I attended a frigid rally in Asheville with about 300 others. The focus was to protest the sore loser in a State Supreme Court race, Jefferson Griffen, who is contesting the ballots of 60,000 NC voters, mostly in Democratic counties and despite two recounts. It's a litmus test because if he succeeds, MAGA losers will try this elsewhere .
Hi Nancy. Thanks for your kind words. It was really cold but I'm glad I was able to go. People were really fired up and hopefully Griffen's effort will go down in flames.
Thank you for being out there in the cold. I hope everyone across the country understands the importance of this NC case. The republicans want to count votes only for themselves and discard the rest. If the court rules in favor of Griffin the ramifications will be felt far beyond NC. There will never again be legitimate elections in red states or any federal election. This is exactly what maga wants.
Mary, I love your description of this horror, Griffen, as a sore loser. That's what all these egotists, narcissists and psychopaths are. I think it's a good way to begin fighting them--the ill-educated 77 million Americans who elected Trump know what a sore loser is, and know it's undesirable and not something they want to associate with. The more we can plaster them with labels like "sore loser," the more we'll be able to fire up the resistance. It may seem like a tiny point to some, but I'm a marketing person and know how much tropes affect people's thinking and behavior. I envision a crowd of thousands chanting "sore loser" at people like Trump, Griffen, Musk (I think it would really rile him), and the dozens of others refusing to accept defeat. And help us ultimately defeat them all. It's going to take some time and a lot of the demonstrations and protest actions Robert chronicled today. But we have to start somewhere. We need a war of actions and effective communications. We're seeing the start of the former, but we still haven't a clue about how to communicate effectively. I like a recent text I got from AOC, where she said we have to become the party of brawlers. I agree. That's the right word and the right tone to carry forward now.
Inthink it is time to stop trying to draw parallels between the Third Reich and America. America has had an undercurrent of racism and xenophobia for much of its history. Stop acting as if we are a "shining city on a hill".
I keep meaning to write to my five cousins in Germany, but I hardly know what to say. The situation here is so dire and its ramifications are worldwide. Witness Hegseth's recent performance. It appears there's a growing menace in Germany too . . .
Most are watching in horror from the US. The history of fascism is repeating itself. The American pubic has become so enthralled with conspiracy theories, living in the world of alternative facts, and right wing media, we may not be able to save ourselves.
My advice to Germany is to no longer consider the US a reliable or trusted ally.
Several hundred brave Mainer’s protested yesterday in Augusta … it was -5 & 50mph gusts. 50 of us protested at Portland City Hall. It was a. Near balmy -3!
Ellsworth Maine - minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit - reporting for duty. Over 50 people and one "Dog Against DODGE." Quite a crowd - for Ellsworth Maine. People from Mt. Desert Island and several towns on the mainland. Roads so icy that the buses were cancelled - that almost never happens. But ...
And as featured on Rachel Maddow!
Sorry these Comments don't allow me to attach photos. But ...
From Dr. Hook - wearing the same size cross as Trump's Press Secretary Barbie and wearing it better.
More annoyed than offended. (Actually, 'alarmed' might be a better word, since Christian nationalism - whose adherents can't grasp the concept of secular government - is in the mix.) But find humor if/where you can, I always say. Ever watch "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer?" Given their similar taste in jewelry, that's what we call Press-Sec Barbie in our house now --- sometimes just "Buffy," for short.
We had hundreds show up at the Augusta, Maine State capital. It was frigid and Gusty but we were fired up! We sang,. chanted, and listened to encouraging speeches. This is just the beginning.
Senator Collis is not admired by me. All talk, No spine .Caved on the worst cabinet nominees ever after her one symbolic vote against Hegseth. What a crock. Cannot imagine why Mainers keep electing her.
Hope is an essential element for our success. Thank you for keeping the tone of this newsletter encouraging, supportive, and optimistic. We work best when we believe in the cause and trust that together we can win.
