Simply gobsmacking. I have succeeded in avoiding the news for today, until I read this issue. smh. They say there is no FELON without ELON and so far it seems to be true, but the chaos ... staggering.
I still remember the month in 2018, where a local Valero gas station owner gave away gas free at his station for any government employee who had no paycheck - I still go there for gas even though it's slightly out of my way and more expensive than the nearest gas station to me.
And I, too, so clearly remember the last shutdown for a month. I was running a nonprofit, and we created a food collaborative to get food to TSA workers for their families, as they had to continue to work without a paycheck. Trump/Elon truly are satanic.
Here's an interesting strategy: Publicly embarrass Trump about Musk. Call Musk the real President-elect; the richer & smarter one, the one people really want to talk to, etc. Trump will HATE it and essentially 'fire' Musk.
This is what several Democrats are now doing. Great strategy. Trump is a malignant narcissist and hates to be upstaged. Referring to “President Musk” may hasten a Trump-Musk breakup.
That is exactly the title we should be feeding Trump on a daily basis. I believe the only person who will do that is Lawrence O’Donnell in mainstream media but those who still subscribe to NYT and WaPo, should inundate them with letters saying the same. It will drive both of these narcissists crazy!
And remind the world something I had forgotten - Musk BEGGED Obama to save Tesla and give him hundreds of millions. That should be said in every paragraph about the smirking billionaire.
I don't suppose Biden can cancel Musk's government contracts at will because Musk is a threat to the government?
We do not know what other work Biden is doing behind the scenes. Unlike the malignant man-children Musk and Trump Biden doesn't bray from the rooftops 24/7
A lot of interesting implications in your insight into the Musk and Trump, and Musk and Putin relationships, Martha. You wrote, "Musk also has Putin in his grips...." Ah, it's not Trump being Putin's puppet I have to worry about or even Musk "working for" Putin. Maybe the dynamic is that both Putin and Trump are afraid of Musk and twenty or thirty other billionaires who are really in control. And their control is a gangsters control -- arrogant, brutal, idiotic, ludicrous (Trump and Putin "dancing" at rallies), ignorant, and authoritarian (Do what I want even when I make stupid statements and have no idea how (fill in the blanks), government, economic progress, human welfare, kindness, and human emotions work. Batten down the hatches. It's going to be a stormy night.
I'm interested that you say Musk has Putin in his grip. I would have thought Putin has Musk in his grip. Why do you say that, and is there something to read or view about it?
It is conjecture on my part, but why I suggest this is Musk's close connections to Putin and the fact that Musk has key technology that is used by Russians.
Yes, thank you Robert. Coal was brought a month early. Simon Rosenberg said some similar things during his live stream with subscribers on Wed evening.
We need to focus on specific winnable or actionable items, including:
1. The Unacceptable Four nominations.
2. Calling our Senators/Congressperson every day. Our voices make a difference.
3. Developing a relationship with said leaders. Including state ones. Republican, Democrat, or Independent.
And we need to continue to love and support each other.
And while this was going on, AOC lost her bid to be Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee. I share Reed Galen's post on this subject. I agree with every word of it. When, oh when, will Democrats learn? https://reedgalen.substack.com/p/democrats-still-dont-understand-the
Corporate Dems, I.e. the DNC will not learn. We have to replace them. They primary against progressives like AOC, Katie Porter etc and secure their corrupt methods. This has to stop. But how?
Probably not in our lifetime. It's a tossup between Pelosi wanting to retain some influence over House Democrats without the blatant use of her accumulated campaign fund war chest and her jeolousy of a newcomer who appears to have the qualifications required to equal or eclipse Pelosi's distinguished career. Pity, there was a time when people were willing to recognize that they were coming to the end of their chapter and stepped aside to advise and mentor those who would write the next pages in the ongoing story. Nancy was on the way when she backed Jeffries for the Minority Leader job but apparently isn't ready to take the next step, even when her new hip allows her to do so.
I usually agree with you, Dave, but strongly disagree on this one. I believe that, for most of her time in Congress, AOC has been a destructive force among Democrats; Pelosi has been a canny leader.
I'd have agreed completely regarding AOC in her first couple of terms, which we might call the Squad Years, but lately she seems to have grown up and into the role.
We don't disagree at all on Pelosi, she's been as good a Speaker as anyone back to Sam Rayburn. My hope is that she'll retire to a well deserved position as a revered eminence grise for as long as we're blessed with her presence.
Well, if we are casting our lots here, I’m all in with Dave’s support of AOC. Moreover, I believe she was never destructive except as Republicans created such a narrative and some Democrats couldn’t step up to accept a new and competent voice. AOC certainly has learned and grown but never took on the persona of outrage and big mouth R girls - Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert - making theater rather than governing.
