As the elitist enclave in Park City Utah, otherwise known as the Sundance Film Festival gets underway, two stories have made news. First, according to the Wall Street Journal, participants had to sign a loyalty pledge to ensure they followed the strict new code of the new Left. Second, a secret Bret Kavanaugh documentary was screening there with what promised to be “explosive new allegations.”
Sasha’s perspective on current events is refreshing; direct and to the point but not judgmental, introspective but not preachy, and she calls balls and strikes on both sides of the political spectrum. If we could return the public discourse to this level of decorum, we’d all be better for it. I look forward to her posts..
Here is how this author and Substack are evolving for me; Sasha provides insights on current topics and develops the story with substantial experience, bares her soul in personal perspectives, and invites the reader to reflect on their own perspectives and biases. Then, the audience weighs in with their thoughts and views; many of which I have learned so much from. Thank-you all. This is great way for me to keep learning and staying mindful in this crazy world.
I really think that a lot of establishment types used Trump as an opportunity to embrace their worst totalitarian impulses. Can't have free speech anymore, too dangerous. Can't have due process now, we know who's guilty if you want that you must love criminals.
Also I think Democrats made a major mistake with their hysteria in 2016. There was and are many problems with Donald Trump, but they always went overboard in the criticism and with their reactions. Like the Access Hollywood tape as you mentioned, or the famous comment about how he could shoot someone on Madison Ave and not lose support. It's obviously hyperbole and not meant literally but I can't tell you how many people pretended it was meant literally.
I enjoy reading your pieces because you are self-aware. Even if at some point, I begin to disagree with your conclusions, I will still appreciate that about you.
Hillary Clinton was honestly the point at which the Democrat Party most obviously became what it is: a party based on identity politics behind which hide a lot of very awful people, Clinton being one of them. I'm not saying the country would have gone round the bend if Hillary had become president. But I am saying that, in contrast to your impression of her, my impression was of someone without a principle she wouldn't contradict if it meant power, including remaining with a philandering husband because Hillary Rodham didn't poll as well in focus groups and pretending (along with her boss) that they had done Libya a favor leaving three people to die horrid deaths and then blaming it on a video of all things. It was all too much, especially after the way they treated Bernie and forced the Democrat Party to "crown" her rather than her earning the spot. Even though I had up to the point for more than a decade primarily voted Democrat, I couldn't do it when it came to her. And then when you become the enemy of all that's "good" because you dared to vote for the Orange Hitler, well, you sort of have your eyes opened.
As for the "loyalty pledge," they are trying to "shape" reality, but to "shape" reality, you have to have everyone on board.
"what a coming together of ghastly things, vengeful, petty malicious people who don’t really have a case, and fearful powerful people looking to protect themselves. It’s grotesque.”
Sounds just like Democrats but more importantly, exactly like Hollywood
Wow. What the hell happened to Doug Liman? Until now, I associated him with highly enjoyable films like, "Swingers," and the Bourne installments he directed – now, those vehicles are of someone whose work I don't recognize, anymore.
I recall Bill Whittle once predicting that the next Republican nominee (and likely president) would come from the entertainment industry – he was proven correct with the election of Trump.
When Whittle made that prediction, the inference, on my part, would be because most of the younger voters wouldn't have the attention span to listen to reasoned, well-constructed arguments that required both abstract and critical thinking – it's unclear whether I've been proven correct.
Donald Trump is many things: polarizing, abrasive, coarse – but he is also patriotic, occasionally too emotional, and too trusting of the people who are supposed to be protecting his best interests. The left will never admit it, but one reason they hate Trump is because he possesses character. Even IF even part of that Billy Bush hit job was even remotely true, how was Trump (now as much a product of Hollywood as he was of corporate enterprise), any different than Weinstein (who was still revered among the ultra-hip Hollywood crowd like Holly Hunter), or any other slimy predator like the guy who demanded oral sex from a fourteen-year old girl?
I still contend that the only reason the #metoo movement got any traction was because some editor at the NYT ignored the memo and published the very first story. That editor likely lost his/her job, and while it wasn't a bad thing that such people were finally exposed, the biggest casualty was due process as it became clear that it had no place in social media.
