I’m doing a lot of protest non shopping. Target and Amazon on my ixnay list. I unsubscribed to the Washington Post— that one hurt but it was being ruined and I could not justify giving him money again, especially after they drove away Jennifer Rubin and fired Ann Telnaes for telling the truth. Yeah.
I can’t find the link but Forbes wrote a preliminary report after our Feb 28th boycott that many of our targeted corporations for that day had notable drops in their online sales. Costco went up! Forbes said they could not report on brick and mortar sales as of yet but it woukd appear that we made a dent that day. Should have made the news but Trump was busy abusing Zelensky.
I am currently boycotting Target, but needed to pick up a prescription refill last week at the CVS pharmacy located inside my neighborhood Target. It was practically empty - I'm pretty sure I saw more employees than I did customers. And the parking lot was noticeably empty for middle of the day. My grocery store is in the same shopping center and I will check out the parking lot again when I pick up groceries this morning. (Thursday is senior discount day!)
Have done that too. Got rid of WaPo before the election. I made a point of calling Target to cancel my card and account which I've had for over 10 years. They asked for a reason and I told them. Happy to say the call was recorded. I have ghosted Amazon and will kill my account in April when Prime is supposed to renew. You can survive without Amazon it just takes a little time to find what you want and buy it elsewhere.
Think of your Amazon discount as contributions to the dictator.
Yes, one can definitely survive without Amazon. Just takes a little bit of effort to search a little deeper for whatever one is looking for. I have not ordered from Amazon in over 5 years. Boycotted Walmart for a couple decades. Just started with Target since they renounced Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
My husband and I are gradually weaning ourselves off of Amazon. It's an addiction to convenience. But I have found some alternatives - For example, pet food (Chewy.com), supplements and beauty products (Vitacost.com; IHerb.com), Hardware - Well, most of the hardware purveyors seem to be on the political right, but at least when we shop at Ace we're shopping locally.
To me, this is the single most important thing we can all be doing. We can alter the very status and functioning of Capitslism by being smart, mindful consumers and maybe consuming less. I’m right with you!! Thank you for writing!
Yes! I am very consciously doing this already and urge everyone else to do it as well. Participate in the economy to the least extent possible. Buy at local, small businesses. That might be less convenient and a little more expensive, but that is certainly a small price to pay to help save democracy. Economic action is the most effective tool at our disposal.
I am doing my best to be a mindful consumer, but it can be very difficult. When I visit family in Florida, there are no local places to buy affordable groceries except big box stores.
It is hard!! Especially in FL! Have you gone to the most nearby health food store? They may also have info and like-minded people. Please let us know as I have friends there and can encourage better purchasing habits. Good luck!
The Wash Post is still doing excellent reporting and should be supported in doing so . If we keep canceling subscriptions, the paper may shut down. For all we know, Bezos may want that at this moment. Are we mistakenly cutting off our noses to spite our faces?
WaPo is being completely corrupted by Bezos. They are nothing like the paper they once were. It’s sad but reality. Many writers, editors etc have left because it’s the right thing to do. It’s called having a conscience and values. Support them and independent media! The good reporters and commentators will be welcomed elsewhere. We can live without WaPo just like we can live without Amazon.
What really broke me was the realisation that so many other innocent people have been kidnapped into ICE. Unlike the Canadian who finally was able to escape their clutches, these people have no way to escape. Illegal, abhorrent and inhumane conduct. What have we come to?
Most of Vermont lies within ICE's remit zone of 100 miles from the border. They routinely wait at vulnerable places for people to show up, and it is not even unusual for this kind of detention to occur. Most Latino workers avoid the border area, but ICE has 100 miles to play in. I resent it. It's like living in an occupied zone- occupied by our own government.
I used to give rides to immigrants to dr appts or shopping in the central part of VT. But eventually my car was "made" (I noticed cars following me from my home) and I had to stop. I didn't want to put anyone at risk.
ICE never bothered the drivers, but would take riders in. They were not careful about checking the status and knowingly detained people who held work visas. I know a few drivers who felt traumatized because they had to witness the demeaning and often violent way ICE treated non-threatening people they took in.
Ironically, if people seeking asylum could get to the border, they could just walk across and be met by Canadian immigration officers, who helped get the paperwork filled in and set the process for a hearing in place. ICE didn't bother people if the Canadian immigration officials were in the area. I imagine these days that things are more complicated, though.
Annie- I can’t hit Like for this info, but thanks so much for sharing from your own direct experience. I’m also in a state mostly under the jurisdiction of the border patrol, and part of a local rapid response team. Sharing specifics like you have here is very helpful for people to understand what is happening. Recently, our team accompanied a 12-year-old girl to an ICE check in appointment. Otherwise, she would have had to go alone. The following week we accompanied a young couple whose baby is on hospice care. They were terrified they would be detained and not be allowed to be there for their baby. All of this is completely unnecessary, and deliberately cruel.
What was also upsetting was reading the article about Russin asylum seekers who have been being put in detention centers during the Biden/Harris administration. There was a link to that article at the end of the Guardian article about the Candian citizen. I am not trying to both sides things here; but it just makes me realize (once again) that both political parties have been so corrupted by corporate money. Hopefully we get a chance to have the Dems in power again....and with all that we are learning, we use our "fight" to continue to fight against all corruption in the system.
For those on the list over 60, I hope you have joined Third Act. Whenever you post something on social media regarding any of this, consider using #EldersResist. We are the biggest voting block in the country and have a lot at stake in this political turmoil. https://thirdact.org
Having been active for years, I would say that the largest number of folks most active in resistance and other pro-democracy groups are over 60 (some way over), though we are of all ages. One of the things we are trying to do is recruit more young people and to build cooperative relationships with groups of younger people. People of all ages and back grounds working together are, in my opinion, the most effective. Third Act sounds like a good way for older people who up till now have not been involved in this kind of action to learn about how effective working this way can be. And as their ad says, put to use some of the life skills and insights they bring into retirement.