For sure, I am particularly disappointed that Pelosi felt she had to stop Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from moving to head of the Oversight & Accountability Committee. You might take note that Alexandria was very gracious after the loss. Too bad Pelosi couldn’t simply enjoy her travels, take care of her hip and surrender some of her well earned power to a younger and most capable new leader.
Completely agree in respect of the AOC/GOP comparison John. For the record, she was running for Ranking Member and would have been the presumptive Chair when Democrats retake the House in two years.
I completely agree on Pelosi. The idea of a graceful retirement seems to have disappeared from D.C.
AOC questioning of Michael Cohen is what started the Stormy Daniels hush money/ campaign finance investigation. That was in her first year on Oversight. She’s smart and uses her time to conduct real oversight. She’s not play to the cameras like Moswaski.
Can we remember that Nancy Pelosi succeeded quite admirably in leading a deeply fractured Democratic caucus with a very slim majority during the first Trump administration? It’s doubtful that anyone else could have done that.
Let’s don’t squander our energy piling on our own people. Let’s not succumb to the same collective amnesia that blinds our opponent’s followers.
I wish people would just stop. AOC isn't qualified for that role at this point. She has a lot of growing and learning to do. She constantly flip flops and doesn't understand coalition building with people she might not agree with, the anti-semitism notwithstanding. The person who got it is well liked, is known for partnering on efforts. No one was whinging when Nadler stepped aside for Raskin (another white man), but one with decades of experience and a constitutionalist. We need stability, not crying on the house floor when defense spending for Israel is approved.
Amidst the chaos, I plan to keep fighting. No other choice.This brought a smile to my face….some of my sheroes gathered for festivities at the White House.🎄❤️💚
“From left to right: Myself, Heather Cox Richardson, Dana Goldberg, JoJo from Jerz, and Politics Girl Leigh McGowan. Photo by Sean McGowan. You best believe we have some ideas about how to counteract the right wing noise machine, and we’re ready to work with anyone and everyone on the left to make that happen.”
I had written an additional comment, but lost it before it was posted. It was exquisite.
I don't think I can reproduce it.
Bottom line:
North Carolina is a prime example of the GOP's corrupt power grab and anti-Constitutional actions.
The NC GOP sprung a monster bill (SB382) that claimed to be for Hurricane Helene assistance. In fact, it was a rewriting of the rules to take away powers from ELECTED officials.
Only about 18 of the over 130 pages in the bill were for disaster relief. The rest took away powers from the incoming Democratic Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Public-School Superintendent, and other offices. They also are attempting to overthrow the closely contested victory for Supreme Court Justice won by Allison Riggs.
The NC GOP overturned Governor Roy Cooper's veto of SB382 while they still have a supermajority.
In addition, during djt's 1st term, he routinely denied funding for states led by Democratic governors, or any other requests by entities he feels are not sufficiently obsequious to his ego. Of the emergency disaster recovery funds requested by Governor Roy Cooper, djt only approved 1%!
Don't believe me? Look it up!
And explain to ALL the trump voters that THIS is what they can EXPECT in the second term.
We believe you Beverly. I was there at the General Assembly last Wed. Please Beverly breathe too. Box breathing is one way. I am not trying to minimize how you may feel. I am angry in my own way. If you would find it helpful, then message me and we can meet for coffee. I am in Durham. Again, I only share to bear witness that we are a community. And need to do our best to support each other. 🙂
In addition to the chaos that the Musk- Trump team is inflicting on us, this is the other story that’s keeping me awake tonight:
As per the Guardian, “Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, reportedly asked the newspaper’s editorial board to “take a break” from writing about Donald Trump, in the latest report of the billionaire owner’s growing influence over the newspaper’s coverage.” Robert has written of the agonizing irony the media now finds itself confronting. It normalized the unspeakable and now we see one of the consequences of their decision playing out.
Sherry, this could be a good thing, right? tffg HATES being ignored, and if they "take a break" from writing about him, it will look like he is being ignored.
Linda, None of us wants this, but imagine the jubilation if we can maintain some amount of democracy until 2026 and achieve significant victories in the midterms —breaking Trump’s hold on Congress and state legislatures prior to our entering the 2028 election cycle.
I am remembering how burnt out my relatives were in East Germany after the wall came down. They were shells of themselves. Don't want people allowing that to happen to them. When all your life is fighting for justice it can be energizing, or it can have the opposite effect. It can lead to PTSD. We shall see where things lead, but I say people should have a plan B.
Linda, In contrast to your relatives from East Germany, those of us of a certain age in this fight have hardly spent our lives engaged in an effort to resist the infiltration of the extremely harmful agenda set to be imposed on our country. Hence we fight so that those who follow have a shot at a better future. As for a Plan B, I view that as a personal decision one has to make for oneself.
Linda, Thank you for writing. I expect that many here in the States who are committed to the nationwide effort to resist authoritarian and divisive agendas have also spent some part of their lives fighting for a modicum of social and economic justice for people more broadly who feel overwhelmed and marginalized by oppressive forces largely beyond their individual control.
