20 Comments
User's avatar
Lois's avatar

You're absolutely right and a voice of reason. But of course it's not as simple as that because trump and his gang are currently using anything they can to deprive any possible opponent of their right to freedom of speech. Any occurrence no matter how non inflammatory it may be that has the least hint of non worship of Dear Leader or his policies or positions, is used to extort compliance. And the institutions and corporations aren't as interested in defying autocracy as they are in saving themselves lost revenue, legal fees, trouble, turmoil, possible lost viewers on either side, etc. So they comply, they give in to blackmail which of course just emboldens the blackmailer. Not because they're afraid but because it's not worth the trouble.

LaurieRKing's avatar

It's interesting how "freedom of speech" is used to defend inflammatory remarks, until it comes from someone on the left....

Laurie

Tina Hoggatt's avatar

Thank you for this. It's a time to use one's voice if one can and I appreciate your thoughts on our current American life.

LaurieRKing's avatar

It's terribly important to keep raising one's voice, calmly but firmly.

Laurie

Diane's avatar

Very well said, as usual! Thank you for cutting through the weeds and stating the facts so clearly. It’s challenging to find the truth these days.

Beth A.'s avatar

Thank you so much for writing this.

LaurieRKing's avatar

Thanks for joining me here!

Laurie

Judy Dunworth's avatar

I am particularly appreciative of your writing about the Gruypers. It is the first time I have heard of them but I am so ancient - I don’t have any contact with gamer aged individuals - but I did wonder what the assassin had been reading to inform his action. What was he seeing online? And who, in our government, would be standing by to investigate that? Probably the now co-opted FBI who is described in current press as devastated by the Trump regime’s meddling with their investigators. I am always glad to hear your take on things.

LaurieRKing's avatar

The terrible dominance of revenge and oversimplification is going to take us generations to repair. The McCarthy hearings pale by comparison.

Laurie

Deejay K's avatar

Thank you, we are living thru some crazy and dangerous times, I truly appreciate any signs of normalcy. I hope things get better, it is so scary, but we will get through this.The violence and hatred are unbelievable, never thought this would happen in my lifetime.

LaurieRKing's avatar

Crazy indeed.

Keep steady!

Laurie

Kerry's avatar

I think we all have to try to speak up right now. This is no time for silent compliance. It’s hard to pick out the truth from the deluge of lies and conspiracy theories.

LaurieRKing's avatar

Trusted sources, indeed...

Laurie

Sandra Collins's avatar

This post clarified several elements of the situation for me that had gotten a little jumbled up by recent reporting. Thank you.

LaurieRKing's avatar

It has been a real jumble, hasn't it?

Laurie

Carrie's avatar

Professional provocateur is the best description of Kirk I’ve seen.

Jasmine Lambert's avatar

I think yours is a good analysis. In addition, I have speculated out loud that Robinson, confused as he was, might have also been engaged in an extreme kind of performance to demonstrate to his lover (aka "roommate) his devotion and love for him.

I discovered your substack today via your email to your followers. Regarding your recent surgery, I too have had spinal surgery (fusion, in my case, due to the spondy thing 15 years ago) and I will simply say, it was one of the most challenging things I've had to recover from - but it does get better! A lot better! Be patient and kind with yourself (as if you have a choice!)

LaurieRKing's avatar

Thanks, Jasmine, for your encouraging words!

Laurie King

Susan Thomas's avatar

It is also possible that the accused is a scapegoat, that the shot came from elsewhere. It's hard to believe the FBI and other parts of the administration would ever admit that. Plus it's so convenient for them to have Kirk as a martyr.