GLOBAL DAY OF PROTEST FOR #TESLATAKEDOWN called for March 29th!! Go to teslatakedown.com and find one near you, or organize your own. Here's a link to watch their inspiring mass mobilizing call that happened yesterday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APHo7bea_p4
Gotta disagree with you on one point, Robert. Contacting Inter-Con to "leave them a message" is the height of stupidity. You have to give them you name, email and phone number.v Does anyone think they won't hand over that information to the people you don't want to talk to?
Any of you under 70 never experienced the antiwar movement. We essentially lived in a police state. Particularly those of use who were very active and doing things like I and the lady who became my first wife were doing - running the Oleo Strut Coffeehouse outside Fort Hood in 1968. The authorities and those dependent on them (like Inter-Con) are not your friends and they are going to do things that will harm you. As shown in the story about US Institute of Peace, you must not consider the police or any security service public or private to be other than The Enemy. That's how they think of you. We used to have a sign on our house phone: "Don't Say Anything On This Phone You Wouldn't Say To J. Edgar Hoover" Unless you are using a secure encrypted service like Signal, you should have the same thing on you cellphones. And there is undoubtedly at least one person on this comment section who is reading what is written here and reporting t the FBI.
Expect them to come up with something to harass us like the old FBI COINTELPRO program from back in the day.
Well, f**k it! I sent an email anyway, TC, so I guess I am stupid too. Here it is:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
It has been called to my attention that your company was hired to protect a non-profit agency in Washington, DC from actors who seek to do it harm. However, it appears that you usurped your duty to defend and protect that agency and its people.
Your company allowed the richest man in the world and his team of ketamine-induced megalomaniacs to force their way into a non-governmental building. The agency promoted peace. Your company elected to ignore your contract and for that, may you be sued for the egregious act that you committed.
All you say is true re: previous warnings for safety. But: who is stopping people from flooding their inbox with protests from fictional accounts? They'll get the message. And it does read like Inter-con was itself coerced, which indicates they may not have been corrupted initially.
Another option would be to press the case with a Congressional rep, or perhaps attempt to mount a class action suit. I suspect some legal action may be mounted against this as well, but that takes time.
Yes, I agree, and maybe other violations too. Marlo below mentions aiding and abetting, due to their prior contractual obligations.
Moreover, Judge Chuang's ruling on DOGE may strengthen any case against them now, including USIP. DOGE may not have any legitimate authority to even enter a federal entity. So I might have to amend my statement on legal action above -- it may be pretty quick.
I just caught up to my last night's recording of Maddow - she seems to be referencing some comments from Judge Howell on this break-in. Reading on Democracy Docket that Judge Beryl Howell "she denied the requested restraining order because of USIP’s complex position within the government."
I think that has already been part of their plan. It may even be stated in Project 2025.
At the same time, they are also counting on intimidation and overwhelm. They know their actual policies are very unpopular, and they can’t legislate them. So they have to decree them by executive order, and they usually lose in court. In other words, don’t give up because that’s what they want.
I guess thanks for the memories 😄. I do remember those days well. But when you're young fighting comes naturally. You don't expect to have to do it when you're retired!
Judy, was thinking that the other night as I was preparing for an Indivisible meeting. Last fall I was looking forward to doing more things with my family, getting my garden back into shape, and having time to do art and writing not related to politics.
Just before the election I had a nasty fall that left me with a concussion and a shoulder injury (and lots of bruises). When the election results came out, I hit bottom. I felt helpless. I grieved not only for Harris and our country, but for what felt like personal failure.
But I knew that my grief would lead inevitably into action as I began to heal, both physically and emotionally. The difference this time is that there are so many more of us, and that helps. Right now sometimes it feels like we're tripping over each other's feet, but I'm ok with that. We all are feeling our way, and pulling together. Coordination comes when we are willing to take those first fumbling steps to make things happen. And they are.
If you emailed it to them, you gave them your email address and they can work back from there. You did nothing wrong or illegal, and you have nothing to really fear because of that, TC just offered good advice for flying under the radar.
87 year old here. I remember the FBI questioning my neighbors. I remember the FBI questioning me about my neighbors? Our “sin”? We wrote anti war letters to Nixon and had anti war signs in our yard and marched in anti war protests. All covered under the Constitution.
When I got on the Inter Con site and hit contact I thought “What is Robert thinking?” I agree, TC. Doing this will just be handing them an enemies list like Tricky Dick compiled.
Being someone about to turn 71 and a former antiwar activist, I concur with your message. No one who's not experienced that time can possibly understand the danger we are in if we out ourselves. Better to know your enemy and prepare.
I’m glad you wrote that. I was pretty young but went to anti-Vietnam protests in the early 70’s and people are talking like this use of the FBI against Americans is new! It was certainly used like that if you did not agree with the government then. I guess history does not connect with those who did not experience it. I’m protesting in pretty safe Blue CA but it still needs to be considered. This is a pretty scary time but I’ve gone to on demonstration and have plans for more. Time to wake up and defend our rights.
Good advice on all counts TC, and a VPN might be useful too. It's probably also worth noting that the FBI reporter won't likely reveal themselves by posting trollish comments, they're more likely to agree, at least tepidly, with whatever the flow of the conversation is.
TC, this is second time recently I fully agree with you! (That's a little scary in itself...). I write all kinds of things, but one thing I won't waste energy on is this kind of scolding campaign, especially when I know my info is going to be collected and could be used against me. It does NO GOOD to leave a fake email address: those can be easily checked and discarded. Real email addresses are easy to track. And if they were willing to do what they did, they can't be trusted to withhold your personal info. Nor will they pay attention to the admonitions. They don't care what we think: we are not their customer base.
I didn’t have to give them any personal info either. And I chose “hide my email” and used a fake name 👍. Of course, they could cross reference to here, I suppose 😬
You are too paranoid for me even if you’re being truthful about this ….we need to fight. We need to spread the word …you’re right we’re …not in Kansas anymore, but I think you should sit down and shut up sometimes.
“Inter-Con entered into the building against its former client’s wishes by using a key in its possession as part of its duties to protect the USIP building from unlawful entry. As noted above, the private security guard company is “Inter-Con.” “
Inter-Con should be SUED for 1. breach of contract, AND 2. aiding and abetting
The German government is now issuing warnings about Germans going to the US, since a German with a Green Card was detained by ICE and tortured. He is the third German who has been detained by ICE and treated cruely.