Well Barbara and Linda, I sit here in Colorado feeling that too many are struggling with the November loss and daily nonsense from Trump and his sycophants. It has been hard to watch even as I daily read these Substack authors and attempt to find the yellow brick road we might all follow without tearing ourselves apart. Let’s stay focused and stay strong.
I got my daughter out. That is what Syrians did who could as well. They got out from under the al-Assad regime. I am prepared for life in the US to be like it was in East Germany only with better spying machinery. I have a more intimate knowledge of that than most Americans, and therefore I might be picturing this next administration differently. I say hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
The biggest issue is that we're not used to fighting wars on our home turf. People in Europe and the Middle East are used to having to take to the streets to fight back against fascism. The question is what's it going to take in the U.S. to get everyday people engaged for the fight, when around 90m people don't even bother to vote.
Linda, I’m most concerned that the fear that our government could turn against people who might not be sufficiently loyal could chill people’s willingness to participate in public spaces and in public life. In my view, we have to try and resist such fear and create communities that commit to each other that we will not retreat but, instead, will resist at every turn freedoms and rights that are in peril.
Barbara, I can understand people getting afraid. Fearmongers know how to make people afraid. One has to keep sane whatever that takes and trust ones own knowledge of right and wrong.
We have to put all we have in to seeing that 2026 results do, in fact, take back at least the House and hopefully the Senate Here we are in December and the chaos is insane.
John, Despite the chaos, yesterday I was heartened by the 38 Republicans (largely Tea Party) who, by voting against the Musk/Trump spending bill, seemed to indicate they don’t subscribe to a foreign-born oligarch taking over the United States. Were I in Congress, I might want to try and build on this improbable alliance. Notwithstanding our disagreeing on virtually everything, perhaps they too won’t go along with Musk and others like him taking over, because they hold to the principle that the U.S. should exist as a sovereign country.
Barbara Jo, Even though the following is not about the budget, it speaks to the need to have an improbable alliance. Imagine having the current Secretary of Defense stepping aside and replaced by Hegseth, truly disgraceful and incompetent. Watch this piece on Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
I would not entertain further continuing resolutions. A shutdown then will happen. We need to prepare. Raising taxes for anyone is off the table, except those above $400,000. Raising the budget ceiling is way off the table. We need to construct a radical 2028 Democratic Platform that offers clear and substantive benefits. Federally funded education through college, for instance. We need to revise the tax system to one that taxes those above $400,000 equitably until it reaches 70%. Elon Musk’s $1 billion/year paycheck looks like $700 million to the Treasury after we close all loopholes. ($25 million a month take home should handle his alimony.) Also no taxes for families under $80,000/$40,000 individual. I put a list of beneficial initiatives and the income tax framework to pay for that into this post, below. All is predicated on a gradually increasing tax rate, i.e., 50% on $80 million in annual income; 70% at $250 million income. The CBO can work out this framework. Could be 75% cap. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/the-reformation-democratic-party?r=3m1bs
It’s time the tone toward Trump and Republicans switched to a “you work for us and this is not acceptable” one…a tone that conveys that in any other venue, he would be fired, an alpha tone, a tone that that makes clear that he works for us. Because he does (or will.). And, btw, Musk does not, so we have no need to pay attention to him. Don’t let Trump off the hook one bit by blaming anything on Musk.
My LTE yesterday was regarding the unqualified hires he is making—that’s not just an outrage—it’s horrible job performance:
Recent news stories have reported on Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President-elect Trump’s nominee for HHS Secretary. Mr. Kennedy indeed should not be confirmed because of his conspiracy theory ideas about decades-old vaccines, but he also does not have the academic or professional background or the organizational management experience necessary for heading such a large, complex organization.
Mr. Kennedy is not the only absurdly unqualified nomination Mr. Trump has announced. Yes, it is true that a president should be able to appoint advisors in whom he or she has confidence and who share particular viewpoints and goals. However, the presidency is not a sweepstakes in which the winner can spend their winnings however they choose. Mr. Trump applied for a job, voters elected him to do that job, and now he will report to all of us, the people. He has a responsibility to make serious, thoughtful, competent nominations to the administrative positions critical to our common defense and general welfare.
We should be calling our senators and insisting that they take their advice and consent responsibility seriously, even as our president-elect announces unqualified nominees.
Many Trump voters are already experiencing buyer's remorse as the ugly reality of their self-inflicted and uninformed choice dawns. It's tempting to scream at them: "He kept showing you who he is and telling you what he would do. Why are you surprised?" But, saying we told you so will only further alienate them from us and lose this critical opportunity to channel their anger and frustration into productive action.
Instead, we need to nurture their rude awakening by affirming it and by providing them (and ourselves) with effective ways to express our collective anger, frustration, and outrage in ways that motivate our representatives in Congress to act decisively on our behalf. Only Congress can prevent Trump's greedy band of oligarchs from destroying what's left of our democracy. We must demand that all members of Congress stop kowtowing and stand up to Trump and his oligarch thugs! WE should threaten to primary THEM if they don't do the job we sent them there to do. We voters can play the primary game too!
