I came to Knoxville from Durham, NC in 1985. At that point, NC was slipping from progressive endeavors (Research Triangle Park, improving public education, etc) towards regressive, right-leaning meanness. There were many similarities already then (Jessie Helms) with east Tennessee, but the magnitude of corruption was daunting; Knoxville politics were dominated by blatantly dishonorable, even illegal actions. Fortunately the judicial forces provided some corrections.
As now, the seduction of regressive voices was confusing: why do so many support politicians & policies that work against most citizens’ well-being? As with Trump & Lee & Blackburn & most Republican state legislators, fear, distrust, & designating adversaries as responsible for the distress are drilled into citizens’ heads & hearts. These negative messages activate the adrenal systems of believers, elevating cortisol levels, inhibiting critical thinking. Stilling frontal lobes, while elevating primitive limbic responses, these distressing messages bring us MAGA madness, anti-democratic decreased public school funding & increased funding for private schools, resistance to increased gun-control measures, denial of climate crisis, etc, etc.
It is all so obvious, and, yet, clearly effective. Christian nationalism - its very name says, “anti-constitutional.” But here we go…
Enjoyed reading your article today. Calling out the folks that make our lives harder and more dangerous. I will never understand the banning of books, taking public school funds to be used in private schools, the no-exception ban on abortion and the demoralization of gay and trans citizens. Plus, the lack of gun control for all citizens. Thank you for your opinions and honesty. Please keep it up.
Where are the Tennessee Republican leaders of just a few years ago? I'm thinking particularly of Corker and Alexander and, to a somewhat lesser extent, Haslam. Surely they are appalled by the current state of their party, and yet they say nothing. Do they believe their voices no longer matter? Do they fear for their safety if they speak out? And, while it may be irrelevant, what do their children think?
I used to be a Lamar booster but I hold him partially responsible and very accountable for us still stuck with Trump and his cult. His cowardice when a lame duck during the impeachment process was puzzling and sickening. He KNEW better! What a way to tarnish a career.
I’m reading this while vacationing in Europe. Many here also worry about the fascination and flirtation with the far right. I saw a man waving a large “Trump was Right” banner in a public square. I wanted to ask him about what and why the heck he was in Ireland waving an idiotic flag. It’s fair to say that many here (not all) think Trump is a threat to the world order and hope against hope he loses in November. They still see us as a beacon of hope in a scary world.
Good commentary, Keel. This country has always been great & still is. Those who wear the MAGA hats & drink Trump kool-aid are trying their best to take it down.
Can’t wait for your take on the Debate after June 27! 😉
Happy Sunday Evening Keel! Sure hope you are feeling better and well on the road to recovery.
You hit on so many important points, all of which are a major concern to me. Growing up my Dad had a job with “The Government” installing guidance systems in things that flew for the military. We traveled to almost all of the 50 States so when our family would go on vacation we went abroad. An incredible learning experience for my Brothers and Sisters. As you know I lived abroad in South America on and off for a few years and married Inés my better half for more than 47 years.
The travel has taught me to consider other people’s views and cultures from an early age, something my Sons have also learned.
Democracies are in jeopardy not only in Europe, but in Central, South America, Asia and Africa. We , the U.S.A., used to be looked at as President Regan has said, that light on the hill. The Republican Party he represented is long gone with Trump blaming NATO for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as late as last night. All of the issues you mentioned are connected, becoming isolationist country, this Christian Nationalism, Public Funds for Private Schools, not repairing our immigration system, blaming people of color and the like will not make us a better country. Vote, Vote, Vote these clowns out of office! It’s getting scary!
I too was lucky enough to have a big Zenith Trans-Oceanic in the house. I tried to download the Substack app but stopped when it asked for access to my Contacts. I s that the only way to read the your entire posts? Best, Doug (Cruickshanks)
What a sad state of affairs we are in. I am proud that some few Republicans stand their ground. Joe Biden may in fact be old. A little older than me. However, I will proudly vote for him. His staff and others surrounding him are more than capable. Travel is an excellent education.
