Last week, Jonathan Stickland — president of the far-right Defend Texas Liberty PAC and a former state representative — met with notorious white supremacist Nick Fuentes and other right-wing extremists. The meeting, first reported by the Texas Tribune, lasted “for several hours” at the headquarters of Pale Horse Strategies, a political consulting group owned by Stickland.
I lived in Texas is the 80s when Ann Richards was Governor. I am always stunned when I see what happened in Texas over 40 years. Billionaire money has been donated to contribute to the downfall of America state by state and nationally. Texas gets a prize though, for being knee deep in it. Every time I see Nick Fuentes I shudder. He is evil. Only one Rep, the one who got the smallest contribution, is willing to give it up? That speaks volumes to the state of Texas GOP.
Don't be stunned cathy b...I live in Texas and can say it's even worse than Judd's excellent report. The stink of Texas politics is overwhelming. If not for my grandkids I would be long gone. I too lived here when Ann Richards was Governor and the difference is unbelievable. Too many billionaires in this state have made it a cesspool.
So disgusting. Unfortunately, this trend has become the norm in this country... it's always about the money. If the white supremacists have it and are giving it, the GOP (or should we just call them MAGAts now?) are there to receive it. Doesn't matter who you are, or what you stand for--no matter how revolting-- if you've got the money, you've got the power. Just gross.
The Arab v. Israeli war fermenting in Gaza and Israel will bring this White Supremacist movement into sharp focus. Given that they are major Trump supporters, his values will be under deserved scrutiny. Before seeing this intensive examination of corrupt $ Texas right wing politics, I was still thinking about yesterday's news [cf.Lawrence O'Donnell MSNBC] about the Tennessee mayoral race of Gabrielle Hanson who was being "protected" by armed Nazi believers. So, here we go, nationwide, keep that light shining on those who proudly despise Jews (Nick Fuentes) and shun darker skinned people who don't support Trump.
How will Trump balance his loyalty for Bibi Netanyahu with his supportive American Right Wing White Supremacist Terrorist groups? [FBI Director Christopher Wray deemed them America's biggest threat back in 2020]
Our most pressing problems are created by rich capitalists who will do anything...exploiting people and resources...to win power/money. They are destroying and doing harm to people and the planet, and we must come to see excess wealth/power as evil. the uber rich, those that make lots of money from plastic and weapons are killing us all...it is past time that the pooling of wealth stop.
The last paragraph is the key. If the unquestioned Fuhrer--I mean, "leader"--of your political party whines and dines with an avowed neo-nazi, why wouldn't other members of the party think that it's perfectly fine to do it?
The only way the Republican Party, or what is left of it, can purge itself is to come out and totally disavow itself from Trump. Until this happens the Repubican Party will remain a home for people like Nick Fuentes.
It goes much deeper than not. What was the Republican Party is funded and controlled by Wealthy White Male Christian Nationalists intent on re-establishing pre-Civil War America.
As far as I'm concerned, all the repugnants are vile , disgusting, and anti-American ! They only care about their wealthy donors and keeping power, therefore, control ! The corruption in Texas is astounding! WTF were they even trying to prove with the crap that went on with Ken Paxton , indicating him , then exonerating him !!!! What was the point !! To show that the right wingers are alive and well in Texas !! I think, for myself, that Texas is too far down the rabbit hole to be saved until the " we the people " take a huge stand and fight against it !!
How did Texas become a state? Memory foggy before coffee. Time to send it back from whence it came along with the unbelievable Fuentes, not human in any way, shape or form. I would call him an animal but they are sentient loving beings which he is clearly not.
Unfortunately, Ms. Wilkins, the "we the people" of Texas get exactly who they want as elected leaders. The majority of Texas voters are victims of the very profitable dis-information industry and fervently believe what Fox and their many imitators spew daily. The corrupt leadership is the symptom of a sorry voter base. Unless we have the courage to regulate the dis-information industry, the democracy remains imperiled.