I'm a veteran, and this MAGA madness is not what I took the oath, as a US Army officer, to protect and defend. My oath was to the Constitution - the antithesis of everything Trump and MAGA espouse.
I haven’t witnessed the buyer’s remorse you mention. Where have you experienced this remorse? It’s not you that I doubt, but that those who were so hellbent on maga being in power again could see so quickly (after years of blindly cheering and $upporting maga) what is right out in front of us, naked, ugly and terrifying.
Dusty, can you offer some good sources that report on that buyer’s remorse. I see people like you posting such statements but I’d be doubtful of all such reports until we see a real en masse embraces of this voter remorse along with some elected Republicans voicing opposition to the insanely incompetent nominees - loyal but unable to lead idiots.
It’s easy for you to keep saying “don’t panic yet”. Are you relying solely on your Social Security or SSI check to live? Are you a veteran who needs their disability compensation to pay the mortgage and put food on the table? Do you rely on VA healthcare? Or use Medicaid?
All are government programs musk has vowed to shred to nothing. Sure, so far it’s just been his usual blowhard boasting and threats. Until yesterday.
Yesterday he stopped our government from functioning. An unelected man not only stopped our government from functioning he told trump what to do and trump did as he was told.
I see plenty of cause for panic. trump’s not even in office yet and he and the entire Republican Fascist Party did exactly what musk told them to do.
Anyone else see a problem here?
Anyone else think we should be panicking right now?
To be specific - by panic I mean feel significant worry set in right now. Then use that energy to tell your Congressional reps that you didn’t elect musk to anything. Tell them to stop being cowards and do their jobs. Keep up the pressure. Don't wait until Jan 21st. This is happening NOW.
Tell your reps to grow a spine and look into declaring trump & vance incompetent. If they are going to obey musk and do whatever he says they don’t deserve to be sworn in.
While we’re at it tell Biden & Harris to get off their asses and start speaking up against musk running this country. They’ve both already checked out and need to be reminded they still hold office. I’ve read that Harris is considering a run for president in 2028. Someone should tell her to pay attention to what is going on right now and to use the office she still holds to get into the fight. Right now.
It’s unbelievable. The republicans just caved. I cannot believe this is happening. And loud republicans in my town think it’s ok. Trump and Elon can really do damage. The Dow has dropped for 4 days straight….of course I’ll keep fighting…things are scary. Thank you for being here, Robert.
I’m guessing Tr*mp will order whomever is Speaker of the House to pass a CR the first day he’s in office so the Dow will rebound and he can say he saved the market. A lot of pain before then though for people getting furloughed/not getting paychecks.
I really can't understand why this is allowed. The oath of naturalization says: ""I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."
Not one word about owing allegiance to Canada or South Africa. It should be all or nothing.
Simply gobsmacking. I have succeeded in avoiding the news for today, until I read this issue. smh. They say there is no FELON without ELON and so far it seems to be true, but the chaos ... staggering.
I still remember the month in 2018, where a local Valero gas station owner gave away gas free at his station for any government employee who had no paycheck - I still go there for gas even though it's slightly out of my way and more expensive than the nearest gas station to me.
Love: there is no FELON without ELON. Deserving of a viral bumper sticker.
Amen to that!
And I, too, so clearly remember the last shutdown for a month. I was running a nonprofit, and we created a food collaborative to get food to TSA workers for their families, as they had to continue to work without a paycheck. Trump/Elon truly are satanic.
Yes, that's the word. I have used "evil", but it never felt strong enough. I will be using satanic in the future. Thank you.
Gobsmacking is like fantabulous or scrumptious. Great words with big meaning meant to make a statement. It got my attention.
Here's an interesting strategy: Publicly embarrass Trump about Musk. Call Musk the real President-elect; the richer & smarter one, the one people really want to talk to, etc. Trump will HATE it and essentially 'fire' Musk.
This is what several Democrats are now doing. Great strategy. Trump is a malignant narcissist and hates to be upstaged. Referring to “President Musk” may hasten a Trump-Musk breakup.
Certainly worth a shot.
There is a Palace intrigue coming for sure. Trump has the crown and everyone is his enemy. Shakespeare anyone? Wolf Hall and Henry 8th?
That is exactly the title we should be feeding Trump on a daily basis. I believe the only person who will do that is Lawrence O’Donnell in mainstream media but those who still subscribe to NYT and WaPo, should inundate them with letters saying the same. It will drive both of these narcissists crazy!
Local news also. I inadvertently left that out.
Or Musk as trump's boss.
I totally agree! Let us recognize the debt Rump owes to Musk… he is the kingmaker… and consider that Musk also
has Putin in his grips….
