Category Archives: News & Politics

20 March 2025

American Descent

By Rick Ladd

Something new. Bluesky is my goto social media site and I just now discovered I can paste in posts and, in this case, my response to this particular post by Robert Reich. Thought I would give it a test spin. This may become a staple of my blog moving forward. I tend to do a lot more writing there than I’ve been doing here. This way I can blend in the two.

Remember: Almost all of us are the descendants of immigrants who fled persecution, or were brought to America under duress, or sought better lives for themselves and their descendants.Politicians who stoke fear and hatred over immigration want you to forget this.Do not.

— Robert Reich (@rbreich.bsky.social) 2025-03-20T18:45:06.973088Z

I'm a descendant of Ukrainian Jews who fled the pogroms of the late 19th and earlier 20th century. I'm appalled at the country I once thought of as the benevolent savior of my family becoming the hateful, fearful bastion of racism and bigotry it now appears to be.

— Rick Ladd (@retreado.bsky.social) 2025-03-20T19:59:50.873Z

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1 March 2025

The Crisis of Leadership: Toxic Masculinity, Bullying, and the Betrayal of Accountability

By Rick Ladd

The meeting on February 28, 2025, at the White House, bringing together Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, serves as a stark illustration of the political, economic, and social chaos that toxic leadership has wrought on the United States. On one side of the table sat Trump and Vance, embodying the very traits that have plunged America deeper into division and dysfunction—traits of toxic masculinity, bullying, gaslighting, and victim-shaming. On the other sat Zelenskyy, a leader of integrity and composure, whose professionalism only magnified the disgrace of his American counterparts. This juxtaposition was more than symbolic; it was a glaring indictment of the corrosive leadership that continues to undermine the United States and its standing in the world.

Toxic masculinity, as personified by Trump and echoed in Vance’s rhetoric, has become a cornerstone of American political dysfunction. Their performative bravado and obsession with power over progress perpetuate a culture where collaboration is seen as weakness and empathy is dismissed outright. Trump’s tenure has been a masterclass in this destructive ethos, where bluster replaces leadership and domination replaces diplomacy. Vance, once a self-styled critic of Trump’s excesses, has since become a sycophantic disciple, mimicking his mentor’s disdain for nuance and complexity. Together, they exemplify a system that rewards aggression over thoughtfulness, leaving the American people to bear the brunt of their failures. This toxic culture has seeped into every corner of American life, from policymaking to public discourse, eroding the very foundations of democracy.

Bullying has become an accepted strategy in their political arsenal, weaponized to intimidate opponents and silence dissent. Trump’s long history of personal attacks, from mocking disabled reporters to belittling political adversaries, has set a precedent for cruelty as a form of governance. Vance, too, has adopted this playbook, using inflammatory language to marginalize those who challenge his agenda. This normalization of hostility has turned public discourse into a battlefield, where the loudest and most caustic voices drown out reasoned debate. The result is a nation more divided than ever, unable to agree on even the most fundamental truths. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy, facing a war in his homeland, demonstrates the strength that comes from uniting people rather than tearing them apart. His calm resolve in the face of existential threats is a sobering reminder of how far American leadership has fallen.

Gaslighting, a hallmark of Trump’s reign, continues to sow confusion and distrust among the American public. From denying election results to dismissing the severity of crises like COVID-19, Trump has repeatedly manipulated reality to serve his own ends. Vance, despite his past critiques of Trump’s dishonesty, has embraced this strategy, casting doubt on credible institutions and experts. This deliberate distortion of truth not only erodes public confidence but also paralyzes meaningful action. When leaders deny facts and vilify those who challenge them, they create an environment of apathy and hopelessness. Zelenskyy, by contrast, has faced unimaginable challenges with honesty and transparency, fostering trust among his people and the global community. His leadership underscores the moral bankruptcy of those who would rather gaslight than govern.

The culture of victim-shaming perpetuated by Trump and Vance is perhaps the most insidious aspect of their toxic leadership. Rather than addressing systemic injustices, they shift blame onto the very people harmed by them. Whether it’s dismissing the struggles of marginalized communities or ridiculing survivors of abuse, their rhetoric perpetuates cycles of oppression and inequality. This refusal to take accountability emboldens abusers and undermines efforts to create a more just society. Zelenskyy’s leadership stands in stark contrast; he has consistently championed the resilience and dignity of his people, refusing to vilify the vulnerable even in the face of extraordinary challenges.