Germany is probably hated by Trump, not just because his family was denied the right to return for dodging military duty. Sounds like the apple and the tree are one and the same.
Another reason to hate Germany is because Tesla sales here are tanking. I could not find a dealer in my city, but in towns over and hour away the dealers have some used Teslas to sell. In January sales sank 60% in February they sank 76% in Germany. I don't believe it will get better because Europe is getting wary of US and Russian election interference.
Also, the EU is now holding Google and Apple to account for violating EU laws, and Trump is angry about that. Those are clearly favored sources of money for Trump so he is going to protect them like he claims he will protect minerals in Ukraine as his assets. We shall see.
In addition I wanted to point out that American Historian Jefferson Cowie pointed out some things in a speech he gave in Germany 2 nights ago, about populism, and I wrote an article about it. He is saying populist approach is needed to win. So, here is the task for the Democratic party according to him. https://lindaweide.substack.com/p/is-populism-the-way-to-go?r=f0qfn
Trump is also transactional, and quite literally losing his mind over delusions of retribution and a bottomless, warped ego. He is assuredly blowing a hole through our alliances by waging idiotic trade wars and cozying up to authoritarians. Yet he is also totally unpredictable and mercurial (Cowie also mentions this in his lecture Q & A, below). Thus we find the following statement on Germany from Trump, likely the first admin.:
"Since its inception, the American Council on Germany has sought to strengthen the important alliance between the United States and Germany. Its valuable work has furthered the political, economic, and social understanding between the two countries.”
- President Donald J. Trump
Jefferson Cowie's lecture on populism in Berlin was outstanding. A great, deep dive into the structural throughlines of populism, particularly in the U.S. It is not the only approach to improving our odds here, but he makes a compelling case for a more aggressive and inclusive populist stance (or really, candidate) from the center-left. I found it most interesting how he considered political cycles much longer -- and with greater overlap -- in duration than mere elections. Interesting to see how he invoked "Fighting Bob" LaFollette from Wisconsin as a model of progressive populist success, with an exemplary record of progressive legislation. Thanks for bringing this up.
Wouldn't let me in because I reject marketing cookies. Too bad: it sounds interesting. I think I'll see if my local library can get his latest book for me.
There's a youtube version also. Cowie is a known historian and worth reading on the subject. You could interloan his work too. It’s an interesting position in that I’m not personally partial to populism writ large. But it seems to be trending globally, and provides an opportunity for a progressive platform to capture larger voting blocs again that otherwise may be lost.
"If you want proof that the Tesla protests are working, the US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, appeared on Fox News on Wednesday and said,
If you want to learn something on this show tonight, buy Tesla. It’s unbelievable that this guy’s stock is this cheap. It will never be this cheap again.
Setting aside Lutnick’s audacity, lack of ethics, and hucksterism, his promotion of Tesla’s stock reeks of desperation. "
The Republican Party of the Free Market picking winners and losers? I'm shocked. But Lutnik is doing worse than that, he is already 'cooking the books' at Commerce to falsify the data on which we evaluate the condition of the economy and employment.
The story of the French researcher being denied entry because of what they learned on examining his phone is chilling. I have a German friend in the US who won’t leave the country to see his sick mother for fear he won’t get back in and will never see his kids again. You can bet these stories are widely publicized overseas and starting to put a general damper on travel to the US. I don’t have international travel plans but probably would get a separate basic phone--aka a “burner phone“ —for the trip if I were.
Trump is setting up a Go Fund Me Account to cover costs to impeach Judges.....
Why doesn't DNC set up one to cover the costs of defending them?
Effective March 31st, a DOGE Social Security Policy will go into effect, requiring the use of the Internet to open new accounts and file claims. If you cannot, you will be required to schedule an appointment with your local Field Office. Currently, you will be on hold for 2 hours to make the appointment and wait 30 days to have it. Under the new Policy, it is estimated that there will be between 75-85 thousand new appointments a week, at the same time that Field Offices are being closed. You can only imagine the chaos and suffering that will be imposed on our most vulnerable people.
Why are we not shouting from the rafters to stop this, and let everyone know "YES, MUSK/TRUMP ARE GOING AFTER SOCIAL SECURITY.
I’ve been sharing link below and contacted local media and asked them to alert community as 1 of 2 Social Security offices is closing in our county of over 600k.So many people are unaware ! 📣
“Here's the list of the 47 local Social Security Offices that have been or are in the process of being closed.”
I just totaled up the savings projected and it's approximately 18 million dollars. In the grand scheme of the federal budget, it doesn't even amount to a comma between numbers. Thanks for the link.
As many of you who are CEOs and board members or administrators at nonprofits, including colleges and universities and health care, know deeply, many cost cutting efforts wind up saving much less than projected and sometimes costing money. The cuts to IRS staffing are a perfect examples. Cuts staff and save x, but we lose the income, especially from uncollected or hidden tax revenue from the rich, which amount to a loss of revenue of many times X,.but that is the point, isn't it. Don't let anybody tell you these actions are "all about eliminating government waste." They are about destroying actions, organizations, and people who have helped further a vision of America Trump despises -- remember when he called the military dead suckers.
It is devastating times we are living in. I hesitated to give a security firm my email. But you know, I fucking did. Fuck them. I am a very public person. I'm a therapist and a realtor. I know lots and lots of of people. I have 4 websites. Fuck them. The fascists are not going to win. The Guardian article is appalling. DOGE is appalling. fElon is appalling. Deport him. The Republican Party is appalling. Fuck them. April 4 we go to DC.
As anti Tesla incentive, if you would like to know just how rankly corrupt Lutnick is. Lutnick's Cantor Fitzgerald -- to whom he has now passed leadership to his mid-twenty-year-old children -- has wildly inflated the stock valuation of Tesla. This is dystopian fiction. First, the Cantor target valuation, at 425:
Then the objective Tesla valuation chart, now severely depreciated, at 235 (this from CNBC, but can be fact-checked cross platform). This is emblematic of how insane the new regime is:
One thought regarding the attacks on Judge Boasberg is that Dems have another asset in the 119th Congress: Jamie Raskin is now the ranking minority member of the Judicial Oversight committee. I doubt Raskin will permit spurious, politicized attacks without putting up forceful, intelligent resistance. I'll be looking for this.