I came to Knoxville from Durham, NC in 1985. At that point, NC was slipping from progressive endeavors (Research Triangle Park, improving public education, etc) towards regressive, right-leaning meanness. There were many similarities already then (Jessie Helms) with east Tennessee, but the magnitude of corruption was daunting; Knoxville politics were dominated by blatantly dishonorable, even illegal actions. Fortunately the judicial forces provided some corrections.
As now, the seduction of regressive voices was confusing: why do so many support politicians & policies that work against most citizens’ well-being? As with Trump & Lee & Blackburn & most Republican state legislators, fear, distrust, & designating adversaries as responsible for the distress are drilled into citizens’ heads & hearts. These negative messages activate the adrenal systems of believers, elevating cortisol levels, inhibiting critical thinking. Stilling frontal lobes, while elevating primitive limbic responses, these distressing messages bring us MAGA madness, anti-democratic decreased public school funding & increased funding for private schools, resistance to increased gun-control measures, denial of climate crisis, etc, etc.
It is all so obvious, and, yet, clearly effective. Christian nationalism - its very name says, “anti-constitutional.” But here we go…
Enjoyed reading your article today. Calling out the folks that make our lives harder and more dangerous. I will never understand the banning of books, taking public school funds to be used in private schools, the no-exception ban on abortion and the demoralization of gay and trans citizens. Plus, the lack of gun control for all citizens. Thank you for your opinions and honesty. Please keep it up.
Thanks, Diane. More to come soon on that public/private school funding quagmire.
Where are the Tennessee Republican leaders of just a few years ago? I'm thinking particularly of Corker and Alexander and, to a somewhat lesser extent, Haslam. Surely they are appalled by the current state of their party, and yet they say nothing. Do they believe their voices no longer matter? Do they fear for their safety if they speak out? And, while it may be irrelevant, what do their children think?
Good and timely questions all.
I used to be a Lamar booster but I hold him partially responsible and very accountable for us still stuck with Trump and his cult. His cowardice when a lame duck during the impeachment process was puzzling and sickening. He KNEW better! What a way to tarnish a career.
I’m reading this while vacationing in Europe. Many here also worry about the fascination and flirtation with the far right. I saw a man waving a large “Trump was Right” banner in a public square. I wanted to ask him about what and why the heck he was in Ireland waving an idiotic flag. It’s fair to say that many here (not all) think Trump is a threat to the world order and hope against hope he loses in November. They still see us as a beacon of hope in a scary world.
Thanks, Rod.
So you're in Ireland today?
Yep, on to Paris and Normandy next week. Cooler here!
Always comforting to see rational thoughts in an exceedingly irrational world.
Good commentary, Keel. This country has always been great & still is. Those who wear the MAGA hats & drink Trump kool-aid are trying their best to take it down.
Can’t wait for your take on the Debate after June 27! 😉
Happy Sunday Evening Keel! Sure hope you are feeling better and well on the road to recovery.
You hit on so many important points, all of which are a major concern to me. Growing up my Dad had a job with “The Government” installing guidance systems in things that flew for the military. We traveled to almost all of the 50 States so when our family would go on vacation we went abroad. An incredible learning experience for my Brothers and Sisters. As you know I lived abroad in South America on and off for a few years and married Inés my better half for more than 47 years.
The travel has taught me to consider other people’s views and cultures from an early age, something my Sons have also learned.
Democracies are in jeopardy not only in Europe, but in Central, South America, Asia and Africa. We , the U.S.A., used to be looked at as President Regan has said, that light on the hill. The Republican Party he represented is long gone with Trump blaming NATO for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as late as last night. All of the issues you mentioned are connected, becoming isolationist country, this Christian Nationalism, Public Funds for Private Schools, not repairing our immigration system, blaming people of color and the like will not make us a better country. Vote, Vote, Vote these clowns out of office! It’s getting scary!
I too was lucky enough to have a big Zenith Trans-Oceanic in the house. I tried to download the Substack app but stopped when it asked for access to my Contacts. I s that the only way to read the your entire posts? Best, Doug (Cruickshanks)
What a sad state of affairs we are in. I am proud that some few Republicans stand their ground. Joe Biden may in fact be old. A little older than me. However, I will proudly vote for him. His staff and others surrounding him are more than capable. Travel is an excellent education.