Compounding this crisis is the complicity of women who support leaders like Trump and Vance, enabling their toxic behavior and policies. Their subservience to patriarchal norms legitimizes the very power structures that oppress them. This dynamic is a critical but often overlooked factor in America’s current turmoil. By propping up men who embody toxic masculinity, these women reinforce the cycles of inequality and dysfunction that plague the nation. Zelenskyy’s leadership, grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose, offers a stark alternative to this corrosive dynamic.

As the meeting unfolded, the contrast between Trump and Vance’s bluster and Zelenskyy’s quiet professionalism could not have been more glaring. While Zelenskyy sought solutions to a war that threatens global stability, Trump and Vance seemed more interested in posturing and self-aggrandizement. Their presence was a reminder of everything wrong with American leadership: the prioritization of ego over ethics, power over people, and division over unity. In Zelenskyy, we see a leader who understands the gravity of his responsibilities, who values truth and accountability, and who inspires rather than alienates. In Trump and Vance, we see the embodiment of a toxic culture that has brought America to the brink.

It is time to reckon with the consequences of this toxic leadership. The United States cannot afford to continue down a path where aggression, dishonesty, and victim-shaming are rewarded while integrity and collaboration are dismissed. We must demand better from our leaders and ourselves. The contrast between Trump, Vance, and Zelenskyy is a stark reminder of what is at stake: the very soul of our democracy and the future of our nation. Let this meeting serve as a wake-up call, not just to those in power but to every American who believes in a better, more just future.

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26 February 2025

The Legacy of DOGE

By Rick Ladd

Recently I’ve been studying Generative AI (ChatGPT, et al), and learning how to use it effectively. This is somewhat difficult as I’m not currently employed and haven’t been for about two and a half years. As a result, I have few specific tasks to work on and discover how to implement AI, either to automate or to speed up their completion. Regardless, I’ve subscribed to Quora’s Poe, which is a compilation of bots to which I now have 10,000 points to use every day for the next year. As well, I’ve secured inexpensive access to several other services which allow me to experiment with image creation, reasoning and writing, and general search capabilities.

Today, something I read caused me to wonder what, if any, historical significance there was to the term DOGE, which is performative Nazi Elon Musk’s name for his chainsaw approach to dismantling our government. It would be remiss of me not to point out I’ve believed for virtually the entirety of my adult life (that would be 56 years if you count from age 21) that the government of the United States is in dire need of an overhaul … the economy too! However, what is happening now is NOT what I would consider either an efficient or an effective method of achieving progress.

At any rate, I asked one of the bots to which I have access (Web-search, which costs 15 points per prompt) to explain the word/concept’s history to me. Here’s what I got. BTW – I cross-checked the response with ChatGPT and received very similar responses. The answers I received from the bot are in italics, below. The simple prompts I used are included prior to the answer I received and are in red.

PROMPT: “What does the word doge represent historically?

The word “doge” historically represents the title of an elected lord and head of state in several Italian city-states, most notably Venice and Genoa, during the medieval and Renaissance periods. Here are some key points about its historical significance:

  1. Etymology: The term “doge” is derived from the Venetian language, which in turn comes from the Latin word “dux,” meaning leader or duke. This reflects the role of the doge as a leader within the governance structure of these republics.
  2. Role and Governance: The doge was not a monarch but an elected official who governed alongside a complex system of councils. This system included the Great Council, the Council of Ten, and the Senate, which helped to balance power and prevent the abuse of authority. The doge typically ruled for life, although their power was often limited by these governing bodies.
  3. Historical Context: The first doge of Venice, Paoluccio Anafesto, was elected in 697 AD, and the position continued until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797 due to Napoleon’s conquests. This long duration highlights the stability and continuity of the doge’s role in Venetian governance.
  4. Cultural Impact: The doges played a crucial role in Venice’s development as a maritime power and cultural center. They were involved in significant events, such as the Fourth Crusade, and presided over periods of territorial expansion and artistic flourishing.
  5. Legacy: The doge’s palace, a symbol of Venetian power and artistry, remains a significant historical site. The title of doge has also transcended its original context, becoming part of modern internet culture through the “Doge” meme and the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, illustrating its lasting influence.