The hell that was to be paid, and is still being paid today, would be a now seven-year temper tantrum because the female Al Gore didn't win the election. The grand delusion: all the polls that indicated Hillary would win in a landslide, all the pundits on the Sunday "news" shows, all the late-night TV show hosts, the galaxy of cool Hollywood stars like George "Mr. Self Righteous" Clooney, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Tom Hanks, et al., the "women" of The View, the entire cast and crew of SNL, all convinced that Hillary would win the election, and when reality hit them squarely in the face, there was only wailing, gnashing of teeth, and all but the rending of garments, but there would be no acceptance, ever. Instead, we got a Russian hoax, and a new editorial standard to refer to Trump's presidency as illegitimate, and lies about Kavanaugh, Barrett, and anyone and anything else Trump sought to accomplish.
I love your hope, Sasha, that common sense may one day make even a limited comeback, but I fear that Rubicon has been crossed. I also hope that I am proven to be wrong, on this.
If everyone, women and men, took the journey you have taken in the last few years, America would be a much better place. Through your writing now, you are helping to bring that about.
Honestly I never understood the total hysteria over Trump. I didn’t take him seriously at first, but once he won I took a “wait and see” approach (kind of like what Chappelle said in his SNL monologue, but then got vilified by wokesters and had to backtrack). And a side of me was glad he won because I seriously hated Hillary (still do, I voted Green Party like I usually do).
Regarding his sexist “locker room talk”, I also recognized it as him just talking shit even though it was trashy. And the hypocrisy from the Democrats astounded me in that they had pussy hat parades over this, but gave Bill Clinton a pass after he received an adulterous bj IN the oval office! That was much more egregious IMO. I’m not sure I can ever go back to being a Democrat and will remain Independent the rest of my life...
When Hillary sicced the White House dogs (Carville and his ilk) on the few courageous women who came forward to speak their “truths to power,” she demonstrated her true colors to all who would see...the only thing that mattered in life, the only principle she held dear, was the political advancement of Bill and herself.
I wondered at that moment what vile names she would have called my wife, sister, or granddaughters had they the misfortune to have been caught alone with Bill Clinton and the courage to tell the world about it.
Many were so blinded at the time that they could not see Hillary for what she was...but the truly pernicious chose to ignore what they knew in their heart of hearts to be true in order to advance their own political agendas.
Hillary is who she is. She will not change, nor should we expect her to!
Goosebumps again...you never disappoint. Thanks for such an enlightened narrative of what's going on and again the light of hope is seen in the distance and you're holding it!
I wonder what alternate history would look like if Bill Clinton had become the first spouse. Part of me thinks the ridiculous lengths of Me Too (every woman certainly needs to be taken seriously and heard, but believed?) I think the ridiculousness of what the movement became might have something to do with the fact that with Bill Clinton in office it wouldn't have happened at all. And given the choice between Bill and Trump, we need to ask what system gave us that choice. One side does not have moral superiority.
I never liked Bill Clinton. Early on, when they gave the mea culpa to 60 Minutes, he reminded me of me in high school, saying anything to get in a girl's shirt. The difference was, I grew up and stopped before I even left high school and he just kept doing it throughout his life. I began to actually hate Bill Clinton as I watched him sell out his voters on trade and then the whole Monica Lewinski thing. By the time she came along, he knew exactly what he was doing and he knew exactly what the stakes were for her. Additionally, he bore the Presidency of the Untied States and he had a duty to protect our citizens - even Monica - and a duty to sacrifice his personal desires to the greater good. The people who say whatever the President wants in their private life is their own business, I feel are naive as to what the Presidency is.
On trade, economics, and working people, I supported first Bernie and then Trump. They absolutely were a complete repudiation of every aspect of Clinton's Presidency and those who followed. As an employer and business owner - as an American manufacturer - I can tell you that Trump did reverse the 24 preceding years of contempt for American workers and producers. My employees and then my own self, saw solid gains and a complete reversal of that previous contempt. Under Biden, we've lost every gain in wages and security that Trump brought us. Biden has put us back to where we were - maybe worse - long term.
I will never understand the hatred for Trump. I can understand why some people don't like him, but I will never understand the hatred. Moreover, I don't understand how so many Americans would root for the continued degrading of the production class in our nation. We deserve to be treated with decency.
