Thanks, Robert for motivating and educating. Below is the email I sent to Governor Sununu last night:
Dear Governor Sununu –
I was shocked and appalled to read the transcript of your interview with George Stephanopolous. You are a disgrace and embarrassment to The Greatest Generation, many members of which lied about their age, so they could enlist to fight in the war. They voluntarily put their lives at risk.
In contrast, despite knowing better, you, one of only fifty governors in the United States, willingly aid, abet and enable a threat to democracy. That is not leadership. That is cowardice. For what??
I urge you to follow the example of some of your fellow Republicans, and do the right thing! Do not make it easier for Donald Trump to get elected by rolling over.
On Sunday, the Washington Post reported that "a contingency of House Republicans privately have been saying that there is no way Johnson can strike an agreement that appeases a fractious GOP conference. . . let alone in one week."
That being the case, it's a pointless waste of time for Speaker Johnson to do anything other than bring the Senate-passed aid bill (HR 815) to the floor of the House. President Biden, Minority Leader Jeffries, and even Senator Mitch McConnell agree.
If Mr. Johnson won't do it himself, then that "contingency of House Republicans" needs to sign the Discharge Petition now. Only 218 signatures are needed, and the 195 currently on it includes only one Republican.
Everyone reading this can help by calling Republican Representatives and urging them to sign the discharge petition for HR 815, to expedite delivery of military assistance for Ukraine before it's too late.
Two influential pro-Ukraine Republicans named in the WaPo article are Michael Turner (R-OH) 202-225-6465, and Michael McCaul (R-TX) 202-225-2401.
You can call the U S Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121 to connect with any Representative. Speaker Johnson's office number is (202) 225-4000. Call him to insist that he encourage Republicans to sign the petition.
For phone numbers of about about two dozen other Republicans known to support Ukraine aid, please click on recent Ukraine-related posts at:
Once again, a disgusting, shameful, cruel and breathtaking ignorance attack on LGBTQ youth. We know that republicans would not know empathy if it hit them with a 10 ton Mack truck!
I and any of my colleagues in the mental health profession have been counseling LGBTQ kids and their parents where there are issues around gender. For the kids struggling through this time, it is an incredible challenge where, without the republicans' lockstep attack on this group --- for the kids AND their families it is hard enough. And, oh the awful irony --- protecting 'personhood' of a fertilized ovum (which is such unadulterated drivel) while offering no support to deal with childhood poverty and now a very vulnerable population of kids. The republicans' total lack of curiosity of our increasing understanding of gender is a disgrace. The know-nothing, do-nothing, corrupt politicians . Many religions encompass the idea of several genders. The conflicts of gender for most kids are not matters of 'choice' - but deeply felt knowledge that they are in the wrong gendered bodies. Facing that and coming out to parents is a frightening challenge that no republicans (that's you Marjorie Taylor Greene who probably has never had to face - and while I'm on it, has trolled David Hogg accusing him of making up the Parkland massacre.) Here is what we know: Around 2 - 4% of kids struggle with gender. While some parents are supportive and accepting, many are not, resulting in awful consequences. There is a theory of RAPID ONSET GENDER DYSPHORIA (that is a copycat type scenario) but studies have disproved this. There has also been press about increasing 'detransitioning' of people in their mid 20s. Also exaggerated. Hormone treatment has to be undertaken very carefully, managed by physicians who are experience in how to do it. The relief for many trans kids is incredible as is the suffering of those who have no support. Now, being characterized as a group to be punished and ostracized is disgusting. Issues of self esteem are huge for this group without the needles negative descriptions from the republicans. As a psychiatrist it took a number of years before I learned the science and became more understanding of the issues, so I do understand adults' confusion. I was helped by my many colleagues who have seen trans youth for many years. There is no shortage of professionals who could educate republicans --- but, once again, their mantra is 'my mind is made up, don't confuse me with fact! Absolutely abhorrent. (My daughter at this point would say, "tell me how you really feel!"
Robert, when you write: "Given the high-profile stakes and intense scrutiny involved in this case, I think the odds that a “stealth bad faith juror” will lie their way onto the jury are low." I hope you're right. But I think nothing is beneath Trump and his facilitators. I will be not at all surprised if Paul Manafort (or equiv) goes after a juror's family to encourage a change of mind. Nothing is beneath Trump. That's what people still don't get.
Some time ago, Robert directed us (well me) to Focus for Democracy, a grassroots team of highly experienced voter-development strategists who identify the most impactful political donation opportunities for people like you and me. In recent years, they have raised tens of millions of dollars to promote and protect democracy.
Now I'm a "co host" for their programs, and you're invited too.