And remind the world something I had forgotten - Musk BEGGED Obama to save Tesla and give him hundreds of millions. That should be said in every paragraph about the smirking billionaire.
I don't suppose Biden can cancel Musk's government contracts at will because Musk is a threat to the government?
Looks like Biden is not going to do a damned thing other than ceremonious things. Still have my fingers crossed, though.
What do you suggest he do? I'm sure he's working the phones and doing what a president can legally do.
We do not know what other work Biden is doing behind the scenes. Unlike the malignant man-children Musk and Trump Biden doesn't bray from the rooftops 24/7
A lot of interesting implications in your insight into the Musk and Trump, and Musk and Putin relationships, Martha. You wrote, "Musk also has Putin in his grips...." Ah, it's not Trump being Putin's puppet I have to worry about or even Musk "working for" Putin. Maybe the dynamic is that both Putin and Trump are afraid of Musk and twenty or thirty other billionaires who are really in control. And their control is a gangsters control -- arrogant, brutal, idiotic, ludicrous (Trump and Putin "dancing" at rallies), ignorant, and authoritarian (Do what I want even when I make stupid statements and have no idea how (fill in the blanks), government, economic progress, human welfare, kindness, and human emotions work. Batten down the hatches. It's going to be a stormy night.
I'm interested that you say Musk has Putin in his grip. I would have thought Putin has Musk in his grip. Why do you say that, and is there something to read or view about it?
It is conjecture on my part, but why I suggest this is Musk's close connections to Putin and the fact that Musk has key technology that is used by Russians.
What technology(ies) of Musk’s are used by the (corporations) Russians?
Starlink - communication satellites.
Absolutely the best strategy. Musk is leading him around by the nose which message needs to be repeated often and loudly.
The Mump regime hasn't officially started yet; but, things are looking bad already.
I have been thinking the same thing. That will absolutely anger trump. We should use it.
Brilliant, Marsha!
Exactly!
Yes, thank you Robert. Coal was brought a month early. Simon Rosenberg said some similar things during his live stream with subscribers on Wed evening.
We need to focus on specific winnable or actionable items, including:
1. The Unacceptable Four nominations.
2. Calling our Senators/Congressperson every day. Our voices make a difference.
3. Developing a relationship with said leaders. Including state ones. Republican, Democrat, or Independent.
And we need to continue to love and support each other.
And while this was going on, AOC lost her bid to be Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee. I share Reed Galen's post on this subject. I agree with every word of it. When, oh when, will Democrats learn? https://reedgalen.substack.com/p/democrats-still-dont-understand-the
Corporate Dems, I.e. the DNC will not learn. We have to replace them. They primary against progressives like AOC, Katie Porter etc and secure their corrupt methods. This has to stop. But how?
One seat at a time. Stay focused and on message in every community.
Probably not in our lifetime. It's a tossup between Pelosi wanting to retain some influence over House Democrats without the blatant use of her accumulated campaign fund war chest and her jeolousy of a newcomer who appears to have the qualifications required to equal or eclipse Pelosi's distinguished career. Pity, there was a time when people were willing to recognize that they were coming to the end of their chapter and stepped aside to advise and mentor those who would write the next pages in the ongoing story. Nancy was on the way when she backed Jeffries for the Minority Leader job but apparently isn't ready to take the next step, even when her new hip allows her to do so.
I usually agree with you, Dave, but strongly disagree on this one. I believe that, for most of her time in Congress, AOC has been a destructive force among Democrats; Pelosi has been a canny leader.
I'd have agreed completely regarding AOC in her first couple of terms, which we might call the Squad Years, but lately she seems to have grown up and into the role.
We don't disagree at all on Pelosi, she's been as good a Speaker as anyone back to Sam Rayburn. My hope is that she'll retire to a well deserved position as a revered eminence grise for as long as we're blessed with her presence.
Well, if we are casting our lots here, I’m all in with Dave’s support of AOC. Moreover, I believe she was never destructive except as Republicans created such a narrative and some Democrats couldn’t step up to accept a new and competent voice. AOC certainly has learned and grown but never took on the persona of outrage and big mouth R girls - Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert - making theater rather than governing.
For sure, I am particularly disappointed that Pelosi felt she had to stop Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from moving to head of the Oversight & Accountability Committee. You might take note that Alexandria was very gracious after the loss. Too bad Pelosi couldn’t simply enjoy her travels, take care of her hip and surrender some of her well earned power to a younger and most capable new leader.
Completely agree in respect of the AOC/GOP comparison John. For the record, she was running for Ranking Member and would have been the presumptive Chair when Democrats retake the House in two years.
I completely agree on Pelosi. The idea of a graceful retirement seems to have disappeared from D.C.
Thanks for that correction re: ranking member. But you got my point. Let’s not have another Diane Feinstein waning voice.
AOC questioning of Michael Cohen is what started the Stormy Daniels hush money/ campaign finance investigation. That was in her first year on Oversight. She’s smart and uses her time to conduct real oversight. She’s not play to the cameras like Moswaski.