Sasha’s perspective on current events is refreshing; direct and to the point but not judgmental, introspective but not preachy, and she calls balls and strikes on both sides of the political spectrum. If we could return the public discourse to this level of decorum, we’d all be better for it. I look forward to her posts..
Here is how this author and Substack are evolving for me; Sasha provides insights on current topics and develops the story with substantial experience, bares her soul in personal perspectives, and invites the reader to reflect on their own perspectives and biases. Then, the audience weighs in with their thoughts and views; many of which I have learned so much from. Thank-you all. This is great way for me to keep learning and staying mindful in this crazy world.
I really think that a lot of establishment types used Trump as an opportunity to embrace their worst totalitarian impulses. Can't have free speech anymore, too dangerous. Can't have due process now, we know who's guilty if you want that you must love criminals.
Also I think Democrats made a major mistake with their hysteria in 2016. There was and are many problems with Donald Trump, but they always went overboard in the criticism and with their reactions. Like the Access Hollywood tape as you mentioned, or the famous comment about how he could shoot someone on Madison Ave and not lose support. It's obviously hyperbole and not meant literally but I can't tell you how many people pretended it was meant literally.
Really enjoyed the post. It's clearly time to move beyond this toxic ideology.
I enjoy reading your pieces because you are self-aware. Even if at some point, I begin to disagree with your conclusions, I will still appreciate that about you.
Hillary Clinton was honestly the point at which the Democrat Party most obviously became what it is: a party based on identity politics behind which hide a lot of very awful people, Clinton being one of them. I'm not saying the country would have gone round the bend if Hillary had become president. But I am saying that, in contrast to your impression of her, my impression was of someone without a principle she wouldn't contradict if it meant power, including remaining with a philandering husband because Hillary Rodham didn't poll as well in focus groups and pretending (along with her boss) that they had done Libya a favor leaving three people to die horrid deaths and then blaming it on a video of all things. It was all too much, especially after the way they treated Bernie and forced the Democrat Party to "crown" her rather than her earning the spot. Even though I had up to the point for more than a decade primarily voted Democrat, I couldn't do it when it came to her. And then when you become the enemy of all that's "good" because you dared to vote for the Orange Hitler, well, you sort of have your eyes opened.
As for the "loyalty pledge," they are trying to "shape" reality, but to "shape" reality, you have to have everyone on board.
"what a coming together of ghastly things, vengeful, petty malicious people who don’t really have a case, and fearful powerful people looking to protect themselves. It’s grotesque.”
Sounds just like Democrats but more importantly, exactly like Hollywood
Sasha, your writing has become must-read pieces. Keep up the great work!
Wow. What the hell happened to Doug Liman? Until now, I associated him with highly enjoyable films like, "Swingers," and the Bourne installments he directed – now, those vehicles are of someone whose work I don't recognize, anymore.
I recall Bill Whittle once predicting that the next Republican nominee (and likely president) would come from the entertainment industry – he was proven correct with the election of Trump.
When Whittle made that prediction, the inference, on my part, would be because most of the younger voters wouldn't have the attention span to listen to reasoned, well-constructed arguments that required both abstract and critical thinking – it's unclear whether I've been proven correct.
Donald Trump is many things: polarizing, abrasive, coarse – but he is also patriotic, occasionally too emotional, and too trusting of the people who are supposed to be protecting his best interests. The left will never admit it, but one reason they hate Trump is because he possesses character. Even IF even part of that Billy Bush hit job was even remotely true, how was Trump (now as much a product of Hollywood as he was of corporate enterprise), any different than Weinstein (who was still revered among the ultra-hip Hollywood crowd like Holly Hunter), or any other slimy predator like the guy who demanded oral sex from a fourteen-year old girl?
I still contend that the only reason the #metoo movement got any traction was because some editor at the NYT ignored the memo and published the very first story. That editor likely lost his/her job, and while it wasn't a bad thing that such people were finally exposed, the biggest casualty was due process as it became clear that it had no place in social media.