I continue to be infuriated by this regime's capricious, cruel treatment of EU allies, like the innocent French researcher denied entry. Trump's baseless retribution scheme is turning public opinion against Americans, which harms us. I sincerely wish there are yet stronger transatlantic ties beneath his nasty apoplexy.
I do not have info. on any new protests. I do feel we already have potential levers in the April 1st elections -- two Florida, and the absolutely crucial Wisconsin Supreme Court seat battle. It appears NY special election for Stefanik's seat is strategically pushed back (Stefanik may be scheduled for a confirmation hearing April 2nd, then an election called) as expected, by Democratic Governor Hochul: https://www.semafor.com/article/03/10/2025/hochul-expected-to-slow-walk-election-to-replace-stefanik
Vol opportunities for teacherJosh Weil running in Fl 06.His campaign is running commercials and fundraiser scheduled with Patti Labelle tomorrow ! He needs much support as his T-endorsed opponent is a local,to the nth degree,MAGA multi-millionaire.
Vol opportunities for Gay Valimont running in Fl 01 for Matt Gaetz’ former seat. She also needs much support in another ruby red district.I encourage all to read this amazing woman’s story! https://gayforcongress.com/about
Last night in Indianapolis about 300 people attended an “Empty Chair Town Hall” with(out) Senator Todd Young. People lined up to comment and ask questions. Here is a copy of the speech I was honored to give:
Open Letter to Senator Todd Young
Senator Young, let me begin by saying “thank you” for your service to our country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, and as a member of the U.S. Senate. Both of these are positions of honor and are deserving of our respect.
To become an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and a member of the U.S. Senate, you had to take an Oath. Let me respectfully remind you of those words:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So Help me God.”
Senator Young, the U.S. Constitution is under attack. This current president is abandoning our allies and embracing our enemies. His actions seem to be unconstitutional and likely illegal. Judicial orders are being ignored and mocked. People’s rights are being stripped away. Essential services are being cut and eliminated. This administration has done great damage and caused much pain to Americans and it is just getting started. Let’s call it what it is: a coup.
This is the moment for bold action, but Congress is failing to do its duty. We need better ideas. We need solutions.
My question to you today is this: “What are you doing now to stand up to this? What are you going to do, and when are you going to do it?”
Now would be a very good time to take action. If, for whatever reason you feel that you can no longer fulfill the obligations of your Oath of Office, maybe you should step down. Your job is not to concern yourself with your political career. We, the People, will take care of that. Your job right now is to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Thank you for your time, and God bless the United States of America.
Wonderful! Thank you, James! A group of us are planning what will probably be an empty seat town hall for former Navy SEAL John McGuire, VA-05, during the April congressional recess. The speech you delivered would be appropriate for him, too. I'll pass it along to our Indivisible group.
That’s great John! I took the same oath, more or less, when I enlisted in the Indiana Nat’l Guard, and again when I became an Indianapolis Police Officer. To me, these oaths are lifelong commitments to “support and defend the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic”. I only wish that our elected officials would see it that way.
Another idea, and we missed it last night but will do it at our next Town Hall, is to ask the group to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. We have the right to petition our government to redress wrongs, and this is an act of true patriotism. We need to celebrate that, and practice it. Claim it for ourselves, and take it away from the MAGA crowd and their false patriotism.
James! Excellent, calm, and effective political rhetoric. I will use it as a model for my repeated please to Senator Young and with even less hope, newbie Senator Jim Banks. I am a Hoosier too, living in South Bend. Your reminder of his oath and obligations is effective and not at all snarky. A+ writing from this old English teacher.
Given HCR’s comments this morning regarding the role of FOX commentators in promoting Trumps dictatorship, should not we mount a 24/7 protest in front of the FOX studios in NYC?
I’m doing a lot of protest non shopping. Target and Amazon on my ixnay list. I unsubscribed to the Washington Post— that one hurt but it was being ruined and I could not justify giving him money again, especially after they drove away Jennifer Rubin and fired Ann Telnaes for telling the truth. Yeah.
Hi Again,
I can’t find the link but Forbes wrote a preliminary report after our Feb 28th boycott that many of our targeted corporations for that day had notable drops in their online sales. Costco went up! Forbes said they could not report on brick and mortar sales as of yet but it woukd appear that we made a dent that day. Should have made the news but Trump was busy abusing Zelensky.
I am currently boycotting Target, but needed to pick up a prescription refill last week at the CVS pharmacy located inside my neighborhood Target. It was practically empty - I'm pretty sure I saw more employees than I did customers. And the parking lot was noticeably empty for middle of the day. My grocery store is in the same shopping center and I will check out the parking lot again when I pick up groceries this morning. (Thursday is senior discount day!)
I entered my local CVS within Target to pick up prescriptions and felt like shouting "I'm only here for the CVS!"
Thanks for this report, Amy. We were wondering if the boycott had any measurable effects.
Have done that too. Got rid of WaPo before the election. I made a point of calling Target to cancel my card and account which I've had for over 10 years. They asked for a reason and I told them. Happy to say the call was recorded. I have ghosted Amazon and will kill my account in April when Prime is supposed to renew. You can survive without Amazon it just takes a little time to find what you want and buy it elsewhere.
Think of your Amazon discount as contributions to the dictator.
Yes, one can definitely survive without Amazon. Just takes a little bit of effort to search a little deeper for whatever one is looking for. I have not ordered from Amazon in over 5 years. Boycotted Walmart for a couple decades. Just started with Target since they renounced Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
My husband and I are gradually weaning ourselves off of Amazon. It's an addiction to convenience. But I have found some alternatives - For example, pet food (Chewy.com), supplements and beauty products (Vitacost.com; IHerb.com), Hardware - Well, most of the hardware purveyors seem to be on the political right, but at least when we shop at Ace we're shopping locally.
I'm right there with you! I really enjoy following Jen Rubin & Norm Eisen on The Contrarian.
To me, this is the single most important thing we can all be doing. We can alter the very status and functioning of Capitslism by being smart, mindful consumers and maybe consuming less. I’m right with you!! Thank you for writing!