The average voter can’t remember all of the ways the William Barr DOJ covered up and threatened people and attorneys to cover up for the misbehavior of Trump. Rachel Maddow’s introduction last night reminded all of us how corrupted the DOJ was under Trump and provided a reminder that if Trump were reelected it would be far worse than before. A picture of Trump dozing off in the courtroom should be blasted everywhere to demonstrate who the sleepy one really is. That image defines Trump more than any ad could possibly do.
Struggling to keep track of all the payments, indictmentd and people involved in Trump's criminal election interference trial? Here are two interactive charts to help you:
Thanks, again, Robert! Just focusing on the supplemental bill for aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, I am re-posting the below so that people can call for their representatives to sign the Discharge Petition. Though we could see a breakthrough with Speaker Johnson soon bringing something to the floor to get aid passed, I believe we should keep pushing for the Discharge Petition as a backup.
The following are Repub mega donors as reported this morning in the NYT newsletter DealBook (an extract below).
There has to be a way to put pressure on these individuals. Nearly all of these donations are explicitly to anti democratic politicians and causes. We need to look for all possible ways to bring sanity and realty to these individuals, including social pressure. It’s worth brainstorming.
* Ken Griffin, $32 million. He spread $11.5 million between Senate and House Republicans, and $10 million to Maryland’s Future, a fund expected to back the Senate bid of former Gov. Larry Hogan Maryland, a Republican. He also gave $5 million to a fund that backs conservative veterans and $2.5 million to a Midwest Republican group.
* Timothy Mellon, $19 milion. has given $5 million to a fund for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running as an independent, and $5 million to a Trump fund this quarter, as well as gave $5 million to House Republicans and $4 million to a Heritage Foundation fund.
* Jeff Yass, $17.9 million: This past quarter, he shelled out $8 million to a fund tied to Senator Rand Paul a Republican of Kentucky, $6.9 million to school choice funds and $3 million to a Pennsylvania-focused fund. Speculation is high that Yass could also emerge as a big Trump backer.
* Isaac and Laura Perlmutter, $10 million: and his wife, each gave $5 million last month to a new fund supporting Trump.
* Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, $4.9 million: have spent money against candidates seen as unfriendly to the sector (crypto), like Representative Katie Porter, Democrat of California, whose Senate bid failed last month, and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Sharron Brown.
Thank you, as always, Robert. Thank you for the MCNBC/Maddow link. I missed most of her because the Dodger game took precidence in my dinning room tonight, Rachel is the best. I have to stop putting off getting Ultra.
“The character of the president matters. That is why Biden’s willingness to promptly release his 2023 tax returns is important. And that is why Monday’s events in a Manhattan courtroom matter, as well.”
I found myself "hope scrolling" yesterday, kind of the opposite of "doom scrolling" but coming from the same burning need to think that Trump may finally be held accountable for his crimes. I followed every minute of the first day of the trial but decided this morning that I need to back off a bit.
So much is at stake as a conviction would be great, but an acquittal could be a nightmare.
Meanwhile, it was fun to hear the reporting of Trump falling asleep in his own trial, the fool. After his nonsense talk at his last rally, his ongoing childish behavior, etc.... I hope the undecideds wakeup, and soon. David Sedaris nailed it:
"To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually, parks it beside my seat. "Can I interest you in the chicken?" she asks. "Or would you prefer the platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it?"
To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked."
I am still puzzled why the media keeps equating the two candidates and why they don’t publish the facts about what has been accomplished by the Biden Administration.
The Manhattan trial is about election interference and the crime committed, but it all began with covering up sleazy sexual behavior and that is what will be most interesting for the public to have exposed. Election manipulation is baked into all elections from voter suppression to Citizens United, though sometimes laws might be broken. However, no one needs Rachel Maddow or any legal experts to explain what is so disqualifying about the sexual creepiness of multiple women being paid off after having sex with a “religious” guy and that is what Trump is still trying to deny and keep from the public. So while the legal system debates the crime, I say “It’s the sex, stupid.” Keep that front and center in the story. It is what people will sit up and watch and discuss.
All, the link to the Rachel Maddow segment changed after I posted it last night. The new link is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S3QHUZHBLA&list=PLDIVi-vBsOEyETRGoRP9y8zhyu6bHl6iK
Thanks, Robert for motivating and educating. Below is the email I sent to Governor Sununu last night:
Dear Governor Sununu –
I was shocked and appalled to read the transcript of your interview with George Stephanopolous. You are a disgrace and embarrassment to The Greatest Generation, many members of which lied about their age, so they could enlist to fight in the war. They voluntarily put their lives at risk.
