Anat Shenker-Osorio is saying we shouldn't use the word "fair" in our usual messaging, as in "free and fair elections." Her research shows that "fair" means different things to people in different camps. While "fair" to us means restrictions should be removed so that every eligible voter is able to vote, to MAGA types it means that more restrictions should be added to prevent "illegals" from voting. Your thoughts?
While this front story focuses on ICE's plans to come back to California in force, the source story in WIRED Magazine exposes these activities across the country. How can we make grassroots groups and elected officials in these places, especially Los Angeles, which has been a target since the beginning, award of thes activities so that proactive actions can ne planned and put into effect?
For those who haven't seen it, this story shows another devastating attack by immigration authorities on Constitutional rights, in this case due process. Most of these people seem to have had asylum or credible fear cases active before the immigration courts. There were court orders granting them protection. Yet in mid January they were deported to Cameroon, which has no public arrangement with the US to accept third-country deportees. There they will be held in custody till they agree to return to their native country --the one they fled from in fear.
DHS is making a total mockery of the asylum statute and international laws that support it. "Come to the US under asylum statutes and be held in worse than prison for months to years, unless you are shipped off to a country you likely have never heard of to be held indefinitely." At least in actual prison I believe you are fed unmoldy food, and with luck the conditions in Cameroon are better than Fort Dilley.
After much urging from my wife, I started reading (listening actually, book read by the author) to Paper Girl, a memoir by Beth Macy, who previously wrote Dopesick about the opioid epidemic (which was made into a tv series). I guarantee that if you just listen to or read the 1st chapter you'll have gotten your money's worth and a much greater understanding of how our country and politics got they way they are. I would like all of the important progressive writers we follow, like Robert but also Heather Cox Richardson, Joyce Vance, Jay Kuo et all to read this, because I get occasional hints from all of them that they don't quite get how/why more than half the country voted for Trump or didn't vote. (Actually if you include "didn't vote" it's most of the country!) As we envision saving and then reviving our democracy it is crucial that we understand better (I'm talking about myself of course along with millions of other progressives and liberals) how we got where we are and how we must do it differently! Check it out!
Hubbell Substack friends, have to share this article with you. It is the most powerful analysis of the Epstein phenomena that I’ve read so far. And beautiful written too.
There’s so much more going on behind the scenes than we had suspected.
I read it. Very interesting! People genuinely caring for each other, genuine empathy, willingness to be fully present in the midst of confusion and transformation, lead us toward a better world...
oh, Lord, it makes me cry to see these signs, these good people are sharing in their commuities all over the country, in the snow and cold, and especially the bags of groceries for families sheltering in place! God bless you, one and all! THANK YOU for strengthening us all!
I am grateful to be a part of this community- and, I think like a lot of us, I have fear for the future of our country.
I had read that certain people (unnamed) are working on a plan for 2029 to try to undo as much of the damage to our democracy as possible - as quickly as possible. I would certainly like to know who exactly these people are and who they represent.
I believe strongly that real change is absolutely necessary. Changes to our election systems' and voting rights, political parties, congress, the supreme court, the role of our president elect- to mention some of my immediate concerns.
I am concerned that those who might be working on a plan might very well be part of the problem. I want term limits in all of congress and the supreme court- and I am sure there are democratic members of congress and their accompanying posses who would resist that most fiercely! I would like to know the wealth status of those writing such a plan- because here again- they have a vested interest in making sure their wealth is protected. I want to know also what the demographics are of those concocting such a plan- where do they live and what is their ethnicity and even what if any religion they belong to and what is their marital status and do some of them represnt the LGBTQ community. All Americans MUST have representation on any "planning committee" in my view. We must hear from all parts of the country, all political parties must be represented including 'independent.'
I strongly believe we cannot go back to what we had- we MUST move forward as a democracy for all!