In summary, the word “doge” historically signifies a unique leadership role within the context of Venetian and Genoese governance, characterized by elected authority, cultural significance, and a legacy that continues to resonate today.

PROMPT: Elaborate on the legacy as it resonates today. Put special emphasis on any negative connotations given to the word or concept of doge.

The legacy of the word “doge” extends beyond its historical significance in Venice and Genoa, influencing modern culture and language. However, it also carries some negative connotations that have emerged over time. Here’s a closer look at both aspects:

Positive Legacy

  1. Symbol of Governance: The doge represents a unique form of governance characterized by elected leadership and a system of checks and balances. This model has influenced modern democratic systems, showcasing the importance of limiting power and ensuring representation.
  2. Cultural Heritage: The doges were instrumental in Venice’s rise as a cultural and economic powerhouse during the Renaissance. Their patronage of the arts led to significant contributions in architecture, painting, and literature, which continue to be celebrated today.
  3. Modern References: The term “doge” has found new life in contemporary culture, particularly through the “Doge” meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog, which became an internet sensation. This meme has also inspired the creation of Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that gained popularity in the digital economy.

Negative Connotations

  1. Corruption and Elitism: Over time, the doge’s role became associated with corruption and elitism. As the Venetian Republic evolved, the political system became increasingly oligarchic, with power concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy families. This shift led to a perception of the doge as a figurehead for a corrupt elite rather than a true representative of the people.
  2. Decline of Power: The eventual decline of Venice as a major power, culminating in its annexation by Napoleon, has also tainted the legacy of the doge. The fall of the Venetian Republic is often viewed as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political stagnation and the failure to adapt to changing circumstances, which can be linked back to the governance style of the doges.
  3. Modern Misinterpretations: In contemporary discussions, particularly in political contexts, the term “doge” can evoke images of ineffective leadership or bureaucratic inefficiency. This is especially relevant in satirical or critical commentary on government figures who are perceived as out of touch or overly ceremonial, drawing parallels to the historical role of the doge as a largely symbolic leader.

Conclusion

While the legacy of the doge is rich with cultural and historical significance, it is also intertwined with themes of corruption, elitism, and political decline. These negative connotations serve as reminders of the complexities of leadership and governance, both in the past and present.

I don’t know about you, but the conclusion makes perfect sense to me given what Musk and his merry band of Incelites are doing to dismantle, especially, every department and service that’s designed to help out regular Americans, who are – IMO – victims of an economic system that exploits and steals from them at every turn.

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20 February 2025

Memories and the Fight Against Injustice

By Rick Ladd

I am a secular Jew. My paternal grandparents fled the pogroms in what was then called “The Ukraine,” which was part of Russia or, later, the Soviet Union. On my mother’s side, my great-grandparents escaped Eastern Europe a generation earlier.

I was born in Los Angeles, about two years after the end of World War II. While I encountered some antisemitism during my childhood, I grew up primarily in the San Fernando Valley, then a burgeoning bedroom community of L.A. For the most part, my upbringing was almost idyllic—aside from the occasional fight when a classmate called me a “kike” and threatened me. As an Ashkenazi Jew, I was Caucasian and didn’t “look” Jewish by stereotypical standards. My family belonged to a temple—a schul—where I attended Sabbath services and spent four years in Hebrew school, three days a week after public school. In 1960, I became bar mitzvah—a “man of the commandments.”

Many members of our temple had escaped persecution in Eastern Europe, including Holocaust survivors. My father worked at the Grand Central Market in downtown L.A., and I often accompanied my mother there to shop and greet him. At the market, there was a French dip shop owned by two men, Sam and Dave, who bore tattoos on their forearms—haunting reminders of their time in Nazi concentration camps. I can still see those tattoos vividly. At the same time, I can almost taste the incredible lamb sandwiches I enjoyed at their shop—a bittersweet memory, tied to both resilience and survival.

