Speaker Mike Johnson ??

[kentuck]

Traitor or patriot?

Or something else?

In my opinion, he has the traits of a Benedict Arnold. He has betrayed his office and his country.

He is either incompetent and unqualified for the position he holds or else, he is well aware of what he is doing to this nation and doesn't give a damn.

He is third in line to the presidency. The Speaker of the House is a powerful position. But he has abdicated everything to a corrupt and dangerous executive whose unpredictability should alarm every American.

He has stood by as the President bombs boats off the coast of Venezuela, without any provocation it seems? They say they are carrying drugs but they offer no evidence. They just kill them.

He stands by, with all of Congress, as the same Executive tears down the entire East Wing of the White House. Just brings in a wrecking ball and demolishes it - along with all the history of that cherished house of the people.

MAGA Mike Johnson is a disgrace to this country and should be tried for treason, in my opinion.

[Ocelot II]

1. Squeaker Johnson is a tool. That's it.

He's a weak little man who is doing exactly what he's told. It makes you wonder what Trump's got on him, what he's afraid of.

[mwmisses4289]

12. Scuttlebutt is he is on or has been on something called grinder.

A sex dating website, I think?

[Ocelot II]

14. Grindr is a gay sex dating website/app.

[Attilatheblond]

22. And it's been reported Johnson met his wife while she was working for a group that engaged in 'conversion therapy'

Then there is that 'adopted son' who was not a child nor legally adopted.

Johnson is an ambitious but cowardly weasel who will do what he's told.

[Javaman]

57. he's only 11 years older than his "son".

I'm just going to leave this here.

[poli-junkie]

2. He's also a repressed christofascist

who’s welcoming the evangelical takeover of the country.

[kentuck]

3. Usually someone with his degree of piety has something very embarrassing he is hiding.

We have seen the Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Baker types before. Crying before the cameras when they have been caught "sinning". I think MAGA Mike may be in that category?

[Ohioboy]

10. I get that vibe from MAGA Mike too

He's overcompensating for something.

[Wicked Blue]

15. Compensating for his tiny johnson

[BattleRow]

20. Swaggart was from Louisiana,too,btw.

[Wednesdays]

23. And, sadly, Swaggart and Bakker continued their ministries long after their scandals.

Seriously diminished, but they still kept going with their grifting to the very end (still continuing in Bakker's case). That they did so speaks poorly of the integrity of their followers.

Johnson will still have his fan club long after he's left the House.

[William Seger]

51. Well, ya see, Swaggart and Bakker prayed for forgiveness...

... and if God forgave them, then of course their congregations should, too!

[allegorical oracle]

5. Typical of many Christian nationalists. They lie and grift believing that their piety

affords them forgiveness.

[Bluetus]

13. And there are a lot of crazy cultists in the CHdistian extreme

Religion used to be mostly a private matter, but the likes of Falwell, Robertson and many others turned it into a political thing. They rallied people based on abortion, which Jesus never mentioned, and the only references in the Bible actually endorse abortion, even providing a how-to guide.

Once people were on board with that, everything else followed. Every judgment they make related to whether it is good for their anti-abortion war or against it. All other values are subordinated. Crimes are OK. Tearing babies from their mothers is OK, Raping children is OK. Killing people in fishing boats is OK.

These are cult-people, and the first rule of the cult is to never challenge anything.

[allegorical oracle]

32. Religion has a checkered history. Our young country was conned by religion to

brutally murder mostly women (but also some men) for practicing witchcraft. And Jim Jones's followers were convinced to poison their children and themselves at the leader's direction. Seems to attract people who lack, for whatever reason, the ability to think independently.

Am for taxing churches because it does attract predators -- financial and sexual -- and all their ill-gotten gains are tax exempt.

[Bluetus]

39. Just for the record, I am talking about Christian extremists

and I assume you are as well. My comments don't apply to all Christians. There are many who have genuine religious beliefs I don't actually share, but I respect their right to imagine the universe in their own way, just as I do. I would not automatically consider a person a cultist because they believe in a more literal nanny god than I do. I don't insist that everyone agree with me, and I can certainly live and work side by side with people of different faiths.