In contrast, despite knowing better, you, one of only fifty governors in the United States, willingly aid, abet and enable a threat to democracy. That is not leadership. That is cowardice. For what??
I urge you to follow the example of some of your fellow Republicans, and do the right thing! Do not make it easier for Donald Trump to get elected by rolling over.
On Sunday, the Washington Post reported that "a contingency of House Republicans privately have been saying that there is no way Johnson can strike an agreement that appeases a fractious GOP conference. . . let alone in one week."
That being the case, it's a pointless waste of time for Speaker Johnson to do anything other than bring the Senate-passed aid bill (HR 815) to the floor of the House. President Biden, Minority Leader Jeffries, and even Senator Mitch McConnell agree.
If Mr. Johnson won't do it himself, then that "contingency of House Republicans" needs to sign the Discharge Petition now. Only 218 signatures are needed, and the 195 currently on it includes only one Republican.
Everyone reading this can help by calling Republican Representatives and urging them to sign the discharge petition for HR 815, to expedite delivery of military assistance for Ukraine before it's too late.
Two influential pro-Ukraine Republicans named in the WaPo article are Michael Turner (R-OH) 202-225-6465, and Michael McCaul (R-TX) 202-225-2401.
You can call the U S Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121 to connect with any Representative. Speaker Johnson's office number is (202) 225-4000. Call him to insist that he encourage Republicans to sign the petition.
For phone numbers of about about two dozen other Republicans known to support Ukraine aid, please click on recent Ukraine-related posts at:
https://www.FeathersOfHope.net
.
Once again, a disgusting, shameful, cruel and breathtaking ignorance attack on LGBTQ youth. We know that republicans would not know empathy if it hit them with a 10 ton Mack truck!
I and any of my colleagues in the mental health profession have been counseling LGBTQ kids and their parents where there are issues around gender. For the kids struggling through this time, it is an incredible challenge where, without the republicans' lockstep attack on this group --- for the kids AND their families it is hard enough. And, oh the awful irony --- protecting 'personhood' of a fertilized ovum (which is such unadulterated drivel) while offering no support to deal with childhood poverty and now a very vulnerable population of kids. The republicans' total lack of curiosity of our increasing understanding of gender is a disgrace. The know-nothing, do-nothing, corrupt politicians . Many religions encompass the idea of several genders. The conflicts of gender for most kids are not matters of 'choice' - but deeply felt knowledge that they are in the wrong gendered bodies. Facing that and coming out to parents is a frightening challenge that no republicans (that's you Marjorie Taylor Greene who probably has never had to face - and while I'm on it, has trolled David Hogg accusing him of making up the Parkland massacre.) Here is what we know: Around 2 - 4% of kids struggle with gender. While some parents are supportive and accepting, many are not, resulting in awful consequences. There is a theory of RAPID ONSET GENDER DYSPHORIA (that is a copycat type scenario) but studies have disproved this. There has also been press about increasing 'detransitioning' of people in their mid 20s. Also exaggerated. Hormone treatment has to be undertaken very carefully, managed by physicians who are experience in how to do it. The relief for many trans kids is incredible as is the suffering of those who have no support. Now, being characterized as a group to be punished and ostracized is disgusting. Issues of self esteem are huge for this group without the needles negative descriptions from the republicans. As a psychiatrist it took a number of years before I learned the science and became more understanding of the issues, so I do understand adults' confusion. I was helped by my many colleagues who have seen trans youth for many years. There is no shortage of professionals who could educate republicans --- but, once again, their mantra is 'my mind is made up, don't confuse me with fact! Absolutely abhorrent. (My daughter at this point would say, "tell me how you really feel!"
Robert, when you write: "Given the high-profile stakes and intense scrutiny involved in this case, I think the odds that a “stealth bad faith juror” will lie their way onto the jury are low." I hope you're right. But I think nothing is beneath Trump and his facilitators. I will be not at all surprised if Paul Manafort (or equiv) goes after a juror's family to encourage a change of mind. Nothing is beneath Trump. That's what people still don't get.
Re Opportunities for reader engagement
Some time ago, Robert directed us (well me) to Focus for Democracy, a grassroots team of highly experienced voter-development strategists who identify the most impactful political donation opportunities for people like you and me. In recent years, they have raised tens of millions of dollars to promote and protect democracy.
Now I'm a "co host" for their programs, and you're invited too.
https://danielsolomon.substack.com/p/youre-invited?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=742145&post_id=143616766&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=zc69i&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
The average voter can’t remember all of the ways the William Barr DOJ covered up and threatened people and attorneys to cover up for the misbehavior of Trump. Rachel Maddow’s introduction last night reminded all of us how corrupted the DOJ was under Trump and provided a reminder that if Trump were reelected it would be far worse than before. A picture of Trump dozing off in the courtroom should be blasted everywhere to demonstrate who the sleepy one really is. That image defines Trump more than any ad could possibly do.