Some may not be aware of this website: Goods Unite Us https://www.goodsuniteus.com/ which tells you to which political party a corporation donates
That is a very helpful app to have. Warning, you will be disappointed by the record of companies you love.
Mahalo. I wish it also had their DEIA stance.
That sight hasn’t been updated for ages🙄
Yes! I am very consciously doing this already and urge everyone else to do it as well. Participate in the economy to the least extent possible. Buy at local, small businesses. That might be less convenient and a little more expensive, but that is certainly a small price to pay to help save democracy. Economic action is the most effective tool at our disposal.
I am doing my best to be a mindful consumer, but it can be very difficult. When I visit family in Florida, there are no local places to buy affordable groceries except big box stores.
It is hard!! Especially in FL! Have you gone to the most nearby health food store? They may also have info and like-minded people. Please let us know as I have friends there and can encourage better purchasing habits. Good luck!
The Wash Post is still doing excellent reporting and should be supported in doing so . If we keep canceling subscriptions, the paper may shut down. For all we know, Bezos may want that at this moment. Are we mistakenly cutting off our noses to spite our faces?
Agreed. WaPo and NYT are still important (tho sometimes flawed) sources of news reporting.
It‘s important to keep responsible channels of news reporting open, lest Trumpians dominate information dissemination.
WaPo is being completely corrupted by Bezos. They are nothing like the paper they once were. It’s sad but reality. Many writers, editors etc have left because it’s the right thing to do. It’s called having a conscience and values. Support them and independent media! The good reporters and commentators will be welcomed elsewhere. We can live without WaPo just like we can live without Amazon.
Ruth Marcus left as well.
The Guardian article is devastating. We’re the United States of America and this is how we’re treating people. Truly shameful.
What really broke me was the realisation that so many other innocent people have been kidnapped into ICE. Unlike the Canadian who finally was able to escape their clutches, these people have no way to escape. Illegal, abhorrent and inhumane conduct. What have we come to?
I agree. It’s beyond scary! Those for profit detention centers must be filled, after all.
Most of Vermont lies within ICE's remit zone of 100 miles from the border. They routinely wait at vulnerable places for people to show up, and it is not even unusual for this kind of detention to occur. Most Latino workers avoid the border area, but ICE has 100 miles to play in. I resent it. It's like living in an occupied zone- occupied by our own government.
I used to give rides to immigrants to dr appts or shopping in the central part of VT. But eventually my car was "made" (I noticed cars following me from my home) and I had to stop. I didn't want to put anyone at risk.
ICE never bothered the drivers, but would take riders in. They were not careful about checking the status and knowingly detained people who held work visas. I know a few drivers who felt traumatized because they had to witness the demeaning and often violent way ICE treated non-threatening people they took in.
Ironically, if people seeking asylum could get to the border, they could just walk across and be met by Canadian immigration officers, who helped get the paperwork filled in and set the process for a hearing in place. ICE didn't bother people if the Canadian immigration officials were in the area. I imagine these days that things are more complicated, though.
Annie- I can’t hit Like for this info, but thanks so much for sharing from your own direct experience. I’m also in a state mostly under the jurisdiction of the border patrol, and part of a local rapid response team. Sharing specifics like you have here is very helpful for people to understand what is happening. Recently, our team accompanied a 12-year-old girl to an ICE check in appointment. Otherwise, she would have had to go alone. The following week we accompanied a young couple whose baby is on hospice care. They were terrified they would be detained and not be allowed to be there for their baby. All of this is completely unnecessary, and deliberately cruel.
The realization that our taxpayer dollars are paying for this is nauseating.
What was also upsetting was reading the article about Russin asylum seekers who have been being put in detention centers during the Biden/Harris administration. There was a link to that article at the end of the Guardian article about the Candian citizen. I am not trying to both sides things here; but it just makes me realize (once again) that both political parties have been so corrupted by corporate money. Hopefully we get a chance to have the Dems in power again....and with all that we are learning, we use our "fight" to continue to fight against all corruption in the system.
For those on the list over 60, I hope you have joined Third Act. Whenever you post something on social media regarding any of this, consider using #EldersResist. We are the biggest voting block in the country and have a lot at stake in this political turmoil. https://thirdact.org
Having been active for years, I would say that the largest number of folks most active in resistance and other pro-democracy groups are over 60 (some way over), though we are of all ages. One of the things we are trying to do is recruit more young people and to build cooperative relationships with groups of younger people. People of all ages and back grounds working together are, in my opinion, the most effective. Third Act sounds like a good way for older people who up till now have not been involved in this kind of action to learn about how effective working this way can be. And as their ad says, put to use some of the life skills and insights they bring into retirement.
Deepak Puri at DemLabs has put together a great list of protest locators: Check out this link:
https://thedemlabs.substack.com/p/protest-finder-mapping-the-growing?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=1135051&post_id=159476624&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=2cssp&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
GLOBAL DAY OF PROTEST FOR #TESLATAKEDOWN called for March 29th!! Go to teslatakedown.com and find one near you, or organize your own. Here's a link to watch their inspiring mass mobilizing call that happened yesterday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APHo7bea_p4
Gotta disagree with you on one point, Robert. Contacting Inter-Con to "leave them a message" is the height of stupidity. You have to give them you name, email and phone number.v Does anyone think they won't hand over that information to the people you don't want to talk to?
Any of you under 70 never experienced the antiwar movement. We essentially lived in a police state. Particularly those of use who were very active and doing things like I and the lady who became my first wife were doing - running the Oleo Strut Coffeehouse outside Fort Hood in 1968. The authorities and those dependent on them (like Inter-Con) are not your friends and they are going to do things that will harm you. As shown in the story about US Institute of Peace, you must not consider the police or any security service public or private to be other than The Enemy. That's how they think of you. We used to have a sign on our house phone: "Don't Say Anything On This Phone You Wouldn't Say To J. Edgar Hoover" Unless you are using a secure encrypted service like Signal, you should have the same thing on you cellphones. And there is undoubtedly at least one person on this comment section who is reading what is written here and reporting t the FBI.
Expect them to come up with something to harass us like the old FBI COINTELPRO program from back in the day.