The Christian extremists, in my mind, are no different from the Nazis, the KKK, Islamic terrorists and the like.

[pat_k]

49. The line between Christian and Christian Nationalist is seeking to pass laws that impose religious beliefs not shared...

...by your fellow Americans, whether they follow some denomination of Christianity, or Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, or nothing, or something else.

In America, you are free to believe whatever you wish. What you are NOT free to do is seek to pass laws that impose your beliefs on others. It is Christian Nationalists -- those who seek to impose their religious beliefs as law -- we object to. Not Christianity.

We've got to be crystal clear. It matters not how much you object to my beliefs or I object to yours. That diversity is what America is about. What is Un-American is seeking to impose your beliefs on everyone else as a matter of law.

And frankly, it is also Un-Christian.

Seeking to control others is the opposite of faith.

As James Talarico puts it in his sermon on Christian Nationalism:

Jesus asked us to have the faith of a mustard seed, trusting that by living and dying for love we give birth to a better world.

That's not easy to do.
. . .

Christian Nationalists are more committed to the love of power than the power of love.

And it exposes a lack of faith because the opposite of faith is not doubt. Doubt is a healthy part of any faith.

The opposite of faith is control. When we stop trusting God, when we stop trusting love, we start taking control for ourselves.

Christian Nationalists want to control what we read, who we marry, where we travel, when we have children. They want to control our minds and our bodies.

"O ye of little faith."

. . .

[Bluetus]

52. It is about control. It is also about fear

Fear of death.
Fear of strangers.
Fear of the unknown.
Fear of being alone.
Fear of not being on a "team".

Jesus had something to say about that in Matthew 6:5–6 . "When you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

[pat_k]

55. Tragically, in some churches, I fear a form of religious abuse is also at work.

While I tend to be wary of AI, here's Gemini's response to "Religious trauma syndrome (RTS) in the evangelical mega churches"

AI Overview
Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) is a collection of symptoms and challenges experienced by individuals struggling to leave or recover from authoritarian, dogmatic, or high-control religious environments. While not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, the term is widely recognized by psychologists who specialize in this form of abuse. Mega-churches, particularly those within evangelicalism, are environments where the conditions for RTS can flourish due to intense social pressure, rigid doctrine, and hierarchical power structures.

How evangelical mega-churches contribute to RTS
Evangelical mega-churches are often singled out in discussions of RTS because certain common practices can create a toxic environment for some members.

Fear-based teachings: Many conservative evangelical churches use intense and vivid descriptions of hell, eternal damnation, and apocalypse to ensure adherence to the faith. For young children, this can instill a lifelong, paralyzing fear of divine punishment.

Purity culture and sexual shame: Strict teachings on sexual purity and traditional gender roles can lead to deep-seated shame, sexual dysfunction, and confusion, particularly for those who identify as LGBTQ+.

Authoritarian and manipulative leadership: In many mega-churches, pastors or church leaders hold significant spiritual authority that is often left unquestioned. This can create a power imbalance where leaders can control members through manipulation, gaslighting, or intimidation under the guise of "God's will".

"Us vs. them" mindset: High-control evangelical communities often emphasize a separation from "worldly" influences and create a culture that views outsiders as threats to be evangelized, rather than allies to be respected.

Emphasis on tithing and prosperity theology: Some mega-churches promote the idea that financial blessings from God are a direct result of tithing and having sufficient faith. When members experience financial hardship, they may internalize it as a personal failure or lack of faith, leading to guilt and shame.

Ostracism and betrayal: For members who leave the faith or question church authority, the consequences can be devastating. They may face rejection or shunning from their entire social and family network, which often exists almost exclusively within the church.

Symptoms of Religious Trauma Syndrome
RTS can manifest through a combination of psychological, emotional, and social difficulties.

Psychological and emotional: Symptoms often include confusion, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and black-and-white thinking. Individuals may experience panic attacks triggered by religious symbols or settings, and deep-seated feelings of shame and guilt are common.

