Trump puts pressure on government to expose it to “deep nation” | May 31
Shallow condition
Convinced of the existence of a “deep state” assumed to be a secret network of powerful people who manipulate government decisions behind the scenes, a “deep state” that is assumed to be tyrants and villains, they are unable to grasp the truth. The truth is that if theorists can’t grasp basic concepts such as competent governance or the fundamental facts of historical events, they rely on these wild fantasies to alleviate the anxiety caused by confusion.
The “condition” is not that deep.
Terry R. Arnold, Treasure Island
FBI says it will release a new Epstein video | May 30th
Listen to the sizzle
Maga is furious with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondy and FBI Director Kash Patel for delaying the release of a “product” on Jeffrey Epstein’s prison death. Bondi, Patel, and Dan Bongino have also been part of the toxic Maga Media Ecosphere for a long time, sending them on a set that has been far too embraced with theories of delusion, lies and plot. But now these exaggerated podcasting fountains have Patel and Bongino on the FBI given the actual job as his lieutenant. And after years of the institution attacked from outside, from their own stupidity and ignorance, they are now inside, and they “get nothin’.”
It was hilarious to see them on TV last week. Bongino clearly screams that he hates his job. Leading the FBI is a real job, Bongino. Who would have guessed it?
And both he and Patel say that all the aspersions cast about Epstein’s exit are false. Epstein hung himself. This comes after years of distrust of the FBI among Americans.
The whole goal was to distrust the FBI, as Trump saw as his main antagonist. And they succeeded. This is always the equation with Magazine. Destroy everything to protect your leader. Currently, Patel and Bongino are in Maga’s hot seat. Let’s ask about the sizzle.
Steve Douglas, St. Petersburg
Trump puts pressure on government to expose it to “deep nation” | May 31
Deep State Hypocrisy
The concept of “deep state” is intriguing at its contradiction. During democratic administrations, the Republican/MAGA narrative consistently suggests the existence of a highly effective, secret group that wields the power of a true government. This story is juxtaposed with the claims of often corrupt and inefficient surface-level bureaucracy. Such a powerful “deep nation” can remain hidden and effective under incompetent civil servants.
As a result, “deep state” appears to be a component of highly imaginative, reactionary thought, and thrives in places where de facto accuracy is important. Furthermore, when “deep state” supporters gain a position where they can investigate and prosecute, they fail to find their enemies. The focus on the Jeffrey Epstein case, for example, suggests that the “deep state” discourse helps to expose government control and promotes scandalous narratives and accusations of honor and loss on right-wing online platforms.
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John Crofuld, Gulfport
I teach international students in Florida. This is why Trump is wrong | Line, May 28th
I’ll always learn
Reading Daniel Ruth’s column, I note that he closes with the next observation.
“It was a privilege to be around these students. Frankly, I have the motives of mercenaries. Here’s a dirty little secret.
I recall a comment that was often repeated to me by Edward F. Crutier, a retired education professor at the University of Tampa:
“We are all teachers. We are all learners.”
Jim Heenan, Berrier
Yet another scandal
President Donald Trump has been caught up in another scandal. He forgives the man who pleaded guilty to a tax crime a month after his mother attended a $1 million, $1 million Magazine fundraiser at Mar-A-Lago. This is a blatant quid pro. It’s like it led to other presidents’ ammo and beliefs. In the case of Trump, the course is par.
Sadly, few Trump supporters care about this suspicious behavior. But the people in the Maga will be delighted to see Trump detractors whine and complain about this fish’s pardon. This made one of my friends wonder if we were witnessing an angry death.
As scholars who have studied political rhetoric for 40 years, we must recognize the fact that the rules of the game have changed and the rhetorical playing field is no longer the same. Therefore, the moral of the story is clear. Democrats cannot regain control if their message is exclusive or primarily “not Trump.” They must specifically convince Americans how to fix the issues that most negatively affect their lives. This contrasts with what Trump has and doesn’t have. Such a message provides the best and most compelling strategy for future Democrats.
Richard A. Cherwitz, Kamas, Washington
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Submit your letter at www.tampabay.com/opinion/submit-letter/. The letters are edited for clarity and length.