We nearly froze to death along with hundreds who showed up yesterday in Asheville’s Pack Square, but when we heard the shocking stories from some of 60,000 voters whose votes were challenged by the loser of NC’s Supreme Court race, we started to warm up. Allison Riggs won the race by over 700 votes, but the Republican loser, Mr. Griffin, still wants to be on the Supreme Court really really BAD. So far, two recounts and the courts thwart his moves. Our crowd of protesters was strong and determined and it felt so GREAT to stand with all the welcoming strangers at the start of a Movement to take back our country from the Flying Monkeys and the Muskrats.
Nice peaceful rally in Salem, Oregon, several hundred folks lined either side of the main road going east and waived home made signs at passing motorists. Hispanic guy was selling large flags which are hAlf American and half Mexican, cut by a diagonal line. I hope these rallies occur frequently.
Here in Maine it was a cold, with fresh snow and major gusting winds, but over 400 people showed up anyway. Signs mostly condemned Musk, and Trump but also the weakness of Susan Collins. Yes a protest is a message to the world, but more importantly brings together people giving them added strength to keep doing what they can.
Herr, thank you. The weather was piercing. A Mainer myself, unable to march, I know of many who did in a few cities. I have been busy on the phone lists, but Susan Collins actions really energizes me. She gone from a puzzle, to a huge disappointment, back to a puzzle, wondering where her humanity is.
In Columbus, OH, 14°, 750 people of all ages protested in front of the Statehouse for over 2 hr. We also marched: 1) on the entire sidewalk perimeter of the SH, 2) with police car protection, in the streets circling the SH. Hundreds of cars honking in support throughout the day!
I attended an Indivisible protest in Wayne, New Jersey, a conservative suburb. 150 people in a suburb! It was just one of many around New Jersey. I thought there would be like 20 people! So I was energized by the response. We were on a busy corner on a main highway, so there was a lot of public response! More positive than negative, lots of honking and thumbs up! Good news!
Thank you, Robert! I appreciate your words here every day, but today’s edition of Today’s Edition has profound encouragement in it. Your share in this important effort to save democracy is foundational. I know I am not the only profoundly grateful person reading your daily work.
In Muskegon, MI we had 200 people waving. signs at passersby in under 0 degree weather. With only two days notice all these people created signs, dressed warm and came out to protest.
Athens, GA. City hall rally to protest Musk — those losing jobs and/or research funding at Univ of GA, e.g., more robust pecan variety to offset climate change. Signs: DOGE Dangerous Oligarchs Grab Everything. DOGE Down On Greedy Elon MUSK GO. Later: Zoom w WI Supreme Court candidate Judge Susan Crawford. Invigorating!
I was in Athens, GA yesterday with hundreds of peaceful protesters. It was encouraging to see so many turn out. Several were former Federal workers who had just been fired. A couple brought their young daughter in a wheelchair; I can only imagine the fear they are facing regarding healthcare.
One gentleman had a small sign with head shots of Vance, Trump, and Musk. Underneath was Larry, Curly, and DOGE. I wish I could attach a picture.
Kudos to all those braving bitter cold temps to protest! 🥶We had a great turnout here at the gov center in front of my MAGA US Rep’s office in Fl. It was peaceful and empowering with good coverage by local news.
Regarding Musk’s access to Social Security,I suggest a screenshot/print of your info including earnings history.
Great shot of Jellyfish Nebula! I somehow see Marco Rubio’s giant ears in there…😂
I attended a frigid rally in Asheville with about 300 others. The focus was to protest the sore loser in a State Supreme Court race, Jefferson Griffen, who is contesting the ballots of 60,000 NC voters, mostly in Democratic counties and despite two recounts. It's a litmus test because if he succeeds, MAGA losers will try this elsewhere .
Thank you, Mary. I live in Asheville too.Thank you for braving the extremely cold weather to protest.
Hi Nancy. Thanks for your kind words. It was really cold but I'm glad I was able to go. People were really fired up and hopefully Griffen's effort will go down in flames.
Thank you for being out there in the cold. I hope everyone across the country understands the importance of this NC case. The republicans want to count votes only for themselves and discard the rest. If the court rules in favor of Griffin the ramifications will be felt far beyond NC. There will never again be legitimate elections in red states or any federal election. This is exactly what maga wants.
I joined the People v Griffin Rally in Raleigh. Great turnout. Inspiring speakers. Determined energy.