As long as the Pelosi led gerontocracy is in charge, never.
Can we remember that Nancy Pelosi succeeded quite admirably in leading a deeply fractured Democratic caucus with a very slim majority during the first Trump administration? It’s doubtful that anyone else could have done that.
Let’s don’t squander our energy piling on our own people. Let’s not succumb to the same collective amnesia that blinds our opponent’s followers.
Yes, let's continue to use ageism as a reason to replace every Democrat over thr age of 40. Get a grip.
Agree. Gee, I wonder why Gen Z doesn’t vote?
They didn’t have civics in their curriculum.
I wish people would just stop. AOC isn't qualified for that role at this point. She has a lot of growing and learning to do. She constantly flip flops and doesn't understand coalition building with people she might not agree with, the anti-semitism notwithstanding. The person who got it is well liked, is known for partnering on efforts. No one was whinging when Nadler stepped aside for Raskin (another white man), but one with decades of experience and a constitutionalist. We need stability, not crying on the house floor when defense spending for Israel is approved.
I respectfully disagree. Thank you.
Stop acting as if AOC is a Delphic oracle.
Amidst the chaos, I plan to keep fighting. No other choice.This brought a smile to my face….some of my sheroes gathered for festivities at the White House.🎄❤️💚
“From left to right: Myself, Heather Cox Richardson, Dana Goldberg, JoJo from Jerz, and Politics Girl Leigh McGowan. Photo by Sean McGowan. You best believe we have some ideas about how to counteract the right wing noise machine, and we’re ready to work with anyone and everyone on the left to make that happen.”
https://www.muellershewrote.com/p/a-white-house-holiday?r=3i50b&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Kathy, I loved seeing your photos (all that youthful energy!), and reading about the event. It brought a smile to my face too.
I plan to never let them take my joy away…I should have noted “myself” above is the author of the Substack,Allison Gill-Mueller.
Our other shero Jessica Craven was also at the White House party but sadly did not run into HCR and crew:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDs2pGrJBBs/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
thank you for your daily list of informative and actionable issues that matter.
My takeaway from today is that we are getting stronger as we continue to resist.
Don't quit. Don't give in.
One battle at a time.
I had written an additional comment, but lost it before it was posted. It was exquisite.
I don't think I can reproduce it.
Bottom line:
North Carolina is a prime example of the GOP's corrupt power grab and anti-Constitutional actions.
The NC GOP sprung a monster bill (SB382) that claimed to be for Hurricane Helene assistance. In fact, it was a rewriting of the rules to take away powers from ELECTED officials.
Only about 18 of the over 130 pages in the bill were for disaster relief. The rest took away powers from the incoming Democratic Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Public-School Superintendent, and other offices. They also are attempting to overthrow the closely contested victory for Supreme Court Justice won by Allison Riggs.
The NC GOP overturned Governor Roy Cooper's veto of SB382 while they still have a supermajority.
In addition, during djt's 1st term, he routinely denied funding for states led by Democratic governors, or any other requests by entities he feels are not sufficiently obsequious to his ego. Of the emergency disaster recovery funds requested by Governor Roy Cooper, djt only approved 1%!
Don't believe me? Look it up!
And explain to ALL the trump voters that THIS is what they can EXPECT in the second term.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/north-carolina-denied-99-percent-federal-recovery-funds-hurricane-matthew
We believe you Beverly. I was there at the General Assembly last Wed. Please Beverly breathe too. Box breathing is one way. I am not trying to minimize how you may feel. I am angry in my own way. If you would find it helpful, then message me and we can meet for coffee. I am in Durham. Again, I only share to bear witness that we are a community. And need to do our best to support each other. 🙂
In addition to the chaos that the Musk- Trump team is inflicting on us, this is the other story that’s keeping me awake tonight:
As per the Guardian, “Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, reportedly asked the newspaper’s editorial board to “take a break” from writing about Donald Trump, in the latest report of the billionaire owner’s growing influence over the newspaper’s coverage.” Robert has written of the agonizing irony the media now finds itself confronting. It normalized the unspeakable and now we see one of the consequences of their decision playing out.
Sherry, this could be a good thing, right? tffg HATES being ignored, and if they "take a break" from writing about him, it will look like he is being ignored.
I suspect that what this lickspittle owner of thr LA Times actually means is: don't write critical articles about Trump.
This dude will abide … but I won’t be able to retire when -I- want and need to - if ever.
This dude will abide … but will need to tighten my belt and be more frugal than I already am.
This dude will abide … but will hide my quaking heart behind my brave face.
Four years of a Tech Bro Monarchy might be too long for some. I for one do not want to live in a Tech Bro Kingdom!
Linda, None of us wants this, but imagine the jubilation if we can maintain some amount of democracy until 2026 and achieve significant victories in the midterms —breaking Trump’s hold on Congress and state legislatures prior to our entering the 2028 election cycle.