Yesterday, I travelled 60 miles to (red) Waxahachie, TX to register voters and provide voting information. Two things I heard. One was No Kings protests have been super positive in red areas motivating blue voters who felt very alone. Second, the Dem Party parade float was positively or at least not negatively received as it went through town.
These truly are positives and should spur more volunteering.
Letter I wrote to my paper re SAVE. Feel free to use as you wish.
The EPA through a Trump executive order, as I get it, has been ordered to roll back Obama era clean air protections in favor of the oil and coal industries. Has anyone noticed that the climate deniers are mostly people who seldom, if ever, leave a climate controlled space (building, car, plane), while those of us who have to suffer the consequences of their actions live in.the real world of their dirty air amd.water?
Also of.interest, Google how much Trump has cost the taxpayers for his golf trips. He's a billionaire. Isn't it about time.he pay for his own trips? But I suppose if he is golfing he isn't otherwise screwing something up.
To those in Maple Grove, MN and elsewhere: did you work with any already established organization in MN to help establish the donations to those sheltering in place? Many of us in the Los Angeles area are looking for something similar to get involved with or at least support. And, in case any of my postcard writing friends want to support your organization in MN, is there a way to do so?
Wow…. High School Students 🧍🏼🧍♂️🧍🏽♂️.. across the country are taking it to the streets ….EVERY ONE has the right and to some measure the OBLIGATION to live out their GOD GIVEN RIGHT to freely express themselves. God bless our HIGH SCHOOL HEROS🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏
And… God Bless the ACLU for seeking to protect them when BAD ACTORS in government want to shut them up and put them down.
I am very concerned that some Substack accounts I follow suggest that the current Congress, and, specifically, the Speaker of the House, can make determinations as to the makeup of the next House. The arguments center around states that have contested midterm elections that are not resolved by their state legislatures or state supreme courts, according to their state laws. In these cases, suggest these political pundits, the current Speaker and House majority (Republicans) can decide who can be sworn in, or not, to the next Congress, because the House members get to decide who can be seated and sworn in. Or that contested seats then go back to the former member, more likely a Republican. None of that makes sense to me. We need someone to push back on this idea.
I saw a headline about Trump being "near the bottom" of a poll of U.S. presidents. Now, Trump may be the greatest conman in our history, but president? He's no president. He's not put in a single day enforcing the laws legislated by Congress. He's not put in a single day doing the job he was elected to. In any other profession, spending, let's see, a total of 5 years NOT doing the job you were hired for would surely be grounds for dismissal. Add to that an ongoing hostile takeover of the company, kidnapping and killing its workers, siphoning off large portions of the company's wealth, making death threats to its managers, trying to interfere with the election of its board, etc., etc., plus the discovery of a history of rape, probable pedophilia, blatant racism, etc., etc., plus the tantruming behavior of an entitled two-year old, along with non-stop ranting and bullying behavior toward every other employee... If I lived in Europe or anywhere else in the world, I'd be asking the same question they are: why aren't more Americans in the streets? And though we know it's a complicated situation and we're making gains - with no help from the mainstream media - it's a tension that exists every day. Simple, yet complicated. This shouldn't be, but it is. And the frustration, and peace, of being one drop in the blue wave, trusting that our participation matters. It's a lot.
In the midst of constant lies by this Administration, truth will prevail. "Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, the truth." Buddha. Thank you Robert for your constant encouragement. Gerard Parr
Anat Shenker-Osorio is saying we shouldn't use the word "fair" in our usual messaging, as in "free and fair elections." Her research shows that "fair" means different things to people in different camps. While "fair" to us means restrictions should be removed so that every eligible voter is able to vote, to MAGA types it means that more restrictions should be added to prevent "illegals" from voting. Your thoughts?
https://substack.com/home/post/p-187420260
While this front story focuses on ICE's plans to come back to California in force, the source story in WIRED Magazine exposes these activities across the country. How can we make grassroots groups and elected officials in these places, especially Los Angeles, which has been a target since the beginning, award of thes activities so that proactive actions can ne planned and put into effect?
https://patch.com/california/los-angeles/s/k199i/ice-secretly-leases-space-in-advance-of-minneapolis-style-ca-surge-report?utm_term=article-slot-3&utm_source=newsletter-daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&user_email=bdb66ea4daec8ba94d6db48fe4cdb388acef3267234f014a3514550624b4fbbb&user_email_md5=e89b94064b33c8b9665155d872e5d04a&lctg=6096c0500721f34381413504
Check with Indivisible groups in Los Angeles for collaboration plans.