We are not in Kansas anymore, kiddies. Buckle up.
Don't leave your real name or email. And everyone should be using a VPN.
Well, f**k it! I sent an email anyway, TC, so I guess I am stupid too. Here it is:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
It has been called to my attention that your company was hired to protect a non-profit agency in Washington, DC from actors who seek to do it harm. However, it appears that you usurped your duty to defend and protect that agency and its people.
Your company allowed the richest man in the world and his team of ketamine-induced megalomaniacs to force their way into a non-governmental building. The agency promoted peace. Your company elected to ignore your contract and for that, may you be sued for the egregious act that you committed.
Can you edit your response to remove the F-bomb? Thanks.
Wow, that’s a good one. Mine was a little shorter and a little bit nastier.
Did you put your name and email address?
Not my name. My email, yes.
Thanks
All you say is true re: previous warnings for safety. But: who is stopping people from flooding their inbox with protests from fictional accounts? They'll get the message. And it does read like Inter-con was itself coerced, which indicates they may not have been corrupted initially.
Another option would be to press the case with a Congressional rep, or perhaps attempt to mount a class action suit. I suspect some legal action may be mounted against this as well, but that takes time.
They should get sued. Opening the door to the chainsaw gang is kind of a breach of contract, don’t you think?
Yes, I agree, and maybe other violations too. Marlo below mentions aiding and abetting, due to their prior contractual obligations.
Moreover, Judge Chuang's ruling on DOGE may strengthen any case against them now, including USIP. DOGE may not have any legitimate authority to even enter a federal entity. So I might have to amend my statement on legal action above -- it may be pretty quick.
I hope that it is quick. That would be good. This cannot stand that DOGE is allowed, with law enforcement help to invade private property.
I just caught up to my last night's recording of Maddow - she seems to be referencing some comments from Judge Howell on this break-in. Reading on Democracy Docket that Judge Beryl Howell "she denied the requested restraining order because of USIP’s complex position within the government."
Done.
Yes it takes time and more & more I am thinking that time is what this regime is counting on.
That is exactly the plan of the Trump regime. Flood the zone, tie up the crime spree in the courts and move on to the next hoist.
I think that has already been part of their plan. It may even be stated in Project 2025.
At the same time, they are also counting on intimidation and overwhelm. They know their actual policies are very unpopular, and they can’t legislate them. So they have to decree them by executive order, and they usually lose in court. In other words, don’t give up because that’s what they want.
I guess thanks for the memories 😄. I do remember those days well. But when you're young fighting comes naturally. You don't expect to have to do it when you're retired!
Judy, was thinking that the other night as I was preparing for an Indivisible meeting. Last fall I was looking forward to doing more things with my family, getting my garden back into shape, and having time to do art and writing not related to politics.
Just before the election I had a nasty fall that left me with a concussion and a shoulder injury (and lots of bruises). When the election results came out, I hit bottom. I felt helpless. I grieved not only for Harris and our country, but for what felt like personal failure.
But I knew that my grief would lead inevitably into action as I began to heal, both physically and emotionally. The difference this time is that there are so many more of us, and that helps. Right now sometimes it feels like we're tripping over each other's feet, but I'm ok with that. We all are feeling our way, and pulling together. Coordination comes when we are willing to take those first fumbling steps to make things happen. And they are.
I personally love it. On Strike Shut it Down!! Cambridge Massachusetts 1968. ✊🏼
I just left an email and did not have to give them any personal information.
If you emailed it to them, you gave them your email address and they can work back from there. You did nothing wrong or illegal, and you have nothing to really fear because of that, TC just offered good advice for flying under the radar.
87 year old here. I remember the FBI questioning my neighbors. I remember the FBI questioning me about my neighbors? Our “sin”? We wrote anti war letters to Nixon and had anti war signs in our yard and marched in anti war protests. All covered under the Constitution.
When I got on the Inter Con site and hit contact I thought “What is Robert thinking?” I agree, TC. Doing this will just be handing them an enemies list like Tricky Dick compiled.
No
Yes, indeed. And we all could probably read a refresher about COINTELPRO
Being someone about to turn 71 and a former antiwar activist, I concur with your message. No one who's not experienced that time can possibly understand the danger we are in if we out ourselves. Better to know your enemy and prepare.
Oleo Strut: a kind of airplane shock absorber. That branding could only make sense in a military town. Sorry for the off-topic musing.
Tom, yes but as someone wrote below, let's use fake accounts from vpns and crash their system every single day for a while.
I’m glad you wrote that. I was pretty young but went to anti-Vietnam protests in the early 70’s and people are talking like this use of the FBI against Americans is new! It was certainly used like that if you did not agree with the government then. I guess history does not connect with those who did not experience it. I’m protesting in pretty safe Blue CA but it still needs to be considered. This is a pretty scary time but I’ve gone to on demonstration and have plans for more. Time to wake up and defend our rights.
Good advice on all counts TC, and a VPN might be useful too. It's probably also worth noting that the FBI reporter won't likely reveal themselves by posting trollish comments, they're more likely to agree, at least tepidly, with whatever the flow of the conversation is.
Yes, web site of Inter-Con is frightening.
TC, this is second time recently I fully agree with you! (That's a little scary in itself...). I write all kinds of things, but one thing I won't waste energy on is this kind of scolding campaign, especially when I know my info is going to be collected and could be used against me. It does NO GOOD to leave a fake email address: those can be easily checked and discarded. Real email addresses are easy to track. And if they were willing to do what they did, they can't be trusted to withhold your personal info. Nor will they pay attention to the admonitions. They don't care what we think: we are not their customer base.
I didn’t have to give them any personal info either. And I chose “hide my email” and used a fake name 👍. Of course, they could cross reference to here, I suppose 😬
You are too paranoid for me even if you’re being truthful about this ….we need to fight. We need to spread the word …you’re right we’re …not in Kansas anymore, but I think you should sit down and shut up sometimes.
Wow. Harsh.
🤷♂️🤷♀️🤷
“Inter-Con entered into the building against its former client’s wishes by using a key in its possession as part of its duties to protect the USIP building from unlawful entry. As noted above, the private security guard company is “Inter-Con.” “
Inter-Con should be SUED for 1. breach of contract, AND 2. aiding and abetting
I think Judge Chuang's ruling on DOGE for USAID might strengthen any cases brought here.