Of course not and it wasn’t my point. My point was the majority of Texas voters. I, too, am a Texas voter but, given the clown car of MAGA supported legislators in Austin, I rest my case.
Seems some Texans are trying to restore some semblance of what used to be the Republican party, notably Dade Phelan. Sadly, he efforts did not succeed in removing the incredibly corrupt Paxton, and here, his call to protect democratic process and integrity is dismissed. Sad. So very sad.
Repugs want little to no government, even advocating for almost none. (Not sure how that sevures law and order, but oh well). Some seem to want to adhere to some semblance of order. I certainly did not want to give the impression that Phelan is a hero. But bar has been set so low that any efforts at order seem sane.
Are people really fooled by "I don't know much about him"? You don't have a staff member Google before you meet with someone? Come on. That's the same level as 'that's not who I am". Yes, it is.
I have voiced your exact thoughts, so many times. All that money could be used for the cause of good. But these people who control so much money, they are not particularly good people.
I have to admit comments like this from a guy with a last name Fuentes always makes me wonder “ he’s seeking a “total Aryan victory.”” … at least from what I learned in school in Germany (post war) Hitler’s use of Aryan didn’t expand to the broader interpretation that some Indian and Persian people have mentioned to me and that I assume Fuentes seems to subscribe to. Even though I haven’t heard that it ever included Mexicans.
The idea that someone like me who mostly skims the news and social media knows who and what Nick Fuentes is but state level politicians with entire staffs dedicated to making sure they never meet anyone they aren't briefed on don't know anything about him is suspect to say the least.
I lived in Texas is the 80s when Ann Richards was Governor. I am always stunned when I see what happened in Texas over 40 years. Billionaire money has been donated to contribute to the downfall of America state by state and nationally. Texas gets a prize though, for being knee deep in it. Every time I see Nick Fuentes I shudder. He is evil. Only one Rep, the one who got the smallest contribution, is willing to give it up? That speaks volumes to the state of Texas GOP.
Excellent reporting.
Don't be stunned cathy b...I live in Texas and can say it's even worse than Judd's excellent report. The stink of Texas politics is overwhelming. If not for my grandkids I would be long gone. I too lived here when Ann Richards was Governor and the difference is unbelievable. Too many billionaires in this state have made it a cesspool.
A hug to you and your family. Can't think of any other solace for what must be Horrific
Thank you cathy b
Money talks everywhere and in too many places (especially it seems Texas) it buys unprincipled power.
I need a shower after reading that. Horrific
Same here. I'm like ugh, thanks for digging through this garbage pile so I can know about the latest heinous carrying on in the party of Putin.
“I never met him. I don’t know him. He’s not my type.” This refrain sounds recently familiar for some reason.
So disgusting. Unfortunately, this trend has become the norm in this country... it's always about the money. If the white supremacists have it and are giving it, the GOP (or should we just call them MAGAts now?) are there to receive it. Doesn't matter who you are, or what you stand for--no matter how revolting-- if you've got the money, you've got the power. Just gross.
The Arab v. Israeli war fermenting in Gaza and Israel will bring this White Supremacist movement into sharp focus. Given that they are major Trump supporters, his values will be under deserved scrutiny. Before seeing this intensive examination of corrupt $ Texas right wing politics, I was still thinking about yesterday's news [cf.Lawrence O'Donnell MSNBC] about the Tennessee mayoral race of Gabrielle Hanson who was being "protected" by armed Nazi believers. So, here we go, nationwide, keep that light shining on those who proudly despise Jews (Nick Fuentes) and shun darker skinned people who don't support Trump.
How will Trump balance his loyalty for Bibi Netanyahu with his supportive American Right Wing White Supremacist Terrorist groups? [FBI Director Christopher Wray deemed them America's biggest threat back in 2020]
Trump trashed Netanyahu and praised Hezbolla yesterday.
We are not surprised!
Good question in last paragraph. He would have cognitive dissonance if he had a brain.