Mary, I love your description of this horror, Griffen, as a sore loser. That's what all these egotists, narcissists and psychopaths are. I think it's a good way to begin fighting them--the ill-educated 77 million Americans who elected Trump know what a sore loser is, and know it's undesirable and not something they want to associate with. The more we can plaster them with labels like "sore loser," the more we'll be able to fire up the resistance. It may seem like a tiny point to some, but I'm a marketing person and know how much tropes affect people's thinking and behavior. I envision a crowd of thousands chanting "sore loser" at people like Trump, Griffen, Musk (I think it would really rile him), and the dozens of others refusing to accept defeat. And help us ultimately defeat them all. It's going to take some time and a lot of the demonstrations and protest actions Robert chronicled today. But we have to start somewhere. We need a war of actions and effective communications. We're seeing the start of the former, but we still haven't a clue about how to communicate effectively. I like a recent text I got from AOC, where she said we have to become the party of brawlers. I agree. That's the right word and the right tone to carry forward now.
Later news reported it at 300 people but it was a fired up crowd.
Thanks to everyone who is protesting. We are watching in horror from Germany.
Thank you for the encouragement. We need our European partners, and partners everywhere to laugh in his face.
(wish we could spit in his face)
Elizabeth, being in Germany, do you see people bringing up comparisons of the current events to the rise of fascism in the 1930's?
Inthink it is time to stop trying to draw parallels between the Third Reich and America. America has had an undercurrent of racism and xenophobia for much of its history. Stop acting as if we are a "shining city on a hill".
Agree
I keep meaning to write to my five cousins in Germany, but I hardly know what to say. The situation here is so dire and its ramifications are worldwide. Witness Hegseth's recent performance. It appears there's a growing menace in Germany too . . .
Most are watching in horror from the US. The history of fascism is repeating itself. The American pubic has become so enthralled with conspiracy theories, living in the world of alternative facts, and right wing media, we may not be able to save ourselves.
My advice to Germany is to no longer consider the US a reliable or trusted ally.
Several hundred brave Mainer’s protested yesterday in Augusta … it was -5 & 50mph gusts. 50 of us protested at Portland City Hall. It was a. Near balmy -3!
Ellsworth Maine - minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit - reporting for duty. Over 50 people and one "Dog Against DODGE." Quite a crowd - for Ellsworth Maine. People from Mt. Desert Island and several towns on the mainland. Roads so icy that the buses were cancelled - that almost never happens. But ...
And as featured on Rachel Maddow!
Sorry these Comments don't allow me to attach photos. But ...
From Dr. Hook - wearing the same size cross as Trump's Press Secretary Barbie and wearing it better.
https://youtu.be/gUjcjUF-urU?si=NPeNb1ZAdy8AMWfH
(And yes, our summertime MDI Leonard Leo protests have been listed as Things To Do on MDI, by ... Rolling Stone;)
„From Dr. Hook - wearing the same size cross as Trump's Press Secretary Barbie and wearing it better.“
– I‘ve been offended by her prominently wearing a big cross during *public* presentations.
Are others similarly offended?
More annoyed than offended. (Actually, 'alarmed' might be a better word, since Christian nationalism - whose adherents can't grasp the concept of secular government - is in the mix.) But find humor if/where you can, I always say. Ever watch "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer?" Given their similar taste in jewelry, that's what we call Press-Sec Barbie in our house now --- sometimes just "Buffy," for short.
You Mainers are all to be admired! Thank you for being true patriots.
We had hundreds show up at the Augusta, Maine State capital. It was frigid and Gusty but we were fired up! We sang,. chanted, and listened to encouraging speeches. This is just the beginning.
Senator Collis is not admired by me. All talk, No spine .Caved on the worst cabinet nominees ever after her one symbolic vote against Hegseth. What a crock. Cannot imagine why Mainers keep electing her.
Hope is an essential element for our success. Thank you for keeping the tone of this newsletter encouraging, supportive, and optimistic. We work best when we believe in the cause and trust that together we can win.
About 200 protesters showed up in El Cerrito (Bay Area) CA.
