51 Comments

My goodness, but this was a deeply satisfying read.

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THANK YOOOOOOOOOOU!

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Thank you for calling out Bill Maher. Back in the day I was a fan. Now he just is unbearable. I have wondered if it’s just me. I’m a little old to be a “snowflake”.

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Is there an age limit on snowflake status? I ask somewhat seriously. Thanks.

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You had me at "masq off." And it was fascinating to hear about your time as a CNN contributor - I did not know how any of that worked! The very cute clip with Don Lemon was the icing on the cake. 10/10

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I love you!

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Kamau - I so appreciate your comments and you as a human being. As a Japanese American whose parents were interned during WWII, all of us non-white people should not have to carry this burden. White people everywhere need to speak out. No one spoke out when my parents and grandparents were put into camp. People watched George Floyd die and said "tsk, tsk, that is awful" and did nothing. And if you think you had nothing to do with my parents and grandparents, ask YOUR parents and grandparents why they said nothing.

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Thank you for your story. I really appreciate you sharing it.

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I have been raging, Ilene, that so few people know or aren’t taught about that time. I was born not long after WWII and my parents (z”l) taught me of all the blatant abuse to ensure I’d oppose it wherever it existed. I do. And “never again” should apply but doesn’t.

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Earlier today Paul Krugman wrote “ Oppose, oppose, oppose- and do it loudly!” And now your magnificent, powerful piece on calling balls and strikes. You guys are giving us strength …if not me, who? if not now, when? Thank you. I’m liking the good trouble you are making.

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Just doing like I was raised to do!

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And you have platforms in which to do it that get you many. Keep at it. As Leo Mellon wrote of Rabbi Hillel’s words, I concur. And we with less lofty platforms are too. Thank you for more to use.

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As we are confronted with this situation, I take comfort in your voice. You are a light.

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Thank you! It really helps me to hear from people that they appreciate the work.

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I'm tired already and it's been less than two weeks - laughter and optimism with bring us through 😬

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The least we can do is mock them relentlessly.

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My clever naming hat is missing! Perhaps I’m lazy - calling them “schmuck” or “putz”, or if Stephen Miller, “a Shanda” [Substack must think it’s a name; it capitalizes the “s”.] Your monikers for them are far more interesting.

The contagious laughing with Lemon was just what was needed. Sent to a colleague who became a friend when, at our first professional meeting together with others on a serious subject, it happened! We didn’t stop as well as you two did & had to leave the room. A bond for life.

Thank you for this and all. And did Steve King retire? Die? So many others of his ilk.

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This is a great Substack! TY for splaining how the Trumpublican Sonderkommandos came to be. I've been wondering whether they were snorting, mainlining, or freebasing. Seems like they're doing all of it.

Anyway, about the Hitler salute. It's been pointed out that if you look at Elon's face in that shot, it has no relation whatsoever to love or gratitude. Hitler did appreciate the crowd. Not that he cared about the Germans (read his will). What he really luved was all that adoration he got from them...he thought it was his due, cuz he knew he was God.

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Thanks for that historical perspective. This is why I love being on Substack!

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YW dood. I've studied the Nazis for 30 years, I might as well make some good use of it!

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Hi, my name is Helen, and I'm from Pennsylvania. (Why do I suddenly feel I'm in a 12-step meeting for recovering Christian fundamentalists?) I noticed that Laura Smith gave the Nazi salute with her left hand. Does this mean she's a dyslexic Nazi? (full disclosure--I am left handed and I am not dyslexic. (I mean no disrespect to dyslexics. This is my first comment here, please be kind!) (when it comes to numbers I am very dyslexic. If that's a thing.)

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I think the image is flipped because of TikTok. Look at her shirt. The writing is backwards.😁

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Oops. I have never been on Tock tick.

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Thank you so much for writing this.

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Thank you so much for reading this!

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Okay WE all know what Nazis are but apparently we are in the minority among our fellow citizens.

I consulted with the AI Metallama (the Dali Lama can identify Nazis easily) and this is what the bot proffered:

It's difficult to determine a precise percentage, but various surveys and studies suggest that many Americans lack a clear understanding of what a Nazi is, the ideology they represent, and the atrocities they committed.

A 2020 survey conducted by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany found that:

63% of Millennials (born 1981-1996) and Gen Z adults (born 1997-2012) did not know that six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust.

43% of all respondents were unable to identify Auschwitz as a concentration camp.

A 2019 survey by the Pew Research Center found that:

45% of Americans aged 18-29 did not know that Hitler was the leader of the Nazi Party.

29% of Americans aged 50 and older did not know this.

Another survey conducted in 2018 by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust found that:

1 in 5 Americans (20%) believed that the Holocaust was a myth or had been exaggerated.

1 in 10 Americans (10%) had never heard of the Holocaust.

These surveys suggest that there is a significant lack of knowledge and understanding about the Nazi regime, its ideology, and the atrocities it committed.

It's essential to continue educating people about this dark period in history to prevent similar atrocities from happening again.

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I am shocked at the numbers/percentages of uninformed people in your comment! I truly had no idea the Holocaust is becoming such a widely forgotten part of history.

But it does help to explain the lack of awareness and understanding of the dangers to our freedoms the recent election and decisions being made now by those in power. Our democracy can be destoyed step by step. It's terrifying....

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Check it for Japanese internment camps. Bet even greater numbers know even less. Now? None if that’s being taught which erases people again.

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Education matters! Been saying this since the doofus won the first time. (yes, full disclosure, I'm a teacher).

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And yes I consulted with the Salvatore Dali Lama because these statistics are just SURREAL!

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And if you’re a supporter/voter for trumpty-dumpty, then you automatically win All The Labels😱

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i'm with you, Kamau. call them all out! thank you

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We have no choice!!!

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Scott Jennings 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️, what a nut! Loved seeing Catherine go after him!!!

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Oh, thank god, a little sanity in all of this. Thanks W. Kamau. It's going to be a long 4 years.

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Oh bless you Kamau Bell. You are a hero. Stay safe and far away from anyone who wishes you harm. We are so lucky to have you advocating for the people and for the truth. Bravo you!!👏👏♥️

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