I mention this because, even now, at nearly 78 years old, a part of me is always (metaphorically) looking over my shoulder, waiting for the other shoe to drop—for antisemitism to once again take center stage and threaten what has, so far, been a fulfilling life. I suspect this unease is part of our collective cultural memory—the nagging sense that our lives could be disrupted at any moment. With the current state of affairs in the U.S., as well as in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, that feeling is far more prevalent than ever before.

It’s already happening to immigrants from Mexico and Central and South America. The twisted logic of those in power—especially at DHS and ICE—suggests they’ll soon extend their oppressive policies to African Americans and others. They’re already questioning the citizenship rights of Indigenous people, who have been here for eons, likely because they don’t want them to vote. I also fear for both of my daughters, who we adopted from the People’s Republic of China. 

We cannot afford to sit idly by as the threads of decency and democracy are unraveled before our eyes. My life, shaped by the resilience of those who came before me and shadowed by the ever-present specter of hatred, is a testament to the fragility of freedom—and to the strength required to protect it. The scars of history are not just reminders; they are warnings. If we fail to act, if we fail to resist, we risk condemning future generations to relive the very horrors we swore never to forget. It is our duty—not just as Jews, immigrants, people of color, or any marginalized group, but as human beings—to stand together and demand a better, more just world. The fight for equity and compassion is not optional; it is essential. And it begins with each of us refusing to let fear or apathy win.

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18 January 2025

You Say You Want a Revolution

By Rick Ladd

I posted the following on Threads and want to share it here as well. Nearly 60 years ago I fervently hoped to see love conquer hate. It fueled my activity in the antiwar and antiracist movement during the 60s and 70s. I am deeply disappointed to see the U.S. going backwards, yet I take some solace in the phrase “The darkest hour is just before the dawn.” Here’s what I wrote:

I was prepared, and preparing, for a revolution as far back as the late 60s. I was a young man, full of piss, vinegar, and righteous indignation over a war of aggression by my country; a war that had already claimed the life of my best friend. Through my antiwar activities I had become aware of many of the realities of the U.S. that had been hidden from me, especially rampant racism and sexism.

I’m aware many of my fellow citizens have a hard time realizing just how bad things have been in this country. Consider this, and I believe this is pretty much common knowledge: most of the land that comprises the U.S. was already inhabited when the Pilgrims arrived here. Much of the infrastructure of our country was built by slaves or indentured servants, virtually all of whom were kept in appalling living conditions. The fucking White House was built with slave labor. Meanwhile, white people were building generational wealth while systematically preventing POC from doing the same.

Ever hear of Angel Island, where we kept Chinese immigrants from 1910 to 1940? I’m sure you’ve heard of the Japanese detention camps used during WWII. My in-laws were detained at the one in Colorado (Amache) for two years. Many of my wife’s relatives lost everything during those years. The number of horrendous things done by white people to POC is disgusting and worthy of retribution, certainly of derision and disgust. So, why am I bringing all of this up?

Well, As I said, I was prepared decades ago for a revolution in this country. We have been in a class war as long as we’ve existed. However, I came to realize as a straight, white man it wasn’t up to me to decide when and how such an event should be prosecuted. I am somewhat privileged and don’t believe I have the moral authority to ask for the kinds of sacrifice such an endeavor would require.

I am, however, ready to support an effort to free the working class from their servitude to the upper class. I believe capitalism has served whatever purpose it once had (moving us away from feudalism and slavery) and needs to be replaced by, at the very least, a form of democratic socialism. I don’t believe billionaires should be allowed to exist. Having that much money is immoral and should be illegal, IMO. All to say, I’m down with any attempt to upgrade this nation, by any means necessary. I prefer it to be peaceful, but people with far too much money are making that impossible.

Things most likely have to get a lot worse; some of the wealth has trickled down to us and too many of us are either comfortable or convinced wealth and privilege are just around the corner. I don’t believe we can continue along the path we’re following, and it’s not just maga or trump. Capitalism rewards greed and avarice. Money is god! Socialism, OTOH, at least attempts to put people first. That’s what I’d like to see. Who’s on board?