Social and developmental: Affected individuals may struggle to build healthy relationships or feel comfortable in secular society due to isolation from mainstream culture. For those raised in the church, social and emotional development can be stunted.

Physiological: High stress and chronic fear can lead to physical symptoms such as nightmares, fatigue, and other stress-related health problems.

Recovery and healing from religious trauma
Healing from RTS is a gradual process that involves acknowledging the harm and consciously rebuilding one's identity and worldview.

Trauma-informed therapy: Finding a therapist with experience in religious trauma is crucial. They can help individuals process shame and guilt, develop critical thinking, and rebuild self-compassion. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be effective.

Building community: Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma can reduce feelings of isolation. Support groups, both online and in person, can provide validation and a new sense of belonging.

Rebuilding self-identity: Recovery involves creating a new sense of self based on personal values and experiences, rather than on the rigid religious framework that once defined the individual's worth.

Setting boundaries: For those with remaining ties to their former religious community, establishing healthy boundaries is essential for protecting their healing process.

All the human fears you name are common to us all. Tragically, I think these fears -- and so many of our basic human needs (to belong, to be accepted, to be seen) are exploited by authoritarian pastors who I fear are inflicting great harm on entire communities. I have no solution. I don't even know how to begin to acknowledge that the power of these most Un-Christian of Christian men is destructive without alienating those who have been indoctrinated. It is a case of the abused being well-defended against the notion that they are suffering abuse.

[slightlv]

18. They actually tell themselves and others that they're doing "God's Work"

and therefore, whatever they do... lie, steal, murder, any sin big or small... is therefore forgiven. They can do no wrong, as long as they do it in God's name. Personally, I wouldn't want anything to do with a God that condones such thinking and action!

[lonely bird]

16. Hmmm

I would say he is an open and unapologetic Christian nationalist. That alone should disqualify him from holding public office. Not because he is a Christian (allegedly) but because the nationalism is diametrically opposed to the government established by the constitution.

[BlueMTexpat]

56. "Repressed" ...?

His Xtofascist tendencies and actions seem pretty overt to me!

[Ping Tung]

4. God is the immemorial refuge of the incompetent, the helpless, the miserable.

God is the immemorial refuge of the incompetent, the helpless, the miserable. They find not only sanctuary in His arms, but also a kind of superiority, soothing to their macerated egos; He will set them above their betters. H.L. Mencken

[republianmushroom]

6. Agree with your third sentence.

He has betrayed his office and his country. To kiss trump arse.

[usonian]

7. Evil is as evil does.

[relayerbob]

8. He's 100% compromised and

Totally complicit in the planned destruction of the US via Project 2025.

Verdict: traitor.

[NNadir]

9. There is nothing to disagree with here. I wonder though whether he is selling out his...

...country in response to some kind of blackmail.

These holy roller types often seem to have some questionable pecadillos, generally sexual in nature, for which their ersatz "holiness" functions as a cover.

[yellow dahlia]

30. I think kompromat may be involved.

[Fil1957]

11. The problem is that Johnson and many others KNOW what they're doing. They want to turn the U.S.

into a neo feudal theocratic authoritarian society. They know they've violated their oath to the Constitution to achieve this goal. They could care less.

[Greybnk48]

17. I agree. Along with all of his impotent co-conspirators.

All of the elected officials who sat by and let this happen at lightening speed, but had the power to stop it or at least slow it way down.

[Bev54]

19. There is no either/or

He is all of those things.

[Wednesdays]

21. He's the new Vidkun Quisling. nt

[Initech]

24. He's a fascist tool who was put there to do the bidding of his news network masters.

All he does is yak and complain on Fox and never does any real, actual work. Fuck Mike Johnson.

[kimbutgar]

25. He is being blackmailed to comply and obey the orange maggot

That’s why he was selected by tuckfrump. Im sure Pooty also has some goods on him. And I wouldn't be surprised in the future we find out those major boot lickers of the orange turd are being blackmailed into compliance.