The German government is now issuing warnings about Germans going to the US, since a German with a Green Card was detained by ICE and tortured. He is the third German who has been detained by ICE and treated cruely.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/18/germany-investigates-after-national-with-green-card-arrested-at-us-border
Germany is probably hated by Trump, not just because his family was denied the right to return for dodging military duty. Sounds like the apple and the tree are one and the same.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/nov/21/trump-grandfather-friedrich-banished-germany-historian-royal-decree
Another reason to hate Germany is because Tesla sales here are tanking. I could not find a dealer in my city, but in towns over and hour away the dealers have some used Teslas to sell. In January sales sank 60% in February they sank 76% in Germany. I don't believe it will get better because Europe is getting wary of US and Russian election interference.
Also, the EU is now holding Google and Apple to account for violating EU laws, and Trump is angry about that. Those are clearly favored sources of money for Trump so he is going to protect them like he claims he will protect minerals in Ukraine as his assets. We shall see.
In addition I wanted to point out that American Historian Jefferson Cowie pointed out some things in a speech he gave in Germany 2 nights ago, about populism, and I wrote an article about it. He is saying populist approach is needed to win. So, here is the task for the Democratic party according to him. https://lindaweide.substack.com/p/is-populism-the-way-to-go?r=f0qfn
Trump is also transactional, and quite literally losing his mind over delusions of retribution and a bottomless, warped ego. He is assuredly blowing a hole through our alliances by waging idiotic trade wars and cozying up to authoritarians. Yet he is also totally unpredictable and mercurial (Cowie also mentions this in his lecture Q & A, below). Thus we find the following statement on Germany from Trump, likely the first admin.:
"Since its inception, the American Council on Germany has sought to strengthen the important alliance between the United States and Germany. Its valuable work has furthered the political, economic, and social understanding between the two countries.”
- President Donald J. Trump
Jefferson Cowie's lecture on populism in Berlin was outstanding. A great, deep dive into the structural throughlines of populism, particularly in the U.S. It is not the only approach to improving our odds here, but he makes a compelling case for a more aggressive and inclusive populist stance (or really, candidate) from the center-left. I found it most interesting how he considered political cycles much longer -- and with greater overlap -- in duration than mere elections. Interesting to see how he invoked "Fighting Bob" LaFollette from Wisconsin as a model of progressive populist success, with an exemplary record of progressive legislation. Thanks for bringing this up.
https://www.americanacademy.de/videoaudio/populist-rage-and-american-illiberalism/
Wouldn't let me in because I reject marketing cookies. Too bad: it sounds interesting. I think I'll see if my local library can get his latest book for me.
There's a youtube version also. Cowie is a known historian and worth reading on the subject. You could interloan his work too. It’s an interesting position in that I’m not personally partial to populism writ large. But it seems to be trending globally, and provides an opportunity for a progressive platform to capture larger voting blocs again that otherwise may be lost.
https://youtu.be/WVMOUCjSGrw?si=Ex55dx37CcEsAwSn
"If you want proof that the Tesla protests are working, the US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, appeared on Fox News on Wednesday and said,
If you want to learn something on this show tonight, buy Tesla. It’s unbelievable that this guy’s stock is this cheap. It will never be this cheap again.
Setting aside Lutnick’s audacity, lack of ethics, and hucksterism, his promotion of Tesla’s stock reeks of desperation. "
The Republican Party of the Free Market picking winners and losers? I'm shocked. But Lutnik is doing worse than that, he is already 'cooking the books' at Commerce to falsify the data on which we evaluate the condition of the economy and employment.
The story of the French researcher being denied entry because of what they learned on examining his phone is chilling. I have a German friend in the US who won’t leave the country to see his sick mother for fear he won’t get back in and will never see his kids again. You can bet these stories are widely publicized overseas and starting to put a general damper on travel to the US. I don’t have international travel plans but probably would get a separate basic phone--aka a “burner phone“ —for the trip if I were.
Trump is setting up a Go Fund Me Account to cover costs to impeach Judges.....
Why doesn't DNC set up one to cover the costs of defending them?
Effective March 31st, a DOGE Social Security Policy will go into effect, requiring the use of the Internet to open new accounts and file claims. If you cannot, you will be required to schedule an appointment with your local Field Office. Currently, you will be on hold for 2 hours to make the appointment and wait 30 days to have it. Under the new Policy, it is estimated that there will be between 75-85 thousand new appointments a week, at the same time that Field Offices are being closed. You can only imagine the chaos and suffering that will be imposed on our most vulnerable people.
Why are we not shouting from the rafters to stop this, and let everyone know "YES, MUSK/TRUMP ARE GOING AFTER SOCIAL SECURITY.
Is your Go Fund Me account note here really true? Would love to see a source for that info. Thank you.
I’ve been sharing link below and contacted local media and asked them to alert community as 1 of 2 Social Security offices is closing in our county of over 600k.So many people are unaware ! 📣
“Here's the list of the 47 local Social Security Offices that have been or are in the process of being closed.”
https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/social-security/social-security-offices-close-after-doge-cuts
I just totaled up the savings projected and it's approximately 18 million dollars. In the grand scheme of the federal budget, it doesn't even amount to a comma between numbers. Thanks for the link.
As many of you who are CEOs and board members or administrators at nonprofits, including colleges and universities and health care, know deeply, many cost cutting efforts wind up saving much less than projected and sometimes costing money. The cuts to IRS staffing are a perfect examples. Cuts staff and save x, but we lose the income, especially from uncollected or hidden tax revenue from the rich, which amount to a loss of revenue of many times X,.but that is the point, isn't it. Don't let anybody tell you these actions are "all about eliminating government waste." They are about destroying actions, organizations, and people who have helped further a vision of America Trump despises -- remember when he called the military dead suckers.
Interesting, equals my comment above 18 million. 🤬
It is devastating times we are living in. I hesitated to give a security firm my email. But you know, I fucking did. Fuck them. I am a very public person. I'm a therapist and a realtor. I know lots and lots of of people. I have 4 websites. Fuck them. The fascists are not going to win. The Guardian article is appalling. DOGE is appalling. fElon is appalling. Deport him. The Republican Party is appalling. Fuck them. April 4 we go to DC.