My sign said:
“Musk - OUT of D.C.”
and on the reverse side:
“GOP- Courage? Guts?”
and In small letters
“Pleeze even just a little …”
We nearly froze to death along with hundreds who showed up yesterday in Asheville’s Pack Square, but when we heard the shocking stories from some of 60,000 voters whose votes were challenged by the loser of NC’s Supreme Court race, we started to warm up. Allison Riggs won the race by over 700 votes, but the Republican loser, Mr. Griffin, still wants to be on the Supreme Court really really BAD. So far, two recounts and the courts thwart his moves. Our crowd of protesters was strong and determined and it felt so GREAT to stand with all the welcoming strangers at the start of a Movement to take back our country from the Flying Monkeys and the Muskrats.
All of us have to be paying attention to that race and I agree this will be the Republican playbook going forward if we can’t beat it back.
Hi Joan: I was there too and the stories were just horrifying. I'm glad there was such a good turnout, despite the cold.
You’re a brave lady, Mary. We shall overcome!
Nice peaceful rally in Salem, Oregon, several hundred folks lined either side of the main road going east and waived home made signs at passing motorists. Hispanic guy was selling large flags which are hAlf American and half Mexican, cut by a diagonal line. I hope these rallies occur frequently.
Here in Maine it was a cold, with fresh snow and major gusting winds, but over 400 people showed up anyway. Signs mostly condemned Musk, and Trump but also the weakness of Susan Collins. Yes a protest is a message to the world, but more importantly brings together people giving them added strength to keep doing what they can.
Collins is up for reelection in 2026. Now's the time to start finding a really strong candidate to get rid of her.
Yes!!! Yes! Collins must go!
Yes!
Herr, thank you. The weather was piercing. A Mainer myself, unable to march, I know of many who did in a few cities. I have been busy on the phone lists, but Susan Collins actions really energizes me. She gone from a puzzle, to a huge disappointment, back to a puzzle, wondering where her humanity is.
Please get Collin’s out of office
In Columbus, OH, 14°, 750 people of all ages protested in front of the Statehouse for over 2 hr. We also marched: 1) on the entire sidewalk perimeter of the SH, 2) with police car protection, in the streets circling the SH. Hundreds of cars honking in support throughout the day!
I attended an Indivisible protest in Wayne, New Jersey, a conservative suburb. 150 people in a suburb! It was just one of many around New Jersey. I thought there would be like 20 people! So I was energized by the response. We were on a busy corner on a main highway, so there was a lot of public response! More positive than negative, lots of honking and thumbs up! Good news!
So great to hear about the response in the NJ suburbs.
I was happy. I thought there would only be like 20 people, but there was a good turnout!
Thank you, Robert! I appreciate your words here every day, but today’s edition of Today’s Edition has profound encouragement in it. Your share in this important effort to save democracy is foundational. I know I am not the only profoundly grateful person reading your daily work.
Thanks for your kind encouragement, Robert. It does get heavy sometimes...
In Muskegon, MI we had 200 people waving. signs at passersby in under 0 degree weather. With only two days notice all these people created signs, dressed warm and came out to protest.
Athens, GA. City hall rally to protest Musk — those losing jobs and/or research funding at Univ of GA, e.g., more robust pecan variety to offset climate change. Signs: DOGE Dangerous Oligarchs Grab Everything. DOGE Down On Greedy Elon MUSK GO. Later: Zoom w WI Supreme Court candidate Judge Susan Crawford. Invigorating!
I was in Athens, GA yesterday with hundreds of peaceful protesters. It was encouraging to see so many turn out. Several were former Federal workers who had just been fired. A couple brought their young daughter in a wheelchair; I can only imagine the fear they are facing regarding healthcare.
One gentleman had a small sign with head shots of Vance, Trump, and Musk. Underneath was Larry, Curly, and DOGE. I wish I could attach a picture.
Kudos to all those braving bitter cold temps to protest! 🥶We had a great turnout here at the gov center in front of my MAGA US Rep’s office in Fl. It was peaceful and empowering with good coverage by local news.
Regarding Musk’s access to Social Security,I suggest a screenshot/print of your info including earnings history.
Great shot of Jellyfish Nebula! I somehow see Marco Rubio’s giant ears in there…😂