The hell that was to be paid, and is still being paid today, would be a now seven-year temper tantrum because the female Al Gore didn't win the election. The grand delusion: all the polls that indicated Hillary would win in a landslide, all the pundits on the Sunday "news" shows, all the late-night TV show hosts, the galaxy of cool Hollywood stars like George "Mr. Self Righteous" Clooney, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Tom Hanks, et al., the "women" of The View, the entire cast and crew of SNL, all convinced that Hillary would win the election, and when reality hit them squarely in the face, there was only wailing, gnashing of teeth, and all but the rending of garments, but there would be no acceptance, ever. Instead, we got a Russian hoax, and a new editorial standard to refer to Trump's presidency as illegitimate, and lies about Kavanaugh, Barrett, and anyone and anything else Trump sought to accomplish.
I love your hope, Sasha, that common sense may one day make even a limited comeback, but I fear that Rubicon has been crossed. I also hope that I am proven to be wrong, on this.
Keep on writing!
If everyone, women and men, took the journey you have taken in the last few years, America would be a much better place. Through your writing now, you are helping to bring that about.
Honestly I never understood the total hysteria over Trump. I didn’t take him seriously at first, but once he won I took a “wait and see” approach (kind of like what Chappelle said in his SNL monologue, but then got vilified by wokesters and had to backtrack). And a side of me was glad he won because I seriously hated Hillary (still do, I voted Green Party like I usually do).
Regarding his sexist “locker room talk”, I also recognized it as him just talking shit even though it was trashy. And the hypocrisy from the Democrats astounded me in that they had pussy hat parades over this, but gave Bill Clinton a pass after he received an adulterous bj IN the oval office! That was much more egregious IMO. I’m not sure I can ever go back to being a Democrat and will remain Independent the rest of my life...
When Hillary sicced the White House dogs (Carville and his ilk) on the few courageous women who came forward to speak their “truths to power,” she demonstrated her true colors to all who would see...the only thing that mattered in life, the only principle she held dear, was the political advancement of Bill and herself.
I wondered at that moment what vile names she would have called my wife, sister, or granddaughters had they the misfortune to have been caught alone with Bill Clinton and the courage to tell the world about it.
Many were so blinded at the time that they could not see Hillary for what she was...but the truly pernicious chose to ignore what they knew in their heart of hearts to be true in order to advance their own political agendas.
Hillary is who she is. She will not change, nor should we expect her to!
Goosebumps again...you never disappoint. Thanks for such an enlightened narrative of what's going on and again the light of hope is seen in the distance and you're holding it!
Thanks Sasha!
It's too bad that it had to end this way.
In reality, there never was such a thing as "women's rights". There are only rights, properly understood, which apply to everyone.
It is very unfortunate that the women's movement, and the left in general, have destroyed ALL of our rights with its cockamamie notion of rights.
I wonder what alternate history would look like if Bill Clinton had become the first spouse. Part of me thinks the ridiculous lengths of Me Too (every woman certainly needs to be taken seriously and heard, but believed?) I think the ridiculousness of what the movement became might have something to do with the fact that with Bill Clinton in office it wouldn't have happened at all. And given the choice between Bill and Trump, we need to ask what system gave us that choice. One side does not have moral superiority.
Well said.
I never liked Bill Clinton. Early on, when they gave the mea culpa to 60 Minutes, he reminded me of me in high school, saying anything to get in a girl's shirt. The difference was, I grew up and stopped before I even left high school and he just kept doing it throughout his life. I began to actually hate Bill Clinton as I watched him sell out his voters on trade and then the whole Monica Lewinski thing. By the time she came along, he knew exactly what he was doing and he knew exactly what the stakes were for her. Additionally, he bore the Presidency of the Untied States and he had a duty to protect our citizens - even Monica - and a duty to sacrifice his personal desires to the greater good. The people who say whatever the President wants in their private life is their own business, I feel are naive as to what the Presidency is.
On trade, economics, and working people, I supported first Bernie and then Trump. They absolutely were a complete repudiation of every aspect of Clinton's Presidency and those who followed. As an employer and business owner - as an American manufacturer - I can tell you that Trump did reverse the 24 preceding years of contempt for American workers and producers. My employees and then my own self, saw solid gains and a complete reversal of that previous contempt. Under Biden, we've lost every gain in wages and security that Trump brought us. Biden has put us back to where we were - maybe worse - long term.
I will never understand the hatred for Trump. I can understand why some people don't like him, but I will never understand the hatred. Moreover, I don't understand how so many Americans would root for the continued degrading of the production class in our nation. We deserve to be treated with decency.