I am a Resistance songwriter. Here is one of my newest lyrics:
2025 Our Voices-2ND DRAFT LYRICS-Feb. 17
[Chorus] Our voices will not be stilled
Shut down against our will
We’ll raise the battle cry
It’s of little use wondering why
[V.1] So let’s man the barricades of the written word
And fortify the barbs of our speech
It’s to put on our armor, to gird
Ourselves and extend our reach
We’ll fight them with our essayists and writers
We’ll fight them with our senses of humor
Because like a cancer they’ve spread
To nearly an inoperable tumor
[V.2] We’ll defend our democracy as we must
They have struck the initial blow
We will take to the streets at the call
Our chances are blessed, not cursed, we know
We’ll prepare for the coming battle
As they shut down medicine and food
We’ll have courage and won’t be rattled
Their tactics are cruel and crude
[Bridge] Blessed freedom! Blessed freedom!
We’ll fight them with words and wit
We shall not be caught flat-footed
We shall never, ever quit
©2025 David Morrill Williams
As anti Tesla incentive, if you would like to know just how rankly corrupt Lutnick is. Lutnick's Cantor Fitzgerald -- to whom he has now passed leadership to his mid-twenty-year-old children -- has wildly inflated the stock valuation of Tesla. This is dystopian fiction. First, the Cantor target valuation, at 425:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lutnick-cantor-upgrades-stock-rating-114554908.html
Then the objective Tesla valuation chart, now severely depreciated, at 235 (this from CNBC, but can be fact-checked cross platform). This is emblematic of how insane the new regime is:
https://www.cnbc.com/quotes/TSLA
One thought regarding the attacks on Judge Boasberg is that Dems have another asset in the 119th Congress: Jamie Raskin is now the ranking minority member of the Judicial Oversight committee. I doubt Raskin will permit spurious, politicized attacks without putting up forceful, intelligent resistance. I'll be looking for this.
I continue to be infuriated by this regime's capricious, cruel treatment of EU allies, like the innocent French researcher denied entry. Trump's baseless retribution scheme is turning public opinion against Americans, which harms us. I sincerely wish there are yet stronger transatlantic ties beneath his nasty apoplexy.
I do not have info. on any new protests. I do feel we already have potential levers in the April 1st elections -- two Florida, and the absolutely crucial Wisconsin Supreme Court seat battle. It appears NY special election for Stefanik's seat is strategically pushed back (Stefanik may be scheduled for a confirmation hearing April 2nd, then an election called) as expected, by Democratic Governor Hochul: https://www.semafor.com/article/03/10/2025/hochul-expected-to-slow-walk-election-to-replace-stefanik
Vol opportunities for teacherJosh Weil running in Fl 06.His campaign is running commercials and fundraiser scheduled with Patti Labelle tomorrow ! He needs much support as his T-endorsed opponent is a local,to the nth degree,MAGA multi-millionaire.
https://www.mobilize.us/joshweilforcongressionaldistrict6/
Vol opportunities for Gay Valimont running in Fl 01 for Matt Gaetz’ former seat. She also needs much support in another ruby red district.I encourage all to read this amazing woman’s story! https://gayforcongress.com/about
https://www.mobilize.us/gayforcongress/
Floridians, today is the last day to request a mail-in ballot !📣
Thank you Kathy!
Raskin has already spoken out via his role on the House Judiciary Committee:
https://democrats-judiciary.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5587
Last night in Indianapolis about 300 people attended an “Empty Chair Town Hall” with(out) Senator Todd Young. People lined up to comment and ask questions. Here is a copy of the speech I was honored to give:
Open Letter to Senator Todd Young
Senator Young, let me begin by saying “thank you” for your service to our country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, and as a member of the U.S. Senate. Both of these are positions of honor and are deserving of our respect.
To become an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and a member of the U.S. Senate, you had to take an Oath. Let me respectfully remind you of those words:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So Help me God.”
Senator Young, the U.S. Constitution is under attack. This current president is abandoning our allies and embracing our enemies. His actions seem to be unconstitutional and likely illegal. Judicial orders are being ignored and mocked. People’s rights are being stripped away. Essential services are being cut and eliminated. This administration has done great damage and caused much pain to Americans and it is just getting started. Let’s call it what it is: a coup.
This is the moment for bold action, but Congress is failing to do its duty. We need better ideas. We need solutions.
My question to you today is this: “What are you doing now to stand up to this? What are you going to do, and when are you going to do it?”
Now would be a very good time to take action. If, for whatever reason you feel that you can no longer fulfill the obligations of your Oath of Office, maybe you should step down. Your job is not to concern yourself with your political career. We, the People, will take care of that. Your job right now is to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Thank you for your time, and God bless the United States of America.
Wonderful! Thank you, James! A group of us are planning what will probably be an empty seat town hall for former Navy SEAL John McGuire, VA-05, during the April congressional recess. The speech you delivered would be appropriate for him, too. I'll pass it along to our Indivisible group.
That’s great John! I took the same oath, more or less, when I enlisted in the Indiana Nat’l Guard, and again when I became an Indianapolis Police Officer. To me, these oaths are lifelong commitments to “support and defend the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic”. I only wish that our elected officials would see it that way.
Another idea, and we missed it last night but will do it at our next Town Hall, is to ask the group to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. We have the right to petition our government to redress wrongs, and this is an act of true patriotism. We need to celebrate that, and practice it. Claim it for ourselves, and take it away from the MAGA crowd and their false patriotism.
Terrific idea. Take the patriotism away from the pseudo-patriots who love not their country but love only their dictator.
James! Excellent, calm, and effective political rhetoric. I will use it as a model for my repeated please to Senator Young and with even less hope, newbie Senator Jim Banks. I am a Hoosier too, living in South Bend. Your reminder of his oath and obligations is effective and not at all snarky. A+ writing from this old English teacher.
Given HCR’s comments this morning regarding the role of FOX commentators in promoting Trumps dictatorship, should not we mount a 24/7 protest in front of the FOX studios in NYC?