I wish some patriot would expose Johnson for the traitor he is!

[PuraVidaDreamin]

26. Mikie Judas Johnson

sniveling little know nothing

[ultralite001]

27. Mike Johnson reminds me of...

Charlie McCarthy + Edgar Bergen...

A dummy w/ a man's hand stuck up his...

[MarcoZandrini]

28. I wonder....

….where on his computer.

[Omnipresent]

29. He is crazy enough to be maga mike house speaker.

How do i know this? Because his looney tune members aren’t even talking about getting rid of him.

[yellow dahlia]

31. I think there are a lot of issues behind the veneer.

He is getting squirmier.

I think someone has something on him.

But I also wonder what is up with keeping the House out of session. Is it just about the Epstein files, or is something else afoot? Is there a master plan regarding martial law or war, where they want Congress to be in a disabled stance?

[TBF]

33. These are all the things that are driving my anxiety into overtime -

I think they're interested in Venezuela for 2 reasons - vast oil reserves (more than Saudi), and the ability to thrust the nation into war so they can declare martial law and not hold elections. Trump has no intention of leaving the White House, and even if he dies the creeps behind him (who I think are largely running the show) will be worse. People may not like JD, but if we don't have elections it's going to be a lot harder to get rid of him - he's much younger and smarter than Donald.

[yellow dahlia]

43. I don't think JD can hold the attention of the cult.

But Thiel really wants his boy at the helm. So it will be interesting to see what happens.

There are a lot of influences at play. A lot of evil influences!

[Mblaze]

34. He'll do or not do anythng

That paves the way toward a Christian Nationalist nation.

[underpants]

35. Years ago: Larry King "You've worked for how many Presidents now?" Sen. Byrd " I don't work FOR Presidents...

I try to work WITH them”

Moses Mike is a shape shifting space holder just like JD Vance. Pence was a houseplant but at least he stayed a houseplant.

[canetoad]

36. He hasn't done much

Speaking lately. I think he should be called Silent Mike.

[yellow dahlia]

44. I call him the grifter's "little Johnson".

[paulkienitz]

37. I would not be surprised if he tries to hold out on seating democratic electees right through 2027.

[yellow dahlia]

45. I have read that there are other entities who can swear her in,

such as certain judges.

[paulkienitz]

46. I don't know why they haven't done that.

I'm guessing the obstacle is only a House rule, not a law. The constitution only says she has to swear an oath, not that anybody has to administer it.

[Martin68]

38. Hear, hear! And Mitch McConnell, while we're about it.

[Trust_Reality]

40. As far as I can tell, his level of integrity is well below that of Rump, and that is not easy.

[thought crime]

41. Is he still around? I thought he became unnecessary when Trump took all power from Congress.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

42. If Republicans ever come to their senses,

I want them to put up Liz Cheney to replace the Johnson.

[myohmy2]

47. someone...

...should stiffen Johnson until he's hard and strong enough to enter trump's Oval Office forcefully on behalf of the American people...

...Johnson should let trump know he's there serving only at our pleasure not his...

...right now he's too soft...

[Buddyzbuddy]

48. For such a diminutive person he has a shockingly

enormous amount of cowardice. The only thing truly Christian about this gerbil is his hypocrisy. No offense to Christians sincerely living like Christ.

[Jack Valentino]

50. Splunker Johnson rammed through work requirements for poor people, while he FREELOADS off the taxpayers!

Obviously we need "work requirements" for free-loading Republican congressmen!

Meanwhile, he is sitting on Vance's couch, jacking off to pedophile porn
while he hides the Epstein files,
and still collecting a paycheck from the American taxpayers, for doing NOTHING!


(I'm not going to SAY what I THINK should happen to him, since that would be a violation of site rules....)

[Aussie105]

53. MAGA Mike thinks he is safe as long as he follows Trump's lead

and doesn't criticise his psycho thinking patterns.

History tells a different story, if/when Trump goes down, Mike will too.

History will repeat itself. Eventually.

[Emile]

54. Speaker Johnson "Protector of Pedophiles"