.O.T.U.S. Citizens United of 2010. Get corporate money persons out of our elections and our government offices!
Another thing most people don't know. Remember Polio? Full name poliomyelitis. There were very few cases of this till mid 20th century, after WWII. Although many toxic pesticides had been used on plants since the late 1800's, DDT became the big one in 1940's.
People were told that in addition to it killing unwanted insects, it could even be sprayed ON CHILDREN to keep them from being bitten by toxic bugs. Well, Polio began developing in children. Not seen so much before then. So Jonas Salk developed the Salk vaccine for Polio. However, about the same time, the perils of DDT were discovered and its use was being lessened a lot. Polio thankfully slid down the hill and essentially went away. (DDT was permanently banned by 1972.)
The timing of the vaccine and the lessening use of DDT were very similar, but credit was given to the vaccine for eradicating Polio. The "experts" still claim that DDT was not involved in Polio, and everyone should still be vaccinated for it.
I do understand that when we try to find information online, even then the big money companies prevail. So, how DO we know what's real? Just some food for thought.