An important aspect of aspect of freedom is keeping politicians out of the doctor’s exam room.
Struggling to keep track of all the payments, indictmentd and people involved in Trump's criminal election interference trial? Here are two interactive charts to help you:
Follow the hush money payments in Trump's Election Interference scheme with this interactive map https://thedemlabs.org/2024/04/13/election-interference-101-how-to-bury-a-scandal/
Election Interference 101: How To Bury A Scandal
https://thedemlabs.org/2024/04/13/election-interference-101-how-to-bury-a-scandal/
Thanks, again, Robert! Just focusing on the supplemental bill for aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, I am re-posting the below so that people can call for their representatives to sign the Discharge Petition. Though we could see a breakthrough with Speaker Johnson soon bringing something to the floor to get aid passed, I believe we should keep pushing for the Discharge Petition as a backup.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vTaMB3k5Z37OAM8HEMhDtwbLGzwn1wDXSNcoTmXEJbpfbacfp-m0fJGyb36lcNOhgqGO5-bArbibS5a/pubhtml?gid=614612044&single=true
P.S. Like I did, you can still write or call the other members who are not your representative.
The following are Repub mega donors as reported this morning in the NYT newsletter DealBook (an extract below).
There has to be a way to put pressure on these individuals. Nearly all of these donations are explicitly to anti democratic politicians and causes. We need to look for all possible ways to bring sanity and realty to these individuals, including social pressure. It’s worth brainstorming.
* Ken Griffin, $32 million. He spread $11.5 million between Senate and House Republicans, and $10 million to Maryland’s Future, a fund expected to back the Senate bid of former Gov. Larry Hogan Maryland, a Republican. He also gave $5 million to a fund that backs conservative veterans and $2.5 million to a Midwest Republican group.
* Timothy Mellon, $19 milion. has given $5 million to a fund for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running as an independent, and $5 million to a Trump fund this quarter, as well as gave $5 million to House Republicans and $4 million to a Heritage Foundation fund.
* Jeff Yass, $17.9 million: This past quarter, he shelled out $8 million to a fund tied to Senator Rand Paul a Republican of Kentucky, $6.9 million to school choice funds and $3 million to a Pennsylvania-focused fund. Speculation is high that Yass could also emerge as a big Trump backer.
* Isaac and Laura Perlmutter, $10 million: and his wife, each gave $5 million last month to a new fund supporting Trump.
* Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, $4.9 million: have spent money against candidates seen as unfriendly to the sector (crypto), like Representative Katie Porter, Democrat of California, whose Senate bid failed last month, and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Sharron Brown.
Thank you, as always, Robert. Thank you for the MCNBC/Maddow link. I missed most of her because the Dodger game took precidence in my dinning room tonight, Rachel is the best. I have to stop putting off getting Ultra.
“The character of the president matters. That is why Biden’s willingness to promptly release his 2023 tax returns is important. And that is why Monday’s events in a Manhattan courtroom matter, as well.”
Amen. Let true justice prevail!
I found myself "hope scrolling" yesterday, kind of the opposite of "doom scrolling" but coming from the same burning need to think that Trump may finally be held accountable for his crimes. I followed every minute of the first day of the trial but decided this morning that I need to back off a bit.
So much is at stake as a conviction would be great, but an acquittal could be a nightmare.
Meanwhile, it was fun to hear the reporting of Trump falling asleep in his own trial, the fool. After his nonsense talk at his last rally, his ongoing childish behavior, etc.... I hope the undecideds wakeup, and soon. David Sedaris nailed it:
"To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually, parks it beside my seat. "Can I interest you in the chicken?" she asks. "Or would you prefer the platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it?"
To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked."
I am still puzzled why the media keeps equating the two candidates and why they don’t publish the facts about what has been accomplished by the Biden Administration.
The Manhattan trial is about election interference and the crime committed, but it all began with covering up sleazy sexual behavior and that is what will be most interesting for the public to have exposed. Election manipulation is baked into all elections from voter suppression to Citizens United, though sometimes laws might be broken. However, no one needs Rachel Maddow or any legal experts to explain what is so disqualifying about the sexual creepiness of multiple women being paid off after having sex with a “religious” guy and that is what Trump is still trying to deny and keep from the public. So while the legal system debates the crime, I say “It’s the sex, stupid.” Keep that front and center in the story. It is what people will sit up and watch and discuss.