For those who haven't seen it, this story shows another devastating attack by immigration authorities on Constitutional rights, in this case due process. Most of these people seem to have had asylum or credible fear cases active before the immigration courts. There were court orders granting them protection. Yet in mid January they were deported to Cameroon, which has no public arrangement with the US to accept third-country deportees. There they will be held in custody till they agree to return to their native country --the one they fled from in fear.
DHS is making a total mockery of the asylum statute and international laws that support it. "Come to the US under asylum statutes and be held in worse than prison for months to years, unless you are shipped off to a country you likely have never heard of to be held indefinitely." At least in actual prison I believe you are fed unmoldy food, and with luck the conditions in Cameroon are better than Fort Dilley.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/world/africa/us-secret-deportation-cameroon.html?smid=url-share
After much urging from my wife, I started reading (listening actually, book read by the author) to Paper Girl, a memoir by Beth Macy, who previously wrote Dopesick about the opioid epidemic (which was made into a tv series). I guarantee that if you just listen to or read the 1st chapter you'll have gotten your money's worth and a much greater understanding of how our country and politics got they way they are. I would like all of the important progressive writers we follow, like Robert but also Heather Cox Richardson, Joyce Vance, Jay Kuo et all to read this, because I get occasional hints from all of them that they don't quite get how/why more than half the country voted for Trump or didn't vote. (Actually if you include "didn't vote" it's most of the country!) As we envision saving and then reviving our democracy it is crucial that we understand better (I'm talking about myself of course along with millions of other progressives and liberals) how we got where we are and how we must do it differently! Check it out!
Hubbell Substack friends, have to share this article with you. It is the most powerful analysis of the Epstein phenomena that I’ve read so far. And beautiful written too.
There’s so much more going on behind the scenes than we had suspected.
It’s a long article yet well worth the read.
https://open.substack.com/pub/omniharmonic/p/after-the-black-pill?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=bzwy0
I read it. Very interesting! People genuinely caring for each other, genuine empathy, willingness to be fully present in the midst of confusion and transformation, lead us toward a better world...
oh, Lord, it makes me cry to see these signs, these good people are sharing in their commuities all over the country, in the snow and cold, and especially the bags of groceries for families sheltering in place! God bless you, one and all! THANK YOU for strengthening us all!
I am grateful to be a part of this community- and, I think like a lot of us, I have fear for the future of our country.
I had read that certain people (unnamed) are working on a plan for 2029 to try to undo as much of the damage to our democracy as possible - as quickly as possible. I would certainly like to know who exactly these people are and who they represent.
I believe strongly that real change is absolutely necessary. Changes to our election systems' and voting rights, political parties, congress, the supreme court, the role of our president elect- to mention some of my immediate concerns.
I am concerned that those who might be working on a plan might very well be part of the problem. I want term limits in all of congress and the supreme court- and I am sure there are democratic members of congress and their accompanying posses who would resist that most fiercely! I would like to know the wealth status of those writing such a plan- because here again- they have a vested interest in making sure their wealth is protected. I want to know also what the demographics are of those concocting such a plan- where do they live and what is their ethnicity and even what if any religion they belong to and what is their marital status and do some of them represnt the LGBTQ community. All Americans MUST have representation on any "planning committee" in my view. We must hear from all parts of the country, all political parties must be represented including 'independent.'
I strongly believe we cannot go back to what we had- we MUST move forward as a democracy for all!