Our most pressing problems are created by rich capitalists who will do anything...exploiting people and resources...to win power/money. They are destroying and doing harm to people and the planet, and we must come to see excess wealth/power as evil. the uber rich, those that make lots of money from plastic and weapons are killing us all...it is past time that the pooling of wealth stop.
The last paragraph is the key. If the unquestioned Fuhrer--I mean, "leader"--of your political party whines and dines with an avowed neo-nazi, why wouldn't other members of the party think that it's perfectly fine to do it?
The only way the Republican Party, or what is left of it, can purge itself is to come out and totally disavow itself from Trump. Until this happens the Repubican Party will remain a home for people like Nick Fuentes.
It goes much deeper than not. What was the Republican Party is funded and controlled by Wealthy White Male Christian Nationalists intent on re-establishing pre-Civil War America.
You are indeed spot on!
As far as I'm concerned, all the repugnants are vile , disgusting, and anti-American ! They only care about their wealthy donors and keeping power, therefore, control ! The corruption in Texas is astounding! WTF were they even trying to prove with the crap that went on with Ken Paxton , indicating him , then exonerating him !!!! What was the point !! To show that the right wingers are alive and well in Texas !! I think, for myself, that Texas is too far down the rabbit hole to be saved until the " we the people " take a huge stand and fight against it !!
How did Texas become a state? Memory foggy before coffee. Time to send it back from whence it came along with the unbelievable Fuentes, not human in any way, shape or form. I would call him an animal but they are sentient loving beings which he is clearly not.
Unfortunately, Ms. Wilkins, the "we the people" of Texas get exactly who they want as elected leaders. The majority of Texas voters are victims of the very profitable dis-information industry and fervently believe what Fox and their many imitators spew daily. The corrupt leadership is the symptom of a sorry voter base. Unless we have the courage to regulate the dis-information industry, the democracy remains imperiled.
Not every Texan.
Of course not and it wasn’t my point. My point was the majority of Texas voters. I, too, am a Texas voter but, given the clown car of MAGA supported legislators in Austin, I rest my case.
An embarrassment to me every day. It was whiplash to me when Rove foisted W on Texas voters in 1994.
Seems some Texans are trying to restore some semblance of what used to be the Republican party, notably Dade Phelan. Sadly, he efforts did not succeed in removing the incredibly corrupt Paxton, and here, his call to protect democratic process and integrity is dismissed. Sad. So very sad.
Phelan is no hero. It’s vile against vile. Wish there was an iota of sanity.
Repugs want little to no government, even advocating for almost none. (Not sure how that sevures law and order, but oh well). Some seem to want to adhere to some semblance of order. I certainly did not want to give the impression that Phelan is a hero. But bar has been set so low that any efforts at order seem sane.
Totally agree, but can’t quite get to sane…
Boy, you uncover things, Judd! Reading you is to our benefit always. (But it’s all shocking!)
Are people really fooled by "I don't know much about him"? You don't have a staff member Google before you meet with someone? Come on. That's the same level as 'that's not who I am". Yes, it is.
Yes it’s called plausible deniability.
Old but true aphorism: Tell me who your friends are and I will know who you are.
I’m so sick of this crap
The amount of money that could be used for good
Wow Wow & Wow
I have voiced your exact thoughts, so many times. All that money could be used for the cause of good. But these people who control so much money, they are not particularly good people.
I have to admit comments like this from a guy with a last name Fuentes always makes me wonder “ he’s seeking a “total Aryan victory.”” … at least from what I learned in school in Germany (post war) Hitler’s use of Aryan didn’t expand to the broader interpretation that some Indian and Persian people have mentioned to me and that I assume Fuentes seems to subscribe to. Even though I haven’t heard that it ever included Mexicans.
The idea that someone like me who mostly skims the news and social media knows who and what Nick Fuentes is but state level politicians with entire staffs dedicated to making sure they never meet anyone they aren't briefed on don't know anything about him is suspect to say the least.