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15 November 2024

Paine’s Nightmare

By Rick Ladd

We’re about to find out just how many “summer soldiers and sunshine patriots” have managed to ascend to positions of power and influence in our country.

I fear such knowledge is going to be deeply disappointing and demoralizing. I will be surprised if even half of elected Democrats rise to the occasion. I hope I’m wrong.

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29 August 2024

Trump’s a Disgrace

By Rick Ladd

Look at these fucking ghouls! Smiles and thumbs-up? This should have been a solemn occasion, not a place to yuck it up. This may be one of the most disgusting things I have ever seen.

Trump disgraces memory of the fallen at Arlington National Cemetery.
Trump’s a Pig

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24 July 2024

Steve Bannon is no Leninist

By Rick Ladd

“Lenin wanted to destroy the state and that’s my goal too,” replied Bannon. “I want to bring everything crashing down and destroy all of today’s establishment.”

~ Steve Bannon

Bannon is an idiot. Lenin was a Marxist. He believed that economies and societies evolved and that capitalism created the preconditions for socialism, which would create the preconditions for communism, which would then evolve into anarchy. Not bomb-throwing anarchy, but the “withering away of the state”.

Lenin didn’t want to”destroy the state”. Rather, he believed—as did Marx, and as do I—that humans and our economic relationships will evolve (perhaps over centuries) to the point where the coercive institutions of the state, e.g. police, prisons, perhaps even government as we’re used to, would no longer be necessary.

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels adhered to the philosophy of dialectical materialism. They knew human economies were fluid over time and predicting the march of history was a fool’s errand. After the October Revolution the Russians made a major mistake by trying to move from a feudalistic economy to a socialistic one when the necessary preconditions didn’t exist.

Unfortunately, their (and Lenin’s) blunder still haunts us.

To reiterate – Steve Bannon, like far too many in his orbit, is an idiot.

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16 July 2024

Why Are People Giving In?

By Rick Ladd

In his book, “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons From The Twentieth Century”, the very first lesson Timothy Snyder presents us with is “Do not obey in advance”.


Yet this is precisely what the mainstream media (including MSNBC and even Comedy Central) are doing wrt the “candidacy” of Rapey McEarGotNicked. They’re cravenly removing shows that might “offend” Trumplethinskin, ostensibly in the forlorn hope that if he wins they’ll obtain or retain access to him during his admin, er reign as King of the World.

Another admonition from Snyder; “Be calm when the unthinkable arrives.” Unfortunately, if my admittedly unscientific analysis is correct, this is what far too many of us are doing on the daily. I say this because of a couple of things.


One – Facebook provides a range of reactions for posts and comments. These are “Like”, “Love”, “Care”, “Ha Ha”, “Wow”, “Sad”, and “Anger”. I see lots of people reacting to news of Mango Mussolini’s outlandish “positions” (especially Project 2025) with “Sad” rather than “Anger”. Being sad is debilitating. Being angry is energizing. It can, and should, lead to dogged determination to resist, whereas being sad leads to fear, anxiety, and panicked paralysis.

Two – On Threads which, despite being a META product like FB & IG, doesn’t provide for a range of reactions, I consistently read comments by people who are afraid or uncomfortable. Hardly any are angry at what’s going on with the Treason Weasel’s “campaign”.


What we face with the prospect of another Trump Presidency is objectively horrendous, yet many seem to be paralyzed and incapable of doing anything other than complaining and expressing their fear for the future.


Maybe I’m off base here, but I believe they are doing what Professor Snyder is admonishing us against, i.e. obeying in advance or, to put it more succinctly, giving up.


WE NEED TO DO BETTER. Only 112 days remain for us to educate and fire up the electorate, especially the large chunk of people who don’t ordinarily vote.

PS – I’m a 77-year-old, straight, cis gendered, white male who lives in SoCal, is retired, and has enough retirement income (thank you Social Security & Medicare) to squeak by almost no matter what happens. Nevertheless, I care about my fellow meat sacks and, especially, my two adopted girls. For this reason I will not obey, either in advance or afterward. There’s just too much at stake.

Hasta la victoria siempre. ¡Venceremos!

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