I am remembering how burnt out my relatives were in East Germany after the wall came down. They were shells of themselves. Don't want people allowing that to happen to them. When all your life is fighting for justice it can be energizing, or it can have the opposite effect. It can lead to PTSD. We shall see where things lead, but I say people should have a plan B.
Linda, In contrast to your relatives from East Germany, those of us of a certain age in this fight have hardly spent our lives engaged in an effort to resist the infiltration of the extremely harmful agenda set to be imposed on our country. Hence we fight so that those who follow have a shot at a better future. As for a Plan B, I view that as a personal decision one has to make for oneself.
Barbara, I appreciate what you are saying. I agree that the fight goes on, and not just here in the US but everywhere for a more just world.
Linda, Thank you for writing. I expect that many here in the States who are committed to the nationwide effort to resist authoritarian and divisive agendas have also spent some part of their lives fighting for a modicum of social and economic justice for people more broadly who feel overwhelmed and marginalized by oppressive forces largely beyond their individual control.
Well Barbara and Linda, I sit here in Colorado feeling that too many are struggling with the November loss and daily nonsense from Trump and his sycophants. It has been hard to watch even as I daily read these Substack authors and attempt to find the yellow brick road we might all follow without tearing ourselves apart. Let’s stay focused and stay strong.
Was fur Weimar?
?
The German government in crisis. Putin in Berlin.....
I have written about Germany preparing for war in my Substack.
https://lindaweide.substack.com/p/germany-prepares-for-war?r=f0qfn
I am working on one discussing the upcoming election in Germany.
Connection to Weimar?
This has to happen.
I got my daughter out. That is what Syrians did who could as well. They got out from under the al-Assad regime. I am prepared for life in the US to be like it was in East Germany only with better spying machinery. I have a more intimate knowledge of that than most Americans, and therefore I might be picturing this next administration differently. I say hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
The biggest issue is that we're not used to fighting wars on our home turf. People in Europe and the Middle East are used to having to take to the streets to fight back against fascism. The question is what's it going to take in the U.S. to get everyday people engaged for the fight, when around 90m people don't even bother to vote.
Great question.
Linda, I’m most concerned that the fear that our government could turn against people who might not be sufficiently loyal could chill people’s willingness to participate in public spaces and in public life. In my view, we have to try and resist such fear and create communities that commit to each other that we will not retreat but, instead, will resist at every turn freedoms and rights that are in peril.
Barbara, I can understand people getting afraid. Fearmongers know how to make people afraid. One has to keep sane whatever that takes and trust ones own knowledge of right and wrong.
We have to put all we have in to seeing that 2026 results do, in fact, take back at least the House and hopefully the Senate Here we are in December and the chaos is insane.
John, Despite the chaos, yesterday I was heartened by the 38 Republicans (largely Tea Party) who, by voting against the Musk/Trump spending bill, seemed to indicate they don’t subscribe to a foreign-born oligarch taking over the United States. Were I in Congress, I might want to try and build on this improbable alliance. Notwithstanding our disagreeing on virtually everything, perhaps they too won’t go along with Musk and others like him taking over, because they hold to the principle that the U.S. should exist as a sovereign country.
Barbara Jo, Even though the following is not about the budget, it speaks to the need to have an improbable alliance. Imagine having the current Secretary of Defense stepping aside and replaced by Hegseth, truly disgraceful and incompetent. Watch this piece on Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-on-the-strength-of-a-diverse-military/?ftag=CNI-11-10aaa3i
I would not entertain further continuing resolutions. A shutdown then will happen. We need to prepare. Raising taxes for anyone is off the table, except those above $400,000. Raising the budget ceiling is way off the table. We need to construct a radical 2028 Democratic Platform that offers clear and substantive benefits. Federally funded education through college, for instance. We need to revise the tax system to one that taxes those above $400,000 equitably until it reaches 70%. Elon Musk’s $1 billion/year paycheck looks like $700 million to the Treasury after we close all loopholes. ($25 million a month take home should handle his alimony.) Also no taxes for families under $80,000/$40,000 individual. I put a list of beneficial initiatives and the income tax framework to pay for that into this post, below. All is predicated on a gradually increasing tax rate, i.e., 50% on $80 million in annual income; 70% at $250 million income. The CBO can work out this framework. Could be 75% cap. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/the-reformation-democratic-party?r=3m1bs
"Endure.
Abide.
Do not lose faith or hope."
RESIST!
Follow RH's example. Reach out.
For every comment - please write a Letter to the Editor and contact your elected officials.
And, Unite. Reform the Democratic party from within by becoming the reliable Democratic base.
It’s time the tone toward Trump and Republicans switched to a “you work for us and this is not acceptable” one…a tone that conveys that in any other venue, he would be fired, an alpha tone, a tone that that makes clear that he works for us. Because he does (or will.). And, btw, Musk does not, so we have no need to pay attention to him. Don’t let Trump off the hook one bit by blaming anything on Musk.
