Even by your own standards, this is a really terrific piece. The descriptions of the house goons, and the tumbleweed American institutions of the future, are masterly. And on Zelensky: bravo. Also, I'm sure you noticed that in his press conference Trump said both a) that Biden didn't know what he was signing or what his government was doing, and b) that America was honoured to host and admit Chinese students, mere days after Rubio said that their visas were being revoked. You really couldn't make it up...
I like the writing too, funny, but also pointing out the complete failure of those sent to Congress to actually do their job - scrutinise the legislation that they are voting on. It’s really the only job that is expected of them. Teachers should teach. Bankers should keep an eye on your savings. People elected to Congress should carefully read every piece of legislation that they are going to vote on. If you’re not up to it resign & find a new role in life.
Also, don’t name legislation. I remember “the Patriot Act” passed after 9/11. I’m sure most of its provisions were worthwhile & sensible, but clearly the name made it difficult to vote against - even if you thought it could be improved. This Big Beautiful Ball of Nonsense Act would I imagine be better if just labelled “Budget Bill 68435/C43” encouraging legislators to think “what a weird name - I wonder what’s in it?”
Such a great piece. I am less than ten years from retirement, and it sickens me that I have worked hard my entire life to have to spend what are supposed to be my golden years in the third world dystopia this country is rapidly becoming.
Re-reading this it gets better. What do you do when your President/King seems a little off? Reach for a copy of “Meditations in an Emergency” as seen in MadMen being read by Don Draper.
If history is a guide then don’t worry (too much), George III went a little strange for a while and life went on and it finally led to a period that we know as “the Regency” which had some good architecture. I think George got better in the end. So it all sort of worked out in the end, although I think Britain lost a colony. But they were getting a bit troublesome, so it was all okay in the end.
Your observations are absolutely brilliant, Tina. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry as I read you. Am about 2/3 of the way through ‘Vanity Fair Diaries’ … so delicious!
Elected representatives discovering with shock and horror that the bill they just voted for contains a publicly unpopular or irresponsible provision that, they protest, would have compelled them to vote “nay” if only they’d had time to read the bill is nothing new I’m afraid! That way they get to avoid becoming a Trump target while ingratiating themselves with their leadership and at the same time magically sidestepping the accountability to voters that they committed to when they ran for office and won.
Key negative harangue phrase slap back DT insulted Zelly in the White Christian nationalist thug room viz "U don't have the cards" was blown to total shit along with half of the Russian bomber wing that delivers cruise missiles I heard a commentator on PBS drop that rocked and roiled as one of the most daring and successful long range drone campaigns ever the Uke's r leading the world with n I say yeeooowww! to.
You always nail it with your words-I resort to your many humorous and serious analogies weeks after you write them. You’re like the anti dote to the onslaught of redundant babble that permeates our eyes and ears.
Your point that a 1,000 page bill is written with the understanding that politicians will not even attempt to read it is spot on. Given eight hours, that bill is guaranteed to go unread. If Elon Musk did not even see the bill, how could he be so demonstrative in his criticism? I appreciated your synopsis of Zelensky’s attack using drones. Another readout loud piece. 🤗
OMG, "two childlike ball clangers"--I bow to your Everest-level skill with our mother tongue 😂
Always my favourite Substack of the week but I had better not say anymore because I am frightened of writing “vomit draft”
Even by your own standards, this is a really terrific piece. The descriptions of the house goons, and the tumbleweed American institutions of the future, are masterly. And on Zelensky: bravo. Also, I'm sure you noticed that in his press conference Trump said both a) that Biden didn't know what he was signing or what his government was doing, and b) that America was honoured to host and admit Chinese students, mere days after Rubio said that their visas were being revoked. You really couldn't make it up...
I like the writing too, funny, but also pointing out the complete failure of those sent to Congress to actually do their job - scrutinise the legislation that they are voting on. It’s really the only job that is expected of them. Teachers should teach. Bankers should keep an eye on your savings. People elected to Congress should carefully read every piece of legislation that they are going to vote on. If you’re not up to it resign & find a new role in life.
Also, don’t name legislation. I remember “the Patriot Act” passed after 9/11. I’m sure most of its provisions were worthwhile & sensible, but clearly the name made it difficult to vote against - even if you thought it could be improved. This Big Beautiful Ball of Nonsense Act would I imagine be better if just labelled “Budget Bill 68435/C43” encouraging legislators to think “what a weird name - I wonder what’s in it?”
The autobiography I most look forward to reading is Zelensky‘s— when he has time to write it, which I pray to God he soon will.
Love the brilliant and razor sharp insights. Could not agree more.
Slava Ukraini!
Glory to Ukraine!
"Vomit draft!" How I love that phrase. What a fun bashing column, a welcome relief.
Such a great piece. I am less than ten years from retirement, and it sickens me that I have worked hard my entire life to have to spend what are supposed to be my golden years in the third world dystopia this country is rapidly becoming.
Re-reading this it gets better. What do you do when your President/King seems a little off? Reach for a copy of “Meditations in an Emergency” as seen in MadMen being read by Don Draper.
If history is a guide then don’t worry (too much), George III went a little strange for a while and life went on and it finally led to a period that we know as “the Regency” which had some good architecture. I think George got better in the end. So it all sort of worked out in the end, although I think Britain lost a colony. But they were getting a bit troublesome, so it was all okay in the end.
You write, "The threat of Russian aggression feels much less notional in Europe than in the U.S."
Not in Alaska it doesn't.
Just listened to excerpts of the shameful meeting with Chancellor of Germany. I can’t stop cringing and my face is red hot with shame for the U.S.
Your observations are absolutely brilliant, Tina. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry as I read you. Am about 2/3 of the way through ‘Vanity Fair Diaries’ … so delicious!
I cried. Tina is so spot on!
Elected representatives discovering with shock and horror that the bill they just voted for contains a publicly unpopular or irresponsible provision that, they protest, would have compelled them to vote “nay” if only they’d had time to read the bill is nothing new I’m afraid! That way they get to avoid becoming a Trump target while ingratiating themselves with their leadership and at the same time magically sidestepping the accountability to voters that they committed to when they ran for office and won.
Key negative harangue phrase slap back DT insulted Zelly in the White Christian nationalist thug room viz "U don't have the cards" was blown to total shit along with half of the Russian bomber wing that delivers cruise missiles I heard a commentator on PBS drop that rocked and roiled as one of the most daring and successful long range drone campaigns ever the Uke's r leading the world with n I say yeeooowww! to.
You always nail it with your words-I resort to your many humorous and serious analogies weeks after you write them. You’re like the anti dote to the onslaught of redundant babble that permeates our eyes and ears.
Your point that a 1,000 page bill is written with the understanding that politicians will not even attempt to read it is spot on. Given eight hours, that bill is guaranteed to go unread. If Elon Musk did not even see the bill, how could he be so demonstrative in his criticism? I appreciated your synopsis of Zelensky’s attack using drones. Another readout loud piece. 🤗