Yesterday, I travelled 60 miles to (red) Waxahachie, TX to register voters and provide voting information. Two things I heard. One was No Kings protests have been super positive in red areas motivating blue voters who felt very alone. Second, the Dem Party parade float was positively or at least not negatively received as it went through town.
These truly are positives and should spur more volunteering.
Letter I wrote to my paper re SAVE. Feel free to use as you wish.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TQ4NAGsg8pzbr-b_qkMW1D1Rl48LodPpZ1xuIQ40EdY/edit?usp=drivesdk
The EPA through a Trump executive order, as I get it, has been ordered to roll back Obama era clean air protections in favor of the oil and coal industries. Has anyone noticed that the climate deniers are mostly people who seldom, if ever, leave a climate controlled space (building, car, plane), while those of us who have to suffer the consequences of their actions live in.the real world of their dirty air amd.water?
Also of.interest, Google how much Trump has cost the taxpayers for his golf trips. He's a billionaire. Isn't it about time.he pay for his own trips? But I suppose if he is golfing he isn't otherwise screwing something up.
To those in Maple Grove, MN and elsewhere: did you work with any already established organization in MN to help establish the donations to those sheltering in place? Many of us in the Los Angeles area are looking for something similar to get involved with or at least support. And, in case any of my postcard writing friends want to support your organization in MN, is there a way to do so?
Wow…. High School Students 🧍🏼🧍♂️🧍🏽♂️.. across the country are taking it to the streets ….EVERY ONE has the right and to some measure the OBLIGATION to live out their GOD GIVEN RIGHT to freely express themselves. God bless our HIGH SCHOOL HEROS🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏
And… God Bless the ACLU for seeking to protect them when BAD ACTORS in government want to shut them up and put them down.
Supports the ACLU NOW. Go to… aclu.org
I am very concerned that some Substack accounts I follow suggest that the current Congress, and, specifically, the Speaker of the House, can make determinations as to the makeup of the next House. The arguments center around states that have contested midterm elections that are not resolved by their state legislatures or state supreme courts, according to their state laws. In these cases, suggest these political pundits, the current Speaker and House majority (Republicans) can decide who can be sworn in, or not, to the next Congress, because the House members get to decide who can be seated and sworn in. Or that contested seats then go back to the former member, more likely a Republican. None of that makes sense to me. We need someone to push back on this idea.
*IF* the felon-in-chief does a blanket pardon of his entire administration and family at the end of his despotic run, is there no recourse?
Is there any official or office that could essentially overturn any type of pardon?
And can there be any kind of restrictions on the pardon authority? If yes, by whom?
Thanks for keeping us all sane Robert!
I just wanted to thank you. I read everything you write and so appreciate your commitment to truth.
I saw a headline about Trump being "near the bottom" of a poll of U.S. presidents. Now, Trump may be the greatest conman in our history, but president? He's no president. He's not put in a single day enforcing the laws legislated by Congress. He's not put in a single day doing the job he was elected to. In any other profession, spending, let's see, a total of 5 years NOT doing the job you were hired for would surely be grounds for dismissal. Add to that an ongoing hostile takeover of the company, kidnapping and killing its workers, siphoning off large portions of the company's wealth, making death threats to its managers, trying to interfere with the election of its board, etc., etc., plus the discovery of a history of rape, probable pedophilia, blatant racism, etc., etc., plus the tantruming behavior of an entitled two-year old, along with non-stop ranting and bullying behavior toward every other employee... If I lived in Europe or anywhere else in the world, I'd be asking the same question they are: why aren't more Americans in the streets? And though we know it's a complicated situation and we're making gains - with no help from the mainstream media - it's a tension that exists every day. Simple, yet complicated. This shouldn't be, but it is. And the frustration, and peace, of being one drop in the blue wave, trusting that our participation matters. It's a lot.
In the midst of constant lies by this Administration, truth will prevail. "Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, the truth." Buddha. Thank you Robert for your constant encouragement. Gerard Parr