My LTE yesterday was regarding the unqualified hires he is making—that’s not just an outrage—it’s horrible job performance:
Recent news stories have reported on Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President-elect Trump’s nominee for HHS Secretary. Mr. Kennedy indeed should not be confirmed because of his conspiracy theory ideas about decades-old vaccines, but he also does not have the academic or professional background or the organizational management experience necessary for heading such a large, complex organization.
Mr. Kennedy is not the only absurdly unqualified nomination Mr. Trump has announced. Yes, it is true that a president should be able to appoint advisors in whom he or she has confidence and who share particular viewpoints and goals. However, the presidency is not a sweepstakes in which the winner can spend their winnings however they choose. Mr. Trump applied for a job, voters elected him to do that job, and now he will report to all of us, the people. He has a responsibility to make serious, thoughtful, competent nominations to the administrative positions critical to our common defense and general welfare.
We should be calling our senators and insisting that they take their advice and consent responsibility seriously, even as our president-elect announces unqualified nominees.
Think Cromwell.
Many Trump voters are already experiencing buyer's remorse as the ugly reality of their self-inflicted and uninformed choice dawns. It's tempting to scream at them: "He kept showing you who he is and telling you what he would do. Why are you surprised?" But, saying we told you so will only further alienate them from us and lose this critical opportunity to channel their anger and frustration into productive action.
Instead, we need to nurture their rude awakening by affirming it and by providing them (and ourselves) with effective ways to express our collective anger, frustration, and outrage in ways that motivate our representatives in Congress to act decisively on our behalf. Only Congress can prevent Trump's greedy band of oligarchs from destroying what's left of our democracy. We must demand that all members of Congress stop kowtowing and stand up to Trump and his oligarch thugs! WE should threaten to primary THEM if they don't do the job we sent them there to do. We voters can play the primary game too!
I'm a veteran, and this MAGA madness is not what I took the oath, as a US Army officer, to protect and defend. My oath was to the Constitution - the antithesis of everything Trump and MAGA espouse.
I haven’t witnessed the buyer’s remorse you mention. Where have you experienced this remorse? It’s not you that I doubt, but that those who were so hellbent on maga being in power again could see so quickly (after years of blindly cheering and $upporting maga) what is right out in front of us, naked, ugly and terrifying.
Dusty, can you offer some good sources that report on that buyer’s remorse. I see people like you posting such statements but I’d be doubtful of all such reports until we see a real en masse embraces of this voter remorse along with some elected Republicans voicing opposition to the insanely incompetent nominees - loyal but unable to lead idiots.
It’s easy for you to keep saying “don’t panic yet”. Are you relying solely on your Social Security or SSI check to live? Are you a veteran who needs their disability compensation to pay the mortgage and put food on the table? Do you rely on VA healthcare? Or use Medicaid?
All are government programs musk has vowed to shred to nothing. Sure, so far it’s just been his usual blowhard boasting and threats. Until yesterday.
Yesterday he stopped our government from functioning. An unelected man not only stopped our government from functioning he told trump what to do and trump did as he was told.
I see plenty of cause for panic. trump’s not even in office yet and he and the entire Republican Fascist Party did exactly what musk told them to do.
Anyone else see a problem here?
Anyone else think we should be panicking right now?
To be specific - by panic I mean feel significant worry set in right now. Then use that energy to tell your Congressional reps that you didn’t elect musk to anything. Tell them to stop being cowards and do their jobs. Keep up the pressure. Don't wait until Jan 21st. This is happening NOW.
Tell your reps to grow a spine and look into declaring trump & vance incompetent. If they are going to obey musk and do whatever he says they don’t deserve to be sworn in.
While we’re at it tell Biden & Harris to get off their asses and start speaking up against musk running this country. They’ve both already checked out and need to be reminded they still hold office. I’ve read that Harris is considering a run for president in 2028. Someone should tell her to pay attention to what is going on right now and to use the office she still holds to get into the fight. Right now.
It’s unbelievable. The republicans just caved. I cannot believe this is happening. And loud republicans in my town think it’s ok. Trump and Elon can really do damage. The Dow has dropped for 4 days straight….of course I’ll keep fighting…things are scary. Thank you for being here, Robert.
I’m guessing Tr*mp will order whomever is Speaker of the House to pass a CR the first day he’s in office so the Dow will rebound and he can say he saved the market. A lot of pain before then though for people getting furloughed/not getting paychecks.
I'm watching the currency....
Musk is a citizen of South Africa, Canada, and the United States. He should not have any sway over the government of the United States.
I really can't understand why this is allowed. The oath of naturalization says: ""I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."
Not one word about owing allegiance to Canada or South Africa. It should be all or nothing.
Yes, thank you. I believe Peter Thiel has 4 citizenships.